Conventions
Peanuts and Olives Tradition
The origins of the peanut and olive tradition were a mystery until 1908, when an issue of The Crescent cleared up the story. Eunice Adeline Curtis (Syracuse, 1874) and Mary Clara Worden Wilcox (Syracuse, 1875) explained that in the earliest days of Gamma Phi Beta, the banquets were much simpler. They often included simple foods like finger sandwiches, cakes, coffee and ice cream. In 1885, a member of Alpha Chapter held a party that featured peanuts and olives. Guests who attended the affair nicknamed the party a “peanut-taire” and decided to adopt it as a unique Gamma Phi Beta tradition.
Peanuts and olives have been served to mark special occasions of all kinds throughout most of Gamma Phi Beta’s history, including many Convention meals and banquets. The tradition became so popular that it even earned its own song!
Both chapter and international events continue to include peanuts and olives in some event menus to this day.
