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We don?t know much about the secret societies of Yale University. But one thing we do know is that while each club is small?membership is often capped at 15 senior undergrads per society?the collective alumni represents some of the most powerful figures in the public realm.
Skull and Bones?arguably the most famous of Yale?s secret societies?alone counts President William Howard Taft, President George H.W. Bush, President George W. Bush, and former Secretary of State John Kerry among its alumni.
And like any established club, many have their own clubhouse around New Haven. But unlike normal clubhouses, members are rarely seen entering or leaving. Clubhouse walls are so thick?made of sandstone and marble in some cases?that sound never escapes. And there?s no chance of a glimpse at what goes on inside, because they are also windowless. The name for these curious clubhouses" Tombs.
?Secret societies originated as what you and I know as fraternities. The first fraternity house was a log cabin with sealed windows at Kenyon College,? says David Alan Richards, author of Skull and Keys: The Hidden History of Yale?s Secret Societies?and a member of Skull and Bones himself. ?There were air vents in the roof, but the whole concept of having sealed windows was the notion of privacy.?
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