[3] Its purpose is: "To foster among its members, by earnest work and good fellowship a stronger affection for Yale; a broader view of undergraduate life and its aims; a deeper and more helpful friendship for one another; and to give its members, after graduation, an additional tie to bind them to Yale and each other.

[10] The first delegation of tapped members was from the class of 1904 and included:[11] In October 1903, Elihu Club added six additional members from the class of 1904, including seniors Coleman Curtis, Everett Dominick, Harry L. Foote, Joseph H. Holmes, Lawrence Mason, and Robert L.

[5][17] Because it allows all members of the junior class to interview for membership, the Yale Daily News notes that, "Elihu is considered to be less prestigious.

[20] Its activities are similar to that of the other landed senior secret societies: personal histories or biographies and perspectives are shared among the current delegates.

[21] Its programs also include topical essays on pertinent issues, personal bonding time, and group reflection activities.

Starting in 2002, the club hosts the annual Elihu Yale Lecture which features notable speakers.

Its brick basement is older still, constructed in the early 17th century, and later frequented by colonists sympathetic to the English cause when it became known as the Tory Tavern, a central locale of the Revolutionary War.

[27][15] The club expanded the Federal style building to the rear several times and now includes 12,726 square feet (1,182.3 m2).

[3] Annually, sixteen rising seniors are elected into the membership of Elihu during the spring tap process.

[9] From its earliest days, the Elihu Club has favored members who leaned toward literary pursuits, acting, teaching, and the law.

Joseph Lieberman was courted by Skull and Bones, even though he wrote editorials critical of the society in the Yale Daily News.