Order of Gimghoul, Secret society at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, US
The Order of Gimghoul is a student organization at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill that occupies a stone castle near Old Chapel Hill Cemetery, featuring Gothic architecture and medieval design elements. The building displays ornate stonework and mysterious details throughout its interior and grounds, creating a distinctive setting that sets it apart from other campus structures.
The organization was founded in 1889 and adopted its name from the legend of Peter Dromgoole, a student whose disappearance in 1833 left unanswered questions in university history. This naming reflected the group's focus on mystery, tradition, and connection to the past.
The organization maintains strict membership criteria, accepting only male students above junior year and selected faculty members through invitation processes.
The castle is not open to the public as it remains private property, so visitors can only view and photograph it from outside the gates. Those interested in learning more about the organization can visit the university archives, which hold historical documents and materials spanning over 50 years.
The legend of Peter Dromgoole runs through the heart of this group's story, with accounts of a duel, lost romance, and a supposed burial near the castle grounds. This mysterious narrative has captivated the imagination of generations of students and remains central to the organization's identity and lore.
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