History of Old South:

For many chapters, Kappa Alpha Order's largest social event is the Old South formal. It is designed to celebrate the fraternity's southern history and to honor the southern ideals of hospitality, courtesy, and chivalry. The event has its roots at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. The brothers of Kappa chapter at Mercer were inspired by the release of Gone with the Wind in 1939 to hold the "Dixie Ball", a celebration of Southern pride. The event quickly spread to other chapters across the country and evolved into the modern Old South formal.

Though traditions vary by chapter, many have chosen to make the event a "trip back in time" to the Antebellum South, prior to and during the American Civil War. A common feature is for brothers to dress in Civil War uniforms, and for their dates to wear antebellum dresses. Occasionally, invitations to the event will be delivered by brothers on horseback, or in a manner similar to what was customary in the 19th century. At many chapters, Old South has been expanded to comprise a full week of social events, culminating with the traditional Old South ball.

 

---

Old South 2007 Tentative Schedule