Spicy Reforms and Crystallizing Claptrap

In the mid-20th century, moot court and social clubs struggled to maintain members and different kinds of affinity groups (sometimes described as “political” groups) emerged. 1973 was the last year that the Law Wives Club was included in the HLS Yearbook. Places like Kendall House had become less necessary to support student dining and social activities as the Harkness Commons, constructed in 1950, took their place. Although a few regional affinity groups like the Texas Club persist today, many ceased to exist during this era. Women were finally admitted to the school for the first time in 1950, and both the Women’s Law Association and the Black Law Students Association were established in the late 1960s. The 1971 Yearbook staff acknowledged the declining popularity of law clubs and changing social landscape of the school:
  

“Among these groups which continue to meet despite a waning of interest is the St. Thomas More Society. The Southern Club threatens to go the way of the old-time Chancery Club and Coffee Hour. But as surely as some clubs fade, others begin. And so the Yearbook takes note of the HAT CLUB. May it not catch cold.”
 

Image Credit: Law Wives Club, 1973; Harvard Law School Yearbook; Red Set KF292 .H33 A3; HOLLIS 990003742840203941; “Law Wives Inaugurate Children’s Playground;” The Harvard Law Record, vol. 1, no. 4 (August 7, 1946); Red Set KF292 .H33 A3; HOLLIS 99153545682603941