History of the Original Badge (aka Legacy Badge)

Our badge was designed by Founder Byron K. Armstrong at the close of the 1911 -1912 school year. Although the exact date isn't absolutely clear when the diamond was conceived, the work to develop it began in June 1912 and the concept of the diamond was finalized sometime in the year 1912.

The first design was flat, with a beveled edge and no raised scroll. It was enameled in white and lettered in gold. There were no jewels. There were three badges made and they were owned by Founders Lee, Alexander and Armstrong. In 1912, Founder Armstrong suggested raising the scroll and he had a copy made by a jeweler in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the spring of 1913. The location of the original badge is unknown, as it was lost by Founder Armstrong sometime in 1915.

This original badge was adorned with the uppercase Greek letters KAN as the Fraternity did not change its name to ΚΑΨ until 1915. In addition, the Greek letters featured on the scroll of the badge were lowercase φνπ, which resembled the way it was depicted on the rendition of the Coat of Arms at that time.