Thurtene was formed in 1904 as a secret society of men chosen for their
leadership, character, and participation in campus activities. Membership
varied in the early years from 4 to 14, then finally settled into a consistent 13.

It 1991 Thurtene Honorary became co-ed as it remains today.
Thurtene found its purpose in 1935 when it was asked to rescue the
floundering student circus from the senior honorary Pralma, which had
merged with another group. Thurtene rose to the occasion and steadily
improved the carnival and made it into the exciting celebration that it is today.

The only year the carnival was not held was 1943 when the war devastated
the honorary to the point where the 13 sitting members voted to replace
themselves with an entirely new class of 13 students.

Today the carnival serves as an incredible community event that brings
together over 50 students groups to provide a unique and fun event
for the greater St. Louis community.