OBC (secret society)

In 1948, Asheville-Biltmore College (now the University of North Carolina at Asheville) moved to Seely Castle on Sunset Mountain. It was during the period of the college's residence at Seely Castle that rumors of a secret society arose. A small group of students whose possessions included artifacts from the American Civil War, referring to themselves as simply OBC, was alleged to use the lowest rooms of the castle to hold secret meetings, beginning a tradition of underground meeting places that is rumored to hold true to today. The original purpose of the group was believed to have been the creation of a public liberal arts college, as the society has been long associated with projects aimed at the improvement of what has now become the university. == Symbols ==

The name OBC stands for the Latin Ordo Bos Canis or Order of the Bull Dog. == Activities ==

The purpose of OBC is "to create, promote, enhance and advance school spirit and university traditions." They are held to have begun the traditional autumnal ceremony of the Turning of the Maples, now hosted by the Alumni Office. The society is accredited with a wide range of activities, from major financial donations to minor humorous pranks. The completed construction of the newest building on the University of North Carolina at Asheville campus, Zeis Hall, is reportedly possible only thanks to the donation of a large sum of money from the society. == Membership ==

Membership in the society has never been revealed and its initiates take a pledge to maintain secrecy. It has been suggested that the society is in communication with the administration and Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, as well as the present-day owners of Seely Castle. The society is also alleged to have associations with the North Carolina State government through Representative Taylor, beginning in 1948. == References ==