The 1880s were challenging years as the Fraternity expanded. Early in the decade, women attending Simpson, Cornell, Kansas, Vermont, Ohio Wesleyan, Hanover, and Connecticut Wesleyan began wearing Theta badges. Those attending large, prosperous state universities often had differing visions for the growth of the young society than members attending smaller denominational schools. After a four-year period in which extension was stalled and some chapters withdrawn, these differences were worked out and chapters were established at Southern California, Albion, Nebraska, Toronto, Northwestern, Minnesota, University of the Pacific, and Syracuse. An effective representative self-government in the form of Convention evolved, and Grand Chapter emerged as the executive body. Convention gatherings and the new Kappa Alpha Theta Journal served as forums for dialogue, bringing greater cohesiveness to the now international organization, whose membership extended from coast to coast and into Canada. Early issues of the Journal recorded the collegians' interest in literature, discussed the validity of the education of women, and reported their delight in rented "halls," the private and treasured gathering places which they lovingly decorated in black and gold. Also recorded are happy times at "spreads," social affairs centered around food and good times, as well as lavish and elegant receptions and banquets marking special occasions.