The records consist of four linear feet, six oversize folders, and one oversize volume, and span the years from 1902 to the present. They document the activities of past Michigamua tribes, the role of the Old Braves within the society, and the development of Michigamua traditions. The records are divided into five series: Chronological Tribe Files, Meeting Minutes, Topical Files, Visual Materials, and Printed Materials.
The Order of Angell, formerly known as Michigamua, is one of the best-known senior honor societies for men at the University of Michigan and is dedicated to bringing together outstanding upperclassmen to foster a loyalty to the university and to promote good class fellowship (Box 3, Folder: Topical Files, History and Traditions, General; Document: "The Great Charter of the Tribe of Michigamua"). The Order of Angell was created as Michigamua in Spring 1901 by a group of students belonging to the Class of 1902. These students, all of whom attended the Literary College (now the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) and met nightly to study together, had formed The Hot Air Club in Fall 1900. This club was expanded to include students from other units in Spring 1901 and, after much research into Native American lore, the name of the club was changed to Michigamua. Selection for membership was based upon loyalty to the university and to their class, as well as prominence in an activity that brought credit to both (William F. Temple, The Founding of Michigamua, p. 16). Members often held positions of note in student government or on student publications, or excelled in athletics or scholastic endeavors. With the Tribe of 1903, it was decided to limit the number of active members, or "Fighting Braves," to no more than twenty-five men.
A student is invited to join the organization in the winter term of his junior year by means of a tradition of "tapping" which occurs late at night. The student then undergoes the rites of initiation on "Rope Day." All members are assigned a nickname, such as Babbling Brook, intended to reflect a characteristic, trait, or activity of a brave. The active tribe meets on a regular basis in the "Wigwam," located in a tower of the Michigan Union. Alumni are referred to as "Old Braves" and remained active by means of the Old Braves Council which advises the active tribe on various matters. Occasionally a prominent member of the faculty or administration may be invited to join the organization as an honorary member or "Honorary Sachem." The organization stopped using Native American practices in 1989. In 2007 the organization officially changed its name to the Order of Angell. Also in 2007, the organization announced that it will register as an official University of Michigan student group and will institute the policy of releasing the names of its members in the future. On February 22, 2021, the members of the Order of Angell voted to officially disband the organization.
