Harvard University, renowned for its academic excellence, is also shrouded in intrigue due to its secretive societies known as “Final Clubs”. Among these enigmatic groups, the Porcellian Club (from the Middle French word porcelaine ie chinaware) holds a distinguished reputation. In this blog post, I’ll explore a bit about its history, controversies, and notable members.

PORCELLIAN CLUB

The Porcellian Club, whose motto is Dum vivimus vivamus, meaning "while we live, let's live," stands as the epitome of secrecy and exclusivity at Harvard.

THE CO-ED DEBATE

In recent years, the Porcellian Club has found itself at the center of a contentious debate on the Harvard campus. The university's administration, including the college's dean, has called for final clubs to transition to a co-ed model. This decision prompted Charles M. Storey, the graduate board president of the Porcellian Club and president of Harpoon Brewery, to publish a letter in the Harvard Crimson expressing his dissent. Storey argued that going co-ed could potentially increase the risk of sexual misconduct rather than diminish it. Following the controversy sparked by his letter, Storey issued an apology and resigned from his role in the club.

IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION

Recognizing Porcellian Club members can be a fun pursuit on the Harvard campus. Members often wear neckties or rings adorned with images of pigs, symbolizing their affiliation with the club. The selection process is steeped in tradition and involves tapping senior, junior, and sophomore students. Roughly eight students from each class are chosen to join the ranks of the Porcellian Club. Once initiated, these people become part of an exclusive brotherhood that extends beyond their time at Harvard.

THE BARN: A CLUBHOUSE WITH HISTORY

The club's headquarters is called "The Barn" and is located near Harvard Yard. The historic building serves as the HQ for Porcellian Club members, where friendships are forged and legacies are built. Step inside, and you'll find yourself immersed in a world where generations of Porcellian members have left their mark.

THE $1 MILLION DOLLAR RUMOR

A crazy rumor that surrounds the Porcellian Club relates to its members' financial prospects. It is said that if a member fails to amass their first $1 million by the age of 40, the club will bestow this fortune upon them. Though the veracity of this claim remains uncertain, it adds another layer of mystique to the already enigmatic club.

NOTABLE MEMBERS

The Porcellian Club has an impressive roster members. Among them are the Winklevoss twins, who actually came up with the idea of Facebook and who now own the crypto exchange, Gemini, Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, the Supreme Court judge. It is worth noting that Franklin D. Roosevelt, a future president, famously did not receive an invitation to join this esteemed club.

As the debate over the co-ed transition of Harvard's Final Clubs continues, the Porcellian Club remains at the forefront of discussions on campus. It embodies the rich history, traditions, and controversies associated with these secretive societies. Whether one views it as an exclusive enclave or a symbol of a bygone era, the Porcellian Club continues to captivate the imagination of those within and beyond Harvard's hallowed halls.

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