The Number Six Club is the Tau Chapter of St. Anthony Hall, also known as the fraternity of Delta Psi. We belong to a tight national organization comprising 11 undergraduate chapters, numerous alumni organizations, and other institutions.

The Club has been in existence since 1886, and became the Tau Chapter of the Fraternity of Delta Psi in 1889. Throughout its history, the Number Six Club has developed, becoming mixed-gender in 1969, and the most diverse FSILG in MIT, encompassing members coming from all corners of the earth.

History of the Tau Chapter

In 1883, there were three fraternities at Boston Tech, the precursor to MIT. A scandal arose when the president of one of the fraternities, Alpha Tau Omega, published all of their secrets. The outraged ATO pledge class de-pledged en masse, throwing their pledge pins into the Charles River -- they declared themselves a "men's club", while looking for another fraternity to join. At this time, they were living together at the luxurious residence at No. 6 Louisburg Square in Beacon Hill and hence, christened their organization 'The Number Six Club' in 1886.

One of these gentlemen was John Henry Towne, whose father, Henry, was a Delta Psi, of the Delta Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania. Through his father's efforts, John was initiated into the Sigma Chapter at Yale. Towne and John Lawrence Mauran, another Sixer who had been initiated into the Alpha Chapter at Columbia, became the founding fathers of the Tau Chapter, when the group was given a charter in 1889.

The Chapter grew and florished, moving to Cambridge with the Institute in 1916. Our Cambridge residence at 428 Memorial Drive used to be the last building between MIT and the rest of the swampy, wooded Cambridge, affording lovely sunset views instead of our beloved McGregor. We are now the only privately owned section of land on the MIT Campus.

The house has undergone two renovations. In the late 1940s, a two story annex was added to the rear. Then, in 1975, a fourth floor was added to the main part of the house and a new four story annex was built.

The Tau Chapter became co-educational in 1969.

Social & Atmosphere

The Number Six Club offers a vibrant social environment, creating a wonderful addition to social life at the Institute. With numerous events throughout the year, ranging from our regular weekly Cocktail Hours and Coffee Hours, to unique themed parties, formals, end-of-term toasts, retreats, and fraternity events.

Twice a year we all get decked out in pretty dresses, nice suits, or dazzling tuxes for dinner and dancing. We have Fall and Spring Formals for the current member students, along with Founder's Day Formal in April, where many of our alumni kick back with us too. Additionally, the house hosts a lecture series at which professors from MIT, Harvard, and other universities lead discussions amongst members and friends.

During the week, the laid-back atmosphere of our house invites us to take our work to the lounge, possibly to get help from each other, possibly to look for a distraction. Both can be found at any time. Come during the weekends, our social calendar delivers regular cocktail hours, and plenty of unique parties, including our famous Halloween and Get in Bed parties. The house's atmosphere marries the best of our amalgamation of identities: a diverse, relaxed, fun-loving group, a literary society, intellectual, creative, and humorous.

A walk through the public spaces at Number Six will introduce you to the spectrum of interests that we possess as a house. Our interest in music is evident on multiple levels; whether its passionately listening to everything from Bach to Weezy, playing at different music groups, with different members coming together to make good music in the house. Other common interests include photography, poetry, philosophy, ceramics, and the occasional geeky topic (we can't help it).

As a literary society, we provide each other with a receptive medium for personal expression. Through discussions and presentations, we pursue our interests, ranging from art to politics, science to culture, and philosophy to music. We hold regular meetings for which our members prepare presentations as means of self-expression and communication, strengthening the bond of Brotherhood while pursuing more intently our identity as a literary fraternity.

Academics

We have a haven of red leather couches and tables on the second floor and an impressive, elegant library we call The Danforth, and both have become our studying Meccas during the year. If you have a question, shout it across the room, and someone will either shout back or come over to help you. The value of having upperclassmen to walk you through concepts and what classes to take is infinite.

While we know how to have fun, and lead full, active college lives, we also recognize the importance of study and hard work.

Athletics

Number Six has a strong presence in Intramural sports, with regular presence in Soccer and Volleyball, and also active in intramural ping pong, hockey, and pool.

Common sports, whether varsity or student groups, include soccer, lacrosse, track and field, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, and crew. At the house, Sixers also love to compete in organized pool, ping pong, FIFA, poker and board games.

Student Groups

Apart from being active in the house, participating in its social events small and large, members of the Club are also active in a wealth of student groups. Many sixers are active in the International Student Association, with many active in the ISA Exec Board. Members are also active in the Association of Puerto Rican students, African Student Association, Dance Troupe, the Infinite Magazine, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, MIT Pleasure, MIT Symphony Orchestra, Association of International Relations and Model United Nations, the MIT Energy Club, and other visual and performing arts groups, sports groups, among others!

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