Beta Life: Individuals, Incidents and Inspirations

Francis W. Shepardson

BETA LIFE

Individuals, Incidents and Inspirations

BETA LIFE ,

Individuals Incidents and Inspirations in B e t a T h eta P i

By F ran cis

W.

Shepardson,

P h.D., LL.D.

President of the Fraternity

Published by B eta T h e ta

Pi

Collegiate ^ress G

eorge

B

anta

P

ublish ing

Menasha, W isconsin

I929

C

ompany

Illjp

JO H N R E I L Y K N O X IN 1839 “ H ere’s a health to Pater K n o x , boys, and them o f ’ 39, And the sons who follozv after them in long illustrious line.”

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J O “ Pater K nox” and the Boys of ’39 “ of ever honored memory” this volume dealing with individuals, incidents and inspirations in Beta Theta P i is affectionately dedicated in — kai—

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Tim e has passed since these men led us, but their names and thought today Stir the souls o f Wooglin’s legions, Beta boy and ‘Silver Grey.’

Beta brains retain that concept, Beta hearts, a glowing shrine Ever sacred to the mem’ry of the “ Boys o f Thirty Nine.”

— L

ue

C . L o zie r

C O P Y R IG H T , 1929 by T

he

B eta T

h eta

P i F r a t e r n it y

A ll rights reserved.

CONTENTS C

hapter

P

age

I

The Beginning.......................................................................................

1

II

Interpretations.....................................................................................

*5

III

Following the V ision ..........................................................................

41

IV

Narratives of Chapter H istory..........................................................

105

V

The Individual in the Fraternity........................................................

3° °

VI

Types of the W o rth y .. . .................................................

341

V II

Side Lights on Beta L ife ..................................................

402

Anecdotes and Incidents of Beta L if e ....................................... .. • •

466

I n d e x .....................................................................................................

5I9

V III

THE BOYS OF THIRTY-NINE Sam u el M erw in , Northwestern ’oo They gather at the shrine with us To sing Old W ooglin’s praise; They carve that old canine with us, They toast the Silver Greys.

Yes, when we clasp a brother’s hand, When eye looks into eye, Who says that they have left the band O f Beta Theta Pi? W e see them,— there our Pater Knox Sits yonder at the right, He slipped through all Saint Peter’s locks To be with us tonight.

There’s M arshall; yonder Linton sits; Young Hardin’s next in line; The men— that’s not the word that fits— The boys of Thirty-Nine.

Grown to ripe old youth are they, A lively, royal lot; An eye on work, an eye on play, A heart that wavers not.

The clumsy years slip off tonight; The light of other days Shines in the eyes, once dim, now bright;— Where are the Silver Greys?

Where are the Silver Greys, my boys?

Where is the feeble tread?

W e have no mind for days, my boys, That ever can be dead.

A crow, a laugh, a growing old, A tear or two, a sigh ; That’s life, you say?— Not .in the fold O f Beta Theta P i !

There’s something else— a friend or tw o : Add these, and thank your God That you may taste of what is true Before you taste the sod. ’Tis this we thank them for the most; To this we rear our shrine, And, heartful, drink a silent toast: The Boys of Thirty-N ine!

BETA LIFE “T here’s a scene where brothers greet, where true kindred hearts do meet A t an altar sending love’s sweet incense h ig h ; W here is found without alloy purest store of earthly jo y— ’T is within the halls of Beta Theta Pi.”

This volume of B e t a L i f e is a natural sequence of Beta Lore, published a year ago. The materials relating to the sentiment of the fraternity are so abundant that not even two volumes suffice to present them all for the instruction and the gratification of the members of Beta Theta Pi. The individuals who are named in the text are only typical. There have been many workers equally entitled to consideration. The incidents described in the following pages might be greatly enriched by many more stories from Beta life. The inspirations are but a few from the ever flowing fountains of Beta zeal. But individuals, incidents, inspirations, combine to make a second book of Beta lore which, it is hoped, may still further strengthen the ties that bind us all in a great brotherhood.

Several remarkable historical reviews, by Brothers Ransom, Brown, Baird, Baily, Chandler; a number of sketches of chapter history, long hid­ den in the archives of the fraternity; a series of inspirational addresses by Beta leaders; special stories never before printed, gathered during a half century of the editor’s Beta life; hitherto unpublished minutes of meetings of early chapters; items and incidents about people and things— the volume is a repository of exceptionally interesting material connected with the un­ folding story of ninety years of the life of Beta Theta Pi. The grateful appreciation of the fraternity goes to all those who have cooperated in the preparation of B e t a L i f e . “ Friendship gave . Strong devotion W ith the help o f A s we mingle in

our order birth,— pure, and lasting as the earth; to our motto gave us life. brothers dear, and of God w e’ve naught to fear the din of earthly strife.”

F

August, 1929.

r a n c is

W.

S

hepardson

B E T A ’S B R O A D D O M IN IO N A map showing the location o f the chapters o f Beta Theta Pi in the ninetieth year o f the fraternity, a star mark­ ing the spot where Beta life began in 1839. A dot marks the location of each chapter. Drawn in 1929 by G u r d o n G .

B l a c k , Washington ’01, especially fo r Beta L ife.

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BETA LIFE Chapter I — The Beginning

M IA M I U N I V E R S I T Y IN 1839

BETA LIFE BEGINS The beginnings of Beta life are recorded in a minute book, carefully treasured in Oxford, Ohio, and kept for safety in the vault of the bank long associated with the Shera family name. This book is about an inch in thick­ ness, with a text page about that of a letter-size typewriting sheet. It is bound in reddish brown leather. It contains a draft or two of the constitu­ tion of the fraternity, minutes of some early conventions, lists of the mem­ bers of early chapters, that of the Miami chapter being partly autographic, and minutes of the chapter meetings for several years. It bears internal evidence of having been purchased in the fall of 1844, all the records^ up to and including the meeting of October 29, 1844, being in one hand writing.

The secretary at that time was Henry Clay Noble, ’4 5 , and he, possibly, may have purchased the book for the chapter and may have transcribed the early records up to the date mentioned.

These records for the first year of Beta Theta Pi are printed as they appear in the book. An occasional obvious omission is indicated by placing the word in brackets. Fourteen meetings were held during the year, one in the Union Literary Society hall, one in the Erodelphian Society hall, one in the O xford Hotel. In six cases there is no indication of place; others

BETA LIFE BEGINS

3

regular monthly meetings, in others the “2nd Thursday” is stated; so that it may be assumed that that was the regular meeting time.

Founders Knox, Linton, and Ryan attended no meetings of Alpha chapter during the first year, after the initial gathering on Thursday, August 8, 1839; for all three graduated on August 13, 1839. A t the end of the year Knox returned to O xford and gave the anniversary address on the “ 2nd Thursday” of August, 1840. During the year the roll of members was increased from the original eight founders, “ of ever honored memory,” to seventeen by the initiation of Henry Hunter Johnson, ’40, John Whitney, ’40, Alexander Paddack, ’41, Archibald William Hamilton, ’42, Oliver Spencer Witherby, ’36 (elected as “ a graduate member” ), Robert William Wilson, ’40, David Mack, ’41, Samuel Henry Powe, ’41, and James Long, ’41. Every tender of membership during the year was accepted. The meetings when Johnson and Whitney were initiated were held in their respective rooms. Johnson and Witherby were initiated singly; Whitney, Paddack, and Hamilton made up one delegation of three; Wilson, Mack, Powe, and Long were admitted at the same meeting.

The initiation was a simple, dignified matter. The constitution of the Association was read in the hearing of the candidate and then signed by him. There was no “ pledging,” no “ hell-week,” no “ rough-house.” Gentle­ men invited gentlemen to associate with them for a sincere purpose. The minutes seem to indicate that there were no obligations taken during the first year, although there is a suggestion in one of the early letters of the fra­ ternity that the candidate assented to a promise that he would reveal nothing in case he could not see his way to join the Association after hearing the con­ stitution.

A t each regular meeting the reading of an essay was a set performance.

The suggestion of the “ talk around” is made in one report, but, strangely enough, subsequent minutes do not mention it. Possibly it was an informal feature which was not recorded because it was understood that it was volun­ tary and forming no part of the constitutional duties of members.

There is interest in noting the evident intention of having added chapters; for forms and ceremonies seem to have been in mind, such as an office for the deceased members of the fraternity, a plan for interchapter corre­ spondence, a plan for correspondence between the chapters and their absent members, and a plan for safeguarding the insignia of the society. An un­ satisfactory constitution needed amendment and suitable obligations for binding the members were sought. There are several places, in the minutes where respect to the founders is indicated when important, basic matters were to be determined. It is to be regretted that the minutes do not contain the text of the plans reported by committees when indicating that these plans were adopted.

During the year the first branch was established, “ after considerable dis­ cussion as to the propriety of such a motion.” A t the March, 1840, meeting, action was taken as follow s: “ A s some of the members expected to visit Cincinnati during the college recess, it was deemed advisable to empower them to establish a chapter of the Beta Theta Pi in that city.” In the cata­ logue of 1899, a note by General Secretary J. Cal. Hanna stated: “ The second chapter of the Beta Theta Pi, called Beta, was founded in Cincinnati, April 8, 1840. It was not connected with any school or college. Its members, however,

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BETA LIFE

were held in the rooms of Gordon, Hardin, Whitney, and two in Johnson’s room. The first president and secretary, chosen at a meeting whose date is not known except that it was before the first formal meeting on August 8, 1839, were John H. Duncan and James G. Smith. They were succeeded by

T H E B O O K O F G E N E S IS

Thomas B. Gordon and Henry H. Johnson, elected at the February meet­ ing in 1840, “ the last meeting for this session” ; and they, in turn, after election at the July meeting in 1844, by Charles H. Hardin and John Whitney.

The minutes kept by Secretary Johnson are more carelessly written than those recorded by Secretary Smith. While no day is indicated for some of the

BETA LIFE BEGINS

5

tion. In conclusion, I will urge you to let me hear from you very soon upon the badge, as probably the committee will be influenced by your opinions in the report they sub­ mit, and we meet again in two weeks. I forgot to say that, since I wrote Snow, we have elected .and initiated the two individuals mentioned in my letter to him.

O xford, M arch 13, 1840 A t a meeting of the Beta Theta Pi held this evening, it was on motion “ Resolved.

That a committee, consisting of Messrs. Paddack, Hamilton, and Gordon, be appointed to establish a chapter of the Association in the city of Cincinnati.”

J. H . D u n c a n , President J . G . S m i t h , Secretary Cincinnati, April 8, 1840 The committee appointed by the above resolution met for the purpose of organizing a chapter o f the Beta Theta Pi Association in this city. Mr. Gordon took the chair and Mr. Paddack acted as secretary. The following gentlemen having accepted the tender of membership were then duly initiated, v iz .: Messrs. H enry Snow, Stephen Gano, H enry Beard, and Louis P. Harvey, after which they were addressed by the chair in some appropriate remarks upon the nature of the Association and explanatory of its objects. T he chapter then proceeded to the election o f officers which resulted in the choice o f H enry Snow, president, and Stephen Gano, recorder. Adjourned to meet on the 23rd inst.

T h o s . B. G o r do n , A ., W . H a m il t o n , A l e x . P a d d a c k , Committee

During the first year of Beta Theta Pi the Cincinnati chapter admitted two or three additional members, making possibly seven in all, so that, count­ ing them with the seventeen of the Miami chapter, the total enrollment of the fraternity was about two dozen, when August 8, 1840, came round. The detailed record at Miami follow s: Miami University, August 9, 1839 The following young men, students of Miami University, namely, John R. Knox, Samuel T. Marshall, David Linton, J. G. Smith, Charles H. Hardin, John H. Duncan, M. C. Ryan, and Thomas B. Gordon, having associated themselves together, formed and subscribed the foregoing constitution, laws and obligations, held, agreeably to previous arrangement, their first regular meeting in the hall of the Union Literary Society at 9 :oo o’clock on Thurs­ day evening, August 8, Anno Domini 1839. John H. Duncan, having been previously elected as first president of this association, delivered his inaugural address as required, and entered upon the discharge of his duties. David Linton, who had been previously appointed to prepare a suitable address for the occasion, discharged the duty devolving upon him in an essay upon the first, and an extempore address upon the last, words of the motto.

J. R. K nox was then elected to address the society upon the first anniversary of its foundation. Thomas B. Gordon was appointed to prepare the essay for the next meeting. Mr. Ryan proposed that it should be the duty of the secretary to inform by letter all absent members of the election of any new member, which proposition was agreed to. A s a portion of the members would be absent during the approaching recess of the university, it was deemed advisable to adjourn to meet on the second Thursday of October, and the Society adjourned accordingly.

J o h n H. D u n c a n , President J a m e s G. S m i t h , Secretary

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BETA LIFE

were young men and college men. Several of these were undergraduates in the academic department of Cincinnati College, which was abolished within a few years, no depart­ ment of this college now remaining except that of the law. One was in Woodward College. Several were from the Miami chapter, and several were Kenyon students.

Formal records of the chapter exist down to October 12, 1844. The convention of 1847 declared the chapter extinct.”

By great good fortune the fraternity has two separate accounts of the proceedings by which this branch was established. Apparently for aiding the new chapter to start its records right, Alexander Paddack wrote to Henry Snow on May 18, 1840, enclosing a formal statement, and on February 11, 1841, he wrote to Thomas G. Mitchell, enclosing another which differs slightly from the former one, although substantially the same. The Mitchell letter and documents are reproduced as more clearly indicating what the young fraternity was doing: O xford, Ohio, February n , 1841 On the first page you have the proceedings o f the meeting when your chapter was established, in compliance with your request. In the first place is the proceedings of our chapter upon the subject, signed by the proper officers, and the authority under which the committee acted. In the next place you have the proceedings of the meeting of the committee when the chapter was organized. From the very nature of the thing, these must be the first o f your records as they give you existence. The document of this kind which you say is lost was sent to Mr. Snow last summer. I f its recovery be possible, ’twould be w e ll; since its loss might lead to results we might regret, should it fall into the possession of some persons.

A few words upon another subject. The matter of the 'badge, you perceive, is unsettled, and you say you leave this to us entirely. Y e t before we come to a decision upon it we should be pleased to know your views. Our committee upon this subject are considering the m atter; it consists of the same persons that sent you the constitu­ tion. W e concluded on having the pin changed from gold to black enamel, but further alterations have not been agreed upon. W ith the black ground and our present charac­ ters it would be an objection that the resemblance to the Alpha Delta Phi was too great.

In view of the fact that some fifteen or twenty o f the brotherhood had badges of the present style with which all their feelings and associations were connected, the committee have under advisement at this time to make but a single change, which is to take away the crescent and substitute therefore a small diamond, encircled with a wreath or chaplet; so that the order will be, 1st, three stars, 2nd, a diamond sur­ rounded by a wreath, 3rd, the name, and 4th, the date, all upon black enamel. , Now this seems to me will remove the objection of correspondence to the Alpha Delta Phi which is urged against the present arrangement and at the same time will afford a rich and beautiful badge, much superior to anything of the kind I have seen.

And these characters, too, may be made expressive, as for instance, the diamond, denoting the principle upon which we act in making selections for our chapters, receiv­ ing none but the most worthy, morally, socially, and intellectually; the stars, denoting high and noble aims and aspirations; and the chaplet, the reward o f virtuous and honorable efforts. A t the same time that these symbols would 'be easily understood by the initiated, they would be equally mystic and unmeaning to the “profanum vulgus.”

T he diamond will, it appears to me, show well inserted in the enamel, and the whole w ill form a pin which none need be ashamed to wear. The meanings attached to these symbols may possibly seem rather egotistical, but I think them simple, natural, and not strained, and the badge I consider worthy of adoption. The greatest objection, perhaps, is its cost; but as the diamond is intended to be small, the cost would not, I imagine, exceed $5 more than what it is at present, and as an individual purchases but one in his lifetime, this should be no objection if the pin pleases.

I would be glad if you could make some enquiries on this point and let me know the result. I would be glad also to have the views of yourself, Snow, and Gano upon this matter of, the badge; and that, in the course o f a week or two, as we wish to re­ port upon it at our next meeting. I f you have any different suggestions to make relative to this matter, your views would be gladly received. Please consult the jeweler upon the cost and appearance of the pin we propose, or of one o f your own proposi-

BETA LIFE BEGINS

7

January 20, 1840 Society met in Mr. Gordon’s room. Owing to forbidding [ ] the Society did not meet at the regular time but by common consent deferred the meeting till this evening. All the members present. Mr. Marshall read the essay prepared for the evening and Mr. Smith was appointed to read on the next evening. Messrs. j j Whitney, Alexander Paddack, and A. W . A. Hamilton were proposed as suitable persons to become members of the Beta Theta Pi. All those present having signified their willingness to receive the gentlemen as brother members, Mr. Duncan was suggested as a proper person to make the tender of membership to Mr. Whitney, Mr. Gordon to Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Smith to Mr. Paddack. The Society then adjourned.

J o h n H. D u n c a n , President J a m e s G. S m i t h , Secretary February, 1840 Society met in J. W hitney’s room. All the members were present. Messrs.

Whitney, Hamilton, and Paddack, having heard the constitution read, signed it and were welcomed as brother members of the Beta Theta Pi. Mr. Smith read the essay which he was appointed to prepare and Mr. Paddack was appointed to prepare for the next meeting. This being the last meeting of this session, the election of officers was entered into. Mr. Gordon was elected president and Mr. Johnson, secretary. The Society then adjourned.

J o h n H. D u n c a n , President J a m e s G. S m i t h , Secretary

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March, 1840 Society met in the O xford Hotel. Absent Johnson and Hamilton. As some of the members expected to visit Cincinnati during the college recess, it was deemed advisable to empower them to establish a chapter of the Beta Theta Pi in that city. A fter considerable discussion as to the propriety of such a motion it was finally agreed to. Messrs. Paddack, Hamilton, and Gordon were appointed on the committee to establish the chapter. This being an irregular meeting, no regular business was transacted. The Society accordingly adjourned.

J o h n H. D u n c a n , President J a m e s G. S m i t h , Secretary

April, 1840 The Society met in the room of H. H. John­ son. Absent, Smith. Mr. Gordon delivered his j inaugural address upon taking the chair as pres­ ident, and Mr. Paddack read the [essay] which he had [been] appointed to prepare for the evening.

Mr. Whitney was selected to read at the next regular meeting of the Society. On motion Messrs. Duncan, Hardin, and Marshall were ap­ pointed a committee to report at the next meeting on a suitable plan for observing the death of any of the members of the Beta Theta Pi. It was fur­ ther ordered that it be left to the consideration of

THOMAS B. GORDON

BETA LIFE

6

October 10, 1839 The society met in the Erodelphian Hall. Present Messrs. Duncan, Gor­ don, Marshall, Hardin, and Smith. Mr. Gordon read the essay which he had been appointed to prepare for the evening, and Mr. Hardin was appointed to prepare one for the next regular meeting. H. H. Johnson was then pro­ posed as a gentleman possessing every qualification for membership in the Beta Theta Pi Association; and all those present having expressed a wish that he should be admitted as a brother member, Mr. Gordon was selected as the most suitable person to make the proposition to the member-elect, and, in case he should accept of membership in the Beta Theta Pi, to intro­ duce him at the next regular meeting. The Society then adjourned to meet on the second Thursday of November.

J o h n H. D u n c a n , President J a m e s G. S m i t h , Secretary November 14, 1839 The Society met in the room of H. H. Johnson. Present Messrs. Hardin, Gordon, Duncan, Marshall, and Smith. Mr. Johnson, having subscribed to the constitution, was welcomed as a brother member of the Beta Theta Pi. Mr. Hardin then read the essay which he was appointed to prepare, and Mr. Johnson was appointed" to read at the next regular meeting. The members then discussed the proposition of adopting some new exercise which should increase the interest and prolong the meetings of the Society, and Messrs.

Smith and Johnson [were appointed] a committee to report a plan for con­ sideration at the next meeting. On motion, adjourned.

J o h n H. D u n c a n , President J a m e s G. S m i t h , Secretary December 12, 1839 The Society met in the room of Charles H. Hardin. Present Messrs.

Duncan, Hardin, Marshall, Gordon, Johnson, and Smith. Mr. Johnson read the essay which he was appointed to prepare, and Mr. Marshall was appointed to read on the next evening. Mr. Smith from the committee appointed at the last meeting made the following report: T he committee appointed at the last meeting to take into consideration a suitable method of continuing the exercises fo r a greater length o f time have conferred upon the matter and have met with some difficulty in determining what kind of exercises would be most agreeable and improving. In order, however, to bring the subject 'before the members in a tangible form, they present fo r their consideration the follow ing m ethod; That after all the regular business shall have been dispatched, the president shall call upon the members individually, each o f whom will be expected to make some ex­ temporaneous remarks upon any subject which he may select or to give a written or verbal sentiment. A fte r all the other members shall have [been] called upon, the president after the same manner shall perform the closing exercises. It is to be under­ stood, however, that this exercise is to be only voluntary and is to form no part of the constitutional duties.

T T H. H. J o h n s o n , J a m e s G . S m i t h , Committee

The plan proposed was adopted with the understanding that the^ exercise contemplated should be commenced in February, 1840. The Society then adjourned.

H. J a m e s G. Jo h n

President S m i t h , Secretary

D

uncan

,

BETA LIFE BEGINS

9

June, 1840 This being a semi-monthly of the Society no regular business came up for consideration. Mr. Witherby, having heard the constitution read, signed it and became a regular member. Adjourned.

H. H. J o h n s o n , Secretary 2nd Thursday of July, 1840 Society met. A ll the members present. Mr. Duncan gave reasons for failure to read the essay which he was appointed to prepare, which were deemed valid by the members of the Society. He was excusd from reading till this evening two weeks at the semi-monthly meeting. Messrs. Powe, Long, Wilson, and Mack were named as individuals in every respect worthy of membership of the Beta Theta Pi, and there being no dissenting voice, were duly elected. Mr. Hardin was appointed to make the tender of membership to

M IA M I U N I V E R S I T Y IN 1846

Mr. Long, Mr. Gordon to Mr. Mack, and Mr. Whitney to Mr. Powe.* On motion the secretary of the Society was authorized to write to the Cincinnati [chapter] of the Beta Theta Pi and request them to send delegates to meet in convention with this chapter and its absent members at the close of this session for the purpose of revising the constitution. This being the regular time for the election of officers, Mr. Hardin was chosen president and Mr. Whitney secretary. On motion adjourned.

T h o m a s B. G o r d o n , President H. H. J o h n s o n , Secretary [* In the minutes of this meeting the name of Wilson is inserted by use of A, and there is no record of the appointment of any member to extend the in­ vitation to him. F.W .S.] 30 July, 1840 Society met. All the members present. Messrs. Mack, Wilson, Powe, and Long, members elected at the last meeting, having heard the constitution

BETA LIFE

8

the members to devise a system of correspondence between the different chap­ ters of the Beta Theta Pi which are or may hereafter be formed, and also be­ tween the chapters and their absent members. The propriety of bringing the maker of the breastpin (the badge of members) under obligation of secrecy was also laid over for the action of Society at the next meeting. The committee that was appointed to establish a chapter of the Beta Theta Pi Society at Cincinnati reported that “ they discharged the duty assigned to them and fully succeeded in effecting the object of their appointment.” There being no further business the Society adjourned.

T h o m a s B. G o r d o n , President H. H. J o h n s o n , Secretary May, 2nd Thursday, 1840 Society met. All the members in attendance. Mr. Whitney_ read the essay and Mr. Hamilton was appointed to read on the next evening. The committee that was appointed to devise a plan or suitable manner for ob­ serving the death of any of its members made a report thereon which was adopted. Messrs. Smith and Hardin Were appointed a committee to report on a plan of giving names to the chapters which are or may hereafter be formed. Marshall and Whitney to report a set of obligations which the Society deems it prudent to bind the initiates, and Messrs. Paddack and Johnson to report on a system of correspondence between the different chap­ ters of the Beta Theta Pi, all to report at the next regular meeting. As it was the opinion of the Society that its constitution was m many .respects defective it was resolved that a committee be appointed whose duty it should be to make it their study, at the final meeting of the session to report what alterations or amendments they deemed necessary to be made. Messrs. Smith, Duncan, Gordon, Marshall, and Johnson were appointed said committee.

Adjourned.

H. H. J o h n s o n , Secretary June, 2nd Thursday, 1840 Society met All the members in attendance. Mr. Hamilton read the essay for the evening. Messrs. Smith and Hardin read a report on a plan for naming the different chapters of the Society, which was laid over unti the final adjustment of the constitution. Paddack and Johnson reported o a suitable system of correspondence which was also laid over. Marshall and Whitney made the following report which was adopted:

B*

showing5/oaran“

i n f v i t a l (m srabett excepted) the die with which he stam psjh,^ badge; otr^n. any

ssr^ a ^ sr.

of the w ord P ------, the third in our motto.

&

Mr O S Witherby was proposed as an individual in every respect worthy of membership in this Society, and there being no dissenting v o ic e h e was elected as a graduate member, Mr. Smith to inform him of his election. On motion, adjourned.

H. H. J o h n s o n , Secretary

B E L IE V E IT O R N O T small boy, was chosen as the instrument for effecting the purpose of the Greeks. The plan decided upon was in accordance with the policy anciently followed, whereby the youth of the best families of Greece were imbued at an early age with the principles of the order and thus prepared for zealous work at a later period in life. It is hardly necessary to say that the American Beta Theta Pi has widely departed in its character and workings from the fraternity of the ancient Greeks, though it is held that many of its principles and social features are identical. Here would be a mine for some of our mythologists to investigate. I am inclined to receive the statements with some hesitation, though its source is good, and I would not entirely discredit the narrative until a fuller investigation of the matter has been made.”

This calls to mind the intimation once made that two or three of our gray-headed brothers know some things about the order of Beta Theta Pi, which they have, for some reasons, not disclosed to the fraternity in general.

If such is the case, we cannot conceive why any such matters should longer be withheld. (Beta Theta Pi, June, 1881, page 217.) ★ ★ ★ A silver gray, in a reminiscent mood, one, by the way, who helped to devise the badge with its insignia, says that an earlier organization of Beta Theta Pi preceded the wreath-encircled founders as given in the catalogue.

The first organization included with these certain men who graduated as early as 1837 or 1838, who did brilliant and effective work in wresting the supremacy from the Alpha Delta Phi in Old Miami. This first organization adopted a plain gold badge, resembling the shape of the present one or the body of the Phi Beta Kappa watch-key with the Greek letters Beta Theta Pi engraved on the back of the pin. Some of these men were deemed unde­ sirable for a permanent organization, and, after their graduation, a new or­ ganization was effected, a revised constitution adopted, the gold badge was discarded, and Beta Theta Pi. guarded the secret of its existence so thor­ oughly, it is said, that, on revisiting their Alma Mater, no trace could these alumni find of the organization they had left behind them. G. ( Beta Theta Pi, Vol. 17, No. 4, Page 177, February, 1890.) ★

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On page 111 of A lfred H. Upham’s Old Miami, a story is told about Grimke Swan, who learned too much about Beta Theta Pi and was given a burlesque initiation and allowed to buy a badge, but was then informed that the society had no written constitution, would take no more members, and did not make a practice of holding meetings. He was solemnly admonished as to secrecy, especially about his pin, and was cast cheerfully adrift. Luckily he drifted straight out of college at the end of the term or he might have made things warm for some of his resourceful brothers. This incident prob­ ably accounts for the story behind the item quoted above. Pater Knox told this story as follow s: “ A circumstance occurred at this time that came near breaking up the whole affair. Taylor had foolishly enough mentioned some­ thing of the affair to a chap whom you no doubt know by reputation, Grimke Swan, an insufferable bore and a man that I cordially detested; he was, in­ deed, generally disliked. He found out entirely too much about our proceed-

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BETA LIFE

read, signed it and took their seats as regular members. Duncan read the essay that he was appointed to prepare. On motion adjourned.

H. H. J o h n s o n , Secretary 2nd Thursday, August, 1840 Society met. Absent, Gordon and Johnson. The president, having de­ livered his inaugural, the Society proceeded to regular business. This being the anniversary, an address was delivered by J. R. Knox (a graduated mem­ ber), who had been previously elected for this purpose. The committee to examine and report on the constitution were unprepared to make a full and final report and this business was deferred until the next evening. This committee to further examine and report on the constitution consisted of Duncan, Marshall, Powe, and Wilson. The election of anniversary speaker was entered into which resulted in the choice of M. C. Ryan of Hamilton, Ohio. On motion, the committtee on the constitution was authorized to in­ troduce an article requiring a triennial celebration and to take into considera­ tion various other matters.

C h a r l e s H . H a r d i n , President J o h n W h i t n e y , Secretary

BELIEVE IT OR NOT The following extract from an old letter found among the papers of a deceased Southern brother is interesting, though the narrative partakes some­ what of the improbable. The manuscript is considerably mutilated; but what remains of the context indicates that the writer had been dwelling upon the secret history of the order as he had heard it from various sources: “ . . . . And now comes one who has traveled in foreign lands for many years, and while sojourning in Athens learned many things concerning both ancient and modern Greece. He declares- that the order of Beta Theta Pi is in fact a brotherhood whose origin is lost in the antiquity of Grecian eso­ teric history. It has almost entirely died out in Greece, and what remains of it is known by another name. The order was very powerful at one time, but, because of its essential principles, its existence was scarcely known out­ side the mystic circle. A t an early period exiles from various parts of Greece penetrated into the countries of the North and introduced the principles of the order among the people of one of the barbarous races on the Northern Coast. The name of the particular tribe is unknown. A t a later period, dur­ ing the transmigrations of the Northern tribes, the Northern and Grecian ele­ ments were brought together, and for a time the order revived and flourished.

The two elements became commingled, however, and the brotherhood lost its peculiar Grecian character and partook of the ideas and introduced some of the names and legends of the North. The gentleman who imparts this almost incredible information states further that there were at least three members of the foreign order in this country prior to its foundation here as an American college fraternity; that one of these was the grandfather of John Reily Knox on his mother’s side. It was for a long time a matter of serious discussion among these men how the principles of the order should be perpetuated. The idea of a college association was determined on and the grandson, then a

A MIAMI FRESHM AN OF 1839

13

have, however, been very busy professionally of late, and at the same time constantly disabled from a crippled set of legs that renders all my locomotive proceedings laborious— which is noted by way of apology for brevity, and other imperfections. “ I entered Miami University as a freshman in the fall of 1839, nearly fifty years ago, and of course in the very infant days of our fraternity. I was fresh from the country, innocent of college ways and politics, in physique so moderate as to be affectionately known by the expres­ sive name of T e e Wee?’ O f course it is not singular that I should not have had any knowledge of Beta for a long time thereafter, but my personal intimacy and established friendship for the Fathers be­ gan at an early date and was a fixed thing before I was received into the ranks. “ M y first acquaintance with ‘Pater K nox’ was shortly after entering college.

About sixty new members were to be received into old Union Literary Society, of which I was one, and Pater came up from his father’s farm down near ‘Pad­ dy’s Run’ (of national fame) that Friday afternoon and conducted the ceremonies E. B. S T E V E N S of initiation. Our friendship dates there­ from and has been continuous. “ To a good degree all the founders were my friends. I thought then, and still think, they were at first attracted by what I now recall my boyish in­ nocence. For part of my sophomore year, Governor Charley Hardin and I were roommates. “ Up to these days the only known fraternity at old Miami was the Alpha Delta Phi. They had some most capital good fellow s; indeed, I suspect they had always made a strong point of M iam i; and they most certainly had been in the habit of carrying things about college with a high hand. The professor of Latin was Chauncey N. Olds, now of Columbus, the most ladylike gentle­ man I ever knew ; Bob Steele of Dayton, Dan Iddings, Wilbur Conover strong boys at college, became strong men in life work. This was the sort of pressure that surrounded the cradle of Beta and made it needful for our fathers to lay deep and prudent foundations. But, by and by, there came to be felt a something in the atmosphere that was inexplicable. Somehow the plans of the Alphas didn’t always work out. The politics of the Societies got muddled frequently, and slates got badly mashed; all of which added greatly to the pleasure and happiness of the Wooglin Camp. “ One of the fads of our boys in those days was to so carry on a sort of espionage of the class standing of various students as to be able pretty fairly to estimate their probable individual value for the future. I know that upon a certain occasion my own figures in the natural science department of Profes­ sor Scott were given to me, much to my surprise, until some time after when I came to understand some things better. “ I was introduced to Beta Theta Pi one night during the latter part of my

12

BETA LIFE

ings, and was determined to be initiated or to expose us. He also knew that pins had been sent for and Taylor had told him that Linton and Hardin were members. To take him would be to bring a perfect incubus on the society.

I doubt, indeed, if we could have procured another member had he been brought in ; and, on the other hand, were he to expose us, that, also, at that time, would have been certain death. Accordingly Linton, Hardin, Marshall, and myself met in Charley’s room and concluded to give a mock initiation, let him pay for a pin, and have nothing more to do with him. Taylor went and brought him in, and I got up and administered an oath to him with all the solemnity of an owl, told him then that the society of which he was a member had no written constitution; that we were to have no more meetings, and to take no more members, etc., etc. I then gave him some advice about wearing his pin, etc., all of which he took as law and gospel. He left at the close of the session, and what became of him is more than I know. (Let­ ter from John Reily K nox to E. Bruce Stevens, April 14, 1843.) ★

★

★

A study of contemporary catalogues of Miami University made some years ago revealed no student in the institution bearing the name “ Grimke Swan/’ There was a man who had the initials “ G.M .K.,” which might, in campus style, have become “ Grimke.” (F .W .S.)

A MIAMI FRESHMAN OF 1839 E

dward

B

ruce

S tevens,

Miami ’43

In 1888 John I. Covington, Miami ’70, conceived the idea of having reminiscences from old-time Betas prepared for the Beta Convention of that year. That idea was responsible for two interesting letters from the fra­ ternity’s most important chronicler of the early days, Edward Bruce Stevens, Miami ’43: “ Lebanon, Ohio, June 7, 1888 “M

y

D

ear

C o v in g to n :

“ Your cordial letter of 5th instant is at hand. Many thanks for your remembrance and fraternal greeting. I sometimes begin to feel a little ancient — it seems a very long time since college days— but I will with pleasure, and at an early day, try and write you out some reminiscences; it will scarcely ascend to the dignity of an ‘essay.’ Still, my own private impression is that Frater Covington is quite as familiar with the inner workings and history of the early days of Alpha as the undersigned. Hope you are making a nice thing out of New York. It seems strange, however, to disconnect you from the Queen City. M y life mistake was leaving Cincinnati for the East. I found it out early enough, however, and hurried back to Ohio. My success here at Lebanon is abundantly satisfactory. This only apologetic and promissory ■ — so, for the present, believe me as ever in— kai— Yours, E. B. S t e v e n s .

Cannot go to Wooglin this time. “ Lebanon, Ohio, July, 1888 “F

rater

C

o vin g to n

:

“ In accordance with your wish, my dear old friend and brother, I herewith forward you some personal memories of the early days of Beta Theta Pi. I

Chapter I I — Interpretations

AN ACROSTIC In Volume i, Number 2, of Beta Theta Pi, the following acrostic was printed: Beloved Mother, may thy name Engraven on my inmost soul, Triumphant as I strive for fame All glorious grow, when gained the goal.

Teach me the lesson, by the way How gained, I may with profit u se: Excelling, how with love I may T o brothers light and help diffuse ; And worthy bear thy name.

Prevent all wrong, all thoughts of wrong, In virtue keep me true and strong.

TH E COLORS A . J.

P r ie st ,

Idaho ’18

The diamond and three stars and that delight O f those who sense a flawless flower’s grace Have all known eulogy; have been bedight W ith glowing phrases, and now hold a place Upon Olympian heights in Beta’s realm.

Though none may say that this is not their due, I wonder often why those at the helm O f Betadom have stressed no broader view In their discourse upon the lambent lights That form the symbols of brave W ooglin’s band.

Are there no other emblematic rights ?

Where may the fulgent Beta colors stand ?

What of those melting tints in sunset’s hue That are enshrined as Beta’s pink and blue ?

14

BETA LIFE

sophomore year, or perhaps first of junior, the meeting for that purpose being held in Union Literary Hall. Brother A. W . Hamilton presided and made an address with as much solemnity and vigor of eloquence as though, if the glori­ ous fellow were still alive and he were a member of Congress, as he most cer­ tainly would be, if not further up, he would discuss the ‘Mills Bill.’ William Warder, then and now of Springfield, Ohio., was initiated at the same time. “ Our chapter was unusually strong at that time, and I think it was very rare that membership was offered to anyone who did not peculiarly appreciate the honor. Still even in those very days there was Jim Hibben! Now Jim was in many respects a good sort of fellow ; it was he that came to tell me (up there in the ‘Old W ing’ ) that I was elected a Beta. It only seems a day or so ago that he was in my room, dilating on the present and coming glories of B eta ; and yet it was only a few weeks thereafter that he was sporting an Alpha pin. The old Alpha record has it about right; ‘Joined to his idols’.

But now the truth about Hibben was just this: He was a sort of dude, or mugwump; he was an excellent good dresser; and so I fancy he thought the ‘star and crescent’ on his immaculate linen would complete the job! I never blamed him ; he went where he belonged and would feel at home. “ In all these early days of Beta, you remember, we had no open existence.

W e met where we could; sometimes in a brother’s room at some unseasonable hour of the night, with carefully blinded windows; sometimes in one of the Society rooms, some brother having surreptitiously obtained the key. A t such meetings I have more than once hastily secreted myself in one of the closets behind the president’s throne in the Erodelphian Hall, some Erodelphian van­ dal at the door being too imperious for refusal to admit. “ Shortly after my admission to Beta, Miami University had one of its paroxysms of decline. During my senior year the institution was exceedingly feeble; and for months W arder and myself were alone. Material for mem­ bership was hardly worth looking a fte r; so for these weary days we contented ourselves with holding the fort. W arder presided, and I looked after the correspondence. For the details of much of the history of those early days hunt that pile of letters. I guess they are in your hands anyhow. “ In looking back over that broad vista of years, it seems hard for me to realize our growth. Established by those immortal eight, absolutely for local purposes, spreading gradually and for the most part carefully to other col­ leges, we certainly present a proud record of men, and usefulness, and in­ fluence. The Fathers builded wiser than they knew. In all the walks of life we are gloriously represented: Law and Theology and Medicine and Citizenship and Morals. • Nowhere need we blush for the name of Beta Theta Pi. W e have had the second office in the nation and honored senators worthy to bear the name and wear the badge, have secured the attention of the nation if not the nation’s gratitude. O f the old Alpha chapter and the whole fra­ ternity, I can only close by quoting the words of the great English lawyer: ‘Esto Perpetua.’ ” ★ ★ ★ “ The Betas who are here are full of the jo y and jollity o f life, warm and cordial as the wine of years.”

C h a r l e s H . H a r d i n , April 10, 1841

F O U N D E R D A V ID L IN T O N ’S D A U G H T E R H O N O R E D A notable event in the Beta life o f the Pennsylvania State Chapter in 1929 was the visit of M rs Clara Linton Brewster to whom, a few days afterward, the chapter presented a badge of the fraternity her father helped to build up.

i6

BETA LIFE

W H AT IS THE BETA TH ETA PI SOCIETY ? “ W e have often been asked, What is the Beta Theta Fi Society of which so much has been said? While it would not be politic to give a history of the order, its workings and objects, we are allowed to say a few words that will answer the question. W e canvspeak the more freely because of the late attempted expose by the members of a rival society at a prominent W est­ ern college. Certain young gentlemen, inspired by the smallest kind of meanness, or the meanest kind of littleness— a spirit too contemptible to be called rivalry— broke open first a door, and then a desk, and thus, by commit­ ting a felony, obtained the constitution, ritual, etc., of the order. These were published and widely circulated in the College and city with a view to injure the order. This had about the effect that Morgan’s celebrated revela­ tion of Masonry had on that order. Morgan disappeared and Masonry flourished more than ever.

The members of the chapter, after consultation with graduate members, determined to make a demand for the original papers, and if they were re­ fused, allow the matter to be prosecuted. The demand was refused and the matter went into the courts. A fter a preliminary examination, two of the parties were bound over. This made the thing look serious and a prospect of a trip to one of our state institutions became unpleasantly probable. E f­ forts were made to get up a sympathy for the parties bound over. It was reported, even in the Cincinnati Gazette, that the whole thing was simply a college joke, and a piece of very bad humor in the Betas to carry it to ' the extreme they had. But the Betas were firm ; the documents must be de­ livered or the chances of a trial taken; in this they were upheld by all the Greeks of this order. They offered to nolle prosequi whenever they were de­ livered, but would not otherwise. A fter much trembling of the knees and qualming of the stomachs, the better part of valor was taken, the papers were delivered and the suit dismissed. On the preliminary examination the attorney for the defense undertook to screen the accused by abusing the order, but the constitution was sufficient to defend it, proving itself beyond reproach; a most beautiful production, honorable and everlasting.

W e have been thus minute in giving these facts, because they have been so misrepresented, and to satisfy those of the order who were ignorant of the publication that we violated no rule of propriety in answering the ques­ tion, W hat is the Beta Theta Pi Society? W e can but say that if those young gentlemen ever become men, they will realize that they committed a very grave error in the theft and publication. W e are glad to learn that the ill feeling growing out of this has almost entirely disappeared under the in­ fluence of a remarkable revival. W e do not mention the college, because it would be to no good purpose. Let it be repented of and forgotten.

The society of the Beta Theta Pi is purely a college society, and is found in every prominent college W est and South, and in a few of the leading colleges of the East. Membership is not voluntary; that is, no man can offer himself as a candidate for membership. He must be chosen by the unanimous voice of a chapter, and this is done after a committee has as­ sociated sufficiently with him. All this is done and the vote taken before the candidate knows a word of it. The work of the committee is called variously “ spiking,” “ sounding,” “pumping,” and such characteristic phrases. That

A W E L C O M E A N D A N IN T E R P R E T A T IO N

19

you this day, O Brother Greeks! Greek! The very name is a crown of glory; its very utterance a pean. For consider what constancy of virtue, what heroism of valor; above all, what extraordinary intellectual development and what richness of culture belonged to the Greeks of twenty-two centuries ago. “ And I have sometimes thought that in the mystic characters o f our name and badge we looked back to events and persons in some of those golden ages. Does not the first of these suggest to us the united heroism of Leonidas and his three hundred which made the defeat of Thermopylae more glorious than the grandest victory the world has ever seen before or since? And the second tells us of that love of philosophy which found its apotheosis in the ‘divine’ P lato; while the third speaks of faith which, in one of its manifesta­ tions, the pure Socrates would not forswear, even to turn aside the bowl of fatal poison from his lips; and the glittering stars tell of the light which the Greek masters have shed upon the fine arts. Would that we might see revived beneath our American sky more of the richness and beauty of the Greek culture. W ell may we call ourselves Greeks, if we strive to emulate their worthy example. “ These secret organizations, ‘inner vortices in the great vortex of society,’ fraternities, partially veiled from the public gaze in a garment of mystery, gathering into their sacred confines those whose hearts will beat in unison, whose hands will help one another, casting out the demon of selfishness, seek­ ing purity in life and larger attainments in knowledge and better growth of soul, can do good only. Sad, inexpressibly sad, is the life of that man who encases his heart in icy selfishness or clothes himself in the sack cloth of misanthropy, all faith in his fellow man lost. And there are times when we may be sorely tempted to do thus, in the midst of the trials and troubles of life, the disasters and disappointments, the confidence betrayed, the hopes darkened, the defection of professed friends and the treacheries of ingrates.

But better, a thousand fold better, among the forest trees is the ‘gnarled and unwedgeable oak’ riven by God’s thunderbolt, or the stately mountain pine blasted to the fall of a foliage never again to be reproduced, than the man in society who, dead to all generous sympathies, to all trusting faith in his fellow man, to all aspirations after refinement of manners, a larger knowledge of a higher life, drags his vile body in the slough of management and low intrigue, and seeks by cunning, fraud, and falsehood petty place or paltry thousands.

But no man who lives faithful to a Beta’s vows can descend to such depth of moral degradation, to such foulness of moral pollution. A ll of us may not see in our outlook, ‘A sunshiny world full of laughter and leisure, And happy young hearts free from sorrow and thrall’

yet we will know there are true hearts evermore throbbing in sympathy with us; that the brave and good are still with us; that there are worthy aims, star-high if you will, toward which we will constantly struggle, even if in this mortal state we may not attain them, while the perpetual prayer of life and lip shall be, ‘Let knowledge grow from more to more, But more of reverence in us d w e ll; That mind and soul according well, May make one music as before.’

i8

BETA LIFE

the committees do the work carefully is evidenced by the list of distinguished men shown in the catalogue. O f those o f our own state are Governor Mor­ ton, Schuyler Colfax, W ill Cumback, and a hundred others as prominent.

The object of the society is well set forth in the preamble to the constitution: Believing that everything which tends to the promotion of intellect, the refinement of feeling, and the closer union o f kindred hearts to be in the highest degree beneficial to society, we form ourselves into an association to be governed by the following outline of policy.

_And that is the basis of the society. No word of ours could make it plainer. It needs no encomium from us. It is sufficient honor to the society to say that that outline of policy has been always kept in sight. If from this the question, What is this society? is not answered, we cannot answer it.” (Article published by the Indianapolis Journal in April, 1867, on occa­ sion of the meeting of the Beta Theta Pi General Convention in that city.)

A WELCOME AND AN INTERPRETATION Dr. Theophilus Parvin, Indiana ’47, later to become the president of the American Medical Association, of the American Academy of Medicine, of the American Gynecological Society, and founder and president of the Asso­ ciation of American Medical Journalists, made the address of welcome to the delegates assembled in the General Convention of Beta Theta Pi at Indian­ apolis in April, 1867. He said: “ This assemblage bears me back twenty-two years, when I first bore the Greek name; and, as I look around me, to more than one of the junior mem­ bers I might say, ‘B efore the little ducts began T o feed thy bones with lime, and ran Their course, till thou wert also man’

it was my privilege to be a Beta; and among all the precious and enduring memories of college days, none are more valuable and lasting than those which cluster round our little band of Greeks. And now by these memories— mem­ ories of some now buried in their graves; of others who stand on pinnacles of fam e; of some far away and others near at hand; by your zeal in our noble order, and by the sacredness of our work, right cordially do I welcome you. “ Welcome to a city whose foundations were laid quite within the memory of hoary-headed patriarchs living within our midst, and which now justly claims a population well on to forty thousand; a city whose iron arms stretch north and south, east and west, to bear their proportion of the traffic and the travel of a great state and a great nation; a city where you will behold more than one enduring monument of a state’s just beneficence, more than one worthy monument of private liberality in the cause of education; a city which we fain would hope shall by and by be as famous for the cultivation of litera­ ture, science, and art as it now is for its geographical position and commercial facilities. “ Ample as these plains where we pitch our tents; cheerful as the sunshine over us today; warm as the breath of spring now revisiting the earth, to call back the singing birds and waken the sleeping flowers, be our Welcome unto

A GROUP OF EDITORIALS

21

W ith this faith we strengthen one another, for a true Beta liveth not unto himself, and with this faith we rejoice in your coming unto us. Welcome then, welcome, thrice welcome are you, O Brother Greeks.”

A GROUP OF EDITORIALS, 1879-1880 He who wears the badge of a Beta today stands pledged to a lofty ambition and studious, untiring efforts for success in some chosen depart­ ment of life work. He who at life’s noontide shall fail to find himself amidst the accumulating harvests of his own earlier sowing may well lay aside his badge and with it the name he has failed to honor. ★

★

★

Betaism, while it spurs its followers on to the highest acquisitions of scholarship, while it recognizes the excellence of learning, and applauds the efforts 'o f its members toward the attainment of literary precedence, yet encourages the cultivation of those social qualities which are necessary to the true development of the scholar and the man. Here is an essential element of culture and education which the recitation room, the lecture hall or the study does not afford. No man can well be a ^true Beta and at the same time a recluse or a mere book-worm. Man’s social being requires cultivation as well as his intellectual; his physical as well as his moral. • W e believe in society; we believe in recreation.

Physical and social stagnation, we abhor. And we recognize the fact that the proper cultivation of the social and physical being begets the true stimulus to mental and moral excellence. ★

★

★

Every Beta now advancing on his college course should by all means complete it. It is the purpose of our order to build up in the land a frater­ nity of educated and enlightened men. W e feed from colleges; we want the best men and the strongest men. W e are not essentially a religious or a literary body; but we do want all our men to get the greatest possible good from college training— physical, mental and social which, when rightly taken advantage of, is the best possible means of culture and preparation for the work to which our order is destined. Let every man stick to his work; in the class-room, and in literary halls; behind the bat and at the oar. ★ ★ ★ Our fraternity is perennial. It has the fountain of youth which Ponce de Leon sought. This fact must not be lost sight of by members of active chapters. In no place is there likely to be quite so much exclusiveness of society as at college. A s students advance from one class to another there is an almost resistless feeling of superiority over lower classmen.

Brothers in Beta Theta Pi must overcome this feeling. There must be a community of interests regardless of class position and a constant seeking of worthy lower classmen to bear the banner in coming years.

R E P R E S E N T A T I V E B E T A S O F 1928 This remarkable picture, taken with a background of Colorado mountains, shows the Chapter Presidents who were in attendance upon the Broadmoor Convention, 1928, under the increasingly popular plan of selecting the chapter executiveelect as the convention delegate.

BROTHERHOOD OF CONGENIAL SOULS

23

Brothers Young and Morrow both are members of Phi Beta Kappa.

They represent an ideal of Beta Theta Pi in college sometimes phrased in the words “ devotion to the cultivation of the intellect.” When their world­ usefulness is considered, their intelligent leadership, their fitness to face the world and succeed in adjusting its problems, and considered with just pride by every member of Beta Theta Pi, to which fraternity each belongs and each has given a son, then the utter folly of some Betas in college seems all the more apparent.

The chase there, too often, is after the ribbons of cheap distinction, the tinsel glories of “ activities,” the things that do not abide, while the cultivation of the intellect, the training for fitness to face the world, the preparation for intelligent leadership are overlooked.

Reverend John Oxenheim sized humanity up pretty well in his famous lines about the high way and the low, The high soul climbs the high way, And the low soul gropes the low.

He hit a lot of college students squarely in the head when he added, And, in between, on the misty flats T he rest drift to and fro.

Our fraternity roll is filled with the nrmes of the drifters who are content to abide with the multitudes of men on the flats. But we do our rushing with the names of the high souls, the intelligent leaders, those fitted to face the world and succeed. When we have to meet competition on life’s arena, our select champions always include the Morrows and the Youngs.

THE BROTHERHOOD OF SELECT CONGENIAL SOULS A

im a r o

S ato,

DcPauw

’81

I am delighted to meet so many of you here this evening. I am deeply touched by the cordial reception you have given me. It revives vividly in my mind the pleasant memory of the good old days I spent in the Delta chapter and I feel as if my boyhood had come back to me in all its beauty.

This kind of a meeting is agreeable to me because it breathes genuine friend­ ship without any shadow of conventionality. I like it all the more because, banishing all worldly cares, forgetting our ages, politics, creeds, nationalities, varied or conflicting interests, and laying aside even diplomacy, we come here to have a good time together simply as brothers in the bonds of Beta Theta Pi and to recall the sweet associations of the past and to form wider friendships for the future.

It is my firm belief that if the universal brotherhood of mankind is a good thing, the brotherhood of select congenial souls is a better thing. It may be observed that brotherhood of mankind, though certainly noble and de­ sirable as an ideal, has only a remote possibility of realization, while the brotherhood of select congenial souls, as embodied in the fraternity, is an accomplished fact, productive of tangible and beneficial results, already with

22

BETA LIFE

College boys, awake to an interest in the general fraternity! Surrounded by the concerns of chapter life the tendency is to become exclusive; to forget the fraternity in the more immediate interests of the chapter. It is true that our attachment to the fraternity is called into existence amid the social joys and genial fellowship, the intellectual purposes and aims which pervade the chapter h all; but our pride and strength lie in our general greatness. The warm friendships and fraternal love of chapter life should be but the beginning— the flowers grown in that garden which opens out into the richer, broader fields of general fraternity life. There is a wide prospect before you, brothers. Do not fail to cultivate and beautify the garden in which you now work; -but lift your eyes frequently from the pleasures and labors about you, and look out into Betadom, a world stretching further than the eye can reach, to the West, and to the East, to the South and to the North: a world full of pure unselfish purposes, high principles, and for which there remains a great and eventful future.

For this bonded brotherhood of college men has a work before it, which, under the hand of a guiding Providence, is not to be limited to college halls, nor to be measured by the banquet pleasures of chapter life. Let us sound the first note of a grand triumphal song, which shall be sung in full chorus by the most powerful brotherhood on earth, a brotherhood which shall one day have the proud honor awarded it of having knit together the widely parted sections of a mighty nation by a bond which jealousies and intrigues, commercial conflicts and war itself, shall have assailed in vain; a brotherhood whose union in noble purposes of lofty spirits, enlightened by the culture of our universities and colleges, shall join the hearts and sympathies of the ruling classes throughout the land— those men of culture and character and mental strength whose influence must eventually be supreme in every department of society.

THE HIGH SOULS When, in 1928, the personnel of the committee of experts to revise Ger­ man reparations was being generally considered in the United States the names of Dwight Morrow, Amherst ’95, and Owen Young, St. Lawrence ’94; were everywhere mentioned. Secretary of State Kellogg narrowed the choice a bit when he said that Owen D. Young was wanted by all interested countries, but he was certain that Dwight W . Morrow would not be named, as he was to continue his duties as ambassador to Mexico for the rest of the Coolidge administration.

The issue of the New Y ork Times which quoted Secretary Kellogg s statement told of a luncheon speech made by Dean Woodbridge of Columbia before an alumni gathering at the Columbia University Club, in which he expressed Columbia’s aim in this sentence: “ Fitness to face the world and succeed is the aim of the teaching at Columbia University and not an attempt to foist educational theories upon students and society.” _ Amplifying a bit the dean was reported to have said, “ Columbia has tried to fit itself into the currents of modern life, bring them into self-consciousness and then supply them with the most intelligent leadership that it is possible to give.’

BROTHERHOOD OF CONGENIAL SOULS

25

a long list of illustrious members of whom we are justly proud. If th^ former is a dream, the latter is a reality. A s charity begins at home, universal brotherhood must begin with the fraternity.

I cannot speak for other fraternities, but as for our noble fraternity of Beta Theta Pi, I do not hesitate a moment to declare that it is a most wonderful institution. A s a young man enters college, he feels as if he is a stranger in a strange land and he is often the victim of the unpleasant malady of homesickness but when he is admitted to a fraternity like ours, all at once he is cheered up and feels himself perfectly at home and then honorable ambition and deep interest in his studies and sports are awakened in his breast. The badge he proudly wears, like a regimental color which a valiant soldier must carry on to glory, quickens his sense of dignity and re­ sponsibility. In a word, cheered and backed by a solid phalanx of his fellow Greeks who stick to him and share his successes and trials, his courage is increased a hundred fold in his honorable competition against the oppos­ ing Greeks and barbarians. In short, he is transformed into a manly man.

I can fully testify to this from my own experience, and no word can fully express my grateful appreciation of the friendly sympathy and assistance lavished upon me by my Greek brothers.

I do not believe in carrying about a long face. The world has not been benefitted an iota by pessimism. Pessimistic worry wears, while optimistic work succeeds. So I believe in cheerfulness and in honest work with hope­ fulness even against hope. I believe in justice, equality and fraternity, but above all in manly manhood. I resolved to be guided by these principles and this resolution, I am happy to say, was formed in part as the result of the noble inspiration and precious encouragement I received from my Beta brothers.

I have most intimate relations with this country. I am indebted to DePauw University for my education which proved a stepping stone to my present career. I had my first diplomatic training here in Washington. I am now back here as the representative of my country in this great Re­ public. Naturally, I feel highly honored because the post is the highest in the gift of my Sovereign and in our diplomatic service. Nothing is more gratifying to me than to be able to serve as the most important link be­ tween my country and yours, both of which I love so well. Fully conscious of the responsible work before me, I wish to be worthy of the great fraternity whose badge I have the honor to wear and anticipating your wishes I shall not fail to do my best in trying to be a useful instrument to secure a better understanding by removing prejudices and suspicion so that Japan and America may always live together in peace and friendship on the footing of justice, equality and fraternity, just in the same manner as you and I meet and enjoy ourselves here this evening. In conclusion, I beg to express to you my heartfelt thanks for this distinguished mark of your kind attention of which I am the proud recipient.” (A banquet speech at Washington, D.C., January 30, 1917, at a gathering in honor of Aimaro Sato, Ambassador of Japan to the United States of America.)

G E N E R A L S E C R E T A R Y B A I L Y A N D P A R T O F H IS O F F IC IA L F A M IL Y . 1928 The District Chiefs shown in this picture of the General Secretary’s staff which was taken at the eighty-ninth General Convention in Colorado Springs include, reading from left to right, top row : Gutelius (standing), Dawson, Pretzman, Muldrow, Hilliker, Smyth, Frazier; middle row : Frankland, Darling, Littell, General Secretary Baily, Lowndes, H a ll; bottom row, Marks, Phelps, Moist, Smiley, Whitten.

OUR YO U TH FU L DAYS

27

board. Then one day the greatest master of them all— Paul Morphy— came and stood before the old picture. He, too, noted the players and their tell­ tale faces and he, too, let his gaze drop to the game. There was a moment of fierce concentration and analysis, then his face lighted up in surprise and triumph and he shouted ‘But n o ! White wins i It was true. The master player had found in that apparently hopeless position a winning play for white. And ever since then spectators have been able to search out in the complex and intense expression on the young player’s face the dawning perception and choice of the winning move. No game is lost, least of all the game of life, while youth still plays the white pieces for us.”

OUR YOUTH FUL D AYS E

llis

Guy

K

in k e a d

,

Cincinnati ’89

H ow beautiful is youth ! H ow bright it gleams, W ith its illusions, aspirations, dream s!

Book o f beginning, story without end, Each maid a heroine and each man a friend.

So sings the poet, the seer of truth. And in verity youth is the golden age.

The gods are with us; earth is paradise. Nature speaks more clearly— the beautiful appeals more forcefully— the true is more real than in the cynical years of after-life. Happy the season when each maid’s a heroine, each man a friend!

It is the dawn, when the sun of hope, ambition and faith gilds every­ thing, and in its rosy sheen the very commonplace is tinged with glory.

It is “ a continual intoxication, the fever of reason,” when we do not coldly weigh the pros and cons, but believe wholly in our ideals, as in the youth of the world men believed in the spirits peopling and vivifying each tree, each waterfall, the great ocean and the never-fading stars.

It is the time of action. The greatest flashes of imaginative genius then appear. It was a youthful Alexander— a youthful Napoleon— who dreamed into reality a vision of almost world-wide empire. It was a youthful Keats — a youthful Shelley— who clothed poetic truth with a beauty matched only in the plastic arts of classic Greece.

And in youth alone can we draw the inspiration for a lifelong confidence in the eternity, both of objective and subjective realities. To be young is very heaven and happy the man who can realize in time that, as the kingdom of heaven is within us so can we be always partakers of that kingdom only by cherishing an eternal youth.

And youth may be eternal. The body may grow old and fail,— the youth of the soul is everlasting, and eternity is youth.

W e know in our own circle men with whitened hair and wrinkled faces, through whose fading eyes shine still the kindliness and soul of youth.

Let this, then, be our aspiration and our attainment. Let us cherish the youth within us by cultivating the spirit that led the youthful founder of an ever-living faith to set a child in the midst of his followers, and say “ O f such is the kingdom of heaven.” Let us nurture the spirit of youth by as­ sociation, breeding sympathy; and stay the march of time by resolutely resisting the inroads of selfishness— of skepticism— of pessimism. Let us

26

BETA LIFE

“W HITE W IN S!” A t the Convention banquet held in the Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, on September 6, 1928, W illis O. Robb, Ohio Wesleyan ’79, used the f ollowing illustration in the course of a thought-provoking speech: “ There is a famous old engraving called ‘The Game of Chess.’ Seated at a chessboard that lies just enough below the line of vision to allow the spectator to see

IN F O U N D E R L IN T O N ’S L IN E Mrs. Clara Linton Brewster, daughter of David Linton “ of ever honored memory” , her daughter, Mrs. Professor F. W . Owens, and Professor Owens of Pennsylvania State College.

the position of the pieces, Satan and a young man are playing a game that manifestly has for its stake the young man’s soul. The arch-enemy has just made with one of his black pieces a crowning move and is leering triumph­ antly at his opponent. The youth, with a look of profound absorption and perplexity that is only just not despair, has his finger poised for the answer­ ing move. The artist had consulted experts before he placed the pieces, and year after year skilful chessplayers, who from time to time saw the picture, would shake their heads in pity as their eyes fell on the outspread

THE SPIRIT OF A CHAPTER

29

THE SPIRIT OF A CHAPTER In June, 1877, Lelon A. Doolittle, St. Lawrence jttw prepared and de­ livered at an Alpha Sigma Chi banquet in Canton, New York, the following toast and response. It was read again at the Beta Theta Pi initiation ban­ quet there on March 2, 1929: A toast: “ The Spirit of this Society and its Graduate Members.”

The Response: “ It is but a few years since the seed was sown from which this society sprang. The soil was not over fruitful, and all the in­ fluences bearing upon it have not been encouraging. Y ou have seen a solitary tree growing upon the bleak mountain side, its roots struck deeply into the rocky soil, its lonely spire struggling toward the clouds. Sometimes it is fanned by gentle breezes from the south, but again it is raked by the hurri­ cane, and then a biting blast comes from the north and shrivels its leaves and congeals its sap. But, swept by every wind that blows, it still extends its branches, and becomes stronger with every trial. Subject to like conditions of growth, our society has become a thriving tree, and its spreading branches now indicate the large proportions it is finally to assume. The “ To be or not to be” is answered— the tree can live. Now the question very properly arises: What is it good for! W e must answer it and be assured. “ It shall be known by its fruit.” And if the tendency of our associating together here were to dull our intellectual or moral sense or if the influence going out from within these walls and permeating the atmosphere of St. Lawrence University were in the least degree a poisonous one, then the very best thing we could do this evening would be, by unanimous consent and joint effort, to forever bury this organization out of sight. But happily those among us who have spent most hours around these tables at our books and at our banquets can truthfully say that it has not only ministered largely to our pleasure, but that its whole permanent influence upon us has been to sharpen our intelligence, open our hearts, and increase our culture.

And having, since the inception of this society, carefully observed it in its influence upon the outside students, I confidently assert, silent and unseen as it has been, that it has been, nevertheless, an entirely wholesome influence. Tw o things have always been antecedent to membership: first, a manly character, and secondly, a studential character. And this fact alone cannot have failed to stimulate somewhat in both these directions. Again, in all those acts which, in this school of Democracy, we may call our public acts, we have always laid the restraining hand, too lightly sometimes no doubt, yet always the restraining hand of severe principle upon all sorts of sham, cant, and hypocrisy, and have correspondingly fostered all that was genuine and worthy.

Now, I do not suppose that those who have more recently united with this society are lacking one whit in that spirit of generous emulation which animated— yes, which was the controlling influence among the early mem­ bers; but I do know that that was a good spirit and that any increase of it will not be to your detriment. So if I thought I could say anything that would promote that end I would try very hard to do so. I remember to have read that when the French army was once performing a toilsome march over the parched and barren soil of Egypt, tired, hungry, diseased, despairing, and all but mutinous, their indomitable leader, Napoleon I, turned upon them

28

BETA LIFE

see the good around us. Let us read the lessons of our times to find the uplifting and the helpful— not the debasing and the destructive. Let us believe in our country, our state, our city, our college, our fellows, ourselves.

Let us uplift our souls by finding worthy motives and noble actions about us rather than stifling our ideals by brooding upon the base, which is too often the mere creature of a morbid criticism.

There is a fountain of eternal youth. Men sought for it the whole world round, and sought in vain. And alchemists, mistrusting nature, strove

T H E C IN C IN N A T I C H A P T E R H O U S E

to compound with drugs and incantations an elixir of youth. And explorers and alchemists were alike adrift— not knowing nature, not knowing man.

The poets and the prophets found, time and again, the long-sought treasure, and in book and song pointed the way to the fountain of eternal youth.

It is too near, too easy of attainment, and men still grope blindly on, bur­ dened with the increasing years of heart-weary age—-refusing to believe, or forgetting, that the fountain of youth is in the spirit of man, where, it it be but sipped from day by day, it will renew itself to the very verge of mortal life. (An initiation banquet speech, Cincinnati, Ohio, November i, 1905.)

AN A LT A R TO FRIENDSHIP

31

and waving his hand toward the Egyptian pyramids towering to the sky in front of them said: “ From yonder pyramids forty centuries behold you!”

Those words passed from lip to lip until they had thrilled the soul of every man in.that great army and transformed it in an instant into the bravest, best disciplined, most invincible, and most enthusiastic army on the face of the earth, and they answered back with a cheer that said, “ Forty centuries have not braver men than we.” Brothers, I cannot point to gigantic piles of masonry and repeat Napoleon’s cabalistic words to you; but I can and do assure that from every part of this country, where a graduate member may sojourn or dwell, living eyes will always look with kindly solicitude upon you and warm hearts will applaud every manly stand you take, every . faithful effort you make at self-improvement, and everything you do that will tend to promote the well being of our beloved Alma Mater.

I

AN A LTAR TO FRIENDSHIP D a v id J. C a r l o u g h , Wesleyan ’92

I would like to call your attention to the fact that four of the original Mu Epsilon chapter receiving a charter from the Beta Theta Pi are with us tonight, and to the wonderful record of thirty-five years that at no initiation or commencement in the history of this chapter have your founders been unrepresented. From one to seven have always been present to give to the neophyte a concrete example of “ the holding power of the Beta spirit,” “ the essence that abides,” the boast that in Beta “ Brothers are Brothers for life,” “ Once a Beta always a Beta.”

Our organization as the Mu Epsilon of the Beta Theta Pi is not so very old as such organizations go, and time has dealt kindly with us— yet there is many a vacant chair that never can be filled. Among those whom we miss so sorely tonight there is one whom we least could afford to lose— Edward Lee Steele, ’94.

Do you realize that this is the first time in thirty-eight years, barring the night of his automobile accident, that “ Eddie” has been absent from these festivities? Some of you remember that when he met with us on a similar occasion a year ago, he remarked his strength was not what it used to be, and for some reason he could no longer do what he once did. My wife especially noted a word dropped to the company about him on the occasion of my mad dash across the street to greet “ Billy” Rice. “ I wish I could only do that again. ‘Jake’ seems years and years younger than I.” The shadows were begining to gather and the hill for him was getting very steep.

Y et none of us seemed to appreciate the fact, and we all received the an­ nouncement, that fateful Thanksgiving, that “ Eddie” had passed away, like a bolt from a clear sky.

My w ife and I motored northward across the Berkshire Hills to pay our last respects to our old friend with heavy hearts.

A solemn feeling stole through all my soul A s I looked out on fields o f russet brown And yellow with autumnal h a ze ; I looked And thought of happy days o f youth no more F or m e; and tears sprang from the heart, sad heart That knew and felt but could not tell its pain.

A N O F F IC IA L Q U A R T E T T E IN 1928 This picture, taken by the lakeside of the Broadmoor Hotel near Colorado Springs, shows, left to right, General Secre­ tary Harold J. Baily, Vice-president John A. Blair, President Francis W . Shepardson and General Treasurer James L. Gavin.

AN A L T A R TO FRIENDSHIP | 1

|

j

'

33

for excellence, had been forgotten in the mad rush for power and place in the palace of Bunk.

An altar to friendship!

Some of the most sacred and appealing masterpieces of our written word have been reared as an altar to friendship, glorifying an affection that has survived the passing of the years, commemorating the life of a missing comrade, or just marveling at the miracle where men give themselves^ to each other with nothing to gain, with no self-interest to serve, with no keeping back part of the price.”

There is that simple and majestic Song of the Bow that father read at evening prayers in the day of our youth,— a noble ode of David to Jonathan and Saul, the friends of his boyhood.

There is that Lycidas of Milton, a chaste memorial to Milton’s friend and classmate, Edward King, drowned in the Irish Sea. F or Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime, Young Lycidas, and hath not left his peer.

There is that ethereal Adonais of Percy Bysshe Shelley, a fair tribute to broken-hearted John Keats, whose name was ‘ writ in water.

T he soul of Adonais, like a star Beacons from the abode where the eternal are.

There are those Shakespearean sonnets expressing the devotion and absorbing friendship of Shakespeare for “W . H.,” to whom they are dedi­ cated, “ beautiful in sentiment, matchless in expression,” ending in that last wonderful sonnet on the deathlessness of such a friendship and affection as theirs, “ for true love alters not even to the edge of doom.”

There is that song of companionship sung by that good grey poet, the poet of comrades, W alt Whitman, to the raw recruit from the prairie, O tan-faced prairie boy— B efore you came to camp came many a welcome gift, Praises and presents came and nourishing foods, till at last among the recruits Y o u came, taciturn with nothing to give— we but looked on each other, W hen l o ! more than all the gifts of the world you gave me.

Nor should we forget that superb tribute of Lord Tennyson to his lost friend Arthur Hallam, the “ In Memoriam” where he reveals in simple speech that most intimate and sacred as well as that most difficult and elusive mood of the soul.

N ot in an altar of marble N or in the winged verse o f Parnassus

do we commemorate our friend and brother tonight, but on the altar of our own hearts in the music of our own lives, in this sacred institution of youth to the upbuilding of which he gave so large and full a measure of devotion.

In the hearts of those he loved, whose lives he touched and influenced, our brother lives immortal In minds made better by his presence, lives In pulses stirred to generosity In deeds o f daring rectitude; in scorn F or miserable aims that end with self.

W hile he was going to and fro among us, the great builder was at work, and the fair structure was being erected, and his life was being worked

32

BETA LIFE

I had always pictured “ Eddie” journeying southward to do this sad office for me, and here the youth I discovered and cultivated and pledged to Beta had gone on before.

It seems but yesterday when I sat in the office of Judge Timothy Steele discussing the union of the Mystical Seven with the Beta Theta Pi, and he proudly and fondly told me of his young son Edward, who, with his chum Edwin Nichols, was to enter Wesleyan in the fall. I remember meeting those boys at the train, and I remember the very spot on old Indian Hill Ceme­ tery where I pledged them to Beta.

I recall with what eager zest “ Eddie” entered in upon that life— what a measure of ferment was in his breast! what magnitude of vitality! what an elastic compass of capacity! For “ Eddie” was an awfully fresh fresh­ man. As a sophomore, he was a “ heller,” and all through his course he seemed to be panting to see all, taste all, feel every sensation— live the life to the full. He participated largely in college activities. It was in football he won his “ W ” and somehow he found time to do his regular college work conscientiously through it all. He was not an apt student like his chum “ Ed” Nichols, who made Phi Beta Kappa, but he was the one man among us all who made the Freshman Declamation Contests. His loyalty and interest in Wesleyan increased with the years. He served his Alma Mater as chairman of the Alumni Council, and later as alumni representative on the Board of Trustees.

As a Beta undergraduate and as a Beta alumnus he left a record difficult to match. Henceforth there is a new standard whereby to measure Beta zeal and Beta loyalty— “ as true as Steele.”

In the Roman Pantheon there stood among the innumerable shrines that adorned and hallowed it an altar erected by an admiring Senate to friend­ ship personified as a goddess, commemorating the close and sacred in­ timacy, the deep and abiding confidence in each other, of Tiberius Caesar the Emperor and Aelius Sejanus the Knight. The tradition runs that the Emperor raised this Knight to an equality with himself— shared every bosom secret with him— that they were indeed inseparable. Before that shrine it is said multitudes were wont to pause and worship, and we may well be­ lieve sincerer prayers nowhere else were uttered, purer libations nowhere else poured forth, choicer garlands nowhere else hung.

A s we gather tonight to take account of the work we have accomplished during the year that has passed, and to induct into our order a new band of brothers found worthy to bear the name and wear the badge, let us not forget that it is an altar to friendship that we too have been rearing amidst the many shrines before which men bow in adoration and desire. And as we gather ’round this altar, our pulses striking as one, let us yield ready and cheerful obedience to its appealing speech.

Above the honk and rush of automobiles, above the clang and whir of modern machinery, above the feverish excitement and mad post-war rush of our day, it speaks its message clear and tuneful as a bell, enthralling our hearts even as that altar of old held spellbound the Romans. ^Like Kipling s British soldier we can hear that temple bell a-calling, calling us back to holier and fairer days before the dews of innocence had been dried up by that worldly wisdom called expediency— before the hunger of the heart for comradeship, the thirst of the mind for truth, the passion of the soul

CEMENTING THE NATION

35

bearing allegiance and the latter, in sympathy lending the encouragement of their smiling presence to promote the laudable ends of our association, I rejoiced at being a Beta. This convocation is largely from the great North­ west, and, possibly, the sentiment expressed in the toast was assigned to me because I had been a rebellious Kentuckian, though now thoroughly recon­ structed. “ It was my pleasure to have been a member of the Alpha chapter of the Beta Theta Pi, of which one of the patriarchs on my left [Honorable John W . Herron] has spoken so eloquently. The unfortunate fratricidal conflict of 1861 to some extent alienated my feeling from my Alma Mater, Miami University, which, I trust, may yet develop into a new life, though the cheer­ ful tread and jolly laugh of the students has not rung through her halls for many years. I cordially strike hands with one who has done her honor in a resolution to restore her to her ancient and merited prestige.

“This is the first opportunity in nearly twenty years that I have had to renew my associations and review pleasant reminiscences with a fraternity in whose proceedings I once experienced so much delight. If I understand the spirit of Betaism, it is to strengthen and elevate the moral, social, and intellectual standing of its members; truly a noble and praiseworthy design. “ Here we recognize no creed, no party, no section, in an atmosphere of fraternal love: W e extol American citizenship. The five thousand members of this fraternity, occupied in the many avocations of life, scattered over a broad territory, will everyone bear cheerful testimony to its salutary effects on their collegiate lives, as they weighed the anchor that bound them to home and family and sought, in the many seats of learning with which our country is blest, intellectual development. “ Cherishing as we do a common country, of which we may feel justly proud, allow me to suggest to you as part of the grand army whose services should be dedicated to the best welfare of mankind, that education dis­ seminated among every class of the American people is the hope of per­ petuating the institutions of this republic. Let us emulate the example of such men as Thomas Jefferson, who, in the evening of his life, said, ‘Inscribe upon my tombstone, not that I was President of the United States, but that I was the author of the Declaration of Independence, the draughtsman of the bill for religious freedom in Virginia, and the founder of the University of Virginia.’ Such aspirations would be worthy of any Beta and consonant with the principles of this fraternity. When we enter its portals we leave dogmas and political tenets at the threshold, forget the river along whose banks we played, the mountains we climbed and the valleys in which we roamed in childhood, and remember only that we have a common nationality, uncircumscribed except by the broad oceans upon either side. “ W e meet here tonight, and around this gay and festive board are men who led the hosts of the Union under the starry flag of the Nation, as also others who cast their fortunes beneath the blazing cross of the South, each feeling that they were right. These differences are forgotten in the fact that we are Betas. “ Let us, as we draw the veil of forgetfulness over the sad events in our history, remember the great truth expressed in the Declaration of Inde­ pendence, that American government is founded on the consent of the gov­ erned; and the influences of this growing, strengthening, fraternity may con-

34

BETA LIFE

in as a part of the glorious pattern of that altar ’round which we gather tonight.

T i s not an altar built with tears, N or came its wealth by human woes, So it must stand through endless years Secure against its strongest foes; ’T is firm as Truth itself can be And like the Parian marble white.

Here all true Greeks first bend the knee And then go forth for God to fight.

(A n initiation banquet speech at Middletown, Connecticut, 1927.)

BETA TH ETA PI Best beloved band of brothers, E ver eager to employ Talents trained to toil for others.

Aiding all— an altruist’s joy.

Look out.

Think things thru, to thyself be true, Help head, heart and hand to heed Each earnest effort, and endue T h yself with traits that thou dost need.— Aspire, achieve, aid and accrue.

Look in.

Perfect trust, promotes persistent peace.

If implicit, ideals increase.

Look up.

— W . B. P ar m e le e

CEMENTING THE NATION Albert Seaton Berry, Miami ’56, was a captain in the Fifth Kentucky Infantry, Confederate States Army, during the Civil War. He was an un­ usually tall man, physically, standing six feet, five and a half inches. His banquet speech at the fortieth annual convention of the fraternity, held in Cincinnati in 1879, is notable as one of the evidences of the work done by Beta Theta Pi in recementing the bonds of union after the war between the states. His height was referred to by Dr. Reamy, the toastmaster, when he was introduced. Captain Berry said : “ Our presiding officer has a very happy faculty of introducing speakers; at least he succeeds in exciting the risibilities of his audience. I have been called ‘a son of Anak,’ a typical Kentuckian, ‘the tall poplar of the Licking,’ but never before ‘the largest Greek of modern times.’ “ When, unexpectedly, the toast was handed me to which I am called upon to respond, ‘Our Fraternity, Knows no Party, no Creed, no Section,’ I was somewhat puzzled to know what would be appropriate. Looking over this elegant assemblage of intelligent men and beautiful women, the former

TH E BO Y IN TH E W INDOW SEAT

37

Brother Seaman, designating the one of their choice. Presuming that the chapter had selected one of the sketches favored by the majority, I gave the matter little further thought. When the catalogue finally reached me, and I turned to the record of our chapter, you can hardly imagine my sur­ prise and my pleasure at being confronted by “ The Boy in the Window Seat.’’ Our boys had reconsidered their original decision, and swung back to my choice, after all. I have always felt grateful to my fellow-members of that time for reversing their decision, for I regard the design selected as far superior to any other engraving in the book. The window seat, the three stars on the dark background of the sky, the open book, the pensive, dreamy attitude of the boy, all touch the springs of sentiment, and strongly appeal to the imagination. Several years after my graduation I obtained for the chapter an enlarged copy of the picture, which copy now hangs in the chapter library of Leonard Hall. In order that this sketch may be historically complete, I must acknowledge with some reluctance that the lines accompanying this enlarged copy are mine.

Most of those who took part in the incidents I have described have fallen asleep. To those of us who remain, it is a gratifying thought that the chapter is now so strong— strong even beyond the dreams of its founders — and so firmly established, that the passing of any one of us, whether soon, or long deferred, can have hardly more effect on its welfare than the fall of a withered leaf from one of the great oaks in the Kenyon forest.

W ooglin’s son, in vision, seeming Pondering, wondering, musing, dreaming, Heavenward lifts his raptured gaze— W here, with dazzling splendor gleaming, F ar and wide their radiance streaming, Beta’s stars forever blaze.

There, ’mid Kenyon’s ivy twining, Dreaming half, and half divining, Sees he all that lies before— Sees those stars in beauty shining, Sees our hearts with Jove enshrining Beta Alpha, evermore.

BETA LIFE

36

tribute largely to make intelligence in this land as universal as suffrage, and thus aid in extending its blessings for generations to come. Republican gov­ ernment is in more jeopardy from ignorance than from any other cause. You can work f or no nobler or better purpose than to improve the intellectual status of the people wherever destiny may cast your fortune. “ M ay all sectional differences be forgotten by the American people in rejoicing over its unparalleled advancement. M ay the principles that con;rol our association as Betas become the sentiment of American citizens toward each other. And let us, whatever our religion, our section, or our party, be ever true to principle and true to ourselves, and we will surely reflect credit upon our fraternity.”

THE BOY IN THE WINDOW SEAT G rove

D.

C u r t is,

Kenyon ’80

The idea of establishing a chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Kenyon, no doubt, originated in 1876. A t the beginning of the fall term of that year, James Poyntz Nelson of the Pi Rho chapter of Washington and Lee Uni­ versity, took charge of Milnor Hall, at that time the preparatory school of the college. Passing over the intervening period, with its various interest­ ing incidents associated with the ultimately successful efforts of Brother Nelson to obtain a charter for a Beta chapter at Kenyon, we arrive at the winter of 1879-80.

C. J. Seaman, of the Denison chapter, had recently been selected to com­ pile a catalogue of the fraternity. In conformity with Brother Seaman’s plan, every chapter appearing in the catalogue was to have a frontispiece picture or engraving, and as this was the first catalogue in which the Kenyon chapter would appear, the matter seemed of considerable importance. Fol­ lowing the establishment of the Kenyon chapter in April, 1879, I had become intimately acquainted with Brother Seaman. My home at that time was in Kirtland, Ohio, about twenty-five miles east of Cleveland. The train service between Cleveland and Gambier was so poor that in order to get to Gambier on any specified day, it was necessary to go to Cleveland the preceding day, and take the train for Gambier on the following morning. A t such times I frequently called upon Brother Seaman. On one of these occasions the subject of our chapter picture for the catalogue came up, and he asked me to accompany him to the studio of Mr. A. M. Willard, the artist who after­ ward became famous as the painter of “ Yankee Doodle,” or “The Spirit of ’76.” During our interview, we gave Mr. Willard some idea of the peculiar architecture of Old Kenyon, and I also called his attention to some of the features of my Beta pin. Mr. Willard promised to make several sketches which Brother Seaman was to send to us, and from which we were to make our selection. These sketches reached the chapter a short time before my graduation at the commencement of 1880.

A chapter meeting was held, and the merits of the respective sketches were discussed pro and con. Somewhat to my surprise, and much to my regret, the majority of our boys did not approve of the sketch which I have called “The Boy in the Window Seat.” I left the college shortly after, the understanding being that the chapter would forward the sketches to

THE TH REE CRUSADERS

39

THE THREE CRUSADERS In Beta Theta P i for July 1873 (Volume I, No. 8) the following “ Song of the Three Crusaders” was published. A preliminary note said : “ Alwin, ! beloved of all m en; Conrad, bold in counsel, and Swithin, strong, are the three warriors represented in the foreground of the frontispiece to our catalogue. O f these the legend says, ‘They be three crusaders, fighting the battle of life, and do strive to conquer the foes of New Jerusalem. Swithin hath gained the holy walls and beckoneth to his brothers to advance.

I.

A

l w in

Brothers, the radiant altar, Shining in crimson light; From your glittering shield reflected Rises glorious in my sight, Tell me, is the battle over?

Have you gained the true knight’s crown?

Stand you firm? Falls the light refulgent From the heavenly temple down?

II.

C onrad

Nay, Brother, but yawning before me More dreadful and dark than the night Is the gulf which our sins unforgiven Have fixed between us and the light.

Y et come! W e will breast the black waters Bold in heart, ne’er heed their wild roar W e’ve a Brother whose word never faileth Who will guide to the distant shore.

III.

Sw

it h in

Brothers, beware of quicksands, O f the storms that sweep o’er the sea; Bouyed by Hope, let Faith be your compass T o guide to “ the land o’ the lea,” I cast from this fortress unshaken The rope of that wondrous Love Grasp its folds, ne’er grow faint at the distance It leads to the home above.

Chapter I I I — Following the Vision I

THE MIAMI TRIAD A triad is a group or class of three persons or things closely related. So says the lexicographer. In connection with the American college fraternities the word was first used in the descriptive expression, “ the Union Triad.”

That meant Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi and Delta Phi, the three Greek-letter societies organized at Union College, Schenectady, New York, between 1825 and 1827. W ith them the modern college fraternity system began. Kappa Alpha, founded in 1825, led the way, Sigma Phi and Delta Phi following in 1827. These three celebrated their centennial anniversaries in appropriate fashion.

In the century of their existence these three organizations have established only forty-two chapters all told, and in 1929, have but thirty-three chapters in twenty-three colleges. O f the inactive chapters, one died eighty-one years ago, two over seventy years ago, two over sixty-eight years ago, and another more than half a century ago. On the other hand seven of the existent chap­ ters have been established since 1900, so that, during the larger part of the century past the combined rolls of these three pioneers did not include thirty chapters. O f the twenty-three colleges containing chapters only four are found west of Buffalo, and, with the exception of the University of Virginia, none is south of the Potomac. The combined membership of the three fra­ ternities in 1927, according to Baird’s Manual, was a few over 12,000, Kappa Alpha having 2,827, Sigma Phi, 3,563, and Delta Phi, 5,639.

The “ Union Triad” is an Eastern influence. Its pulsating center has re­ mained not far from its place of origin. Its membership has been carefully chosen, largely from a single type, with family ties strongly dominant. It has done no pioneering work. Except for a few stormy years in the first decade, it has met little opposition in its comfortable “ fraternity colleges.” It has maintained a fairly consistent policy of small chapters in a restricted geo­ graphical area, with limited membership. Its constituent members, with eight, ten and fifteen active chapters respectively, seem smugly content with the ac­ complishment of more than a hundred years of life.

The “ Miami Triad” is Western. Its constituent members are Beta Theta Pi, dating from 1839; Phi Delta Theta, established in 1848; and Sigma Chi, founded in 1855. They were organized at Miami University, a small col­ lege located at Oxford, Ohio, close to the Indiana state line. The name “ Union Triad” persists, although the “mother of fraternities,” Union College, witnessed the birth of Psi Upsilon in 1833, of Chi Psi in 1841, and of Theta Delta Chi in 1847. In the same way the term “ Miami Triad” will persist, although Miami was the place of foundation of Phi Kappa Tau in 1906 and of Sigma Delta Rho in 1921.

The fraternities of the Miami Triad represent the vision, vigor, and vim of pioneer American stock. Behind them lies the background of the frontier with its hardy and hopeful people, facing the future without fear, faring

— P i c tu r e by W i llia m C . Patrick.

A C O N V E N T IO N O F F IC E R S G R O U P, 1928 Front row, left to right: Horace Davenport, Columbia, V ice President; Roger W olcott, Yale, President; Ronald F. Moist, W est Virginia, Secretary.

Rear r o w : J. H. Alltop, Indiana, Assistant Secretary; Elton W . Pace, Utah, Assistant Secretary; Charles W alters, Johns Hopkins, Assistant Secretary.

A N O T A B L E O H IO B E T A T R IO W illiam L. Graves, Ohio State, ’93; J. Harold Ryan, Yale, ’08; S. Raymond Thornburg, Ohio Wesleyan, ’15, coming from Columbus, Toledo and Chi­ cago fo r a Beta reunion at Convention.

TW O GROUPS O F B E TA W O RKERS

T H E M IA M I T R IA D

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of these three fraternities. Miami University was a border college. Many of its students were from the South. They represented the better classes of that section. Some of them are listed among the founders of Miami Triad fraternities. Recalling the history of our country between 1839 and 1861, it is not hard to imagine the interplay of ideas and the frictional erosion of characteristics when the Southerner and the Westerner rubbed one another in the classrooms, in the literary societies, and on the campus of “ Old Miami.

There are chapters of Miami religious history which are based on the internal dissensions of the churches over slavery. There are some sweet ^stories of touching incidents of the Civil W ar days when “Y an k” and “ Reb” from Miami fraternities forgot the bitterness for the moment because of fond recollections of friendships formed in that little Ohio college town.

Remembering that situation, it is easy to understand why all three fra­ ternities expanded southward; why they have always been strong in the South; why Sigma Chi could have had that unique Constantine Chapter in the Confederate Arm y of Tennessee; why the Miami Triad played so con­ spicuous a part in the reconciliation of the Blue and the Gray. The rosters show forty Phi Delta Theta chapters in the South, thirty-five Sigma Chi and twenty-six Beta Theta Pi, counting living and dead.

These fraternities have had seventy chapters in the East, delimiting that section by the eastern boundary of Ohio and the Potomac R iv er; Beta Theta Pi has had twenty-eight, Phi Delta Theta, twenty-one, and Sigma Chi, twentyone. The five Canadian chapters would make the total seventy-five. In seeking these eastern branches the triad fraternities followed exactly the same policies which had brought them success in the West and the South. E very­ where they proclaimed the worth and the possibilities of the individual.

Given the right individuals, they were not afraid, with their selected sons, to enter the older colleges of the East and challenge for supremacy organiza­ tions which for from fifty to a hundred years had been helped by age and tradition, by family and wealth, by social prestige and political influence.

In more recent years the invasion of the East has been aided by the more general mingling in the colleges of students from all sections, due^to increas­ ing national wealth and ease of communication. But the point is, that the Miami Triad, looking East, has not feared to try what to the Union Triad, looking West, woulci be deemed an absolutely impossible undertaking, even were barriers of conservatism to be broken down. Perhaps the Western Triad again manifested the courage, the fearlessness and the force of pioneer stock.

The thought turns back again to the W est of 1839 when Beta Theta Pi was founded. Michigan was two years old as a state, then, and Arkansas, three.

Missouri had been in the Union eighteen years, but all to the west and north­ west was a great domain peopled only by wandering Indian tribesmen. Phi Delta Theta’s natal year, 1848, brought the Mexican Treaty which made the Southwest and California American soil just as the news spread of the discovery of gold in the Far W est and the great overland trains of covered wagons moved on their slow way toward the setting sun. When Sigma Chi appeared in 1855, California and Oregon and Iowa had come into the Union, but dependable records showed that in all the territory now included in Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakotas there were only fifteen white people. The West, in 1839, P l P in 1855, was new and raw, but it was absolutely vibrant

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BETA LIFE

forth each day to fight the hardships of the new West, with dominant faith in the unfolding destiny of the continent they were helping to conquer.

This background explains much of the history of the three fraternities.

It affected their idealism, their attitude on many matters, their theory of expansion. In each fraternity, for over a third of a century, the individual­ istic idea was uppermost. If the right type of individuals could be found in a college, a chapter was established; if the supply failed, the chapter was al­ lowed to die._ The individual was the great thing. And that is why these three fraternities have produced so many notable sons, and also why their membership has always been marked by sustained interest and lifelong loyalty.

Only in relatively recent years has charter granting been predominantly in­ fluenced by the character and equipment of a petitioning college.

Out West, as the story ran, no one cared to know about any individual, whence he came or who his grandfather was. The question always was, what can he do ? Somehow it was in the blood of the pioneers to do, and to be­ lieve that anything and everything was possible in a new and growing land.

That spirit leveled humanity and developed democracy. It explains the simi­ larity in many respects of the members of the Miami Triad; for all three started in the same pioneer, democratic college of the new West. The found­ ers of the trio had pioneer instincts.

Right here it is worth noting that Beta Theta Pi established the first fra­ ternity chapter in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, New Jersey, Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, Illinois, Iowa and M issouri; that Phi Delta Theta was first in W is­ consin, South Dakota, Nebraska and Texas; that Sigma Chi was first in North Dakota. The impression is greater when colleges rather than states are considered : for Beta Theta Pi was the first fraternity to enter Beloit, Bos­ ton, Centre, Cumberland, Davidson, Denver, DePauw, Hampden-Sidney, Hanover, Illinois College, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa Wesleyan, Johns Hopkins, Kansas, Knox, Maine, Michigan, Monmouth, Oglethorpe, Ohio, Ohio W es­ leyan, Princeton,, Richmond, St. Lawrence, Transylvania, Trinity (Texas), Wabash, Washington and Jefferson, Washington (St. Louis), and Westmin­ ster; Phi Delta Theta was first at Austin, Butler, Central (M issouri), Frank­ lin, Kentucky Military, Indiana Normal, Lawrence, Nebraska, Northwestern, South Dakota, Texas, Vanderbilt, Whitman, Wisconsin, and Wittenberg; Sigma Chi led the way at Cincinnati, Denison, Erskine, Montana State, North Dakota, Purdue, Southern California, and Utah. To be pioneers in fourteen states and in fifty colleges was the response of the Miami Triad to the call of their western pioneer Wood.

In the lists just given, long-dead chapters and chapters in small and nontypical colleges are included for a definite purpose. Each of the Miami trio made serious blunders in expansion. Some of the chapters barely survived one college year. The mistake was recognized and rectified. Some were started sub rosa, or in the face of known faculty antagonism, and met death quickly through hostile legislation. Some followed the booster for the futuregreat institution which never realized its prophesied destiny. But these mis­ takes are easily understood if it is recalled that individuals and not institutions were counted of greater significance. The casualty list due to the Civil War, o f course, was outside the power of any fraternity organization to prevent.

That suggests another thing. It was an extraordinarily fortunate situa­ tion, historically speaking, which had much to do with shaping the careers

TH E PIONEER SPIRIT

45

Theta or Sigma Chi: namely, Amherst, Beloit, Colgate, Davidson, Hanover, Kansas State, Knox, Maine, Ohio, Washington and Jefferson, Wesleyan, and Westminster. In several of these the missing triad member once had an active chapter. In f ourteen other colleges Phi Delta Theta meets Sigma Chi, namely, Alabama, Arizona, Butler, Colorado State, Duke, Emory, Florida, Georgia, Gettysburg, Kentucky, Lafayette, McGill, Montana, and Pittsburgh.

In one of these Beta Theta Pi was once represented. Taken all in all this study of chapter rolls shows a remarkable similarity in the expansion tenden­ cies of the three fraternities.

THE PIONEER SPIRIT IN BETA TH ETA PI F r a n c i s W. S h e p a r d s o n , Denison ’82 Eighty-two years ago, on August 8, 1839, eight young men, students of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, held the first formal meeting of an A s­ sociation which they called Beta Theta Pi. The organization was suggested by the presence in college of a chapter of a Greek-letter secret society, called Alpha Delta Phi, or, less formally, “ the Alphas.” This fraternity, founded at Hamilton College in New Y ork in 1832, was the fourth of the kind which had come into existence. It was the most active and aggressive of the four.

The other three, Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi, and Delta Phi, had kept close to the territory near their birthplace at Union College. In 1839 the three of them combined had but eight chapters, located in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. By that year two other societies, one of them anti-secret in character, had increased the total number of chapters by but five, and had added only Connecticut to the fraternity map. But Alpha Delta Phi, with astonishing boldness and with something of national vision, had crossed the Allegheny Mountains to found its second chapter at Miami in 1833. It had pushed its work of expansion so vigorously that, in 1837, it had seven chap­ ters, as many as any two of its rivals had together, and more than a third of all the twenty chapters of the six existing fraternities.

It was the Miami chapter, six years old in 1839, that profoundly influenced the formative days of Beta Theta Pi. Our fraternity name begins with Beta, the second letter of the Greek alphabet because that of the earlier society began with Alpha, the first letter. Our fraternity name has three letters in it because Alpha Delta Phi had three, and this, too, although the other five, Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi, Delta Phi, Psi Upsilon, and Delta Upsilon, had but two. Our fraternity badge, at first, was a modified copy of the Alpha one.

That was a shield which had upon it a star, a crescent, three Greek letters, representing the name of the fraternity, and the date, 1832, in Aiabic figuies.

The Beta badge carried three stars, a crescent, three Greek letters for the name, and the Greek notation for 1839. But the crescent soon gave place to the diamond with the encircling wreath, and the corners of the shield were cut, so that the likeness to the Alpha insignia was less pronounced. The initial obligation to Alpha Delta Phi for our birth, our name and our badge remains a fact of history. One other acknowledgement to this first rival must be made. There is no doubt that the determination of our founders to provide for future chapters of Beta Theta Pi in other institutions, rather than to re-

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with ambition and hopefulness. Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Chi were of the West. They believed in it. They loved it. The lure of it was in their blood. In 1929 the three of them have seventy chapters west of the first tier of states beyond the Mississippi— in the undeveloped region or the foreign land of 1848.

These seventy are part of the 334 chapters which the Miami Triad has established. The roster shows for Beta Theta Pi 86 living, 22 dead; for Phi Delta Theta, 97 living, 21 dead; for Sigma Chi, 88 living, 20 dead.

Beta Theta Pi owns 84 chapter houses, valued at $3,500,000, Phi Delta Theta 88 houses, valued at $3,600,000; Sigma Chi, 75 houses, valued at $2,750,000 In property and endowments the Miami Triad has 247 chapter houses and assets reaching a total of $10,000,000. The combined membership, living and dead, approximates 80,000.

So far this story has been of a triad. But no one must make the mistake of thinking that these three children of Miami University have always lived happily together. They have not. They have had sharp antagonisms, fierce conflicts, bitter enmities. They have stolen each other’s constitutions and rituals; tampered with each other’s members and pledges; done each other injustice and wrong. Even yet there are places where the traditions of an­ cient rivalries make barriers to courteous co-operation. But for the most part the wars of the roses are over and the better day of modern inter fraternity conference and council has come. “ W e are working with'the Phi Delts to get a Sig charter for Zeta Omega, a local here. They are a fine bunch. Can you help us? If we succeed, we’ll have the Miami Triad here.”

The Beta in a far western college who said this spoke with earnestness as he pleaded for help for a local club seeking a charter from Sigma Chi, praising the boys highly. He seemed as interested in the campaign as if he were intent upon a sharp rushing contest for a specially desired Freshman. “ I wish you had been here last week. W e had a Miami Triad smoker over at the Phi Delt house and had a great time together. W e hold one every year. It is a big thing for campus spirit.” “ You are cordially invited to the fifth annual dance of the Miami Triad to be held at Y e Buxton Inn on Friday, February n . ” Such expressions, reports and invitations tell the story of the Miami Triad as an active agency in promoting better college spirit and finer inter fraternity feeling. The complete possibilities of the movement are suggested by the list of fifty-five institutions were the three Miami fraternities m eet: Brown, California, Case, Centre, Chicago, Cincinnati, Colorado College, Colorado, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Denison, DePauw, Dickinson, Georgia Tech, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Lehigh, Miami, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota Northwestern, Ohio State, Ohio Wesleyan, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State, Purdue, Stanford, Syracuse, Texas, Toronto, Tulane, Union, Utah, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Wabash, Washington, Washington State, University of Washington, Washington and Lee, West Virginia, Whitman, and Wisconsin.

There are a half dozen other institutions where fraternities were killed by hostile legislation or other cause where the Miami Triad was once repre­ sented. There are twelve colleges where Beta Theta Pi meets Phi Delta

THE PIONEER SPIRIT

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main a local society at Miami, was because Alpha Delta Phi was a chaptered organization. If, as the founders thought, the principles of the new Beta Theta Pi were superior to the ideals of Alpha Delta Phi observed at Miami, they, too, were worthy of transplantation elsewhere.

Sentiment loves to linger about the cherished names of John Reily Knox, Samuel Taylor Marshall, David Linton, James George Smith, Charles Henry Hardin, Thomas Boston Gordon, John Holt Duncan, and Michael Clarkson Ryan, of ever honored memory. None of them remain to this day. They all have passed within the shadow. Yet T hey never fail who light Their lamp of faith at the unwavering flame Burnt for the altar service of the Race Since the beginning.

Our founders have won immortality. Each year the names are committed to memory by a thousand eager youth, novitiates who knock for admission at the 'barred doors of Beta Theta Pi. They are heralded in song and story.

Down the long corridors of time the names go ringing, as a mighty band of loyal men, permeated with the powerful cohesive force of a great brother­ hood, shout greetings to “ Pater” K nox and the “ boys of ’39.”

There are several American college fraternities which have had the bene­ fit of years of solicitous and watchful care given them by their founders.

Such men have determined policies, shaped progress, established chapters, exerted parental supervision of their offspring. They have attended and controlled conventions. A t banquets and other fraternity gatherings they have been the central figures. They have grown old and gray, some of them, favored with the affectionate regard of thousands of young men, freely given them as if in benediction.

There is no such record in Beta Theta Pi. The influence of the founders is not apparent in connection- with the establishment of a single chapter except the first one at Cincinnati. Then Duncan was president of the chapter, Smith, secretary, and Gordon, the installing officer. No special policy favored in our administration bears the personal stamp of any of the eight. Not a dollar in our treasury represents any financial aid given to Beta Theta Pi by them. The one whose photograph is found in every chapter house, to whom we have given the loving title, “ Pater,” never attended but one meeting as an undergraduate. He received his bachelor’s degree from Miami five days after he signed the roll as a Beta. The others, after graduation, scattered far and wide. One or two returned to give the anniversary oration before the Alpha chapter. But the unfolding history of our fraternity shows no trace of any strong and continuing interest on their part in the welfare of Beta Theta Pi. When, forty years later, some of them were interviewed about the Association, they expressed genuine surprise, approaching amazement, at the discovery that the little society of 1839 had become a nation-wide organiza­ tion of ten thousand members and of steadily increasing power. It was after 1879, indeed, that such of the founders as were living were given place in the glowing heart of the fraternity.

But there is an entirely different way of looking at them. Foundations count. It is true that others than the boys of ’39 are responsible for the

B E T A T H E T A PI L E A D E R S , 1928 A picture taken at the Broadmoor Convention, showing present and past members of the Board of Trustees, the Conven­ tion officers, and the District Chiefs.

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there was a hopeful chance, once, at New Haven. Had the Yale chapter been established in the early forties, Beta Theta Pi might have had its share of those pioneer preachers and teachers of Congregational connection who founded schools and churches in the South and West, fighting for foothold in some places with the Methodists from Indiana A sbu ry; and perhaps had the Princeton chapter lived, fighting also with the Presbyterians from that center of radiating influence. Had the Williams and Brown chapters grown strong— well, what if all these things had happened. A hurried answer would be: Beta Theta Pi today would have all the power and prestige of the most famous of the eastern fraternities. Age, family, wealth, tradition, command­ ing influence, conspicuous leaders in literature, in the pulpit, in political life, would all be ours. But there is another way to look at it.

W ith maturer judgment, looking backward, we reflect on the early dis­ appointments and find in them reasons for our present strength and power.

W e look to discover what has become of the six contemporary fraternities of 1839. W e find them, in the main, small in size, with limited horizon as they look out on American college life and its fraternal problems, with restricted area of influence. The progressive pioneer among them, Alpha Delta Phi, which established seven chapters in its first seven years, which pushed its frontier over the mountains and across Ohio to the Indiana line, which had the great chance to become the most powerful factor in the fraternity history of a college century, is found bound and fettered by the same influences of conservative restraint. Had Beta Theta Pi kept company with them, ours, too, might now be one of the small societies, self-satisfied, of few chapters, of restricted territorial jurisdiction, of membership of approved standaidized types, unconscious of any special obligation to serve the college world, or to play a commanding part in developing leaders of thought and life in our land.

But the discouraged Betas of the W est turned their faces away from the East and sought the future growth of the fraternity in the W est and the South. The shadow of war soon came to end progress in the South, and the fraternity escaped the influence of the ideas of landed aristocracy, as it had saved itself from the fetters of eastern conservatism. It gained its de­ velopment under the freedom of the great new West. It grew accustomed to wide stretches of land and sky. It caught the spirit which once found expression in the words, “ Out here the question asked about a man is not, who was his grandfather? or whence came he? but what can he do?” If some proud member of a cautious, inbreeding, conservative rival reviled a Beta for his lack of noble ancestry, he hurled back the ancient saying, “ Thy noble line ends with thee; with me, mine begins.” Every initiate Beta Theta Pi re­ ceived for forty years was hand-picked, after searching examination of his qualifications. The fraternity learned to place confidence in the ability and the human worth of boys from the prairie, the woodland, the valley, and the mountain, who liked “ to live by the side of the road and be a friend of man.

It sought for souls beneath the rough garb of homespun. W ith intense pride it watched its carefully chosen members win their way toward distinction where individual strength made the man.

Beta Theta Pi has followed fearlessly the paths of the pioneers m every decade since its birth. It has received and welcomed youth in schools of every faith, Congregational, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian,

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BETA LIFE

policies and progress of Beta Theta Pi. But these constructive leaders knew, as the Beta workers of today know, that Back o f them stands the schemer, The Thinker, who drives things through.

Back of the job the Dreamer W h o’s making the dream come true.

While youth was theirs they went up to far-seeing places— those wondrous far-off places that a man may see only in dreams. On that mountain top their ears caught a distant cry of humanity, and deep in their souls they felt the answer stir. They sought the means of realization of their vision. They found the record of an ancient fraternity and their hearts burned as they read from the old book its vows of brotherhood. W ith dreams and ideals and enthusiasm in their thoughts they determined to utilize the hopes and am­ bitions of American youth. In the colleges the young men would gather, from whose ranks must come the future leaders of the country in education, in religion, in professional life, and in patriotic service. All over the land, out of the strength of the growing generation, they and their successors would seek to find young men who would rejoice to aid in building up a fraternity which should recognize mutual assistance in the honorable labors and aspirations of life, devotion to the cultivation of the intellect, unsullied friendship and unfaltering fidelity, as objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated endeavor. That was their platform ; that their creed.

It was a radiant possession. It illumined their souls like some lamp of God filling the body with light. The flame that burned in them shone through them. Toward that light twenty-six thousand college boys in the fourscore years have, turned their eyes. So we love their names, their memories.

In 1839 no fraternity had a fairer chance for success than had Beta Theta Pi. The oldest organization of such secret type had existed only fourteen years. It had only two chapters. There were, then, no bulwarks of age, of strategic position, of recognized achievement, of family or community tradi­ tion, of social or financial prestige. It was an open field. In it Beta Theta Pi had an equal opportunity. Its champions fared forth bravely. Wherever, in the comparatively rare college migration of the time, a Beta went, he carried with him the ideals of his fraternity. W ith torch kindled at the altar of his faith, he lighted another flame. From O xford to Cincinnati, forty miles away; then across Ohio to the Western Reserve in the north and to Athens in the east; over the river to already famed Transylvania in Kentucky and to Jeffer­ son in Pennsylvania; then on to the ancient seats of learning at Harvard and at Princeton; or, facing westward toward the new country, to Indiana Asbury, at Greencastle, to Indiana, at Bloomington, up to Ann Arbor, in the woods of Michigan, and to Wabash, at Crawfordsville. So spread the influence of Beta Theta Pi, as it established twelve chapters of the Association within seven years. Before the tenth anniversary Williams and Centre and Brown had been added to the chapter roll. , . # Then came disaster. A darkness fell upon the fraternity through which, however, strong roots stretched downward into the earth. The failure of the movement east was of tremendous significance to. Beta Theta Pi. Har­ vard Princeton, Williams and Brown were lost. The men of the west were bitter because of the treachery of individuals and of groups which made of the east a graveyard of buried hopes. Eyes had been turned to Yale, and

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j

in his character and achievements, he might reflect some radiance from the divine glory, whether as student, as private citizen or professional man, as moral hero, as sage and thinker, as statesman and battler for freedom, as artist, or, perchance, as the discoverer of new f orces and new worlds. Whereever Beta Theta Pi, in slightest measure, has been able to awaken human souls to such a conception of life, there power has come to the fraternity.

W herever there has been the idea of following, afar off, the older fraternities on the campus and, perhaps, copying in cheap imitation their apparent ideals, their methods and their weaknesses, there we have trailed. Under such a plan we shall always trail. Wherever there has been, in advance of any effort, a feeling of hopelessness in the struggle, there success has never come. Whereever there has been a feeling of contentment and satisfaction, as though there were no need for struggle, there, too, we have failed to qualify for place.

Sometimes it has been hard to convince our members that leadership, in the last analysis, means keeping just ahead of the others and persuading them to follow. Sometimes we have failed in giving to our new members any notion at all of the real vision of Beta Theta Pi. But, with all the dis­ couragements and disappointments which have attended us through more than fourscore years, we have great reason today for pride in our chapters, east and west, and in our international chapter roll.

W e have been equally bold in our attitude toward new thought and new ideals in education. W e have never doubted the importance of education as a factor in preparing the future citizen for his personal and civic responsi­ bilities and opportunities. Inbred in us we have the realization that these responsibilities do not remain stationary; that they change with every decade; and that, therefore, our education is constantly under necessity of meeting new situations and of utilizing for this purpose the fresh resources which scientific progress places at its command.

W e had the courage to break down the barriers which once kept us within the classical colleges. For forty years, almost, every Beta was enrolled in the classical course. He knew his Greek and was familiar with the philosophy, the history, the poetry, the art, the civilization of ancient lands. But, with the advent of new notions, we did not hesitate, when we discovered attractive candidates who were not studying Latin and Greek, but in whom we saw possibilities of leadership, of opportunity for the further spread of the prin­ ciples and ideals of Beta Theta Pi. There is some charm associated with the restricted and the exclusive. A fraternity with ten chapters or with thirty may have a certain kind of strength. But to most Betas there always has been greater appeal made by the national American type of fraternity. W e may well be happy now that our builders adopted the methods which gave power to Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, and Sigma Chi, those other fraternities born in the Ohio valley, and organizations of like character, rather than the ones which stunted the growth o f Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi, Delta Phi, Alpha Delta Phi, and Psi Upsilon, and shut them out from the hearts of thousands of high-minded, generous-souled, warm-spirited American college boys. For us, always, the thought of the lines : I am tired of sailing my little bark F ar inside the harbor bar.

I want to be out where the great ships float, I want to be out where the great ones are.

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Lutheran, Christian, Unitarian, and Universalist. It early had the d i s c r i ­ mination to open its doors to the son and the grandson of the immigrant.

It has given its strong grip to boys from every race element of our cosmo­ politan population, the English, the Irish, the German, the French, the Italian, the Welsh, the Scotch and the ScotchTrish, the Scandinavian, the American Indian, and the Japanese. Protestant and Catholic, Gentile and Jew, they have seen the mystic letters of our fraternity and know their meaning. Boys from the small college and the large university, from the technical school and the agricultural college, have been linked by common bond in the brother­ hood of Beta Theta Pi. When we come together in annual convention we sing of the East, the West, and the Sunny South. The lad from Maine greets the one from California; the delegate from Minnesota, the one from Texas; the one from North Carolina, the one from Oregon. They meet. They mingle. They discover the same ideals, the same aspirations, the same loyal Americanism.

They sing the same songs. A day passes, and no one, from oberving with his eyes, is able to differentiate the representatives from Massachusetts and from Ohio as they discuss the joys of fraternity with the delegates from Georgia and from Colorado. It is a great, forceful, national fraternity— this of ours.

In the enlargement of its borders Beta Theta Pi followed exactly the same policy. It never came under the false spell of eastern educational superiority. It saw in the colleges and universities of the West the same high ideals, in faculty and student body, the same desire for learning, and in many instances far greater determination because of harder struggle and larger sacrifice. So it pressed forward, wherever a voice was heard calling to tell of a fruitful field for fraternal franchise, or to point to a band of eager, earnest young men, aspiring to be deemed worthy to wear its badge and bear its name. It made mistakes, now and then, in establishing chapters, but they were the mistakes inevitable in a new country where hopes sometimes fail of realization.

When years brought it reputation and recognized power in the West, its dominating idealism demanded that selected sons of the East be brought into its fellowship. There were a good many Betas who had not forgotten the bitterness of the earlier years of disappointment. Some of them with much earnestness tried to check the movement toward the Atlantic. How, they asked, can Beta Theta Pi gain any foothold in the East, where the con­ temporaries of 1839— then on equal ground— have had forty years of success­ ful life, and where other newer, strong fraternities are deeply rooted? In spite of this opposition, however, the occupation of eastern territory was attempted on exactly the same lines as were followed in the campaign in the West. No, the fraternity has not feared to cross mountain and stream to carry its name and its fame from sea to sea. It has not been afraid to enter the older colleges and universities of the East and challenge for supremacy organizations which have been greatly helped by age and tradition, by family and wealth, by social prestige and political influence. A t first little known, and without any socalled “ legacies,” it had hard work to make any headway.

In some colleges many of the freshman class each year were already virtually pledged before they came on the campus.

But Beta Theta Pi everywhere proclaimed the worth and the possibilities of the individual. It sought to inculcate in each of its initiates the notion that,

W ESTERN CH ARACTERISTICS

S3

look backward and forward. He is the heir of fourscore years of achieve­ ment of earnest men who, in friendship’s sweet bond, have worked fearlessly and faithfully for Beta Theta Pi. He has in his keeping for the hour what they have wrought. It is for him to determine whether he will transmit these inherited possessions for continued growth or for degeneration. A fter all, as history will see him, he forms but a link in a great chain. He is only a unit in the throng of followers of the standard of Beta Theta Pi, whose goal has always been the perfected ideal of the founders, the complete realiza­ tion of their youthful dreams under the trees of “ Old Miami.”

Our past has made us what we are. Our future is absolutely sure, if we are true to the memory of those who builded in golden days gone b y ; who have handed down to us a precious heritage of power; who bid us hear the call of opportunity; who speak to us out of the fourscore and two years since 1839, urging us to go forward. (Convention address, Estes Park, Colorado, September 6, 1921.)

W ESTERN CHARACTERISTICS IN BETA TH ETA PI A. J.

P

r ie s t ,

Idaho ’ 18

“ Beta Theta Pi,” says the Eleventh Edition of Baird’s Manual, “ was the first fraternity to originate west of the Alleghenies,” W ill you forgive an Idahoan for finding deep satisfaction in that phrase, “ first fraternity to originate west of the Alleghenies” ? For almost half a century we have been truly national in scope and strength and influence and many of our finest chapters have been developed on the Atlantic seaboard, but Western we were in the formative years and it seems to me that, as Betas, we have retained certain definitely Western characteristics.

Before going on to discuss the “Western-ness” of Beta Theta Pi, let me say that there are still a few residents of New England and even of New Y ork who have much to learn about the West, especially the point where that section begins. When I first came to New York City, I met several times in the lobby of the New Y ork Fraternity Clubs building a man whose face seemed strangely familiar and I finally said to him, “ Pardner ,^1 m sure we ve met before. Haven’t I seen you somewhere out W est?” “ Why, yes,” he replied, “ perhaps you have. I was brought up around B uffalo!

I killed him, of course. The crime, if it be a crime, has not yet been discovered.

People disappear so easily in New Y ork City. . . . . “ Incidentally, that word “ pardner” carries no “ t” west of the Mississippi River. There’s many an Idahoan who wouldn’t object at all to being called “ pard,” but if you referred to him as “ part” he’d be likely to shoot. I am happy to report that Mr. Hoover, having been reared in Oregon and Cali­ fornia, always says “ pardner.” “ Partner” may be Noah Webster’s English and the King’s, but it’s not the President’s. ij . ; But please come back with me to our Beta beginnings at Miami. Be as­ sured that Old Miami was still on the frontier, still an emphatically Western institution, when the founders first gathered together in John Reily K nox’s room You all are familiar with pictures of the Miami campus as it was in 1839 • its only features three or four small, unpretentious buildings, a white-

52

BETA LIFE And I am not content to abide W here only the ripples come and go.

I must mount the crest of the waves outside, Or, breathless, plunge into the trough below.

And if my little bark should prove too frail For the winds that sweep the wide sea o’er, Better go down in the ceaseless strife Than drowse to death by the sheltered shore.

It is well to think of these facts of our history as we undertake the im­ portant work of this Convention. Beta Theta Pi is one of those institutions which, with relatively little formality, is able to modify procedure. It never has been static; fixed for all time by organic law or by administrative au­ thority, but has ever been and still is the result of a dynamic process of growth and development. W e are not hampered by any traditional restraints.

Our supreme authority is the Convention. Each year this Convention is composed of an entirely new group of men. For the time being the welfare of the fraternity is placed in the hands of this constantly changing constitu­ ency. That plan provides the necessary flexibility and makes reforms pos­ sible.

W e have a Code, it is true. But the Laws may be altered with ease, and the Constitution is in such fundamental and general terms that we take great pride in the fact that it has not been found desirable to change any of its language since 1897. Back of the Code there is tradition, after all, but a helpful one, and this, without hindering us in the least, suggests that caution in deliberation and that wisdom in legislation which have kept us moving steadily forward with the passing years, always in the fore front, often pioneers, but never proclaiming our advance by any methods except those of dignity and evident thoughtfulness in decision. It is a great privi­ lege and a high honor to be a member of a Beta Theta Pi Convention. Alumni like to recall the fact of such membership when they meet with their brothers in reunion. The joys of friendship are found here in large measure. There will be warm attachments made at Estes Park which will last as long as life itself. There will be a broadening of vision on the part of each delegate which will change his whole conception of his fraternity, his country, the problems of American life. He will go back home a new man, with his hori­ zon vastly enlarged. Such awakenings and transformations of youth are annual occurrences in the Convention of Beta Theta Pi. But there is something more important, more sacred than that, which gives to the convention delegate almost a holy calling. For the time being he is a part of the construction force of Beta Theta Pi. He has a chance to help in the “ building up.” He enters the inner courts of the temple, catches a glimpse of the sacred treasures, kneels before the eternal fire. If he has seen the vision he knows he is a custodian of priceless things handed down by the fathers. If he rightly appreciates the opportunity, he will not prove re­ creant to duty, but through helpful service as delegate he will seek to add something to the strength, the durability, and the beauty of the structure of Beta Theta Pi, An old tradition relates that God made the first man with two faces, one looking forward and the other backward. He was to have the benefit of all that the universe had provided in the past; he was to have opportunity to share all that the future held out before him. The convention delegate must

W ESTERN CH ARACTERISTICS

55

washed rail fence and those graceful elms which Lue Lozier’s song has made us remember. I am sure that even the youngest and least developed of modern-day Southern or far-Western colleges boasts a far more adequate physical plant than that possessed by Miami in the days when Pater Knox was an undergraduate.

V ery real pioneers in the field of higher education had been responsible for the founding of Miami in 1809 and the passing of thirty years had not de­ prived the institution of its distinctly frontier character. Its student body was drawn almost exclusively from the South and W est and although its small faculty undoubtedly insisted upon earnest devotion to the classics, there must have been about the place an atmosphere of youthful and exuberant vitality perhaps not to have been found at older seats of learning.

It is interesting to note that our eight founders all came from English, Scottish, or Irish ancestry and that they all were born and reared either in the W est or in the South. They lived at a time when the nation itself was in its lusty young manhood and it was quite to be expected that they should have possessed and transmitted to their fraternity certain characteristics which, I like to believe, are rather distinctively those of the pioneer and of the American West.

Please think with me for a few moments about these qualities which the W est inspired and which the founders and those who followed after them brought to Beta Theta Pi. First of all, there is that quality of naive selfconfidence and pride in one’s own which at times seems effrontery and which at other times amounts almost to a sense of destiny.

For effrontery, I can give you no better example than that of an unregenerate Idahoan venturing to tell Eastern Betas about the Western-ness of their fraternity.

For pride in one’s own, I think the classic example is that of the Seattle resident who was spending a few hours in the neighboring city of Tacoma.

He insisted upon extolling the glories of Seattle to a Tacoma friend and the Tacoman, finally become bored, exclaimed, “ Act your age! I was in Seattle yesterday afternoon.” “ Ah, yes,” was the reply, “but you should have seen Seattle this morning!”

For a sense of destiny, let us consider John Reily K nox and his associates, who founded at an obscure Western college what they then intended was to become a great national fraternity. Perhaps it is true that they builded better than they knew and perhaps it is also true that other hands gave sub­ stance to their dream, but I am always amazed when I think of the serene, quiet confidence with which they launched their venture. Only young men, young men who found life good and wholesome and zestful, could have had such faith in what the future might bring.

Again, the founders knew and, all the evidence seems to indicate, greatly enjoyed that hearty, robust, occasionally vulgar but never decadent, type of humor which has always been characteristic of the American West. It is largely the humor of gross exaggeration or of gross understatement. W e have it in the far W est even today. For instance, I have heard an Idahoan declare that if all the perfect potatoes grown annually in Idaho were one potato, it would take one thousand men one hundred weeks to peel it and that the peeling would encircle the globe seven and one-quarter times; that if all the sheep in Idaho were one sheep, its all-pervasive bleating would

A

W ESTER N

CH APTER.

OREGON

IN

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W ESTERN CH ARACTERISTICS

57

think one of the most thrilling sentences in all Beta literature is to be found in a letter penned in the spring of 1841 by Charles Henry Hardin to Pater Knox. He wrote, “ Bless the star that rose when I became a Beta, for it was the happiest moment of my life. The bond of — and — is the most admir­ able association ever thought of by man.” That earnest young Beta who here gave unabashed expression to the feeling that was in his heart was afterwards to become governor of Missouri.

Founder Hardin seems to have been purposeful and conscientious and intensely loyal to the finest ideals even in his college days. Characteristic of the man and of the encouragement he received from his family is this quotation from a letter written him by his uncle, Dr. Jewell: “ Henry, the emphatic question is, are you studying hard? Are you striving with almost agonizing efforts to lay deep and broad the foundation for future respecta­ bility and usefulness? The substance of the matter, the whole matter, is, that it becomes you, having the fires of an honorable ambition burning in your bosom, the love of country, of usefulness, of distinction, as also of filial piety (which will admonish you that you owe a debt you can scarcely hope ever to be able adequately to pay) to incite you in your onward course in virtue and knowledge to strain every nerve, to be untiring in every proper endeavor to preeminently qualify you for the early assumption of the active duties of life.” I think I have never read a more earnest, more forthright appeal to a young man’s noblest attributes.

Those of you who know the history of the fraternity realize how much that quality of intense earnestness has meant to Beta Theta Pi. The great builders of our formative years possessed that characteristic, and I am quite sure that even in this day of Henry L. Mencken, Sinclair Lewis, and their like, Beta leaders will acknowledge that there is no trace of cynicism or even of skepticism in their devotion to Beta Theta Pi. Y et another characteristic which the West inspires and which I am sure all of the founders possessed is very definite reverence for personality. The Reverend Harry Emerson Fosdick says that reverence for personality is the innermost core of Christianity and it seems to me equally true that a sense of measureless worth and the intrinsic dignity of the individual lies at the heart of any proper concept of what a college fraternity should be. A fter having lived three years in New Y ork City, I am convinced that respect for personality cannot easily be developed amid the hardening, callousing, coldly impersonal contacts of city life. You will perhaps smile at a reference to the great open spaces, but human life does seem to have more significance out there and although we may not be able to say truthfully that in the West all men are men, at least in the W est all men are individuals.

The man in the street out there, the farm hand, the cowboy, the day laborer, the miner, the railroad brakeman, the machinist, is likely to come from just as good a family as your own. H e’ll look you squarely in the eye as he grasps your hand; and if you call him “ Jack,” he is quite certain to re­ spond by calling you “ Bill.” Furthermore, his children attend the same schools that your children do and, when they enter the university, they may belong to the same college fraternity.

The fine Beta who was my roommate through four college years is the son of a Norwegian immigrant. He was an honor man both at Idaho and in medical school, and is now considered one of the ablest young surgeons in

56

BETA LIFE

arouse sleepers upon distant M ars; that if all the white pines in Idaho were one pine, its roots would shatter the Great Wall of China and its topmost boughs would brush small stars from out the Milky W ay; and that, finally, if all the pure-bred hogs in Idaho were one hog, it could dig the Panama Canal in three roots.

The same type of humor is found in the story of that unfortunate ribbon clerk who was sent out from the city of Spokane to fight forest fires in Idaho last summer. Those of you who have been in the Pacific Northwest know how terrifying and awe-inspiring what is called a “ crown-fire” can be. It rips through the tops of the trees at twenty-five and thirty miles an hour and is the sort of spectacle to bring trepidation even to the stoutest heart. This Spokane boy came face-to-face with a crown fire one afternoon, started running very rapidly, hurried into camp, got his belongings together and kept right on running. The camp clerk saw Jim Horton, foreman of the fire­ fighting crew, the next day and inquired: “ Jim, that Spokane feller, was he runnin’ when he left the fire?” “ No,” Jim replied, “ you couldn’t exactly call it runnin’. He was just puttin’ one foot down once in a while to steer with.”

The founders apparently enjoyed that same species of humor. For in­ stance, it is said in Beta Lore, President Shepardson’s magnificent repository of sentiment, song and story in Beta Theta Pi (from which virtually all of my information regarding the founders has been taken) that David Linton joked much about a certain red-haired girl Pater Knox loved and used to say that if he ever had a red-haired child he would kill it. Fate brought him two such children and he seems to have been especially devoted to them.

Y ou will remember that Founder Linton was a Quaker and that he was often referred to by his associates as “ the laughing philosopher.” It is remarked of him that in conversation he seldom offered contradiction or demurrer, but listened and, when he did not agree, literally laughed his opponent out of court.

Michael Clarkson Ryan was another founder who had the gift of humor.

On March 27, 1841, he wrote to Pater K n o x : “ Business is very brisk in town now. You might stand on the public square any hour in the day and you could not see a single wagon.” It was Samuel Taylor Marshall who said of Ryan, “ Mike was a splendid fellow, whole-souled and all heart. He had more heart than half a dozen boys ought to have.”

The claim has been made that Paul Bunyan, who built the Rocky Moun­ tains, dug the Grand Canyon, dredged out Puget Sound and the Great Lakes and who possessed a blue ox measuring forty-two axe handles and a plug of tobacco between the eyes, was a member of the Idaho chapter, but, un­ fortunately, the 1917 catalogue does not bear out this contention. Need I say that I should regret to see this species of humor, the humor of our found­ ers— wholesome, Gargantuan, imaginative humor— pass out of Beta Theta Pi? I cannot refrain from believing that it has more virtue than the de­ cadent, sex-inspired wit which fills many of our modern-day college pub­ lications.

Another characteristic which the founders possessed and which I think may be considered in some degree Western, is definite and unqualified courage of the emotions, a readiness and willingness to speak from the heart, to express unashamed deep feelings of pride or happiness or of affection. I

SEVEN TY-FIV E YEAR S OF BETA LIFE

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of American college fraternities that a fraternity had been founded with the avowed intention of becoming a national organization.

The statement was not true. In recent times Sigma Phi Epsilon was organized with the express purpose of becoming a national organization, and so was Sigma P i ; in earlier days Delta Psi was organized not only for the purpose of becoming a national organization, but its first two chapters were established simultaneously. Alpha Sigma Chi, now inactive, was or-

W IL L IA M R A IM O N D B A IR D

ganized in a similar manner in 1874. But so far as I know, Beta Theta Pi was the only one of the older group of fraternities organized with this avowed intention.

I had the good f ortune to become well acquainted with John Reily Knox while he was a trustee of the fraternity and while its conventions were held at Wooglin. While his memory of the circumstances surrounding the founda­ tion of the fraternity was not as clear as it might have been, because he disagreed in his remembrances of circumstances with statements made con-

58

BETA LIFE

Chicago. He might have fought through to his M.D. degree had his family remained in New Y ork City, but the odds would have been terribly against him. Yes, personality counts out there and I am sure that it counted ninety years ago in southern Ohio.

I believe that we still respect personality in Beta Theta P i ; I believe that we still find room in our chapters for the unusual, colorful undergraduate, for the “ freshman who is different.” Perhaps a certain few Beta chapters insist that all freshmen part their hair and do their thinking in exact conformity with precedent, but that attitude certainly has not been the rule in this fraternity.

The Owen D. Youngs and the Dwight Morrows and the Lowdens and the Shepardsons and Borahs and the Van Devanters who wear the Beta badge afford conclusive evidence that personality has not been neglected in other years and I am sure that our chapters will continue to select their numbers so wisely that Beta Theta Pi will always be able to present a long roll of illustrious sons.

And now, finally, the early West gave to Beta Theta Pi a pioneering spirit which has always been a dominating influence in the development of this fraternity.

Individual wearers of our badge long have known those rich and lasting satisfactions which come to men who blaze new pathways. Some of them went with the Forty-Niners, others traveled the covered wagon trail that led to Oregon, and still others, perhaps creative workers in an electrical labora­ tory, perhaps leaders in the difficult field of international relations, continue even in these latter days selflessly to strive for the sake of those who shall follow after them.

And Beta Theta Pi itself has also pioneered. W e were, you will remem­ ber, the first fraternity to publish a magazine, the first fraternity to print a collection of songs, the first fraternity to make public its constitution. We have, indeed, marched always in the van, and, faithful to our traditions, I am sure that we shall always seek new spiritual frontiers, shall always hear that whisper which comes only to the pioneer: Something hidden. Go and find it.

Something’ lost behind the ranges ; Lost and waiting for you. Go.

(A n address delivered at the annual dinner of the Schenectady, New York, Beta Club, April 20, 1929.)

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF BETA LIFE W

il l ia m

R

a im o n d

B

a ir d

There was a fraternity organized at the University of California during the year 1913-1914 upon the basis of a previously existing association which did not have a Greek-letter name. The intention in organizing it, it was announced, was to charter other chapters at different colleges for the pur­ pose of building up a national fraternity. It met the approval of the col­ lege officials in the university and some of them attended its initial banquet.

It was somewhat widely stated that this was the first time in the history

SEVEN TY-FIVE YE A R S OF BETA LIFE

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ternities had from seven to fifteen chapters each, all struggling for a place and most of them as yet lacking in adequate means of administration and support. With a seven years’ start, Alpha Delta Phi had a vastly superior chapter roll of twenty chapters, a much more compact and homogeneous membership and, I suppose in justice to it we ought to say, a better reputa­ tion among college m en; but, on this point, I am a little bit in doubt, because, twenty years later, when I first came into contact with Beta Theta Pi, I found its reputation was to be envied.

The decade from 1859 to 1869 was one to which we can scarcely point with pride. The agitation and unrest throughout the country during the years immediately preceding the Civil W ar affected the colleges, as it 1 everything else, and the fraternity suffered accordingly. A t the outbreak ot the war it had chapters at Miami, Western Reserve, Ohio, Jefferson, DePauw, Indiana, Michigan, Wabash, Centre, Hampden-Sidney, North Carolina, Ohio Wesleyan, Hanover, Cumberland, Washington (Pennsylvania), Knox, V ir­ ginia, Washington (Virginia), Illinois College, South Carolina, Davidson, Oglethorpe, and Bethany, twenty-three in all, and each was in good condition considered from the then prevailing standard of success, except the chapter at North Carolina. When the war broke out the chapters at Centre, Hampden-Sidney, North Carolina, Cumberland, Virginia, Washington (Virginia), 1 South Carolina, Davidson, and Oglethorpe ceased to exist; those at Western Reserve, Jefferson, Ohio, Indiana,, Wabash, Hanover and Bethany were crippled, and the fraternity was seriously weakened, there being left to it practically only seven chapters in normal condition. But the boys of that time did not lose their courage. They did not falter for a moment, but with the philosophic optimism of youth, went on with the organization which they had, and kept up their correspondence and conducted their boyish affairs as they had always done. During the period from 1861 to 1865 while the war lasted, chapters were established at Beloit and the United States Naval Acad l em y; the former lived two years and the latter almost two months.

In 1865 the Michigan chapter, the strongest in point of numbers, deserted the fraternity and at the opening of the college year, 1865-66, the only chap­ ters in existence were those at Miami, Western Reserve, Jefferson, Ohio W es­ leyan, Ohio, Wabash, Knox, Indiana, and Illinois, nine in all; and the chapters at Illinois and Miami were not strong.

From 1865 to 1869, chapters were established at Monmouth, University of Iowa, Wittenberg, Westminster, Iowa Wesleyan, the old University of Chi­ cago, Denison, the Virginia Military Institute and Washington University (St. Louis), and the chapters at Washington College, Virginia (which had been re-christened Washington and Lee University), the University of Virginia, Cumberland, Davidson, Hampden-Sidney, were re-established.

But the Western Reserve chapter deserted, and the Davidson and Illinois chapters became inactive, so that at the opening of the college year 1869-70 there were twenty-two chapters, and the fraternity was numerically weaker as to chapters than it had been in 1859. It was also located in colleges of lesser reputation and smaller attendance and but for the indomitable spirit of some of its members it might have descended to a second rate position.

But during these dark days, the reputation of the fraternity as an organization of earnest young men of high character and worth stood it in good stead.

The Beta badge in the territory where it yet remained was an emblem to con-

6o

BETA LIFE

cerning such circumstances at or near the time when they occurred, yet his memory was clear and abundantly substantiated concerning two purposes or objects of the association existing from the beginning.

One was that the association and its members should be as close as ties of relationship and religion and diversity of upbringing and environment would permit; and the second was that the association should establish chapters not only in every good college in the United States but also at centers of population affording a supply of cultured, educated young men.

Indeed, the first outside chapter was established in Cincinnati without being connected with any college. Its members were drawn from Kenyon, Miami, Ohio University, and Woodward College, and it was intended to perpetuate it by the accession of young men suitably intellectually equipped.

Although the progress of the fraternity has been halting and intermittent and although it suffered the vicissitudes of war and the treachery of some of its members in the earlier days, yet the impetus and energy imparted to it by John Reily K nox and his associates, based as this energy was upon true friendship, enabled it to survive the shock of the Civil W ar and the mortification of treachery and desertion and to grow into the splendid envied association of today pre-eminent in the college world.

I was requested twenty-five years ago to address this association and outline its history and achievements up to that time. My reply to that re­ quest was in effect a refusal because I said then that I believed that the history and achievements of this fraternity were in the future^ and not in the past; that I believed it was on the eve of an era of expansion and im­ provement which would so far cast into the shade what had theretofore been accomplished that the accomplishments of previous years would scarcely be worth talking about. The then officers of the fraternity politely accepted my refusal to address it and just as politely refused to accept my prediction which has come true in the meantime.

During the first twenty years of its existence, this fraternity had no government worthy of the name, no literature except one meager catalogue, no means of communication between the chapters except^ infrequent letters, no administrative system, and I might add no information about itself or any similar organization. Its efforts at its infrequent conventions were di­ rected towards rearranging the nomenclature of its chapter roll and altering its organic law in order to meet ever changing conditions about which its information was meager and insufficient. It was a boys’ organization run by boys in a boyish way with all the enthusiasm and energy of youth but with all the immaturity of judgment and assurance which belong to that period of life If it had not been for the fact that the fraternity was based upon a principle of associated friendship, as sound as any principle m ethics and that such principle had been consciously or unconsciously adhered to— it would undoubtedly have gone down as other associations have gone down without the guidance of such a rule of conduct. . 1 , During the period from 1839 to 1859, the fraternity had no money and no treasury. Probably it would not have known what_ to have done with money. It was also not the first of the college fraternities m rank or im­ portance in the estimate of the general public. It had m 1 59 wen y chapters, three of which were possibly inactive. Delta Kappa Epsilon had thirty chapters, four or five of which were then weak, while the other fra-

SEVEN TY-FIVE YE A R S OF BETA LIFE

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they had each devised this simple and efficient means of promoting their efficiency.

A fourth advance made by the fraternity during this decade was the re­ moval from its constitution of all exoteric features, and the publication of the organic law to everybody interested in knowing what it might be. Down to that time, all of the American college fraternities except Delta Upsilon, which from the date of its foundation until 1882 had been an avowedly nonsecret society, had kept their constitutions secret. W e believe that this was principally because in each constitution the Greek or secret name of the fra­ ternity was embodied and it was not deemed desirable that such name should be disclosed.

Prior to 1861, there was the most curious notion prevalent among the members of the college fraternities— it might almost be called a superstition — to the effect that if the secret name of a fraternity was disclosed, such fraternity would from that reason alone, immediately cease to exist. It is curious beyond measure to read intimations of this belief in the old letters passing between our chapters and sometimes between our chapters and those of other fraternities concerning a common rival. The result of this belief or superstition was that strenuous efforts were made from time to time by different fraternities to possess themselves of the constitutions of their rivals in order that they might disclose such secret names, so that in effect the secret names and mottoes of most of the fraternities became common property and yet the expected fraternity cataclysm did not materialize. Nevertheless, enough of this sentiment remained, to create an opposition in Beta Theta Pi to the suggestion that its constitution should be published, but common sense finally prevailed and the constitution was published and has since been open to everybody.

To summarize, down to 1869 or during the first thirty years of the fra­ ternity’s existence, its energies had been devoted almost entirely to extending its ranks without any particular study of the field available for that purpose, and without any particular wisdom being shown in occupying such field, while the energies of the fraternity during the decade from 1869 to 1879 had been devoted chiefly to originating, perfecting, and putting into operation the im­ provements in administrative features just mentioned.

The extension of the fraternity had not been neglected during the decade from 1869 to 1879 and several movements for chapters during this period were of value and have resulted in the establishment of chapters which have been an honor to the fraternity, but on the whole, the extension during this period was not wisely conducted and did not result in the establishment of chapters at places where it was to the permanent benefit of the fraternity to maintain them. This is in somewhat marked contrast to the wisdom ex­ hibited since that time in establishing chapters, because no chapter established since 1879 is now inactive, and the few which have not fulfilled in toto the promises of success made at the time of their establishment have not failed but merely have not progressed quite as rapidly as the others.

The period from 1879 to 1889 marked an almost revolutionary advance in the condition of the fraternity. A new system of government was in­ augurated in the fall of 1879 an^ provided for administration of the fraternity through trustees or directors, a form of organization and government usual to corporations. The fraternity was wise enough, however, to retain the gen-

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jure with and to become a Beta rather than to become a member of another Greek-letter society was the ambition of many fine fellows going to college.

It will be noticed perhaps that I have heretofore dwelt largely upon the size of the chapter roll and the location of the chapters of the fraternity as the criterion of its success and position. There was no other. It was still a college secret society, an association of lodges, governed by college boys, re­ garded by all but a few enthusiasts as merely a boyish organization. It practi­ cally had no ritual. Its system of government was yet a boyish one. It was not intelligently expanded or contracted and its affairs were not efficiently administered. The chapters seemed to have devoted their efforts to boyish pranks, to the acquisition of members, and to a desultory correspondence.

During the period from 1869 to 1879, several features of fraternity ad­ ministration were adopted which mark a considerable advance in fraternity efficiency, and in which the fraternity was the pioneer. The first and most important of these was the election of two general officers, a general secretary and a general treasurer, the former to be the chief administrative officer of the fraternity and the latter to have charge of its funds. So far as I know, this fraternity was the first to provide a real executive to administer its affairs.

The second of these was the institution and publication of a fraternity journal, the work of Charles Duy W alker of the Virginia Military Institute chapter. Originally the journal was intended to supplant the system of cor­ respondence then obtaining between the chapters and to lessen the work of the general secretary in his administration of the affairs of the fraternity, and particularly to lessen the amount of correspondence which he was then obliged to carry on. Singular to say, the first two or three volumes of the magazine contained very few chapter letters and scarcely any communications from the general secretary, but its usefulness was found to reside in other fields, particularly in exposition of the government of the fraternity, the principles upon which the conduct of its members was supposed to be based, and information concerning other similar organizations. The journal was called the Beta Theta Pi, without adding to it any descriptive word, such as “ magazine,” “ journal,” “ quarterly,” “ monthly,” or the like, and this method of naming the fraternity periodical has been copied by a number of the fra­ ternities.

This was the first periodical of the kind issued by any college fraternity.

A fter it had become firmly established and the fraternity had received a cer­ tain measure of reputation by reason of its primary institution of this feature of fraternity administration, other fraternities dug out from their records ephemeral publications not of the same general character, but bearing fra­ ternity names and antedating Beta Theta Pi, and have endeavored to claim for themselves the reputation due to this fraternity.

A third'feature of administration referred to is the scheme of dividing the fraternity into districts for purposes of administration, and providing an executive head for each district, namely an assistant to the general_ secretary, whose designation promptly and naturally became that of district chief.

This scheme was entirely unauthorized by any kind of legis ation and simply grew naturally out of the exigencies of the situation. Indeed, it was such a natural development of administrative efficiency due to the increase m the number of the chapters, that the fraternity at large never even thought of claiming the credit for it, until several other fraternities began to boast that

SEVEN TY-FIVE YEAR S OF BETA LIFE

65

During this period chapters were established at Syracuse, Dartmouth, Minne­ sota, Cincinnati, Missouri, Lehigh, Yale, and Leland Stanford, and the in­ active chapters at Kenyon and Rutgers were re-established. Very many appli­ cations for charters were rej ected. The system of government was improved and made more efficient, an impartial scheme of taxation providing an ade­ quate revenue for the use of the fraternity was placed in operation and the annual reports of the chapters theretofore sent in a desultory, inefficient manner to the alumni, when sent at all, were gathered together as a confi­ dential number of the magazine, properly edited and printed, and sent to all of the alumni.

The chief advance made by the fraternity during this decade, however, was an intangible improvement in the quality of the undergraduate member­ ship. The rise of athleticism among the colleges promoted intercollegiate in­ tercourse and made the chapters better acquainted. They criticized each other’s standards of membership and improved in every direction. The fra­ ternity, too, was no longer a boyish organization. It had come under the control of earnest, active, enthusiastic, competent men who saw the good it was capable of doing and who' gave freely of their time, money and service to preserve and promote such results. Men high in position and power, the justices of the supreme court, the governors of states, senators, and college presidents, became proud of their membership in the fraternity and by their influence and position increased its prestige and power.

The time from 1899 to the present has marked a quiet advance; chap­ ters have been established at strategic points; the administration has become efficient; chapter houses have been built and rebuilt; publications have been issued as occasion required; and the fraternity has won for itself an enviable place in the college world.

What, then, has the fraternity accomplished during its seventy-five years of life outside of the perpetuation in a marked way of the principle of friend­ ship among associated men of intellectual achievement?

In the first place, to look at the matter from a collegiate standpoint, the fraternity has established seventy-five existing prosperous chapters in prac­ tically the leading institutions in the United States and Canada, drawing to its ranks in those colleges a fair proportion of the brightest intellects and most striking personalities and potentially successful men among the students, in each chapter welding such men into a continuous body of competent, patriotic, well-educated, well-intending citizens. That of itself may be said to be an achievement worth all of the effort which it has cost on the part of the men not now in college.. But it is a form of achievement which the fraternity nec­ essarily shares with its chief rivals.

Wherein have we succeeded and achieved where others have not succeeded and have not achieved ?

On the material side we have placed all but four of our chapters in houses, developing among them a sane, wholesome community life, controlling their boyish enthusiasms by their regard, both individually and collectively, for the reputation of the fraternity which has been entrusted to them, and learn­ ing under conditions of such intimate contact, lessons of self-control, unselfish­ ness and the ability to do team work at the sacrifice of individual preference; a spirit which cannot be developed under any other circumstances or in any other way.

64

BETA LIFE

eral secretary as its chief administrative officer, and to keep the other features of administration which had proven successful in practice.

During this period an adequate catalogue was published for the first time, giving the brief essential biographical details of each member, a songbook worthy of the fraternity was issued, and an attempt was made by the fra­ ternity to institute a Panhellenic conference similar to the one now in existence (and which was not brought into activity until many years afterwards) but the particular material advance made by the fraternity was its conversion from a sectional fraternity, confining itself practically to the central western states and a small area in the south, into a real national organization. This was accomplished by the absorption of the existing chapters of an eastern society called Alpha Sigma Chi, the last chapters of two fraternities at Missis­ sippi and Brown, and the rapid extension of the fraternity into certain eastern colleges, such as Columbia, Colgate, Union, Amherst, Syracuse, Dartmouth, Pennsylvania State, and the establishment of strong southern chapters at Vanderbilt and Texas. It was the first of the so-called western fraternities to enter the colleges of New England and the middle states and develop any strength in those localities, and it reaped its reward in that it secured a posi­ tion in those regions of the country of power and influence far in advance in point of time of other fraternities of western origin and far in advance in point of achievement of any fraternities of any origin.

This decade also witnessed the beginning of the establishment of chapter houses. The credit for instituting the scheme of a chapter house in which members of a college fraternity chapter should live a united life as a family, as far as I have been able to learn, belongs to Kappa Alpha, to which fra­ ternity is due, as you well know, the credit of the origin of the modern fra­ ternity system. In respect to this feature of fraternity life, which has come to be so extremely important and has had consequences much more far-reach­ ing than those who originated it ever conceived, the honor of originating this plan of living has been claimed by other organizations. Chi Psi at the Uni­ versity of Michigan in the late forties took possession of a shanty or cabin in the outskirts of Ann Arbor and Delta Kappa Epsilon a little later occupied a somewhat similar structure in the neighborhood of Gambier, Ohio, where its Kenyon chapter was located, but these were in no sense chapter houses.

They were merely meeting places, conveniently obscured from general view, were not intended to be used as residences and had none of the attributes or conveniences of a dwelling except four walls and a roof and the latter ele­ ment, we believe, became lacking in the house or cabin of Delta Kappa H.pIt was in 1883 that the Amherst chapter provided the fir st_ chapter house in the fraternity. So far as I have been able to learn, at that time there were but thirty-four such houses owned or rented by the fraternities. Three loca societies had houses. Alpha Delta Phi, Delta Kappa Epsilon, and Psi Upsilon each had five, Chi Psi, Delta Psi, Sigma Phi, and Zeta Psi each three, and Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Alpha, and Phi Kappa Psi each one The fraternity was slow to enter upon this phase of college and fraternity existence but as I will show later, as soon as its advantages were realized, it became foremost in securing for its chapters a proper position m this reSpe<The decade from 1889 to 1899 was marked by an intense conservatism.

A BACKW ARD GLANCE

67

attendance. These principles have been slowly finding acceptance among I other college fraternities, but this one was the leader and pioneer in that attitude and has reaped its reward richly in the unrivalled position which it now occupies among similar organizations, and of which it is frequently said by members of college faculties that it is truly and in every sense primus inter I pares.

The fraternity has been rarely fortunate in one respect. It has never been cursed with the evil of internal politics. Its affairs have been managed by high minded men who have won the admiration, respect, and thorough con­ fidence of the undergraduates and alumni members, and although at its con­ ventions the forms of elections have been gone through with, it is a notable fact upon which the fraternity is to be sincerely congratulated, that, with one or two minor exceptions, offices in Beta Theta Pi have always sought the man, I and not the man the offices.

No man can spend his undergraduate life in a Beta chapter and after leav­ ing college continue even the faintest relation with his fraternity without being a better scholar and a better citizen by reason of such contact. And when we reflect that these ennobling, molding influences are being quietly and persistingly exerted in seventy-five colleges and among hundreds of picked young men, can we not justly say that what Beta Theta Pi has achieved in seventyfive years has been well worth while ?

A BACKWARD GLANCE TO 1872 R

ev.

E dward

J.

B rown,

D.D.

About December 12, 1922, I received from Francis W . Shepardson, the honored president of the fraternity, who also is editor of our magazine, a summary demand for an article. He proceeded to specify somewhat along what lines the article was to run. It was to be on “ F ifty Years A fter.” Then he proceeded to give me a text which he revealed had newly been given him in old Gotham, which is New York, by former president and former editor Willis O. Robb. Now a president is to be taken seriously. What else do we have him for? I felt like seizing my pen and going to work at once, exactly as he asked.

But somehow I was “ sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought.” “ Fifty Years A fter,” I thought. But it was evident it was not the present state of Beta Theta Pi that he wanted me to deal with. He himself knew far more about that than I do. He wanted me to write of the General Convention of 1872 and the decade following. So the subject should be “ F ifty Years A go,” it seemed to me.

Then the te x t! I was suspicious of the text. I feared it was not just authoritative and correct. Now my old Presbyterian training and ways make me very jealous about my text. I might go far enough astray, if I started with an authoritative and correct text. What disaster might not befall if my text were wrong? If my text were good, my hearers, or readers, would always have something good even if the discourse were little worth. I wrote to the president these difficulties of the situation. The response was: “ Write the article according to your own ideas. You helped to make the history.”

I

I

66

BETA LIFE

O f these houses, fifty-four are owned by the chapters or by associations of their alumni and the value of their holdings as real estate exceeds one milion of dollars and their furnishings exceed one quarter of a million dollars, all representing hundreds of thousands of petty sacrifices of comfort and con足 venience and representing a loyalty finding its expression in this financial way which everyone can understand. To accumulate these properties it has taken the savings of ministers, lawyers and doctors, accumulated dollar by dollar, each gift being made with an appreciation of the good that it was doing and would do and the benefit resulting being multiplied to the use of many on-com足 ing college generations. .

W e have prepared for the use of the fraternity an absolutely unrivalled set of publications giving to outsiders full details of our fraternity and its organization. Our catalogue is accurate, and while no catalogue of a shifting American population is ever up to date, it is as nearly perfect and complete as painstaking care and unremitting labor can make it. _W e have m Betas of Achievement an inspiring list of our successful men in every walk m life.

W e have an admirable code of laws and rules. The Handbook gives our his足 tory in brief. Our Song Book is the envy of our rivals and our magazine keeps all who desire to know informed concerning our condition and progress.

No other fraternity has anything like such a complete set of publications.

In addition, the slip-shod business methods prevalent among college men of the antebellum period and continuing into the late eighties have given way to business-like methods and promptitude of action which men of my age, conversant with the conditions theretofore obtaining, believed to be impossible although they were considered to be worth striving for. Our general treas足 urer reports that the chapters pay their dues promptly as contrasted with not paying them at all or only after protracted delays only twenty years ago.

Our magazine management reports our chapters complying with all sorts of requests for information by return mail, fully and intelligently complying with such requests in a way that is little short of astounding to the man who . dealt with college boys thirty years a g o . ...................

In addition, the fraternity man whose chief aim m life was to wear fashio able clothes, call frequently upon the girls, attend as many dancing parties as possible, get on the edge of athletics, and terminate his time in college: w:th a deeree representing the least possible effort to secure it, has practically disa ^ a r e d from onr r L k s and his place has been taken by the all-roundcollege man who engages sanely in college activities, belongs to debating clubs 1 dulges in athletic sports, appears in an occasional drama and helps conduct h college papers, while at the same time almost m the majority of cases, securi g the coveted key of Phi Beta Kappa or its equivalent.

The fraternity has secured a position of dignity and power which has won the respect, admiration, and cordial co-operation of the executive officers of the different colleges. As long ago as 1879, Beta Theta Pi announced as principle that it would co-operate with college olw ? i n Hitions as to scholarship or otherwise of its members or of the colleges w hkh they were located. It announced also as a principle that everywhere and always Betas were to be loyal to their college first and to their fraternity secondarily that they were to keep out of political combinations among the students even to their own detriment and were to do everything and anything to improve the condition and prospects of the colleges at which they were

I I

A BACKW ARD GLANCE

69

Without this, the Convention and its acts will not have the proper perspective.

They might be visualized as they developed and still not be truly interpreted.

It was a time of primitive and loose organization and administration in I Beta Theta Pi. There was very little of central governmental authority.

Pretty much as in the days of the judges in Israel, every man did as was right in his own eyes. If one found a new institution of learning somewhere that passed for a college, and was so minded, he forthwith instituted a chapter of Beta Theta Pi and went his way to other achievement.

It was the primitive era of the presiding chapter. A group of under­ graduate college boys— but only boys after all— held what control and ad-g ministration there were in the wide-spread fraternity. It is difficult, perhaps impossible, for the present generation of Betas to realize how imperfect and inefficient was the central administration for a body that extended, say, from | Virginia to Michigan. It was sure to breed uncertainty, weakness, and dis­ satisfaction. For example, how should a group of boys in Virginia know anything adequately of the character and work of another group in Iowa?

How should a group of boys in Ohio know enough about an institution of learning in Missouri to pronounce it eligible for a chapter of Beta Theta Pi? When the Richmond Convention assembled in 1872 there was growing in the hearts of true and loyal Betas a good deal of doubt and fear about this whole thing. Y et they did not then know of anything better to take its place.

Those were revival, reconstruction days in our country and among our chapters. Here, too, it is hard for the present generation of Betas to realize what that meant. It was only seven years after the close of the terrific Civil ; W ar, the chief scene of which was there in Virginia where the tide of bloody conflict rolled down and back and down again between Washington, D .C , and historic Richmond. It was an August day in that year 1872 when our band of Beta pilgrims held its way on to Richmond. Through the lapse of fifty years the recollection is distinct and vivid within me of that journey. It was my first sight of the Old Dominion, historic Virginia. I thought I could see, all the way, the marks of the desolation of war. Seven years had not healed the wounds nor smoothed the material furrows plowed by battle and all the tumult of mighty armies. Well, our Beta chapters had been shaken and broken by the awful war. The young manhood of our fraternity was poured out of chapter rooms and college halls into the ranks of soldiers and flung upon the field of battle, where sometimes, Greek met Greek though both were brothers in Beta Theta Pi. I can’t go into detail on the depletion and ruin of chapters. I could not now do it, if I would. That would require a detail study of the records and traditions of each chapter. In my own chapter at Hanover I think every boy went into the army and left the chapter for a time only a sweet memory. By and by some of the boys came back and re-entered college. They rekindled the altar fires with sorrowful memories of those who did not come back, of those they loved long since and lost awhile.

The Southern chapters suffered the most. Those who did not go into one army went into the other. The Virginia and Tennessee chapters were obliter­ ated, and even the colleges closed.

When the Convention of 1872 assembled, the work of revival was not complete. I think the Convention was appointed to be held in the heart of

68

BETA LIFE On

to

R

ic h m o n d

I am asked to write my recollections of the Convention of 1872. First, a few personal matters almost necessary to state. I was then an undergradu­ ate, a senior at Hanover. My home was College Hill, a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. I went from Cincinnati to Richmond, Virginia, with John I. Covington of the Miami chapter, then an alumnus of a few years standing. Hardly any circumstances could have been more fortunate and favorable for an under­ graduate and inexperienced boy than to be thus attended. M y recollection, reaching out to that distant past, is, that G. S. Mitchell, of Martinsburg, In­ diana, the delegate from the Indiana chapter, was another companion of travel from Cincinnati. W e stopped a day or more at Washington. There we picked up several delegates to the convention. Among these was A. N. Grant of Bloomington, Indiana, the delegate from the Indiana Asbury chapter, or ________ DePauw as it is now called. Then “ on to Richmond” was the final stage in the journey.

I cannot forbear giving my first im­ pression on leaving our train in the cap­ ital of the Old Dominion and likewise of the Confederate States of America dur­ ing its belligerent existence. There was a modest but spacious railroad station on level ground. Connected therewith was a large platform for the free movement of passengers, trainmen, and other em­ ployes. Out on the edges of this platform were drawn up long lines of omnibuses, cabs, transfer wagons of various kinds, and probably other varieties of vehicles.

They were of the styles then in vogue, and, of course, drawn by horses or mules.

Probably without exception, these were in charge of negro drivers. When the crowd of passengers stepped down on the platform and began to move about, such a din and hullabaloo broke out and rolled R E V . E. J. B R O W N , DD. around that region as I had never before witnessed. W e were only being invited to go to certain hotels, to patronize certain transfers of passengers or baggage, to do any one of many things requiring transportation. It was all very fine, but the hullabaloo and tumult seemed to me awful. Moreover, the spectacle of such a black cloud of faces, shining faces, white teeeth, and red cavernous mouths seemed to an un sophisticated Northern youngster to surpass the amusing and grotesque and approach the weird and uncanny. However, the Beta pilgrims all got safely to the Exchange Hotel to which we were destined, and where the Convention was to be held.

T h e F r a t e r n i t y i n 1872 Before proceeding to the Convention itself, it is needful to present as definitely as may be something of the general condition of the fraternity.

A BACKW ARD GLANCE

7i

F airfax County, Virginia; Alpha Kappa, Richmond, J. Ad. French, Rich­ mond, Virginia; Alpha Alumni, Chicago, O. R. Brouse, Chicago, Illinois; Ep­ silon Alumni, Cincinnati, John I. Covington, Cincinnati, Ohio; Zeta Alumni, Richmond, W . A. Thom, Richmond, Virginia. The visitors were, from Delta, J. C. Hall, Knightstown, Indiana; from Zeta, J. W . Rosebro, Statesville, North Carolina, J. A. Armstrong, Salem, Virginia, J. R. Young, Oxford, North Carolina; from Alpha Theta, H. R. Fairfax, Leesburg, V ir­ ginia ; from Alpha Kappa, J. C. Hobson, Richmond, V irgin ia; from the Rich­ mond Alumni chapter, Zeta Alumni, Dr. J. N. Upshur, W . C. Powell, J. E. Heath, Thomas Fairfax, and John E. Taylor. Thus seventeen of the twentynine in the Convention were from Virginia or Virginia chapters. There were some noble Virginia Betas present. But these did not rally to the Convention as it was hoped they would. I recall that in a public talk one of them stated they did not receive the Betas from the North and West. These latter re­ ceived them.

O

pt im ist ic

D

elegates

A s I have tried to show, we met under conditions of some perplexity and depression. Beta Theta Pi then was not the going concern we wanted to see it become. Something seemed to be wrong; but we must right it and set the banner flying higher and grandly moving forward. I am sure there was no pessimism nor despair in those ranks. Let us glance at the individual men. There was Covington, one of the greatest, if not the greatest, fraternity man of his times. There was Seaman, a brother of measureless devotion, ready to undertake anything for the fraternity. He undertook to edit a fraternity songbook when he said there was no music in him. There was Brouse, the calm, benignant Nestor of the Greeks. There was George C. Rankin, a good sound block, hewed out of the United Presbyterian timber.

There was E. J. Brown, keeping very still as became a boy, but watching his chance to get into the game. There was John S. Wise, the wit of the crowd, who afterward— years after— convulsed the United States Supreme Court with laughter in the midst of a legal argument before the justices. There was Charles D . Walker, whose mind seemed a seed plot of germination of new devices for fraternity betterment. He was full of them and enthusiastic, practical, and laborious withal. I recall him very clearly. He had the idea of a fraternity paper or magazine whirling in his mind. It kept whirling all through the Convention time. He was willing to start the enterprise him­ self. His power seemed to be in private argument. He would get a delegate or two aside and set forth his schemes with rapid speech and enthusiastic fervor. I promised to subscribe for the paper, get other subscriptions, write for it, and boost it in every way I could. It was boyish ardor. I little realized then how great a thing we were doing. That began my connection with the magazine at Volume I, Number 1. Another seed was in that plot. It was that which became the general secretary. What a move that w a s ! Grant was there— not U. S. but A. N.— the adventurous and irrepressible^ I got sight of him at Washington on the way down. He seemed to be pursuing. I caught up with him again at the Exchange Hotel at Richmond.

M

akers

of

M

odern

B

eta

H

is t o r y

W illis O. Robb, the honored ex-president of Beta Theta Pi, has already pointed out a great thing concerning this small but notable Convention. The

70

BETA LIFE

Old Virginia in the interest of reconciliation and reconstruction. The boys of the North and the W est went down to- meet on their own ground the boys of the South and found they were brothers still. But that experience of the civil strife was still just behind us. Nay, its pain and depression were yet in us. One can not rightfully interpret that Convention without taking cognizance of these great and potent things. The late Supreme Court Justice, Horace H. Lurton of the Cumberland chapter once dramatically described the after-thewar homecoming of the survivors of his chapter as they found themselves singing again in the dear old hall,

meeting in Beta Theta Pi as brothers, although ten had worn the gray and two the blue. It was some years later when Major Ransom sounded the glad note, still popular with boys who may not think of its historic significance, W e are coming from the East, boys; we’re coming from the W est Shouting “ Old W ooglin F o rever!”

And the boys, of Sunny Southland are coming with the rest.

T

he

C o n v e n t io n S e ssio n s

Now for the Convention its e lf! The sessions began in the Exchange Hotel, Richmond, Virginia, on August 21, 1872. Professor William Allan of the Virginia chapter was chosen president of the Convention. That selection was honorary— for he did not attend the Convention at all, and the duty of presiding over the deliberations fell upon the vice-president Charles J. Sea­ man of the Denison chapter. One of the first items of record is, “ The Con­ vention was opened with prayer by Brother E. J. Brown of College Hill, Ohio.” I had entirely forgotten that fact. I suppose I had not thought of it in fifty years, until, recently, I saw a quotation from the record. _ I was an undergraduate then, finding my way through college and fraternity acti­ vities. That record is part of my .finding. I was accustomed to function in that way. W hy not? My Scotch Presbyterian home life and training had taught me, that when one needed wisdom for his steps in life, it was good sense to go to the source of all wisdom for a supply; when one needed power amid all the immeasurable forces around him, it was wise to go to Him to whom alone belongeth power. I thought, too, if I could not go with my Lord into Beta Theta Pi, I would stay out. But going in and being in Beta Theta Pi could be and was the object of sincere and earnest prayer.

The Convention was small— very small when compared with one of these later days. There were only eighteen delegates, counting three from alumn chapters. Counting visitors, there were twenty-nine attendants all told These were Delta, Indiana Asbury, A. N. Grant, Burlington, Indiana; Zeta Hampden-Sidney, J. A. Sanderson, Eutaw, Alabama; Iota, Hanover, E. J Brown, College Hill, Ohio; Kappa, Ohio, Professor W. H. G. Adney, Athens Ohio; Nu, Washington (Pennsylvania), Eugene W . Hoge,_ Cooper County M issouri; Omicron, Virginia, John S. Wise, Richmond, V irgin ia; Pi,^Indiana G. S. Mitchell, Martinsville,’ Indiana; Rho, Washington (Virginia), W. Johnston, Buchanan, V irgin ia; Tau, Wabash, W . H. Kent, Williamsport In­ diana; Psi, Bethany, J. H. Anderson, Richmond, Virginia; Alpha Alpha, Monmouth, G. C. Rankin, Monmouth, Illinois; Alpha Epsilon, Iowa Wes leyan Frank Mahan, Muscatine, Iow a; Alpha Eta, Denison Charles J. Sea­ man, Cleveland, Ohio; Alpha Theta, Virginia Military, Charles Duy Walker,

I A BACKW ARD GLANCE

73

of 1888. I assume that to be a correct title for the volume. It was a time of reconstruction in Beta Theta Pi. But why reconstruction at that time? There must have been the emergence in the period just preceding of something new.

J There must have been the coming into the fraternity of some new principles, institutions, forces, to harmonize with which the old organization and life must be modified. Well, that is exactly what happened from 1872 to 1879.

New things had germinated and planted themselves in the fraternity as living forces, and these constrained change and adaptation in the old. I am at some loss how best to designate this decade. For present purposes it might be ! called a Decade of Germination as distinguished from the Decade of Recon­ struction which followed.

The magazine was a new thing. It was not only a new instrument but it involved a new principle in fraternity life and action, the principle of wide publicity in Beta affairs. When Charles Duy W alker at Richmond explained to me his idea of a Beta magazine, I took it up at once with interest and en­ thusiasm. I was for it without restraint or doubt. When I went back to my chapter in a few days and told the boys of the new project, it was received with skepticism on the part of some. They seemed shocked at the revolu­ tionary idea. W ere we not secret? W as it not our inveterate policy and tradition to conceal our affairs. But this was publicity, and soon our rival Greeks and the barbs would know all about us and our affairs. A s one brother put it, “ This will burst us wide open.” These doubts and fears seem childish now, but fifty years ago, they were real and oppressive to many.

It was absolutely a new thing in the world of Greek-letter fraternities.

Then there germinated in this period a really new principle and institution of centralized authority and control. There was at least a hint of this in the general secretaryship instituted by the Richmond Convention. But the new and revolutionary step was taken when the board of directors was created and control in Beta Theta Pi was transferred from the presiding chapter to this board. It was a shifting of control from undergraduates— boys, good boys, bright boys and yet boys— to disciplined and mature alumni, i How that came about and we still preserved educational democracy in Beta Theta Pi is an interesting topic for investigation by our historical and con­ stitutional experts. The great transfer came about in the period of which I am now writing, prior to the decade of reconstruction. No wonder there was reconstruction. It was inevitable.

How did this change come about ? Perhaps the answer i s : by the per­ sistent work of a few men from convention to convention from 1872 to 1879.

In the records of the Convention of 1879 anyone may read the final step.

Final, I mean, in the adoption of the principle. It has been subjected to many modifications since, to adapt it to the growing life of the fraternity.

It has gone on developing in these many years till we see in our present organization a marvelous and beautiful combination of central authority and educational democracy.

J

R

e v o lu tio n a r y

Who were responsible power and principle in Beta movement as it went along. this period. I had a good I I I I

L

eaders

for developing in those years this great new Theta Pi? Well, I know a good deal about the I was present at nearly all the Conventions of deal of correspondence on the subject. I par-

72

BETA LIFE

great influence of this Convention, as he puts it, was not in its formal legisla­ tion, but in the taking hold and the keeping hold of the affairs of the fra­ ternity by about half a dozen men who were delegates to it. It was with their work that modern history began in Beta Theta Pi. In about a decade the fra­ ternity became the going concern it manifestly has been ever since. That is a very clear and generous historical judgment. Being myself of the number of these men, and having had personal connection with the great movements of the fraternity in that critical decade, I would suggest one modification of the historic judgment of President Robb. W e had some great and invaluable assistance from two or three men who were not in and of the Convention of 1872. For myself, writing as perhaps the only survivor of that band of men, and writing from the firm conviction of my mind and the deep affection of my heart, I could not drop the name of Major W yllys C. Ransom from the list of those who wrought effectively in that decade of import and crisis. To his name I would add that of Hon. John W . Herron of Cincinnati, the first president of the board of directors of Beta Theta Pi. Major Ransom was nearly always at the Conventions after 1872. I learned to turn to him for counsel and co-operation in every time of need, and never turned in vain.

I am sure his name should have a place in the list of those who saved the day, if indeed we saved the day, for the greater Beta Theta Pi. Before leaving my survey of this Convention there are some things proper to be stated respecting it as a body and in its whole makeup. The first is, that only small colleges were represented. The only exception was the University of Virginia. Judged by present standards it may be doubted if even that was an exception. Whatever merit or fault may have been in it came from the small college. Considered from today’s'viewpoint these colleges were very small. Y et the men were there who were equal to the demands of the time for fraternity making. In all the history of Beta Theta Pi the small college has not failed to furnish and equip men who did Beta work in the fraternity sphere and men’s work in the world. The past at least is secure; but we confidently expect that the small college will continue to function in the same way.

The second is that nearly all of these colleges were church colleges, or institutions in warm sympathy and co-operation with the religious forces of the land. W e owe Beta Theta Pi to these. Divorced from these institutions and from what they stand for, the fraternity would lose the things that have made it and the very elements of its noblest life.

A third thing is that nearly every one of the delegates in the Convention was a Christian by his principles and his own confession. Every one I came to know at all intimately then or afterward was such. Some of them I did not get into close association with. O f those I could not state positively. But I was a boy and moved freely among them and felt constrained to regard each one as a Christian and a gentleman.

A D ecade of G e r m in a t io n Now as to the period subsequent to the Richmond Convention and extend­ ing up to the Convention of 1879. Concerning this era I shall be brief.

Among the volumes of our growing and increasingly valuable Beta literature is a stout one entitled A Decade of Fraternity Reconstruction. It begins with the minutes of the Convention of 1879 and ends with those of the Convention

CHARTING THE FUTURE

75

show them our fundamental law and what.we uphold and teach, without having to reveal any of our so-called sacred secrets.’ “ I believe that was the first public suggestion of the revision of the ritual and constitution and of our incorporation and government by a board of directors. “ The subsequent work of Brother Rankin as editor o f the Beta Theta P i magazine, and of the committee in revision and the ‘Remedies proposed for present evils and provisions for future government’ suggested by Brothers Denison, Robb and Goodwin in 1878, were worked over by subsequent conven­ tions and became a part of our very organism. Great credit is due to all of them, but to Lambda’s ‘grand old man’ is due the honor of first conceiving the idea and of first promulgating it. “ Although the Major proclaimed it then ‘half past four in the afternoon’ of his day of activity, we are all glad to know that his sun has not yet passed beyond the horizon. What a satisfaction it must be to him to look back over these thirty years and note the evolution of his fraternity ideals.’ ”

CHARTING THE FUTURE, IN 1879 M

ajor

W

yllys

C.

R

ansom

,

Michigan ’48

A t the thirty-eighth annual convention of Beta Theta Pi, held in De­ troit, Michigan, in August, 1877, the following resolution was offered by W yllys C. Ransom and was adopted by the delegates: Resolved, That a committee be appointed which shall take into consideration the policy o f entirely separating from the provisions of our constitution everything in any way pertaining to the secret or internal w ork of the Association, leaving that instrument purely an organic act, declaratory of the organization and purposes of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. I f arriving at the conclusion that such a change would be fo r the permanent good and prosperity o f the order, then to frame such a revision of the constitution as shall carry into effect the plan suggested above, and report it fo r the consideration of the next convention. Also, to draw up and report a system for the internal working of the Association, which shall embrace such portions of the constitution already in force as are vital to the name and traditions of the A s ­ sociation, a ceremonial fo r initiation and other work, to be used uniform ly by all the chapters, together with such other limited but needful safeguards as may be necessary fo r the protection and unity of the fraternity. And, after the report shall have been made and adopted by the constitutional number of chapters, then all in­ junctions to the publicity o f the constitution o f Beta Theta P i will be removed, thus leaving the Association in its organization and objects free to command for itself the commendation of educational authorities throughout the land.

The committee appointed to carry out this resolution was composed of Major W yllys C. Ransom, Amandus N. Grant and Olin R. Brouse. This committee held a meeting and important suggestions were made, no doubt, both by Grant and Brouse who were devoted Betas, actively connected with the fraternity administration at times and fertile in ideas. But the report which follows bears internal evidence that, in the main, it is the work of Major Ransom. Unquestionably it is the most important administrative report made to Beta Theta Pi up to 1878, and, probably, in view of the tremendous revolution in the fraternity which followed it, must be con­ sidered the greatest document in the entire history of the Association:

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ticipated in a good many debates on the question. For, fully accepted as it has been in the fraternity for decades, it was not carried without opposition.

A s there was skepticism about the publicity of the magazine when we pro­ posed its establishment, so there was skepticism about the publication of our Constitution, which was part of the whole proposition.

Still, I have not answered the question: Who was particularly responsible for this great change and transformation? I do not know surely that I can answer it. John I. Covington gave it his sturdy and skillful support and other Cincinnati Betas with him. Charles J. Seaman was with it. General Robert W . Smith of Chicago was a great helper. But in my clear recollection and firm judgment, Major W yllys C. Ransom did more than any other man, in active work, perhaps more than all other men, to bring about the change and to transfer control from undergraduates to alumni. He headed com­ mittees, drew up papers, went on trips to discuss the question with active chapters and important men. He was its first proponent before the Conven­ tions and stayed with it till the consummation in 1879. Beta Theta Pi always has had men to meet its emergencies and crises. If the fraternity keeps its spirit and its noble purpose, it always will have such men.

MAJOR RANSOM’S SUGGESTION On March 13, 1907, John H. Grant, Michigan ’82, a regent of the Univer­ sity of Michigan from 1910 until his death in 1913, wrote from his home in Manistee, Michigan, to William Raimond Baird a letter telling of an incident of great importance in a sequence of events which, within three years worked a revolution in Beta Theta P i : “ I read with pleasure in the January number of the Beta Theta P i ‘An Incident of the Silver-Gray Reunion.’ It recalled vividly to my mind another ‘incident’ which occurred many years ago. I was then a very young Beta. It was in the summer of 1877, in the city of Detroit. The annual convention of the fraternity was in session in the city hall of that city. I think brother William A . Moore, so loved by Lambda men during his lifetime, was presid­ ing. It was one beautiful afternoon when Lambda’s godfather, our venerable Silver-Gray, Major W . C. Ransom, arose in the convention and made a most impressive speech. I cannot reproduce the thought in his beautiful language, for I have not the pow er; but he spoke somewhat as follow s: “ ‘Brothers: I have long been an active member of this fraternity. I have seen its struggles and adversities, and I have been proud of its successes.

I have observed the results of contests waged by hostile authorities in several important institutions of learning. I have grown old in the service of our beloved Beta Theta Pi. The sun of my active career has passed the meridian, and it now seems as if it were about half past four o’clock in the afternoon; but there is one thing I have long had in mind which I very much desire to see accomplished before I pass from the active field of fraternity life. I want to see our ritual rewritten, and our constitution revised and published to the world. W e should legally incorporate and become a body politic and place ourselves in a position before the law where we can own and hold property. And we should be able to go openly before any hostile faculty and

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sequent increase of membership; providing new and more extensive ob­ jects of good for its accomplishment in the interest of those who enter its halls, and roof under its sacred obligations, by improving its business methods in nearly every detail of its internal management; and finally, by building up an institution that all our alumni will continue to have in their special keeping, and will delight to patronize with their presence and their purse to the latest hour of their lives, and all this without, in fact, disturbing the measure of secrecy essential to the character and attractive­ ness of our society— why shall we not take the step that is to naturalize* the fraternity and make it an acknowledged co-worker with the honored insti­ tutions where its altars shall be raised?

It has been thirty-nine years the present Autumn since K nox and Lin­ ton, and Hardin, Marshall, Ryan and the other honored founders met in their room in old Miami University and organized the society of Beta Theta Pi. It is more than doubtful if those old fraters ever, in their most enthusiastic mood, dreamed of the future in store for the Association they were then establishing in the midst of so many obstacles and difficul­ ties. And it is not strange that Duncan, a sentinel somewhere on the dis­ tant outposts of Texas, when, after the lapse of more than thirty-five years he was looked up and asked for his photograph from which to make an engraving for our forthcoming catalogue, should have asked in unfeigned astonishment, “ Do you really mean to say that the little society organized

by Reily K n o x and Dave Linton at Miami University in 1839 has really become the society of over thirty chapters and 5>°00 members which you claim for it?”

That was an early day in the history, not only of Greek Fraternities, but of educational institutions as well. O f the former, Sigma Phi, Psi Upsilon and Alpha Delta Phi were the only ones that had much claim to position or influence; while of the latter, only a few colleges and univer­ sities on the Atlantic slope, of ante-Revolutionary establishment, could really lay claim to exceptional importance and advantages.

Miami University, as the most promising of Western institutions, had attracted the attention o f the Alpha Delta Phi (then as now among the more powerful of college societies) and a chapter of that fraternity located there had taken into its membership the larger number of students whosequalifications made them desirable for chapter material, and the light of their oriental bearings shone through Miami’s halls with unobstructed rays.

The traditions of old Alpha inform us that nearly all of those engaged in the foundation of Beta Theta Pi were at one time or another tendered the honor of an election in Alpha Delta Phi, but inspired by that pluck characteristic of the Western student, it was declined, and the determina­ tion arrived at to organize a rival fraternity that should contest with the followers of crescent and star every inch of the Western and Southern territory. And so the first Constitution of our society was adopted and the fires set to burning upon the altar o f our paternal saint, the traditional Wooglin. That document, nearly as it came from the hands of the original founders, was our organic law when the author of this report was a Beta some thirty years ago, and we regarded it as nearly a model plan of or*Naturalize is a bit unusual in this connection although possible in English usage. so quotes Major Ransom who may have written nationalize.— F .W .S.

Forty Years

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To the Honorable Convention of Beta Theta P i: The undersigned, your committee to whom the Convention of 1877 referred the matter of a revision of your Constitution looking to the elimina­ tion therefrom of all provisions appertaining to the secret work and or­ ganization of the Association, so that its organic act and a declaration of its objects could be published and submitted to the consideration and ap­ proval or disapproval of all the world, beg leave, respectfully, to report: that they met in the City of Port Huron, Michigan, in the month of March last, and entered upon the discharge of the duties assigned them.

Fully appreciating the importance of the proposed change in the policy of the society, the subject was discussed by your committee in all its bear­ ings, and, as a result, it arrived at the conclusion that the time had been reached when the permanency and welfare of the fraternity demanded a revision of its constitution, whereby its internal work and policies could be entirely separated from the provisions enacted for its gen­ eral organization, government and admini­ strative control.

Looking to this end, your committee agreed upon the draft of a Constitution which they submit herewith, and though fully conscious of the fact that it is not the best that could be devised, nor per­ haps all that is needed to secure thorough­ ness of organization and the strongest vi­ tality for our beloved society, yet they be­ lieve that it is a step in advance, and in the right direction, and will, if nothing more, afford a basis upon which the Convention can in its wisdom build such a structure of government as will give the Beta Theta Pi increased power, prosperity and perma­ nency f or all time.

Your committee are aware that, among the younger and perhaps more enthusias­ M A J O R W . C. R A N S O M tic members of the fraternity, a movement of this kind is regarded with distrust, born of the idea that it will tend to dispel the charm of secrecy and remove from before profane eyes the veil of mystery that hides the inner courts of Father Wooglin’s temple. It is not strange, perhaps, that this view o f the matter should be taken by our younger brethren, unused to regard the affairs of life from the more practical stand­ point reached by those of us who have come farther along its rugged pathway.

But, if it can be demonstrated that the proposed changes will conduce to the welfare and strength of the society, by inspiring increased confidence in its usefulness; by securing the withdrawal of the hostility that has hitherto existed to it and all others o f its class in the minds of many of the best men and in the senates of numbers of the most prominent and influential institutions o f the country; by giving it an organic law fully up to its needs, commensurate with its fast increasing number of chapters and con-

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the rolls o f the Association. A s our society has increased in extent and popularity, of course applications for its privileges have multiplied in like proportion, and the difficulties in the way of having each new proposition thoroughly considered by the chapters bef ore giving it approval have become so formidable that it may well be questioned whether of late years a single new chapter has been granted where the chapters have been thoroughly informed as to the considerations involved in the concession of the important privileges they were about to make. It is needless to say that such a con­ dition of affairs cannot prove otherwise than an element of weakness in our organization that will eventually destroy it unless guarded against by such constitutional limitations as the danger of the case evidently demands.

In the draft submitted, your committee have suggested a feasible plan by which the formation of new chapters will be hedged in with such pro­ visions as will secure for the Association protection against haste in pro­ cedure or lack of information as to the character of the institution and applicants who seek the honor and privileges of Beta Theta Pi. Our Association, throughout its entire career, has suffered greatly from the hostility of college authorities to the establishment of secret fraterni­ ties at the institutions which they control. In our earlier history, the strong chapters at Princeton, Crawfordsville, and the University of Michi­ gan were crushed out by the official warfare made upon them; while in later years our chapters at Denison University, Beloit College, Monmouth and the University of Iowa have all been brought under the rod, and have either ceased to exist or have been so restricted in their operations by the extreme secrecy necessary to their existence that but slight advantage in satisfaction has been realized by those chapters from their connection with the fraternity. This feeling of antagonism, it is believed, has not, as a general rule, sprung from hostility to secret societies upon general princi­ ples, but from the mistaken idea that college secret societies were in matter of fact but little better than juntas or cabals organized among the students for the purpose either of elevating the “Ancient Henry” , of regulating col­ lege politics and appointments in personal interest, or of affording organized interference with the proper inforcement of senate discipline and rules.

Entirely in the dark as to the objects and purposes of such organizations, it is, perhaps, not strange that they should have regarded them with sus­ picion or as of doubtful utility-—especially in those instances where the character of the members was not entirely sans peur et sans reproche.

Nor has the experience of years served other than to intensify this feeling, and if we interpret indications aright the time is close at hand when a gen­ eral movement will be made to suppress the Greek Letter Societies, whose names have come to be legion in the educational institutions of the country.

And it will be only those who fortify themselves against the threatened attack who will be able to outlive the energy with which it will be made.

It is apparent that the simplest mode of averting the danger, so far as our own beloved Association is concerned, is by placing it in a position where it ceases to be obnoxious to the charges made against the entire class. The object and purposes for which Beta Theta Pi was instituted are pure and worthy, and we can in no way prejudice its interest or prosperity if they, with the plan of organization by which it is proposed to promote those ends, are published and thrown open to the criticism of the entire world. Satis-

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ganization as human skill could devise, and the simple reading of that in­ strument, and assent to the important obligations which its provisions im­ posed, constituted the sole form of initiation to membership in the society.

In the mutations incident to the passing years, nothing is left of that old Constitution, save the “ immortal preamble”— as our younger members are delighted to call it,— the provisions declaratory of the name and ob­ jects of the society, the insignia by which its measures are designated, and the impressive obligations which constitute the crowning strength and glory of our beloved society.

That instrument, although most ample in its provisions for conducting the business of the Association, nevertheless in no essential degree antici­ pated the requirements for successful administration of the affairs of an organization as extensive as ours has become. Our illustrious founders were probably content with the idea of an Association which, in numbers and influence, should equal any other of their day, and did not dream that during the lifetime of most of them it would come to have chapters scat­ tered from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Massachusetts Bay to the Rio Grande. For such a system, the plan devised by them was all-sufficient, and until its extent and the complications incident to its increasing numbers placed it beyond the provisions adopted for its administration, the society more than anticipated the hopes of its founders.

But as we review the history of the Association, we can see that the omission to supply for it a central executive head was from the first a serious defect in its organization. As from time to time members from the parent chapter drifted away to other institutions, inspired with the idea of extending the scope of the newly formed fraternity, chapters were es­ tablished, probably upon weak foundations and without much reference to their promise for success in the future. These dragged out a feeble exis­ tence for a time and then expired, leaving their records and archives to be scattered ad libitum, and the few members initiated to forget their rela­ tions to Beta Theta Pi in the obligations assumed to other _fraternities.

It is not strange, under these circumstances, that our constitution soon be­ came no longer a sealed document but as familiar to our rivals as our­ selves. Other chapters, such as Princeton, Williams and Brown, instituted under the most promising auspices and thriving for a time with signs of most brilliant futures, isolated as they were from the main body of our chapters, and lacking the encouragement and sympathy so essentially neces­ sary to their success, and surrounded by the rivalry of old established fra­ ternities of earlier origin, finally languished and then expired, carrying with few exceptions their membership to other societies, and leaving their failure as a reproach to Beta Theta Pi, and their records, let us hope, in the ashes to which a proper sense of honor and manhood would consign them.

Another long list of defunct chapters is the result, not so much perhaps of the need of proper support, as of the lack of proper care and system in their establishment. From the first until now the mode of procedure m the institution of new chapters has been so little fortified by those safe­ guards which ordinary prudence and the importance of the issue would seem to demand that the wonder is, not that we have so formidable an array of departed shades pointing at us with their wan fingers, but that there is not a still larger number of dead or weakly chapters encumbering

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ago” . But there should be work for the alumni to do which will perpetuate to their latest hour their practical interest in our beloved society, an in­ terest to be manifested in what they shall do with their hands, and what they shall bequeath from the plenty that Fortune, in a pleasant mood, has laid in their laps. And, although suggestions in that direction may seem Utopian, what more noble monument to usefulness could a fraternity seek than the founding and maintaining of a technological institute, where its members could have post-graduate courses in such specialties as best fitted their inclinations, or the establishment of a library with art gallery attached where art studies could be pursued by those who would wander in the ideal world ?

But a thorough and complete organization of the business department of our Association is indispensable to the accomplishment of results to which we should aspire. And an organization not only complete and perfect in its details, but one made permanent and perpetual through the medium of corporate rights and privileges, is what we especially need. Y our com­ mittee believe that through no other medium can your affairs be so well administered. In view of the already large and rapidly increasing number of chapters, for the purpose of securing a durable means of inter-com­ munication among them, a fraternity paper should be placed upon a per­ manent and certain basis. You have a history to perpetuate and the col­ lection and preservation of society archives to provide for. You have your necrological record to be kept in reliable form. You have your catalogue and other official publications to be prepared, printed, and circulated, and, above all, the time has arrived when your financial budget must be pro­ vided for upon some reliable system; and all of these things can be pro­ vided only through the medium o f well-defined business methods, enforced by responsible and permanent officers. Our interests have become too diffused and our field of activities too extended to leave the management of society business to officers in position only for the uncertain tenure of membership in a college class. And to insure the perfect working of any system that may be adopted, it is absolutely necessary that officers and members of the chapters should be thoroughly familiar with its provisions and requirements and so prepared to comply with them in every particular.

This last end can be secured but in one way: that of placing in the hands of each member of the fraternity a copy of its organic act. It is evi­ dent that this could not be done without the constant danger— nay the en­ tire probability— of its falling into the hands of the outside world every day of the week. But, with all provisions eliminated from our Constitution which pertain to the internal work of the fraternity, no possible harm could come from such a result, but we should rather have a pride in bringing to the notice of the uninitiated the plan upon which the Beta temple has been erected.

It is not practicable, were it desirable, to successfully blend provisions for business administration with formulae belonging exclusively to the esoterika of the organization. The latter should be carefully merged into a dignified and simple form, preserving the secret symbolism, obligations and traditions of the society in such recital as would impress the neophyte with its purity and beauty, and this be communicated in cipher for uniform use among the chapters. And then let no other forms or ceremonies be inter-

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fied that an organization can challenge admiration for the dignity and manliness of its proceedings, the correctness of its purposes, and the purity of its morals, it may be relied upon that those charged with the administra­ tion of educational institutions will care but little about the particular form or ceremonies adopted for the initiation of members, or the details of the cabala by which the fraternity protects itself against those not entitled to its privileges. Your committee cannot but believe that reasoning to be specious which argues against the making public the general plan of our organization for the reason that it would not satisfy those who would still insist that we had secrets not open to the eye of the million. It is probably true that now and then we should find a carping bigot who would refuse the dumpling because he could not see how Goody put the apple in; but it is believed that in a large majority of cases the presentation of our organic law to a governing body of liberal-minded men would promptly secure for the society the unqualified recognition to which its merits so justly entitle it.

There is one other feature connected with this branch of the subject to which your committee should perhaps briefly allude as of importance to the society. There has, undoubtedly, many a desirable young man been lost to the ranks of Beta Theta Pi for the simple reason that, upon being solicited to become one of its members, no intelligible statement of its objects could be presented for his consideration, and many others from the fact that home influence was against a connection with an organization whose aims and ends were shrouded in darkness more mysterious than that which enveloped the Sibylline paper. In such cases, who can measure the influence of the quiet placing in his hands of a neat copy of our Constitu­ tion, from which he could gain a general outline of the organization, its salient features, and the ends it sought to accomplish ? There is many a quiet, thoughtful young man, just the one to worthily wear the badge and bear the name of Beta Theta Pi, with whom such an argument would have far more effect than weeks of the small talk and strategy usually relied upon to secure desirable men to the ranks of the rival fraternities.

Your committee believe that it is desirable, if possible, to inspire our alumni with continued zeal in behalf of the fraternity after their active connection with the college chapters shall have ceased. And it has hitherto been a source of congratulation that the fraternity spirit has shown a greater vitality among the alumni of the Beta Theta Pi than of any other college society; and the number of “ old boys” that annually come together around the altar of Wooglin indicates that the fraternity does not pride itself falsely in that particular. But our young friends, now inspired with enthusiasm over matters that' enlisted our sympathies and interest a score of years ago must not forget that time and circumstances change the aspirations of men and those things which challenged our interest as boys, although embalmed in the fondest recollections of a happy past, have ceased to enlist our active sympathies as men. Our alumni chapters, formidable as they appear in our society roster, are hardly more, it is supposed m most in­ stances than mediums whereby the now staid and sober Greeks happily neighbors to each other, harassed with the cares and worn with the demands of practical life upon them, can occasionally come <together and over a slice of spiced dog, bring back to mind the reminiscences of the long

THE FOLLOW ERS OF THE VISION ""

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i '

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THE FOLLOWERS OF THE VISION F

r a n c is

W . S hepardson,

83

Denison

-

’82

As president of our great fraternity, international in its geographical | domain, world-wide in its radiating power and eternal in its pervasive in­ fluence, I welcome you to the duties and the devotions, the opportunities and the obligations, the privileges and the pleasures of the Eighty-eighth General I Convention of Beta Theta Pi. Memory recalls with appealing force a banquet night in Toronto a few years ago, when members of this fraternity met in joyous gathering. A t the very start of the programme three songs were sung. First, appropriately, was “ God Save the King.” Then came “ America.” Then the great prayer song of Beta Theta Pi our “ Doxology.” A ll three were sung to the same tune— so closely has the fraternity twined its tendrils around the two peoples who are so near in blood, in political heritage, in outlook on life. It was not by accident that Samuel Francis Smith set his words to music long cherished by the motherland when he wrote “ America.” It was not by accident but by design that Joseph S. Tunison had the same music in mind when he wrote the Beta “ Doxology.” He wanted to identify the fraternity with the coun­ try, although he did not know then that a day would come when a Canadian chapter also would sing his song, to the same familiar, stirring strains. It was with definite purpose that, nearly sixty years ago, Stanley Coulter— a boy of fifteen years— wrote “ A s Betas Now W e Meet” to the same tune.

It is a great satisfaction that, even here in this beauty spot of the North, amid the lovely lakes and fragrant forests of Ontario, under the protection of a flag different from that to which the most of us hold allegiance, we still are in “ Beta’s Broad Dominion.”

By one of our oldest songs we are admonished: W hen we meet to sing the pleasures That the bonds of Beta yield, Let us not forget our founders, Those who raised our glorious shield.

It is our convention custom always to think for a moment in reverent memory of the “boys of ’39” and of the heritage which they transmitted to us in the form of our fine fraternity. Their names are familiar to us in an abiding immortality: Knox and Marshall, Linton and Smith, Hardin and Duncan, Ryan and Gordon. Once more we greet them with affection. W e hail them yet and ne’er fo rg et! Once more we pledge them that we will “ carry on.”

A t the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of Sigma Phi on March 4, 1927, the Honorable Elihu Root said of the Union boys who established that fraternity in 1827: I don’t suppose they knew the scope and bearing o f what they were doing; but they were lifting up the standard of conduct through which they bound themselves.

They were devoting themselves to the standard o f conduct and the exercise of the power of self-control, the exercise o f kindly consideration, of unselfishness, of brotherly affec­ tion ; and that not only made them different, but it laid hold upon the intellect o f hu­ manity.

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polated on those authorized by the law o f the fraternity. Hoping to inspire some genius of our society with an impulse to present something worthy of consideration in this latter direction, your committee offered a premium for the best form of initiation to be sent in before this present session of your Convention. W e regret to say our invitation has thus far met with no response; but, nevertheless, our faith is in no wise weakened in the certainty that we have among us many a brother who, if once he nerved himself for the effort, could give us a form of ceremonies suitable to our needs, and that would prove of general acceptance to the fraternity.

Your committee has thus endeavored to present to your honorable body some of the considerations that have influenced them in arriving at the conclusion sought to be enforced in the draft of a Constitution herewith submitted for the action of this Convention. It is, perhaps, obnoxious to the fault of too much complexity and detail; but it is difficult otherwise— unless by statute regulations— to provide for needs so many and so varied as those of our Association have come to be. General regulations, enforc­ ing constitutional requirements, unless published and brought directly to the notice of the chapter and the individual members thereof, fail of en­ forcement, leaving affairs in a most unsatisfactory condition of looseness and confusion. For proof of which, witness the evident failure of our dis­ trict organization, and the regulations for institution of new chapters, under our present Constitution. The expense and trouble incident to a plan of government based upon laws to be passed from time to time, and then amended or repealed by subsequent conventions, are insuperable ob­ stacles in the way of its successful administration. Rather let the ma­ chinery of government (and that as simple as the exigencies of the case will admit) be provided for in one enactment so conservative in its pro­ visions as to shield it from the evil effects of too hasty or too frequent legis­ lation, and you will then have the plan for the administration of your affairs which the genius and character of the Beta Brotherhood eminently re­ quires.

If we have failed to present this subject to your consideration as clearly and as forcibly as we could have wished, in support of the conclusions we have reached, it has not been from want of thought or indifference to the great importance of the results involved. But, after years of unfaltering devotion and love for our noble society, we cannot but believe that the change in its constitutional provisions suggested in the resolution referred to us by your past convention would place it a step in advance of all other American college fraternities, would attract the attention and win the approval of college governments hitherto inimical to our existence, and secure for us the sympathy and cooperation of many ever before indifferent to the fate or fortune of the Beta Theta Pi. I f such indeed is to be the outcome of the action recommended in this report, what brother can for a moment question its expediency or desirableness, or cherish a lingering doubt that its adoption would place our society among the recognized and permanent institutions of the land, beyond the reach of successful attack or the inroads of wasting decay? (The revised Constitution which ac­ companied this report may be found beginning on page 275 of Forty Years of Fraternity Legislation, F .W .S.)

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THE FOLLOWERS OF THE VISION

85

you are.” If fortune were to bring him, as it did, invitations to sing before crowned heads of Europe and distinguished audiences of white people, she wished him always to remember that he was a Negro; that he represented something more than him self; that his success, his steady development, his triumph, would be the success, the development, the triumph of his people— that he represented their hopes, their ambitions, their possibilities for the future.

You who are here before me this morning should remember, while you are at Bigwin Inn, who you are. You represent the Beta Theta Pi frater­ nity. Many of you are chapter presidents. Perhaps this Convention is the most representative cross-section of our fraternity ever shown. “ Remember who you are.” Some of the guests of this hotel hail from that part of Ohio where Beta Theta Pi was born. Some of them are Canadians, unfamiliar | with the reputation and the tradition of our great brotherhood. Some of them, perhaps, belong to other fraternities or sororities and will watch to see whether Betas are gentlemen always, intent to protect the honored name of their organization. “ Remember who you are.” And may it never be yours to reflect that with aught you have said or done Wooglin is offended!

W e want to make this convention one o f the great historic constructive gatherings of Beta Theta Pi. There are some situations we must face— and face with quiet determination. For some years, especially when some group of bright, wholesome, energetic, ambitious lads have sought our favor with hope of a charter from Beta Theta Pi, we have heard of the need of housecleaning. W e demand a very high standard of newcomers— much higher in fact than we have demanded of old established chapters. W hy not get rid of the poor ones this year— at this convention— where there is slight agitation for outward expansion ? It has seemed to many of us that this is the year for pruning.

The Board of Trustees has followed the suggestions o f recent conven­ tions, and in the last college year has made some very careful and searching observations of our chapters. It is quite evident that we are carrying as so-called chapters some groups which in no sense can qualify as real chapters of Beta Theta Pi, if constitution, laws, and ritual mean anything at all. So far as interest in or adherence to these are concerned, they might just as well be attached to any other combination of Greek letters as to those which make our name.

In dealing with delinquents there are three courses we may take: (1) W e may put chapters on probation for a fixed period of years with a definite understanding that there is to be no extension of the time. (2) W e may place charters in the hands of the Board of Trustees for action according to its wisdom after further investigation. (3) W e may revoke the charters our­ selves. Let us note carefully some of the situations which confront us: W e have chapters in half a dozen weak institutions. In any educational survey they would be counted weak from almost every point of view: the amount and character of the physical equipment; the amount of endowment and annual income; the quality of the teaching force; the condition and use of the library; the intellectual and financial outlook of the board of trustees; the numbers and general character of the students. By the standards which Beta Theta Pi has applied to petitioners not one of the colleges could have passed our critical charters’ committee at any time during the last twenty-

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The same words might justly be used of the Miami boys of 1839. Listen to Linton on that August night, eighty-eight years ago: Let me exhort you to cultivate friendship for its own sake— for it has an intrinsic value, uncomputed, incomputable. Let none say, W hat care I fo r my brother’s esteem?

W hat is all this worth? H ow will it advance my interests, serve my private ends? This is the language of delusion and folly, the breathing of a narrow soul, the effervescence of base selfishness. But let all o f us ask ourselves those other questions of wisdom and of honor. W hat shall I do to render myself worthy of a brother’s esteem? How shall I promote his interest or win his confidence? And what exertions shall I make to prove to all that I am not a mere cipher in the association to which I belong? Let each one o f us ask ourselves these questions and answer them by our actions; for they are the bodyings forth o f our nobler nature, the language of a generous spirit.

Since we last met in General Convention 150 of our brothers have been called from the scene of life’s conflicts. One of them was well along in the tenth decade of life; another a bright lad in college with the beckoning future seeming to promise distinction. One found relief after a lingering illness which kept him long on a bed of pain; to another death came swift and fast as his burning body dashed to earth from a plane. One, tired of life, sought peace by his own hand; one, struggling in the water, was drowned.

To half a dozen heart failure brought the end of life in a moment, just as automobiles took their fatal toll of as many. more. Pneumonia called a dozen; and so, through the varying ills to which mortals are heir, the bonds of fraternity were broken. A t such a time of reflection that wondrous prayer o f Kenneth Rogers seems appropriate, in which he tells of “The Light.”

And as the shadows lay their deeps Beneath the twilight in the west, Some lingering ray of sunlight leaps Across the dim horizon’s crest; M ay we look up and see that light And know its ray will trail the morn Across horizons, through the night T o dawn more glorious, day new-born.

In memory of our founders, all of them long since gathered to their fathers, and of all those who, in years gone by, have borne the burdens of the fra­ ternity which they built for us; and particularly of those who, in the past year, have found place in the Chapter Eternal, I ask you to stand with bowed head for a moment of perfect silence, and until that silence is broken.

T hey rest, W hile But in our Their

they sleep the dreamless sleep cycles move, hearts eternally we keep faith and love.

But our problems are those of the future and not of the past, of the living and not of the dead. Before presenting for your consideration certain of them which face this Convention I must offer a word of admonition.

There is in America a gifted Negro singer of remarkable voice, Roland Hayes.

Many of you, no doubt, have heard him— all of you who love music. He tells an appealing story about his mother. When honors came thick and fast to him— and the applause of thousands— she might have been expected to thrill with pride because o f the attainments of her illustrious son. Her word to him, however, was not one of praise but of quiet advice: ‘Remember who

THE FOLLOW ERS OF THE VISION

87

close friendships, devoted to the ideals of constitution and ritual, shaping human lives? Or shall we continue to be content with groups of individuals known by our honored name but having small part in their institutional life?

(2) W e have chapters in institutions which are stagnating or are deca­ dent— which have no future. In the fierce competition of the present age they have lost out. They cannot raise endowment or other funds to provide satisfactory equipment or to pay salaries sufficient to attract and hold men of power in their faculties. Their educational status is generally recognized as hopeless or, if not hopeless, at least as extremely doubtful. What shall we do? They too have alumni who will feel hurt if the old charter is taken away; but when their sons to college go, they do not go to the old college of the fathers. In this same category may be placed institutions which live in the future, as they have lived in the future for the past quarter of a century— always expectant of something “ next year” ; but never finding realization of promises made to the fraternity in days gone by. How long ought Beta Theta Pi to wait ?

(3) W e have some chapters which pay slight attention to the underlying principles upon which Beta Theta Pi is founded. They assume an attitude of indifference or of hostility when officers try to bring home responsibility. “ Who are these from the outside who attempt to dictate or to suggest the course of conduct ? W hy should we be required to pay dues on demand of a General Treasurer? What is there in this for us?” They concede that they are strong locally— they make it unanimous, even though there are no other voters on that side except in the chapter house. W ell! What of it?

W hy not face the situation? Are local clubs to be permitted to wear our badge, bear our name, share in the prestige of our powerful fraternity, without feeling some degree of obligation to it? Some of them rank last in scholarship among many organizations, or below the average of the student body, and laugh at it, when all the college fraternity world knows that “ de­ votion to the cultivation of the intellect” is one of the three great objects towards which Betas, supposedly, strive. Those who wish to make this fraternity what it professes to be— in an era of great forward movements in every fraternity— are beginning to wonder whether chapters of this type— and there are several of them— should not be permitted to sever the ties with us and become local clubs— we assuming the chapter property, taking over the chapter house, and seeking to perpetuate the chapter name and the reputa­ tion of former years in the institution by pledging and initiating some of the earnest young men who may be found in any college, as yet unattached but eager and anxious to be proved worthy of such a trust. Such a plan would permit the local clubs to have the full enjoyment of local privileges without any of the annoyances of relationship to an outside and really bothersome organization.

As a fraternity, in its administration, Beta Theta Pi has been exceptionally free from attempts at coercion or control of chapters. W e have allowed a large measure of local autonomy in our chapters, in notable contrast with the attitude of some of our competing Greek-letter societies— at the opposite pole of administration from that of some of the newer societies, organized under the influence of modern business ideas and notions of centralized authority.

It has been our policy always to make our advances by appeal to reason and by helpful suggestion. But when a chapter becomes merely a name, so far

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BETA LIFE

five years. W e have kept our charters in such institutions for purely historical reasons— for what the chapters did in days gone by and when Beta Theta Pi was weak— when many of its colleges were weak. On every occasion in the last forty years— when Beta Theta Pi has taken stock of its chapters, they have been on the suspect list. I make no careless statement. The official records support me. Relatively the colleges have made no progress. There have been some additions to working funds; there has been an occasional new building— but, relatively, there has been no gain.

In a “ housecleaning” convention there is a natural question, “ How much longer there?”

It is part of the tradition of our fraternity that we have no ranks, no degrees, all standing on the same fraternal level. Our chapters occupy the same position. Legally, theoretically and by tradition they have the same rights and privileges and are entitled to the same consideration. It may not be fair to require of one what is not demanded of all. On the other hand there may be room for some consideration of Beta Theta Pi by the members of these chapters. They must know that their colleges are weak as modern colleges go. They must know that they do not measure up to the standards now required of petitioners— the standards they help to insist upon. Should they not do their full part by our fraternity by keeping absolutely in the van in every feature of college life? To have chapters of our fraternity in weak institutions and to have them trailing all the other fraternities in scholarship or merely existing as one of several indifferent groups of students, certainly is not conducive to pride or satisfaction on the part of Beta Theta Pi. Shall such conditions be tolerated much longer? The law of the survival of the fittest may be brutal— it may be unfraternal— but, if, as a fraternity, we have some thing real to do for student life, we must make ourselves as strong as possible for our tasks— and all history has the same message: Eliminate the weak and the indifferent and the fruitless. ( i ) W e have chapters in several institutions where the atmosphere and the environment are against us, both being distinctly unfavorable to real fraternity life. It is not a Beta difficulty alone. It is a common fraternity problem. There is no chapter life as that is known and enjoyed in most of our chapters. There is a chapter house; but it is a club house.and not a home. Members do not live in it. They meet occasionally, although there are cases, where a member is absent from many consecutive meetings. The chapter, to all intents and purposes is a local club. The character of the stu­ dent body is such that the total number of eligible fraternity_ men is small in proportion to the total enrollment. There are no indications that any change in conditions is likely. W hat is our duty as a fraternity? Shall we let matters slide along indefinitely, when the real situation is apparent?

O r shall we withdraw these charters and plan for a stronger fraternity in the decade ahead?

Shall the age or the youth of a chapter be a factor? W e have boasted that we have built up so carefully that not a single chapter has been lost which was established since 1879. But there is reason to believe that m some in­ stances we made mistakes and misjudged the material. It is better to end this period— after forty-eight years— than to drag some of the chapters along which cannot be made real Beta chapters. Shall the natura regret of alumni lead us not to do the thing which evidently should be done Shall we strive to make Beta Theta Pi a fraternity of chapters, living m homes, developing

THE FOLLOW ERS OF THE VISION

89

pruning— it means costs in displeasure of alumni or in local loss— Beta Theta Pi will be better and stronger with the inharmonious, the indifferent and the hopelessly struggling chapters eliminated, or at least brought up standing to realize that they must get to work as Beta chapters or go. But their cases will be presented to the committee on chapters and there will be abundant oppor­ tunity for them, through their representatives, to make their own defense. I have merely suggested the work which the committees on chapters and on charters have before them in a “ house-cleaning” convention.

Brothers: Shall we make Beta Theta Pi stand for the highest things everywhere? I think of the ambitions of the founders and the forerunners during eighty-eight years. I think of the ambitions of those who want char­ ters from this fraternity. I think of' the ambitions of those students— yes, even those small lads all over the country, who want to be Betas. I think of the opinions of college men who study Beta Theta Pi from the outside. I think of the opinions of other fraternity men— they all regard Beta Theta Pi as something well worth while. Do we ourselves ?

The number who catch the vision is very small. There are few 100 per cent Betas. The number who merely belong, who never do anything for the I fraternity in college, is large. They are the disappointments, the mis judg­ ments. You have some in your chapter, brother president. The number who lose interest in the fraternity after leaving college is large. In a sense the boys are right when they report that seniors were “ lost” by graduation. The number of our members who never “ arrive” in the world is large. Every I chapter list contains their names. Even with wisest possible selection we draw many blanks. Under such conditions which confront us when we try to do our best, we surely ought not to make the situation more difficult for the idealism of Beta Theta Pi by carrying on our rolls groups which care nothing, apparently, for that idealism. W e are only twelve years away from our cen­ tennial anniversary. Let us formulate policies this week, so that before 1939 every chapter that fails to measure up is eliminated and every unworthy Beta is stricken from our rolls. Every man who helps to break down ordered government by disloyalty to the constitution and laws of his country; every man who ignores his financial obligations; every man who flouts the laws of the fraternity; every man who is untrue to his vow to uphold as an individual the dignity of the fraternity; every man who is indifferent to the obligations and opportunities of the fraternity— to whom it means nothing and which receives nothing from him— in fine— every one not worthy to wear the badge and bear the name of Beta Theta Pi. They must go!

Perhaps our ambitions are too high for those we deem worthy to wear our badge and bear our name. But, somehow, when thinking of the possibili­ ties and the opportunities which open before college men the words o f Mus­ solini come to me, when he stated that he was determined to build up the new Italy from the potent forces, ignoring the impotent. Somewhere Tennyson longs for the time when thought and time shall be born again !

And newer knowledge, drawing nigh, Brings truth that sways the souls of men.

W e cannot be far away from a rebirth of idealism, from a revival of the finer things of the spirit. I am anxious to have every real Beta— what our

88

BETA LIFE

as attention to or interest in the ideals of the fraternity is concerned, and seems to chafe when officials call attention to those ideals, it is a natural ques­ tion whether it has the slightest value to Beta Theta Pi. Chapters like these, too, have alumni who will feel hurt, if the fraternity acts— but who have not exerted themselves to compel a change in the local situation. How long shall the rest of a forward-moving fraternity, in an era of general fraternity progress, be held back by such drags ?

(4) W e have some chapters where the idea of fraternity does not abide; where the game of “ give and take” is never played; where harmony is never found— either in the singing of songs or in the gatherings at the shrine.

Each year they send their plaints up to the Board of Trustees— someone to be expelled because he won’t co-operate— someone seeking release from chapter duties, chapter responsibilities, chapter obligations, while still desiring for purely selfish ends to hold on to the Beta name. What shall be done with such chapters ? They add no strength to Beta Theta Pi. How can harmony be restored in such cases? It is a serious problem.

From one such inharmonious and discordant group— the word chapter does not fit it— came a graduate student last fall. He was extended fraternal courtesies in the chapter house of the new institution. Never having appreci­ ated the obligations of chapter life he began at once to violate the hospitality offered him, so that he soon received a request to leave the chapter house and to stay away from it. His reaction was natural considering his Beta training.

He loudly compared his hosts with his own chapter where “ he men” as he called them, had secured control over the “ Christers” as he called them these being the ones who wished to maintain a Beta Theta Pi chapter, to live up to their obligations, to bar liquor and gambling from the chapter house, to pay some attention at least to college requirements and to fraternity spirit.’ He painted a picture of his chapter where on every Saturday night the “ he men” got drunk and stayed that way until Monday, despite the efforts of the “Y .W .C .A . and the Christers,” as he called them, to prevent such actions.

No Beta is bound in his fraternity relations by an oath of fidelity to religion or to the constitution or laws of his country. But every one enters Beta Theta Pi through a door by the side of which the Searcher of All Hearts stands; and every one vows obedience to the constitution, laws and in­ structions of his fraternity. The natural assumption is that the true Beta stands for law and order; that he respects the good and the true. It is a fair question then, whether Beta Theta Pi is enriched by the type of he men” who patronize bootleggers, seek to break down the constitution and laws of the nation, and with coarse and repulsive epithet sneer at those who try to follow the Great Teacher who is called “ Master by millions of men— and those men, on the whole, civilization’s best. Do we wish such he men” to be the builders of our fraternity? It is a curious thing, too, that stu­ dents of this type and chapters of this type usually concede their primacy in their institution, while to every official of that institution and to every other fraternity chapter the real situation is perfectly apparent. What shall Beta T h e t a Pi do w i t h c h a p t e r s l i k e t h i s ?

I have spoken plainly in calling attention to the questionable conditions in not over half a dozen chapters of our fraternity A fter long reflection and with a good deal of regret— as I have known worthy Betas from these chap­ ters— I have reached the conclusion that, no matter what it costs to do this

TH E F R A TE R N ITY : A REFLECTION

91

In 1878 most college students were preparing to enter school-teaching or other learned professions. The Betas of those days had their roots in a common heritage of blood, religious training and outlook on life.

Since 1878 the United States has become the richest country in the world.

Our population has multiplied; we are making great and increasing expendi­ tures for public education so that opportunities for intellectual training are open to all. It has become self-evident that the achievements of an individual American are limited only by his own health, energy, determination, effort, ability and character. Masses of people in the United States today are en­ joying prosperity comparable only to the prosperity of the aristocrats of a few centuries ago. Our whole system of education from kindergarten to graduate school is a ladder up which men and women may climb to leadership and ' {fill wealth.

There has been an extraordinary in­ crease in college enrollment since 1878.

Most of this increase is due to no longing f or learning, but is due to an intense crav­ ing for prestige, power and wealth. No longer are our college communities homo­ geneous in racial stock, religion, and early training. Glance at the names in our own yearbook. Jones, Smith, Whipple, and Poe are there of course. If you hunt you will find Jan Waldyslaw Lieznieski and Syze Wilto Schortinghuis. Almost at random you may select Vanture, Man they, Zorn, Heinz, Mahoney, Mulligan, Von Hagen, Finn, Erickson, Gooch, Rosen­ baum, Muschette, Abruzzino, Sadillo, Sac­ co, Lindquist, Egurrola, Cessna, Gsell, Lissak, Tvedten, Loizeaux, Fotheringham, Arteaga, Kowalewski, and Sigafoos.

This list is representative of American H A R O L D J. B A I L Y colleges, and it is evident that members of present day Beta chapters may practice tolerance daily and lay the foundation for a real brotherhood of man if they only will.

Having striven toward and in no small measure attained the ideal of justice and equal opportunity for all, the United States has prospered. W e face the evils that go with prosperity— that history teaches have always gone with prosperity in the past. Unless these evils are overcome the now pros­ perous masses will eventually succumb as aristocracies in the past have suc­ cumbed and to the same evils. Our religious and moral training has not fitted us to cope effectively with these new dangers. Few realize that there is any danger in prosperity, luxury and ease.

Let Beta Theta Pi encourage its members to cultivate the fundamental virtues of unselfishness, thrift, sobriety, chastity, industry and honesty; let Beta Theta Pi inspire unfaltering fidelity to the highest ideals of truth, honor, manliness and righteousness; through devotion to the cultivation of the in­

i

BETA LIFE

90

fathers liked to call “ true Greeks,”— found among the potent forces then, each one A follow er o f the vision, still In motion to the distant gleam.

If there has seemed to be a suggestion of discontent with our fraternity in what I have said to you, let no delegate from a real Beta chapter think that there is reason for such discontent with Beta Theta Pi as a whole or with its status the continent over at the present time.

Beta Theta Pi is a great fraternity. It holds a high position among its friendly competitors. It is esteemed on most campuses where its name is known. It is doing its share toward making present-day college life more help­ ful and more wholesome. Visiting many of its homes as I have done in recent months, I have taken great pride in what I have seen, in what I have heard, in what I have sensed. There are few institutions in which we have a chapter where Beta Theta Pi is not honored.

Our main problem, after we have lopped off the half-dozen fruitless and decaying branches, is to work together to make our fraternity better. To this great task you are now to set yourselves for the next few days. If this gathering be the finest selection of Beta leaders we have ever had together, as some believe, then out of Bigwin this week should come great things for our fraternity.

It is not to be all work. There is to be plenty of time for play, for singing our songs, for making and cementing friendships, for all the joys which attend common membership in a wonderful brotherhood whose diamondgleaming badge more than 32,000 members have been proud to wear. In the days ahead, “ Remember who you are” and let the slogan b e : Strive every man with ardor, Blaze Beta’s name on high, Fighting fo r W ooglin’s honor, F or Beta Theta Pi.

(Convention address, Bigwin Inn, August 30, 1927.)

TH E FRATERNITY, 1878-1928: A REFLECTION H

arold

J.

B

a il y

,

Amherst ’08

F ifty years ago the Beta Convention was held in Indianapolis. Joseph R. Lamar, destined to become a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, was General Secretary. Brothers W illis O. Robb, W yllys C. Ransom, Edward J. Brown, George W . Switzer, John W . Herron, John I. Covington, and W illis Van Devanter attended the convention. These names are familiar to those who know the history of Beta Theta Pi. The fraternity was then thirty-nine years of age, but we had only thirty chapters, only about four hundred and nineteen undergraduate members and a total membership o only four thousand. Now we have 85 chapters, about 2,825 undergraduate members, and a total membership of 32,826. In fifty years Beta Theta ^ has.octupled its total membership. In 1928 we have twenty-three districts, in 1878 there were only five. Then each district chief was an undergraduate, now every chief is an alumnus.

I } I AN A N A L Y S IS O F PROBLEM S

93

hopes for the future give us just pride in our organization and renewed courage and enthusiasm for the tasks which immediately confront us. The j complete co-operation of the chapters and alumni represented here can make I possible such progress during the next eleven years that our hopes for the j distant future will seem insignificant when compared with what we shall ! presently accomplish. Our centennial will then be the occasion of rejoicing I and we can plan for the second century of Beta Theta Pi with the certain | knowledge that your fraternity and mine is worthy of a place among the I institutions that are contributing effectively to the upbuilding of our own 1 country and to the advancement and peace of the world.— (From the annual | report of the General Secretary, Colorado Springs Convention, 1928.)

|

BETA LIFE: AN AN ALYSIS OF PROBLEMS S tratford L

;

j I

;

ee

M

orton,

Washington

’io

When Topsy in Uncle Toni’s Cabin was asked how she had come to be such a big girl, she replied with that phrase that has become a classic, “Just growed.” “Just growed” like Topsy expresses the manner of growth of many things in our American life.

City Plan Commissions and Bureaus of Research are expressions of the need f or analysis and planning based upon the needs in each case. W e may be all dressed up today but it is essential to know where, as well as why, we’re going and what we’re going to do when we get there.

Lindbergh has been called “ lucky,” but anyone familiar with his training knows that the luck in his case, as in all others, is simply by training and planning, being ready to take advantage when the oppor­ tunity presents itself. The man or organ­ ization that succeeds is the one that is willing to pay the price of success; that is, unremitting study, planning and hard work, everlasting vigilance and adherence to a mapped-out course or ideal.

A s members of an organization in its eighty-eighth year, we are anxious to con­ tinue to learn by experience, and remain a coming and not a going concern. While old in years, we are young in our oppor­ tunities for service and as a powerful S T R A T F O R D L. M O R T O N force in North American college life.

Robinson in his Mind in the Making says, “ There is one thing that we learn from history and that is that we don’t learn anything from history.” That would seem a hopeless situation and I am anxious that by recognizing them we can ward against the ills that organiza­ tions as well as the flesh fall heir to.

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BETA LIFE

tellect and the preservation of unsullied friendships let Beta Theta Pi develop wise, generous and lovable members and it will follow, as the night the day, that by means of the influence, the example and the noble acts of hundreds of worthy Betas, Beta Theta Pi will contribute an honorable share to the perpetuation of the best that was in the old America and to the glorious up­ building of the modern America.

Here in the great state of Colorado surrounded by stupendous mountain peaks we stand literally as well as figuratively on the mount of vision. Since 1878 Beta Theta Pi and the American educational world have been com­ pletely if quietly transformed. W e shall continue to plan and legislate for Beta Theta Pi, guided by the lofty ideals which inspired our brothers at Indianapolis fifty years ago, but we shall also strive with open and under­ standing minds to apply our principles to the conditions of our own times and to follow with enthusiasm the master-spirits of the wonderful, new and ever-changing era in which we are privileged to live and to act.

For eighty-nine years Beta Theta Pi has been thrusting its roots into the soil of this great land. Our country has prospered meanwhile, and our fra­ ternity has grown like a tree planted by the rivers of water. The national fraternity idea is now so strong that fraternity men are prone to think that fraternities have proved their usefulness beyond question, but public opinion does not unanimously agree with them. Although we are not directly ac­ countable for the acts of other fraternities, we are responsible for the achieve­ ments and reputation of Beta Theta Pi, and through the power of the example of our own fraternity we can give direction and inspiration to the entire college fraternity system. Each one of us is directly responsible. A freshman honor man, an Olympic athlete, a Rhodes scholar, a member of the President’s cabinet, in fact, every Beta on our rolls, each in his own sphere, can add to the usefulness and prestige of Beta Theta Pi. The source of Beta Theta P i’s strength is unseen; it is more enduring than the rock-ribbed hills around us here; it is found in the souls of men.

Beta spirit is spiritual. Material prosperity is good, but our fraternity’s great­ est service is that it strives to enrich men’s souls. _ Eleven years from now, on August 8, 1939, Beta Theta Pi will be one hundred years old. W hat use shall we make of these eleven years before our centennial? I urge you to give your best to advance our fraternity s spiritual powers, so that Beta Theta P i’s achievements m aiding men to lead effective and more abundant lives will prove that there is one fraternity which is a great national asset. To deserve recognition as a leader Beta Theta Pi must lead. Let us plant the Beta banner high on the mountain top among the loftiest crags of success. _ * Our plans for greatly expanding service should be carefully thought through should mature slowly, and should rest on the solid rock of achieve­ ment Before we present a project which is so big m its vision that it takes men’s breath away, before we ask alumni to give generously of their savings, energy and time to assist in carrying out our new program we must have a convincing record that will give evidence of our determination to do great things and our ability to execute our plans.

The inspiration of the fraternity’s past, its present prosperity and its high

A N A N A L Y S IS O F PR O BLEM S b.

c. d. e. f. g. h.

95

Choice of best time of entrance.

1. Based on choice of proper petitioning body.

2. Ability to administer properly.

Choice of proper initiates.

Giving proper initiation.

Giving proper education and instruction.

Proper choice and training of chapter officers, committee chair­ men and delegates to convention.

Proper supervision and training of all members for service.

Proper stimulation.

1. Through trained chapter officers.

2. Properly chosen and trained District Chiefs.

3. Properly selected General Officers.

4. Delegates to convention.

5. Convention (purposeful).

6. Well edited magazine.

In 1799 George Washington was bled to death because the doctors of that day did not understand the function of the circulatory system. Today medical science realizes that sores and festers break out on the body as the result of poisons taken into the system. Faulty diet digestion and circulation bring their resulting disorders. Cannot the same application be made to the ills that may infest our fraternity body?

W hat are these ills?

1. Poor scholarship.

2. Poor finances.

3. Incompleted courses.

4. Lack of interest by actives and alumni.

5. Ups and downs in chapters.

6. Lack of standard of qualification.

7. Drinking and loose morals.

8. Inability to catch the vision.

9. Breakdown of administrative machinery. .

A fter recognizing the ills, the next thing is to establish their underlying causes. I submit herewith some of the causes for some of these ills. They all come down to the units— college chapter and individual member. No organization, like a chain, is stronger than its weakest link.

C A U S E S O F E V IL S

Scholarship and Finances, etc.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Character of institution entered.

Character of men attracted to institution. a. Large influx of raw material since the war unqualified for college work— desiring only college stamp— no interest in scholarship or attainment.

Lack of standardized entrance requirements, a. Certificate or college board examinations.

Expansion into field as to which unable to give administration.

BETA LIFE

94

This is a day of standardization and mass production. Things have to be justified by what they cost. It is a machine age. Practically all of the achievements in science have been realized since the vision of our Beta Sires in ’39. It is essential that these wonderful ideals shall lose none of their value because they have not been translated into the language of today; that these ideals be not worshipped from afar, something over the heads of under­ graduates and alumni, but something to be tied up to and lived with in our daily contacts with each other.

Undergraduate life should not be looked at as something apart from the rest of the world, with different standards of morals and conduct and rules for playing the game, but one of preliminary training for the greater obliga­ tions to be assumed as alumni. During the four years of undergraduate life we are pledges in Beta Theta Pi and should become active Betas upon our graduation.

About fifteen years ago this fraternity standardized its badge and several years ago it standardized its accounting system. Again we set a standard of chapter size, not as a rule but as a guide for chapters desirous of the bestall-around Beta spirit and administrative efficiency. Brother Shepardson has added to this his definition of an ideal Beta chapter. These steps were taken as a means of correcting evils which had sprung up. They were preliminary steps in the solution of our fraternity problems. Some years ago the study of brick laying made possible the reduction in operations by more than half the number. Standardization means the elimination of lost motion.

T o undertake a journey, using the transportation facilities of the day in which we live, we must h ave: 1. A vehicle or machine.

2. A destination.

3. A road or air chart; 4. Oil, gas and water.

W e have in Beta Theta Pi the best vehicle for serving college men.

Through the inspiration of many leaders in our long and illustrious line and in the inspiration of man to man contacts in conventions such as this, we have the oil, gas and water. It remains to fix our destination and to chart our course. Let us attempt to redefine our purpose and put down in logical sequence the mile stones we must pass.

I. In 1839 the birth of an ideal, our heritage, the vision of the fathers.

II. How to be used— our aim or purpose. a. Round out the individual and build character. b. Make college life more enjoyable, saner and more purposeful. c. Make for more loyalty to our Alma Mater. d. Make for better citizens.

1. Through tolerance and open-mindedness.

2. Undertaking our obligations as citizens.

3. Paying our just debts. W e have declared The dead beat must go.” The Beta who stays is the Beta who pays, in dol­ lars and in service.

III.

Methods of application. a. Choice of proper colleges to enter.

TH E CALL OF TH E TRUM PETS

97

■ Branch Rickey of the St. Louis Cardinals has an expression that I like.

J He says, “You can’t steal first base, you’ve got to earn it.”

Let’s play the game by first laying out the field and agreeing on the rules.

THE CALL OF THE TRUMPETS F

r a n c is

W. S

hepardson,

Denison

’82

Zebulon Montgomery Pike was a pioneer. He was an explorer. He [ sought sources. He opened gateways. A hundred and twenty-five years ago I his name was one to conjure with in America. Far up the valley of the Mis­ sissippi he sought and found headwaters, helping toward the determination of the source of a mighty stream. Across the dry and dusty desert he dared to go, despite danger, disaster, and death. The honor shown him in the designa­ tion “ Pike’s Peak,” he richly deserved. It was the first mountain summit ! to appear as the wearied pioneer plainsman pressed ploddingly across the arid areas toward that adventure, appealing and alluring, beyond the Great Divide.

Twenty mountains in Colorado are higher— so the jealous state boosters de! clare. But they never can take away the glory from “ Pike’s Peak.”

For “ Pike’s Peak,” in the story of American development meant something ! more than a mountain. It was a goal. On the tented roof of his covered wagon, as the pioneer wended his way westward, he painted the stimulating ! slogan, “ Pike’s Peak or Bust.” It was a clarion call to the daring. It was a state of mind. It challenged to victory. It presaged impending triumph. Once get to Pike’s Peak, and the gateway to the future, unknown, mysterious, would j open. Sometimes, the chronicler tells us, as these hopeful and hardy heroes held their eyes steadily toward the West, they met a wagon headed east, the i slogan changed from the daring, determined, and defiant “ Pike’s Peak or Bust” to the discouraged and depressed declaration of disappointment, dis­ illusionment, and defeat, “ Busted, by Thunder.”

No one who ever read thoughtfully The Choir Invisible, by James Lane Allen, will forget the pages in which he tells of the brave men and women who took the wilderness trail through the valleys and over the mountains from Virginia and North Carolina into Kentucky and Tennessee to open up the future of the unfolding W est; and, particularly a certain page where there was described and designated the occasional tired and spiritless driver, headed again toward the Atlantic coast, with its comparative comfort and ease— going back to the old home— to find himself and his family forgotten, as part of what Allen calls “ the defeated Anglo-Saxon army of civilization.”

It was not by weaklings such as he that the W est was won for the race.

Perhaps more than one pioneer, in the olden days, watching Pike’s Peak in the distance, repeated again those marvelous words I will lift up mine eyes to the hills whence cometh my strength.

In accordance with the traditions of the centuries, and with the established custom of our fraternity, we, as a separate company of people have come again to a high place to worship. The word “ worship” is used advisedly.

The records of the ages tell o f the family reunions, the fun and the frolic, the discussions and the disputes, the many divertisements, which always attended the annual conclave of the clans in the days of old. But these were the side

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5.

Pledging of poor material. a. Hurrying of rushing. b. Insufficient information on record of previous work. c. No standardized rushing rules between colleges. d. Lack of co-operation between chapters. e. Bidding men because others have. f . Competitive building of too expensive chapter houses, resulting in too big overhead.

1. Which brings poor material in order to get men to live in house and carry burden.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Poor education and training of chapter officers.

Too much emphasis laid on athletic and social qualities.

No college or chapter check upon scholarship.

No definite aim as individuals or as chapter in part to be played in college or fraternity.

No chart to guide new officers or District Chiefs. They are given a charter, license, appointment, a few tools and a “ God bless you.”

10.

It is my recommendation that this Convention through the chapters repre­ sented here undertake an exhaustive analysis of the ills of our fraternity or­ ganization, working on the theory of “ an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” ; that each chapter co-operate in each institution with the col­ lege authorities and Panhellenic organizations if any. If latter not existent be leaders in their establishment. To uncover any hidden ills, absolute frankness is most essential.

To sum up, our job divides itself as a general administrative organization and as individual chapters into 1. Selection.

2. Education.

3. Training.

4. Supervision.

5. Inspiration.

Standardization in rushing, initiation, scholarship, finances, size of and investment in chapter houses where conditions are similar, modern methods of raising money through insurance and building and loan plans, expansion and contraction, letting each chapter or individual member know that if they fall below such a standard they will be automatically put on probation or dropped from the rolls.

When this analysis has been completed, a full report should be made to the next Convention. The recognition of evils and their underlying causes will suggest the hygiene, preventive medicine or vaccine necessary to make them, like smallpox or yellow fever, free from epidemic possibilities.

No traveler can enjoy the scenery in the beautiful country through which, as fraternity men, we can travel, when he is conscious of the carbon knocks in his engine, due to the failure periodically to overhaul the machinery.

No chapter can function properly where all of its attention is given to shaky finances and poor scholarship. The time spent in chapter life and convention can then be given to fraternity policies and inspiration and making of lasting friendships rather than to patching up rundown machinery.

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THE CALL OF THE TRUM PETS

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garded as the legitimate successor of the first branch established there.

I If among the twenty-three every possibility was exhausted, there would be ten revivals. In all likelihood half of that number will include all which we shall wish to re-vitalize. Counting five, with no losses, we should have ninety chapters all told. So far as present vision goes, there are not more than ten other institutions possibly to prove attractive to Beta Theta Pi during the next quarter of a century. If this personal judgment be well-based, then it is clear that external expansion is not to be a pressing factor in our future.

|HS1-Picture taken for Oregon State Chapter

F R A N C IS W . S H E P A R D S O N

I

From small chapters, meeting in college rooms or in rented halls, we have become a fraternity of home owners, with holdings well beyond $3,000,000 in value. Omitting from consideration a few chapters which are now thinking of replacements, there are fewer than ten of our eighty-five which are not satisfactorily housed. Two of these have plans which are likely to work out within a year or two. Only three chapters seem hopelessly behind, although the houses of two others carry with them no evidence of sufficiency for what the fraternity desires its chapters to be in their college communities. But, with the housing so generally covered, and with perfect assurance that the replacements desirable for the ideal will come naturally in the course of years, we shall have to ignore the chapters whose alumni seem unwilling to provide

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shows. The purpose of the pilgrimage always was : to worship at the shrine; to hear again from leaders words of wisdom and of counsel; to renew vows at the altar of faith. And that is exactly why we have come up to this moun­ tain, from the East, from the West, from the Sunny South, to attend this eighty-ninth general convention of Beta Theta Pi. sfc * * It was in 1911 that our Beta poet, Sam W alter Foss, wrote lines, first published in our fraternity magazine, about the call of the trumpets. Two of the stanzas ran thus: T he trumpets were calling me over the Range, And I was a youth and was strong for the s trife ; And I was full fain fo r the new and the strange, And mad for the tumult of life.

And I heard the loud trumpets that blew for the fray, In the spell o f their magic and madness was dumb; And I said, “ I will follow by night and day, The trumpets are calling— I come.

He wrote the words the night before he expected to undergo an operation which might mean his death. But it is with thoughts of life that the question comes: To what are the trumpets calling us as a fraternity?

In recent weeks I have given a great deal of time and thought to study of that feature of a college fraternity’s life which is called sentiment. As many times before, I have been tremendously stirred by the evident depth of feeling which many Betas of days gone by have had for our fraternity. I have particularly noted the affection of strong men— men who have achieved — whose names stand for accomplishment in the life of this continent— men who might be conceived as likely to be careless or contemptuous of such things as a college badge, a motto, some ideals. That Beta Theta Pi, in spite of distressing disasters, has lived for nearly ninety years; that it has great strength in our colleges today; that it claims and retains the love of thousands of members— these things must mean that, in Beta Theta Pi, there is some­ thing really worth while, something worthy of the best thought, something valuable to be cherished and handed down as a treasure.

Thou art fairer, dear Beta, than earth knows besides.

A man wrote that who was to become a Methodist Bishop and the presi­ dent of a Colorado university.

W hat is immediately ahead for our fraternity ? What is to happen to it in the next decade? When that is ended, Beta Theta Pi will be a hundred years old. What shall the fraternity be, and what shall it do, in its second century? It is not too early to be thinking of that. Indeed, it seems likely that those trumpets are calling us to prepare for that new era ahead of us.

While we are on the mountain is the time and the opportunity to look afar.

W e must visualize the fraternity of the second century and begin at once to work toward its realization. * For the greater part of its life much attention has been given by Beta Theta Pi to expansion. W e have grown physically as we have increased in years. But our expansion appears to be approaching its limit. W e may wish to re-establish a few of our now inactive chapters. There are twentythree of these, as usually counted, one less if the Cincinnati chapter be re­

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I

sort of social expression. Some of the social organizations, often fostered to give some one a job and a salary, seem to think that the college fraternity does not meet its full obligation unless it contributes part of its income and part of its energy toward so-called social work. Dan McCleary, talking with Ed Stevens that day in Cincinnati, said that “ he considered that none of our objects led us into any connection with the world.”

I believe that I understand exactly what he had in m ind: that Beta Theta Pi was organized not for outward show but for inward development; not to have part, as an organization, in the affairs of the college or the w orld; but to act upon its individual members, training them, drawing out their best qualities, preparing them as individuals for better citizenship whether of the college world or the larger arena beyond; so that, as individuals, they would uphold the dignity of Beta Theta Pi and in their lives and actions ever main­ tain their characters as worthy members of the fraternity. And Dan Mc­ Cleary no doubt felt, that if his ideal of the fraternity should penetrate and dominate the minds of Betas everywhere, there never would be the slightest doubt of their adequate contribution to the enrichment of campus life and to the improvement of fellow students and others outside the pale of brother­ hood. The deep feeling of this Beta of old may, perhaps, point us the way we, as a fraternity, should go in our second century whose advent now draws near.

There is another consideration which may have a determining influence upon our future. The “ laudator temporis acti”— praiser of days gone by— knows that Beta Theta Pi has undergone just as great a transformation in­ ternally as its chapter houses suggest has taken place externally, when there is recollection of the secret meetings at midnight in some student’s room— then the only shrine.

For the first forty years of Beta Theta Pi every member was hand-picked, selected after weeks or months of careful consideration. If no worthy in­ dividuals appeared there were no initiations. No wonder those 3,500 mem­ bers made such an astonishing record, comparatively, in the ministry, in teach­ ing, in the law, in medicine, in politics. They were select of the select. N o w !

I quote from .the bulletin of one of the chapters: “ The Freshman class of 1932 will not be a large one. A t the present time it seems that between thirty and thirty-five initiated men will be returning in the fall. This means that only about ten or twelve pledges will be needed to fill up the house. A chapter in the neighborhood of forty men is about the right size.”

W e have 33,000 members now, all told, and there is much reason to think that a good many of them have been chosen as room-fillers.

But there are other things to be noted in addition to the increase in the size of the chapters and the undoubted presence of seconds and thirds as room-fillers and mortgage-interest-payers. The quality and character of the stock is changing, too. The “ melting pot” American has taken possession of our colleges. He has passed the barred door of Beta initiation halls. He has become the controlling power in some of the chapters. I have just com­ pleted a careful examination of the names of ten thousand initiates since 1919.

I have been astounded by the revelation that has come tO' me. The personnel of Beta Theta Pi in 1928, in race, religion, mores, is a “ melting pot” per­ sonnel to a large degree.

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them homes, and go ahead toward our destiny without allowing them to drag us backward. Housing, therefore, does not seem likely to be a problem for the second century; for we are hopeful that the next eleven years, with the drive we can make as we close the hundred year period, will clear off all our mortgages and leave all our houses free of indebtedness.

Chapters are beginning to accumulate funds for various purposes: for making loans in small amount to needy members; for prizes in various lines of activity. These funds are likely to increase steadily and without much effort, as the chapters add to their years and as individual members add to their personal holdings. Already there are beginnings of funds for carrying house overhead, these looking to the reduction of room rent and the restric­ tion of the size of chapters, so that, with all the advantages and comforts of club life afforded in the chapter houses, the outlays for membership shall not make the chapter house a prohibited place for the student of moderate means. There will be scholarships established; there will be provision for tutorial services; individual preference and fancy will suggest other pleas­ ing additions to the equipment of the chapter home. The natural develop­ ment of an institution, in my opinion, will provide funds for all sorts of things, including the building up of chapter library, the purchase of good pictures, the addition of attractive pieces of furniture. The future will not have this sort of work as something to tax its energies or to demand much thought. W hat then is the fraternity to do, if these things which have pressed so hard for half a century no longer confront it?

Somehow Dan McCleary, of the Miami chapter, gets into the picture now.

In the Mexican war he won high distinction as a daring soldier, the country ringing with his praises for heroic deeds. He was the first Beta to die in w ar; for yellow fever carried him off at Vera Cruz while he was at the front.

He was as fine a Beta as he was soldier. He had some clearly defined views about Beta Theta Pi. Ed Stevens, to whom we owe so much of pur knowledge of the formative years of our fraternity, met McCleary in Cincinnati and told him of the plan at Miami to disclose the existence of Beta Theta Pi. That was in March, 1843. McCleary objected strongly. A s Stevens reported the conversation to Founder James George Smith: H e does no,t seem to understand how we should wish to avow from any desire of acting upon the community as a regular associated body . . . . the original design was that we should act upon ourselves and not upon society. T o sum up his opinion gen­ erally : he thought any such move would look like vanity in us, and that, for his part, he did not approve of secret societies whose existence was known. H e considered that none o f our objects led us into any connection with the world.

A s our history developed, the cloister ideals of McCleary did not win out.

The existence of the fraternity was made known in spite of those who felt that a secret bond was the sweetest. The visible emblem of membership ap­ peared, in spite of those who believed that a Beta himself should be the ex­ pression of the ideals. But there is one phrasing of Lieutenant McCleary’s that bears repetition and thought, as we look to the future; . . . . the original design was that we should act upon ourselves and not upon society.”

Some of the fraternal organizations in the_colleges, notably those of the women students, have adopted a policy of having what they call a “ national project,” a settlement somewhere, a mountain school, a health-mobile some

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103

1— W e must make a careful survey of Beta Theta Pi, to discover exactly what we have in each college community; our strength there and our weak­ ness ; how we are regarded by college authorities, by the students and towns­ people ; whether it is generally considered that there is something hidden in the fraternity of power and influence and usefulness, or the chapter is counted merely another student boarding house. W e never have had any such sweep­ ing survey.

2— W e must push vigorously plans for clearing up the indebtedness upon our chapter houses, so that the century may be closed with every bit of: property free from overhanging mortgages. A s part of that programme we must encourage those who strive to make every member realize his personal obligation so far as his own debts to his chapter are concerned. The two campaigns may well be forwarded together.

3— W e must discover and eliminate the chapters, if any, where the ideals of the fraternity have not found proper fruitage; where interest in the fra­ ternity is not keen; where there is not adequate housing or active alumni sup­ port. W e cannot afford to go into the second century with lame and hobbled feet. Eleven years is a sufficiently long period for any local achievement where local advance is absolutely essential.

4— W e must watch more carefully the barred door where the challenge is heard, “ W ho comes here?” W e have not been careful enough in our pre­ liminary examinations of candidates. The long lists of expulsions each year are absolute proof of that. Kenneth Murchison of the North Carolina chapter put it well seventy-six years ago: W e are very careful in our selection and invariably refuse those whose characters we do not know perfectly well. W e cannot be too careful, as we expect to partake o f the honor and share in the disgrace of each individual member.

5— W e must recruit the membership of the “ Old Guard,” the “ King s Own,” the “ Invincibles,” that inner circle of devoted knights of Beta Theta Pi from which willing volunteers for duty can be called at any hour— knights like those described by Pater Knox to the assembled brothers on August 8, 1840, “ bound to each other by the strongest cords of faith and fellowship”— “bound together by vows which were never broken”— pursuing the great objects of their associations “ with an energy that never tired, with a zeal that knew not self, and with a devotedness that never counted gold.” “There are always the two groups,” so a fugitive clipping ran, “ the inner group that really care and the larger group that merely stare. It was said on a great occasion to an inner group, ‘To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to others in parables, lest, seeing, they prove incapable of perceiving and, hearing, incapable of understanding.’ ” So, in Beta Theta Pi there are many who never catch the vision, who never understand the po­ tentialities of this great organization of youth. It is “ the inner group that really care” that makes any fraternity a success. The late Supreme Court Justice William B. Woods caught the idea when he was recorder of his chapter at Western Reserve eighty-five years ago, “ Masonry and Odd Fellowship have their friends and supporters. Let our beloved fraternity have its lovers.”

And so, stripped of every weight that might impede our progress, with a clean-cut band of loyal knights, with a powerful group of invincible sup­ porters, Beta Theta Pi will be ready for what the gods may have in store, as its second century begins. Here, on this high place of our fraternity, as

10 2

BETA LIFE

Up to the time of the World W ar most Americans favored the melting-pot theory. It was a popular oratorical theme. It won applause on the stage.

That was because everybody assumed of course that the melting-pot product was to be “ Americanized”— and that meant to become something like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, or some other hero. No one, except the croakers, ever had a thought, until the revelations of the World W ar drove the melting-pot idea into the land of disillusionment, that the “ American” ideals and the “ American” characteristics would not displace the inheritances of centuries in the case of every individual citizen. Now we are wiser. We know, too, that there is a new American. And it may be that the meltingpot destroyed all the dross, fusing only the best elements which it received.

Time alone will tell about that.

The question now i s : How will this new Beta react to the ideals which made a lasting impression upon the Presbyterian-Methodist-Congregationalist-Baptist-Episcopalian-Americanized Anglo-Saxons who founded Beta Theta Pi, nurtured it in its days of infancy, made it strong and powerful in its years of youth, left it to Betas of like stock, character, tradition, and thought, as something precious to be cherished and bequeathed to men of the future?

In my opinion our fraternity in its second century will be an American in­ stitution, its members a cross-section of the student body, its dominating thought that of the college community. That may mean something entirely different from what we know now in Beta Theta Pi. New conditions may bring new duties. The larger life of tomorrow may open new vistas. It may be futile to attempt a programme for that second century. But, so far as I can see it, the long-standing ideal of the fraternity will continue to be in­ fluential, the thought of Dan McCleary will prevail: “The standard by which we measure and are measured is not that of numbers, but the standard of mental strength and personal merit.” Relying upon the intelligence and virtue of its individual members our fraternity will have its influence upon campus life and upon the world without. Our select champions, tomorrow, as yesterday, will proclaim the worth of our ideals and the real value of the training which we give young men in our chapter homes. The best results will come if we adhere closely to what Dan Mc­ Cleary stated in the words “ the original idea was that we should act upon ourselves and not upon society.” W hat was that Dave Linton wrote in 1840 — before any one outside the chosen few knew that the fraternity existed— before anyone ever saw the Beta badge on college campus: “ Beta Theta Pi is prospering, and I rejoice. I hope they may ever keep the standard high and press on with a calm, silent, and unconquerable energy. Based upon no un­ just principle; formed fo r noble purposes; all that is necessary to secure complete success is an unflinching determination to pursue steadily the track in which we started.”

I have been trying to discover sources and to open gateways. The springs which, through nearly ninety years, have been contributing to the stream of Beta Theta Pi, are now all located. The great adventure of our second century is alluring— as appealing as was Pike’s Peak to the pioneers of long ago who guided their way westward by its upreared summit. W e must keep our faces toward the future and must not turn back. And we must prepare our fraternity for its work of 1939 and the long years ahead. In this prepara­ tion there seem to me to be certain definite things to do.

Chapter I V — Narratives of Chapter History

BETA BEGINNINGS A T AMHERST James

H.

T

ufts,

Amherst ’84

In the year 1878 it occurred to a few members o f the class of ’81, then sophomores, that there was room for another society in Amherst College; and they, forthwith, began to suspect that they were the appointed instru­ ments of destiny for undertaking the benevolent work that should afford pleasure to themselves and win the gratitude of those who should in after years enjoy the blessings of the society which even then was latent in the minds of its founders.

The sophomores soon associated a few freshmen with themselves and began to consider the question of applying to some fraternity for a charter; but, after some talk with the president of the college, it was decided to establish a local society.

No name was formally adopted for public use, but from the design on the pin adopted by the society, the name of “ Torch and Crown” was accepted as a convenient designation. The. real name of the society, however, was kept as a secret, never to be written or printed.

Meetings were held at first in the room of Mr. L. H. McCormick of Chicago, one of the founders, but arrangements were made during the summer of 1879 l i rent a house, then in process of erection, for a term of three years; and this house was occupied by the society at the opening of the collegiate year, 1879-80, and soon be­ came known as the “ Torch and Crown TAM ES H. T U F T S House.”

The society had now a substantial footing. Its membership contained nine men from ’81, five from ’82, and six from ’83. O f these, seven ’81 men and two ’83 men occupied the^ five suites of rooms in the house, leaving a spacious hall for society meetings.

In the more prosperous later days, the younger members looked with some­ thing of pity on the first home of the society; but the old Torch and Crown house was, after all, a very pleasant place to those who lived there longest and the dearest recollections of the writer’s college days cluster around the spacious piazza, the hall-ways where all “ fooling” was theoretically forbidden, and the room where “ Mac” formerly lived in palatial style, with statues and all sorts of antiques scattered about, later occupied by “ Buff,” “ Gad,” and

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we have gathered to worship at our shrine, can’t you see the vision out there ?

A fraternity, every chapter of which is a living exemplification of its idealism, every member of which is absolutely worthy to wear its badge and bear its name; a fraternity, every one of whose chapter houses is a real home; a fra­ ternity, every one of whose chapter halls is a place of inspiration, every one of whose altars is a place of consecration; a fraternity, through which young men are stimulated to high endeavor— out of which men come trained for leadership.- James T. Hatfield, in a great song, has pictured the fraternity we want, the fraternity we can have, if we will, when the new Beta century begins.

H ere’s to those who share our lot, Friends till death shall part; Comrades true in grief and joy, Men of loyal heart.

N ever shall life ’s weal or woe Brothers’ love divide; In the battle and the storm Standing side by side.

H ere’s to joys of thought and mind Shared by spirits rare, Mounting higher day by day, Breathing purer air.

Richer gains that crown our toil Less of lower earth ; L ife that grows more deep and full, Souls that learn their worth.

H ere’s to faith that’s firm and strong, P ro o f against all fate; Confidence o f man in man, Brave to hope and wait.

Let the seas between us roll, Rage each hostile gale, W e have known each other once, T rust shall never fail.

(Convention address, Colorado Springs, 1928.)

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107

I mg a chapter of his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. A fter much discussion pro ( and con, the active members finally voted at the last meeting of the collegiate year to petition the General Convention for a charter.

This was, o f course, a very important step and one which gave rise to^ no | little difference of opinion, especially among the alumni to whom the project ! came as an entirely new one. Many of them had felt that, as we had sucI ceeded so well in our start as a local society, it was the wisest course to rej main such. There was some apprehension also as to the nature and extent of the changes required in the constitution and organization of the old so­ ciety; but this was gradually removed and all the old members with the exception of two acquiesced in the change and became members of Beta Theta Pi. A t first the new name and connection did not seem to help us much m our standing and in our efforts to gain new m en; and though the year 1883-84 was a fairly prosperous one, the years 1884-85 and 1885-86 were perhaps the least prosperous in the history of the chapter. It was felt in the winter of the latter year that a crisis had come.

The other fraternities were erecting new and handsome houses. Ours was getting to look rather rusty, to say the least. The lease was about to expire and our landlord said we must buy or move. None really wanted to buy, but it did not seem possible to build or even to buy a house suitable for our use. Some feared that the chapter must go down.- But the more courageous had confidence in the help of the alumni and resolved to make an effort to get the house we needed.

Without dwelling on details it is enough to say that the efforts were suc­ cessful. Our sole honorary member, Mr. W . W . Scarborough of Cincinnati, headed the list with a gift of $500 and Brother Whiting of ’86, followed with $300. Nearly every graduate and active member gave something, and $2,000 in cash was thus raised and applied to the purchase of a house and lot, admirably located and well suited for a chapter house: The cost of the place was $15,000, and, though only a small amount has thus been actually paid, it is expected by those in charge that the debt will be lessened year by year until we can throw our mortgage deed into the fire and use our rent to buy wedding presents for the alumni and rattles for the infant Betas.

Leaving to my colleague the task of treating the present condition of the chapter, I will add a few words respecting its membership. Beginning with the class of ’81, Boardman is building up a practice as a physician in Boston; Dickinson has just completed a highly successful pastorate of three years in St. P a u l; Hinchcliffe, one of the founders and most active members while in college, is a dealer in pressed brick in Chicago; McCormick has married an English lady and is an architect in the same city; Scarborough looks after real estate business in Cincinnati and a ranch in W yoming; while Sears and Smith were at last accounts farming in southern Vermont. ’82 and ’84 have shown a decided tendency toward theology, Nichols, Hale, Reed and Whitehead of the former class and Eastman, Gardner, Gifford, Prentiss and T u fts of the latter, having engaged in that study. Reed is now a mis­ sionary among the Indians in Dakota. Gardner and Gifford are going this fall, one to Zululand, the other to Corea. Savage, ’82, is a successful physi­ cian in Brooklyn and Thompson is still a teacher. This last profession claims also Backus, Smith, and Whitcomb, ’83, leaving Dyer, the minister, Aborn,

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BETA LIFE

“Jim,” to their own delight and to the relief o f their neighbors. Even the song that our worthy janitor, “ Hammy” was always singing and never end­ ing now sounds as a not unpleasant melody.

When the writer was initiated in the fall of 1880, the society had delega­ tions from all the classes. Two of the ’81 men had been removed, one by death and one by departure to Brown University. This left the society with seven seniors, six juniors, seven sophomores and five freshmen. W e had, of course, to work hard to maintain our standing against the six fraternities which had most of them been established many years before and had large numbers of alumni to help them financially and otherwise. It was not easy to persuade a freshman that he could do better by joining us than by succeed-

A M H E R ST C H A P T E R H O U SE

ing to all the honors and glories of the long-established chapters. But we who were inside felt that the effort required was its own reward and that more discipline was gained from the fact that we were thrown entirely upon our own resources.

W e were admitted to representation in all publications conducted by the secret societies, and easily succeeded in demonstrating our ability to take a fair proportion of college honors. The literary meetings were enthusiastic and felt to be very valuable as a training in speaking and writing, and a strong society feeling bound together those who were working thus harmoniously together.

Matters continued to progress in this way, with no desire on the part of most of the members to join any fraternity, until the spring of 1883. In fact, several invitations from fraternities had been unanimously laid on the table.

But at this time Brother Stevens, who had entered the class of ’85 as a sophomore the preceding fall and had been initiated as a member of “Torch and.Crown” began to broach to some of the members the question of becom-

E A R LY BETA D AYS A T BETH AN Y

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to the faculty. Anyway I remember President Campbell spoke against secret orders in the chapel, characterizing all such as “ bald headed selfishness.”

The Neotrophian Society was almost ruptured by the contention that followed, about ten members withdrawing at one time.

Outside of said fraternity the college was almost solid against the intro­ duction of secret societies. The opposition led to frequent meetings, and, eventually, to the formation of a society which we called Delta Tau Delta.

The intention was to see that all students should have a fair show in college and especially in the literary societies; to put down cliques and destroy favoritism; and in case of honors to distribute them justly. It was not select at that time, receiving all who were in favor of the end in view.

W e never dreamed that we were founding a great fraternity. The in­ tention was local. W e initiated some boys over at the W est Liberty Academy, more in sport than anything else. It was a rare and unique piece of initiation and was attended with some very strange and indescribable gym­ nastics and a mock solemnity, ill concealed amid suppressed laughter. But the Liberty boys were anxious to take membership in a college fraternity, and we manipulated them far into the night; and, taking it all in good earnest, I believe it was they in good part who helped to plant colonies of Deltas in other places.

W . R. Cunningham, my roommate, originated the name. Sandy Earle and I mainly originated the pin. The interest naturally slackened very greatly after a time. It was only intended as local, and as a kind of selfprotection from the Phi Kappa Psi. It was not at that time sufficiently select for the purposes of a permanent fraternity.

Some of us were opposed to one secret fraternity, but not to several or m any; and, as the matter was settled that secret orders were to be tolerated, we felt free to look about us and do the best in that line that could be done.

Led by A lfred T. Pope of Louisville, Kentucky, who had become a Beta at Indiana University, a number of us set out from Bethany for Washington, Pennsylvania, to seek an acquaintance with Betaism. It was a royal and beautiful day. Wisely, like men with something in view, we set out alone, managing to meet as if by chance about a mile out from Bethany on the Middletown Road.

The Pope took charge of the cavalcade. The broad-breasted, solid, cour­ ageous Erasmus Taylor was there; the gallant and chivalrous J. H. Bate of Tennessee added the charm of his presence; Ben Smith Keene of Louisiana, a most companionable b o y; C. M. B. Thurmond, a sturdy student from Mis­ souri; and possibly J. P. Holtzclaw— I am not sure about Holtzclaw, a sort of fatherly friend of us all— and last, the writer of this, sometimes known in the inner chambers as “ Genius.”

Professor Waugh, Brothers Mills, McIntyre, Maxwell, and the bril­ liant Frank Birch, and others, gave us a grand reception at old W ashington: a meeting, initiation, a feast and toasts. It was the very perfection of broth­ erhood and hospitality. It all seemed so well in accord with the rare and beautiful sentiments combined in the name of our fraternity. This, as I remember, was just before commencement in i860. The following autumn found us organized as a chapter, and four of us charter members ensconced at the old “ Lockhart Roost”— Pope and Bate on one side of the hall, Frazier and I on the other, all Betas. W e had a bar across the back hall door, and

BETA LIFE

io 8

the lawyer, Fitts, the chemist, and Fowler, the man of business. Buffum and Pratt, ’84, are the only lay members of their delegation and they are at pres­ ent in business.

Perhaps it is not advisable to continue this catalogue later than ’84, for the recent graduates change their profession in many cases. Our roll attest is not a long one: fifty-six.graduate members. None of them very con­ spicuous as yet in public life; no representatives on the Supreme Bench or in the U. S. Senate; and it is probable that even a governor—-an article so common in the roll of many chapters— might be a little hard to find in ours; but when the fraternity celebrates its centennial, it may be that time will have removed our deficiencies. Until then we are content to be loyal, en­ thusiastic Betas, proud of Amherst, the queen of New England colleges; proud of our chapter, even if no one else is proud of us; and proud of our fraternity, the queen of college fraternities. ( N o t e : This history of Beta Iota was written for the 1888 Convention of Beta Theta Pi. As, after forty years, it was prepared for publication, Whiting ’86, who gave $300 toward the first chapter house, finished the Coolidge administration as Secretary of Commerce; Dwight Morrow, Am ­ herst ’95, was United States ambassador to M exico; Bertrand H. Snell, Amherst ’94, was a dominating influence in the Congress of the United States; and other Amherst Betas, known the world over, were important factors in many lines of activity. The Tufts promise for 1939 was more than realized long before that historic year. Professor Tufts himself, one of nine Phi Beta Kappa members in the list he reviews above, has. attained high distinction in the University of Chicago, where he has filled important administrative positions. H e himself was a good illustration of the spirit of the youthful chapter he describes. He was the first president of the chapter under Beta affiliations, and the old honor record book of the chapter, unfortunately no longer kept up, credits him with this astonishing array of distinctions during his college days: “ Highest possible rank in scholarship, fall term of freshman year” ; won second Greek prize in freshman year; position on the Kellogg Fifteen from ’84; position on Hardy Eight from ’84; won first Hardy Prize from ’84; position on Hyde Fifteen from ’84; position on commencement stage from ’84; position on Hyde Six from ’84; Walker Prize Scholarship, sophomore y e a r; Sophomore Latin prize; Phi Beta Kappa, first choice from ’84; monitor from ’84; president of chapter, fall ’83; chosen to give oration to class of ’87 delegation. The old record book of the mysterious organization, commonly known as “Torch and Crown,” bears on its cover the printing, “ Constitution and Names of Members 528.”

F.W .S.)

EARLY BETA DAYS AT BETHANY T

homas

T. H

olton,

’62

The Delta Tau Delta was founded at Bethany before we had any Beta chapter, and it arose after this manner. The Phi Kappa Psi, the first secret fraternity established at Bethany, had received into its membership a large number of leading students. It was a new thing at Bethany and aroused much opposition. I am not sure but that a petition against it was presented

B E T H A N Y C O L L E G E IN L A M A R ’S T IM E

in

J. H. Bate, Erasmus Frazier, T . T. Holton, B. S. Keene, C. M. B. Thurmond, ; and W . R. Cunningham were initiated into Beta Theta Pi by Nu chapter, and formed the charter members of the new chapter which was termed Psi. Cunningham left Bethany December 18, i860, and never met with the chapter.

A t his own request he was expelled by Psi chapter a few weeks since. He never had anything to do with the Beta Theta Pi beyond the act just mentioned.

The chapter thus organized afterwards initiated J. D. Lowe and J. L. N. Hunt, who together with B. S. Keene and T. T. Holton, above mentioned, were at the same time Delta Tau Deltas. Just before the outbreak of the Civil W ar, in April, 1861, the Delta Tau Deltas, and presumably those not then connected with the Beta Theta Pi, reorganized sufficiently to establish a chapter at Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, and in July they placed a chap­ ter at W est Liberty College, W est Virginia. Some say that the latter event was simply a student’s frolic and never was intended to be anything serious.

B y 1864 both the Betas and Deltas no longer existed as active chapters, Delta Tau Delta being re-established in 1867 and Beta Theta Pi in 1872. So we see that Hunt, Lowe and Holton are both Betas and Deltas. ( N o t e — This ac­ count will appear in the December number of the Delta Tau Delta Crescent, and it is hoped will set at rest the question as to what fraternity these men belong to. W .R .B .) (An article, presumably by William R. Baird, printed in the Beta Theta P i for October, 1880.)

BETH ANY COLLEGE IN LAM AR’S TIME In the intimate biography of Joseph Rucker Lamar, Bethany ’77, General Secretary of Beta Theta Pi, 1877-1878, written by his wife, Clarinda Pendle­ ton Lamar, there is a description of village and college, which has great charm as a suggestion of Beta life in a community, away from the hustle and bustle of the w orld: “ Alexander Campbell, in founding the college, had deliberately chosen a retreat where the student would be cut off, as far as possible, from the world and its temptations. And Bethany was ideal in its seclusion. It was a tiny hamlet, tucked away among the West Virginia hills, and, in those days, it was seven miles, two tunnels, five bridges, and two toll gates away from the nearest railroad at Wellsburg. The daily stage took two hours to make the journey.

It was a place whose beauty, once seen, must forever haunt one’s memory.

A clear broad stream, called Buffalo Creek, wound its picturesque way among the encircling h ills; past Sycamore Grove and Ghost’s Hollow, with here a stretch of clear, still water, reflecting the overhanging elms and thick leaved maples on its shining surface, and there a swift rapids, hurrying over stones and pebbles and round swelling curves in its haste to join the slow moving waters of the Ohio.

“The hills were clothed with verdure to their tops. In the autumn, the scarlet Virginia creeper festooned the dark green pines, and curtained the entrances to the long, dim tunnels on the Wellsburg road. The maples flamed in red and gold, and the sumach bushes lifted their crimson plumes in every fence corner. The whistle of the bob white was heard in the still woods where the autumn leaves drifted down from the trees and made a brilliant carpet underfoot. The air was wine. It was good to be alive.

n o

BETA LIFE

in that domain Betas were free from all molestation, except the occasional inroad of a “ dorg,” who got in somehow, possibly in a sardine box or a sack of apples, and, as we found he was not dangerous or forbidding, we adopted him.

In those days came to our brotherhood the eloquent Richard Ricketts of Kentucky. Our Dick afforded us many a joy. Then came John Lucius Hunt and Jabez Hall, R. J. Weatherby and J. L. Pinkerton, all of them a high order of men. W e were at no time numerous, but always as select as an oyster.

W e never engaged in any moves or combinations to control the classes or societies to which we belonged. The war coming on, the college was re­ duced in numbers, so our little band greatly diminished, and for a time it seemed that Betaism at Bethany was at an end. It has been a great pleasure to me to learn from time to time that our chapter not only had revived but was prosperous and of a very high order.

I was the corresponding secretary the most if not all of the time from the beginning till my graduating in 1862, and corresponded with a number of chapters, especially Delaware and Ann Arbor. I remember also preparing and reading from time to time a sort of chronicle of our meetings, giving as many personal descriptions and touches— in a sort of stilted, solemnly humorous way— if you can tell just what that means.

Lincoln, Illinois, July 11, 1888.

A BIT OF HISTORY The following facts will be of interest to all Betas, and serve to show how a man can be a bona fide member of two rival fraternities. On March 26, 1859, was founded the Virginia Delta chapter of Phi Kappa Psi, at Bethany College, W est Virginia. The faculty was much opposed to secret societies, especially as the Phi Psis, by means of their superior organization, immediately captured the important offices in the literary societies and bred discontent and discord among the students. The faculty finally decreed that the society should not be allowed to exist beyond the end of the session of 1859-60, unless at that time other secret societies were in existence in the college. But the opposition to the Phis had already crystallized into a quasi organization, and in the fall of 1859 was organized, by W . R. Cunningham principally, the society of Delta Tau Delta; the original motto of which meant, “W e give honors justly,” and sufficiently explains its animus. This society was, according to the story of some of its founders, endowed with the complete organization of a secret fraternity, as such exists today; and, according to others, it was simply a loosely bound together clique. The truth we cannot, at this distance of time, ascertain. A t any rate, before November, i860, the Delta Tau Delta had so far lapsed into inactivity that some of its members joined another society.

A lfred T. Pope had been initiated into Pi chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Indiana University. Coming to Bethany in the fall of i860 he saw good material for a Beta chapter and determined to found one. The nearest chapter was Nu, at Washington, Pennsylvania. On December 9, i860, the southern students of Washington College invited the southern students of Bethany College to a supper. Pope took advantage of this opportunity, and that same evening

BETA TH ETA PI AT BROWN

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tire Williams chapter by Alpha Delta Phi, wrote to Charles Beckwith of Michigan on May 16, 1849: W e have not heard from the new chapter at Brown. Glazier does not write to anybody, I believe my soul. H e ought to be “put through” in our opinion.

On February 2, 1850, Moore wrote to H. H. Powers of Michigan: W e now number eleven members, iten of our chapter and one from Brown. The Brown followers may well speak of their success, for they have done nobly. W e have not heard from them of late.

On M ay 18, 1852, John D. Durham of Inuiana Asbury, in a letter to A. C. Junkin of Miami, wrote, “ Please give me the names of the Williams College and Brown University recorders, or is this latter passed away?”

His lack of information was entirely typical; for, on March 12, 1853, Isaac N. Himes, secretary of the Presiding Chapter, wrote Caleb D. Caldwell of Miami, “ I do not know anything about the Williams chapter nor in relation to its secession......... I can find nothing in our-records in relation to Williams’ secession or whatever it was. Where can information be obtained?”

W hat happened seems to have been about like this, so William Raimond Baird learned after much correspondence and some personal interviews with participants: M ay 8, 1849, through the efforts of A. P. Carpenter of the W illiams chapter, Kappa was established at Brown University with a large membership— too large, as events proved, for ithe development of close friendship and loyalty. ( Handbook, page 37)

In Forty Years of Fraternity Legislation, page j narrative history:

Baird continues the

In the early part of 1851 the newly created Brown chapter conceived the idea of deserting the fraternity and reviving at Brown the then inactive chapter o f Alpha Delta Phi. H aving been particularly initimate with the members of the W illiam s chapter they induced the W illiam s chapter to join in the movement with them, and in April the Brown chapter and in July the W illiams chapter resigned from Beta Theta Pi and accepted charters from Alpha Delta Phi. This was mainly the w ork of Melanchthon Storrs and Delano Alexander Goddard who had been initiated into Beta Theta Pi at Brown and had gone to Y a le and joined Alpha Delta Phi there, the latter being then a Junior class society at Yale. The members of the Brown chapter who thus deserted the fraternity were Samuel P. Bates, Hamilton B. Staples, and A sa M. Williams, K Samuel Brooks, Nathan W . Moore, Elijah Perry, ’52; Osborn E. Bright, Edward T. Caswell and Francis M. M cAlister, ’53; H enry A. Allen, Frank W . Cheney, W alter Hillman, Horatio N. Slater, and Thomas Vernon, ’54.

The Alpha Delta Phi semicentennial catalogue of 1881, on page 151, indi­ cates that the underhanded work began even earlier than 1851. It states : In the latter part of 1850, steps were taken for the reorganization o f the chapter.

A t that time there were located at W illiam s and at Brown the only two N ew England chapters of a then small fraternity. Both were of good standing in their respective colleges and decided to change their outer connections. The chapter at Brown took the lead, followed soon after by that at W illiam s, in seeking place in the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity.

In Forty Years Baird adds a quotation from the Alpha Delta Phi cata­ logue of 1899, referring to the Brown deserters, “ The high resolves in­ spired, the noble thoughts cherished, the pure and lasting friendships formed, have made fellowship in Alpha Delta Phi . . . . the choicest treasure of college days.”

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BETA LIFE

“ The little village clustered in a bend of Buffalo Creek, at the foot of the hill on which the college stood. It had grown there because of the college, and was dependent upon it for its very existence. The college faculty and the students— especially the students— were of absorbing interest to all the inhabitants. In the fall of the year, when the college opened, the arrival of the stage coach from Wellsburg was the event of the day. A s the citizenry sat on the post office steps, awaiting the great moment, they speculated as to the number o f pupils who would be enrolled— a vital question with boarding-house and storekeepers. They reviewed the list of undergraduates who might be expected to return, dwelling on the achievements of each one, and loudly championing their special favorites. And when, with a clatter of hoofs and a rattle of chains, the lumbering old vehicle drew up at the post office door, they inspected each student as he alighted, and took his measure with a practical eye. When the excitement of the opening of the session had subsided, the student was still their main source of interest. He was observed with keen discrimination. His feats on the baseball field, his triumphs in the debating societies were known and admired. For he formed their solitary link with the outside world, with cities, with public men, and events.”

BETA TH ETA PI AT BROWN On November 6, 1848, writing from Williamstown, Massachusetts, Alon­ zo P. Carpenter of the Williams chapter wrote to Charles Beckwith of M ichigan: “ I have received a letter from a young man in Brown University with whom I have long been acquainted by reputation only, in answer to some inquiries of mine, which I enclose. I do this in order to get your advice m regard to a project we have in view, which is, to initiate students there as members of our own chapter, to be governed by our by-laws and to every sense a ‘part and parcel,’ in other words a branch of this chapter. This of course we as a chapter have a right to do. And it will obviate all diffi­ culties with President Wayland and also spare us the trouble of going through all the tedious formality, as fixed by the Convention, of procuring the consent of all the chapters. W e wish the advice of your chapter on this point; for we would do nothing hastily.”

The young man mentioned was Daniel Johnson Glazier, wiio lived at Willington, Connecticut, a place at which Carpenter had spent the two pre­ ceding summers at which time the two students became acquainted What steps were next taken are unknown. On February 22, 1849, Theodore S. Payne of Western Reserve wrote to John W . Noble of Miami, in later years Secretary of the Interior under President H arrison.

D T Glazier is the name that was given me as recorder at Brown University. I wrote him a Ion* time ago, and as yet have heard nothing. I f you think best (and perhaps ” n the whole you better) you can write to such a person There can be no question as to the safety o f it, as Carpenter gave me the name.

George Moore o f Williams, who had been “ lifted” from the^ Social Fra­ ternity and soon after was active in connection with the lifting of the en-

BETA TH ETA PI A T BROWN

n5

forever and for aye. The joy and enthusiasm of the hour will not soon be forgotten by any of those present on this auspicious occasion.

On invitation of the late Phi Kappa Alpha an adjournment was made to the Lafe St. George where we found a royal banquet spread. Brother J. T . Blodgett presided.

A fte r grace was said by the Reverend S. D. Hutsinpiller of Theta, the seventy Greeks were soon manifesting their canine proclivities in a most vigorous manner. But in the feasting of the hour we were compelled to succumb to the successive courses o f sub­ stan tial and delicacies which were crowded upon us in honor of Wooglin. Toasts were now the order of the hour, interspersed with the appropriate songs of the fraternity.

These were responded to by Haskell for Alpha Upsilon, Wambaugh in behalf o f the old Harvard chapter, Noyes o f Alpha Nu, Baird of Beta Epsilon and chief of the district, V anSyckle of Beta Gamma, and Thirkield of Theta. Then followed good speeches from representative alumni and students of the ten classes of Brown who were present.

Another interesting feature of the occasion was the reading of a number of congratula­ tory dispatches and letters from prominent members of the fraternity in distant states, received by Brother Blodgett. W ith parting songs and cheers, thus closed one of the brightest, most enthusiastic, and most important occasions in the history o f Beta Theta Pi, this chapter being another strong link in the chain that is binding the East with the W est in the fraternal bonds of our national organization.

Those from Phi Kappa Alpha who participated in those Good Friday cere­ monies included Victor F. Horton and Charles Steere from ’73; Harmon S. Babcock, ’74; George F. Keene, ’75 5 A r­ thur M. Round, ’76; Frederick M. Bliss, ’78; Charles H. J. Douglas and Stephen O. Edwards from ’79; W alter F. Angell, James Austin, John T. Blodgett, Henry J. Boyce, Oliver P. Clark, Henry Dunster, William Hale, Fred M. Hammett, W alter S. Meader, Edgar Perry, Sidney W .

Rivenburg, Fred C. Tenney, Benjamin F. Thurston and Frederick J. C. Walton, from ’80; Samuel L. Irons, Franklin G. McKeever, Henry C. Peeples and Arthur M. Webster, from ’81; Benjamin E. W* ^8% Bowerman, Charles S. Caswell, Austin P. JPy Foster, William R. Keegan, Herbert MeIntosh, Osmond C. B. Nason, John A. vw Sanford, Jefferson Shiel, Charles R. Thurston and William H. Tolman, from ’82; Edwin P. Allen, Louis A. Cook, Marion E,. Denison, Henry P. Manning and Frank L. Shepardson, from ’83.

Visiting Betas were, from Boston chapter, John L. Bates, DeWitt B. Brace, John P. Cushing, Arthur H. Flack, Ralph W . Foster, G. W . M. Given, Lee C. Haskell, William F. Lawford, Joel E. Lawrence, William B. Lindsay, Mellen E. Pingree, Charles Tilton; from the Kansas chapter, Ellis B. Noyes; from the Ohio Wesleyan chapter, S. D. Hutsinpiller, John J. McCabe, W ilbur P. Thirkield and Eugene Wambaugh; from the Rutgers chapter, Andrew K. Baker, Robert C. Plume, N. D. Van S yckle; from the Stevens chapter, W il­ liam Raimond Baird, James Beatty, Pierce Butler, Frank Lederle, Edward P. Robbins and Henry C. White, a total of sixtv-seven.

ii4

BETA LIFE

On April 15, 1851, William Wallace Crapo, Yale ’52, by authority of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, at Providence, initiated the members of the Brown chapter of Beta Theta Pi into membership in the other fraternity.

That closed the chapter, unless one recalls another concise paragraph by B a ird : A t this time (fa ll o f 1850) the Brown chapter entered into a conspiracy to desert the fraternity. In this move they were led by Melanchthon Storrs and Delano A. Goddard, who, learning that Alpha Delta Phi had had a chapter at Brown from 1836 to 1841, determined to try and secure a charter to revive it. The Brown chapter induced the W illiam s chapter to act with them and also to petition the Alpha Delta Phi for a charter. A t that time Alpha Delta Phi was much stronger in numbers and in chapters than Beta Theta P i ; it had chapters at Hamilton, Yale, Amherst, Harvard, Hobart, W estern Reserve, Bowdoin, Dartmouth, Michigan, and Rochester to oppose to the Betas’ seven widely scattered colleges, and no doubt the members of the Brown and W illiam s chapters thought .they were bettering their condition by getting into an older and more compact so ciety; but, nevertheless, the taint of disloyalty pervades the tran­ saction and leaves it inexcusable in high-minded men. The Brown chapter had no alumni, but the W illiam s chapter had, and they protested in vain against the desertion. The loyal alumni did not accept the invitation to join the Alpha Delta Phi, and the frater­ nity has long held their memories in peculiar esteem. (Handbook, page 38.)

And so, while the records of the fraternity indicate that Beta Theta Pi had a chapter at Brown University in 1849, organization had no roots and never became fairly established as a real branch of the association. Actual Beta Theta Pi history at Brown began to be written in 1880. As told in the Beta Theta P i for April of that year by Wilbur P. Thirkield of Ohio Wesleyan 'chapter, later to be a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the story goes: A n occasion of great interest and importance to Beta Theta Pi was the institution of the society of Phi Kappa Alpha o f Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, as a chapter of the fraternity on the 26th of March last. It was certainly a red-letter day fo r Betaism in N ew England, where our fraternity is rapidly gaining strength and position by important accessions. Four years ago the Alpha Upsilon chapter was es­ tablished in Boston University. T he chapter has maintained itself most satisfactorily in numbers, strength and character, and is now flourishing vigorously, proving that Beta Theta Pi is not an exotic that withers when transplanted from the W est and the South to this sea-girt, classic coast of the Puritans. Its conquests here are demon­ strating the fact that its spirit is not bound by sectional lines, but is to be national in its extent and influence. This last conquest is due to the labors of the chief of this disitrict, together with some of the active, spirited workers of^ Alpha Upsilon. The event has been looked forward to with deep and absorbing interest by us all for several months, and now as it has been consummated with perfect success and we have seen a large chapter of loyal, earnest men added to our ranks, it is a source of profound jo y and congratulation to every Greek among us. t The Society of Phi Kappa Alpha was established in Brown University in V yw being an open organization o f some of its best men for the promotion^of knowledge and culture among them. Since then it has continued to flourish until it has attained prominence and power, numbering among its members and alumni men of much ability and high standing in student and professional life. The initiation ceremonies took place in the beautiful hall of the society, at eight o’clock in the evening, conducted by Brother Baird as president, assisted by delegates from the instituting chapters, Alpha Upsilon and Beta Epsilon. The thirty-five men were thus inducted into the secrets of our order, the impressive forms of our new ritual being successfully rendered. The following hour was passed in the hall, the new members being cordially welcomed by the twenty-six delegates, amid the stirring songs and hearty grips of Beta Theta Pi._ The newly initi­ ated brothers soon caught the spirit o f true Greeks, as, “joining hands m love iraterna , we “ raised the Grecian chorus high” and as “hand grasped into hand and eye looked into eye” our spirits flowed together on the wave of inspiring song, and then we ie t that, “with the hope and true devotion of the Greek fraternal tie” we were brothers true

BEGINNINGS A T BER K ELEY

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tion for a chapter, introduced into the group his friend Louis Garibaldi Harrier of the Class of 1880. It was learned at this time that there was a very select and active group petitioning for a chapter of Psi Upsilon, the fact being revealed by the Beta group seeking to enlarge its membership before sending on the petition for a charter.

It was learned also that there was another group being formed among the students to petition for a Beta chapter, but the members of this group were not of a character that was attractive to Armes and his associates. It was thought, therefore, unwise to delay petitioning for a chapter for fear that

KX-

G U Y C. E A R L , California ’83 A Regent of the University of California

the start might be gotten by the rival group. It was for this reason that but four petitioners applied for the Beta charter, and they were backed up

by Brother Poindexter. In due time the petition was granted. It must be understood that in those days things were in a very simple form. The pe­ titioning group had no Beta house to move into. They were not organized so as to be able to make any imposing appearance whatever.

The initiation was held at Armes’ own home, and the ceremonies were conducted by Brother Poindexter. He was a very ardent Beta, and he in­ fused into these initiates his own zeal and his idealism.

The chapter in its early beginning had no chapter room, hall, or house.

BpSfS;

BETA LIFE

C A L IF O R N IA C H A P T E R H O U S E

BEGINNINGS AT BERKELEY G u y C. E a r l , California ’83

The University o f California was founded in 1868, and established at Berkeley about 1870. In the early seventies the Zeta Psi chapter was founded, and, about a couple of years after, the Phi Delta Theta, and in ’77 the Delta Kappa Epsilon chapter. About the same time was founded the Chi Phi chapter. In 1879 there were about 250 students in attendance on the campus, and of these perhaps 20 per cent were young women. There were few preparatory schools in the state, a fact which accounts for the small attendance at the university. A large percentage of the students were not members of any fraternity, and a very considerable percentage were not of fraternity material, though earnest and worthy folk.

William Dallam Armes and Reinhardt Theodore Harding entered the university in 1878, being members of the Class of 1882. They were from Oakland, California.

Brother Robert W . Poindexter, a Beta of the Class of 1871 at Knox College, interested his friend Armes in founding R. W . P O IN ­ a chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Berkeley. Armes took the D EXTER subject up with his friend Harding, who was favorable to the matter, and the latter interested a friend of his from Oakland, Albert D. Bird, of the Class of 1880, and the latter, consenting to join the group to peti-

BEGINNINGS A T BERK ELEY

119

I,?

Ramm, of the same class, together with other men of strength that have j adorned the Beta rolls. Some had been petitioners for a Psi U chapter.

It is significant that Deamer was the university medalist in my class, that is to say, he was awarded a valuable gold medal for the best record as a student. He was also colonel of the battalion and otherwise prominent.

Ramm was the medalist of the Class of 1884, and also took like distinguished honors with Deamer. Charles S. Wheeler was a dominating force among the | university students and attained very high standing. The Betas of the Classes of ’85, ’86, and ’87 (William A. Magee) were eminent in their I classes. In the Class of 1888 the seven highest men in scholarship were Betas, one, Brother Edgar Beard, being the medalist. Brother Herbert C. Moffitt of the Class of 1889, colonel of the battalion and holder of many

L O U N G E IN C A L IF O R N IA C H A P T E R H O U S E

honors, was the medalist of his class. His scholarship record had never been equalled before at the university, and has not been equalled since. In one study he received 99Y* per cent, but in all other subjects 100 per cent. He became a world famous physician, and is still living and in the full tide of practice.

But it is not necessary to call the Beta roll. The chapter was grounded upon the realities of life, and through such unifying power went forward into a brilliant career.

O f course, the Betas were ridiculed by some of the other fraternities as “ milk drinkers” and were characterized by other such terms all intended to exhibit derision and contempt. But there was no moral turpitude in these allegations and the Betas, having a correct vision of life, smiled at these shallow criticisms and continued to pluck the golden fruit of knowledge

n8

BETA LIFE

Its meetings were held at the home of Armes. The group made no attempt to enlarge its membership during the balance of the university year of 1879.

I entered the university in August, 1879, being a member of the Class of 1883. I was personally acquainted with Harding and Armes. During my last high school year several of my high school associates attended a beerbust at the university, presided over by members of existing fraternities (not the Betas), and were influenced to drink to excess. I heard about it, and was indignant that collegians would exercise their potent influence over high school boys to such ends, and by careful inquiry I located the guilt.

Accordingly, when I entered the university I turned a deaf ear to the solicitations of the older fraternities, having very positive ideas with respect to the proper course for a student to pursue, especially in a state university supported by the people. A great deal of criticism had been made upon the morals of the students of the university by the press for several years, much of it being merited.

Armes and Harding told me of the infant chapter of Omega, Beta Theta Pi, and pointed out that there was an opportunity to develop that chapter upon lines agreeable to certain convictions of my own, thus inducing me to join.

The conduct of the older fraternities had drawn upon them the displeas足 ure of the ruling authorities of the university, so that at the instance of the faculty the regents were about to enact anti-fraternity laws. Having in足 formation of this I joined the chapter, as it happened, the night before the laws were enacted in August, 1879. These laws remained in force through足 out my freshman year and forbade, on the pain of expulsion, any student from joining a fraternity. This resulted in the Omega chapter not initiating anyone during my freshman year. During this period, however, our small group had plenty of. time solemnly, seriously to consider the real situation presented in the university, so that after very mature consideration and in full realization of the criticisms then dominating college authorities relative to fraternities, our group highly resolved to adopt a policy for the infant chapter which, in our judgment, would meet the situation at the university and also gloriously carry out the ideals of the fraternity. The following fundamental principles were unanimously adopted: 1. That at no fraternity function should wines, beers, or alcoholic liquors be permitted and none at the fraternity rooms; 2. Instead of following the prevailing custom of pledging men in pre足 paratory schools or immediately upon their appearing upon the campus, we decided that no offer to a freshman should be made until November after his arrival on the campus; 3. That considering everything by and large, safety lay in selecting men who gave promise of becoming good, if not eminent, students; but this test, while primary, should not be construed as ignoring the qualities of personal charm and the requirement of sterling morality.

This policy was firmly established and was sharply contrasting with the fraternity life then at Berkeley. Based upon these fundamentals the chapter entered upon its conquering career. When the anti-fraternity laws were lifted, we were fortunate in initiating William White Deamer of my class, and also Charles S. Wheeler of 1884, and his intimate friend, Charles A.

CALIFORNIA CHAPTER CULLINGS

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I

I If two Betas met upon the campus they, although perhaps in a hurry, gave each other the grip and looked into each other’s eyes. The vision splendid was ever before us, prompting to service and sacrifice. I will always be deeply thankful for this great experience, and can never forget my obliga­ tions to Beta Theta Pi.

CALIFORNIA CHAPTER CULLINGS F

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The chief detective of the Wells Fargo Express Company, when he had his headquarters in Placerville, California, took a great deal of interest in j his nephew, Wilson Theodore Hume, who was born in Placerville, October [ 21, 1859. He sent him to school in Placerville Academy and, later, sent him | across the mountains and plains to Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana, | where he became a member of Tau chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Tau had been the Presiding Chapter in 1872-1873 and Hume became greatly interested in I the expansion of the fraternity in that period when certain Beta enthusiasts determined that Beta Theta Pi should not die, in spite of the losses suffered in the Civil W ar and by desertions in 1864 and 1868.

Being from California, he was interested in the new university which [ was developing in Berkeley. He ran over the names of the boys who were with him at the “ Pville Academy,” as he called the Placerville school in a letter to Albert D. Bird written from Crawfordsville on October 17, 1877. ! He addressed him as “ Friend Albert,” recalled a boyish scrap which they had had but which he hoped had been forgotten and forgiven, and then asked him if he was free to undertake the establishment of a chapter in the University of California where he was then enrolled as a student. Eugene LaRue, an­ other academy boy, was named as a possible helper, in case he were available.

If Bird secured a group for a chapter, Hume assured him that a charter would soon be forthcoming.

Only one-half of the correspondence is preserved in the splendid collec­ tion of California chapter archives, but the suggestion of Bird was followed and, in due time, Hume received a list of the proposed charter members. It contained the names of W alter B. Palmer, special, H. M. Savage, ’79, R. S. Papper, ’79, D. W . Fox, ’8o, L. G. Harrier, ’80, and A. D. Bird, ’80. A s it I was a period of bitter and nasty anti fraternity rivalry when no ruse was considered too underhanded in order to get hold of the secret work of an­ other fraternity, Hume sent to each one of the petitioners a pledge for signature, stating that the individual was not already a member of a similar organization. W alter B. Palmer, being already a member of Phi Delta Theta, sent the pledge back, stating that he could not sign it.

This aroused the suspicion of Hume, who wrote to Bird, asking him about Palmer, and telling him that he would not send the papers for install­ ing Omega except to a member of Beta Theta Pi, if such an individual could be found in San Francisco. That is the place where Robert W . Poin­ dexter came into the story. Because W alter B. Palmer, afterwards, became one of the most famous of the members of Phi Delta Theta, the historian

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and attainment. They had the respect and confidence of the faculty and the utter devotion of the parents of the Omega members. Perhaps it took some courage on the part of a Beta to face a certain amount of college opinion reprobating the Beta policy, but it strengthened the group and brought them closer together for the purpose of vindicating the wisdom of their policy.

This training made them fighters for commendable conduct throughout the college, and, as I have observed, in all their subsequent careers.

The old homely virtues of temperance, industry, and the like won for Omega chapter, and they will win for every individual and for every group based thereon.

The chapter was fortunate in having as its charter members men of serious purpose, possessed of the gift of wisdom, full of faith and courage.

Harrier was a young man of personal charm, with marked literary talent, and a good student. He graduated with the Class of 1880, and was therefore not in the chapter when it entered upon its most active career after the anti­ fraternity laws had been repealed. He attained prominence in the legal pro­ fession, and was also the publisher and editor of an important newspaper.

He served for a period of years as judge of the superior court of Solano County. In due time his son entered the university and became an ardent member of Omega chapter. Harrier is living, hale and hearty, time having dealt very gently with him.

Brother Bird was a member of the Class of 1880 but was unable to re­ turn to college for his senior year. He had a genial personality, and was an excellent student. He had the spirit of co-operation, and no doubt had he been longer with the chapter would have had great influence in it. He became a merchant, and is engaged in that occupation in Reno, Nevada, at the present time.

Harding was the son of a general in the German army. His participation in the Revolution of 1848 in Germany caused him to join Carl Schurz and other eminent Germans in migrating to the United States. Brother Harding was an able student, excelling in mathematics. He was an athlete of prowess, winning the 100-yard and the 220-yard dashes and the running broad jump.

His nature was genial and kindly, and he was big-hearted and sympathetic.

He entered the law and has attained a very high position at the San Francisco bar. He is still in active practice, time having also dealt gently with him.

Billy Armes was the most positive character in the group, versatile, with an immense curiosity and indomitable will and energy. The chapter owes much to Billy for his organizing ability. By correspondence he became acquainted with the general officers of the fraternity, including William Raimond Baird. In fact, he had much such a nature as Brother Baird, and as­ sembled an immense amount of fraternity data. He took a postgraduate degree at a German university, and for many years was associate professor of English in the University of California. He was so engaged when some years ago he heard and responded to the call to go to that bourne from which none return.

■ ,.

M y recollections of my fraternity life as a student at Berkeley are radiant with joy and happiness. It would be hard to make anyone realize the bond of fraternity that bound the members together, but those who have read Edward Everett Hale’s book In His Name can get some understanding of the feeling of fellowship that characterized the Omega chapter in the days of old.

CALIFORN IA CH APTER CULLINGS

123

In the Presbyterian Church which Poindexter attended there was a young man of exceptional prominence, an active and energetic worker, William Dallam Armes by name. It seems entirely reasonable to suppose that it was through Poindexter that Armes came into contact with Bird and, with Harrier and Harding, became a charter member of the new Alpha Omega chapter and assumed at once the leadership in all correspondence and in the necessary fraternity work of the organization. That he caught the true vision of Beta Theta Pi the archives of Omega, as the chapter soon came to be known, abundantly testify.

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A C H A P T E R F O U N D E R ’S S P IR IT A n autograph note found in the archives of the California chapter, from Professor W illiam D. Arm es of the University faculty, a founder of Omega, showing his unfaltering fidelity. One of the chairs in the Greek Theater at Berkeley is a memorial to him.

On March 30, 1915, Poindexter, writing from 409 W ilcox Building, Los Angeles, gave this account of his relationship with the chapter, his memory playing him false as to Charles S. Wheeler whose name comes thir­ teenth on the roster of Omega. His “ I organized” is not sustained by the records, unless his official installation of the chapter as representative of Hume and of the fraternity on March 18, 1879, was 'thought.

I came to California in 1872, and, finding that there was no chapter at the U ni­ versity of California, I organized a chapter there about thirty-five years ago, beginning with four men of highest standing, one o f whom has for a good many years been the teacher o f the history o f English literature in the University of California. Another is one of the regents of the University of California, Charles S. Wheeler, and is one of the leading lawyers o f this state. The other two also have high standing as attorneys in California. The fine chapter at Stanford U niversity was organized by men in the chap­ ter at Berkeley, and that chapter also has always maintained the high standard which Betas are always aiming for. I have a good deal of pride in having succeeded in plant-

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of the fraternity, and now honored in memory by an endowment fund which bears his name, the incident deserves a little attention.

When, some years later, William Raimond Baird began his studies of Beta Theta Pi history, he gave this incident a sinister turn and described it as a trick to get the Beta secrets which was frustrated by the Wabash Betas, who refused to send the needed documents to anyone but a known member of the fraternity. The papers preserved in the Omega chapter house do not sustain this theory, since two of the names in the list sent Hume are found on the charter roll of the chapter; and since the California petition received the unanimous vote of the fraternity, it is unreasonable to think that these two were mixed up in an unworthy scheme.

The truth of the matter probably is, that Phi Delta Theta was in a bad condition in 1878. The Indiana chapter was lost that year. Its members were frequently “ lifted” by other fraternity chapters. Its California chapter, established in 1873, had gone down under unfortunate circumstances, and Palmer, far away from his home chapter and longing for companionship, determined to do what was a common thing at the time, as students went from one part of the country to another, namely to cast his lot with Bird in establishing a chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Berkeley. When, however, he faced signing the pledge that he was not already a member of a fraternity, he realized the situation.

Years afterwards, when the earnest efforts of that great team of fra­ ternity builders, George Banta, Sr., and W alter B. Palmer, had succeeded in making Phi Delta Theta a powerful national organization— they made the same resolve that their fraternity should not die as did the Betas already mentioned— and the once suspicious Baird had come to count Palmer as one of his best friends, Palmer wrote Baird (February 6,1917) : Some time ago you wrote inquiring about the movement for a Beta Theta Pi chap­ ter at the U niversity o f California with which I was connected. I was there in the spring of 1878, and what I did there has all but faded from my memory. I have no recollection of the names you give. It was nearly forty years ago. My stay there was brief and was unexpectedly cut short. However, while there, I expected to continue at the university and to live afterwards in California. Phi Delta Theta had gone down in a disastrous failure, and I was advised that it would be years before it could possibly be re-established. I thought it would be a good thing to organize Beta Theta Pi there, which was unrepresented in the university; but I later realized my mistake and re­ gretted that I had anything to do with the matter. A fte r so long a time I cannot remember the details further.

In the Beta Theta P i for March 15, 1873, there was a personal note from the then Nu chapter at Washington, Pennsylvania, which stated, Robert W . Poindexter was a member of our chapter for two years, and on account of college difficulties here, went to Galesburg, Illinois, where he soon became an ardent member of X i chapter. He graduated at Knox College m 1871 and is now engaged in farming pursuits near Stockton, California.

He ga^e this occupation up later and moved to San Francisco, where he attendecl the initial meeting of the San Francisco alumni chapter of the fraternity, later vet making his home in Los Angeles where he was instrumental in the or­ ganization o f the Beta Theta Pi alumni of that city. A t the time of the California petition he was living in the bay region. He became the agent through whom Hume of Wabash proceeded, after the alarm caused by Pal­ mer’s failure to sign.

CALIFORNIA CHAPTER CULLINGS

125

James Christopher Martin, Illinois College ’62; Joshua Platt Garlick, Illinois College ’62; James Potter Langhorne, Virginia Military Institute ’75; John Henry Miller, Richmond ’74; Chauncey Cleveland Williams, Boston ’77; Wilson Theodore Hume, Wabash ’80; Marcus Stowe Hill, Iowa Wesleyan ’80; Robert Warner Poindexter, K nox ’71 (originally from Washington, Pennsylvania) ; and from the new California chapter, then called Alpha Omega, William Dallam Armes, ’82, Walter Ernest Bates, ’81, Guy Chaffee Earl, ’83, Reinhardt Theodore _ Harding, ’82, and Lewis Gari$05^ eles, <SaL, Member, 1887.

With the great influx of people to the Pacific Coast, have come not a baldi Harrier, ’80. That made few members of the Beta Theta Pi Secret College Fraternity, who, recog­ thirteen, and as the chronicler nizing the many advantages of their membership in the past,, resolved to form themselves into an organization that they might enjoy the fra­ recorded, “ W e were not quite ternal friendship of their brothers and keep green the sweet, memories of free from the superstitious feel­ Beta Theta Pi. For this purpose a meeting was held at the Nadeau. Oct. 7, 1BB7, at u/hich the following resolutions were on motion unanimously ing in regard to thirteen at the adopted: the members of the Beta Theta Pi residing in Southern Califor­ table, and invited Mr. Armes, Sr., nia da"That hereby form themselves into an organization to be known as ‘The Beta Thete of Southern California," and that the Secretary to assist in the work of destruc­ be instructedPitoAssociation issue a Circular setting forth this resolution, with an ap­ list of the names of the members, and that the same be sent to all tion.” They destroyed what Mrs. pended Betas residing in Southern California: to the Secretary of Omega Chapter and to the General Secretary of the Fraternity."

Armes had prepared for them in " That the organization be perfected by the election of the following the dining room, “ a dorg such as officers: Judge ANSON BRUNSON, President.

R. UI. POINDEXTER, Uice-President, Greeks seldom indulge in.”

J. ROB. McKEE, Corresponding Secretary.

FRED. E. UIILCOX, Recorder;.'

Two things in this letter de­ UI, T. S. HAMMOND, Treasurer." serve repetition in connection "That a Committee consisting of F. E. Wilcox, J. R. McKee and J. with the California semi-centenUI. Shackelford be appointed to make and complete arrangements for a nial. One is a tribute to Armes.

Banquet to be given in January, IBBB." Poindexter w rote: “There are L IS T OF M EM BERS. men in the fraternity, doubtless, who, from long intercourse with President, ANSON BRUNSON. Vice President, R. W. POINDEXTER, 19 W est First. Street. fellow Greeks, have had more to Corresponding Secretary, J. ROB. McKEE, P. 0 . Box 1661.

Recorder, FRED. E. WILCOX, 14 N orth Spring Street. enthuse them than he (Arm es), Treasurer, W. T. S. HAMMOND. F irst N ational Bank.

W. E. DENNISON. JAMES M. CLARK. WM. A. BORING. and yet I have never met but one HUGH HOWELL. F. C. GARBUTT. M. G. ESHMAN. A. T. PATTON. J. B. LEONARD. W. S. KINNEAR. man in our order who evidenced H. L. SHIVELEY. J. W. PATTON. GEO. T. PATTON. R. C. TURNER. F. C. TURNER. J. W. SHACKELFORD. a more enthusiastic love for, or CHAS. E. PATE. WM. IGI.EHART. who had a more intelligent con­ JOHN R. BERRY. L. M. VANCE. R. T. STONE. GEORGE W. SISSON. FRANK N. WILCOX. ception of the whole scope and O. S.'W ITHERBY. of the detail of Beta Theta Pi. C. E. NEEDHAM. A. H. PRATT. O , SAMUEL ARMOR. R , C. M. BAKEWELL. That was W ill Salter of X i.” §. W. BARNES. E. LOCKETT. The other was a joke on O R G A N IZ IN G A T L O S A N G E L E S Brother Garlick. “ Most of us A card from the archives of the California had never met each other before; chapter calling Southern California Betas to an but in five minutes we felt as if organization meeting, showing R. W . Poindexter we were all in the same class; as proposed vice-president. and chatted familiarly and enjoyably as brothers should. I thought I would be one of the ‘old boys’ of the crow d; but Martin displayed a pin which he had worn for twenty years, and Garlick and he were in Sigma together. Garlick had lost his first pin, broken his second, but was wearing his third. Quite a laugh was raised at Garlick’s ex­ pense by Armes reading an extract from a letter of Baird’s, telling why Sigma had died. Baird said that the town had filled up with Portuguese, and the boys couldn’t stand either Portuguese or garlic ( k ) .”

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BETA LIFE

ing these two chapters in the two great universities in California, and the boys in both universities have always been exceedingly nice to me, and I am made to feel at home in their fine chapter houses whenever I am at either Stanford or Berkeley.

There was an incident connected with the banquet at the semi-centennial of the California chapter which no one present will forget. It was a message transmitted from Joshua Platt Garlick of the Class of 1862 in Illinois College, the last member of the i>:v t ',/ twenty-seven who made up the old Sigma chapter in that institution. On the morning of the banquet he had called up Reinhardt Theodore Harding, California ’82, one of the founders of Omega chapter, to have the __________________ latter refresh his memory about one of the Betas of 1879 in San Francisco who had shared in the al1 • 1 umm gatherings dur­ ing the weeks of seeking for a chapter at California.

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able to attend except in spirit, but wishing success to Omega as it began its second fifty years. The message of the veteran was received with vigorous applause by the banqueters, the strength of T h E ARM ES the great fraternal tie being all the more magniCha}r jn Greek Theater fied by the fidelity of one initiated before the storm of Civil W ar broke over America. By hearty and unanimous vote the toast­ master was instructed to send a message to Brother Garlick.

T H E P L A Y E R S C L U B O F SA N F R A N C ISC O D E D IC A T E S T H IS C H A IR IN M E M O R Y O F

W ILLIAM

DALLAM

ARMES

F IR S T D IR E C T O R O F T H E G R E E K T H E A T R E A N D IN T O K E N O F H IS S U P R E M E D E V O T IO N TO D R A M A T IC A R T V IT A B R E V IS A RS LO N GA

W ho the Betas were who were passing before the veteran s memory is indicated in a letter written on January 30, 1880, by R. W . Poindexter to John I. Covington, editor of Beta Theta Pi. He described a meeting at the home of William D. Armes, one of Omega’s founders. There were present

II

CALIFORNIA CH APTER CULLINGS

127

| mitted to the bar. In 1885 he entered the firm of Watson, Hume, and Wat; son. Mr. Hume was vitally interested in politics and was elected repre­ sentative to the Oregon legislature from Multnomah County in 1889 and as district attorney twice, in 1892 and in 1894. A Mitchell Republican, he was one of the most aggressive campaigners of that group. When the Klondike excitement swept the country Mr. Hume was among the Portlanders who early joined the stampede for the north. In 1889 he I went to Nome, Alaska, where he became city attorney and deputy United States attorney.

A fter about five years at Nome, Mr. Hume went to San Francisco, California, where he practiced law from 1904 to 1912.

From 1912 until his death, October 8, 1921, Mr. Hume lived in Portland, ! Oregon. He was elected a member of the Oregon senate from Multnomah County in 1920, serving in the 1921 session. He was widely known because 1 of his active participation in the political life of the Pacific Northwest and he was a man of unusual mental ability and courage.

Charles H. Carey, Denison ’81, a prominent lawyer of Portland, Oregon, said of H um e: W ilson Theodore Hume was an able lawyer and a fine fellow. I first knew him in 1883, when I went to Portland, Oregon, to begin the practice of law, having just gradu­ ated from law school. H e had been admitted to the bar o f Oregon, and had served as private secretary and stenographer for U. S. Senator Joseph N. Dolph, at Portland and Washington, D.C. However, he was then filling a temporary position as teller in a bank. Since he was listed as a Beta, and I was needing to make friends in my new home, I called upon him at his place o f business and introduced myself. I was received with cordial and fraternal welcome. Thus began a friendship which lasted until the I time of his death. W e had much in common, especially as we were active members of the same political party and had law offices near each other. W e joined in an effort to overthrow boss rule and to establish free and honest primary elections. H e did valiant service in the cause, and was a brilliant campaigner in what seemed for a time to be a forlorn hope. Success came at last, and the state laws were amended. He served with distinction as district attorney and later as state senator. H e went to Nome, Alaska, with the gold rush of 1898 and remained there several years and during this period I knew little o f his life. But on returning to his old home at Portland, he again practiced law in the Oregon courts with marked success. His death came unexpectedly when he was apparently in full vigor of health and strength and interested in his professional work. Throughout his career he showed marked ability, and he had a genius for making and keeping friends. H e was always an ardent Beta and often said that he owed much to the fraternity and the college friends of his youth.

Perhaps it might be added that the initiation and banquet held in Berke­ ley on Saturday, March 16, 1929, served as a commemoration of the founding o f the Omega chapter on March 18, 1879, fifty years before. Tw o of the parts in the presentation of the ritual were taken by charter members H ar­ rier and Harding, and other participants were Betas of fifty years’ standing, including Guy C. Earl, ’83, and Walter E. Dennison, Ohio Wesleyan ’77, the president’s part being taken by the national president of the fraternity. The ceremony was unusually impressive, the interpretation of the ritual by the older men being extraordinarily fine. The Elks Hall was admirably adapted to the work. A t the banquet, held in the Whitecotton Hotel nearby, Ernest Behr of the San Francisco Alumni Association presided as toastmaster, speakers representing each decade of Omega history touching the high spots in the chapter’s career, and President Shepardson giving the main historical and inspirational address.

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Invitations for the meeting that night had been sent also to Samuel Bell Wakefield, Indiana ’68, and John Lee Boone, Ohio Wesleyan ’63, but they were unable to come. And as to the dorg, the laconic verdict was “ enough for twenty, with only thirteen to get away with it.”

On Thursday, March 21, 1929, while in Salt Lake City, I had the pleas­ ure, along with two of the Utah chapter members, of a half hour’s visit with Albert Dixon Bird, No. 1 on the roll of the California chapter, the Omega of Beta Theta Pi. The occasion was of greater significance to me, because, at Berkeley on the Saturday evening previous, I had had the unusual privi­ lege of meeting Lewis Garibaldi Harrier, No. 2 on that roll, and Reinhardt Theodore Harding, No. 4. These made three of the four founders, the fourth, Professor William Dallam Armes, having passed on; although I had had the satisfaction of acquaintance with him also while he was in the midst of his all too short distinguished career. Founder Bird, who was in good physical vigor, was glad to hear of the celebration of the fiftieth anni­ versary. He showed with pleasure the first badge owned in Omega, a large­ sized Newman badge, with border of turquoise— a concession to the “ blue and gold” of California, perhaps, the badge in as good condition as it was on the day it was first worn back in 1879. His memory was good of his col­ lege days, pride being indicated in the fact that he was a member of the first football team of the university and made its first goal. The Beta feature that made the deepest impression on him in connection with the beginnings of Omega was the loyalty of San Fran­ cisco and California Beta alumni. An interview with Senator Newton Booth, especially, was recalled. That a United States senator should leave other callers for the time being to greet seekers after a Beta chapter and should write out with his own hand a letter of indorse­ ment for them was a never-to-be-for­ gotten circumstance. That Booth letter, by the way, was one of the carefully preserved treasures of Omega archives which were spread out for examination at the semicentennial. Brother Bird has always prized an early volume of the Blue and Gold, where the Beta plate for the year was the famous one of the Wisconsin chapter, showing the lad in the sailing boat, gazing earnestly at the distant Beta temple. He showed it to his visitors as the best expression he had ever seen of the real spirit of Beta Theta Pi. Brother Bird has been in touch with the Utah boys, whose chapter house is about a block from his apartment, letting them take his badge for a while that all might see it. On several occasions, while he was living in Reno, Nevada, where he was a merchant, he backed earnestly petitions for a Beta chapter in the University of Nevada but never was able to convince the members of his own chapter that such am ove should be made. Bird’s olden time academy fellow, Wilson T . Hume, being trained as a stenographer, entered the office of the Honorable T. N. Dolph in 1884 and then Dolph and Simon’s office at Portland, Oregon.

He was court reporter at Portland from 1880 to 1884 and was then ad-

A V ISIT TO OMEGA

129

“ M y badge was concealed beneath my coat as I inquired of a tall, dignified student in the reading room of Mr. Arm es’ whereabouts. He looked at me a moment and said, ‘Mr. Armes will be down from recitation in fifteen minutes,’ and then, as I would have thanked him and moved away, he ventured the question, ‘Are you— a— Beta Theta P i?’ I assured him that I enjoyed that honor and he gave me the grip in a hurry. I had found a friend and brother at once. W e soon f ound Armes and all the others. “ You would have me describe them? It seems as though I had known them all, for they are ‘Theta stripe.’ W hat more need I say? W e at once found plenty of material for conversation. A more eager company for news and notes I never expect to meet.

They plied me with questions that no man in the fraternity can an­ swer, and with questions that I might answer in a week. It seemed as though they must know everything at once— so hungry were they for instructive pabu­ lum. A s best I could, in the few hours that we had, I told them how we run the paper; how the board are manifesting such an ac­ tive interest in the general pros­ perity of the order; how Brother Baird deluged us with interesting manuscript, notwithstanding the W A L T E R E. D E N N IS O N advance in paper; how Covington and Goodwin and Willis and you appear just after a bath; how the alumni are awakening to the enthusiasm of their youth; how conventions are managed; and, above all, how old Theta has prospered in the last years, her methods of rushing, initiations, meetings, escapades, collectively and individually, and her loyal girls. W e walked around the beautiful and still natural campus of the university; tarried in many a sequestered nook and by a clear, babbling brook, and talked, talked, talked about Betaism. It was a happy, exciting, inf ormal meeting. “ What higher encomium can be pronounced for our Beta Theta Pi— the invisible bond that unites hearts ? What a beneficent invention! What better proof of its strength and power for good than its erection of sympathy between entire strangers? No! Not entire strangers— for the paper had made us all perfectly acquainted. They took me, hurriedly, through the build­ ings, four in number, and the gymnasium. Everything is liberally appointed, and that, too, on the university plan. The institution is young; but certainly more vigorous than some very matured and popular eastern colleges.

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BETA LIFE

EARLY ACTIVITIES OF OMEGA CHAPTER Omega chapter is delighted with its new name and feels certain that the letter Omega, by its similarity to a horseshoe, will be auspicious. The class of ’84 is an excellent one and has about eighty members. The chapter has opened the fall campaign with enthusiasm, all the undergraduates return­ ing. There has been great rivalry over the desirable men in Eighty-Four and an effort has been made to crush the “ small western fraternity,” but, in spite of this combined opposition of the other fraternities, we have secured the two best men in the class. In the evening of September 11, by the civilizing influence of the new ritual, the following gentlemen were received as brothers into the family of Beta Theta P i : George B. Jacobs, ’82, Addison P. Niles, ’82, Robert D. Jackson, ’82, Charles S. Wheeler, ’84, Albert M. Johnson, ’84.

A fter the initiation the members, old and new, sat down to a good-sized “ dorg” and devoured it in a good-sized way. Congratulatory speeches were made, and Brother Poindexter of Gamma and X i responded to the toast, “ Beta Theta P i ; Her Alumni” ; C. C. Williams, of Alpha Upsilon, to “ Alpha Upsilon” ; while Brother C. S. Wheeler responded to the toast, “ Omega’s Babies,” and Brother Armes to “The Outlook.” A t a seasonable hour the meeting dis­ persed, but not before many songs had been sung and many pledges of true Greek love renewed. The chapter now has a membership of twelve men and you may depend upon it that Beta Theta Pi is in the University of California to stay. A s evidence of how our boys rank in the estimation of their classmates, I will state that of ten editors and managers just elected to publish the next Blue and Gold, the annual published by the Junior class, Beta Theta Pi has four, and Zeta Psi, Chi Phi, and Delta Kappa Epsilon each one. The follow­ ing officers have been elected for the coming y ea r: president, R. T. Harding; corresponding secretary, G . C. Earl; treasurer, E. C. Sanford; recording sec­ retary, W . W . Deamer. ( G u y C. E a r l , corresponding secretary, in Beta Theta Pi, October, 1880.)

A VISIT TO OMEGA The California chapter was formally installed March 18, 1879, anc^ was given the name in regular course, Alpha Omega. Later its name was changed to Omega, that having been the designation originally of the Naval Academy chapter which existed for a few years in the Civil W ar era.

In the spring of 1880 Walter Dennison of the Ohio Wesleyan chapter wrote to his close friend, Sylvester G. Williams, telling some of his experiences in going from Pittsburgh to San Francisco and some of his impressions of the western city. Among other paragraphs were some describing a visit to the California Betas at Berkeley. He w rote: “ But I must hasten to tell you of my call upon the Betas at Berkeley one summer afternoon. The bay was ruffled with a gentle moving ocean breeze that lost its coldness as it swept on and mingled with the fragrant air of the land. A delightful passage on the steamer E l Capitan to the Oak­ land w h a rf; successive rides on steam cars, street cars, and dummy along the bay, a distance of six m iles; and a short walk to the buildings of the state university began my search for Brother Armes, Alpha Omega’s correspond­ ing secretary.

A V E T E R A N SEN DS CH EER on my mind fo r many weeks, and in accordance with a promise made our General Secretary Brown some time since, had been trying to find a time to write you. W e have all sympathized most deeply with our distant sister on the trouble which has come upon her, and will all hail with pleasure the adoption of any honorable plan that will prolong our existence until other methods for her relief can be effected: for our Board are pre­ paring a document for the consideration o f your faculty which, with a letter that we expect to have from Senator Booth o f your State, we hope will induce their return to justice and reason.

In any event, of one thing you can be assured, and that is, that the antifraterm ty policy will not prevail and, in time, will return to torment its inventors. I passed through one of the most bitter fraternity wars ever waged i,n this country, at the University of Michigan in 1848, when both faculty and regents arrayed themselves against us. For a time they were invariably successful in their crusade, but it speedily reacted upon them and they were even more summarily removed from their positions than were the devoted students that suffered expulsion rather than to sacrifice their honor. There is not an instance in the United States where anti fraternity laws are enforced. There are three or four colleges where the faculty think they are, but it is only the ostrich with his head in the sand and thinks his body covered because he don’t see it himself. Most of the old colleges (H arvard among them) who, twenty years ago, abolished secret societies, finding that it was a failure have now abolished their dead-letter rules.

So, my dear brothers away off by yourselves on the Pacific slope, maintain an un­ broken’ front. Y ou will come out all right. Be careful and prudent. Bend but not break.

If I understand your plan, you propose removing the chapter from your scientific to one of your professional schools, its business and meeting to be at Berkeley when con­ venient to so have it. A good plan, I guess, and hope it will work.

In regard to the badge business would s a y : Our first badge was copied somewhat after the Alpha Delta Phi, it being a crescent with Beta Theta Pi inscribed thereon, with three stars in gold above, all on an oblong square black-enameled shield. This was soon changed by the substitution of a diamond and wreath for the crescent, making the new pin which the old boys you speak of have never seen, and is the primary or regular official undergraduate badge of Beta Theta Pi. In 1848, I designed the present octagonal-sided form of badge which, up to that time, had been flat and oblong and exceedingly ugly. The watch-key o f the Third Biennial, the chapters refused to au­ thorize. The skeleton o f the 33rd convention is our present secondary, consisting of wreath, diamond and three stars displayed, on relief thereon carrying the letters Beta Theta Pi in black enamel and alpha omega lambda theta on the fillet of the wreath.

This was rather a bungling conceit and I modified it by substituting a Beta Theta Pi monogram in the center of the wreath, grouping the diamond and stars above. This makes a very beautiful but quite expensive pin. On the whole I do not think the regular, official, primary badge w ill ever be supplanted to any great extent. They are now giving them rich borders in gems o f various sorts and, as a badge, I do not think they are excelled. The gold, jewel-set monograms have been adopted by so many societies that they are no longer distinctive and attract no attention.

W ith regard to our defunct chapters, those worth the while are in hand for resurrec­ tion and the others the record will brush out o f sight and smell before the new cata­ logue issues. Meanwhile Beta Theta Pi is the national fraternity and will in a short time be recognized as such. She is distinctly on her new method of policies, “No pent-up Utica contracts our powers, T he whole boundless continent is ours.”

It would be pleasant for you to have a sister at Santa Clara, and if I mistake not its president is a Greek. Once more I say, boys, “ Be o f good ch eer; thy faith shall make thee whole.” The hopes and prayers of a thousand active Betas are your fortune to have, while many an “old boy” like myself, “ whose eye is perhaps somewhat dim and his natural force abated” is looking to the young stalwart of the Pacific to hold the Beta colors full high advanced on that distant shore. W ith much love to you all, faith­ fully yours in Phi kai Phi. W . C. R a n s o m

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“ I was greatly pleased with what I saw. The other fraternities strong here, and have wealth to secure them in their undertakings; from what I saw of their men, we have the culture, brain, and heart of students. When Alpha Omega becomes known to Beta Theta Pi as appears to me, our pride for her tested loyalty will be increased ten-fold her inherent royalty.”

are but the she for

A VETERAN SENDS CHEER When the semicentennial of the California chapter was celebrated in March, 1929, the undergraduate committee went through the files of letters and other historical material which had accumulated in the chapter house at Berkeley, and laid out for inspection many interesting and valuable pictures and papers. Among them was a letter from Major W yllys C. Ransom, Michi­ gan ’48, to William D. Armes, a charter member of Omega. The latter was eager to learn everything possible regarding the fraternity, as many letters which have been preserved clearly show; the former, like some sage of old, wrote from his storehouse of knowledge of Beta Theta Pi. The action re­ cently taken by the regents of the University of California, by which frater­ nities were doomed to death, through the process of shutting off future mem­ bership, recalled vividly to Major Ransom’s mind the so-called “ fraternity war” at Michigan, as he wrote to the knowledge-seeking novitiate out by the Golden Gate.

Major Ransom’s letter-head carried “ a strange device,” evidently a modified Knight Templar emblem. The Latin motto on the cross, “ While I breathe I hope” ad­ mirably fitted the California situation at the time, and the “ Fideliter” on the crest, of course, is a good Beta watchword always.

At the time he wrote Armes, Major Ran­ som was giving special attention to the ritualistic and heraldic features of Beta Theta Pi, and, probably, was experimenting with devices and designs.

This letter also calls attention to a curious plan, of an ostrich-like nature, which was being considered by those who were planning for a new catalogue of the fraternity. Major Ransom, in several extant letters, calls attention to it, and he may have been responsible for the idea which actually was used in the Beta catalogue of 1881. It was to conceal the facts regarding the dead chapters of Beta Theta Pi by hiding their rolls in the rosters of active chap­ ters In some instances it requires considerable study to place properly cer­ tain lists in that catalogue. The fact that, in the index, the original chapter designations were used, helps the student materially, geography also being an aid.

W. D. Armes, Berkeley, California ■ *’

TT ,r . , •___ Port Huron, Michigan, January 8, 1880

M y D e a r B r o t h e r : I was most agreeably surprised yesterday at taking from the office your letter o f the 21st ult. I was more so, as I had had our distant Alpha Umega

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CHRONICLES OF CORNELL The history of Beta Delta, the Cornell chapter of Beta Theta Pi, cover­ ing a period of nearly twenty years, falls naturally into three divisions : The first division covers the period from the beginning of the Beta chapter of Alpha Sigma Chi in 1874 to the union of this fraternity with Beta Theta Pi in 1879; the second extends from 1879 to the period of reconstruction in 1888; the third division begins with 1888 and comes down to the present time.

A t the beginning of the college year of 1872-1873 there were at Cornell ten chapters representing nearly all of the leading fraternities. The number of students registered in the university at the beginning of this year was 525, fourteen of whom were women. The membership of the chapters num­ bered about fifteen men each. A t this time Edward Banks, ’75, had an idea to start a new chapter at Cornell. Associated with him were M. D. Makepeace, E. D. Thompson, and others. They early decided to petition some fraternity already well established for a charter; but nothing definite seems to have been done in the matter that year. Only Makepeace and Thompson, of those originally interested in the plan, returned to the uni­ versity the following year.

Thompson was intimately associated with Elbridge Van Syckei and Louis LaTourette at a preparatory school at Blairstown, New Jersey, where they formed an organization which became the basis of Alpha Sigma Chi when the three separated, each going to a different college. The Alpha chapter was established at Rutgers in 1871 by Van Syckei, and Thompson suggested to his associates to establish the Beta chapter at Cornell, which was agreed.

The roll of members at the start is not easy to determine. The college an­ nual, issued in the spring of 1874, gives the names of E. D. Thompson, M. D. Makepeace, and W . C. Jipson as members of Alpha Sigma Chi and states that no chapter exists at Cornell. The same list, with D. S. Aldrich added, appears in the annual of the following year. It was not until 18751876 that the chapter was recognized as existing at Cornell, although it was established in February, 1874. The roll of 1875-1876 contained sixteen names. Up to February of that year the chapter had no hall and meetings were held at the rooms of the various members; but at this time rooms in a business block in the city were fitted up, and these continued to be the chapter quarters till 1877. That year they removed to another block with more commodious rooms and this was the home of the chapter until after the union with Beta Theta Pi. Thus far the Alpha Sigma Chi seems to have been passing through a formative period. In 1875 Beta delegates to the convention at Hoboken were instructed to prepare and offer a design for a monogram badge to take the place of the Maltese cross and the key which was sometimes worn. It was about this time that the monogram badge was adopted. The Beta chap­ ter, almost from the first, took a prominent part in all fraternity matters.

The literary feature of fraternity life was made very prominent during this period, and the business transacted, while coming first in order of time, was really secondary to this feature. The chapter had a representative on the board of the annual college publication down to 1877-1878. The previous year a disagreement among the board members caused three fraternities to

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TH E BETA START AT COLGATE The institution of the Beta Theta chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Madison University (the former name of Colgate) was attended by many auspicious circumstances. A s is generally known throughout the fraternity, the peti­ tioners constituted a local society known as the “ Adelphia.” This had existed for nearly forty years, and from the time of the establishment of fraternities at Madison until 1872, the members of Delta Kappa Epsilon and Delta Up­ silon used the Adelphia in common as a recruiting ground. A t that time a few determined spirits secured the control of the organization, expelled the fraternity men then in it and have since conducted it as a secret local fra­ ternity. Since this change, Adelphia has led her rivals in everything, and it is universally acknowledged to be the best chapter in the university. Dur­ ing the past spring and summer it was determined to secure, if possible, a charter from some fraternity. Beta Theta Pi was chosen, and the result was a unanimous vote in favor of the admission of the petitioners. The date of initiation was fixed for December 10. On that day the committee, consisting of William R. Baird, chief of the district, George Beebe from Cornell, L. C. Rich and W . L. Caten from St. Lawrence, and W . R. Israel of Dickin­ son, met at Hamilton, New York. The Adelphians placed their hall at the disposal of the committee and a few changes were quickly made, trans­ ferring it into the proper Beta quarters. The initiation took place in the evening, and never did our ritual seem so impressive and fitting. The formal institution of the chapter was followed by a fine banquet, and the feast of reason which then succeeded will be indelibly impressed upon the memories of those present. Many toasts were responded to and the fun and wit evoked by remembrance of past victories and anticipations of future ones con­ tinued until far into the morning. Then, although the thermometer registered several degrees below zero, the entire company, amounting to about fprty in number, serenaded the young ladies’ seminary in the place. The fair ones suitably responded and the band o f singers dispersed. The excitement and confusion among the “ Dekes” and “ D .U .’s” the next morning was comical to witness, the secret having been so well kept that no inkling of the coming event had leaked out. Letters and telegrams were received from Betas and Beta chapters from all parts of the country, and the secretary had an im­ mediate duty before him. The chapter leases a fine hall, owns a library of some 1,100 volumes, has a cozy reading room, is enthusiastic and hopeful, and bids fair to make many an older chapter look to its laurels. The presi­ dent is David Smith, the corresponding secretary is Walter Cooke, Box 256, Hamilton, New York. W e trust that the chapters will promptly welcome our new sister. (Official report of the committee, published in the Beta Theta P i for December, 1880, page 77.)

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missioners. They were agreed to by Beta Theta Pi assembled in convention September 3, 1879, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and by Alpha Chi Sigma at the eighth annual and last convention held with the Beta chapter at Cornell, October 21, 22, 23, 1879. There were present at this convention about twenty-five members of Alpha Sigma Chi, including G. Z. Snyder, W . K. Roy, H. H. Wilhelm, and J. H. Rausenbaum, officers of the grand chapter, j A fter the articles had been ratified by the convention, General R. W . Smith, Major W . C. Ransom, and C. J. Seaman, representatives of Beta Theta Pi, were introduced., Major Ransom accepted the resolutions ratifying the articles of agreement in the name of Beta Theta Pi. The active members of Beta chapter at the time of the union were: A. A. Ailing, R. B. Ailing, George Beebe, Jr., C. R. Carpenter, A. B. Coe, H. F. Ehrman, G. M. Mann, F. E. W ilcox, F. W . Ormsby, W . J. Wilcox.

These constituted the Cornell chapter, the Beta Delta of Beta Theta Pi. The charter members of Beta were continued as charter members of Beta Delta. From this time forth, a greater activity is noticeable. The feeling of alliance with a greater organization had its effect on chapter life. Meetings were more regularly held, a more generous participation in literary exercises was apparent, and in many ways a healthier spirit manifested. A t the very beginning of this period the fund for a chapter house had its small beginning.

The first list of Beta Theta Pi that appeared in the Cornellian numbered twelve men and throughout the period there was an average of fourteen members. They continued to occupy the old quarters for the balance of the year when they removed to more commodious rooms, where they re­ mained until the fall of 1883 when they took a large brick house well situ­ ated. Here the chapter remained until the year 1885-1886, when they again removed, but for a short time only did they remain, going the next year farther up the hill, very close to the campus where they have since remained.

During this period four members were elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the Cor­ nell chapter of which was established in 1883, A. A. Ailing, H. C. Elmer, C. S. Fowler, and A. H. Grant. A. A. Ailing also took the W oodford Prize in oratory in 1883, the greatest honor bestowed upon students in the literary courses. The chapter roll was increased by fifty names, including the trans­ fers from other chapters.

The greatest test period that ever came to Beta Delta began with the year 1886-1887. A t the beginning of the year they had no house. They had been obliged to give up the one they had formerly occupied and were waiting the completion of the one they had leased. W^hen they took possession of the new house they fitted it up at considerable expense, and, as the chapter was not large, this item caused them some anxiety. Then early arose a difference of opinion as to men and means, which increased until the chapter was about evenly divided. It was soon patent to all that no prosperity could be expected in this condition of things and six of the number withdrew from active membership. The others continued the chapter through this year and the next, but during .this time initiated but three men? A s the year 18871888 was drawing toward its close, it became apparent that none of the ac­ tive members save one, G. B. Penney, would return to the university. Mr. Penney had not been present the year previous, but his sympathies were largely with the members who had withdrawn, and so he had not identified himself very closely with the chapter. A t the close of the year, however, the

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resign, and these three issued a publication of their own. The next year they did the same, but the other chapters failed to issue their publication.

It was not until 1881-1882 that all the chapters again united in publishing the annual.

It was during this period that Cornell’s brilliant boating record first be­ gan and none contributed more to the making of that record than members of Beta. James Lorenzo Jarvis entered freshman in 1874-1875. He was made stroke of the freshman crew which place he held until he was seated in the university shell. John Lewis took his place in the freshman boat and became captain of the crew. A contemporary article speaks thus of this crew, “The success of the freshman crew at the fall regatta had so much encouraged them that, about the last of April, the class decided to send a crew to Saratoga. Their old stroke, Jarvis, had been seated in the university shell, but a worthy successor was found in ‘Jack’ Lewis, who at that time began his brilliant boating career.” The Cornell crews .won the Cluck chal­ lenge cup for this year. In speaking of the race, the Cornellian for 18791880 says, “ On July 13, 1875, Lewis, Carpenter, Graves, Smith, Camp, and Palmer won the first inter-university honors for Cornell by defeating Har­ vard, Brown, and Princeton in the best contested freshman race ever rowed.

From last in the race Jack Lewis’s steady swing and sturdy arm forced his crew to third place, then to second, and, in the last quarter, to vic­ tory.” From this time down to 1879 Cornell did not lose a race. Two other members of Beta were prominent on the crews, F. N. W ilcox and G. S. Baker. In speaking of the freshman crew of 1879 Cornellian says, “ Its six, Mason, Wagner, Gregory, Doggett, Baker, and Wilcox, could have defeated all the rival university crews save Harvard and Yale.” Cor­ nell’s success was so great that it resulted in their having no competitors who dared to try with them. Says the Cornellian: “ A fter searching in vain for foemen worthy of their steel, the old veterans of ’73j 74> 75> and 7^ dis­ banded never to reorganize.” Lewis was among the oarsmen who went to England in May, 1881, but who were refused the privilege of rowing on the Thames.

Besides their activity in boating the members during this period were musical, dramatic, and generally athletic, being prominent in several organi­ zations of this nature. The membership reached the number of forty, one of whom, W . J. Smith, died early in 1879. The active chapter averaged fourteen men during this period.

The movement among the Alpha Sigma Chi to unite with some older and stronger fraternity originated with W . R. Baird of Stevens chapter. The first definite step taken towards this end was a meeting of joint commis­ sioners from Alpha Sigma Chi and Beta Theta Pi at Niagara Falls, August 5, 1879. The commissioners from Alpha Sigma Chi, appointed by the regent July 15, 1879, were "W". R- Baird, Gamma ’78; T. D. W^ood, Beta 76 >H. F. Gunnison, Epsilon ’80. Afterwards F. H. Seymour, Beta ’80, and W . B. Gunnison, Epsilon ’75, were substituted for Wood and H. F. Gunnison, the latter two being unable to act. The commissioners from Beta Theta Pi were the Reverend E. J. Brown, Iota ’73; W . C. Ransom, Lambda ’48; Benjamin S. Grosscup, Alpha Gamma ’78. The result of this meeting, of which W . C. Ransom was chairman and W . R. Baird, secretary, was the formulating of seven articles of agreement, which were signed by the com-

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shares in the gloves and the club, in current slang expression, “ just naturally petered out.”

The ties of friendship were not severed with the demise of the sparring club, and when “A lex” suggested the formation of a society of some sort, the idea was eagerly taken up by the others. The result was the Hap Hazard Club,” after much deliberation and many conferences. The unini­ tiated knew of the society as the Eta Eta from the Greek letters H.H. But, as a matter of fact, those letters stood for nothing more mysterious than “hap hazard.” The members all boarded at the same student club, as the eating places of the time were styled, and the landlady, hearing society matters discussed at the table, and, possibly because she saw the provisions disappearing with astonishing rapidity, dubbed them the “ Eight Eaters.

The old college janitor, Johnny Abies, an Englishman with a pronounced cockney accent metamorphosed this into “ Haty Heaters.

Under these varied titles the society grew and prospered, and when, in February 1867, Henry A. W ise came to Denison from the University of Michigan, he was wisely admitted to membership. Having the same name as Governor Henry A. W ise of Virginia he was promptly nicknamed “ Gov.” While at Ann Arbor W ise had joined a Greek-letter society known as Kappa Phi Lambda, and he proposed that the Hap Hazards apply to it for a charter. A t the time the fraternity seemed quite strong. It had chapters in a number of Western colleges. Its badge was a shield having at the top a balance, beneath which was a sunburst and a mountain, and be­ low all a ribbon pendant bearing the Greek capital letters Kappa Phi Lambda.

A charter was soon granted to the Denison petitioners who included the members of the Hap Hazard Society^ with Jonathan Rees, ’67, and John C. Eagle, ’67. It was in the spring of 1867 that eight badges were “ swung” as the con­ temporary expression went. A t that time there was among the statutes of the college a law prohibiting the formation of any society without the consent of the faculty, and without the transmission of a copy o f the constitution to the president for his approval. Much courage and many conferences were required before the badges were shown, and the effect is best made known by a quotation from a paper preserved in the archives of Beta Theta Pi in Curtis Hall in Granville, the authorship of which is unknown: H E N R Y A. W I S E “ You may imagine the consternation of staid old Gran­ ville society when the cabalistic emblems sparkled in the sunlight for the first time. A t the time we swung out Sigma Chi was incubating. But its members lacked the courage to come out boldly and take their stand with us in the battle with the faculty and trustees. Instead, they kept dark, skulked in the shade, waited for us to win the day, and then it was truly wonderful how they had ‘killed the bear.’ In due time our summons came to appear before President Talbot. There was tumult in our midst and anxious questioning what to do if he demanded this thing or that. W e concluded to stand by our colors, even if so doing compelled us to leave college. One of the boys in his alarm sold out part of his furniture preparatory to leaving^ Granville.

The momentous hour came and we marched into the president’s room, a solemn and defiant band. Dr. Talbot read the law, and inquired if we were

13 6

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officers of the then active chapter turned over the effects of the chapter to Mr. Penney ? He reinstated the former members, thus establishing anew the chapter which assumed the financial responsibilities and re-leased the house, initiated six men and once more became strong and united.

Every year since has witnessed added strength. The financial burdens assumed have rapidly been lifted, and the confidence in Beta Delta shown by the alumni fully justified. There have been thirty-nine members added since this period began, including those transferred from other chapters.

Four of them, J, H. Drown, P. P. Taylor, F. W . Ely and C. B. Wilson, have been elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and two, C. B. Humphrey and H. B. Smith, have been elected to Sigma Xi, an honorary scientific society established at Cornell in 1886. One, W . H. Austen, took the ’86 Memorial Prize in elocu­ tion, the second greatest distinction open to students in the literary de­ partment. Beta Delta has been represented at every convention since its organization. Its existence has been continuous since 1874, and it has occu­ pied a well-established place among the oldest and strongest eastern fra­ ternities in an institution that boasts more fraternity organizations than any in the country. (Paper written by Willard Austen in the manuscript ar­ chives of Beta Theta Pi.)

BUILDING THE DENISON CHAPTER

Soon after the close of the Civil W ar a boxing club was formed by a few choice spirits who were attending Denison University at Granville, Ohio. Boxing clubs have lived, flourished, and died in many a college with­ out altering the course of human history or being accounted worthy of any special mention. But this one of 1866, while shortlived, was the foundation of a social and intellectual organization which became a power on that campus during the following years. A new set of gloves purchased in Cleveland was brought into requisition and West L. Alexander, ’70, Jerry L. Cox, ’68, John J. Powell, ’70, O. B. Scobey, ’ ’71, entered the ring as amateur Sullivans and slugged one another with a zeal worthy of a better cause. In the first round Powell was badged with a black eye and retired from membership. Scobey, being floored by a skillful thrust from Cox, de­ cided that pugilistic fields were not to his ambition and he also withdrew from these Olympic games. Alexander, viewing with alarm the slaughter and rout of Powell and Scobey, declared that the unusual ex­ ercise made his face red ; and so Cox and Seaman were left as the masters of the sitC H A R L E S J. S E A M A N uation. The latter then bought up all the

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supposed to be the last survivor joining Delta Tau Delta at Mt. Union College in 1874. Many years later it was discovered that a chapter at W est­ minster College, Pennsylvania, was still in existence having weathered many storms and having been forced into several stages of strictly sub-rosa mem­ bership. In the fall of 1868 Alexander had left Denison, Eagle, Rees, and Cox had graduated, and Frederick Clatworthy, ’69, Henry A. Delano, ’69, John J. Powell, ’70, O. B. Scobey, ’70, Charles M. Rupe, ’70, Henry A. Wise, ’70, Charles J. Seaman, ’yi, and William T. Burns, :>r made up the group which sought a charter for a chapter of Beta Theta Pi. In 1868 the fraternity colleges nearest to Denison were Kenyon, at Gambier, and Ohio Wesleyan, at Delaware, each some thirty odd miles dis­ tant. The Kenyon student body was made up of young men who were as a rule, in better financial circumstances than were the students of other

D E N IS O N C H A P T E R H O U S E

Ohio colleges. The fraternities in the institution, then, all were of the small, select, Eastern variety. The superior air manifested as Kenyon students met those of the neighboring colleges carried no suggestion of interest in the fraternal ambitions over at Granville. A t Ohio Wesleyan, on the other hand, there was a more democratic spirit and, further, there was a chapter of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, of which the Denison students had learned when in Delaware to establish Kappa Phi Lambda there. Seaman, whose home was in Cleveland, had seen the Beta badge of Samuel E. Williamson of the Western Reserve chapter and had been much impressed by its mys­ terious emblems. So to Beta Theta Pi, through the Theta chapter at Ohio Wesleyan, the Denison group turned its attention.

The minutes of Theta for October 8, 1868, contain this entry: “ A letter was read from a student at Granville in which was contained the informa­ tion that the Kappa Phi Lambda chapter at that place desired to be formed

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ready to comply with its requirements and show our constitution. Jerry Cox, our spokesman, told him we would willingly comply, but it would be necessary to initiate him first. W e anticipated the hurling of all the thunder­ bolts of Olympus at us for this answer; but the president saw the joke, laughed good naturedly, and so nothing came from the interview. From this time to the end of the year we carried our badges proudly, although we were regarded as a band of outlaws by the faculty and its numerous co­ horts of bootlicks (now called baylegs). In June, 1867, Jonathan Rees and John Eagle graduated with their badges on their breasts, and, soon after this, Charles M. Rupe, ’70, William T. Burns, ’71, Henry A. Delano, ’69, and Frederick Clatworthy, ’69, were added to the charmed circle.”

One of the Kappa Phi Lambda stories which has been handed down is the following: “ Among the many freaks indulged in by the fraternity was a horseback ride. All the boys but Delano were on hand to select their steeds, and when he came nothing remained but a raw-boned, high-spirited, old cavalry horse named Pete, a relic of the late war. Delano evidently had fixed for that ride; for he came arrayed in light pantaloons and new plug hat, beneath which his ambrosial locks played in the summer breeze.

All went well until we approached the seminary, when Jerry Cox spurred his horse into a canter, all the rest following. Delano’s Pete struck out into a rasping, irregular gait that would unsettle the nerves of a country doctor.

It was useless to try to use any check reins; for Pete was used to the charge and always kept up with the rest. The first jump struck Delano in the center of gravity, and then began such a bouncing, with arms akimbo, hat balancing now on one ear, and now on the other, while his breeches crept up on the saddle until a goodly display of shinbone contrasted with the lustre of his boots. The young ladies fully appreciated the situation and manifested their delight by laughter and clapping of hands. But misery does not last always, and we finally wound up at the Buxton House, where the M ajor’s coffee quieted our shattered nerves, and our jostled equilib­ riums were soon restored.”

In June, i868> James L. Cox graduated with bright prospects for life.

In the classroom he had achieved the highest reputation for faithfulness and scholarship. He was universally esteemed. Possessing a grandly developed social nature, he was always the center of his circle and a leading spirit.

But consumption, a fatal disease which had laid a number of his family friends in untimely graves, pursued him also, and in September, a few months after graduation, he died at Des Moines, Iowa. Although this was three months before Beta Theta Pi was established at Denison, his name was placed on the roll of Alpha Eta chapter by formal vote of the Con­ vention of 1872, held at Richmond, Virginia, in its morning session of August 23.

The Denison chapter was active in the life of Kappa Phi Lambda. { It encouraged a group to establish a chapter at Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, and had charge of the formal installation. But the Ann Arbor chapter died about this time, and as the Denison chapter was an offspring of that, and as there was considerable dissatisfaction with the arbitrary and despotic power vested in the presiding chapter, the^ Denison delegates to the convention of the fraternity came home in great discontent.

Other delegates shared the feeling; and, as a result, within a short time the fraternity disintegrated. The chapters formed other connection, what was

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into a chapter of Beta Theta Pi. It was also asked in the letter if we would be willing to take into our chapter the chapter of their fraternity in this place.

It was ordered that the corresponding secretary take the necessary constitu­ tional measures to secure the establishment of a chapter at Granville, to be composed primarily of the Kappa Phi Lambda men, and that brother Welch write to the Kappa Phi Lambda chapter at Granville, inform them what we were doing per our corresponding secretary and that we could not take into our chapter the Kappa Phi Lambda as a body.”

The Denison petition was sent to the chapters by the Knox chapter, then the presiding chapter. The individual chapters took action during the later part of October, the month of November, and the first part of Decem­ ber, all votes, according to available records, being favorable. So Thomas Jefferson Duncan, an Ohio Wesleyan senior, went over to Granville at the close of the fall term of college and, on the evening of December 23, 1868, initiated the Denison petitioners and formally instituted the Eta Eta chapter of Beta Theta Pi. It was an interesting coincidence that, Epsilon Epsilon and Zeta Zeta having just been established, the Eta Eta of old Hap Hazard days came back to Granville as the official name of the new chapter. The ceremonies of initiation were held in the west front room of the second story of a boarding house in the center of the business block of the village, this being the room of one of the charter members, and a fine supper, prepared by the landlady, followed in the dining room downstairs.

Owing to difficulties which beset the chapter during the troublous years which immediately followed, the records, if any were kept, were so care­ fully preserved that they - were never thereafter found. When historical information was sought, no one of the living charter members could recall the exact date of their initiation. Finally Charles Seaman suggested that if Thomas J. Keating, ’73, still had the badge he wore in college, which he had bought from Seaman, the date would be found upon its back. Inquiry discovered that the badge was available. A jeweler unsoldered a small gold plate with Keating’s name on it which he had had superimposed over Sea­ man’s name, and so the correct date of the chapter’s birth was ascertained.

In June, 1869, Clatworthy and Delano graduated and during the com­ mencement season Henry Judson Booth and Joseph S. Tunison were ad­ mitted; then William K. McKibben and John W . Payne; and in November Charles T. Thompson, his cousin, H arry L. Keys, coming in a few months later. Then the first crisis in chapter history came. On the ground of alleged conscientious scruples against secret societies, several of them being ministerial students, half of the chapter resigned, Burns, McKibben, Payne, Rupe, and Scobey— a step each afterwards regretted. The rest went for­ ward. In the absence of chapter records the order of initiation is not ab­ solutely sure, but up to June, 1872, a dozen more members were received, Samuel H. Collins, Thomas J. Keating, Thomas W. Philipps, W ill Keys, Ben Keys, John James, Marion D. Shutter, Frank W . Harmon, E. M. P. Brister, Mason D. Phillips, John H. Brierly, and, by transfer, Uriah M. Chaille, a Franklin College student who had been initiated by the Hanover chapter to help start a chapter at Franklin. He stayed in Granville only from February, 1872, to June following. The losses included Powell and Wise, graduates of 1870 and Seaman, graduate of 1871, and Harry Keys, W ill Keys, and one or two others who left college. The June date of 1872 is mentioned because it marked the second crisis.

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The Denison Collegian for October, 1872, published an article signed “ S. T ,” these being the initials of Samson Talbot, president of the college.

It discussed an action taken by the college Board of Trustees at its meeting in June. The article said: “ A t the annual meeting o f the Board of Trustees of Denison University, in June last, the follow ing by-law was enacted: Chapter 7, Sec. 6. It shall be unlawful for any student connected with the Pre­ paratory Department to become a .member of any college fraternity, or other secretbound college society. E very applicant for admission into any of the college classes shall, before his examination for the same, be required to sign a pledge that he will not become a member of any college fraternity or other secret-bound college society during his connection with the university. A ny student who violates this regulation shall be considered as having forfeited his place in the university and shall be imme­ diately dismissed.

This action of the board was announced to the students at’ chapel on Thursday morning, September 12, and the reasons fo r the action stated at large. These reasons were not general, i.e., reasons against secret societies as secret, but particular, i.e., rea­ sons against their existence in Denison University. The new by-law, it will be observed, is not retroactive in its operation; it does not relate to those who are already mem­ bers of such societies. Its effect will be, simply, that the societies now in college will gradually pass out of existence by the cutting off o f supplies.

Secret societies are a comparatively new thing in our college, the first one, so far as known, having been organized in the spring of 1867, so that they can not be said to have ever become really domiciled. The policy o f the college and the prevailing sentiment have been against them. Their influence on college life has been carefully observed, and the evils have been found to counterbalance the good that is claimed for them. These evils may be described, first, by their effect upon the literary societies; secondly, by their effect upon class spirit in co lleg e; and, thirdly, by their effect in creating factitious distinctions which operate to the disadvantage of a large portion of the students. It is doubtful, also, whether such close associations in secret-bound so­ cieties is not on the whole necessarily detrimental to the religious life of the_ members.

That these societies should be, in every institution of learning, more or less objectionable to the authorities, is not surprising, since they constitute a very influential form of col­ lege life not subject to college regulations.

It may be added that this action has been taken after mature deliberation on the part o f the faculty and trustees, and that it passed without opposition.”

This article was met with prompt replies from fraternity men, showing that the fraternity men were the leaders in literary society work; that class spirit had never been marked at Denison; and that the so-called factitious distinctions were no more than the usual classifications of men of brains and sound sense and men of less caliber. But the anti-fraternity arguments were those which were in wide circulation on college campuses at the time; the anti-fraternity spirit was rampant; the edict had gone forth ; and the Deni­ son chapters faced extinction, or sub-rosa existence. Sigma Chi, apparently, ceased to initiate until 1880. Beta Theta Pi kept the fires on the altar burn­ ing until the anti-fraternity law was repealed_ at commencement of 1881.

It initiated twenty-four members during the period. When normal existence was resumed, all that came out of the darkness in the form of tangible property was a record book containing the constitution of the fraternity and the signatures of the members, even that page of this book which showed the names of sub-rosa members having been torn out, to be carried carefully folded in the pocket-book of the chapter president. But there was a chapter spirit which was indomitable, as Alpha Eta (its name had been changed from Eta Eta) faced the future.

UNDER THE ROSE AT DENISON The college rooms were builded, in those good old days, in pairs, A room fo r general purposes in front— y F or chaffing, smoking, singing, boxing, breaking up of chairs And sometimes for a midnight study stunt. ’T w as furnished with a carpet, table, shelves for books, a lamp, A stove, whose face was reddened as with rye, That fed on wood in tw o-foot lengths, but would not eat it damp, And rushed the can fo r coal oil shamelessly.

A smaller room adjoining was for privacy and sleep— A bed of straw with two troughs deeply pressed From end to end, with towering ridge between them, meant to keep F or each room-mate his proper space to_ r e s t; F or boys, as well as rooms, then went in pairs— and closets, too, One fo r the surplus clothing and for prayer And one for wood, the saw, the oil, the broom unused and new, And fo r the words one has to use to swear. ’T w as such a suite I sought that night, and rapping at the door, Found entrance. H ow my heart was beating then!

F or something all mysterious was looming up before; A presence strange filled the fam iliar den.

The lights were out and, entering, I felt my right hand caught W ithin a palm that chilled it as the snow, And then the shroud-like darkness to my ears all eager brought, A voice that seemed to come from Long Ago. It asked a score of questions and another made reply, And I, all thrilled was being much impressed W hen some cabalistic letters, shining from a shoe-box high, I saw— and indiscretion did the rest. “ P ray tell,” quoth I, there stopping short the services austere, “W hat name bears this society benign?” “ ’Tis Beta Theta Pi,” replied the voice, surprised but^ clear f “ But see,” quoth I, “how some one cut the sign.”

A moment passed; a snicker whence the voice sepulchral came, And then a loud guffaw right at my ear: “ H e’s got us, Bob! Turn up the light! Our Greek is very lam e!”

Then light came in with mirth to banish fear, For there, cut in the pasteboard o f the box above the door, Emphatic in the tallow candle’s glow, An English P was staring out which, read with those before, Proclaimed the jest o f Beta Theta Rho. “A mental aberration,” offered Beta, ’tw ixt g u ffa w s; “A s natural,” said Theta, “ as your nose; The Rho is in that emblem in the shoe-box there because W e ’re living and must live beneath the rose.”

W hat followed after that would be an oft-repeated ta le ; Y o u know it, though you were not there to see.

The jo y? T o get each Beta’s share and get it without fail, Take all of jo y and cut it into three.

The years since then are many, but they’ve left the record clear, And two of us oft turn to it and smile.

And wonder if it may not be, in quite another sphere, Repeated when it is the A fte rw h ile ; F or he who gave most promise of the man that was to be (H ow different hope from that which time discloses!)

The first to come beneath the rose to make that trinity, Lies dead and gives his beauty to the roses.

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UNDER THE ROSE AT DENISON For about nine years the Denison chapter was forced to run sub rosa owing to anti fraternity legislation. Robert W . Ellison Davis, ’yg who was keeping the altar fire lighted initiated Arthur L. Hughes, ’79, and the two of them chose their classmate Osman C. Hooper, later professor of journalism at Ohio State University, and long associated with newspaper work in Columbus, Ohio. From the archives of Alpha Eta the following description of his initiation, written by Hooper for an Ohio Beta reunion years ago, has been taken, to show something of Beta L ife at Denison in days of difficulty. The reference in the last stanza is to the early death of Davis.

There were whisperings and beckonings at Denison that spring, And secret visits to some nameless place, And Bob’s and A rthur’s fingers seemed to have a novel cling W hich they practiced with more frequency than grace.

W e were classmates three and cronies, and I couldn’t understand, And I showed I didn’t like it, I suppose, So they one day up and told me, half in fright behind the hand, “W e are Betas, and we want you— ’neath the rose.”

T hey said in Betadom we’d make a charming trinity, And Bob, because he was the first one under, And also fo r the reason that his name began with B, Could play the role of Beta without blunder; T hat Arthur, being second, with a t-h in his name, Could be Theta for the trinity, while I, I f I were only willing to join them in the game, Could play beneath the rose the role of Pi. ’T w as the Alpha Eta chapter, they assured me with a laugh, Though what they ate they would not tell, they said; But I gathered from the very rosy nature of their chaff They ate leaves from off the roses overhead. ’T w as for pity of their diet that I finally agreed T o go in with them and make the trinity, T o sit down at their rose dinners and supply the pressing need O f the gustatory finish of a pie.

A nd that initiation— well, wasn’t _it a cru sh !

T w o fellows there to usher in a third, W hen every other utterance was “Hush, hush, h u sh !

The barbaroi! W hat was that noise I heard?”

But I am getting on too fast. I meant to tell you first ’T w as midnight and the sky was hung with b la ck ; A n audience from the chapel had an hour before dispersed, T oo weary, it was hoped, to make attack.

F or college oratory, in the years of which I speak— O f course, it is quite different nowadays— W as something calculated to make the strongest weak And dim the vision with somnific haze.

W ell did our Brother Beta count the cause and the effect, W hile Theta gave assent, and th a t'is why T hey came, in seeking secrecy, that midnight to select T o swing the doors of Betadom to Pi.

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EARLY DEPAUW BETA DAYS In the papers of William Holman DeMotte, DePauw ’49, were found these sentences about the early days of Delta chapter. “ About 1846 there was a chapter of Beta Theta Pi organized but kept a profound secret because of the known opposition of President Simpson to such organizations. It was purely social and helpful to its few members. In 1847 I was admitted as a member. A t the commencement of 1849 by per­ mission of the faculty we were allowed an evening and “ came out’ with an address by B. F. Crary and a display of talent and consideration which put Beta Theta Pi at once favorably before the college. W e were enabled to do this owing to the absence of President Simpson who had been elected editor of the Western Christian Advocate and acting-president Larrabee favored us. This was the beginning of the fraternities in the college. The first organization was in opposition to secret societies and called themselves Philosonians, lovers of equality. But it was soon found that imitation was more agreeable than opposition, and other Greek-letter fraternities similar to ours were formed. The literary societies existed for years yet, and were greatly helpful to the students, indeed they were the only chances for rhe­ torical and f orensic exercise and parliamentary practice.

Dr. DeMotte’s daughter, Amelia DeMotte of Jacksonville, Illinois, com­ menting upon the sub-rosa membership referred to, wrote, “ For my part, I am d ad to know my father stepped over the bounds of authority just enough to go into that fraternity. He was always so meticulous about obedi­ ence to law and authority, being a teacher and college president himself, that it is quite refreshing to know of this incident. There must have been some­ thing attractive about the group who made up the chapter, something m their spirit or perhaps Dr. Larrabee’s connection with it, he very much admired him, that persuaded father to go into it. A t any rate, he was always glad of his membership, especially in the later years of his life.”

Newton Booth, later to become Governor of California and United btates Senator from that state, wrote to Charles W ard Gilmore of the Miami chapter on June 13, 1845, g ™ g the list of chapter officers and members, he being recorder and James Harlan being president. Later Harlan became president of Iowa Wesleyan University, then United States Senator from Iowa, and Secretary of the Interior. Booth’s letter said, among other things Though ours— the most western chapter— is now young, we trust we shall never be wanting in those offices that should characterize members of our beloved fraternity . . .

T he existence o f this branch is here known to none save its members. W e date our regular formation April 23, 1845- I am instructed to inquire if each chapter is expected publicly to celebrate her anniversary. . . . . W e are truly rejoiced to hear o f your continued prosperity, believing with you that the strength of each chapter should sist, not o f numbers but the devotion o f the few.

On April 22, 1848, Benjamin F. Rawlins, later to become editor of the Western Christian Advocate, wrote S. S. Laws at Miami, who, later, was to be president of Westminster College and of the University of M issouri: Our chapter has had a meeting in the grove. T w o were elected fo r future initiation W illiam T . Cunningham and W illiam H. DeM otte There was also an election of officers which resulted in the choice of Mr. D. W . Voorhees, president, and Isaac R H itt recorder. It is desired by some o f the former members of our chapter, and there is’ no opposition, I believe, by those now composing the chapter to the election of

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B ETA LIFE

A NOTE OF DENVER CHAPTER HISTORY “ M y remembrance about the Denver charter is that when the General Secretary’s report was presented in that somewhat famous meeting under the big tent in 1888, it contained a recommendation that the Denver special dispensation should be continued for another year, because they were not strong enough yet to have a charter. This recommendation was backed up by a special message brought to the convention and given to myself by Eliakim Hastings Moore, a Psi U, the elder brother of the two Moore boys who were already initiated under the dispensation. That convention had a large percentage of prominent Presbyterian doctors of divinity, brought there at his own expense by the irrepressible John L Covington. Among these were George Washington Fleming Birch, who preached the remark­ able sermon of which I have told you once or twice before, Professor An­ drew D. Hepburn, and Rev. James Smith Ramsay, the vigorous bachelor clergyman who, not long before, had removed from Beaver, Pennsylvania, I think it was, to New York City. Ramsay took a lively interest in the convention and kept forgetting that he was not a chapter delegate. The boys liked him so well that everybody ignored the irregularity. It was he that made the motion, if I remember properly, that an amendment to the original plan for granting a dispensation be made, to grant a charter out­ right. His two chief arguments were, that he had never heard of such a thing as a special dispensation, and that the boys must be all right because he understood that two of them were sons of his old friend, David Moore.

I do not believe that Makepeace was in on that. He was not of that type, although rather contrary in his disposition. The thing went through with a whoop, as things sometimes do, and the Denver chaps had their breath taken away by having a charter fired at them with a Gatling gun (Manuscript letter from a fraternity official, January 27, 1915). The Convention Minutes (A Decade of Fraternity Reconstruction, page 367), indicate that M. D. Makepeace o f Cornell chapter made the motion, and gave the vote as twentyseven to nothing in favor of the Denver charter.

Part of the sessions were held under a canvas tent which had been erected near the Wooglin clubhouse. The convention was dominated by John I. Covington who led the expansionists in voting charters also to Nebraska by twenty-five to nothing and to Pennsylvania State by twenty-eight to noth­ ing (after Cornell which had voted in the negative changed its vote to make it unanimous). The enthusiasm of the convention is reflected in a paragraph from the minutes which reads, “ It was at this meeting that the Beta classic, ‘Carve Dat Canine’ thawed out everybody present, broke up the eye­ glass-row on the north side of the hall, threw the only original ‘Jay-EyeSee’ into volcanic convulsions, developed the end-man-liness of several ama­ teur musical artists, and tickled the little fellows in the front row into a seventh heaven of exuberant bliss. It was particularly fine to hear Rev. Dr. W orrall and Rev. Dr. Ramsay in rhythmic unison urge each other to ‘carve him to de heart.’ ”

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frightened, that they move toward the object of terror instead of from it.

Collisions and explosions sometimes resulted. I forget, though, whom I am writing to, and what my duty is. “ Recorders generally write just what they are obliged to of business affairs and go no further. I think it is well enough to give great heed to temporal affairs, but I think also that they ought to regard spiritual affairs likewise. They should cast in a morsel of fun once in a w hile; it does the soul good and settles the supper. Yourself and Ike Himes of Jefferson chapter have started out on the right track. Our boys are good laughers, and it would have done your soul good to have heard them laugh at Ike s first one. It was eight pages long. He spoke of every chapter in existence and in contemplation, chinking the cracks with the rarest of wit. Yours was also hailed as a jewel. Let us have them often. I will do all I can to interest you and instruct you on any point you may desire. Let us have your business items, and all your trials and triumphs and we will mourn or rejoice, as the case may be. By the way, I would say that my name is Mark L. DeMotte, not Mark L. D. Motte. “ Much obliged to you for your advice concerning the Hanover affair, but at present it was as seed sown upon stones. M y visit was in February, and I did not receive your letter until March. I wish I had known what I do n o w I might just as easily have established a chapter there as not.

Another brother was with me, Mr. Millsaps, formerly a student at Hanover.

But I was in blissful ignorance of even an intention to establish a chapter.

I saw Mr. Drake, and could have spoken with him and made the necessary arrangements. Is he one of us yet? I am much disappointed that I did not know the circumstances. There seems to me to be very good material there among the students, and perhaps among the faculty. Stir the egg a little and see if it cannot be easily hatched. I am going there to their commence­ ment exercises, which are sometime in August several of our chapter are going If there are no arrangements made before that time, we would be happy to act as deputies; I would at least. I wish to be instrumental m spreading the faith. _ “ That Ohio Wesleyan affair was rather rich; Himes told me about the movement; he seemed in great glee about it. Be sure and report proceedings as soon as you hear them. I want to write them a welcome letter, and encourage them in their good work of leading freshmen from by and for­ bidden paths. “ Our chapter is flourishing like a green bay tree. W e took another pas­ senger on board a few days since; one of the true blue and no mistake, A. L. Kittle W e are intending to have an address delivered to us on our next commencement. W e are likewise expecting the refusal of the college chapel as a place of having it. Our president is a stern man, and rather leans against us. W e expect to have an orator, though, that will draw a crowd independent of any church or the grove, and, in spite of all their efforts, lead their audience away from them. O h ! my eyes burn to look upon the scene.

I want to witness the general ‘bulging out of eyes’ among the barbarians; I want to see their heads drop like a rooster’s tail in a storm ; I want them to know that their prophecy a year ago, ‘that the shirt tail of the last Greek would be seen floating out at the back door of the university before another commencement,’ was but an idle word from an empty .brain. You speak of an honorable rival. W e have none. There is a thing here— the Philosoman

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H. D. Scott, as a member of our association. He was form erly a student and left col­ lege before our chapter was formed. H e is a young man o f eminent abilities and promises fair to become one o f the first men of our nation. I suppose he will be initiated although there is no precedent for such election. The founder of our chapter is the man who proposes him.

Harvey David Scott was admitted. He served in both houses of the Indiana legislature, had a term in Congress, and was a circuit judge in In­ diana. D. W . Voorhees, chosen chapter president in the 1848 election, later known nationally as “The Tall Sycamore of the Wabash,” was United States Senator from Indiana for twenty years, having previously been a member of Congress in the lower house.

The Philosonians, mentioned by DeMotte, were described by John D. Durham on May 18, 1852. A fter reporting to A. C. Junkin of Miami that none of the chapters except Jefferson had written/he said: It would appear that we Hoosiers have become isolated strangers among friends, left to fight our w ay in an unnoticed and unimportant part of the field. None of the chapters— while I have no doubt they are holding a lively correspondence with all others— appear to have any regard for us or the fate that may meet us in this bar­ barian wilderness. I f you write to any of them tell them we will fight bravely; will die facing the enemy rather than surrender. I cannot tell whether you know anything o f our condition or not; at least I will give you a short sketch o f it. Last year a rival sprang up which .threatened to crush us by outnumbering. It is feebly struggling on with an incubus of sixty worthless members on its shoulders, some of whom snarl and snap like curs, others growl, while the m ajority do nothing. Their attempts at intrigue are met and well met with open-handed honesty that often boxes as a ringing reproof upon their ears. W e appeared for a time to have lost the esteem of the faculty, on account of the slanders that were poured in upon us from all quarters, but if we have not already regained it, we are rapidly doing so.

In his next letter to Junkin, written on June 16, 1852, Durham again mentions “ the Philosonians whose express object is to break down, uproot, or otherwise exterminate the Greeks” and states that the society numbers all the rabble and ragtag of the college, with some fine fellows. Their ob­ ject is to kill us by outnumbering us. Pshaw ! W hat cannot the Grecian Phalanx do among barbarians? T heir badge is a brass plate in the shape of a heart on which is written “ Philosonian,” the heart surrounded by enameling of black cotton velvet.

Mark L. DeMotte, DePauw ’53, is credited by John Hogarth Lozier, DePauw ’57, with being the one who introduced the “ dorg” to Beta Theta Pi. He was a lively correspondent for the chapter, his letters touching on many phases of fraternity life and suggesting the fun of Indiana Asbury chapter experiences— the institution was known as Indiana Asbury Univer­ sity for many years. Take, for example, his letter written to Caleb Dunn Caldwell, Miami ’53 in the spring of 1853: “ Well, Brother Calvin, Caldwell, Cadwallader, or whatever your name is, how are ye, this evening? And you can’t ‘sprout ’em,’ eh? (Those mous­ taches, I mean.) Verily, thou art exceedingly destitute. The cheek of the peach hath ‘fuzz,’ and you have none. How did you reconcile your face to the fall and winter style? You have a picture of my maiden effort in that line of agriculture. They were of spotless purity and delightful to be­ hold. They were curled like unto the tail of a juvenile grunter. The old dames of the surrounding hill country pronounced them hideous and won­ dered why I would disfigure my countenance with them. The young dam­ sels would scream with fright if I should bring my countenance near theirs, but it generally so happened as is often the case when one is extremely

AN INDIANA ASBU RY REBELLION “ A fter this the entire student body of about four hundred, with seven ex­ ceptions, determined to leave the college. The faculty, thinking to prevent them from obtaining admission to any other college, prepared a circular letter which they proposed to send out to every other college in the country and likewise to the trustees and the ministers of the Methodist church. Stone heard of this through the local printing office which he often visited as he was connected with one of the student publications. He first obtained a proof of the faculty’s letter; then had the printer accidentally (?) pi most of the type, it being toward the end of the week at the tim e; and thus occasioned a delay in mailing the letter out. In the meantime he and another Beta, Orlando H. Baker, ’58, prepared a statement setting forth the student side of the con-

T H E D E PA U W C H A P T E R H O U SE

troversy and sent it out to all the colleges and to the trustees of the Methodist church. “ B y the time that the reset faculty letter was ready to go out answers to the students’ letter began to come in, and invitations were extended from a number of institutions asking the striking students to enroll. Most of the Senior class went down to the state university at Bloomington, where they were given the same ranking. A good many went to Ann Arbor. As practi­ cally the entire student body left Asbury, this rebellion was very famous in its time. Later President Curry was asked to resign and the board of trustees of Asbury gave diplomas to all the members of the Senior class notwithstand­ ing the fact that they had gone elsewhere to graduate. So Wilbur F. Stone had bachelor’s degrees from both Indiana, where he spent about a month as a student and from Asbury which he attended for three full years and up to May of the fourth one.”

This statement from Judge Stone was sent to Orlando H. Baker, then United States Consul at Sandaken, North Borneo. In due time his letter came,

BETA LIFE — which, interpreted by one of us, means ‘Friendly asses.’ Their avowed object is our extermination. They number about three score and ten, among whom are some of the right kind; others, again, would stir discord in heaven.

They charge us with all manner of crime and debauchery, and assail us night and day. W e let them alone, and silently bear the banner of Beta onward. Woe be unto them ! It will be more tolerable for the old Sodomites on commencement day than for these Philistines. “ Like you, I do not feel in ‘whack’ today. I am tired; I have just re­ turned from a vacation spree. Ten of the right stripe went to the westward a few leagues, where for six days we lived, waging a war of extermination upon all the feathered, haired, and finned tribe. W e each had a gun, fishing tackle, and a nice tent for the crowd, and all the culinary appliances. I remembered Greekdom in the wilderness, *and having a postoffice near, I wrote to several of the chapters. If I felt altogether at liberty, and not posi­ tively weary, I would give you another sheet of our adventures which were decidedly of the richest order. I will strive to be more interesting in my next. Nothing stirs the energies more than a good letter; so turn yourself loose, and the good you will accomplish will be great. I am weak but will do my best. Yours in brotherly love, M a r k L. D e M o t t e .”

AN INDIANA ASBURY STUDENT REBELLION A study of the names in the Beta Theta Pi catalogue shows some members who belonged both to Delta chapter and to Pi. This feature is explained by transfers, sometimes voluntary, sometimes disciplinary, from Indiana Asbury University to Indiana University, using the old-time honored name of what is now DePauw. Wilbur F. Stone of Denver, Colorado, made a statement to H arry Zimmerhackel on November 15, 1912, in accordance with a request for information made by General Secretary Francis W . Shepardson, which con­ tained the following story of one students’ rebellion at Greencastle: “ A man named Curry became president of ‘Asbury.’ He was a Yankee and did not understand how to handle Western boys. Most of them were older than the average students of Eastern colleges. Some had worked a few years before attending college. Before Curry came they had been treated as men and were given much freedom. President Curry treated them as youngsters and placed many restrictions upon them. The result was a serious controversy between students and faculty. The students looked to the Senior class for leadership and the class chose Wilbur F. Stone, a Beta Theta Pi mem­ ber, as spokesman. So he came to be known as the leader of the rebellion. A number of meetings were held in an endeavor to settle the difficulties. At these meetings President Curry would present his side and Stone would reply on behalf of the students. “ By his speeches and his fearless and dauntless way of fighting for their rights, Stone gained a great affection in the hearts of the students. They up­ held him fully in all he did. A t the last meeting, after Stone had declared that the students were prepared to fight to the end for their rights, and after the president had twice called for a vote of the students to determine if Stone had properly represented them, the vote being unanimous in both cases, the president ordered them out.

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right to the University of Virginia. I had. once been a member of that class, 1857, but dropped out a year for financial reasons. “ I could make a much longer story. Dr. Curry, president, never forgave me or any of the Senior class. A fter I became a professor in college, I saw the effect of the action of the board on ‘Asbury.’ The discipline was ruined.

The board should have let us all (300) go and should have sustained the faculty and built up a new university on the principle o f obedience to law. So I think today that American youth are more in need of discipline than some other things taught in the modern colleges. “ A s to Beta incidents during my college days: Following the so-called students rebellion, I was left the sole member of the Delta chapter. I selected and initiated two or three new members. One, if I remember, was John Hester, another Bernard Chenoworth. But the Delta records of i 857_i858 will show that Mr. J. B. Hill, a railroad man in Chicago about 1893, was a stu­ dent and a Beta in my time. He can tell you of his initiation. It was a long time ago but I have not forgotten it. ‘Jim’ was a brilliant, fine-looking young man but rather reckless. I met him last in a railway office in Chicago in the year of the W orld’s Fair. I hope he is yet alive and well. (H e died in 1908 F.W .S.) John and Robert Hitt were life long friends of mine— now gone.

But I can think of nothing of interest to you. I have found through a long life my finest friends the Betas, though, occasionally, I have found one with a shell on.”

AN OPEN MEETING AT GREENCASTLE From' the treasure-chest of Dr. George W . Switzer, DePauw, ’81, a Beta whose interest has been constant since his initiation day, the archives of the fraternity have been enriched by a programme of an open meeting given by the members of Delta chapter at Indiana Asbury University, as DePauw formerly was known, on June 13, 1879. Two declamations, an essay, two orations and a debate, with interspersed music, must have made the evening one where the early idea of the anniversary meeting was fully realized. Dr. Switzer’s oration was on “ Colleges and Fraternities,” no doubt

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giving quite a different account of the rebellion, as he remembered it after many years. He spent many years in Borneo as the American consular repre­ sentative in different places, and, in 1914, while returning to the United States for a vacation, he died on the Pacific Ocean some distance out from the port of San Francisco, California. He wrote in February, 1913 : “ A s to the so-called ‘Students’ Rebellion’ at Asbury, I remember well enough but forget dates. I have papers at home in Indianola, Iowa. If you record anything, you need precise information. It arose thus: A t the time ‘Asbury’ had a law department, Judge Doromy, dean. Law students had an association which met the same night on which the literary societies met, and protracted sessions often far into the night; and in the morning, on the way home, they were loud and hilarious as law students often are, and dis­ turbed the slumbers of the good citizens, who, thereupon filed complaints with the faculty. The faculty ordered all university societies to meet, not at night but by daylight on Saturdays. The societies remonstrated, petitioning the fac­ ulty with many and ponderous reasons to rescind the order. ‘‘Dr. Daniel Curry was president, a very stubborn, able man. The faculty all sustained him in his refusal to rescind. A fter several days of debate, loud and eloquent, by the societies, a resolution was passed to adjourn sine die.

A literary society in those days was only second in importance and dignity in student estimation to the United States Senate or the British Parliament, and worth more in the education of the student than all the rest of the. university.

It was probably about the middle of the spring term (no semester then). A University without a literary society was unthinkable. Accordingly many students determined to quit the emasculated school for some college with literary societies; and applied to the president for certificates of good standing.

The good doctor, smiling, began to hand out the required papers until a halfdozen or so were given, while a dozen or more stood waiting. When he saw the array, he threw down his pen and declared it a conspiracy. Later the whole student body was declared in rebellion. “ A t an assembly in the great chapel of faculty and students, the students were given a chance to purify themselves of the charge of rebellion by answering ‘Y es’ or ‘No’ to some dozen questions, as to complicity in con­ spiracy which had been posted on the bulletin board. On the auspicious morn­ ing, as the roll was called, each student who replied ‘No’ was requested to walk out and consider himself suspended. The call began with the seniors.

There was but one ‘Y e s’ and so the ‘Nos’ ran on until three hundred had passed out. ‘Preps’ only were left. The recitation rooms were left to the profs. Students remained for a time about the town. Reports of the occur­ rence filled the papers of the state, mostly inspired by students. The faculty thought best to publish a statement or explanation. Students made friends with the printer’s devil, got the first copy struck, and had an answer to go out in the mail with the faculty statement. Stone and I wrote the reply to the faC “ The board convened, and it was a storm. I was present and heard the rashness and want of tact of the president denounced. The students were in-

Stone and Burton graduated at Bloomington; Scott went to Michigan;

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155

the Davidson, North Carolina, and Vanderbilt chapters. The exercises were held in a large hall, all participants wearing the official robes of office, the proper exemplification of the ritual being materially aided through the use of a complete set of transparencies made by W . E. Palen, one of the initiates who had been privately instructed in this particular by Trustee Chandler.

The new chapter began its active life with an equipment which would make many older ones quite envious. Some of the parts of the ritual were taken by alumni long out of college and out of touch with the fraternity, while others of the same class watched the floor work and listened to the words with unusual interest.

On Friday evening all the candidates had gathered at the chapter house for the examination. This covered the usual lines of inquiry. In the after noon the noviates had listened to a lecture, illustrated by lantern slides, by means of which Dr. Shepardson sought to give them proper instruction so that they were all ready for the severe tests of the evening. The ordeal of music was first endured, with “ Billy” Graves at the piano. A good grade was secured, as the boys sang well and caught the spirit, likewise, of the words accompanying the music. It was a ‘ from cover to cover test and the success in rendition of “ Gemma Nostra was matched by the interest in the “ Parting Song” and the “ Beta Doxology.” The ordeal of history was in order next, and was successfully met. The General Secretary asked ques­ tions of each candidate in turn, finding a gratifying degree of efficiency. The new Betas were well posted as to the history, the traditions, and the senti­ ment of the fraternity. Another trying ordeal was in charge of the under­ graduates from Davidson and Vanderbilt. The noviates seemed to be in good physical condition and showed a relish for this test which caused them to burst into song under “ Billy’s” guidance, a stanza of Litoria seeming to be better appreciated as of course was John I. Covington s tuneful melody about the zoological specimen who “ assists us when the cloth is laid.

The installation banquet was held at the Ansley Hotel on Saturday eve­ ning, Dunbar Roy, a former district chief, acting as toastmaster. Fiftyeight Betas gathered around the festal board. The presence of a number of alumni who had not had any Beta associations for from ten to twenty years was an enjoyable feature. A song whose words and music were written by the two MacDonald sisters in honor of their new Beta brother was sung with zest. The Gamma Eta boys showed their appreciation of Trustee Graves by presenting him a beautiful silver cup, a similar offering falling to the lot of the General Secretary. The “ midnight vigils” were kept before the first Gamma Eta banquet ended. The “ Doxology ’ seemed to interest some of the hotel folks as much as did the preliminary march through the crowded lobby where many learned that we were the people “ and why.

The new chapter has started well. It- has a convenient house of the bungalow type, amply adequate to present needs and convenient to the campus. It has a good group of earnest boys who stand high in scholar­ ship and who have the hearty and sincere endorsement of college officials.

They have caught the Beta spirit in a gratifying way. They have won the respect of the entire student body. They have every chance quickly to take a position of primacy in the school and hold it against all comers.

The boys felt grateful for the many messages of congratulation and feli­ citation which came from all over the broad dominion of Beta Theta Pi. Chief Ebersole sent a framed picture of the convention which granted the

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discussing the reasons why the fraternities had a right to exist in spite of the antagonism to them widely manifested at the time. Paul Wilcox, for his oration, selected the topic, “ W e” , but whether he referred to the machine and the individual which made up a later “ W e” does not appear. The programme, which was on a folded card with pages approximately 4 by 7^2 is reproduced in miniature as an interesting souvenir of a notable eve­ ning in Beta life at old Delta.

FROM THE DEPAUW MEMORY BOOK The DePauw chapter in its archives has an unusual book, specially bound, in which many treasures of Beta lore are preserved. A sort of “ memory book,” it has some exceptionally interesting autographic notes made by home-coming alumni. Among them are these: N ever rest, my good Greek brother, while there may be any ill feeling between you and your brother. Clear all u p !

O lin R. B r o u s e ( 1863) It’s good fo r a fellow to know himself and find his place; and it’s good, too, when others know him and his worth and assist him to his place.

W . H. D e M o t t e (Class of 1849) The pleasures of Beta Theta Pi are inestimable; and her influence in curbing the vicious and developing the good in our natures is invaluable.

J. W . M a r l e y , ’79 (November 19, 1876) Beta Theta Pi was never dearer to my heart than it is tonight. W ooglin is near.

A pure, warm sympathy flows from heart to heart.

F r o st C r a f t , ’70 (March 22, 1870) Then smoke away till a Lights up the dawn of F or a cheerful cigar like The blow of care and

golden ray the m orrow ; a shield will bar sorrow.

SH AD O W S T hey come like spirits of the past, T o warn us that our joys are few W hich airy nothings can not blast A s do false words sometimes the true.

Then Beta’s joys are beacon lights W hich should the shadows dark dispel A rd scatter them, with many slights.

In places where thev love to dwell.

W . F i s k e B ro w d e r , ’72 (June 28, 1870)

BETA LIFE BEGINS AT GEORGIA TECH The Gamma Eta chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Georgia School of Tech­ nology began its Beta life on Saturday, January 6, 1917. The ceremonies of initiation and formal installation were in charge of General Secretary Francis W . Shepardson, who was aided by Trustee William L. Graves, Dis­ trict Chief Herbert Jones, local Atlanta alumni and active members from

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157

the fraternity; we have become well acquainted with its members, and learned to like them and their society, and we feel that the reputation of Beta Theta Pi has been entrusted to competent hands in the establishment of this new chapter. W e are glad to note the entrance of the fraternity into Georgia, or rather we should say, the re-entrance of the fraternity into Georgia, for we once had a chapter in Georgia, namely the old Chi chapter which was organized on the basis of a chapter of the now extinct society of Epsilon Alpha in 1859 and although isolated from the rest of the fra­ ternity enjoyed a prosperous existence at Oglethorpe University until the outbreak of the war swept its members with the other youth of the South into the ranks of the Confederate Army. It was a pleasing incident of the application of the Alpha Pi Alpha that it was recommended and the character of the applicants endorsed by Brother^ Zebulon B. Harrison, thq sole surviving member of the old chapter. It might also be noted that the application was recommended and endorsed by the few surviving members of the two chapters which the Mystical Seven had in Georgia at the Univer­ sity of Georgia and Emory College and we understand that some of the new Betas are connected by blood or affinity with the older Mystics. It would be a pleasing consequence of the installation of this chapter if the old Mystical chapters and the old Chi chapter were to be revived in the institu­ tions where they were once located and a compact group of Beta chapters be thus formed in the progressive state of Georgia.” ★ ★ ★

CHAPTER LIFE AT HANOVER S ta n le y

C o u lte r ,

Hanover ’71

Tonight on memory’s pinions backward flitting In college life I dwell And scenes that to my fancy’s mood are fitting Within my bosom swell.

A h ! joyous life, so full of youth and feeling, I ne’er will thee forget, Till on the portal of the future kneeling M y spirit’s sun is set.

For there sweet friendship, with her charms beguiling, My heart a captive led A s to the altar of dear Beta smiling She came with happy tread.

Then brothers true with love gave warmest greeting And welcome to their band; The months and years with them were all too fleeting A s waves upon the sand.

The plighted vows in Beta’s name were given Which she shall hold in trust, The golden bands that never shall be riven Nor coated with earth’s rust.

BETA LIFE charter. The Michigan chapter, as a most pleasing custom has established, sent a framed picture of “ Pater” Knox. The new chapter coat of arms

by Coella Ricketts is in place upon the walls. Beta magazines, songbooks, catalogues and other fraternity volumes are in the library. So, fully equipped, Gamma Eta has sprung into life.

Others must tell of the glories of Atlanta, a city of surprising revelations to one who visits it for the first time. The new Emory and the new Ogle­ thorpe combined with other longer existing institutions, will make it an in­ creasingly important educational center. The general opinion seems to be that in chartering a chapter at Georgia School of Technology Beta Theta Pi has made a good move. A ll visitors were greatly pleased with the hospitality, the courtesy, and the genuine Beta spirit shown by those who are now likewise members of our great fraternity.

The undergraduates present at the installation and banquet included, from Vanderbilt, F. I Cherry, E. Shapard, A. Irish, S. Wilhite, T. W. Schlater, Jr., from Davidson, S. R. Kessler, Jr., W . P. Kessler, L. A. Cham­ bliss ; North Carolina, R. B. McKee. Among alumni, including the install­ ing officers already mentioned were A. H. Armstrong, Yale ’ 12; Dr. Dunbar Roy, Virginia ’89; T. P. Branch, Vanderbilt ’86; Frank Lederle, Stevens ’81 ; E. H. Barnett, Hampden-Sidney ’99; S. T. Barnett, Virginia ’96; H. F. Dann, Amherst ’ 12; W . L. Graves, Ohio State ’93; H. J. Jones, Vanderbilt ’ 12; M. T. Peed, Randolph-Maeon ’78; W . P. Vaughan, Centre ’81; F. E. Van der Veer, St. Lawrence ’95; N. C. Wing, Amherst ’06; R. M. Burrowes, Yale ’13; L. D. Scott, Randolph-Macon ’91; Francis W . Shepardson, Deni­ son ’82.

The men initiated were: F. L. Rand, ’ 14, Atlanta, Georgia; Carl Epps, ’ 14, Athens, Georgia; L. G. Watters, ’ 15, Philadelphia; T. B. Floyd, Jr., ’13, Eatonton, Georgia; W . E. Palen, ’ 17, Rome, Georgia; D. O. Raffa, ’15, Atlanta, Georgia; J. E. Macdonald, ’17, Atlanta, Georgia; C. W . Stoffregen, ’ 18, Rome Georgia; J. A. Lawwill, ’17, Atlanta, Georgia; J. M. Flanigen, ’17, Athens, Georgia; T. F. Lockwood, Jr., ’ 14, Columbus, Georgia; U. V. Hen­ derson, ’ 17, Vienna, Georgia; Thos. Pharr Branch, ’ 18, Atlanta, Georgia; F. D. Burge, ’16, Atlanta, Georgia; Ro,bt. L. Bannerman, ’15, Tallahassee, Florida; J. M. Norman, ’ 15, Atlanta, Georgia; S. R. Fetner, ’ 15, Wilming­ ton, North Carolina; L. W . Sain, ’ 17, W est Point, Virginia; J. C. Jones, ’17, Corinth, Mississippi; F. D. Montague, ’ 17, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; D. C. Rand, ’ 18, Greenwood, South Carolina; Hal Reynolds, ’18, Atlanta, Georgia; W alter Reynolds, ’17, Atlanta, Georgia; W . V. Skiles, Chicago, ’06, Harvard, ’02, Atlanta, Georgia; E. B. Phillips, ’17, Jacksonville, Florida; L. B. Saine, ’ 16, Atlanta Georgia; W . N. Thornton, ’ 17, Atlanta, Georgia; C. D. Smith, ’18, Athens, Georgia; A. C. Ellis, ’ 18, Augusta, Georgia; H. W . Gee, ’ 17, Atlanta, Georgia; H. de la P. Hendrick, ’20, Baltimore, Maryland; J. F. Saye, ’ 19, Augusta, Georgia; G. H. Crandall, ’20, Culver, Indiana; W . J. Bone, ’ 19, Atlanta, Georgia; G. R. Pflasterer, ’20, Nashville, Tennessee; C. J. Matzinger, ’20, Liberty, New Y o rk ; A. S. Lewis, ’ 19, Atlanta, Georgia.

William Raimond Baird, in an editorial in the Beta Theta Pi, wrote as follows regarding this new chapter: “ The fraternity extends a cordial wel­ come to the chapter at the Georgia School of Technology, to the installation of which and the institution in which it is located, we devote considerable space in this number of The Beta Theta Pi. The application of Alpha Pi Alpha, the local society which has ceased to exist, has long been before

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academic year. If our present enthusiasm is as lasting as it is genuine, old Beta Theta Pi will, in a few years, surpass all the other clubs here, because the bond of friendship which forms its foundation is lacking with them.

The Hasty Pudding Club chooses each year seventy-two men from the Junior class, paying particular attention to those blessed with plenty of money. The “ O .K .” selects the literary element. Alpha Delta Phi has a chapter here of twenty-six members, and Delta Kappa Epsilon one of about the same size; the membership in the latter, however, is restricted to the Sophomore class. Our only want is a chapter house, and we mean that it shall be satisfied ^ The authority for the revival of the Harvard chapter in a college year of rapid expansion of the fraternity was a subject treated by General Secretary Edward J. Brown in his report to the General Convention of 1880. He said: “ I invite special attention of the Convention to the steps taken in the revival and reorganization of our chapter at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The constitution and laws of the fraternity do not give explicit and definite directions for the guidance of its officers in the revival and reorganization of defunct chapters. Moreover, greatly to the increase of our embarrassment, in many cases the records of the early and short-lived chapters of the fraternity have been almost entirely lost. Left, therefore, in circumstances, themselves doubtful, solely to the guidance of the common law of the fraternity, it is often difficult to determine what is the correct method of procedure. This difficulty confronted me in all of its strength and greatness in the case of the Harvard chapter. That a chapter had once existed at Harvard University was manifestly recognized by the fraternity.

But beyond this fact nothing is known with certainty except that the name which the chapter had borne before it lapsed was subsequently given to another chapter. W hat then was the status of the chapter ? and pend ing the question of her revival, what was the proper method of procedure?

A fter careful consideration of the facts in the case, and the law of the fraternity, both statute and common, pertaining to the same, I decided that if there were five members of the Beta Theta Pi at Harvard University who would organize themselves into a chapter, they would be entitled to recogni­ tion as our former Harvard chapter. I accordingly advised the Chief A s­ sistant Secretary of District II that he might proceed to reorganize the chapter in this way. On May 29, 1880, he reported to me that the chapter had been so reorganized. June 3, 1880, I wrote to the corresponding secre­ tary of the chapter as thus reorganized, recognizing it as the Harvard chapter in organization. Owing to a misunderstanding on my own part, respecting the wishes of the chapter as to the publicity of her existence, I did not at once, in the usual manner officially announce her revival and reorganization to the fraternity. The approaching close of the academic year subsequently prevented such an announcement. The original name of this chapter having been given to another chapter, I designated her provisionally as the Harvard chapter. The determination of her permanent name and place upon the roll of chapters is respectfully referred to the Convention.”

158

BETA LIFE Pure as the stream from crystal fountain welling Her principles and aims; They nobly cheer the heart where they are dwelling To win a glorious name.

Though I can ne’er recall the days departed Around fair Beta’s shrine, Still in the world with brothers noble hearted I ’ll wear her mystic sign.

— Beta Theta Pi, 1873

T H E Y ELECTED DR. CROWE The Iota chapter at Hanover College ran sub rosa for a time. Its existence was discovered in 1855 when one of its members, John Hanna Gray, died.

The members were called before the faculty and given the alternative of dis­ banding their organization or being dismissed from college. They declined to disband and were then given two weeks to reconsider. They wrote to Dr. John Clarke Young, president of Centre College, and received from him as­ surance that they would be received at Centre and given the same collegiate standing as at Hanover. Six of eight seniors at Hanover were Betas, and when the faculty found out that all were going to Centre, the action against the fraternity members was reconsidered and the Betas were allowed to remain. Then the boys elected Dr. John Finley Crowe an honorary member.

He was vice-president of the college and in the catalogue is called “ founder of Hanover College.” He was initiated and was a true and firm believer in the principles of the fraternity until his death. (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X X V , No. 2, November, 1897.) Dr. Crowe’s daughter Caroline married Moses Stanley Coulter and had two exceptionally distinguished sons, John M. Coulter and M. Stanley Coulter. John and Stanley on their mother’s advice, joined rival organizations during their college life, the older brother becoming a Phi Gamma Delta. But his two sons John Gaylord Coulter and Merle Crowe Coulter joined Beta Theta Pi (Note by F .W .S.).

TH E HARVARD CHAPTER REVIVED In Beta Theta P i for June, 1880, Otto Mueller, corresponding secretary of the Harvard chapter w rote: “ I have the pleasure to inform you and the brethren throughout Beta Theta Pi that the Harvard chapter has beei successfully revived. The initiation took place May 28, under the direction of Brother Baird, the chief of District II, and Brothers Flack and Blodgett.

The Stevens, Boston, Brown and Ohio Wesleyan chapters were represented.

A t the close of the ceremonies a “ dorg” put in an appearance, and, despite his portentous shape, like true Greeks we speedily vanquished him. Out of the nine newly initiated members, all but one are in ’82; but by next October we will have every class well and worthily represented. On June 5 Eugene Wambaugh of Theta and Frederick Terrell of Delta joined the chapter; and we shall probably initiate four or five new men before the close of the

F IF T Y YE A R S AT KAN SAS

161

FIFTY YEARS AT KANSAS P.

N . S teph en so n ,

Kansas

’23

In the fall of 1872, Major W yllys C. Ransom, a resident of Lawrence, Kansas, and general manager of the L .L. and G.R.R., interested himself in the establishment o f a chapter of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at the University of Kansas. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan and a man to whom the fraternity owes much for his faithful services.

Lindorf De Loss Tosh was at this time a student in the university, being a transfer from “ Old Miami” at Oxford, Ohio, which institution had been forced to close its doors because of financial conditions. Having been a member of Alpha chapter, and being an ardent and enthusiastic Beta, he joined forces with Major Ransom. Soon they had pledged the seven best students in college. Including the name of Mr. Tosh, the charter members are eight in number: L. D. L. Tosh, E. B. Noyes, E. H. Bancroft, James A. Wickersham, F. C. Bassett, Ralph Collins, Frank P. Mac Lennan, and J. D. Lembert. The petition for a charter being granted, on January 9, 1873, at the home of Major Ransom, the Alpha Nu chapter of Beta Theta Pi was founded.

On February 22, 23, and 24, 1923, over one quarter of the widely scat­ tered membership of Alpha Nu celebrated the golden anniversary of its chapter with a dignity and with an impressiveness that shall never be forgotten. A s the Betas of the preceding generation and the generation before that returned, the hearts of the members of the active chapter burned with pride to see these men come back to worship at the shrine of Wooglin these men who had helped make the university what it is today and who were now helping to make this world a better place to live in.

The first to arrive was William Osburn, ’ 77> of Morris, Illinois, who reached Lawrence on the evening of February 21. Following him closely was Alston McCarty, ’12, of Denver, Colorado. Thursday, the first day of the reunion saw the influx of over fifty enthusiastic sons of Wooglin. Fri­ day and Saturday swelled the number to approximately one hundred and fifty. The new chapter at Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the Nebraska chapter kindly sent delegates to aid us in making the three days celebration one full of history. Betas were present from many different chapters Michigan, Yale, South Dakota, DePauw, Beloit, Purdue, and Missouri. Never had any one in the chapter, except those who had been delegates to a national con­ vention, seen Beta spirit run so high. “ The Loving Cup,” “ The Old Porch Chairs,” and “ Marching Along” rang through the halls until far into the night. And when the time came for departure, hands remained clasped a little longer than usual, eyes moistened just a little and legs were loath to move. But by Monday every one was gone and the Fiftieth Anniversary celebration of Alpha Nu was history.

The chapter began preparing for this event two years ago. Many sug­ gestions were asked for and many received. Out of them, the committee in charge formulated the program which is outlined as follow s: On Thursday night we held the “ Dorg” ceremony._ Thanks to the Law ­ rence alumni, the Country Club was chartered for Friday. In the morning the devotees of golf played on the Lawrence course, coming in for a

i6 o

BETA LIFE

BETA DAYS AT IOWA WESLEYAN On Saturday evening, June 8, 1868, at the request of James Seymour Castle, K nox ’70, six students of Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleas­ ant, Iowa, met in a room over John Eshelman’s store on the west side of the square. The six students were John A. Shreiner, William A. Pearsons, Chester F. Collins, Dillon H. Payne, Robert Burton and Horace A. Kelley.

The constitution of Beta Theta Pi was read to them, and after they had indicated their approval of it, they took the obligations of the fraternity and were formally constituted the Epsilon Epsilon chapter. John A. Shreiner was chosen first president of the chapter and Horace A. Kelley the first corresponding secretary.

The chapter could not afford a fraternity hall, so that the early meetings were held in student rooms, at the homes of resident Betas, or, at times, ’neath the tall oaks found in the woods near the town. The developing history was attended by many difficulties, but, being the only Greek society in the college for three years, the chapter members led in the various activities of campus life. A distinct literary character was early established. Many sought the privileges of membership, but only the chosen few were admitted.

In 1869 the P.E.O. secret society of young women was founded at Mt. Pleasant," and became a rival of the Greek sorosis called Pi Beta Phi, which had entered the institution with the Betas in 1868. Both of these organiza­ tions were true friends of the Beta chapter, sometimes helping in the spiking campaigns for new members.

The chapter had ups and downs, largely owing to the lack of financial strength of the college and to its poor management. In 1882 the outlook was discouraging. There was a time when only one new member was initiated during an entire college year. Three members made up the chapter roll and in the fall of 1884 only two came back to college, William B. Hanna and John W . Laney. They saved the chapter. The number of students had increased to some extent and by the spring term of that year they had built up a group of nine strong men.

Then gloom came because of an aggressive anti-fraternity movement in which the president of the institution was active. He called a meeting of the students and set forth his objections to secret fraternities, voicing also the opinions of the students who had joined the anti-secret society. As he looked over the company assembled he could not refrain from remarking that the best students of the college were there. A fter considerable discus­ sion the faculty decided to permit the fraternities another year of life ; and before its elapse the organizations had so won the respect of the institution that no further effort was made to banish them.

During the chapter’s existence it admitted 275 members, these being leaders in all branches of college life, literary, oratorical, athletic, social. It was kept under fire for years from those who wished to withdraw the char­ ters of chapters in small and relatively weak educational institutions, this effort being finally successful in 1915.

RIDING TH E GOAT A T LAW RENCE from Brother Shepardson, national president, and a number of congratula­ tory telegrams from alumni. He then decided who the next speaker would be_J. C. Nichols, ’02, or John Kane, ’99. J. C. Nichols, about whom ap­ peared an interesting article in the American Magazine for March, won the toss of the coin and made a stirring address, the keynote of which was loyalty. John Kane followed with a talk in which he stressed individuality.

Robert C. Rankin, ’84, spoke next, and immediately after him came the two chapter delegates, John E. Whitten, Nebraska ’23, and Charles Peter, Okla­ homa State ’23. A talk around was then held, participated in by Brothers William Osburn, ’77, O. D. Walker, ’83, E. C. Morgan, ’02, J. J. Cones, ’99, Lacey Simpson, ’00, A. J. Boynton, Beloit, ’96. Irving Hill, ’98, delivered the closing speech, after which Merle Smith led the singing of “ The Loving Cup” and the “ Beta Doxology.” Thus ended the Fiftieth Anniversary cele­ bration of Alpha Nu of Beta Theta Pi, the first event of its kind to be held at the University of Kansas.

RIDING THE GOAT A T LAWRENCE Robert B. Ransom, Michigan ’82, son of Major W yllys C. Ransom, Michi­ gan ’48, is responsible for the following story about early days in the Kansas chapter: . . . . . “ It is a matter of record that my father, while living in Lawrence, Kansas, helped to organize the Alpha Nu chapter at the University of Kansas, ror want of a better place, the earlier meetings and initiations were held at my parents’ home. M y mother always prepared an ample banquet at the initia­ tions of new members. There was at this time a Tom Sawyer gang of boys in Lawrence, of which I was a very active member, and what that gang could not stir up in the way of deviltry in that university town, was never recorded.

W e became so very active that father gave the gang the name of the Holy Terrors ’ This gang’s peace of mind was greatly disturbed by the secret meetings of Alpha Nu in our home; we were just determined to know more of the mysteries of Beta Theta Pi. The way we disturbed those meetings of Alpha Nu was a shame. Our activities became so intolerable that my father came out of a meeting one night and told us that the hindering of these Betel meetings in the lawful and peaceful enjoyment of their rights must cease, and if we did not desist, he would bring the whole gang in the house and make them ride the goat. The first part of my father’s threat was given but little consideration, and we disregarded it, but that of being obliged to ride a goat was something new. The gang went into an executive session at once. No one had seen a goat around the home or smelled one at the Beta meetings, an^ still there was plenty of noise and loud laughter in those Beta meetings, and we finally decided that some one was being made the goat or was trying to ride one. A fter discussing how many us us could stick on a goat s back and for how long, the resolution to lay for that goat at the next Beta meeting was unanimously adopted, and the gang adjourned. A t a subsequent meet­ ing, with initiation and a banquet in our home, the gang prepared to receive that goat. The house and premises were thoroughly searched, and our scouts were so placed that a goat could not be brought into the house without being discovered. A t a late hour the goat had not put in an appearance. So

BETA LIFE splendid lunch for which the active chapter is indebted again to the Lawrence alumni. A t three o’clock, initiation for eight candidates was held, after which we returned to the chapter house for a buffet dinner. Saturday morn­ ing was spent in preparation for the reception we gave for friends and rela­ tives living in town, for the faculty and for other fraternities. Saturday night, 150 Betas sat down to a banquet at Weidemann’s.

H. Merle Smith, ’ 17, acted as toastmaster and delivered an eloquent open­ ing address, ending with a reverent introduction of Mr. L. D. L. Tosh, No. 1 on the official roll of Alpha Nu. A s Mr. Tosh rose, every man stood up, clapping his hands for a minute before he sat down again. And as Mr. Tosh surveyed the assembled Betas, emotion almost gained the uppermost

TH E HOM E OF A LPH A NU

in him. He compared himself to Aladdin of the Lamp, who rubbed, not knowing the wonders that he might bring forth. Fifty years ago he had rubbed and now there stood before him a house of fifty stories, each story a miracle in itself. A s he went on, his voice became huskier and before he had completed his speech, he had to sit down, tears rolling down the cheeks that are yet smooth and unravaged by Time. Silence filled the room; then every one rose, almost fearing to applaud. Had we all been soldiers, each of us would have been found at a salute. But as it was, a prolonged clapping ensued which was continued for some time. The hearts of all men present were filled with a reverent love and admiration for the grand old man to whom we all owed the greatest debt in college life. For he was responsible for our being Betas, for our knowledge of the triad, so full of mystery to the ignorant, so full of meaning to the initiate.

W . E. Kemp, Missouri ’ 14, the chief of District X III was the next speaker. The toastmaster, H. Merle Smith, ’17, then read a gracious letter

KEN YON AND BETA ALPH A

K E N Y O N B E T A S O F T H E E IG H T IE S Scott, a pledge, W arw ick and Good Lon Snyder, Ed Good and H arry Hill Praise thy name! Praise thy name!

H ail to Beta Theta P i !

O ur hearts shall ever more F or thy sacred altar sigh.

Then, just as the visitor is reflecting upon the charm of the music, some­ one starts a contra-melody. The two strains run along together in happy har­ mony; but, somehow, the new thought grips on e: Beta, we love thee; H ark! H ow thy children praise thee; Fighting life ’s battles, From thee our strength deriving, So may we worship and with laurel thee adorn.

J (

That last line may give the key to Beta Alpha’s power through half a cen­ tury—-“ So may we worship and with laurel thee adorn.” The influence of the church, dominant in the college life, no doubt affects every phase of chapter ex­ perience; the idea of membership in an ancient institution, the ritualistic expres­ sions, the correct interpretation of the songs, the deep and abiding friendships, the recognition of real values. That’s

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we decided that my father’s threat about our having to ride a goat was a hoax, and the gang decided to furnish one. W e knew where there was a per­ fectly good goat in one of the livery barns. W e went over and borrowed him. W e tied an old army cap on his head and strapped a saddle on his back, and painted ‘Alpha Nu’ on his blankets. W e intended to lead this peaceful goat to the meeting and watch the Betas ride him. W e led him up the front steps to our front door which was partly open. Instantly that goat became non compos mentis. He bunted open that front door; with his first attack he put the presiding officer, my father, under the piano; he butted the secre­ tary of the meeting, his ink and records all over the floor; he next made for the library, and all those Betas who did not adopt ‘safety first’ by. climbing upon tables and chairs got a ramming astern that was painful to look at. The goat then tore into the banquet hall and leaped upon the banquet table, break­ ing some of my mother’s best dishes; sampled some of the ‘Dorg’ on the table, and then returned to the front rooms to clean up on what remained of the members of Alpha Nu. A t this stage of the war several members of the gang surrounded the enemy and led him out of ‘No Man’s Land’ to the front yard. Everybody laughed; the initiates thought it was part of the regular ceremony; my father said to the boys, in all his military career he had never been taken by the enemy in the rear. That was my first entrance into Beta Theta Pi and my first fraternity activity. Later, in 1880, I joined Lambda chapter at Michigan.”

KENYON AND BETA ALPH A F r a n c is W . S h e p a r d so n ,

Denison ’82

March we down Kenyon’s Middle Path W ith hearts aglow and faces bright.

Filled with pride for old Kenyon’s fame H er sons will ever fight.

Raise we then our shouts for her, And fo r Beta Theta Pi we’ll sing.

A nsw er echoes the glad refrain, H a il! A ll h a il! H a il! A ll h a il!

Then raise aloft our cry once more: H ail to Beta Theta P i !

One must hear it to appreciate it— that stirring song— Beta Alpha’s Com­ ing-in Song. Raymond Cahall, who wrote it, knew Kenyon atmosphere and Kenyon spirit. For more than half a century the Kenyon fraternities have sung on the middle path coming-in from their chapter meetings, held per­ haps, in some lodge in the woods or as in the case of Beta Theta Pi for a time, high in an attic with trapdoor entrance.

The song is a bit difficult— but Beta Alpha boys always have been ready to practice a bit on Beta songs, so that the tradition of Kenyon as a “ singing chapter” is known wherever Betas roam ’round the world. “ Did you ever hear the Kenyon Betas sing?” is the suggestive query often heard, no matter how tuneful the harmony in the chapter house.

But the song has a chorus. It rings through the Gambier trees along “ the Bishop’s back bone.”

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Grove Daniel Curtis, and Charles David Williams, who moved me to institute negotiations with the fraternity to secure a chapter. But for Curtis, with Williams, their desire for the fraternity, and their earnest assistance and even initiative, the effort would have failed. Therefore to them is due full credit for the result. . V'1; -'• : • : Preparatory to the negotiations we had chosen certain students as tne nucleus for forming the chapter. Here are their names: Grove Daniel Cur­ tis Charles David Williams, William Thomas Wright, Cassius Marcus Roberts, Alfred Crayton Dyer, W arwick Miller Cowgill, Mathew Edmiston, John Bland Brannon. A t first our request for a chapter was received un­ sympathetically ; the smallness of the student body seemed to offer little oppor­ tunity for a proper beginning, and even less outlook for perpetuity. All of this took place so long ago that the details of our troubles in the negotiations have passed from my recollection. But we persisted, in the face of opposition.

Gradually we were able to convince the fraternity of the wisdom of our desire; I wish that I had a record of our endeavors.

But at last the authority came, and the chapter was born. The evening of April 8, 1879, some brothers from a neighboring college— I regret that their names are not available— came to Gambier, and at my home in Milnor Hall the initiation was held. Wright and Roberts were gradu­ ated from college before the initiation, but were duly made members upon their return later.

What I wish to emphasize here are the reasons that determined me in my purJAM ES P O Y N T Z N ELSO N pose, and they are two: I. The uplifting Picture taken in 1929 influence of our fraternity on the life of ■ jfijfj the student in its formative state. 2.'The lofty fitness of the Kenyon students not only as individuals whom I chose, but as a body, to keep alive the fire on the altar o f Beta Theta Pi. . .

I left Gambier in the spring of 1880; but ever my affection persists tor Beta Alpha chapter, because I feel that it is a child of my best aspirations.

Surely my aspirations have been realized. It is all true, but as I read the list of those who have, in the succession of years, become brothers in that chap­ ter I feel as one whose dearest dream has come true. Is it too much to ask my brothers in Beta Theta Pi, at Kenyon, to think of me as one who strove, and not in vain, that they might wear the badge and bear the name of Beta Theta Pi? W e put the lamp into the hands of those who, with perfect fidelity, have passed it on to others, not dimmed, but ever brighter and brighter; and I rejoice. (James Poyntz Nelson, Washington and Lee ’69, in the Beta Alpha Bulletin for February, 1922).

BETA LIFE Beta Alpha. One might naturally expect at Kenyon to hear the ringing chorus of a popular Beta ly ric: Then lift the song; let i.t loud and long Rise to Beta ever glo rio u s!

Stainless and bright is her shield of light; Her motto is, A ye victorious!

and, if his ears are attuned to sweet memories, he may hear again the sound of a voice that is still, “ Pitch her high, fellows.” It is Warrington K. L. W arwick speaking, “ W arry” to many, “ Pally” to a few more intimate friends. “ When the Earth is Wrapped in Slumber” is the song called for.

That high falsetto voice dearly loved to roam up in the clouds, when this favorite of his was reached on the serenade programme: H ere we meet in bonds fraternal, Meet to cheer our brothers on.

Let us then with hearts united Speed the hours with joyous song.

“P ally” passed on in 1897 but he left a slogan for Beta Alpha: “ Pitch her high, boys.” Looking backward over half a century and thinking of the chapter in the large, Beta Alpha has “ pitched her high” for most of the years. Her children rise up to praise her. She has brought honor to Beta’s name. May she go forward along the middle path to continuing success!

Sing then, noble B eta s!

Send your voices raising!

M arching ’neath old Beta’s flag— H er glories ever praising!

Stars in sparkling beauty shining; Diamonds wijji the wreath entwining; In our hearts with love enshrining Beta Thetaf P i ':

KENYON FOUNDER’S STORY In September, 1876, I became principal of Milnor Hall, the preparatory school of Kenyon College at Gambier, Ohio. Soon, thereafter, I was made instructor in French and German in the college, in addition to my duties in Milnor Hall. My duties soon brought me into close personal contact with the college students and my w ife and I were honored by the presence of students in our home. A s my acquaintance with the personnel of the student body ripened, I was impressed with the fine manhood of the young men.

The attendance was not large, but there was such an earnestness of character in the body as a whole, and particularly in those who honored me with their association and friendship, that I determined to secure for the college, if pos­ sible, a chapter of Beta Theta Pi, of which I was a member at my Alma Mater, Washington College, later called Washington and Lee University at Lexington, Virginia. I was induced to my determination because I treasured, and will ever treasure, as a sacred memory the wholesome influence in my life o f our fraternity. Out of my membership came friendships that per­ sisted after my college days and that now link me with the unseen where have gone so many of those whom I have loved and who loved me. Then came

T H E B IS H O P W IL L IA M S B E T A F A M I L Y Bishop Charles D. Williams, Kenyon ’8o, charter member of Beta Alpha chapter, married Lucy Benedict of a Beta family. They are shown with their four Beta sons, Robert I. W illiams, Kenyon 22 and Ernest B. W il­ liams, Kenyon ’27, in center, Charles D. W illiams, Jr., Kenyon 17, and Benedict Williams, Kenyon ’27, below.

BETA LIFE

T H E BIRTH OF BETA ALPHA G rove

D. C u r t i s , Kenyon ’8 o

The history of the Beta Alpha chapter began with the arrival at Gam­ bier in September, 1876, of Mr. James Poyntz Nelson, a graduate of Wash­ ington and Lee University, class of 1869, and a member of the first Rho chapter of Beta Theta Pi. He was a perfect type of the Southern gentle­ man, high spirited, courteous, and refined. He was an excellent classical scholar, and well versed in all ancient literature. A t Washington and Lee he had become acquainted with Lawrence Rust, who preceded him to Kenyon College by a year or two. A fter becoming located at Gambier, a principal being desired for Milnor Hall, the preparatory department, Professor Rust thought of his friend, Nelson, and recommended him to the faculty as a fit man for the position; and, as already indicated, Professor Nelson came on with his wife and took charge of the institution in the fall of 1876, the year in which the class of 1880, of which Brother Charles D. Williams and I were members, entered college.

No one but Professor Nelson can say just when the idea of establishing a Beta chapter at Gambier entered his mind, but no doubt it was some time during the year of 1876; but it was not until the fall term of 1877 that his ideas took definite form and shape, and he began actively to select the students necessary for the proposed chapter.

I am inclined to believe that Charles D. William approached by Professor Nelson who was a devoted churchman as was Williams, and this fact would be sufficient to estab­ lish an acquaintance between the two which would not be likely to exist so early between Brother Nelson and others who afterwards became members of the chap­ G R O V E C U R T IS ter. In the beginning the students selected w ere: Cassius M. Roberts and William T. Wright, of the class of 1878; A. C. Dyer of the class of 1879; Charles D. Williams and Grove D. Curtis of the class of 1880; A. C. Downs and W . M. Cowgill of the class of 1881. J. H. Dempsey, who afterward became a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon chapter, and who, at that time, was a student in the grammar school expecting to enter college in the class o f 1882, was the only pledge, so far as I know.

A s I have already indicated, I think the subject was first broached to Williams, then to W right and Roberts. It was brought before me the early part of October, 1877, and I remember very well just where the conversation oc­ curred between Brother Williams and myself. There was a long delay in securing the charter, and while the chapters were discussing the question for

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foremost men of the church of this country. A ll this shows conclusively that the standards of the existing fraternities were not what they should be; otherwise such material would not have been overlooked. Anyway, as al­ ready stated, Brother Nelson felt justified in going ahead and endeavoring to establish a chapter. . . • , Some mention of the characteristics of the members of the incipient chapter might be of interest: , • ,, Brother Roberts was somewhat of a character. O f medium height, he was heavily and powerfully built, with a head that would attract attention anvwhere. He was altogether the best speaker of his time, and g is doubtful whether Kenyon ever had a student with a greater gift of oratory.

Brother W right was of slender build, of very quiet demeanor, an excellent student, and a marked favorite with the members of the faculty. He was the only member of the class of 1878 to receive the honor of admittance into Phi Beta Kappa. . n c Brother Dyer was perhaps the most popular student m college, bornewhat above medium height, with black eyes and fresh, clear complexion, he was a most attractive boy, and, withal, a good hard-working student O f the class of 1880, Brother W M ia m s-“ M ollie,’ as we called h i m had been associated with Professor Nelson at Milnor Hall. %He had taug there more or less. He was somewhat under medium height and by no means as heavy as he became in later years. He was a very excellent studen by far the best in college, and learned his lessons with marvelous ease H and I were both elected to the Phi Beta Kappa society; both served as W ash­ ington’s Birthday orators, he in 1880 and I in 1879; and both graduated with the highest honors. Even at that time, it was evident that his life would be devoted to the Church; and that he would become preeminent in his work was taken for granted. t , Brothers Downs and Cowgill constituted the Beta membership of the class of 1881. Both were remarkable specimens of physical manhood. Cow­ gill came from Hickman, Kentucky, and was six feet four inches tall.

Downs came from Mississippi, and was fully six feet m height, of faultless proportions, and perhaps the handsomest boy m college. Neither Cowgill nor Downs was especially brilliant in the classroom, but both were good, faithful students, and had the respect of their teachers.

In the class of 1882 were Brothers Edmiston and Brannon These boys were from W est Virginia, having been brought to Kenyon by President Bodine through one of his trips to that state. They were both about medium size quiet and reserved, and were well liked by faculty and student body.

A t a time when convivial habits were altogether too common, our boys did not drink— did not drink at all. j Furthermore, I never heard one of them utter an oath, repeat an obscene jest, or relate an indecent story. ey were high-class boys, clean through and through, and I say this after an in­ timate relationship extending through my entire college course.

Having selected his material, Brother Nelson was then prepared to ta up the really difficult task of getting the consent of the general fraternity to the establishment of a chapter at Gambler. Naturally very determined opposition arose to the project. There was ample ground for opposition The college had a good reputation, it is true, but the small number of students, and the existence of three well-known fraternities already estab-

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and against, Roberts and W right graduated. J. B. Brannon and Matthew Edmiston, of the class of 1882, were selected to complete the list.

It may be said at this point that the proposition to establish a new fra­ ternity on the hill, could hardly be looked upon otherwise than as hazardous.

In the first place, the college had less than seventy-five students and in the second place there were four prominent fraternities already represented, the Psi U ’s, the Alpha Delta Phis, the Delta Kappa Epsilons, and the Theta Delta Chis. The latter fraternity was very weak and at that time had but two members, and one o f these was a student not in good standing. About a year from that time this fraternity ceased to exist. “ It might be thought that, the number of students on the hill being so small, all available fraternity material would necessarily be absorbed by the

B E T A A L P H A IN 1880

three fraternities, which, while none of them were large, were nevertheless as large as could be expected under the circumstances. The fact that Brother Nelson was able to discover among the students material which he felt could be safely utilized in establishing a chapter of Beta Theta Pi is certainly remarkable; and the fact that he could do this, and did do this, illustrates very forcibly the bad judgment, or lack of judgment, which sometimes characterizes the selection of prospective members by the fraternities. It is apparent that the standards of these fraternities were not what they should be. Among the men selected by Brother Nelson as members of his prospec­ tive chapter there were three February 22 orators, and the first and second honormen of the class of ’8o; one of the members of the class of ’78, who, in after life, became noted as one of the most eloquent clergymen of the church, three who became highly reputable physicians, and two who became lawyers of excellent standing; another came to be recognized as one of the

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Denison delegation, we did what we could to create a favorable impression and were again successful. They, too, went home prepared to make a favor­ able report. And I think we had also succeeded in enlisting the support o the Wooster chapter. Anyway, when the matter next came before the Gen­ eral Convention the project received a majority of votes. By this time the class of 1878 had graduated, and the two members of that class, Wright ana Roberts, had left the college,, after graduation. This made it necessary to select certain members from the class of 1882 and Mathew Edmiston and John Brand Brannon, boys from W est Virginia, were selected to fill out the requisite number.

LEONARD H ALL The home of Beta Alpha

It was arranged that the initiation should take place on the evening of April 8, 1879, at Milnor Hall. The preparations were simple. Everything seemed preternaturally quiet, as the candidates wended their way from their rooms to the Hall, singly, in order not to attract attention. There we were introduced to Brother “ Dump” Carpenter of Wooster, and Brother Guilford Marble of Delaware, who, with Brother Nelson, were to conduct the cere­ monies of the initiation. I can remember yet very vividly the awestruc feeling with which we sat in Professor Nelson’s sitting-room, awaiting the summons to be conducted into the mystic chamber When the preparations were completed, Brother Nelson came m, placed his hand on my shoulde , and said, “ Come on, Curtis.” Brother Edmiston of the class of 1882 fol­ lowed, and we were initiated together. The others were initiated gggdue course. Roberts and W right returned to Gambier m the early part of September, and were initiated at a special meeting.

J The ritual of the initiation at that time was very simple, as compared

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lished, seemed to the conservative members of Beta Theta Pi to be con­ clusive grounds for not establishing a chapter. Consequently Brother Nel­ son’s first effort to secure a charter met with little consideration. A t this time, the admission of a new chapter was determined, not by action of the general Convention as at present, but by votes of the individual chapters, sent direct to a chapter known as the Presiding Chapter. A t this time, Wooster was the Presiding Chapter.

The second effort also failed. But Brother Nelson never lost heart. He kept on urging his case and enlisting friends wherever he could, and he became strong enough to induce the general fraternity to pass upon the matter again; and again it was rejected. Ordinary men by this time would have been discouraged. It is likely that even Brother Nelson was in some degree discouraged f for he released Dempsey and, in view of the uncertainty of the situation, advised him to join the Delta Kappa Epsilons, who had been anxious to make him a member of their chapter. “ But if Brother Nelson was discouraged, he did not cease his efforts; and perhaps the turning point in the tide of affairs which finally led to the estab­ lishment o f the chapter might be attributed to the visits at Gambier of two delegations from neighboring chapters. Four or five Betas, fine intelligent boys, came up from Denison to look over the ground and pass judgment on the situation. Everything was done that could be done to make them pleased with the place, and with the candidates for the new chapter. And we felt pretty sure before they left the hill that they would make a good report; and they did. Certain Betas— notably C. J. Seaman, a prominent alumnus of Denison, who had bitterly opposed our petition in the beginning, changed their minds, and became our warm supporters. The Beta magazine, under the editorship of George Rankin, had favored us from the start.

Then, in December, 1878, Willis O. Robb came over from Delaware on an errand of investigation. Recalling the trip fifty years later, he wrote: I well remember the cold ride John McCabe and I took fifty years ago from Delaware to Gambier, by buggy to Sunbury, thence by train the rest of the way, to inspect the applicants fo r a Beta chapter at Kenyon. I had been District Chief the year before, but had been drafted by the Presiding Chapter (W ittenberg) at the beginning o f the year to succeed George C. Rankin, who had had to decline his reelection as editor of the Beta Theta P i magazine. McCabe had been appointed as my successor in the district chief ship, and we had promised J. P. Nelson of our Washington and Lee chapter, who was then principal o f Milnor H all at Gambier, and who had assembled the petitioners for a chapter and held them together several years in the face o f great discouragements, that we would look over his “bunch” that fall. Upon our report would depend the action of the “three nearest chapters” and almost certainly the granting o f the charter itself; and Nelson was almost stammeringly eager in the matter. W ell, we gave them the “once-over,” agreed on a favorable report— and have never from that day to this forgotten the charm of Kenyon. Nelson took us to call on Bishop Bedell, the white-haired old bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of Northern Ohio, and we looked out through the great window o f his wide-verandaed home, “ Rokosing,” over the beautiful Owl Creek valley. Y o u all know that one of the young fellows we sealed that day for Beta Theta Pi, C. D., or “M olly,” Williams, himself became, in after years, the Protestant Episcopal Bishop of Michigan, long a leader, in pulpit and forum, o f the Broad Church party in the Central West.

M y own drove over coldest type were nearly

recollection is that Robb and McCabe, on that bitterly cold day, in a high-wheeled, open, one-horse buggy, unquestionably the of vehicle for winter driving ever designed by mortal man, and frozen when they arrived. In their case, as in the case of the

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. The fraternity magazine for May, 1879; carried the story of the first initiation of Beta Alpha. It was in the form of a letter, dated at Gambier, Ohio, April 8 , 1879, and signed by Guilford Marble, then a member of Theta chapter. The letter states: T o all Betas the loyalty of the “ Kenyon Applicants” is known for the past two months. On Monday eve this excitement began to show some symptoms of coming to a head when your correspondent made his appearance on the scene, ornamented by a Beta Theta Pi badge. The head came when Brother “ Dump” Carpenter arrived this afternoon, wearing the same mystic symbol.

The initiation took place at the residence of Brother Nelson (principal o f Grammar School), to whom we must make our warmest acknowledgments for his untiring energy in starting the chapter, his active interest in initiating it, and his hospitable treat­ ment of visiting Betas. First we put Brothers Curtis, Edmiston, and Bland through the cerem ony; after them, Brothers Dyer, Williams, Cowgill, Brannon, and Downs.

Brothers Nelson, Carpenter, and Marble, respectively of Rho, Alpha Lambda, and Theta, formed the initiatory committee, and by combining the ceremonies o f their

B E T A A L P H A IN 1883 various chapters, produced a very happy result, and impressed upon the candidates the grandeur and superiority of Beta Theta Pi (having with them portions o f the para­ phernalia of the several chapters). O f course, the next step was to test the “canine” proclivities of the “ Beta Alphaians.” It was satisfactory. The manner in which the dorg (which, thanks to Mrs. Nelson, was simply elegant) disappeared under their man­ agement put’ to blush us who had believed ourselves rendered invincible by experience.

Then followed some excellent cigars, kindly provided by Brother Nelson.

And now Beta Alpha, retiring to a private room, held her first election, resulting as follow s: president, A lfred C. Dyer, ’79; vice-president, Charles D. W illiams, ’80; corresponding secretary, Grove D. Curtis, ’80; recording secretary, W arw ick M. Cow­ gill, ’81; treasurer, M. Edmiston, Jr., ’82; sergeant-at-arms, A lfred C. Downs, ’81. ’ From that moment Brothers Carpenter and Marble began their work. Brother Carpenter, with persuasive eloquence, induced them to invest some $80 or $90 in badges, every man purchasing one. Brother Marble, in the true style of the unappre­ ciated newspaper dealer, placed in his pocketbook eight dollars and on his notes eight names_a ii of Which was for the fraternity paper. Then Brothers Carpenter and Marble joined hands. Result— some eight songbooks for the boys (and some money

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with the elaborate ceremony of later years. It consisted mostly of the ex­ planation of the various features of a large allegorical picture hanging on the wall, a print of which may be found in the catalogue of 1881, which is now m the chapter library. This picture, a painting fully six feet long, and nearly as wide, brilliantly illuminated, was a very striking object, as Brother Carpenter with a long pointer, explained its symbolic features. He traced the successive steps of the ardent neophyte, onward and upward through trials and tribulations to the glorious goal of his hopes and aspirations.

The little group of boyish listeners sat spellbound during his recital.

O f course, we took the usual vows to be faithful to the traditions of the fraternity, and were also instructed as to the meaning of the motto, and were

T H E K E N Y O N T E M P L E , F R O N T V IE W

each taught the grip. Then, after congratulations, followed the first “ dorg” ever indulged in by the Kenyon Betas. This had been prepared by Mrs. Nelson, who was an exceptionally fine cook, and the feast was greatly ap­ preciated by the new chapter. A fter the banquet we returned to the college, this time in a body, and while the chapter was not noted for its musical ability, there were some who could sing— or who thought they could sing— and we certainly made enough noise to waken the sleepers along our route, and especially the sleeping students of Old Kenyon.

Through the energy of Brother Seaman, of Denison, our badges were ready for us the moment we were initiated, and these we pinned on our vests with a great deal of pride. The next morning it was amusing to ob­ serve the interest manifested in the members of the new chapter. No doubt, others felt that it was foolhardy to establish another fraternity chapter in a college so small; but the chapter at once assumed a position which justified our feeling that we were the best chapter in the college.

TH E RENAISSANCE AT KEN YON

177

If I recall correctly, the question regarding the inactive chapter of Beta Alpha was again brought before the convention held at Wooglin-on-Chautauqua, July, 1893, for definite and final solution. _ A t the urgent request of several Kenyon Betas in attendance, the convention at this time concluded

R E V IV E R S O F B E T A A L P H A C H A P T E R O F B E T A T H E T A P I Thompson, Martin, Thornberry, Atwater, Thornburg, Billman, Byard, Sipher, Doane, Shontz, Hubbard, Dumper.

Initiated by the W estern Reserve Chapter in their rooms in Cleveland, Ohio, October 25, 1893.

to extend the time one year longer for the revival of Be a Alpha, and the Kenyon Beta alumni should be notified accordingly; that in case this chapter was not revived during the coming year, ‘ he next convention would officially withdraw the charter. Rollin B. Hubbard, Kenyon 91, was the only surviving Beta in Kenyon in June, 1891, being the last member left of the original chapter founded in 1879. From June, 1891, to September, 1893, Beta A l­ pha was inactive.

Having decided to make the change from Wooster to Kenyon, J. Ed. Good, Kenyon ’84; William B. Doyle, Amherst ’91; and I left for Gambier when college opened with a determination to win and to replant Beta Alpha in Kenyon College to stay. W ith about eighty students in college at this time, together with foutold line fraternities already established there for years, there was presented a situation difficult to confront. However, we immediately blazed away against most intensive competition, won at every turn, and pinned the pink and blue on eleven men, making a total of twelve members to carry Beta Alpha forward and onward to success.

Here we had a new Beta Alpha chapA R T H U R A. B IL L M A N

BETA LIFE fo r Brother Seam an). And just at this juncture the new Betas escaped from our clutches and made the night air ring with “ Gemma N ostra,” “ Pure in thyself,” etc., closing with the Beta doxology “ Bless now, O God on high, Bless Beta Theta Pi,” and, with the answer “A m e n !” echoing from every heart, we parted.

The first convention following the initiation of the new chapter was held in Cincinnati, in June, 1879, immediately after the Kenyon commencement of that year. I was appointed as delegate to this convention, and some of the members of our chapter were also present, including Cowgill and Williams.

A t this convention, the pink and blue were adopted as the fraternity colors.

It seems incredible that at the time of this convention, forty years after the establishment of the Miami chapter, six of the eight original members were still living. One of these, John Reily Knox, was present. I shall never forget the enthusiasm which greeted him when he rose to make his address.

He looked over the number of delegates-— a number astonishingly large to him— and said with emphasis and emotion: “ It is evident we builded better than we knew.”

Perhaps there might be incorporated here an extract from the Beta Theta P i for December, 1879, where A. C. Downs, ’8i, and George E. Benedict, ’83, appeared as joint authors of a chapter letter. It recounted the successes of the new Beta Alpha chapter in its first fight for members after its formal institution in April. “ In this struggle,” they report, “ we were defeated but once, while over the Psi U ’s we scored four victories, over the Delta Kappa Epsilons two and over the Theta Delta Chis one. Our victory was over the whole field except the Alpha Delta Phis who are afraid to contest for men.”

Then comes this “ W hat makes our success the more remarkable and really adds to the honor of our victories is that we are the only chapter here that does not possess a lodge of its own. However, this will be remedied next spring when we build a stone lodge twenty by thirty-six feet with a slate roof.” This was the dream which, after half a century, finally found realiza­ tion on February 9, 1929, when the beautiful temple was dedicated to Beta Alpha’s service and that of Beta Theta Pi. And now, in closing this article, there come to my mind the loving words of Brother Roberts, addressed to Beta Alpha many years ago : M ay all the breezes love thee, And float thy banners high, The heavens smile above thee Forever and for aye.

TH E RENAISSANCE AT KENYON A

rth ur

A . B illm a n ,

Kenyon

’9 6

It was in July, 1893, after I had completed my freshman year at Wooster College, where I was initiated into Beta Theta Pi, when J. Ed. Good, of Akron/Ohio, approached me with a proposition to transfer from Wooster to Kenyon to assist in leading the way in the revival of Beta Alpha chapter, then inactive, a movement he and W . K. L. Warwick, Kenyon ’84, and several other Kenyon Betas, were contemplating to carry out the following September, 1893.

THE K EN YON SEMI-CENTENNIAL

179

T h e first initiation in the new temple w as w ell staged, those present com­ fortably filling the room. M alcolm H . B aker, ’09, had devised particularly attractive furniture for the stations and the presence o f the founder ot the chapter and other alumni, fratern ity officials, and visitors from other O hio chapters keyed the B eta A lp h a boys to a high pitch. W h en the ritual w as finished, there w as a quick transform ation from lodge room ban^ e t h all, the furniture which had been provided by the generosity o f A lbert W h itak er readily adapting itself to banquet purposes. Service was from a kitchenette at the rear o f the temple, none but Betas being perm itted to see within the shrine. Som e of the singing which has made B eta A lp h a fam ous m arked the dinner hour.

THE KENYON TEM PLE

A fte r cigars w ere lighted W a lte r H . B row n , ’06, chairm an o f the alumni organization, made a brief report fo r the building committee A n outsider noted the number of individuals whose aid w as counted absolutely essentia .

In other w ords there w ere m any w illing helpers, not the least im portant o whom w as W alte r B row n him self. T h e cam paign fo r funds w as begun in M ay 1927; the ground for the temple was broken January 10 1928, the cornerstone was laid A p ril 28, 1928; the lodge was; completed F ebru ary 5 IQ2Q' the first form al m eeting and initiation was held F ebru ary 9, 1929, fifty years a fte r the founding of the chapter. A s special benefactors, B rothers Curtis Good, and W h itak er w ere named, w ith A lon zo Snyder, G eorge D avid son Tohn A n ger, H en ry Beam as generous contributors. B row n him self was in that class also, but he glossed over that as he indicated tw c .la r g e .g ift s from D u d ley H ard of the W oo ster chapter and Theodore F R ose o f the Indiana chapter, the latter a B eta son w ith two sons of the third B eta genera­ tion in the K en yo n chapter.

i

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BETA LIFE

ter in the making, an unusually well balanced group, with a fine personnel.

Fortunately the men all seemed to understand the situation thoroughly, and immediately a fine brotherly spirit o f friendship and fidelity developed, to the end that Beta Alpha was again a reality. O f these twelve men, eight gradu­ ated, five of them being elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

TH E KENYON SEMI-CENTENNIAL The braided branches of the elms along the middle path at Gambier never were more attractive than on Saturday, February 9, 1929, when they were white-covered with a soft snow which had beautified all of Ohio the night before. That snow undoubtedly cut down the attendance; for many ___ __________ _____ I___ _ Betas from Akron, Canton, Cleveland, and other cities had planned automobile trips to Kenyon on that day. But about seventy Betas got together in spite of snow and cold, and the striking and serv­ iceable temple of Beta Alpha was properly dedicated to the uses of a fifty-year-old chapter of the fraternity.

Grove Curtis, ’80, from New York City was there. He is No. 1 on the official roll of the Kenyon chapter. J. Edward Good, ’84, was there along with Alonzo M. Snyder, ’85, whom he spiked for Beta Theta Pi and who, later, joined him in making the contributions to the Founders Fund which placed these two among the immortal “Ten.” “ E d” acted as toast­ master and “ Lon” made one of the inter­ esting talks about the old days. Arthur Billman, ’96, from Cuyahoga Falls was there. He transferred from Wooster dur_____ ing his college days to help revive Beta A L O N Z O M. S N Y D E R Alpha after a period of quiescence A l­ bert Whitaker, 88, from Wheeling, West Virginia, was on hand, to see the splendid realization of his long dream of a chapter hall at Kenyon. Former District Chief “ Heinie” Beam was among the many alumni who came back, helping to entertain District Chief William W . Dawson, down from Cleveland.

Colonel Dudley Hard, Wooster ’93, and Congressman James T. Begg, Wooster ’03, were among the half-dozen Alpha Lambda members present.

They represented some of the losses Wooster sustained when it sold its soul for Severance cash which it never got. Colonel Hard’s son and namesake was president of the Kenyon chapter and Representative Begg’s son and namesake was one of the Beta Alpha initiates that evening. The Kenyon chapter formally adopted the W^ooster Betas after the eviction at Wooster, and the latter have been grateful for the cordial welcome always given them when they come to Gambier.

I

COME BACK TO GAMBIER

“OLD K E N Y O N ”

Come back and see those aged oaks, See Kenyon’s storied w alls; Come back and hear those chiming bells,.

When evening softly fa lls; Come back and be a boy again, Your vanished youth restore: Come back, come back to Gambier, And see the boys once more.

Loved scenes, loved forms, of long ago, You shall once more re-viewg Dear friends shall come from spirit land To walk “The Path” with you.

Then answer quickly; why delay ?

They’re waiting at the door: Come back, come back to Gambier, And see the boys once more.

And when bevond the rolling flood, W e tread the shining shore, And Betas throng around us, The loved ones gone before, W e’ll sing the songs we used to sing, The songs so loved of yore, And we’ll all come back to Gambier, To see the boys once more.

m

BETA LIFE Chairman Brown did not forget high praise for workers of other days who led abortive movements for a lodge, but whose hard work and the money they collected proved important factors in ultimate success. Among these workers Dr. George Atwater, ’95, Garvey Gale, ’10, and Arthur Brown, ’06, R. W . Brouse, ’ 11, Raymond Cahall, ’08, and Malcolm H. Baker, ’09, were heartily applauded as their names were read. Then when Kelley Davies, ’08, was mentioned, he received an ovation that made the color of his face change several times before the folks let him say a few words. He supervised the building o f the lodge, giving time and attention which all felt could never be paid for by the Kenyon Betas.

The menu card bore a reproduction of a fine picture of the temple, show­ ing it back in the woods in a big lot which Albert Whitaker helped to buy and upon which encroachment will never be feared. The main feature of the speaking program was the address by the sole surviving founder of the chapter, Grove Curtis, ’80, who had made the trip from his New York City home round by Richmond, Virginia, to bring a direct message and greeting from James Poyntz Nelson, Washington and Lee ’69, who laid the Kenvon Beta foundations more than half a century before. No. 1 of Beta Alpha spoke with much emotion and everyone listened closely to what he said.

As he had met Pater Knox at his first convention, when six of the immortal eight founders of Beta Theta Pi were still living, it.seemed as if he was transmitting from “ the boys of ’39” their blessing and benediction.

The gathering was much like a big chapter meeting, with intimate talkaround, District Chief Dawson and President Shepardson who represented the fraternity at large making their talks with Kenyon coloring and Congress­ man Begg accepting his Kenyon chapter affiliation with pride. There was no doubt in the mind of anyone present that the influence of the evening would long linger in that splendid lodge in the forest.

COME BACK, COME BACK TO GAMBIER G rove

D.

C u r t is ,

Kenyon

’80

Dear Brothers of the Mystic Tie Who wear the Pink and Blue, Old sons of Beta Alpha, This message comes to you : W here’er your footsteps wander On mountain, lake, or shore, Come back, come back to Gambier, And see the boys once more.

Chorus They’ll meet you, they’ll greet you, They’ll treat you like a king, T hey’ll seat you, they’ll fete you, To you their songs they’ll sing: They’ll chase away your every care, They’ll warm your bosom’s core— If you’ll just come back to Gambier,

And see the boys once more.

BETA BEGINNINGS AT KNOX Search among Professor Churchill’s papers— he died in 1899— has brought no results. But Baird stated in his Handbook of Beta Theta P i that X i chapter was established at Knox College in April, 1855, by Samuel Caldwell of Peoria, who was urged to do so by friends in the Jefferson chap­ ter. That was the accepted account of the Beta beginnings at Galesburg until WfPZ memory brought back the old song to “ old .

Ben Hall, our noble founder.”

In Beta Letters (p. 286) is a letter, lifrv'ajnM L — dated February 11, 1855, from Benton €5$* J. Hall, o f Miami, to David Kessinger of Ohio, stating that because the secrejM g ■ ■ £ tary was busy on a catalogue of the fraMternity, he had been requested to write to the chapters “ asking their sanction and approval for the establishment of a chapter at Knox College, Illinois, which is one \ iT^v/ of the first and thorough-going institu. A ‘ \ ' / tions in the Western Country.” Hall, at Jm • that time, according to the records of JH i Miami University lived in Burlington, jfl Iowa, as he did for many years ,and so he . } '’■ might easily have been the “ Ben H all” of , *|r; the Knox chapter song. He was a ’55 man at Miami. ||r - "' -• When this suggestion about X i’s founding was made to Kenneth Lawyer, q H p eR K IN S K nox ’23, the alumni secretary of Knox An olden time K nox Beta College, he examined the records of the institution and found that Benton J. Hall was a student at Knox a num­ ber of years, his card showing “ 1849-50, Academy; ’50-’5i, Preparatory; ’5 i-’52, Freshman; ’52-’53, Sophomore.” Secretary Lawyer also wrote, “ With me it is a question whether he went from here, became a Beta at

J A M E S J. P A R K S , ’72

L U K E P A L M E R , JR., ’72

W . M. S A L T E R , ’71

Miami, and returned to Knox only to initiate a group here, or whether he founded a local organization which later became Beta. This song Brother Parks mentions might be a left-over from the local organization.”

BETA LIFE

“ O L D M A IN ,” K N O X C O L L E G E , G A L E S B U R G , IL L IN O IS East end of building where Lincoln-Douglas debate was held, October 7, 1858

BETA BEGINNINGS AT KNOX In 1928, the guest of honor at the St. Louis Alumni Association banquet was James Julius Parks, K nox ’72. Now the honor guests at St. Louis are becoming units in a “ long illustrious line,” and the banquet talks made by them are becoming increasingly important as contributions to fraternity his­ tory and lore. W hile Brother Parks was reviving memories of his half century in Beta Theta Pi— he was initiated in June 1868— there came to him some lines which, when he was in college, the chapter used to sing: May old Ben Hall, our noble founder, D w ell a thousand years in happiness.

And may he still live and grow rounder, And may his shadow ne’er grow le ss!

The early records of the Knox chapter are missing. On one occasion the late William Raimond Baird stated to an inquirer, who was seeking a definite date associated with the presiding chapter period of Knox history, that he had examined the old records which he had found in the possession of Professor George Churchill, K nox ’61. The statement seemed worthy of credence because Professor Churchill wrote A Semi-Centennial History of Galesburg and A History of K nox College. He, therefore, had a historian’s sense of values, entirely apart from the fact that he was a member of Xi chapter, was head of K nox Academy for thirty-four years, lived in Gales­ burg, and would be a natural choice for custodian of the chapter’s records, when the last remaining member of the old chapter, Henry Selden Hitchcock, K nox ’75, left college to register at Williams.

KNOX CH APTER H ISTORY

i 85

These four pictures which are reproduced, not only show the Beta type at K nox in the early seventies of the last century, but two of them indicate how Betas then wore their badges. One of R. W. Poindexter is on page 116.

William Mackintire Salter, Knox ’71, who was the secretary of the Beta Convention held in Chicago in 1870, w rote: “ It was always my understanding that Benton J. Hall was from Burling­ ton, Iowa, and since I have been thinking the matter over, I have a feeling that he once visited Knox. I have in mind a picture of his physical appear­ ance. It seems to me your data in connection with the data from Mr. Shepardson and the couplet which I have sung a hundred times and which has been in my mind for fifty-five years, so that, in my quotation to Mr. Shepardson, it was from memory only, combine to show that Benton J. Hall actually was the cause of the founding of Xi chapter at Knox.”

A MEMORANDUM ON KNOX CHAPTER HISTORY

j

The following are some extracts from a letter of Henry S. Hitchcock of old Xi chapter. They throw some light upon the end of affairs at Knox College and will be interesting on that account. The letter is dated at Phila­ delphia, M ay 20, 1876. “ I am sorry to say,” runs the narrative, “ that the X i chapter of Beta Theta Pi perished when I left Knox. I tried hard to resurrect it the last year I was at Knox, and just as I left Galesburg thought I had succeeded in getting some incoming freshmen. I went so far as to get their consent and to write to Monmouth about having them initiated. But before I could secure them I was obliged to leave and left it in the hands of Frank Bassett, an enthusiastic member of the fraternity from Kansas University. His father lived at Gales­ burg, and he was then at home on ac­ count of his health. To him I gave the care of the books, papers, and other prop­ erty of the chapter. Misfortune followed.

The letter sent to me from Monmouth was intercepted and destroyed................

Mr. Bassett failed to form the chapter, and not long after my departure his house C H A R L E S W . L E F F IN G W E L L burned down, and with it perished the property of the chapter. Thus, you see, K nox ’62 from a portrait by Manheim the Beta Theta Pi has no representative at Knox. I don’t think after I joined the chapter there was ever a regular meeting. This was in the fall of ’ 74- There were only three of us and the sentiment against such organizations at K nox was so strong that we could get no new members.” (Note in the Beta Theta P i for January, 1881, page 93.)

(Note by F. W ..Shepardson: Dr. Frank Bassett, being asked about this note

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BETA LIFE

Following up the quest, letters were sent to two of the contemporaries of Parks, to discover whether memory might bring back to them something of value, in the matter, John Larke Pierce, Knox ’72, of 1531 South Nine­ teenth Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, wrote: “ Unfortunately I am afraid that I cannot help you out with my recollec­ tions of the old chapter history of the Knox, Beta Theta Pi. I do not recall i

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T H E B E T A S O F 1862, KM O X C O L L E G E , G A L E S B U R G , IL L IN O IS Presented by Charles W . Leffingwell, ’62

now as ever singing a song about Ben Hall as founder of the chapter, and vet we may have done so. If Jim Parks of the class of 72 recalls sue a song we certainly must have sung it. M y memories of the old chapter at Knox College are very pleasant and agreeable and I thought all the world of the old boys of the classes of 1871 and 1872. I am sending you herewith four pictures which I have saved o f four men of the classes of 71 and 72, so that you may see the kind of boys we had at Knox in the early days.

BETA LIFE AT M AINE

j

187

years afterward, said that he had not the faintest recollection of the matters referred to and added that his father’s house burned in 1869, five years before the time mentioned. William Raimond Baird, having his attention called to the loss of the records by fire, questioned Brother Hitchcock s memory, say­ ing that he himself, in writing Beta history, had studied the old X i records, then in possession of Professor Churchill of Knox.)

M A IN E C H A P T E R H O U S E

FIFTY YEARS OF BETA LIFE AT MAINE C h a r l e s S. B i c k f o r d , Maine ’82

Although Beta Eta concludes its fifty years in Beta Theta Pi in the fall of 1929, its history goes four years further back, and any clear picture of our chapter life necessitates a hurried glance at the existent condition on the Maine campus before 1879. jj .

The land grant colleges generally were regarded as antagonistic, rather than supplementary, to the classical colleges and consequently were subjected to intense opposition from many of the friends of these institutions. This was especially true in Maine, where the older colleges had hoped to receive the allotment of the income arising from the sale of Maine’s land scrip. It is only within the memory of many here present that this animosity has in the least subsided.

The Maine State College was then but seven years old: it had an endow­ ment fund of but $118,000 and any considerable financial aid from the State seemed problematical. Its campus, it is true, covered some three hundred acres but was mainly devoted to agricultural purposes. There were six build-

T H E S E M I-C E N T E N N IA L G R O U P A T M A IN E , J U N E 9, 1929

BETA LIFE AT MAINE

189

It was proposed at first to adopt the initials D. K. E., the letters haying no significance, but saner councils prevailed, and at the second meeting Octo­ ber 2nd, a constitution was adopted under the initials E. C. meaning Eternal Companions. The evidence seems conclusive that they must have received some assistance or assurance of a id ; for not only did they Propose to adop the name D. K. E., but their grip was the same as that of the Dekes and at the third meeting they had a petition to the General Convention signed by all the Bangor “ Dekes” , asking that a chapter be established at the Maine

A L P H A S IG M A C H I A T M A IN E A picture taken on the steps of E. C. W ebster’s home in Orono, showing the group which formed Beta E ta of Beta Theta Pi. Standing in rear, Decrow ’70, Libby ’79; seated in rear, W arren ’79, Moore 79j third row back, W ebster ’82, Chapin ’82, M oor ’81, Purington ’80; second row, H oward 82, H owe ’82, W oodward ’82, W ilson ’8i, Hurd ’82; front row, Reed 82, F o gg ’81, Ingalls ’81.

State College. All the members of the E. C. signed a similar petition and sent a representative to the convention; but the other Maine colleges failed to support the movement and the petition was denied.

Nothing discouraged, the new society proceeded to work out an initiation ceremony of two degrees. The first degree was largely horse-play, and it is safe to say that the man who took that first degree remembered it as long as he lived, regardless of whether or not he absorbed the more serious por­ tions of the second degree. In passing, it is well to record that the first degree was materially toned down early in the history.

They succeeded in evolving a design for a badge which was really very pretty and it is a mattter of deep regret that they never had one m^de from the drawing. It consisted of a monogram of the name, upon which was imposed a series of angles representing the cardinal virtues of the order.

BETA LIFE ings, one used for recitation purposes, one as a dormitory, and one for both combined, and three residences. There were about one hundred and twentyfive students, with a faculty of seven. The college had graduated three classes, with a total of twenty alumni; and it had the opposition of practically all the college men in the state. And yet, with this background, a body of its students did not hesitate to ask a charter from the oldest and most strongly established fraternities in the country.

As the students at the new institution had increased, they had inevitably separated into cliques and factions and by the time the first class was gradu­ ated (1872) one faction was so strongly established in the saddle that it arrogated to itself the right and authority to de­ cide all student questions, even including who should hold the offices.

They had hardly assumed the reins, however, when they were subjected to a rude awakening and found that there had arisen a generation that knew not Joseph. The class entering at that time (the class of 1876) was not only the largest class that had entered, but the members had remarkable personalities; they were self-assertive, no re­ specters of persons, traditions, self-constituted au­ thority, or much of anything else. They were iconoclasts, who today would be called insurgents, or even Bolsheviks. And they found conditions ripe for rebellion and overthrow. As one member of the class has expressed it, they found the col­ lege was composed of two classes, the exclusive and the excluded and they were not the exclusives.

The old regime found that its pretensions were, to be contested at every point and, alarmed at the character and growth of the opposition, it tried to run a whizzer on the new men. Carefully selecting its agents, at the first meeting of the Freshmen these secured the passage of a vote whereby the officers should be elected for four years, instead of for one as formerly. The insurgents saw the trick too late to compass its def eat but, rallying, elected one of their num­ ber to the most desired office.

Gaining wisdom from defeat, the regulars perfected a closer organization, formed a society, and secured a charter from the Q. T. V. Society, which confined its membership to the land grant colleges,, They immediately elected to membership all the former exclusives and have continued to elect such non-fraternity alumni who have attained prominence. They have also always practiced having a large membership, averaging from fifty to one hundred per cent larger than Beta Eta. The malcontents, also grew closer together, and after much talking, a baker’s dozen of them met, September 25, 1875, in a room in the Orono House, a h6tel then standing nearly opposite the Town Hall, and formed a society with the avowed purpose of procuring a charter from some Greek Letter Fraternity.” The men to whose initiative and enterprise we are in­ debted for our present position w ere: C. M. Brainerd, J. E. Dike, G. O. Foss, W . T . Haines, N. P. Haskell, E. S. How, P. W . Hubbard, L. R. Lothrop, all of ’76; C. C. Chamberlain, John Locke, Jr., James Lunt, Edson Warriner, all of ’78; and A. L. Moore. In the subsequent reorganizations some of these were dropped for various reasons.

BETA LIFE AT MAINE

191

f

During the winter vacation (in February, 1877) the new hall was I burned with all its contents, and without one cent of insurance. One would think that such a calamity would have found a prominent place I in the records of the society, but there is not a single word in reference to it; the last meeting of the fall term was recorded as being in the “ Hall I of the E. C. Society” and the first meeting of the spring term was held at “ No. 11, White Hall” as the predecessor of the Wingate Hall was then known, at which time a committee was appointed to secure a hall and it was voted not to accept a charter from the D. G. K., a society similar to the Q. T. V . Such assurance is refreshing! There they were without a home, with a heavy debt hanging over them, having been denied a charter

T H E M A IN E C H A P T E R IN T H E N IN E T IE S Front row, left to right, Chase ’95, Dillingham ’98, W ebster ’98, Buck ’95, Boardman ’95, Upton ’97; middle row, Simpson ’96, Martin ’95, “ Uncle Ben M osher” , campus expressman, Marks ’98, W eston ’96, Maclopn ’97; Back row, Cosmey ’97, M errill ’9 S> Buffum ’96, Johnson ’98, Chase ’97.

from three fraternities; the college was barely struggling along, and yet they doubted not they would attain the longed-for goal and would accept nothing loss The owner of the building allowed them a very liberal discount and they gave their notes for the rest. It is a sad commentary on the memory of the men of that time that six of them have solemnly asserted that each one individually paid the entire debt, all the rest of them having welshed.

The outstanding fact, however is that the debt was eventually paid, even though but one of the signers of the notes was twenty-one years old.

A t the second meeting of that term, they voted to lease a hall in Gould s block, which stood just south of the bank building. They remained there for a year when, after futile efforts to obtain rooms on the campus, two rooms were rented in the Town Hall.

BETA LIFE These were, in the order in which they were placed: Truth, Fidelity, Friend­ ship, Charity, Sobriety, Hope, Humility, Obedience, and Faith. From this, it may be seen that the aims of the society were decidedly more compre­ hensive than were stated in the constitution, where the objects were said to be: “ to promote in every way the interests of the College and foster among its members a sentiment of mutual regard for each other and attach­ ment to their alma mater.” The watch word was “ Amicus” ; the initiation fee was one dollar and the monthly dues, 25c, but these fees were soon doubled.

A t the second meeting, October 2nd, 1875, j| was voted to lease the second story of the Stillwater Canal Bank building, one of the most preten-

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A N E A R L Y M A IN E G R O U P Reading left to right from the rear : Ingalls, W hite, Starbird, Fogg, Moore, W ilson, Robinson, Hurd, Longfellow, Buzzell, W oodward, Taylor, Fernald, Howard, Brown, Abbott, Wyman, Reed, Webster, Cilley, Bickford, Patterson.

tious brick blocks in Orono, standing on the east side of Mill street, just south of the present post office.

Along with all this preliminary work, they had gone on electing new members, meeting with some failures to secure the men they wanted, but more acceptances. Delta Kappa Epsilon having failed them, they turned their attention to Alpha Delta Phi and Chi Phi successively, but with no success.

The possibility of lack of success never seems to have occurred to them, for on March 25, 1876, just six months after their first meeting, it was voted to buy the rooms they were occupying for $1,200.00, practically all of which remained as a mortgage on the building. This was the first in the long series of events where the society and its successors took the lead.

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While the negotiations for admission were in progress, the hall was changed to rooms on the second floor of Katadin block, north side, and later other rooms were added until the entire tenement now occupied by the Telephone Company was in use.

The chapter had hardly become accustomed to its new name when the national leaders of the fraternity devised plans for a union with Beta Theta Pi, and on October 25, 1879, A. L. Moore, who had been a delegate to the convention called to perfect the union and had been authorized to do so, delivered the constitution and administered the oath of Beta Theta Pi-; and the Eta of Alpha Sigma Chi became the Beta Eta of Beta Theta Pi. In completing its fifty years of Beta Theta Pi, Beta Eta remains the oldest chapter in New England which has had a continuous existence. Other chapters were established before us but they fell by the wayside and were brought to life by the infusion of new blood; but through all the years Beta Eta has pursued her course, unweakened by defections and untroubled by any lapses.

For nearly five years, the chapter remained in Katadin block and then, after another brief stay in the Town Hall, in the fall of 1884 it moved into the attic of Fernald Hall, or the Chemical Laboratory as it was known in earlier days, and after nearly ten years of trials and tribulations, for the first time was housed upon the campus.

In 1881, a fund was started to erect a chapter house upon the campus; quite a beginning was made and the funds deposited in the Orono Savings Bank, but that institution was forced into liquidation with a loss of time, interest, part of the principal, and a consequent diminution of enthusiasm in the project. .

In 1885, one of the original farm houses, which had been occupied in turn by Professors M. C. Fernald and Allen E. Rogers, became vacant and after much negotiation was leased to the chapter for ten years, with privilege of renewal for ten more. It was not occupied, however, until April, 1886. This was the first fraternity home at the college and con­ sequently there was much elation, but still it was a leased house and not our own, and the Chapter House Fund was revived again. The first fund fell through because it was invested in a Savings B an k: the second failed because it was not so deposited. Hope of a larger return prompted an unwise investment and the fund was tied up for several years.

Upon the expiration of the lease in 1895, it was renewed with two very important provisions: first, that the chapter should make extensive repairs; second, that should the chapter desire and be able to build a house of its own, the college would move the old house and allow the erection of a building on its site. The first condition imposed a grievous burden, but the second more than compensated for it. As the time for the expiration of the second lease drew near, renewed efforts were made to secure funds to erect a building more suitable to the needs of the chapter than was the old house. The university had been empowered to indorse notes of the fraternities to enable them to build chapter houses, and through this means it was rendered possible to accomplish the thing they long desired.

Notwithstanding strenuous opposition, the old building was moved to the northern end of the campus, where it remains as North Hall, and work was started on the new building.

During the building, the chapter was housed in the well known â&#x20AC;&#x153; Spear-

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A fter two years of vain striving, there was a ray of hope. A graduate of the class of ’76 had gone to Cornell as a post graduate student. It was at a time when fraternity rushing was at its height and he was immediately sought by several fraternities. However, he remained true to his first love, declined to join any fraternity there, continually sang the praise of his former mates and urged the establishment of a chapter at his alma mater. The fraternity he preferred, Alpha Sigma Chi, was one of the smallest, having but six chapters, all in the east. One of the chapters was so strongly against placing a chapter at Maine that it withdrew from the fraternity; but the leaders had vision and, after much correspondence, carried the measure through and on the 22nd of June, 1878, Professor

T H E M A IN E C H A P T E R , 1895 In doorway left to right, Braun ’98, Simpson ’96, Chase ’97; Second row, seated, MeCloon ’97, Gould ’94: front row, Johnson ’98, Marks ’98, Upton ’97, Unidentified, Palmer ’96: in chairs, Gibbs ’96, Fernald ’96.

Lee of Bowdoin and his brother of St. Lawrence University, administered the oath of Alpha Sigma Chi to the active members of the E. C. Society and after a continual struggle of nearly three years, there was “ a Greek Letter Fraternity” at the Maine State College.

In hunting over some old papers, the record of the next annual con­ vention of the Alpha Sigma Chi was found and the following is the conclusion of the report of the installing committee: “T he committee would add that they remained in Orono until June 24, and thus had an opportunity to form a somewhat fam iliar acquaintance with the :members; of^ Eta chapter The impression thus formed was of the most favorable kind and it is the judgment of the committee that the fraternity has gained a strong, sound, and promis­ ing chapter, composed of gentlemen who will maintain the high standard of good friendship, scholarship, and courtesy which the principles of the Alpha Sigma Chi demand.”

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have been drawn on the field by a tractor: yet Betas are well in the front j of those who have been placed on the university s roll of athletic fame.

It has not been devotion to church activities, for there have been Betas who, while they were above reproach in their morals, stood sadly in need of the charitable services of the church attendance monitor. From a careful survey of the members, I should say that the requisite qualities, in order of weight, have been: Character, Good Friendship, Scholarship, Enterprise.

Let us briefly consider how these requisites have worked out in the activities of Beta Eta. Time does not allow giving an itemized list of the honors won by Betas and it will be noticed that tonight all mention of names, except those of the founders, has been studiously avoided. to have done otherwise would have required making invidious distinctions.

In the first place, in the life at the university, not even our most bitter opponents will dispute that Beta Eta has ever been in the forefront of all movements making for the betterment of the institution and its members.

In the purely social life at the university, Beta Eta has always occupied the undisputed leadership. It was the originator of teas, receptions, at homes, open houses, and dances. One of our bitterest opponents, the one who applied to us the opprobrious title of “ those damned Betas” , voluntarily stated it was the only house that knew how to treat alumni, whether they belonged to its fraternity or not, and that lived up to its knowledge.

The most ardent workers for the Christian Associations have been found among our members. Debaters from our ranks have creditably represented the university in its contests. A Beta was captain of the first nine ^to play a college team. Betas were captain and manager of the first nine to make a trip away from home and win a college game. A Beta was manager of the first nine to play in a state series. It was due solely to the initiative of Beta Eta that the first year book was issued and when the Q. T. V. refused to participate, the chapter brought out two issues at its own expense. A Beta was founder of the first orchestra and first band at the college. A Beta was first to suggest the possibility of a University of Maine and three Betas were the leaders in the movement that resulted in an entire change of policy at the college and finally terminated in the establishment of the University of Maine._ A Beta was the mover m secur­ ing the present Alumni Field. A Beta introduced football and one Beta was manager and another captain of the first eleven. A Beta was manager of the first intercollegiate field meet. A Beta was the originator of the idea of the Alumni Advisory Council and two Betas drew up the constitu­ tion under which it was organized. A Beta was the head of the drive : which resulted in the erection of the indoor field. _ ?

The Cadet, the predecessor of The Campus, was the child of a Beta s brain and Betas have frequently been on its board of editors.

A Beta was the first alumni trustee, served the greatest number of years of any trustee and with five other Betas shares in sixty years’ service of the Board.

Four members of Beta Eta have served as president of the Alumm Association and three as corresponding secretary, one of the latter retiring voluntarily after a service of twenty years.

The beautiful window on our chapter house stairs is a memorial to six members of Beta Eta who made the supreme sacrifice in their country’s behalf one of them being the first Beta and the first man from the State-

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en’s Inn,” just north of the campus. The new house was first occupied February 17, 1905, nearly twenty-four years after the first movement to secure a chapter house, as distinguished from a hall for meetings. The cost of the building and furnishings was more than the fund collected but by contributions and rental from the active chapter the debt was nearly extinguished, when, in the winter vacation of 1923, the chapter was again visited by fire. This time, however, there was insurance, but it was thought best to modernize the building, with the result that it cost about twice the insurance received. The resulting building with furnishings was appraised by the insurance company at a replacement cost of $50,000.00 and the debt is about $7,500.00 The building is owned by a chapter house

T H R E E M A IN E C H A P T E R P IO N E E R S Members of Alpha Sigma Chi in 1879 who attended the semi-centennial of Beta E ta in 1929: Bussell, Howard and Woodward.

association consisting of all the alumni, and is managed by a board of directors consisting of four alumni and one student. The chapter has paid a rental varying from $500 to $1,200 per year.

Possibly it may be thought that too much attention has been paid to the material affairs of Beta Eta, to the neglect of the intellectual and moral side, but they occupied so many hours of college life it would have been unfair to overlook them. It is well now to go back and note the other phases of the chapter activity.

The question inevitably suggests itself: “ What has been the sine qua non o f membership?” W hile that is very easy to answer in the concrete, it is extremely difficult in the abstract. It is not scholarship alone, although we have always stood well and lost practically none by the edicts of a stern faculty: our scholarship cups will attest at least a partial success there. It is not athletics, for we have had many Betas who could not

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never been able to attend but three Beta meetings w rote: “ I love all my classmates, but I love the Betas the best.” They have never failed to re­ spond to any call for aid financial or otherwise, and have ofttimes been on hand without call to prevent the chapter from making mistakes or to avert the consequences of errors of judgment. Out of the entire membership but one has become alienated, and no one has ever been able to ascertain the cause of his disaffection. And as the Hebrews turned toward Jerusalem or the Mohammedans toward Mecca, so do the Betas on the first whole week in June turn toward their Alma Mater and say: “Undimmed be thy star brightly shining on high; God bless thee, dear Beta, forever and a y e !”

(A n historical address at the semi-centennial commemorative service in the Maine chapter house, June 9, 1929.)

THE SNOW REBELLION AT MIAMI On October 30, 1847, Robert Vance Moore of Miami wrote a letter to W yllys C. Ransom of Michigan in the course of which it was stated that the Alpha chapter then consisted of four seniors, Isaiah Little^ Samuel S. Laws, Edmund H. Munger, and himself, James Warnock, a junior, and John W .

Noble, a sophomore, making six in all. On January 29, 1848, Samuel S. Laws wrote Sidney D. Miller of Michigan a long letter, covering quite a range of fraternity matters. In it is a contemporary account of the famous Snow Rebellion at Miami. In view of what follows it may be interesting to recall that Laws became an educational leader of great power in later years. He was president of Westminster College from 1854 to 1861 and president of the University of Missouri from 1876 to 1889. He was the inventor of the ticker, the device by which stock exchange quotations are transmitted to customers at a distance. John W . Noble became one of the leading lawyers in St. Louis.

In the Civil W ar he was a brigadier-general in the Union Army. Under Presi­ dent Benjamin Harrison he was Secretary of the Interior. He willed his Beta badge to the St. Louis Alumni Association of the fraternity, and, at each annual meeting, it is handed down to the incoming president of the as­ sociation as the official badge. In his letter to Miller, Laws said: “ You are not prepared to receive the news it now becomes my unpleasant task to communicate. In short there has been a general blow-up in our col­ lege— not of the secret societies particularly, but of the college in general.

The secret societies, however,' are in effect, for the time being, completely crushed. The Alpha Delta Phi has only one member left, a sophomore. ^ The Beta Theta Pi has two, a sophomore and myself. The Senior class is re­ duced from twenty to nine; the Junior from twelve*to five. The sophomore Alpha Delta Phi leaves in the spring and the sophomore Beta probably leaves then also; this is Noble— he is in truth the concrete of which his name is the abstract, i The present president of the chapter is Faries, a graduate student of theology; he leaves at the end of his session in March. The prospect is, then, that the incumbent recorder will be the only vital function of the vener­ able and beloved Alpha chapter during next summer. “ It would be a fruitless and bootless task for me to burden you with par­ ticulars. There are a thousand things in such cases of which we ourselves

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of Maine to fall in the W orld War. A t the time of the war with Spain the governor of the state said: “ A t this time, when we sorely needed men, the University of Maine sent us more than forty splendid volunteers, familiar with military tactics and drill, who enlisted as privates. It was a timely and much needed aid. It encouraged others. It was an act that the State should not forget.” This body was raised through the enthusiasm of a Beta.

Whether it be to the credit of the chapter or not, it is a fact that more than a score of its members have served long on the board of instruction and not one has been asked to terminate his connection with the university.

A t one place, the Administration Building, there is a situation that is sometimes embar­ rassing. The man in immediate charge of pur­ chasing supplies, whose fingers are on all those thousand-fold threads of university life, the Comptroller of the University, is a Beta. The entire financial affairs, the business manage­ ment of the University, is in the hands of the Treasurer, a Beta. And lastly, a member of Beta Eta, who has successfully filled all minor grades including the deanship of his college, was unanimously selected from a field of some fifty possibilities as the best man and first alumnus to have charge of the destiny of his alma mater.

His success has been such that last Spring, when the university was made the beneficiary of a mill tax, one of the most violent opponents of the act said that if any one thing could reconcile people to the measure, it was the fact that the administration was to be in the hands of one who, however exalted the position he may oc­ cupy, will always be known to us as one of Beta Eta’s most loyal and loved sons. Now the fact that these three administrative heads are all Betas may cause some criticism and the ill-natured suggestion that it is due to good politics but it so happens that I am in a position solemnly to assert that they were selected in spite of, rather than because of, their fraternity affiliations.

In civil life, we are scattered from the eastern boundary to the faroff Hawaiian Islands, where the retiring governor is proud to wear the badge and bear the name of Beta Theta Pi. Administrators, legislators, jurists, investigators, clergymen, army officers, are all included in the list.

The executive head of the great telephone system of the metropolis, the discoverer of the method of making quartz glass, the final authority on good road making, the developer of mapping from an air plane, who could tell us how it feels to jump from an elevation of nearly five miles, the public benefactor who originated the lunch car for serving a hurried meal,— all have been happy, to hang up their hats here and say: “ Now I’m home once m ore!”

A striking characteristic of the alumni has been their_ loyalty to the fraternity and devotion to the chapter. One of the old timers who had

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never secured a charter for it. They wrote to other chapters about it, but the scanty records available seem to indicate that it was the opinion that they were the Miami chapter and, as such, were functioning, even though away from the natural seat of that chapter. Fortunately there is preserved the answer which Sidney Miller at Michigan, on February 18, 1848, wrote to the letter of Laws of the previous month. On the vital matter it says: “ Verily we are glad that you have shown so much spirit in your institution, although we regret that we have to suffer so much from the misdeeds of others.

But even now we have hopes f or y o u ; one strong arm can do m uch; where one mind is left to work by itself, it has full scope, is not fettered by the opinion of others; and, by strenuous exertion, can effect more than when a dozen intellects form so many and so conflicting plans that they are wearied by their own contests. You are, or will soon be, entirely alone, the only rep­ resentative of ‘old mother Alpha’ ; the field is yours and yours alone; the re­ sponsibility is upon you, the importance of which you may judge better than I myself. Recollect that not only the Alpha’s name but even its existence, as also the reputation and prosperity of all of us, lies with you, in your power to do whatsoever you will with it. I f you think that the Beta Theta Pi is an honor to the institution, an honor and a benefit to its members, let your arm be strong in the good w ork ; relax not a single muscle but ‘bend to your oars and row for dear life. In the selection of co-operators in the good cause, the most wary care should be taken; the future reputation of your chapter depends upon your efforts alone, and when in future years (I trust we may still look forward so far) we see the Alpha flourishing or languishing, the honor or blame will be yours. You are now the embodiment of the ‘visible head of the association,’ captain, mate, sailor, and cook, and the functions of each of these persons will devolve upon y o u ; a severe task, truly, but one which may be ac­ complished. But, to other things than this : I know that it is hard for you to do more than I have already spoken of, but couldn’t you by some crook manage to write to those of your brethren who have gone to other colleges to see what prospect there is for establishing chapters? I would write you more.

I could write for hours, but it will both weary you and get a ‘mark’ for me, if I stay longer. M y regards to your one other member and our members to your­ selves.”

That Laws kept on the job and tried hard to accomplish something, the communications in Beta Letters tell. But, when he left Miami, Alpha Chapter became inactive.

SECRECY A T MICHIGAN “ The name of our society is not known in public here at all yet, but members are willing, aye glad, to join from only knowing who are our mem­ bers. Although our chapter is the youngest of the family, ‘the baby boy, still we would wish you to understand that we have attained a vigorous and rapid age (if I may so speak), and this arises from no precocious qualities, but from the rich vivifying soil of the Wolverine State. I am proud of the associa­ tion of Betas; proud of our noble stream, so gloriously refreshing all the bright gardens of literature, where one of its little fountains so sparkling gushed up.” (John Stoughton Newberry, Michigan, to Hiram Strong, May 26, 1846.)

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feel the importance but are entirely unable to raise a just appreciation of it in others, be our effort to that effect never so faithful. The substance of the affair is about th is: About two weeks since the boys determined on having some fun, and to that end took a very considerable quantity of snow (which was several inches deep on the campus at the time but rapidly melting) and several cords of wood into the entrances of the main college building, and therewith, in a somewhat original manner, very securely barricaded the doors.

I remember when I used to go to school on Old Creek, Virginia, we called this ‘barring the master out.’ The recitation room doors were otherwise fastened and, upon the whole, a stranger would have concluded that the boys intended to bother the professors a little and get a day’s play for a hard night’s work. “ The result, however, proved far otherwise. The faculty took it to heart as a high-handed attempt to resist college authority and thereupon began to issue arraignments. The first called up were of the more civil sort, so the faculty thought would serve as informers. Among the first brought up was one not in the scrape, yet knew some who were, who told all about himself but firmly refused to tell on anybody els-e. For this they dismissed him. This attempt to break down an established college law among students was an un­ lucky step; so, at least, it proved. Then the whole college boiled with rage, and immediately an autograph list of forty-six names was sent in, to save further trouble of inquiring who were in the scrape. And there was hardly a man of that number who would make the least acknowledgement of wrong or any promise whatever. ‘Not sorry,’ ‘no promise’— off went a head. Indeed suspension, or rather dismissal— there was no expulsion— was courted. Each stood by the other, nor was there any alternative for the faculty but to tack ‘right about’ and readmit every man they had dealt with. This was a crisis: but each stood his ground and the result is as stated in brief. This was a real aristocratic spree; numerous church members were in i t ; and it is a notorious fact that hardly a single ‘scrub’ was implicated. These are left, to be served up in another dish. About thirty or more will leave, some honorably dismissed.

They must all go to other colleges. W ill they get in? I ’ll bet a dollar.”

This Snow Rebellion, so vividly described by Laws within a fortnight after its occurrence, had far-reaching effects upon Miami University, upon indi­ viduals, and upon American college fraternity history. Moore, Munger, and Warnock, half of Alpha chapter, were among the students who transferred to Centre College, Danville, Kentucky. They carried with them a burning brand from the altar and at once started the Beta chapter, long called Epsilon. Noble went to Yale. Laws graduated in August, 1848, and Beta Theta Pi at Miami was dead. Little, mentioned by Moore in October, is listed in the Beta cata­ logue as an 1848 graduate, although Laws does not refer to him in his letter of January, 1848, so he may have been temporarily out of college for some reason. W ith both the fraternities, Alpha Delta Phi and Beta. Theta Pi, wiped out for the time, the student need for fraternal association during the next college year was met by the organization of Phi Delta Theta; and it is quite questionable whether this fraternity would have come into existence, had the other two been active at Miami in 1848. A s the Miami chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon developed out of a split in the Phi Delta Theta group, and, later, a split in Delta Kappa Epsilon led to the formation of Sigma Chi— all this fra­ ternity history being made within eight years after the Snow Rebellion— the interesting results of that student scrape are evident.

The three Betas who went to Centre and started a chapter there probably

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By-laws for this chapter. On motion society adjourned to meet again at nine o’clock Monday evening, November 17.

N. W e s t , Recorder.

Friday, Nov. 14th, 1845 In accordance with the power invested in the recorder by the General Constitution a special meeting was convened this evening at which time Mr. P. W . H. Rawls, A.B., being introduced and having assented to the pledge ad­ ministered by the President was declared a member of the Beta Theta Pi. On motion Society adjourned.

N. W e s t , Recorder Monday, Nov. 17th, 1845 Society met pursuant to adjournment. The preceding minutes were then read and approved. The committee appointed to draft By-Laws reported.

On motion the report was accepted and the By-Laws adopted article by article. | , The chapter then proceeded to the regular election of its officers wnicn resulted as follows, viz.: For president, George L. Becker; vice-president, James M. W alker; recorder, Nathaniel W est; Marshal, John S. Newbery.

On motion of Mr. W^alker, Mr. Beckwith being elected a member of this chapter, was then introduced by the Marshal and the necessary questions prescribed in the constitution being propounded by the president to him, we* e answered in the affirmative, whereupon after reading the constitution, Mr. Beckwith was declared a lawfully initiated member of Beta Theta Pi. On motion of Mr. Newbery the by-laws were suspended this evening for the purpose of allowing the members to hand in their particular departments for essay writing at the next special meeting. On motion the chapter adjourned.

N. W e s t , Recorder Saturday, Nov. 22d, 1845 A t the request of the Recorder the Chapter was convened to-day for the purpose of receiving from its members their Departments in essay writing, and transacting such other business as might now be deemed expedient. The Departments in Essay W riting are as follows: James M. Walker, Moral Philosophy; Charles Beckwith, Literature; John S. Newbery, H istory; George L. Becker, History of the Middle A ges, Nathaniel West, Philosophy of Superstition and Idolatry.

Mr. Gray having been elected was then introduced by the Marshal and after having passed through the constitutional process of initiation was de­ clared a regular member of this chapter. On motion the chapter adjourned.

N. W e s t , Recorder Monday, Dec. 8th, 1845 Society met pursuant to adjournment. The exercises of the evening were commenced by reading a chapter in the Bible. The minutes of the last meet­ ing were then read and approved. In accordance with the rule prescribed in the By-Laws Mr. Gray handed in his department for Essay Writing, viz.— Michigan. Mr. F. L. Parker having been elected a member of this chapter was introduced by the marshal, and having answered the necessary questions in 'the affirmative, the Constitution of the Beta Theta Pi being read, was de clared by the President a regularly initiated member of the society. The

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EARLY RECORDS OF TH E MICHIGAN CHAPTER Having taken into consideration the benefits arising from our union with an association of Literati, pledged, upon honor as gentlemen and scholars to promote the best interests and welfare of all so connected, individually and collectively, m all the events of life, with friendship and fidelity, as far as may be consistent with the true principles of morality and duty, we, the mem­ bers of the Lambda chapter, after the necessary correspondence with the Beta Theta Pi Association, through the Gamma chapter established at Hud­ son, Ohio, have succeeded in instituting in the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, this branch of the above mentioned association.

Although a spirit of opposition has displayed itself to some extent in this university o f which we are members, yet we have not quailed before the at­ tempts, on the part of others, to prejudice individuals against us as a fra­ ternity; nor stooped to,the degrading necessity of foiling the endeavours of our antagonist neighbors with their own weapons in order to strengthen our own hands. Ever keeping it in mind that gold tried seven times in the fire is therefore more pure, we have essayed by fair and honorable means to augment the intellectual and moral wealth of our chapter by addition only of those, who, firm and resolute in their own decisions, have had the courage and independence to withstand the darts with which conten­ tion has assailed them and judging for themselves of the principles, character, de­ portment and station of our members, have freely and cordially united with us in the indissoluble bonds of our beloved brotherhood. Hoping that the blessing and beneficence of an overruling Provi­ dence may attend us so long as we act in accordance with the first principles of humanity, love and duty, we thus, with implicit confidence in each other, com­ mence and trust to continue our opera­ ^ v'' tions.

— —Jf wr* ■ •i F

PB

\ aV

Thursday, Nov. 13th, 1845 In accordance with the sentiments ex­ S H E L B Y B. S C H U R T Z pressed in the above statement, Messrs.

Michigan ’08 Walker, Becker, Newberry and West met Author of Beta Theta P i at Michigan to form the Lambda Chapter of the Beta 1845-1928, a copy of which has been Theta Pi Association. Mr. Walker was presented to each chapter through the appointed President pro tem and Mr. courteous generosity of the Lambda Newberry, Recorder pro tem. Mr. B. F. chapter.

Millard, a member of Gamma Chapter at Hudson, Ohio, then read the General Constitution. The pledge was subse­ quently administered to Messrs. Becker, Walker, Newbery, and West. On motion of Mr. Becker a committee chosen by the President consisting of Messrs. Becker and W est was appointed to draft and report a system of

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Adrian on the 6th inst., the society met to make some expression of the sor­ row which was deeply felt by all on the occasion of their bereavement..

Whereupon the following resolutions were offered by Messrs. Newbery and P ark er: W h e r e a s in the all wise, /though to us mysterious dispensation of Providence, D. O. Tiffany, form erly a member of the sophomore class of this Institution; and of this, our Society, a member highly respected and beloved, [omission] we therefore, in attestation of our bereavement and of the heartfelt sympathy which we feel for a be­ reaved father and mother, brothers, sister and friends, have g Resolved, That in the death o f D. O. Tiffany our Society has lost a member who from his superior talents and well directed exertions, we expected would accomplish much fo r the benefit of his race, one in whom as a friend we had the most implicit confidence and towards whom as a brother we cherished the warmest affection, Resolved, That though we shall never meet with our beloved brother again in our college halls or assemble with him at the call of our Alm a Mater, we shall ever cherish ithe remembrance of the hours we have passed with him, as reminiscences o f our college life, which we may never realize again, _ _ _ Resolved, That when we meet in the fraternal circle of our Society o f which he was one o f the brightest ornaments, we shall miss one who became endeared to us by everything which can attach friend to friend, brother to brother, and heart to heart.

Resolved, T hat a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the parents o f our de­ ceased friend and brother.

It was then moved and seconded that the Recorder be requested to in­ form our sister chapters of the death of our brother.

There being no further business before the chapter it on motion ad­ journed. , F. L. P a r k e r , Recorder Monday Evening, April 19, 1847 The Society met at the house of Mr. Becker. The recorder read a chapter in the Bible. The minutes of the last regular, together with those of the subsequent special meeting were read and approved. Mr. Miller read a re­ view of Mr. Blackmar’s essay of the preceding meeting. Messrs. Brown and Newbery each read an essay. Mr. Newbery read in the place of Mr. Cooper.

Mr. Gray presented an excuse to the Society for not reading an essay which was accepted. Mr. Becker was appointed to review Mr. Brown’s essay, Mr. Ransom to review Mr. Newbery’s. The recorder read two letters one from the Zeta Chapter and one from the Alpha Chapter. The Alpha chapter stating that a special convention of the Beta Theta Pi will be held at Cincinnati on the second Thursday of May, and requesting us to send a delegation, Mr. Blackmar moved that Mr. Becker be appointed delegate to the special con­ vention, the discretionary power, in reference to going, to be based on the information which he may obtain between the present and the time it will be necessary for him to start, if he go at all. Mr. Ransom stated the purport of some conference which he had had with several members of the Faculty in reference to our Society. Whereupon Mr. Moore moved that a committee of three be appointed by the Society to confer with the faculty in reference to recognizing us as a Society. Messrs. Newbery, Ransom and Becker were severally nominated and elected said committee.

There being no further business before the society it on motion adjourned.

F. L. P a r k e r , Recorder

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Inaugural Address was then delivered by the President after which Messrs.

Beckwith and Becker read, each, an essay. On motion of J. S. Newbery the society resolved to levy a tax in order to defray debts. Mr. J. Walker then moved that the recorder be authorized to ascertain the amount in which the chapter is indebted and to collect sufficient funds from the members to liquidate the same. On motion society adjourned.

N. W e s t , Recorder Tuesday, Jan. 13th, 1846 Society met pursuant to the adjournment of the last regular meeting and was called to order by the President immediately after which a chapter in the Bible was selected and read by the Recorder. The minutes of the last meeting were then taken up and approved. Review of the essays of the last meeting were then read by Messrs. W alker and Newbery. Messrs. Gray and Newbery then read, each, an original essay. Mr. Beckwith was then ap­ pointed to review at the next meeting the essay of Mr. Gray, and Mr. West the essay of Mr. Newbery. Messrs. Parker and W alker were appointed to deliver each an original essay at the next regular meeting of the association.

Mr. W alker then moved that a copy of each essay and its review be furnished to the society by the writers of said essays and reviews with the name of the writer and the date at which it was read before the association. Motion was carried. On motion society adjourned.

N. W e s t , Recorder February 5, 1846 Society met pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the President, after which a chapter was read by the Recorder from the Bible.

The minutes of the last meeting were then taken up and approved. A review of one of the essays of last meeting was then read by Mr. West also an original Essay by Mr. Walker. The recorder having received a letter from the Gamma chapter at Hudson, Ohio, presented the same to the society in the proper manner. Mr. W alker then moved that the stated time of meeting be at 8 o’clock in the evening. The motion was carried. On motion the chapter adjourned.

N . ' W e s t , Recorder Monday Evening, March 29, 1847 The regular meeting of the society was held at the house of Mr. Becker.

The President being absent the vice-president took the office. The Recorder read a chapter in the Bible. The minutes of the last regular meeting together with those of the two subsequent special meetings were read and approved.

Mr. Gray read a review of Mr. Ransom’s last essay before the society. Mr. Blackmar read a review of an essay of which Mr. Miller was appointed re­ viewer. Mr. Brown was excused from reading his essay until the next regu­ lar meeting. Messrs. Cooper and Gray were announced from the Chair as being the next Essayists. The recorder read a letter from the Mu chapter.

There being no further business before the chapter it, on motion, adjourned.

F. L. P a r k e r , Recorder Monday Evening, April 12, 1847 Having received the melancholy news of the death of Dean O. Tiffany our friend and brother who departed this life at his father’s residence in

E A R L Y RECORDS OF MICHIGAN

205

Letter from E. B . Chandler, ’58, to G. M. Chandler, 98 Chicago, April 15* 1901 E. B. Chandler R 312, 84 LaSalle Street M y D e a r G eorge :

Read the accompanying letter from Col. Elliott before proceeding further with this. It will be necessary to a clear understanding of what follow s.

The book is indeed the long lost record of the early days of Lambda chap­ ter, sadly mutilated to be sure, but with sufficient left to demonstrate the fact that Mr. W est’s recollection of those old days is substantially correct. It is the book that I used to pore over forty and odd years ago and which dis­ appeared so completely when the chapter went out in 1864. The penciled words” (names of initiates) of which Elliott speaks are mine, as he suggests.

There are records of just ten meetings left. The first is the one held November 13th, 1845, at which Becker, Newbery, W alker and W est were initiated by Mr. Millard, as W est has stated. Rawles, who had left college, had evidently strolled back to town, for he was initiated next day. Three days later on the 17th, Beckwith was taken in, and Gray became a member on the 23rd. Parker followed on the 8th. There were no more initiations that year, and after the records of January 14th and February 5th, 1846, the leaves are missing until the meeting of March 29th, 1847.

Only two other meetings, April 12th and 19th, appear and beyond that all the leaves are gone. W hat a p ity !

I incline to think that Elliott, who was, I believe, president at the time, and was one of the last to leave town, found him­ self with the book in his possession after graduation, and there being no one to whom he could entrust it, took it home with him intending of course, to send it back at the opening of the college year.

But, when that time came around, he was at the front with weightier things to think _ r u * NnT FR of, and long before the w ar was over the BRUCE CHANDLER chapter was gone and the fact that he had _ carried the book away had utterly passed from his mmd, a fact which no one regrets more than he. M y first thought on receiving it this morning was to send it to you, but after thinking it over I concluded not to take any risk of the mails. I have given you an outline of its contents, and you can wait till you are at home reading the record itself. It is barely possible that a search among the Elliott archives may discover the missing leaves, although I confess I have little hope of such good fortune. Nevertheless, I will suggest to the Colonel that one be made.

Yours, E. B. C.

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The following letters explain how these early records of the Michigan chapter were recovered: Letter from J. H. Elliott, ’ 61, to E. B. Chandler, ’58 ■ nr ~ D u Mr. E. B. Chandler Chicago, Illinois

Roswell, N.M., April 12, 1901

D ear B r u c e :

Not long since I was asked to write a sketch of the services of my regi­ ment (33rd Illinois Infantry) in the Civil War, and remembering that my mother kept a “ Scrap Book” containing newspaper clippings which gave accounts of many of the battles in which the regiment was engaged, I sent for it to my old home in Illinois, and it has just reached my hands. I have never examined the old book before and on turning over the leaves I noticed in the spaces between the slips some writing that had reference to Beta Theta Pi. M y curiosity led me to detach the clippings, which I did with great diffi­ culty, and to my amazement uncovered the original record of the organization of Lambda chapter. I have not the faintest recollection of how this book came into my hands nor why it should have been at Princeton, Illinois. I surmise, however, that I had it in charge when I was in the University, and not deeming it safe to leave it, took it home with me on some vacation and forgot all about it, and my mother thinking it of no value, used it for a scrap book.

I think you must also have had it in your keeping in your college days, as the pencilled words over some of the “ minutes” very much resemble your handwriting. I know this old record will interest you for many reasons not the least of which will be that it shows the earnest beginning of the chapter to which you have always shown such unflagging devotion. Another thing connects you, in my mind at least, with the discovery— You will recall that the teachers of the Public Schools of Chicago kept my regiment supplied with battle flags during the war, and in December, ’'65, I returned the battleworn colors to them when they were assembled in the rooms of the Board of Education. You were with me on that occurrence which received some notice in the papers and it was the hope of finding a report of the “ Return of the Battle Flags” that I sent to Illinois for the scrap book. I found it and it was the only one in existence as the files of the Chicago papers had been lost in 'the great fire of ’71 and had it not been for that little affair the book would have remained undiscovered and utterly forgotten.

The pictures of the burning bridge (removed later to uncover printing on title page) which I did not think worth while to remove as it did not cover anything, is the scene of my first battle, October 15, 1861, where I was wounded and taken prisoner. It is from Harper’s Weekly and I suppose of the date of that month.

This relic might seem unimportant to a “ d----- barbarian,” but it will bring back to you, as it has to me, college days, and the faces of near and valuable friends who have crossed the dark river long ago. O f course I know you will return the book to the chapter at Ann Arbor, and I think it might be interesting if you would accompany it with a statement of how, after all these years it came to turn up on the plains of New Mexico.

Yours in— kai— I. H . E l l i o t t , Lambda 1861

BETA LIFE A T M INNESOTA

207

THE MICHIGAN CHAPTER LOT The history of Beta Theta Pi, when it is finally written, will have many an interesting footnote, telling of associations and relationships and develop­ ments, more or less incidental to chapter life but all combining to enrich the narrative and to strengthen the sentimental ties which are behind the fra­ ternity’s attractiveness to its members.

Take the Ann Arbor lot, recently acquired by the Michigan chapter, as an illustration. Junius E. Beal, Michigan, ’82, has looked up its history.

Beta Theta Pi with 165 feet and Chi Psi with 90 feet now own the entire street frontage of a block, the Beta holdings having been increased by the purchase of a lot which has had some notable owners in days gone by. The lot wa-s sold by the Ann Arbor Land Company in the first place although the company had no real title to it. It was never given a number and its descrip­ tion shows that Madison Street upon which it faces has moved toward it since it was first laid out. The two earliest owners were, in succession, Elisha W . Rumsey and John Allen. One had a wife named Ann and the other, M ary Ann, and these two Anns account for the name Ann Arbor.

Allen sold the land to Jonathan Edwards Field, he to David Dudley Field, and he to Stephen J. Field. These three were brothers of Cyrus W . Field and Henry Martyn Field. Jonathan was a secretary of the first Constitu­ tional Convention of Michigan and later president of the Massachusetts State Senate for three term s; David Dudley has been called the “ most commanding figure at the American bar” ; Stephen J. was a Justice of the United States Supreme Court for thirty-four years; Cyrus W . laid the Atlantic cable; Henry M. was a noted editor and author. In 1852 Edwin A. Lawrence bought the lot. He was circuit judge of Washtenaw county from 1857 to 1869. He sold to Alpheus Felch, who was judge, governor of Michigan and United States Senator. From him the title passed to Thomas M. Cooley, long on the State Supreme bench, head of the University Law School, and widely known as a great jurist. Six other men prominent in Ann Arbor history have held title to the property. (Note from Beta Theta Pi.)

BETA LIFE A T MINNESOTA BEGINS Previous to the Senior class elections at the University of Minnesota in the fall of 1889 an informal political organization, called the Haute Beaux Club, had been formed among the “barbs” for the purpose of opposing a suspected fraternity combine for the election of class officers and in the in­ terest of a “ barb” ticket. This society had no permanent officers or rules, was confined to the class of 1890, included all barbs in the class, had a grip, held but one regular meeting, at which Siver Serumgard presided, and was dissolved as soon as the occasion for its existence, the class election, was The contest in the class and the new organization attracted considerable interest in university circles, was the subject of newspaper comment, and served to draw the attention of local alumni of other colleges to the favorable opportunity offered for establishing chapters of their own fraternities at the university, with the result that nearly all of the members of this society be-

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BETA LIFE

i ^K eep E lliotts letter carefully. It must accompany the book when the latter takes its place in the chapter archives.

Letter from Bruce Chandler, ’98, to George Chandler, ’08 b. B. Chandler R 3I2> 84 LaSalle Street M y D ear G eorge:

Chicago, A p ril 26 ,

i

9oi

Yours 21st. I enclose another letter from Col. Elliott in which he cor­ rects the misapprehension that I was under regarding supposed missing pages 0 record book. Evidently it was temporarily lost in the spring of 1846 and when found Parker, then recorder, left sufficient blank pages to take the intervening records, then entered two meetings and then for some reason abandoned his intention to make use of the old book.

Hastily, E. B. C. Letter from I. H. Elliott, 61, to E. B. Chandler, fjl* Roswell, April 21, 1001 D

ear

B

ruce

:

I presume your theory is the correct one. I certainly would not have for­ gotten the old record except under some such circumstances which you sur­ mise. W as it your handwriting in pencil over the minutes ? Perhaps I did not state in my letter that the writing now in the book was all that ever was in. lb The pages which are cut out I cut out because they were covered with clippings, and there is not a written word on them. The reasons for my detaching them was that it was infinite trouble to take off the slips and I thought it would not greatly matter as there was nothing on the pages. As it was I spent the greater part of two days in removing those which I did, and 1 was in such a hurry to send the book to you that I could not wait longer.

O f course I have the missing pages and they can be replaced if desirable.

This is why I stated on the blank page that “ there was no other writing in the book.”

It comes back to me now that I used to wonder why the record stopped so abruptly, and my theory was then, and is now that this journal was laid aside for some reason and that a new one was begun where this left off.

This “ new one” if there was any such, I don’t remember to have ever seen or heard of, I am certain there is nothing more in the “ Elliott Archives” but I will take a hunt just the same the first opportunity. I knew George (Lambda, ’98) would be delighted, but I did not know he had been on the hunt for the book and the information it contained. I will be greatly pleased to talk the matter over with the boy. By the way, why can’t George come this way on his return East and make us a short visit? W e will be more than glad to see him and I think it will not be greatly out of his road. Until I see you I will not undertake to say how much I am interested in George’s proposed “ venture” and how much I have at heart his welfare and happiness.

The superintendent of this road which has been lately sold to the Santa Fe, has promised to do his level best to secure me transportation to Chicago and return and I hope and expect to be at A .A . Should I not you may pre­ pare an obituary notice for Yours always, I. H. E.

LIFE IN ZETA PHI

209

Southeast. During our winter sessions we pledged Henry Avery and Charles Ferree and received visits from several alumni. In January, 1890, our sec­ ond initiation and banquet were held at the Langham, Minneapolis, and Avery, Ferree, and Higgins— the latter having been prevented by sickness from attending the first initiation— became active members. During March the chapter, assisted by the alumni, purchased furniture and rented a chapter house at 625 Tw elfth Avenue, Southeast, from which time to the present it has enjoyed a happy and prosperous existence under its own “ vine and fig tree.” (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta Pi, author not indicated.)

THE ENLARGED MISSOURI HOUSE

LIFE IN ZETA PHI COMMENCES The Zeta Phi Society, as it was first called, was founded^ November 7, 1870. To Mr. Oren Root, Jr., more than to any other one man is due the title of “ father of Zeta Phi.” The first meeting was held in the Union Literary Hall of the University of Missouri by the following students: Frank M. Houts Jacob L. Ladd, Nelson W . Allen, Evans P. McDonald, G. Bingham Rollins, Robert F. Walker, Lycurgus A. Marion, Scott Hayes, and Oren Root Jr The first officers were: J. L. Ladd, Magister Maximus; Scott Hayes Scriba • E. P. McDonald, Thisorensio; F. M. Houts, Rhetoricus. De­ cember 15th of the same year, the name, colors, and badge were adopted: Zeta Phi, color, white, and for badge the Greek Zeta over the Greek letter It was at first intended principally as a literary society and not as a Greekletter fraternity in the sense of today; but it gradually drifted into a fra­ ternity. W e learn from the old constitution that “ the object of the society is literary and social culture and the perpetuation of brotherly love.

Decem-

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BETA LIFE

came charter members of the Minnesota chapters of Beta Theta Pi, Phi Gamma Delta, and Delta Upsilon. _Beta Theta Pi had received petitions from students of the University of Minnesota before the year mentioned, including one from the Theta Phi local fraternity which, later, became a chapter of Psi Upsilon; but these petitions had been rejected, the latter especially through the influence of Brother Robert G. Morrison of the Iowa chapter. The growth of the uni­ versity under President Northrup’s administration had attracted the atten­ tion of the general fraternity, however, and at the Fiftieth Convention a dis­ pensation had been granted to Alpha Pi chapter to initiate suitable members of the Minnesota student body, should a favorable occasion offer.

During the summer of 1889 the Minneapolis alumni made an attempt to start a chapter at the university by pledging high school graduates; but the effort failed, the men selected as charter members entering other fraternities.

The proposal which finally resulted in the actual establishment of the chap­ ter came indirectly from the St. Paul alumni through Lieutenant Edward F. Glenn, at that time military instructor at the university, and though not himself a Beta, an intimate friend of Brothers Leedom Sharp of Pennsyl­ vania and Edwin A. Jaggard of Dickinson. A committee of five, composed of Higgins, Smith, Serumgard, and Trask of 1890 and Huhn of 1891, was appointed to select men, and these associated with themselves Rex Sommers and Clark of 1890 and Robinson and Stout of 1891, who, together with the members of the committee, were the original petitioners for the charter.

On Friday, November 8, 1889, the future charter members first met in Lieutenant Glenn’s office in the law building, to consider the advisability of petitioning for a charter, and on November 14, at a meeting in the law offices of Brothers Jaggard and Sharp in the Globe Building in St. Paul, at which Brother W alter Teis Smith, then District Chief, and other alumni were pres­ ent, a petition was drawn up and signed by all but Huhn, Robinson, and Stout who signed later. On November 20, in order to forestall the Delta Kappa Epsilon in date of establishment, Brothers W . Teis Smith, Sharp, Jaggard, and Albin administered the pledge obligation to the members in Lieutenant Glenn’s office, and we date the public establishment of the chapter from that day. The following Friday pins were worn at chapel; the chapter swung; and the members received the usual bouncing, except Trask who was out of condition as the result of the Varsity-Shattuck football game.

The initiation and banquet were held at the Aberdeen, St. Paul, the evening of November 29, 1889. The Minneapolis boys went down in a bus, and sang college songs going and Beta songs as they returned. The initiation was conducted by Brothers Dixon, Stearns, and Dennis of Alpha Pi, and the Minnesota chapter originated as an Alpha Pi dispensation. The banquet which followed, under the auspices of the Northwestern Dorg Club, and at which Brother George L. Becker of Lambda presided and Brother Leedom Sharp of Phi acted as toastmaster, was attended by about fifty alumni and was the realization of an ideal Dorg. _ A fter several rather impromptu and informal meetings at several different secluded places about the old Main Building (one was held in the fireman s bed chamber with our brother president sitting on a pillow and calling us to order by rapping on the headboard of the bed), the chapter settled down to routine existence in quarters rented for Saturday evenings m the white frame house on the southwest corner of Thirteenth Avenue and Fourth Street,

A LPH A AND OMEGA AT MONMOUTH

211

Thus the first initiates into Zeta Phi of Beta Theta Pi who do not claim the honor of charter members were in the college year of 1890-1891, ot Whom Mr. Kimbrough Stone, son of our present governor, and who is still with us, heads the list. Two who were Zeta Phis are still with us, Messrs. McAlister and Fyfer. The Zeta Phi is yet young in the ranks of Betas; but it. i s fast becoming imbued with the true Beta spirit. W hile it has always had a warm and brotherly feeling for its national fraternity, Zeta Phi is a chapter of which Beta Theta Pi has every reason to be proud. (Manuscript archive of Beta Theta Pi, author’s name not indicated.)

ALPH A AND OMEGA AT MONMOUTH On September 23, 1865, William W . Eastman of the Presiding Chapter at Hanover, Indiana, wrcSe William F. Boyd of the Ohio chapter: W e would ask you to vote on establishing a chapter ^ D D is college there numbers 226 students; the president D. A. W a lace D.D., an old Beta; and one of the professors is a Phi is danger that that society will get ahead of us there, if we do n o tta k ea c measures for the organization.” (Beta Letters, page Thls letter not befng answered promptly, a second one was sent by October 18 18 6 s: “ 1 have not yet received an answer to my last letter to y o u ; but there are some things which require First, it is proposed to establish a chapter of Beta Theta g W ^ ^ m o u th , Illinois. A s to the standing of the college, same as that of Hanover; it has nearly three hundred students, about two thirds of whom are gentlemen, the rest ladies. There can be no doubt o its respectability, as it is under the control of the United nnd the greater part of its students are of that persuasion lh e president and two of the professors>re Betas, so also a student of the Senior class.

The president is very anxious to have the chapter establish wish to take an active part in the matter. He is willing to advise as to what students should be chosen to start on, etc. The senior student mentioned Toseph E Moffat formerly of P i; he says that there are five students of the Senior and Junior classes alone that would form a chapter that would do honor t o A e fraternity. Please let us have your vote on the matter as soon as possible.” (Beta Letters, page r a S A letter dated at Monmouth Illi nois December 20, 186s, from J. E. Moffat to William F. Boy Ohio chapter, stated: “ W e received our authority an^ d° cu®en^ f:Thom as snH have organized the chapter. It consists of Joseph C. Gordon, Ihom Shaver Albert McCalla, H. R. McClelland, and myself. W e expect to m iiate Iwo more the first week of next term. The boys are quite enthusiastic and I think the prospects very good. A s the term closes thls ^ eh ^ | h expect to do much business, but want to begin next term. Brother_^ave and myself have been appointed to draw up by-laws, and we w sh to d. well as possible. W e would be much obliged for a copy ofi y o u hto get hold of some songs, as we have some singers, and if you of a songbook or anything of the kind, please let us kn w. ( > page 476 ) The formal minutes of the Alpha Alpha chapter, preser the archives of the fraternity, indicate that the chapter was formally or ganized on Saturday evening, Deeember 16, 1865, in the room of James

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BETA LIFE

ber 9, 1871, the faculty granted to the Zeta Phi Society the use of a room m the old Academic Hall, to be used for literary purposes. They were after­ ward turned out of this hall by order of the curators because they were no longer a literary society.

In its becoming a Greek-letter fraternity, its members intended it to be strictly a western fraternity.

Its being the first in the university enabled it to draw strength from the best families in the state almost without op­ position and without competition, in this way getting better control over its college town than those fraternities which came in later. It soon began to reach out over the state, and chartered the Sigma of Zeta Phi in WilliamJewell College of Liberty, Missouri, November 18, 1891, with the charter members: James C. Armstrong, Smith Eby, Lewis E. Martin, John A. Dun­ can, George Baker, and Calvin Burns. This charter was revoked March 27, 1886, members being allowed the privilege to resign, provided they returned all papers, charter, et cetera; the chapter wishing to unite with the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

The Omicron of Zeta Phi was chartered, December 9, 1872, at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, with the charter members : Richard F. Gentry, W . L. Church, R. J. Delano, C. E. Ingenfritz, A. C. Robinson, Andrew Jack­ son, and James T. Cunningham. This chapter existed but two years, be­ coming extinct partly from the opposition to it of the faculty.

The original chapter, the Alpha of Zeta Phi at the University of Missouri, was the head and held the balance of power. When a man was initiated into any chapter, his name, age, home, et cetera, were sent to the Alpha chapter from which it was sent to all the other chapters. A monthly correspondence was also kept up among the several chapters, giving to each other chapter its advancement or reverses. The students and members of the faculty were eligible to membership in Zeta Phi, and each chapter could elect one honorary member each year from the residents of its college town.

The Alpha of Zeta Phi received several invitations to unite with national fraternities before casting its lot and becoming Zeta Phi of Beta Theta Pi; from the Alpha Tau Omega on January 22, 1880; from the Sigma Nu, April 24, 1884, the answer to which we find recorded in the minutes dated June 8, 1884, “ The Alpha of Zeta Phi positively refuse to unite with Sigma N u” ; from Kappa Alpha, Southern, January 6, 1886; from Phi Kappa Psi, a proposition to unite, May 17, 1886.

On June 4, 1885, a petition, signed by eighteen active members of Alpha of Zeta Phi, was sent to the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, petitioning to unite with them. This petition, for some reason, was dropped. W e find in the Zeta Phi minutes of January 6, 1886, in answer to a proposition from Betas of Alpha Delta chapter at Westminster College relative to admission to Beta Theta P i : “ W e inform our committee man to report that we are not anxious to enter.” March 8, 1890, a motion carried in Alpha of Zeta Phi to unite with Beta Theta Pi by special dispensation, and in February, 1890, they pe­ titioned for a charter which was granted in the summer of 1890. The special conditions were as follows : 1. That we be known as the Zeta Phi of Beta 2. That all active members of this chapter be chapter be admitted into full membership o f the knowledging allegiance to its constitution.

3. That the active members of this chapter be shall be initiated into the chapter.

Theta Pi. initiated, and that all alumni of this Beta Theta Pi fraternity upon ac­ the sole judges of the new -men who

213

NORTH CAROLINA’S BETA PIONEERS

O f course, all the members who participated in the organization of Eta chapter had graduated before I entered college, as that was in January, 1856 (Freshman half-advanced)— I knew William R. Wetmore of the Class of 1854, but because he was one of the tutors of mathematics and I recite to him during the second session of my freshman year. I remember Coleman Sessions and Neill S. Yarborough of the Class of 1856, who graduated at the close of my freshman year. Sessions was a first-honor man. U t the Class of 1857 I was especially intimate with Alphonso C. Avery and E. Lindsey, both first-honor men (though Lindsey’s eyes gave down and he left college for two years and came back „ , ^ 3ng |j|| • | and graduated as an irregular with my /' . j j ”, 7 ' V . class). Then comes the Class of 1858, * ■• • of whom I was especially intimate with William C. Lord, Henry H. Tate, John W . Tate, James Turner Morehead (son of James T. Morehead, a member of m Congress), who was Colonel of the 53r(l Regiment, North Carolina Infantry, dur­ ing the war between the states, and mk ^ Joseph Williams. Lord and Morehead were first-honor men. I visited More, head in Greensboro once since the war. it B H He never married. Then comes the g a r a Bf c f t a J p p ji Class of 1859, and of course I remember them, William W . Sillers,_Joseph A. | | V H Williams (he was the violinist of our 11 class, we called it fiddler), Cicero Stephens Croom, Sol. W . Allston, W. .-.vl C. Y . Parker, James Edward Beasley (who died in Memphis, Tennessee, May 2, last), Wilkins Bruce and yours truly.” Sillers and Croom were both second-honor men. I was a third-honor JAMES P. COFFIN man. The war between the states made considerable inroads into the Class of i8^Q— of the ninety-two members who agraduated, ----- §■ , seventeen died orw were w killedTn the army, and of that number four were Betas, the killed being W W. Sillers, Joseph A . Williams, and Walter 1 Y Parker, while Dr Solomon W .

Allston, a surgeon, died in the service. Stephens Croom was of all the Class of i8sq my closest and most intimate friend, but I never saw him after gradu­ ation, except as he passed through Knoxville, Tennessee where I lived, with his regiment (Fourth Alabama Infantry), enroute to the front m Virginia.

Soon after reaching the front, Colonel Forney, his colonel, met him when serving in the office of his adjutant under detail, and was so attracted by his office efficiency, that he kept him at regimental headquarters, and when he was promoted to Brigadier General, and later to Major General, he appointed Croom as his Adjutant General, and he was promoted first to Captain, and then to Major, and came with him (General Forney) to the Trans Mississippi Department, and served on this side of the Mississippi until the surrender.

Since our graduation I have seen more of James Edward Beasley than any other member of our class, or of any other Beta. During the year 1858 O

J

______

.

-

-r -r r

T T T

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Erskine Moffat, Indiana ’66, when he initiated Thomas Shaver, ’66 Albert McCalla, 67 and Joseph Claybaugh Gordon, ’66. By election Moffat was chosen president and Gordon, recorder. A t this meeting Hugh R. McClelan « e ^C^ei membership, and he was initiated December 18, 186^.

Alpha Alpha has yielded to the inevitable. In 1874 the Senate of Mon­ mouth College passed a law prohibiting fraternities; but the chapter has flourished since, nevertheless. Being compelled to enforce the law the faculty recently sat upon several young ladies who had unwisely displayed their badges as members of a secret society, and the Betas gallantly showed their badges and a willingness to be crucified with the fair ones. As a re­ sult, all the secret society members in college, about fifty, were summoned to appear before the powers that be, and were given the alternative of leaving their societies or the institution. Some withdrew from college and others from their chapters. Alpha Alpha decided to disband for the present till the Senate meeting m June when a strong effort will be made to rescind the anti-society law. Her present members are William Wallace, son of the ex-president; Edgar McDill, son of Professor McDill, D .D .; Frank Ouinby son of one of the founders of the college; J. W. M cCoy; M. L. Evans,W . E. Nichols; and J. Reynolds, all fine Greeks. A majority of the faculty are Betas but have no choice except to enforce the Senate’s laws.” (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. V., No. 3, March, 1878, published at Monmouth, Illinois, by George C. Rankin.)

NORTH CAROLINA’S BETA PIONEERS James P. Coffin, North Carolina ’59, still living in May, 1929, at the ad­ vanced age of ninety-one years, is chairman of the board of the First Na­ tional Bank of Batesville, Arkansas. He was born September 22, 1838. He entered college in January, 1856, with advanced freshman standing. He became chapter recorder and was an active recorder. Some of his corre­ spondence is preserved in Beta Letters. On November 20, 1925, he wrote the following letter to W illis Benton Pipkin, North Carolina ’26, referring in the opening paragraph to James Edward Beasley, North Carolina ’59, his classmate and co-survivor of the ante-bellum chapter until his death in Mem­ phis on May 2, 1925 : “ Dear Brother Pipkin: When your letter of July 24 reached me, we were in the midst of the hottest spell of weather I have ever passed through. I wrote out the enclosed obituary of Ned Beasley and laid it in a drawer of my desk, fully intending to write you at once, but never did it. I am an old time business man, not a modern, up-to-date one, who uses an amanuensis to in turn use her typewriter, and only leaves the responsible party to sign his name. I use my typewriter, as I have done since 1883, when I bought my first one.

I have several Beta catalogues, the latest being that of 1911, and I notice two names of members of the Class of 1859 (my class), listed as members of Eta chapter, who never belonged to the fraternity, to wit: Thomas C. Singletary and Jesse T. Boyce; both these men were fine fellows but did not run with the class of men who composed Eta chapter— both were dissipated, and no Beta was. Boyce belonged to the Chi Psi fraternity, and was popular enough to be elected “ marshal” from our class, in a popular election.

— P ic tw e through courtesy of Robert H . Frasier.

A C O R N E R O F G U IL F O R D C O U R T H O U S E (G R E E N S B O R O , N O R T H C A R O L IN A ) Col. James Turner Morehead, North Carolina 18 58 — left.

Maj. Junius Irving Scales, North Carolina 1853 (Founder of Eta Chapter)— right.

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all the other fraternities went wild about soliciting and pledging new stu­ dents, whtle the Beta Theta Pi refused to take such chances, ^ X n our class graduated we left three members of the chapter, Robert P. Howell (he was called called “ Phil Phil” ), was V of the Class of i860, J. Turner Morehead (son of ExGovernor John M. Morehead), of the Class of 1861 and Eli S. Shorter, Jr., who came to us as a Beta from Han­ over College, Hanover, Indiana, who en­ tered the Class of 1861, but did not gradu­ ate. Our urgent, parting advice to these three members whom we left as Eta chap­ ter, was to let the chapter die, and they did. Howell lived some few years in Fayette County, Tennessee, near Mem­ phis, and I saw him quite frequently.

Turner Morehead I met in New York some sixteen years ago, but he was there only temporarily and, not long after re­ A N O R T H C A R O L IN A S H R IN E turned to North Carolina, and later died.

The Betas often met in this doctor’s I received during the last days of Oc­ office tober, a letter from Robert H. Frazier, of the firm of Frazier and Frazier, Lawyers, of Greensboro, to which I replied on November 16, giving him much the same information now given you, and I have received today his reply, in which he astounds me by the statement that “ The fourth generation back, my ancestor was named Matthew Coffin, descendant of Tristram Coffin, of Nantucket.” I am a descendant of Tristram Coffin, of Nantucket, but through his son, Tristram, Jr., who settled in Newburyport, Massachusetts, when his father be­ came one of the proprietors of Nantucket Island, and four of that line, begin­ ning with Tristram, Jr., and ending with Charles (M .D .), are buried in the Congregational burying ground in Newburyport. M y grandfather, Charles (D .D .), emigrated to Greenville, Tennessee, and became identified with Greenville College and became a member of Holston Presbytery, died in that ecclesiastical connection and is buried in the Cemetery in Greenville, Tennes­ see. So you see that the Frazier brothers and I are kinsmen, distant it is true, but nevertheless kinsmen.

I have given you no sketch of myself, but if you want one right bad look on page 120 of the Alumni History of the University of North Carolina, I 79 S~I 924 - Yours very truly in— kai— . ( J a m e s P. C o f f i n .)

A n examination of the page cited shows the following condensed state­ m ent: James P. Coffin, Batesville, Ark., A.B. 1859; born Rogersville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1838; parents Charles Hector and Eliza (P a rk ); married Lucy Lyons Nov. 3, 1862; Di Society; Beta Theta P i; bookkeeper for retail dry goods store 1859; receiver for defunct business under appointment Chancery Court i860; clerk, circuit court of Lawrence County, Ark., 1873-86; cashier Lawrence County Bank 1890-91; cashier Peoples Savings Bank of Batesville, 1891-1905; cashier First National Bank of Batesville, 1905-12; act-vice-pres. until 1916; chairman of the board of same bank 1916-present; C. S. A. Aug. 1861-May, 1862; second lieutenant Co. “ I ” 2nd regiment Tenn. Cavalry, May, 1862-Nov., 1863; 1st lieutenant Nov., 1863-April 26, 1865; Battle of Shiloh, Chickamauga, Johnston’s retreat, Dalton to Atlanta; surrendered with army of Tennessee near Greensboro, April 26, 1865.

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when the vista of the Grecian shore was first beheld, but the tears were not from sadness. They were tears of feeling, feeling back, back over the years; feeling the glow that the pledge button brought, the sting of the paddle, the exquisite dorg, the wondrous joy of the badge; thinking of John, Dick, Charlie, Bill, of that darn little runt Billie, and old tub Bob, of the sings, the chapter meetings, the wonderful heart-touch of chapter fellowship, and the throats that filled when the shades of evening fell on that last chapter day.

For years Rho Betas looked forward to their semi-centennial. Fresh­ men heard about it, and of course planned to attend in all the glory of their fame and wealth. Consequently when John Burg, chairman of the committee, sounded his first “ call” early last spring members of Rho considered his message merely a reminder of an old, old story about to be realized.

But men long away from the chapter altar need that attention which will get under the unsentimental coatings of years of hard business life down to the Beta memories of yesterday. The com­ mittee planned accordingly. Chairman Burg’s first letter not only was exposi­ tory of purpose, dates, and plans, but it also requested each recipient to con­ sider himself an especially delegated committee of one to urge attendance by personal letter to each one of his classmates and any other Rho man upon whom he had a halter of affection. It proved an effective method. When “ Dag” wrote “ Doug,” “ I can still sing ‘Little Brown Jug’ better than you,” DoUg came right back, “ If you think your gander notes compare with my singing, meet me there and I ’ll show you differently.” There were of course folldw-up letters from the committee ever giving a new urge and detailing bits of the programme and heart touching sidelights.

The programme called for the following sched­ ule: Friday, 7:30 p . m ., Tree Planting; Friday night, Last Chapter Meeting and Initiation ; Saturday night, Semi-Centennial Banquet and Speeches; Sunday afternoon, Open House and Reception.

This was the official programme. It was limited purposely, for Betas know that the great joy in reunion comes from those hundred little things that brothers find to visit, to talk, and to fraternize about. Let us begin with the tree planting. It is good to begin with a planting; for that is a begin­ ning.

W . A. H A M IL T O N Rho chapter was founded in 1873 by Henry Sherman Boutell, Darwin H. Cheney, and Irving Queal. The chapter they planted has ever grown sturdily. In commemoration of the founders’ work and symbolic of its results, an oak tree for each of the founders was set out in the yard of the chapter house. W . A. Hamilton, formerly 1president of the fraternity, and whose chapter affiliation followed closely that of the founders, planned and officiated at the ceremony. Ransom

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Brother Coffin wrote as follows about James Edward Beasley: “ He was born in Plymouth, August 31, 1839, and died in Memphis, Ten­ nessee, May 2, 1925, aged eighty-five years, eight months and two days. He entered the University of North Carolina in July, 1855, and graduated there­ from June 2, 1859, with the degree of A.B. During his entire college course he was a member of the Philanthropic Literary Society and near the close of his sophomore year became a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Immediately after his graduation he located in Memphis, Tennessee, where the “ W ar Between the States” found him, and in February, 1861, he enlisted in the Shelby Greys, which later became one of the companies of the Fourth Regiment Tennessee Infantry, of which Captain C. F. Strahl was elected Colonel, who later found Beasley so valuable a man that he kept him about his headquarters, depending upon him for much of the clerical work and to whom he rendered invaluable services, discharging duties of Adjutant General of the Brigade, alike, while Colonel Strahl was Senior Colonel and after he was appointed Brigadier General, though Beasley was never commissioned. He was always with the General when the command was engaged in battle, and on the bloody field of Franklin, Tennessee, Gen­ eral Strahl fell mortally wounded and died in Beasley’s arms. He sur­ rendered with the Arm y of Tennessee, under General Joseph E. Johnston, near Greensboro, North Carolina, April 26, 1865, and returned to Memphis, securing a clerkship in a clothing store. During the yellow fever scourge in Memphis, in 1878, he bravely remained when nearly every one who could left the city, devoting himself unsparingly to the help of others, having charge of the public supplies and of the contents of several business houses, including stocks of goods, whose owners had left the city, leaving Beasley in charge with letters of attorney. Later he organized the Planters’ Insur­ ance Company, of which he was secretary and general manager for twenty years or more. He was married, February 2, 1881, to Miss Rebecca Minna Treadwell of Memphis who survives him, with Shubael T., John B. and Treadwell Beasley, their sons, and Mrs. Minna Beasley Potts, their daughter.

One son, James E. Beasley, Jr., died several years ago, just after reaching his majority.”

H ALF A CENTURY AT NORTHWESTERN W illlia m J. H arris, ’ 19 On Friday afternoon, June 15, 1923, the clan gathered at the chapter house of Rho in Evanston, Illinois, all set to carry out the programme for properly commemorating fifty years of Beta Theta Pi at Northwestern Uni­ versity. The old Beta song says: W e are coming from the East, boys, W e ’re coming from the West, Shouting old Wooglin, forever.

And the boys o f sunny Southland A re coming with the rest, Shouting old W ooglin, forever!

And they cam e! They saw ! They fe lt! Living again in memories of youth of college days, of Beta days in the chapter hall of Rho could they help feeling? Perhaps all eyes blinked a tear or two for the days of yore

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a bit prone, it may be, to play the part of Horace’s well known senex: Difficilis, querulus, laudator temporis acti. “ But this is the fault of Age. Time will not only never go backward, but it “ makes ancient good uncouth; they must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.” It is to you we must pass the torch, it is you who must carry it on, and it is to you younger men that we dedicate these trees, the symbol of a future that is yet to be. W e trust that we have helped you to discover actual and potential treasures— for the sake of improving and adding to them— and that you, and all of us, are grateful to the planters and sowers. A t this very point, I should like to pause long enough to lay down a large, figurative wreath of featherly elm-plumes, in honor of Philo Judson— whose name you never heard, except in connection with Judson Avenue in this city. The Reverend Philo Judson was a godly man in holy orders, but he was likewise a very stirring man-of-affairs, who came to Evanston in 1854, at the time of its founding. He conceived the happy idea of lining its new streets with rows of elm-trees, although the village was much richer in native forests than now. Not only the most of our delight­ ful shade, but the cathedral-like arched avenue beside the campus, the pride of the whole North Shore, is his work, enjoyed by thousands who never knew of his existence.

These trees are not only a memorial to our three Founders, Boutell, Cheney, and Queal, but they may well represent the three chief principles which guide our fraternity: co-operative help, by which alone the human race secures the benefits of social welfare; larger power through wider knowl­ edge ; largest loyalty to what is beyond ourselves and our selfish interests homage to the great, impersonal laws of goodness, truth, and beauty.

And so we plant them with hopes and high resolves. May our three stars continue to glow, may our three trees live, flourish, and increase!

M ay they shelter and inspire coming generations of ingenuous youths who shall gather here to make a Greater Northwestern and a Better World.

And may we all go from here resolved to aid in that making, encouraged by this representative gathering and this symbolic ceremony.”

The shades of evening had now fallen and everyone climbed to the chapter hall where Guy Davis, president of the chapter, sounded the gavel for the last meeting of the year. Only a few matters were before the chap­ ter. The meeting was primarily a memory touch of Auld Lang Syne, and as such it more than justified the thoughts of the committee in the interest and pleasure exhibited. W . A. Hamilton drew a word picture of early chapter life when “ Bibs” were sometimes in conflict with “ Collegiates” ( “ Them were the days” eh old timers?) “ Ham” also told some early fra­ ternity history that happened just prior to the founding of Rho. The initiation of Cameron Willis Garbutt, Frank Harold Taylor, and Leonard James Lange provided the climax of the evening. The chapter had the programme well planned, and the ceremony was beautifully carried out. The ritual, the darkened scenes, and the songs caused quickened hearts in old and young, and the glory of Betaism to be a fresh, compelling story.

Because the celebration was held during the university commencement, the Betas found much to interest and repay them between the appointments on the Rho programme. It should be noted here that Brother Boutell gave the university commencement address and that William Hard, ’00, was the orator on alumni day. Naturally they were well in tune for their

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Kennicott, Chief of the Cook County Forest Reserve, furnished three young oaks which, in order to insure their living, he dug up in April and kept in cold storage. W hatever “ Ham” plans must be dignified and ceremonial to the highest degree. It must fit the occasion. Consequently, shortly before 7 ‘.30 p . m . we find the men of Rho assembled ’on the steps of the chapter house.

Promptly as the hour struck, the brothers fell into the column of march, each man or group taking position according to the planned category of rank.

Specifically, the active chapter, which is Rho, carrying the stars and stripes and the Beta flag, led the procession, followed by the three founders who made Rho. Next came the three candidates, symbolic of the chapter’s perpetuation, followed in turn by Dr. James T a ft Hatfield, tree memorial speaker, Edward W . Rawlins, president of Rho Association, and the members of the Rho Association. Marching around the quadrangle enclosed by dormitories and fraternity houses, the procession filed west under the arch of the chapter house, around the west lawn and assembled in square formation.

In the absence of Founders Cheney and Queal, Richard G. Hobbs, ’ 74> and Francis M. Warrington, ’75, officiated for them. The three neophytes assisted the founders in setting the trees. W hile Betas stood bare-headed in respect to the significance of the occasion, Professor Hatfield, ’83, head of German department of Northwestern, began his address.

Nature speaks a various language. Dr. Hatfield competes with nature, ’ but also goes farther, he speaks various languages. Hamilton and several more of the old boys of “ way back when” nodded intelligently in response to Latin and Greek phrases, and probably Hebrew and Sanskrit, while the more modern o f us looked wise and shifted our feet in embarrassed wonder at the learning of these old timers. And then the versatile James shifted to such modern talk that even the callow freshmen seemed to understand. The speaker caused a pretty thought when he figuratively gave a founder’s name to each of the trees and then to each of the named oaks the symbolism of one of our three stars. That Professor Hatfield’s beautiful words may not be desecrated by this poor reporter’s touch, they are given in fu ll: “ Symbolism plays a larger part in human life than that severe logic by which we may fondly imagine we are chiefly guided: we are influenced more by stories than by syllogisms; a parable goes further than a paradigm. “ I am glad that the symbol with which we are here concerned is a growing oak-tree— an object which meant so much for the use and enjoyment of our early Germanic ancestors, and which we so affectionately associate with Evanston and the campus of Northwestern University. Let us not think it futile to plant the slow-growing o a k : in my very earliest studies under the saintly Dr. Fisk, in Old College, I learned the saying, T osten s sms sent arbores bonus agricola’— to be sure, he didn’t pronounce it just that way, but he ought to have done so. In Hessia I have even seen great forests of huge oak-trees, comparable to the best on our campus, growing m exact mili­ tary rows which proved that they had been set out with deliberate intention in days long gone by, for the good of those who might come afterward. “ I am, in fact, particularly glad that the slow maturing of oak trees puts our action into that class o f doings from which we can expect no Persona and early return, and that it looks to the future, not to the past. W e who have gotten into the Silver-Gray class-m eaning such representatives as Brother Boutell and myself— are naturally inclined to live largely m the Good Old Days, when W e were the People, and Wisdom lived with Us. W e are

H ALF A CENTURY A T NORTHW ESTERN do so, but I will be with you in spirit at least.

221

I very much regret that I am unable, to

come.-— -Ir v in g Q u e a l .

M ay the star in the East forever glow to the honor and glory of Rho. you today and always.— D a r w i n H. C h e n e y .

I am with

W ilfred Beardsley paid tribute to the attitude of the chapter in its selec­ tion of men and its town relations. A s principal of the Evanston High School, he, for years, has had occasion to observe chapter rushing.

Harry Pearson, mayor of Evanston, praised Betas in local government re­ lations and expressed the belief that their Beta training was good-citizen training. John Bannister was the wit of the evening— Bostonian wit, carry­ ing a Beta message in every thrust. Ransom Kennicott, at whose country home in Des Plaines Chicago Betas gambol in annual picnic frolic, told of the pleasure these visits are to him but pleaded that he lived there 364 other days of the year, and said, “ W on’t you please remember that the latch string of my door presents a constant invitation to be pulled ?” | _ _ William Hard, no, no, Billee Hard, whose every word is a journalistic billy these many years to politicians and to industrial captains, rose to say— well he said a heap. None can put more succulence into word and phrase than Billy. In his lighter vein he had the audience chuckling over the horse­ play, the by-play, and the peculiarities of chapter and men exhibited when he was active in Rho. Seriously, he told of the help fraternal brotherhood in Rho was to a boy. Naming several Rho men he thanked them for what they had done for him when he was “ in the raw.”

Raymond Bond, senior, responded to the occasion for the chapter, and then the speaking closed with an address by the president of the fraternity.

As always, President Shepardson’s words were splendid. Recounting Beta history, Beta present, and Beta future he gave his hearers much of interest, much that was news, and much that should appeal to their pride. His assertion that Rho chapter had done a great deal for the Beta weal in pay­ ment for the privilege of its foundation, of course, brought grateful ap­ plause. Interpreting Rho’s place in Beta Theta Pi, he said: “ Brother Toastmaster and Fellow Betas gathered tonight at the shrine of Rho chapter: I have listened with great interest to all that has been said here, recalling the story of the growth and development of this powerful chapter of Beta Theta Pi. I feel like leaving you in the land of yesterday, The happy land o f yesterday. ’T is there hearts never grow estranged O ur favorite haunts remain unchanged, And, spite of pain and grief and care, Youth keeps its old-time freedom there.

“ But I want to remind you, brethren, that I represent something that is a great deal older than Rho chapter; and, if it hadn’t been for that which I represent Rho chapter would not be in existence. Because we all belong to Beta Theta Pi, and there are eighty-two other chapters m this fraternity besides Rho chapter. Those chapters extend all over this continent— from the farthest eastern university of the United States to the farthest western; from Toronto in the North to New Orleans in the South; from Seattle to Chapel Hill ■from Mt. Katahdin to the Golden Gate. One brother came up to me awhile ago and said, T e ll them there is a fellow here tonight who comes from the highest chapter in Beta Theta Pi, from Colorado College, right under the shadow of Pike’s Peak.’

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speaking parts at the Rho dinner held at the North Shore Hotel Saturday night. In old-time reportorial parlance, let us present “ a bird’s-eye view” of the banquet night. The hotel in which it was held touches upon the site where, years ago, the one university building stood, and within a stone’s throw of the room across the street where Rho chapter first met. The dinner was presided over by Edward W . Rawlins, president of Rho Asso­ ciation. William Mason Springer, ’09, officiated as song master; Sherman Charles accompanied on the piano, and together, they made the company sing with unusual spirit.

The speakers follow: Melvin M. Hawley, ’07, treasurer of Rho Associa­ tion; Henry Sherman Boutell, ’74, founder; W ilfred F. Beardsley, ’93, principal of Evanston High School; Harry P. Pearson, ’95, mayor of Evans­ ton; John C. Bannister, ’83, chemist; Ransom R. Kennicott, ’94, chief for­ ester of Cook County, Illinois; Henry R. Hatfield, ’92, dean of the College of Commerce in the University of California; William Hard, ’00, writer; Raymond Bond, ’23; Francis W . Shepardson, Denison ’82, president of Beta Theta Pi. Brother Rawlins, familiarly known as “ Judge,” rose to great heights of fraternal thought in his opening talk. Simple language, beautiful senti­ ment, deep emotion soon told the audience that Betaism would carry on a high plane during the evening. The other speakers could not help but be lifted up to the note he struck.

Mel Hawley, guardian of the chapter’s finances, and treasurer of Rho Association, than whom none is more treasured, outlined the good financial condition of the chapter, and gave the status of the building account. Briefly the chapter shows a credit balance in its business relations, its obligations to Rho Association are met promptly, and as an added touch of financial security sinking funds to meet situations of refurnishing, etc., are maintained.

A s Mel concluded, Charles Spofford, ’96, offered a resolution expressing the thanks and commendation of Rho Betas to Rawlins and Hawley for their years of service to the chapter. The resolution named them as the two most deserving of particular praise, an expression unanimously concurred in by the chapter.

N ext came the speaker for whom all waited, older men in proud satis­ faction, undergraduates in awed respect— the Founder. Small in stature, slight, gray haired, yet in dignity of bearing, in pleasing firmness of voice, in glitter of eye giving an impression of superior force, Henry Sherman Boutell, ex-congressman, ex-ambassador, statesman, teacher, held his hearers in rapt attention. When he arose, all present stood and sang, “ W e are sing­ ing again in the dear old hall.”

W hat a picture he painted of Rho chapter in its beginning! For that matter it was a picture of the fraternity in its early history; for in 1873 big things were under way for the future welfare of Beta. When the Founder stepped back to a window, slowly opened it and pointing east said, “There was where our college stood then and turning, pointed south, “ There, I could toss a stone over it, was the spot where we gathered in a little upstair’s room for the first meeting of Rho,” the active chapter rose in respect to hallowed ground. , ■ Although Cheney and Queal, co-founders with Boutell, felt unequal to the trip to Evanston, they sent messages which Chairman Rawlins read: Y o u r letter of some time ago should have had a much earlier reply but I have de­ layed, thinking I might say I would be present in June. I find it impossible for me to

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a study, sung with all the vigor and vim which Frank H. Scott put into it in 1876, when he wrote, Y e sons o f Beta, raise your voices Join one and all to swell the song.

“ I wish that, sometime, you might go to Ohio Wesleyan University and join the boys of Theta chapter in one of their serenades at Monnett Hall, the girls’ dormitory; you would never forget the approach in the stillness of the night when, with close formation and martial tread, you joined in James T a ft Hatfield’s wonderful song, W e come with heart and voice united, W ith one accord our song we raise And wake the loud and sounding chorus, Singing our fair old Beta’s praise.

You would feel proud that you belong to Rho chapter. You know that by all means the finest interpretation of the ideals of Beta Theta Pi in song, as those ideals are expressed in the three words of our motto, has been given by the same Professor Hatfield. Six or eight brothers of Rho chapter have provided the fraternity with great songs interpreting the ideals, arousing the sentiment, creating the enthusiasm, pointing the way to youth all over the land.

The Beta grip will never slip N or Beta love grow cold.

That came from Northwestern chapter. I like the titles of the songs from Rho. Take your songbook and see what they are. ‘The Three Stars,’ ‘The Boys of ’39,’ ‘From Classic Halls,’ ‘The Beta Shrine,’ ‘The Beta Grip.’

W ith such sentiment have W ait and Scott and Hatfield, Norton and Everz and Merwin enriched the hymnology of Beta Theta Pi, each idea a funda­ mental one in the fraternity, each title significant in itself and introducing words that burn into the memory. It is a great thing to belong to a chapter like Rho, whose members have thus interpreted the meaning of Beta Theta Pi to ‘the long illustrious line’ in the history of the fraternity. “ If time permitted, I might point out other ways in which Northwestern University chapter has enriched this fraternity of ours. There is one other I must mention In field and forum, church, and state, They lead the van always.

So runs a familiar song. Beta Theta Pi has been enriched by Rho chapter through individuals. Northwestern chapter came into Beta Theta Pi fra­ ternity before the great revolution in 1879- It came in when men were ini­ tiated as individuals. There was no such thing as a ‘delegation’ in those days, but each man approached the altar alone and got the full benefit of the ceremonial, as he heard some wonderful words, words that sink deep into the memory of every Beta. And this chapter has produced great indi­ viduals, men whose voices have swayed the hearts of thousands, statesmen, men in the halls of Congress, in the domain of diplomacy, mighty men in our leading magazines, in our great newspapers, in pulpits, in notable charities, distinguished individuals in every field, who have brought honor and glory to Beta Theta Pi as individuals.

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I am glad to come here and bring greeting and felicitation to Rho chapter tonight because of what Rho chapter has been to Beta Theta Pi. You may not know that when Beta Theta Pi was thirty-four years old, just a youth, Rho chapter was formed, and the very first thing, almost, that the founder of Rho chapter did was to light the torch at the new altar, and, with Jacob Thomas Zeigler, Northwestern ’74, go to Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, and start another chapter of Beta Theta Pi there. He re­ peated this expansion work at Boston University a year or two later. “ Just a year before Rho chapter was founded the office of General Sec­ retary of the fraternity was established. Only a few persons have held that position. During the last thirty years only four individuals have served in such capacity and the total number is small. But one of the early General Secretaries was Darwin H. Cheney, one. o f the founders of Rho chapter.

You may never have realized how many members Rho chapter has furnished as assistants to the General Secretary, District Chiefs we call them. But there have been a number o f them— one of them William Mason Springer, ’09, who is leading the singing this evening— who have been of tremendous service to Beta Theta Pi. I think particularly, just now, of William Dyer Fullerton, ’85, and Henry Magifford Echlin, ’92. I speak of these things tonight, because Rho chapter is one of a small number of chapters out of our eighty-three— I should say not over six— which have contributed con­ structively to Beta Theta Pi. “ W e have a code, containing our constitution and our laws. W e take great pride in it. W e have published it to the world. W e have furnished copies of it to several other fraternities, whose revised organic law has been based upon this foundation. You know, that it has long been our policy to give freely to other fraternities the benefit of our own experience. Out of Rho chapter came one, who, working upon what is known in our history as the Code Commission, took the organization of Beta Theta Pi when it was almost puerile and built into its structure a code so admirable and effective, that the constitution part of it has not been altered by a single comma since 1897. So thoroughly was the work done by William A. Hamil­ ton on the Code Commission of Beta Theta Pi, the fraternity made him one of its six trustees and he gave great strength to it in that connection.

About a quarter of a century ago, Beta Theta Pi adopted the plan of having a president. In that period only five individuals have been honored with that distinction. One of them, this same member of Rho chapter, served in that capacity with notable fidelity for three distinct terms covering nine years of the twenty-six. So, from the point of view of administration and of foundation laying, Rho chapter has given to Beta Theta Pi a large return for that privilege extended to Brother Boutell and his associates to establish here at Northwestern a chapter of the fraternity. “ But there is something else that Rho chapter has given Beta Theta Pi. I ’ve been listening for certain songs. I haven’t heard them here tonight.

There are only a few chapters of our fraternity which have produced men who have caught the vision of the idealism of Beta Theta Pi and, with fine sentiment, have expressed great thoughts in song. One of these chapters is Rho. I wish that, sometime, it might be your happy fortune to be at Kenyon College, the home of Beta Alpha chapter. You would hear the stirring strains of the ‘Beta Marsellaise’ sung by those who have made it

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for which Founder Boutell says he has already engaged his hotel room, the returning Betas were registered, the addresses at the banquet were re­ corded, and W . A. Hamilton took advantage of the whole occasion to compile individual data and memorabilia of every living Rho member. Everything said and done during the three days of the reunion celebration was duly noted and made into a typewritten book which has been filed in the chapter archives.

BETA LIFE AT ATHENS LONG AGO Two letters written from Athens, Ohio, in the college year 1842-1843) give interesting suggestions about Beta life at Ohio University within the first five-year period of the fraternity’s history. They refer to the bold disclosure of the existence of the chapter, to the appearance of rivals, to the use of a chapter hall, and to the plan of a reunion of chapters at Athens, a sort of forerunner of the District Reunion idea. The size of the chapter is notable, as nine was the favorite limit in that early day. The personnel of the initiates mentioned enlists attention, their life development bringing them great distinction and honor. The first letter was written on November 30, 1842, by Robert Hamilton Gilmore, the recorder, and is signed“ Yours in the Brotherhood of the Beta Theta Pi.” The second letter, dated March 9, 1843, was written by J. C. Culbertson as recorder, Gilmore being advanced to the presidency at the first chapter meeting in January, 1843. “ For a variety of reasons I have not written— as I should have done long ago— to inform you of the situation of our chapter. I have so long delayed that I am not certain but that rumor may have already rendered this com­ munication in part unnecessary. I was elected to the office of recorder at the last regular meeting in October— at which time J. M. Bush was also elected president. Since our last communication we have added to the chap­ ter the following individuals: 1. L. D. McCabe, Marietta, Ohio; 2. M. S. Latham, Columbus, Ohio; 3. William J. Hoge, Gallatin, Tennessee; 4. James M. Safford, Putnam, Ohio; 5. William Shotwell, Cadiz, Ohio; 6. A. Oliver, Warren County, O h io; thus making the number of members (at present resi­ dent in the place) eleven. And we now felicitate ourselves on having acquired a majority of the talent in the institution. Our chapter after mature deliberation concluded to divulge its existence, and accordingly have done so.

This at first as might be expected created considerable excitement, and perhaps a little ill-feeling in some. But on the whole _we feel fully com­ pensated for anything of this kind that has— or may arise by the beneficial effects already manifest. Among these is a renewed interest in all of us for the prosperity of our association; we feel a responsibility unknown be­ fore, being aware that our individual reputation is in a greater degree con­ nected with that of the chapter. And the more— as we have a rival bearing the unassuming title of “ Decem Viri.” Nor are they worthy of contempt, for there are some among the chosen “ ten” of no mean talent. W^e are at present making some exertions to ornament the hall where our meetings are held, and hope that by the time any of your chapter shall visit us— we may be able to welcome you to a hall of whose appearance we shall have no cause to be ashamed. The members of the Delta chapter join with me m presenting to yourself and chapter their friendly regard.”

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“ A s president of the fraternity, I thank you on this glad occasion in the name of Beta Theta Pi for what you have brought to us. “ But, brothers, have you not felt tonight, here before this sacred altar, that somehow or other during the fifty years in Evanston you have developed something? Have you not sensed the potentiality that we have in our fra­ ternity? Ours, given to us from the past, but ours only to preserve and transmit to the countless thousands, please God, who in years to come shall enter our chapter halls. What are we going to do to perpetuate this, to pre­ serve this, to hand it down? W ell! W e are doing something. Do you know that Beta Theta Pi now owns chapter houses which are valued at $2,300,000? Do you know that this fraternity has two endowment funds, founded on hope, founded on vision, founded on dreams— endowment funds through which in days to come many things will be accomplished? ‘Here,’ someone said one day, ‘let’s start an endowment fund. I will be one of ten to give one thousand dollars.’ So William Raimond Baird laid the founda­ tion for what we call our Founders’ Fund, and nine others came along and made the ten; later he and his wife left us all their fortune. Then a Beta boy in Cincinnati died leaving us $500 in his will. So we have at the present time in what we call our Founders’ Fund over $70,000. Another one said one day, ‘L et’s start an endowment fund by having every Beta give ten dollars as a life subscription to our magazine.’ People said we could never raise any endowment that way. Well, I will tell you what we are doing, we are just adding $10,000 every year to that endowment fund. Then others said on occasions of festivity, ‘W hy should not our own chapter have some kind of an endowment?’ In my own chapter for instance one fellow loaned a boy $11 to tide him over to the end of the year; and that $11 has grown until it is now between $1,500 and $1,600. So Beta Theta Pi has about $170,000 of endowment on top of this great property holding of $2,300,000.

W e are building up a great structure. W e want to keep in that structure, that ‘temple’ we talk about, this great treasure we call Beta Theta Pi, which you have shared here for fifty years, which we hope shall grow greater and greater as the years go by. “ I trust I have fitted in to the thought of this meeting. I know no better words to use in again greeting the members of Rho chapter assembled on this historic occasion than the slightly modified lines of one of our former Convention poets: Brothers, through all life ’s shade and sunshine fleeting, W here’er your paths may lie, God speed your onward steps ! Brothers, my greeting In Beta Theta Pi And may the eternal sunshine find us banding A s we have done tonight, Crowned with ‘the peace that passeth understanding’ Upon God’s hills of light.

Sunday afternoon at the open house more than a thousand Betas, Beta friends, from faculty, other fraternities, and Evanston called, and a ‘‘good time was had by all.” Mrs. Albert D. Sanders, whom chapter men know as “ Mrs. Bert Sanders,” planned and directed the open house reception as­ sisted by other Beta girls, or shall we say Beta wives ? Flowers were every­ where. So was food, and so were the charming hostesses.

That a record may exist for the future— for the Centennial Celebration

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227

Is The orator, whose name is not mentioned in the minutes of the evening was Rev. Allen Trimble Thompson, Ohio Wesleyan ’57. The chapter presi­ dent at the time was William H. Scott, afterwards president of both Ohio University and Ohio State University. The celebration cost some money, the minutes of the meeting of June 17, 1863, containing the following: “ Moved that in order to defray the expenses of our anniversary, the members should be ta x e d on this w ise, n ew m em bers, $1.50 e x clu d in g in itiatio n fee, and th e old

to the tune of $3.00 each.

h osses

Carried.”

An echo of the Delta Tau Delta incident was heard in a meeting held in “ Prof Scott’s recitation room, No 3” at four o’clock in the afternoon of June 12, 1865. A fter a tax of $3.50 “ was levied on each member for our speaker Dr Crary” , the I

“ Cor Sec. read a letter from H. M. Lash, “ Proper officer of the Delta Tau Delta society” ‘inviting us to march with them (the Deltas) to the Atheneum at 7 o clock, Tune iq ’ Moved by Y oung that we accept the invitation, which motion after due dis­ cussion was unanimously lost. The Cor. Sec. was then instructed to inform the “pigmies” o f our declination to accept their polite and unasked for invitation.

Financial needs of the chapter at the time were provided for by special assessments as required. On June 20th, at a morning commencement meet­ ing, largely attended and full of interest, one of the motions was, “ Stanley was appointed a committee of one to inform the band committee of the literary societies that we will pay $30.00 for music.” How plethoric the chapter treasury was, ordinarily, is suggested by a facetious paragraph in the minutes of January 18, 1865: “The desultory being comatibus, we resolved to subsist on the remembrance of form er times. Brothers then took into consideration the propriety of investing our sur­ plus Beta funds ($1.00) in oil lands. But on reflection, we concluded we could not find land enough and so gave it up.”

The paragraph needs a little illumination. In the annals of Beta Theta Pi at Athens the “ desultory” was an informal variety of the later “ talk around” , and usually was attended by a little “ feed” , apples being a great favorite, with an occasional cider substitution, ice-cream from a neighboring “ saloon” also being highly popular for such refreshment after labor. The boom in oil lands of the time links the minutes to current history of 1865.

The second illustrative extract from the minutes covers two meetings held on June 20th, 1867. The orator of this year was the “ High Priest of Wooglin” , Rev. J. Hogarth Lozier, Indiana Asbury (DePauw) ’57. The recording secretary at the time was R. S. Devol, later to be of great help to the Kenyon chapter while he was a professor at Gambier.

Greeks met in Boyce and Stanley’s room to make arrangements fo r the procession this evening, arrange financial matter &c. Bros present, P ro f. Adney, Rob Adney, Smith, Holcomb, Boyce, Stanley, Richardson, Stiles, Devol, Pickering, Clayton, Jewett, Col. Moore, Battelle of Theta, and our orator, Chaplain Lozier of Delta. On motion of Bro. Moore, the Pres, appointed Bros. Stiles and Moore as a committee on regalia.

On motion of Bro. Moore, Capt. Pickering was appointed marshal fo r the procession this evening. Bro. Holcomb brought in a bill of our expenses for party &c. W hile this was being attended to, some of the brothers, led by Chaplain Lozier, joined m a Beta song which had quite a cheering effect. .

The Betas met at o’clock p . m . in Boyce and Stanleys room to put on their sashes and prepare fo r the procession. Members present, Prof. Adney, Smith, Holcomb, Boyce, Stanley, Stiles, Adney, Richardson, Devol, Sanders, Clayton, Jewett, Pickering, Hugh Boyd, W . F. Boyd. Pilcher, Kessinger, Clark, Moore, W est, and Battelle of Theta.

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“ In the name of the Delta chapter Beta Theta Pi, I most cordially invite the Cincinnati branch to be present at their Anniversary Exhibition, to be held at the close of the present term (about the 4th A pril). The exercises to consist of the following: 1. An Anniversary Address, W. W. Bierce; 2. Poem or Essay— J. A. Brow ne; 3. Poem or Oration— A. M. Creel; 4 ; Poem or Oration, J. Johnson; 5- Poem or Oration, R. C. Hoffman. In­ vitations have been sent to the several chapters and delegations are expected.

Come, and you may not be ashamed of the little bantling, which you so kindly ushered into life, and fathered, till it is not ashamed to class itself as one of the Fraternity. Come, and the upper seat at our Board will ever be the honored station of our elder brother. Come, let us give the Beta an impulse, which shall indeed omen that the star of its ascendancy shall never set.

Come, let us consecrate a trysting place for confident hearts, a homestead for brothers. By a reference to the records I find that your chapter is in debt to ours in the way of correspondence. On the receipt of your letter, I shall, as is my duty, give you a list of our members, an account of our prospects, and our highly flattering conditions since we have flung to the winds the banner of Beta Theta Pi. Expecting a delegation from your chap­ ter to grace our intellectual feast, I in common with the rest of the Athens chapter, with every appearance of continued esteem and undiminished con­ fidence, subscribe myself. Your Friend and Brother. P.S. If T. Mitchell is with you present my kindest wishes to him and tell him that his name is still remembered in the halls of his Alma Mater.”

THE ANN IVERSARY An important feature of Beta life before the Civil W ar and for a few years afterward, in some chapters, was the celebration of the Anniversary, always capitalized and looming large in the annals. There was a speaker or orator, even when the anniversary meeting was held in a student’s room.

If a man of some distinction were secured, in later years, the occasion was celebrated in a public hall, with invitations to friends to attend. Two extracts from the minutes of, the Ohio University chapter will give some idea of how things were done, incidentally throwing light upon inter-fraternity feel­ ing of the tim e: “ Greeks met last Monday evening at P ro f Guthrie’s room to march to the Atheneum but found that the Delta part of the two literary societies felt its illustrious self highly insulted at not receiving an invitation from the Betas to march as Deltas, and, in revenge, induced the other members not to march either. So the Betas and the faculty had all the glory to themselves. The Deltas, however, were in no wise loth to avail their precious selves of the good things which our speaker dished up to his audience.

His subject was, “T he Demand of the Times and the Men for it.” It was a feast; there was substantial intellectual food in the form of facts; the language and the style in which these were presented were the pie and cake ranged with prodigal profu­ sion around our plate, while for delicate custard and creams we had little gems of wit reposing in caskets of humor. W e sat down hungry but rose up filled. Friday the editor of the Messenger came out in an article plainly showing that the richness oi our feast was too much for the digestion of a Delta, or else that he had not the ability to distinguish what was good from what was bad. A t all events each Beta concluded within himself that the Delta Society ought never to be recognized as such by the Beta Society.”

AN OHIO W ESLEYAN VISIT

229

sashes to be saved for some future gala occasion through the care of Mrs. Norton, wife perhaps of Major Augustus Norton of the Ohio Volunteer Cavalry who was initiated on June 22, 1863 but never attended any meetings, in the next few years at least.

AN OHIO W ESLEYAN VISIT IN JUNE, 1880 This lovely little city never looked more beautiful than today, with its abundance of shade, its broad streets, its substantial homes and the beauties of its college grounds. Both the East End and the West, the University and Monnett, are now in the fullness of fresh verdure and the loveliness of spring. The Olentangy winds along by its meadows and mills and underwits light swinging bridges with the same old sparkle and gladness as of ye olden time,” and the subdued crash of the waters, slipping and tumbling over the dam, a few hundred yards away, creeps up through the^ sloping garden among the roses and sweet honeysuckle to where I am sitting, a visitor to the scenes of college days. I think I can hear the dip of the oars and the boating songs we used to sing, the splashing and laughing and plunging of the bathers away in the retirement of declining banks and the shadow of the trees.

Co-education has wrought its changes here in the past three years, and the appearance of the college world is modified. Female forms are as fre­ quent on the university campus as they used to be at Monnett. Students of both sexes walk together quite familiarly and meet each other in the lecture rooms without fear or trepidation; but I fear the boys are more in­ different to female loveliness than they used to be, and the girls are a trifle masculine.

The fraternity element is quite large; but seemingly not so strong as I can remember it. Most of the fraternities have overloaded themselves with material not the best, and the weakening is perceptible. Theta chapter of Beta Theta Pi, I am glad to say, is an exception. Her number is small, and, though regretfully, it has been intentionally kept so; for genuine material has been very scarce. Free, however, from men of inferior caliber, there is an excellent tone pervading the chapter, and the prospect for next year is certainly equal if not superior to that of any fraternity in the institution.

I had the real pleasure o f attending one of Theta’s meetings the other evening, and noted with satisfaction the character o f her members. The old hall had the familiarity of three or four years ago, and I can assure the old Theta boys that they would feel at home among those who now compose the chapter.

Theta does not mingle literary exercise to any great extent with her proceedings as some of our chapters d o ; which fact is accounted for by the large number of literary societies in the institution, three of which are very strong and influential, with fine halls and large memberships. Society and fraternity are here words of distinct meaning. I do not think there is a single fraternity represented in this institution whose local chapter indulges in literary performances. The tone of Theta has always, however, been of a literary quality. Men who belong to her ranks are supposed to be members as well of some of the three leading literary societies. One who has not

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BETA LIFE

Our orator, P rof. Scott and L. W right joined us after the procession started. Before p artin g Bro. M oore moved that we leave our sashes with Mrs. Norton during vacation.

1 he oration was fine and took well, although it was the last address of the week and many were almost tired of listening to speaking. The oration was witty and racy without being ridiculous, and forcible and sensible without being abstruse. The audience felt instructed as well as entertained, and all seemed to think the oration very fine The subject was V im A fte r the oration the brothers joined in singing a Beta song while the audience was leaving the Hall, though many lingered to listen.”

B IS H O P D A V ID H. M O O R E

The “ Col. Moore” , or “ Bro. Moore” , featured in the minutes was none other than David Hastings Moore, Ohio ’6o, the life of every Beta gathering which he attended anywhere. His activity in making motions, along with the record of regular attendance and participation of members of the Ohio University faculty in the transactions of the chapter, suggests that in that day no one ever raised the question whether an alumnus had a right to take part in a chapter meeting. One can easily visualize the procession of proud Betas, each with a sash of some light material across his manly breast, these

PETITIONERS AT PURDUE

231

cor^siderable literary qualifications rarely stands high^ in her orders, and, indeed, rarely obtains admission. She has carried the highest literary honors of the institution for several years, including, in spite of her small numbers, the present year. It is expected that Theta will begin the next year with seven good men. (W . in Beta Theta Pi, June, 1880, page 221.)

A PAIR OF PETITIONERS AT PURDUE A letter written by Dean Stanley Coulter, Hanover 70, from Purdue University to General Secretary J. Cal Hanna under date of December 9, 1890, told an interesting story of search for a Beta Theta Pi charter for that institution. It was thirteen years later before the fraternity entered Purdue. “ Yours of November 11, 1890, found me overwhelmed with papers and lectures, and with sickness in the family. It likewise found me in a fix about this proposed chapter of Beta Theta Pi in our university. To make matters clear, I must give a prelude, so to speak. One evening, early in the year, a group of young men from the university came to my house to ask my advice about establishing, if possible, a chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Purdue. I gave them all the good advice I could, and then told them they had better write to Reverend E. J. Brown, who, I thought, was a general officer, for further in­ struction as to their part. I also promised to help them all I could. This party, being headed by a senior named Jones, I will call the Jones party. I hey wrote according to my directions, but received no reply; then I wrote, but received no reply. “ On that same evening another group of students, headed by a senior named Ashley, called at my house to ask my opinion on the propriety of their applying for a chapter charter from some fraternity. From the fact that two of them were Delta Kappa Epsilons, they had their eyes set Dekeward. 1 likewise gave them good advice, told them the Dekes were a good lot, to go in and win, and I would back them. | A very few days convinced them that the Delta Kappa Epsilon would establish no chapter here, and the next I knew, some of them had gone over to DePauw, stirred up the Betas there, got your address, written you, and your letter was the result. “ So I am in a strait: the Jones party set Betaward from the beginning, following my instructions, are practically in the position of second applicants, though trying many weeks before the Ashley crowd. The Ashley group had visitations from the Wabash boys and the DePauw chapter. The Wabash men I saw and told the situation. I also told the Jones group that another set was after the same thing. It amounts to th is: that two sets of men will petition for the chapter with the second, perhaps, having technically failed the bill more nearly than the other. Both sets are good, solid men, and either would make a chapter go. If the two groups would^ consolidate, it would settle the matter; but I don’t think they would be willing to do so except as a dernier resort. In equity the Jones group ought to have the charter, if one be granted, though, perhaps, a strict application of the law would shut them out.” (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta Pi.) ( N o t e : There was no petition from Purdue presented to the Convention of 1891.)

T H E P U R D U E C H A P T E R , 1929

DEDICATION OF A TEM PLE

233

fied in our lives for there is no other way to discharge the solemn obligation which we now assume. In accepting this gift we pledge ourselves^ ever to be true to the high ideals of Beta Theta Pi, to maintain the loyal spirit of the founders of this chapter, and so to act as to honor the memory of those to whom this shrine is dedicated.”

Response for the Alumni of the Chapter............................... .............. ............................................. Richard Eddy Sykes, ’83 President of St. Lawrence University Response for the Fraternity. .. .Francis Wayland Shepardson President of Beta Theta Pi Address— in Memoriam.....................John Murray Atwood, 89 Dedication The President: Brothers of Beta Zeta chapter, to what purpose do you set apart this building, so finely appointed, and which has been so generously provided for us? g .

Answer, in unison: W e set apart and dedicate this temple that it may be a shrine where shall be hallowed the memory of Brothers Worth Abbott, Hugh Abbott, and John Young, loyal Betas and of all those faithful brothers of Beta Zeta of Beta Theta Pi who have gone or shall go from our midst, but not from our thought and life; and in which temple as a chapter IflW: shall ever zealously be cultivated those ideals of fidelity and friendship which have made Beta comradeship and Beta character notable and beneficent m college circles and in private and public life. And so we will ever cherish and preserve it.

Prayer of Dedication.............. The President of the Fraternity The Beta Doxology The St. Lawrence Plain Dealer of which former District Chief Wilhston Manley is editor, told the story of a memorable day as follow s: “ Although entirely private in character the dedication of the AbbottYoung Memorial Temple to Beta Zeta chapter of the Beta Theta Pi college fraternity Saturday afternoon was a notable event,^ notable not so much from the viewpoint of Canton people because of their interest and association with the university, this chapter and the donors; but because of its signifi­ cance throughout the entire Greek-letter fraternity world, where there is nothing like this building. It is unique and is the culmination of the dream of the founder of Beta Theta Pi, John Reily Knox, Miami University, Ohio, Class of 1839. “ This dedication brought a notable group of people to Canton and the first initiation ceremony, held as it was in the Temple immediately following the dedication, and followed as it was by the annual initiatory banquet, made the entire occasion one that was nothing short of an epoch in the life of this fraternity chapter, the oldest of the many fraternities at St. Lawrence Uni­ versity. “ Canton people watched with interest during the summer and fall months as they saw the massive foundation footings poured for this Temple building, have seen the foundations themselves take form, and later saw the classic Gothic structure rise. The construction was unusual, of permanency, with an intent to endure for ages. | “ In architectural design the Temple is of the simple, dignified, beautiful

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BETA LIFE

T H E DEDICATION OF A TEM PLE Saturday, March 6, 1926, was a day of exaltation at Canton, New York.

It was a red-letter day in the long annals of Beta Theta Pi. For it marked the realization of dreams, almost as old as the fraternity itself, that Beta Theta Pi some day might have a temple, a veritable shrine of noble youth, — a scene where brothers greet W here true kindred hearts do meet A t an altar sending love’s sweet incense high.

The realization, indeed, was beyond the most sanguine hope of any wide-visioned seer of old; a beautiful temple of classic design, severe in its lines, chaste in its appealing grace, satisfying in its indescribable charm, exalting in its quiet dignity.

The programme of the dedication services was in perfect harmony with the simple nobility of the shrine itself. It was as follows: Dedication of the Abbott-Young Memorial Temple To Beta Zeta and Beta Theta Pi. St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York, March 6, 1926.

Nelson L. Robinson, ’77, Presiding.

Song— Gemma Nostra The Presiding Officer: Plutarch, in his immortal life of Pericles, wrote concerning the buildings on the Acropolis at Athens: “ As then grew the works up, no less stately in size than exquisite in form, the workmen striving to outvie the materials and the design with the beauty of their workmanship, yet the most wonderful thing of all was the rapidity of their execution.”

Last June the place where we stand was an untouched bit of the college field.

Now you behold the finished work. Into it have gone none but materials of the choicest and most enduring quality, and the labor of men who loved their work and strove faithfully to embody in the result the noble design of the master who planned and the loving ideals of those who conceived this shrine. Contractor, superintendent, craftsmen and laborers, many of them students, took little heed of tim e; often they wrought until midnight, that the structure might be ready for the morrow’s toil, and in all things worthy of the end to be achieved. The work as they left it is the base upon which its founders hope to rear the traditions of the future. Plutarch, writing some five hundred years after the time of Pericles, said also: “ There is a sort of bloom of newness upon those works of his, defying the touch of time, as if some undying vitality and perennial spirit had been mingled in the composition of them.” The Parthenon still stands— in fragments and ruined, but not by the touch of time— the wonder and glory of the world.

M ay this edifice stand as long, a fitting memorial of the beautiful youths in whose names it is consecrated. In behalf of the donors, Mr. Owen D. Young will deliver the keys to the chapter.

Delivery of the K e y s...................................Owen D. Young, ’94 Response for the Chapter. ...............Charles Ditmas Frazer, ’26 President of Beta Zeta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi “ Beta Zeta of Beta Theta Pi receives these keys as a trust, as a sacred charge. Our sincerity, our reverence, and our devotion must be exempli-

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235

the presence of five of the general officers of the national fraternity of Beta Theta P i : Dr. Francis W . Shepardson, of Chicago, president; Dr. H. Sheridan Baketel, of Jersey City, vice-president; George Howard Bruce, of New York, secretary; James L. Gavin, of Indianapolis, treasurer, James T. Brown, of New York, keeper of the rolls. f “ A t the dedication, held within the Temple, Nelson L. Robinson, 70, presided. Mr. Young on behalf of Mrs. Abbott, himself and Mrs. Young, presented the keys of the building to the president of the chapter saying that the building was given not solely in memory of their sons but with the hope that it would become the memorial shrine of all those other Betas who have gone and shall go from this life and that the Temple might inspire the coming Betas to a more noble life. “ Responses were made from the president of the chapter, the alumni, and the fraternity and Dr. J. M. Atwood spoke briefly of the three sons in whose memory the donors had been moved to undertake the construction, Worth 'Pickett Abbott and Hugh Abbott, both sons of the late Hon. Vasco Abbott and Mrs. Anna Abbott, Mr. Abbott having been a member of the chapter and formerly President of the University Corporation; and John Young, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Owen DeYoung. . . . “ Following the dedication the chapter exemplified the fraternity ritual in the new temple for the first time and this was then followed by the ban­ quet which in itself was a notable event. Two of the initiates, Theodore Caldwell and M ax Johnston, are sons of Betas. The toastmaster, Stanley E Gunnison, was the son of the father of the chapter, Walter Balfour Gun­ nison, ’75. His son, Hugh, the third generation, is a senior m the chapter Stanley Gunnison is a former district chief and trustee of the national fraternity There was also seated at the table the present district chief, A t­ wood Manley, and his father, Williston Manley, formerly chief of the same district, and H. S. Hale, the son of L. P. Hale, another of the founders of the chapter who was prevented from attending because of illness. “ Dr. Charles Kelsey Gaines, ’76, read a history of the chapter which will later be placed in the cornerstone of the Temple to be laid at a public ceremony in June. The other speakers were Mr. Young and Dr. Shepardson. “ Among the alumni present were C. S. Brewer, of Utica; President R._E. Sykes, of Canton; R. E. Buttrick, C. H. Black C. R. Austin and M ax Jameson, all of New Y ork ; J. F. McKinney and W . W . Trench, of Sche­ nectady; N. L. Gibson, Lynn Sullivan and Reginald, of Massena, and several local alumni.” ★ ★ ★

“The chapter spirit and college spirit were born together grew up together, and can hardly be distinguished in retrospect..........And this identity of the history of the chapter with the history and service of the college is its great tradition. T o this ! * s f due. M 1 has never been. a .separate growth on the college ccharacter n a r d c ie r is io mainly uut# ... .

-or parasitic i » tree, but always a part of it,— a great, fruitful, living bough. ’— C h a r l e s K e l s e y G a in e s

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Gothic type harmonious in spirit with the purpose to which it was dedicated.

The exterior walls are of Indiana limestone, the roof is of special construc­ tion with a lead covering. The massive front door, the two stately orna­ mental pedestal lamps at each side of the door, the'small window frames and the metal grill work within and without are all of bronze, the crafts­ manship of the Tiffany studios of New York. W hat is true of this bronze work is duplicated in every respect throughout the entire structure, a perfec­ tion in workmanship and a completeness in design that leaves nothing wantmg'« “ The donors were fortunte in securing as the architects the nationally known firm of Helmle and Corbett, of New York, who so recently designed

T H E ST . L A W R E N C E T E M P L E

and have under supervision the construction of the wonderful Masonic Temple at Washington. It is worthy of note that Mr. Helmle had designed the original chapter house of Beta Zeta and that his son, Ned, is a senior member of the chapter at present. The contractors, like the architects, were of national repute, being the firm of Hegeman and Harris, of New York, and the final execution of the work is a tribute to their entire organization.

It is of interest to note that Mr. Hegeman is a member of Beta Theta Pi. “ Saturday a notable group gathered to join in the consecration of this unique structure to its future use. There were present besides the active chapter many guests. Mrs. Anna Abbott, of Gouverneur, and Mr. and Mrs. Owen D. Young, of New York, the donors, were present. Dr. Charles Kelsey Gaines, one of the founders of the chapter, and Nelson L. Robinson, likewise one of that early group, were both present and both had a part in the programs that were held. In addition the gathering was honored by

OUR SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER

237

Barnwell, Harvard 1821, etc. There w^ere two literary societies, the Clarosophic, “ Our Union is of Hearts,” and the Eupradian, “ Our Union is of Hands.” Both societies had watch keys for badges. The South Carolina College developed many of the public men of the state and was an old-line cultural institution.

A ll but one or two of the twenty members of the Upsilon chapter were inter-related. Therefore, it is not unusual to expect the family names early on the alumni rolls of the college. All of the Betas belonged to old South Carolina families, most of which were of English ancestry and had kins­ men who fought in the Revolution or in the Mexican war. A James Doug­ lass was graduated with the class of 1813; a David Lewis Wardlaw m 1816 and a Thomas W orth Glover in 1817. The Perrins were of French Huguenot blood. _ In 1855 a contemporary description of the college says A new hall for Commencement and other purposes has been lately added to -the buildings at a cost of $35,000. The library, while not large is a choice collection and includes 20,000 volumes. The books were selected by Gen. Cotesworth Pinckney and Judge Johnson, U. S. Court.

B y a count of the college alumni catalogue, there were eighty-three students in college in 1858, the year the Beta chapter was established.

Twenty of these, or about 24 per cent were fraternity members. The num­ ber of students varied in the period of the Beta chapter as follow s: 1857, 37 students; 1858, 83; 1859, 76; i860, 76 and 1861, 105. The highest percentage of fraternity men in these years was in 1859 when it amounted to about 27 cent.

B y 1858 the following fraternities had established chapters at South Carolina: Delta Psi, 1850-61; Delta Kappa Epsilon, 1855261 and Phi Kappa Psi, 1857-73. Beta Theta Pi and Chi Psi entered in 1858 and Theta Delta Chi authorized a chapter in 1859 but it was not organized.

In beginning the story of old Upsilon, an account writ­ ten by James Park Coffin, North Carolina ’59, who went down to Columbia on an inspection trip is important. Mr. Coffin, chairman of the board of directors of the First National Bank, of Batesville, Ark., ninety years old in 1929, has been an invaluable source of information about the chapter. .

The South Carolina proposition had been going the rounds of the corresponding secretaries in the ’forties. j. p. COFFIN The first mention in Beta Letters is under date of June 4, Collegedays picture 1846 in a letter written from the Miami chapter to the Michigan chapter in Which permission is asked to grant a chapter at Columbia, South Carolina, along with projects at Danville, Kentucky, and Marietta, On June 6, 1846 the corresponding secretary of Western Reserve wiote to M iam i: , Action upon the request for permission to establish chapters at Marietta, O., and'Colum bia, S.C., was deferred until we learn something more of the prospects and chances of success..............

A c t i o n Indianapolis P ublic L ib rary.

o f th e y&

t

aofd

&

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BETA LIFE

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H C A R O L IN A From an olden time print, 1855.

OUR SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER K a r l W . F is c h e r , Indiana ’25 The night is dark and wild without The wind blows fierce and cold A nd eddying snowflakes softly fall Down on the frozen mould; But round our brightly blazing fire The moments sw iftly fly, A s glad we sing our deep, deep love, F or Beta Theta Pi.1

That might have been a song that South Carolina Betas sung about southern camp fires in the war between the states— for almost all of the members of the twenty-sixth, chapter of Beta Theta Pi wore the gray uniform and five of them gave their lives for their cause.

The story of our Upsilon chapter is a pathetic one and there is little left as direct evidence of the brief life of the group at Columbia, South Carolina, from 1858 to 1861, and its twenty members.

None is left of that chapter— but it has been possible to check on the records of the chapter and its score of members through interested kinsmen and other students of that period. The information that is contained in this article is, for the most part, the product of original investigation over a year. This fact is noted to encourage chapter historians who are interested in the development of the name and fame of Beta Theta Pi and her history.

The South Carolina College was established by act of the South Carolina assembly in December, 1801, with an appropriation of $50,000. Its first president, Jonathan Maxcy, was a graduate of Brown University, 1787, and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa society as were several of the early profes­ sors of the college including Stephen Elliott, Yale 1791, Robert Woodward 1 First verse of “ W ooglin’s Christmas Song,” written by Charles Duy Walker, V .M .I. ’69, founder of The Beta Theta Pi. A ir “ Bonnie Blue Flag.” The song is full of memories of the Confederate soldier.

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Their names, though perhaps of no interest to you, are Wardlaw, Perrin, Foster, and Gist, and a nicer crowd could not be gotten together, perfect gentlemen and great favorites among the students. They have been solicited by almost every club in college but, not liking the crowds, did not join any of them. The principal object among the clubs at Columbia is to have a large number of members who take a prominent stand in their literary societies, with but little re­ gard for their class stand. My instructions to them were to be very select in choosing members from the lower classes and not to take in over fifteen or twenty, always remembering that one vote would reject a man. I told him this because Jim Morehead told me he thought it best. They desire to be constituted a regular chapter at our earliest convenience. Their next term opens day after tomorrow, the 4th inst.”

Brother Coffin’s favorable report to the pre­ siding chapter brought quick action; for on Janu­ ary .31, 1858, the chapter was formally established

by William Campbell Lord, North Carolina ’58, and given the name Upsilon. The first four names L E W IS W . P E R R IN , ’58 on the- official roll are those given by Coffin to Croom, Perrin, Wardlaw, Foster, and Gist. From the Junior class were added Simpson, Hane, and Stephenson. Our archives contain a letter written from Columbia on March 5, 1858, by Richard C. Simpson to Hugh Boyd of Ohio, in which it is siaid, “ W e have received several letters from Brother Coffin of Eta chapter, all of which breathed the love of a true brother, and made known to us the love and sympathy which the brothers of Eta have for their young brethren of Upsilon,” and a little further on, “ W e were very much pleased with Brother Lord, indeed, and think him just what everyone who bears the name and wears the badge of Beta Theta Pi ought to be.”

W riting seventy years later, in 1928, Mr. Coffin’s recollection thus told the story of Up­ silon : “There had been some correspondence between Eta Chapter at the University of North Carolina . . . about the establishment of a chapter . . . at South Carolina g § ^ * .> .

College. A s I was going to Charleston to spend my winter vacation with some relatives, it was arranged that I should stop at Columbia and make a visit there covering their annual Commencement, during the first week in December. I was related to the Bowies, and one of the sons was Langdon who became a member of the new R IC H A R D V . G IS T , ’61 chapter. T h e W ardlaws and the Bowies were closely re­ lated and the W ardlaw s and the Perrins also related. W hen I reached Columbia, I sought and found W illiam Clarke W ardlaw, and he introduced me to Lewis W ardlaw Perrin, his roommate and cousin. I soon found out that neither of these two men belonged to a Greekletter fraternity, and I also soon ascertained that no young men were more highly regarded in college and in their respective classes than thes§ two roommates. In due time, I made known the object of my visit and both, after considerable inquiry and conversation took up with the proposition to organize a chapter there. I do not

Hi ■

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Jerome Thomas Gillet, Miami ’47, wrote to Michigan Tuly 26 1846 explaining that a vote had been asked “ for the purpose of obtaining permis­ sion to establish branches at Marietta College, Ohio, Centre College at Dan­ ville, Kentucky, and Columbia College, South Carolina, sometime since but we have received answers from none except the Hudson Western Re­ serve chapter. . .

Things seemed to drift along until the next decade when Hampden-Sidnev wrote Lambda, November 2, 1857: . . . I received a letter not long ago from Brother Croom3 of Chapel Hill N C requesting me to aid in getting votes o f all our Sister Chapters for the purpose’ of establishing a chapter at the University o f South Carolina, S.C.

This seemed to awaken some action, since in the minutes of the Indiana chapter there appears the following under date of November 10, 1857: C • • • P i ,.Chapter gave its consent to the establishment of a chapter at Columbia South Carolina, as requested in the epistle from Hampden-Sidney, considering it of the utmost importance that we should have a footing at that old and somewhat renowned institution. . . .

This brings matters up to the establishment of the chapter. The most specific knowledge of the chapter’s beginnings was revealed by a letter, found

by Mr. William W\ Croom of Mobile, Alabama, among the papers of his father, Stephens Croom, North Carolina ’59. It was from his college chum, James P. Coffin, North Carolina ’59, who was sent by the Hampden-Sidney chapter, then the presid­ ing chapter, on an expansion mission to South Carolina. This letter, dated at Charleston, South Carolina, January 2, 1858, said: “ I have just finished a letter to Luke Frierson in which I sent my love to you, but since closing it have determined to answer yours of the 27 ult., merely to tell you of my doings at Columbia. You know that I visited that city duly commissioned to take the preliminary steps to establishing a chapter of our association at South Carolina College.

There was but one young man in the College with W . C. W A R D L A W whom I could claim to be acquainted, and that was merely from reputation. I knew that there lived such a personage as William C. W ardlaw, and he was aware that such a youth as your humble servant was in existence. Here our acquaintance ended. A fter I had been in Colum­ bia two or three hours he called at the hotel to see me. That night I had a game of whist with him and some others in his room. The next day he went with me to the race course, and I broke the subject to him, having of course previously learned that he was not already a member of a club. Until I gave him a hint or two as to the ‘nature of our union’ he seemed somewhat loth to go into it, but afterwards rendered me some valuable assistance and was quite eager to become a member as soon as possible. I left the affair in the hands of four members of the class which has just risen Senior.

3 1862-65.

Cicero Stephens Croom, ’ 59.

Died 1884 Mobile, Ala.

Major, acting adjutant general on staff of General Forney, C.S.A.,

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as there are four or five other clubs here and they can make by far a more hasty choice in electing members than we can, since they seem only to require intellect and literary attainment while the Greek addition to these is the character of a gentleman.

W e have only nine members, but as we all work for Upsilon like true Greeks and as she occupies a front place in our affections, we know we will, in a short time, be able to increase her numbers and make her superior to opposition. Upsilon is now wearing the usual badge of mourning for Brother Bruce [James Bruce, North Carolina ’ 56] who died a short time since. , . . Ours is a glorious association, just all we could ask for. One in which kindred spirits shut out from the envy and deceit o f a cold world may hold continued intercourse. Our constitution48 though simple and unassuming, has for its end a noble purpose. The means by which this union of feeling and sentiment is kept up are very pleasant. A ll the letters we have received from sister chapters have been of the most endearing nature, and with much pleasure of Betaism inspiring her with perfect confidence on every one who “wears the badge and bears the name of Beta Theta Pi.” . . .

Just as Upsilon was drawing a deep breath ready to start out after college honors as a group, the war came. In the election of Lincoln the North had spoken. Because they believed slavery wrong, the majority of the northern people had declared against its extension. South Carolina quickly made answer.

Before the October elections men in that state believed the choice of Lincoln probable and after Pennsylvania and Indiana had gone Republican, only a lingering hope remained that the issue could be other than dreaded by the South. October 12, three days after Pennsylvania and Indiana vir­ tually had decided the presidential contest, Governor W . H. Gist of South Carolina [father of Richard Valerius Gist ’61] called the usual session of the legislature for the purpose of appoint­ ing presidential electors; but, at the same time he added the unusual intimation that some action might be necessary “ for the safety and protection of the State.”

On November 5, the day before the election, the legislature assembled at Columbia. Gist recommended that in case Lincoln was elected provision should be made immediately for the holding of a convention with a view of severing the connection of South Carolina with the Federal union. A fter having appointed electors who were instructed to vote for Breckenridge and Lane, the legislature did not, as had heretofore been the cus­ tom, adjourn.

Members of this legislature included several representatives of Beta families : Wardlaw, Richardson, Foster, Gist, Glover, and Charles. Wardlaw and Rich­ ardson were members of a committee ap­ pointed to draw up a statement of causes ru A 1,T trc r ,1 . r ■ i-i 1 ROBERT KELSO CH ARLES for the act of secession which wa^-passed . „ . . , . * tx t Lieutenant Confederate States Army.

December 20, 1800.

5, 4a This reference to constitution includes the whole ritual since everything was in the constitution in 1858.

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remember but one other name, and that was Gist, but I am inclined to think that Foster and Simpson were approached and secured. I left with the understanding that I should make a favorable report and recommend the organization of a chapter.

Our winter vacation closed at the middle of January and our chapter acted at once, secur­ ing the authority from the presiding chapter at Hampden-Sidney, and sent William Campbell Lord, North Carolina ’58,4 to Columbia right away and organized the chapter.

Lord was first honor man and I think the secretary of our chapter.”

Lord initiated Lewis Wardlaw Perrin ’58, William Clarke Wardlaw ’59, Lewis Perrin Foster ’58, Richard Valerius Gist ’61, Richard Caspar Simpson ’59, William Clarence Hane ’59 and William Grafton Stevenson ’59 as charter members on January 31, 1858.

L E W IS P E R R IN F O S T E R A picture showing him in student days.

L E W IS P E R R IN F O S T E R Captain Confederate States Army.

Two letters written by members of the South Carolina chapter are ex­ tant. According to the first one, dated March 9, 1858 and addressed to the Ohio chapter everything was starting in good fashion: . . . It has been but a short time since our chapter was organized and let me now in behalf of Upsilon extend to your chapter the first love of your younger brothers and may it ever continue to be pure and undefiled as that which we believe every true Beta has for every one connected with this association. W e believe that if true friendship exists anywhere without the fam ily circle, it is among those whom the golden band of this excellent fraternity encircles. . . .

The last letter from the “ wilderness” is addressed also to the Ohio chapter and is dated May 20, 1858: A t a meeting of our chapter a short time since, the following gentlemen were elected to fill our offices. W . C. W ardlaw, president, L. W . Perrin, recorder, R. C. Simpson, treasurer, W . J. Stevenson and myself [L. P. Foster] corresponding secretaries. So that the duty of answering your kind and interesting epistle and also of extending Upsilon’s best wishes fo r Kappa’s future prosperity devoted upon myself. . . . Upsilon is still small and has a great deal o f opposition to contend with, 4 Lord served as captain of a company in the 57th N.C. Infantry C.S.A ., 1861-63, and was killed in action at Salisbury, N.C.

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after the war. In June, 1862 fighting began on James Island and the Con­ federate government took over the college buildings as a hospital. A fter the close of the war many of the former students did not return to college and other troubles closed the institution for a period of time; One of the most distinguished alumni of the now University of South Carolina is General W . A. Clark ’62, Columbia, a member of Delta Psi. He has supplied many interesting sidelights on the Betas at South Caro­ lina. In reference to the fraternity situation there he w rites: . . . A t the time I entered college [ 1860] there were in existence chapters of several fraternities— among them the D K E, the Delta Psi and yours [Beta Theta Pi] may be mentioned as the most prominent. The members of fraternities previous to I80U 1 knew only by reputation and the standing of the families in the state. Thus judging, would say your fraternity stood high. T he W ardlaws, the Perrins, the Gists, the Simp­ sons were all prominent families in the state, and those bearing that name during my time in college were of good standing. . . .

B y a coincidence the two other college alumni of that period who are alive also are Delta Psis, General Albert T. Goodwyn 64, commander of the United Confederate Veterans, and Colonel R. de Treville Lawrence 62.

General Goodwyn w rites: . . . I can recall no sense o f bitterness between the fraternities in the c°l|?Se; Often brothers would be members of different fraternities. The college symbolized the homogeneity o f the southern people. . . .

A s is indicated in the list of members, many of the Betas weie from the Abbeville district. Abbeville was the center of culture for the “ up country” of South Carolina. It was the home, or the homes of relatives for many of the South Carolina Betas. No minute books or rolls are extant although in Volume I, No. 5, Beta Theta Pi, April 15, 1873, where a list of members of the chapter is published it is stated that the chapter records were carefully preserved by Ro­ bert Kelso Charles. Military records for the most part have been obtained through the kindness of South Carolina officials and with the help of the alumni secretary of the university, Mr. B. A. Early. The list of members follow s: Lewis Wardlaw Perrin A.B. 1858. Born at Abbeville, M ay 21, 1839. Lawyer. Captain Company C. 1st S.C. Infantry C.S.A . 1861-65.

Captured at Bentonville, N.C., March 22, 1865.

Imprisoned at H art Island, Ft. Delaware, until exchanged. M aster of Abbeville county, 190007. Died June 25, 1907 Abbeville, S.C.

R IC H A R D C A S P A R S IM P S O N Laurens, South Carolina, 1861

William Clarke Wardlaw A.B. 1858, M.D. South Carolina Medical College 1861 D.D.S., Pennsylvania Dental School, 1866, N ew Y o rk College of Dentistry 1868. Born at Abbeville, September 3, 1837. Educator. Private Richland Rifles, G regg’s 1st S.C. Infantry C.S.A., Captain Company K 2nd S.C. Rifles (A ugust 20, 1862), wounded at F razier’s Farm, June 20, 1862. Dean, Atlanta Dental College and professor of

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Now to another part of town, the campus. The South Carolina Cadets had been organized in the early days of the college. The corps had been disbanded about 1856 although it had welcomed Lafayette to Columbia in 1824. As soon as the ordinance of secession was passed, the students began to close Greek and Latin texts a little early and open Hardee’s Tactics.

B y 1861 the cadet corps had been organized. One Beta, Joseph John Fripp, ’63, was the “ fourth” corporal and Langdon Bowie, John Maner Richardson and Robert Kelso Charles were privates. Some of the boys had left college to join companies in their home towns. Excitement around the college was increased when the tinder box of the war caught fire— Ft. Sumter was fired on.

Charles seems to have been the official historian of the cadet corps. In an account he says :5 . . . W hen the firing began on Ft. Sumter, the company telegraphed the tender of its services to Governor Pickens in Charleston and requested orders to come down immediately.

T he governor accepted the company as a part of the militia in service and or­ dered it to hold itself in readiness and remain in Columbia until further orders. . . . Finally we received orders to go to Sullivan’s Island at Daybreak next morning.

In the meantime they gave us guns and ammunition from the state armory. W e boarded the tug boat and steamed away across the harbor to the island. . . . A rrivin g at Sullivan’s Island, we were marched to that elegant hotel, the old Moultrie House beyond Ft. Moultrie and were eyewitnesses to all the thrilling and now historical events which occurred on the evening of the memorable 13th of April, 1861. W e witnessed the heavy volume o f smoke arising from Ft. Sumter.

W e saw the small boat . . . proceed toward the burning fort and we saw the United States flag hauled down and the Palmetto flag take its place on the flag staff. . . . The only real service performed by the cadets during their stay on Sullivan’s Island was to guard the beach. A t the end of three weeks or more we received orders to return to Columbia. . . .

The return of the- cadets meant the reopening of the college with what members of the student body had not enlisted. There was, however, no peace inside the college walls and none without. One by one they left. During the latter part of June, 1861, another company was formed which tendered its services to Governor Pickens to go to Virginia, which was becoming a seat of war. The boys selected a Beta, Charles Scott Venable, Hampden-Sidney ’59,® professor of mathematics in the college, as captain. Charles again was a member of the corps. The selection of Venable showed the high esteem in which he was held by the boys. Venable accepted the command in a letter from Fairfax Court House, Va., dated June 24, 1861: D e a r S ir s :

I received your letter this morning and telegraphed my answer. I write to give my answer more in detail. I will command the company with pleasure.

I am sorry that any difficulty occurred, but on sober thinking of it my acceptance may serve in measure to heal it, and I will do everything for men who have treated me with so much kindness as the South Carolina students. . . .

There are three college companies in the field— my old college, Hampden-Sidney, away up near Phillipi, W ashington College in the same district and the Mississippi U niversity at or near H arper’s Ferry. . . .

On March 2, 1862 the college was closed for the war. Members of the war classes while they did not graduate, usually received their diplomas B Centennial Celebration, South Carolina College, Charleston, 1902, p. 53 ff.

6 Venable received an L L .D . from South Carolina College in 1867. In the war he was a lieutenant colonel, acting adjutant general, and an aid to General Lee.

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William Franklin Glover A.B. i860. University of Alabama 1857-58. Born at Demopolis, Ala., 1840. Lawyer. Private in the signal corps in Alabama C .S.A . Data lacking. State senator 1880-81. Member of the state constitutional convention, 1901.

Died August 27, 1916, Butler, Ala. David Henry Reid 1861. Entered the University from Georgia. in i860. No information available.

Listed as a junior

Joseph John Fripp 1863. Born at B eaufort about 1840. Served with Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, an organization founded in 1776. His company was termed Company A n th S.C. on the C.S.A. muster rolls. W ith Southern Express Company.

Died 1895, Beaufort, S.C. John Maner Richardson 1864. Born at Barnwell, 1840. Planter. Served with S.C. college cadets and later with Dantger’s regiment. Data lacking. According to Mrs. Hal Richardson, a sister-in-law, he was sent on numerous trips by Gen. Joseph E. Johnson. Died 1890. Bluff ton, S.C. Robert K elso Charles A.B. 1862. Born at Darlington, 1840. Lawyer. Lieutenant in Camden cavalry troop, K irkw ood’s Rangers 7th S.C. C avalry C.S.A., 1861-65.

Brevetted captain fo r bravery in action. Prosecuting attorney, Darlington, 1867-69.

Died Darlington, March 9, 1903. His picture supplied by Mr. W . E. Charles, Bishopville, a brother.

Langdon Bowie, Jr. 1863. Born at Charleston, 1842. Served as a first lieutenant and captain of a S.C. Infantry regiment. Data lacking. A form er superintendent of the Confederate Soldiers’ Home of Georgia. Died October 2, 1912, Rome, Ga.

Eighteen sixty-one to 1865 were four years of war at home for our Southern brothers. The boys from old Upsilon marched side by side with those from Bethany, Oglethorpe, W ashington and Lee, Virginia, Cumberland, Hampden-Sidney, North Carolina, Centre, Transylvania and the boys from the northern chapters who “ went with their state.”

There must be much unwritten history of the Betas in the war between the states, meetings on the battlefield, in prisons and in hospitals. Much of that remains to be gathered and set down for us.

A paragraph about kinsmen. Coffin who went down on the inspection trip, as has been written, was a cousin of Langdon Bowie. Lewis Wardlaw Perrin, Thomas Lamar Wardlaw, James Wither­ spoon W ardlaw and William Clarke W ardlaw were first cousins. There were five Wardlaw brothers in Abbeville, Dr. Joseph J. Wardlaw, father of James Witherspoon W ardlaw; Judge David Lewis W ardlaw; Chancellor Francis Hugh Wardlaw, father of Thomas Lamar W ardlaw; James Alfred W ardlaw; and Robert H. Wardlaw, father of W il­ O N E O F T W O P O S T S liam Clarke Wardlaw. Their sister, Jane W ard­ W IT H TABLET• AT law, married Thomas Chiles Perrin, father of Lewis T H E E N T R A N C E T O AVENUE W ardlaw Perrin, and Mrs. Robert H. Wardlaw, SINE CAEBSBS EIOVNIL L E . T H IS born Eliza Bowie, was a sister of Langdon Bowie’s P O S T IS O N R IG H T father. The Glovers were brothers. All of these boys were cousins of Bowies, so the real center of the South Carolina Beta

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anatomy, physical and aural surgery, 1893. Co-editor, “ Dental Cosmos,” “ Southern Dental J o u rn a l’ and ‘Dental Archives.” Died September 3, 1893, Augusta, Ga. Lewis Perrin Foster A.B. 1858. Born near Spartanburg, 1837. Captain Com­ pany K 3rd S.C. Infantry. Killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Spartan­ burg, S.C. His father, a signer of the ordinance of secession, was lieutenant colonel o f the same regiment.

Richard Valerius Gist 1858. Born at Union, 1838. Planter. W ar record lost.

Kinsmen believe he was a major in the ordnance department with the assignment at some munitions factory. D ie d ----- . His picture is supplied by W . H. Gist, Carlisle.

S.C., a kinsman.

Richard Caspar Simpson A.B. 1859. Medical student South Carolina Medical College 1859-60. Born at Laurens, 1839. Private Company A 3rd S.C. Infantry C.S.A ., 1861-62. Killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. His picture is supplied by a brother, Dr. C. A. Simpson, Decatur, Ga. William■Clarence Hane A.B. 1859. Born at Orangeburg, 1838. Planter. Private Company I 2nd S.C. Infantry C.S.A ., 1861-62; first lieutenant and adjutant 20th S C. Infantry (July 10, 1862) ; detached on staff of Col. E. S. K eitt’s regiment (O c­ tober 1, 1862) ; joined with same rank K eitt’s company of (independent) mounted riflemen and served until 1865. A few months in 1863 he was attached to the 20th regiment. Member of the state legislature 1878-80. Died November 6, 1891, Ft. Motte, S.C. William Baxter Stinson A.B. 1859. Born at Kershaw, 1840.

Planter. Private Company G. Camden Rifles (18th Mississippi) Infantry C.S.A., 1861-65. Before end of war served as captain.

Superintendent of schools, Madison county (M iss.) 1876-84; 189603. Merchant in Canton. Died 1906, Canton, Miss. His picture is supplied by Mrs. K ate S. Johnson, Canton, Miss., a daughter.

Robert Newton Chatham A.B. i860 with honors. Born near Abbeville, 1840. Captain of a company in the 19th S.C. Infantry C.S.A., 1861-64. Killed in action, 1864. Abbeville, S.C. W . B. S T IN S O N

Francis Hopkins Weston A.B . 1859. Born in Richland county about 1840. Assisted in organizing Company H 6th S.C. Infantry C .S.A ., mustered in as color bearer and later elected captain. Killed in action in Septem­ ber, 1862, near Chattanooga, Tenn. His body taken back to the fam ily home by a servant.

Congaree, S.C.

James Witherspoon Wardlaw i860. Born at Abbeville, January 10, 1840. Entered sophomore class 1858 and while in • senior year became ill with typhoid fever and died July 6, i860, a few months before graduation. Abbeville, S.C. Thom as Lamar Wardlaw A .B . i860 with honors. Born at Mt. Salus, Edgefield district (county), 1838. Became assistant secretary to Governor F. W . Pickens in March, 1861. Enlisted in Company A 1st S.C. Infantry C.S.A. and transferred to 1st S.C. regulars and was first lieutenant and acting regimental adjutant. A member of the Clarosophic “society. Killed at Ft. M oultrie by an exploding cannon July 17, 1861.

George Archibald Douglass 1861. Born in Abbeville county, October 30, 1837.

L e ft college in sophomore year. W ar record unknown. Merchant in Abbeville. Died April 27, 1904, Abbeville,'S.C. Edward A llen Glover A.B . i860. University of Alabama 1856-58. Born at Demopolis, Ala., 1838. Planter. Served with Alabama artillery battery and as a sergeant in the signal corps C.S.A. Data lacking. Died October 27, 1880, St. Stephens, Ala.

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SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER FOUNDER Lewis Wardlaw Perrin, whose name is first on the roll of our South Carolina chapter, was born in Abbeville, South Carolina, May 21, 1839, son of Thomas Chiles Perrin and Jane (W ardlaw) Perrin. He died June 25, 1907 and is buried in Long Cane cemetery in Abbeville.

The Perrins are of Huguenot extraction. They are mentioned by Gen­ eral Edward McCrady in his History of South Carolina, where, writing of the Huguenot immigration into the State, he says:“ T o this emigration, the family of Perrin, distinguished alike in commerce, at the bar, and in war, belong. Thomas C. Perrin (father of Lewis W ardlaw Perrin) the lawyer and president of the Columbia and Greenville Railroad; James M. Perrin, lawyer and soldier who fell as Colonel of the First Regiment of South Carolina Rifles at Chancellorsville; and Abner Perrin, the lawyer and soldier who fell as B riga­ dier General at the W ilderness.”

Lewis Wardlaw Perrin graduated from the South Carolina College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in June 1858. When South Carolina seceded from the Union, he immediately joined the colors as private in the Rutledge Mounted Riflemen. Shortly afterwards, he was appointed by Governor Pickens Second Lieutenant in the South Carolina regulars, and saw continu­ ous service in the battles connected with the de­ fense of Charleston harbor. When near the close of the war it became necessary to evacuate; Charleston, the South Carolina regulars were at­ tached to Hardee’s Corps and participated in the battles of Averysboro and Bentonville in North Carolina. In the latter battle Lewis W . Perrin, now promoted to Captain, led Company “ C” into the fight.

When peace was declared, he engaged in com­ mercial business for several years, as, due to the exigencies following the war, it was some time before he was able to enter the law, his chosen G R A VE OF profession, for which by nature, education and L E W IS W . P E R R IN inheritance he was particularly fitted. A s a law­ Long Cane Cemetery Abbeville, S.C. yer, he entered the firm of Perrin and Cothran in Abbeville, and in the years that followed left his impress on the jurisprudence of South Carolina by the clearness of his reason­ ing, the depth of his knowledge and the power of his legal discrimination, but above all by the high sense of obligation and honesty that controlled his every act in relation to his client and to the profession.

The same courageous and unswerving integrity which marked his career as a soldier and lawyer was characteristic of his civic life. No citizen ever gave more unsparingly of his time and energy for the public’s good with as little thought of personal gain. He loved his native city and worked untiringly for her advancement. The bringing of the Seaboard A ir Line Railroad there which he accomplished almost single-handed was but one of many of his contributions toward her progress. In his private life his influence was even more evident. For thirty years he served as elder in

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chapter was at Abbeville, according to John Lawyer Rose, Denison ’21, who has been of assistance in compiling these data.

It was at Abbeville on November 22, i860, a month before similar meetings were called at Charleston and Columbia, that the first meeting for se­ cession of South Carolina was held, “ Secession Hill” being a place of local historical interest, with appropriate markers. A t this meeting Thomas Chiles Perrin, Esq. presided, Judge D. L. Wardlaw was a vice-president and Dr. J. J. W ardlaw a committee man. Abbeville backed its declarations with blood. The first man killed in the Civil W ar was from Abbeville; three Perrin boys, first cousins, were killed in two days; five colonels from Abbeville were lost in battle; and more men from the county were killed during the war than there are people in Abbeville in 1929. On the marble secession tablet in the State House in Columbia the first name is Thomas Chiles Perrin, the fifth, David Lewis Wardlaw, the thirty-fourth, Francis Hugh Wardlaw, and the observer notes other Beta family names like Thomas W orth Glover, B. B. Foster, William H. Gist, and T. D. Richard­ son.

South Carolina’s palmetto flag was well represented on our rolls. Twenty boys signed the constitution at Columbia. Twenty boys started to build a great fraternity chapter in distinguished and honorable company— then Ft. Sumter and the war. One major, seven captains, three with lieutenants’ commissions, one with chevrons, and five privates— a total of seventeen out of the twenty— and one Beta died while he was in college and the records of the other two are unknown.

So farewell, O ! Betas true, Love each path with flowers bestrew ; W hatever comes that comes to you— Sorrows, not joys, be fe w !7 7 Chorus from “ So Farewell” by H enry Adelbert Delano, Denison ’69. A ir “ The Mountaineer’s Farewell.”

In addition to the sources listed, I am indebted to Col. J. G. Wardlaw, .York, S.C., head of the W ardlaw family, and Mr. James Henry Rice, Jr., W iggins, S.C., for their helpful suggestions. Colonel W ardlaw ’s son is Joseph George Wardlaw, Jr., North Carolina ’24, a member of the Baird Fund.

Professor Patterson W ardlaw, Virginia ’81, is a grandson of Robert H. Wardlaw, and so a nephew of W illiam Clarke W ardlaw, South Carolina ’ 58. Lewis Perrin Smith, Pennsylvania ’32, of Greenville, S.C., is a grandson of Lewis W ardlaw Perrin, South Carolina ’ 58.

A CAROLINA BADGE OF 1858 Through the gracious courtesy of Mr. William W. Croom of Mobile, Alabama, the fraternity possesses a badge of the type used in the Carolinas before the Civil W ar. It was worn by his father, Cicero Steph­ ens Croom, North Carolina ’59, a close chum and classmate o f James Park Coffin. It was presented to Beta Theta Pi to be transmitted as “ the president’s badge.”

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University Beta, the late W alter Edw ard H art Massey, ’87. The reported cost is over two million dollars and a trip to Toronto would not be com­ plete without an inspection of this wonderful building.

The Toronto chapter 011 the day the armistice was signed had four mem­ bers, all physically disqualified for army service. Today it numbers fortyfour, most of whom, as officers or “ Tommies” fought for King and Country against the common enemy.

Cold, storm and the prevailing epidemic served to keep many alumni away from the banquet, but those who braved the elements were enthusiastic. Few chapters of any fraternity could assem­ ble a better, “ smoother” looking, snappier lot of boys than those who graced the tables which were arranged in the form of the Greek letter Pi. And how they could sing! Beta songs were interspersed with college ditties and army songs, which took the hearers back to those fields in Flanders, immortalized

by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrea, where many of them had fought, where several were wounded and where on that very night some of Theta Zeta’s bravest and best were lying asleep in that long sleep which has no awaking until the day of resurrection. Fitting it was that be­ fore the banquet began every head was bowed in silent prayer for those gallant Beta spirits who yielded up their young lives that their fellows might live and their country and the countries of the world might endure.

The speeches of the evening brought H. S H E R ID A N B A K E T E L out the fact that the chapter stands at the top of the list of the university and that its alumni, small in number, but large in Beta pride, are behind it to the last ditch. These Torontonians appreciate what the General Fraternity did for the chapter during the war. When all fraternities in the University of Toronto had closed their houses, the flag of Beta Theta Pi flew from the peak of the mast head. Its doors were never closed and many were the war-tired veteran Beta boys who returned from French battlefields to be enfolded in its outstretched arms. The hospitality of the house was extended to the other fraternities as well and it kept the home fires burning for Toronto warriors of whatever clan.

Now the chapter is determined to show its appreciation of the kindly offices of the General Fraternity. A t the time of the banquet outstanding obligations against the chapter house demanded attention and with little ap­ parent effort those few alumni and the “ undergrads” raised over forty-three hundred dollars. The campaign inaugurated that night has for its object making Theta Zeta financially independent. It thrilled the cockles of the Beta heart to see the way the undergraduates showed how they loved their chapter. Allowances were crowded to the bursting point and the charming

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the Presbyterian church at Abbeville. None had a higher sense of what this obligation meant, and his daily life reflected his appreciation of this high duty. He lived his religion. With him precept became example; to know the right was but to do the right. Death has not destroyed this influence. Though firm in his doctrinal beliefs, he had faith without bigotry; his outlook on life being broadminded and charitable in all things. He was truly a gentleman of the “ old school” , kindly and courteous toward all with whom he came in contact, never too busy to give an attentive ear or lend a helping hand to those who came to him from every station of life. To the youth of Abbeville he gave a ready sympathy and understanding in­ terest. He derived keen enjoyment from their games of play, but he demanded that they have fair play, and be “ good sports” ; fairness and justness being integral traits of his character.

He married M ary Means McCaw of York, South Carolina, eldest daugh­ ter of Robert C. M cCaw and Belle Means Bratton. His widow, two daugh­ ters, Mrs. Thomas Gordon White of Abbeville, South Carolina, and Mrs. Augustus W ardlaw Smith of Greenville, South Carolina; and four sons, Robert M cCaw Perrin of New Orleans, Thomas S. Perrin and Lewis W ard­ law Perrin of Spartanburg, South Carolina and William Bratton Perrin of Greenville, South Carolina, survived him. His grandson, Lewis Perrin Smith ’32, was initiated as a member of the Pennsylvania chapter April 12, 1929.

A VISIT TO TORONTO IN 1920 H. S h e r id a n B a k e t e l , Dartmouth ’95 Chief of District IV “ Is Toronto coming back” is a question which has been asked by many Betas the past year. Decidedly and emphatically yes. It has adopted as its slogan Mike Malone’s immortal words “ Carry On” and it is exemplifying them to the utmost.

The chapter chose as the time of its annual banquet the coldest period ever known in the history of Toronto’s branch of the Canadian weather bureau.

The District Chief’s train, two hours late, pushed through heavy drifts which were constantly becoming deeper by the aid of falling snow and heavy wind.

Toronto, however, was calm and serene despite its thick snow mantle. The streets were passable in all parts of the city and the principal arteries of travel had been shoveled clear. W e commend the street cleaning department of New Y ork to a postgraduate course in snow handling to be given by the Street Commissioner of Toronto.

The cold and bleakness of the outside world was dispelled by the warmth of the welcome of the Toronto Betas. Four of them greeted the Chief at the C. P. R. Station and took him by motor to the cheerful Beta home m St. George Street for luncheon.

Later on we motored around the beautiful campus while the^snow flakes fell in great profusion. Especial interest was aroused by a visit to Hart House, the largest and most complete college building in North America. This magnificent pile, which is the home and headquarters of most of the athletic, non-athletic and social organizations of the University, is a gift from a Boston

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most unique position of any in our great brotherhood in more ways than one.

Its wonderful record in the war, when practically its entire membership was in the service, gives it added claim to distinction.

But that is not all. The Toronto Betas possess that intangible something which we call “ The Beta Spirit.” W ith them it is a living, vibrant spirit that dominates their lives and activities. To them it means everything. have lived their fraternity in the water-soaked trenches of Flanders and the impenetrable fastnesses of the Argonne Forest. Through four long and strenu­ ous years some of those men helped make Beta history on the bloody fields of warring Europe. All too many of their Beta comrades are now a part of the soil of France and Belgium. Such men know what fraternity really means. That is how the Toronto chapter has come back. Those men long since caught the vision. Mike Malone, one of their very own, admonished them to “ Carry On.” So they are and so they will. And thus the Toronto chapter shows its gratitude to the fraternity of Beta Theta Pi.

W A S H IN G T O N U N I V E R S I T Y IN 1869

SIXTY YEARS AT WASHINGTON April 1, 1869, in his law office on the second floor of the Old Times Building, 5th and Chestnut Streets, James B. Gantt, a young lawyer, gradu­ ate of the University of Virginia Law School in 1868, initiated Vernon W .

Knapp, Washington, 1869, into Beta Theta Pi. A little later in the same place, he initiated David R. Francis, 1870, Eugene B. Jones, 1870 and Ed­ ward J. Gay, Jr., 1871, and installed the Iota Iota Chapter of Beta Theta Pi in Washington University.

The chapter had been organized and the charter granted through the efforts of Shepard Barclay, Virginia, 1869. Barclay, after finishing his

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girls of Toronto must go without orchids and violets from Beta sources for a long time to come, because those Betas are bound to live in a house which they absolutely own, up to the last brick on the top of the chimney.

The Toronto chapter has the spirit, the real Pater Knox Beta spirit. Heroes in battle, they will equally be heroes in the peaceful pursuits of civil life, and our fraternity may well be proud of its Toronto representatives. They want, and all live Betas want, a chapter in McGill University at Montreal, and to show how much Theta Zeta is in earnest a committee will have visited McGill before these words are printed, for the purpose of ascertaining just what that institution offers to Beta Theta Pi. In these days when human life seems to be valued lightly, we speak of heroic deeds as every day occurrences. A glance around the festive board of Toronto’s Betas revealed the presence of many real heroes, some wounded, or prisoners in loathsome German camps, other possessors of crosses and medals for heroism, yet all modest to the point of mutism.

The case of “ Tommy” Drew-Brook is typical. W e first met him the day after the conclusion of the 1917 convention, when a few officers of the fra­ ternity went over to Toronto to visit the chapter, then few in members and composed o f very young or physically unfit boys. Tommy, clad in the smart accoutrements of a flying cadet, came into the chapter house a bit scratched as to face, but as blithesome as a lark. Much questioning revealed that his machine had dropped four hundred feet that afternoon and landed its intrepid pilot in a tree. He was quite pleased that he had not alighted on a nearby barn, lest his pink and white complexion might have been damaged.

A few months later “Tommy” was flying seventeen miles behind the Ger­ man lines at an altitude of over sixteen thousand feet. He was attacked by four Huns and was hit by four bullets, two of which are still in his body. Another, an explosive bullet, penetrated his spine and exploded, scores of pieces entering the spine and liver. A t the same time a bullet put an end to the utility of his petrol tank. Despite his serious wounds this brave little aviator started to volplane seventeen miles to his own lines, surrounded by his four “brave” antagonists, who fired at him constantly but did no further damage. He landed in the German second line trenches and as a result was a prisoner for eight months. Today he stands in a steel harness from hips to shoulders, but he is the same brave, hopeful spirit we met in 1917, when he had only tumbled four hundred feet.

A ll Betas know the history of Captain Norman Caudwell, late chief of District IV , who was present at the banquet. His fight twelve thousand feet in the air, against unequal odds, is not unlike Drew-Brook’s, except that he landed behind his own lines and his serious wounds were attended by men of his own kind.

Space forbids the telling of other tales about our brave Canadian Betas who were gathered in that Toronto hotel on that very cold night. These men stood at rigid attention and sang “ M y Country ’Tis of Thee” after they had sung their own “ God Save the King,’ with as much feeling as if they had been born on the other side of that invisible and undefended line which we please to call the border. Only one man in that room claimed the United States as his home and birthplace, but were we not all Betas and do not the bonds of Beta Theta Pi break down all barriers of nationality and creed ?

The chapter o f Beta Theta Pi in the University of Toronto occupies the

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official robes was on hand, being received from the General Secretary. The Idaho and Whitman chapter members helped in the important parts which had been well memorized. Some of the older members took the stations and I acted as president for the occasion. I thought the initiation went off in a most satisfactory way. The hall was of course well equipped for ritualistic work and all effects were good. Following the initiation the in­ stallation banquet was held in the Palace Hotel, 112 Betas being present.

The meal was excellent, the service was speedy and surprisingly good. 1 he speeches were of a high character and everybody seemed enthusiastic. An orchestra mainly from the Idaho chapter furnished lively music and some ot the boys sang solos in an effective way. The group singing was much better

T H E W A S H IN G T O N S T A T E C H A P T E R H O U S E

than might have been expected from a new chapter, the new members having been carefully drilled in the songs of the fraternity. A fter the banquet was over most of the company went out for a serenade. This lasted until three o’clock in the morning, all of the sorority houses and fraternity houses being visited in turn. Phi Delta Theta and some other fraternity chapters were also out serenading so that it was literally true that ‘the night was filled with music.’ Something new in serenades was shown me. The piano was taken from the house and loaded on an electric truck and it was taken from place to place where the serenades were given, the_ same plan being followed by the chapters of other fraternities which were singing that night.. On Sunday morning about sixty of us went to the Presbyterian Church, of 'which^Dr. Spaulding of the old Monmouth chapter is the pastor. W e filled the body of the house. One of the Idaho boys with an exceptionally fine voice sang a solo Dr Spaulding ,preached an excellent sermon on ‘Faith, Hope, and Love S telling the audience of the presence of members of the new Beta

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college work at St. Louis University in 1867, had gone to the University of Virginia, a t Charlottesville, Virginia, to study law. There he met Gantt, an ex-Confederate soldier, a Georgian, a senior in the Law School, president of our Omicron Chapter. And Gantt made him a Beta. Shepard Barclay at once started working for a Beta chapter in Washington University in his home city of St. Louis, and when he came home for the summer vacation of 1868 he began organizing the group who were to form that chapter.

His first selection was his intimate friend, Vernon W. > •Jgr Knapp, who had just completed his junior year, and who, ! W living at 808 Gratiot Street, just a short distance from the Barclay home, 1201 Dillon Street, was eager to have a part in this fraternity “ Shep” Barclay talked about. Knapp was a son of George Knapp, chief of the owners of the Mis­ 4 souri Republican, the leading newspaper of the period, and of the social aristocracy of the city. Dave Francis, a junior SH EPARD in the University, a Kentuckian and leader in every Wash­ BARCLAY ington student activity, soon joined them and before Bar­ From his Virginia clay left for the University in the fall it had been arranged chapter picture of that he was to get the charter and Knapp and Francis were 1869. to select the men who would make up the chapter. The pre­ siding chapter of the fraternity was X i at Knox College and it was not until March that enough of the chapters had voted in favor so that the charter could be issued. This was sent to Shepard Barclay at Virginia, and by him sent to James B. Gantt in St. Louis .who installed the new chapter, called Iota Iota.

This name was later changed to Alpha Iota.

This year therefore we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of our chapter in 1869. And we especially remember the part Shepard Barclay, the boy o f Sixty-nine, president of Omicron Chapter, president of the Jefferson Society, star pitcher on the nine, one which had no defeats, and Shepard Barclay, the distinguished lawyer and Supreme Court Chief Justice of later years, who never let his Beta enthusiasms falter, and who ever had time for his Beta boys, a gentleman of the old school, had in the bringing of Beta Theta Pi to Washington. (From Alpha Iota, May 25, 1929)

->

THE START AT WASHINGTON STATE COLLEGE “ On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, January 16, 17, and 18, 1920, the exercises connected with the formal installation of the Gamma Theta chapter of Beta Theta Pi were held at Pullman, Washington. I arrived about eight o’clock in the evening; was met by members of the fraternity and of the local society; was taken to the chapter house. Here for some time was held an examination designed to test the knowledge of men relative to Beta Theta Pi and to give opportunity for explanation of history, ideals, and the like.

This meeting was an extremely successful one, District Chief McCulloch and I sharing in the inquisitorial work. The initiation was held in the Masonic Hall in Pullman on the afternoon of Saturday, a large number being present and the ceremony being put on in good form. The trunk of

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only feel safe in recommending among these W illiam and M ary College, Virginia, B eloit'C ollege, Wisconsin, and W estminster College, Missouri.

But nothing further regarding Westminster is found in the official records of Beta Theta Pi until the Convention of 1868 which was held in Nashville, Tennessee, in July. Then the report o f the Presiding Chapter, Mu, at Cum­ berland, announced that a sufficient number of votes had been given for a chapter at Westminster and that the chapter had been established with the name Delta Delta. In none of the letters published as Beta Letters is there any reference to this petition, although these contemporary communications are filled with statements about petitions and opinions regarding locations for chapters.

The initiation and formal installation, under the direction of John A. Kellar, Hanover ’65, who was an aggressive Beta worker of his generation, took place in the hall of the Philalethian Literary Society at Westminster College, on the afternoon-of March 5, 1868. The six charter members were Frank Charles King, ’70, Charles McClung Napton, ’70, Thomas Nesbit McClelland, ’70, George Clifton Heard, ’70, Archibald Gamble, ’71, and James Bona Snell, *71. King was chosen first president of the chapter and Napton first corresponding secretary. Curiously enough, if the Beta cata­ logue record is correct, no one of these chapter founders obtained a degree from Westminster. McClelland became a merchant, the other five, lawyers.

The moving spirit in the chapter life at the beginning was Frank King. The early records of Delta Delta are missing, but it is known that the first ini­ tiates of the new chapter were William Hockaday Wallace, ’71, and Thomas West Shaw, ’71, both of whom received the bachelor’s degree from W est­ minster in due course.

The new chapter at once incurred the hostility of the barbarian members of the literary societies. “ They tried to ignore us,” one of the pioneers wrote, “ in the election of officers and in connection with the choice of June performers, but unfortunately for them our merit compelled them to recog­ nize us. But so far did some of the hotheaded ones go in their war that they tried to establish another literary society and did run one for a time, the main object of which was the extermination of the Betas. This society, however, had a short and inglorious existence and died of mental inanition before the close of the session of 1869.”

In the fall of 1868 John McDowell Trimble and Charles George Single­ ton, both of the Class of ’71, were admitted to the chapter, and a little later Press Grave Kennett, ’71, Albert Walton, ’71, and Frederic Schroeter Newland, ’70, were initiated. The exact date of initiations was not always kept, and, strange to say, minutes of proceedings were seldom if ever put on record.

But it should be remembered, in this connection, that the chapter was an isolated one, the only chapter of our fraternity in the state at this time, Iota Iota at Washington University not being established until the fall of 1870. ( E d it o r ’ s N o t e : The records of the fraternity give April 1, 1869, as the date for the Washington chapter’s organization.) And no other fra­ ternity had as yet placed a chapter in the institution and consequently there was no rivalry to give an increase of life and enthusiasm. And, again, the literary societies were in a most flourishing condition, the secrecy of their proceedings and the bitter and intense rivalry between them caused less in­

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chapter and mentioning his own connection with Beta Theta Pi at Monmouth College many years before. A fter he had finished his address he asked the j as sm^ -^e^a Doxology/ This was done in an impressive fashion and then he himself gave the regular benediction. I think everybody felt that it was a distinctly creditable meeting and one which made a splendid in­ troduction of the new chapter into Pullman life. (Report of Francis W. Shepardson, installing officer.)

T H E W E S T M IN IS T E R C H A P T E R H O U S E

BETA LIFE A T WESTMINSTER Westminster College at Fulton, Missouri, was chartered on February 23, 1853. The cornerstone of the first building was laid on July 4, 1854, the orator of the day being the Reverend N. L. Rice, afterwards president of the college. The first president was Dr. Samuel Spahr Laws, Miami ’48, sole surviving Beta at Miami after the famous "Snow Rebellion,” He started in with Westminster on its opening as professor of physics. He served as president until 1861 and, later, became president of the University of Missouri. Westminster is Presbyterian, being controlled by representa­ tives of the Northern and Southern Presbyterian communions in the state of Missouri.

A t the third biennial convention, held in the Neil House in Columbus, Ohio, on August 15 and 16, i860, a committee on the state of the chapters was appointed, made up of J. M. Maxwell of the Jefferson chapter; J. P. Graham of Davidson, and W . W . Fountain of Ohio Wesleyan. In its re­ port this committee stated, Since our last Convention there have been applications for the founding of new chapters at Beloit College, Wisconsin, Westminster College, Missouri, and others. W e

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graduated at the last commencement. She enters with eight men.” The chapter had no delegate at the convention and the report of the treasury in­ dicated that it had not paid its annual dues. No delegate was sent to the historic convention of 1872, held at Richmond, August 21-24. The annual dues were again delinquent and the committee on chapters, using the new chapter name, provided for by that convention’s enactment, reported only the terse sentence, “ Alpha Delta, at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, had four men last year.” For some cause unknown no initiations were made during two years. The Class of 1871 was a brilliant one and was composed of three Betas. Shaw, Wallace, and Trimble formed this gallant trio, Shaw being valedictorian. They all entered the legal profession and soon were numbered among the most successful and honored men in Missouri. For the year 1871-1872 no records were kept and little is known concerning the condition of the chapter, except that it was weak in numbers and lacked enthusiasm.

September, 1872, found 110 Betas in college. Potts Kennett had gradu­ ated in June and the other members left college. It seems that they made no effort to perpetuate the chapter, and charter and early records were lost. The outlook for Alpha Delta and, indeed, for Beta Theta Pi in Missouri, at this time, was gloomy. Alpha Iota had ceased to function and the Westminster chapter also was virtually in a “ prime” condition, to use a Beta word for a dead chapter. But, happily, the college itself was prosperous. Reverend Nathan L. Rice, D.D., was president and there was an upward movement both in the number and the class of the students en­ tering the institution. The rivalry between the literary societies had some­ what abated and secrecy no longer invested their proceedings. No other fraternity had yet entered the college, but, early in the fall of 1872, a few leading spirits in the upper classes began to make an effort to establish a secret organization. Alpha Delta now seemed hopelessly defunct.

But fortunately at this juncture Singleton of ’71, on his vacation from the law school of Washington University, returned to Fulton, and, finding that there was a project on foot to establish another order, held an interview with the members of the embryo society, the result of which was the re­ organization of the Alpha Delta chapter. Singleton wisely Concluded to initiate James Nolley Tate, ’73, W alter Bond Douglas, ’73, Leander Stone, ’74, and William Alexander Barr, ’74. The initiatory rites were adminis­ tered Wednesday evening, September 25, 1872, and the following day the newly formed chapter met in the hall of the Philalethian Literary Society and the members were further instructed in the ways of Beta Theta Pi by Mr. Singleton. Douglas was chosen president of the chapter and Barr recording secretary. A “ dorg” was slaughtered at the meeting and the singing of Beta songs inaugurated. Powell of the previous year soon re­ turned to college and was elected corresponding secretary. Thus Alpha Delta passed the greatest crisis in its history and became a healthy and enthusiastic chapter. The Beta Theta P i magazine was established in De­ cember of this year and the Beta firmament became brighter. During the year three members were added and the session closed with a membership of seven.

In this year eighteen young ladies were elected to honorary membership.

This action of the chapter is inexplicable; for, by an equitable division, each

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terest to be felt in this newly born babe of Beta Theta Pi than would have been the case had these circumstances been different. Another mitigating contingency was the fact that no songbook had yet been issued, nor had the Beta Theta P i magazine been established. Xi, at Knox College, was Presid­ ing Chapter and regular communication with our fraternity head was kept up, and a constant correspondence with a few sister chapters was carried on with great assiduity. Unfortunately this correspondence was destroyed about the beginning of 1888.

The college year, 1868-1869, closed with no graduating class. About the end of the session a banquet was held at the Moore Hotel in Fulton which was the first ever celebrated under the auspices of the chapter. It was a “ stag” affair— lady honorary members was a contingency unknown to the Delta Delta boys at that time. Thomas W . Shaw attended the national convention at Columbus, Ohio, in July, 1869, as the delegate from Delta Delta chapter and was made chairman of the committee on Revision of the Constitution. He was corresponding secretary of the chapter and returned much enthused in the cause. He supplied the boys with copies of Beta songs, the meetings became more interesting, and a season of prosperity followed.

DeW itt Clinton Mize, William Potts Kennett, Henry Samuel Priest, and James Elbert Powell were initiated during the college year 1869-1870. At the close of the session Newland graduated with honorable distinction, the first member of Delta Delta to graduate from Westminster College. A t this time prizes and commencement honors were rare. The first^ notable prize offered after the establishment of the chapter was to the Junior class of 1870 for the best oration. It was contested for with great spirit and was awarded to William Hockaday Wallace, already mentioned as the first initiate o f Delta Delta after its establishment.

The Convention of 1870 met at Chicago in September. The fourth edi­ tion of the catalogue of the fraternity was officially announced, the roll of Westminster chapter numbering seventeen. F. S. Newland was chosen delegate to this convention but was prevented from attending on account of sickness, which afterwards proved to be the fatal disease, consumption, which carried him away in 1878. He fought manfully against the fell de­ stroyer,” but death was inevitable. His short life was full of promise, but he was cut down in the prime of early manhood. He was a son of Honorable William Newland, at one time a state senator and prominent for many years in the politics of north Missouri, and was born near Hannibal, Missouri, December 29, 1850. A fter graduating in 1870, he studied law and soon began practice of his chosen profession. He married, December 18, 1873, Miss Loula Bolton of Fulton. Failing health compelled him to retire from active practice of the law, so he went to his father’s farm near Hannibal, where death came to him on February 21, 1878. He left a son and his widow, one of the first “ Beta girls” of Fulton, who long wore his fraternity badge after his death.

T■ Little is known concerning the doings of the chapter during the college years 1870-1871 and 1871-1872. A t the convention of 1871, held m Indian­ apolis August 30 and 31, it was reported that James E. Powell was the corresponding secretary of the chapter. The committee on the state of the chapters noted: “ Delta Delta, at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, has lost but one man during the past year. That is to say, one man was

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The chapter’s history from this time on for several years is marked by a steady growth and by great conservatism in admitting new men. The Betas were leading spirits in college life, and rivals there were none. A casual mention of other secret societies as being in college is found in the records for the year 1875? but it is certain that no such chartered organi­ zation existed. J. R. Dobyns, ’74? attended the Evansville convention in August, 1875, being accompanied by Frank R. Eversole, who was made sergeant-at-arms. Dobyns was named in the official list of corresponding secre­ taries. The report on the state of the chapters said that “ Alpha Delta, at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, since the last convention, has ini­ tiated six new men and graduated nine loyal souls. The chapter is flourish­ ing and will commence next year with four earnest members.”

The delegate to the Philadelphia convention of July, 1876, was James E. Powell, ’73, an alumnus. He was on the committee which gave WashingtonJefferson chapter the name of Gamma in place of its hyphenated name Gamma-Nu. The special committee which reported the number of maga­ zine subscriptions in each chapter indicated thirteen for Alpha Delta, a num­ ber exceeded by Ohio Wesleyan and Hanover which had fourteen and by DePauw which led with nineteen. The General Treasurer indicated Alpha Delta receipts for dues of $3.00 on 1875 account and of $11.00 for 1876.

The report on chapters said that Alpha Delta was in good condition with eleven members and added the comment, “ Our brothers of Alpha Delta are acquitting themselves like men, and are carrying away their full share of class and society honors.” Five members of the chapter graduated in the Class of 1874, one in 1875, but there were no Betas in the Class of 1876 or that of 1877. Y et the chapter was in good condition during those two years.

There was no regular place of meeting. Sometimes a hall would be rented for a while, but the chapter is found meeting at various times in the private rooms of members. Literary exercises often formed a part of the order of the evening. Many very enjoyable gatherings of a literary and social character were held at different places in town, in which Beta girls par­ ticipated. Some of these entertainments had a strong banquet feature, but no actual banquet was given in any one of these years._ The college year usually closed with what was called a “ June dorg.” This often^became an extensive affair under the management of a “ dorg committee, appointed several weeks before the event.

Charles A . Benton, ’79, of Alpha Delta, was Chief of District V for the year 1877-1878. The following year the chapter was composed of twelve members of whom eleven subscribed for the Beta magazine and ten for the fraternity catalogue. A ll five editors on the staff of the Wsstwimster Monthly were Betas as well as one of the two business managers. In the local oratorical contest F. L. Ferguson, ’78, was the successful competitor and represented Westminster in the intercollegiate contest of the State of Missouri where he delivered a masterly oration on “ The Tendency of Mod­ ern Thought.” ... ■ On April 24, 1879, the chapter was bereft of a brilliant and beloved brother, Orffutt Tate Scott, ’79. A Beta of only two years experience, yet his achievements were an honor to Alpha Delta and to the fraternity. His powers as an orator were eminent and, had he lived, within a few days he

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member would be entitled to two girls and four-sevenths of a girl remainder.

But in the year 1873 chapter duties may have embraced more than they do now. It certainly seems so. A t commencement three members graduated and the remaining four returned to college the following year. They were enthusiastic Betas and soon infused new life into the chapter. Lee Stone was corresponding secretary and the magazine was taken. Barr attended the thirty-fourth annual convention at Cincinnati in December of this year.

A . N. Grant of Delta being General Secretary, five districts were created and Alpha Delta was placed in District V. Barr was appointed a member of the committee on finance. The report of the treasurer for the years 18711872 and 1872-1873 was presented, this showing that Alpha Delta was de­ linquent in the first year but paid in $9.00 dues the second, the dues then

T H E L IV IN G R O O M A T W E S T M IN IS T E R

being one dollar a member. The convention minutes include two interesting paragraphs regarding Alpha Delta chapter life.

W . A . Barr of Alpha Delta .reported the death of James Chrisman who had ac­ cepted the invitation of the members o f that chapter to become a member of the fra ­ ternity but who died before being initiated. Brother Barr desired the Convention to decide whether Mr. Chrisman’s name ought to appear in the Catalogue or not, which, on motion o f John I. Covington of Epsilon alumni, was decided m the affirmative.

The convention of 1872, at Richmond, had established a precedent for such action m the case of two individuals whose names were added to the rolls post obit. The other reference to Alpha Delta was in the report of the committee on chapters: Alpha Delta at W estminster College, Fulton, Missouri, is at present in a flourish­ ing condition, having fifteen members, which number could be easily augmented; but the ideal of the chapter is high, and they are unwilling to initiate any but the best men.

Rivals it has none, all attempts to introduce other fraternities having been rendered unsuccessful.

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The Franklin Phi Delta Theta was George Banta, the same one who had taken up with William Raimond Baird this interesting proposition in inter­ fraternity co-operation in a time of bitter interfraternity animosity. John S. Goodwin, District Chief, had another idea about Missouri. In a circular letter sent to his chapters under date of January 21, 1880, he wrote, “ W e want Alpha Iota (Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri) transferred to the Missouri University, at Columbia, Missouri, and a good chapter started there. Alpha Delta can help us in this wonderfully!”

And Baird, on March 1, 1880, in a letter to Theodore B. Wallace at Westminster urged Alpha Delta’s co-operation in starting a Missouri chapter and in reviving Alpha Iota in St. Louis.

A t the Convention of 1880, held in Baltimore on August 24 and 25, Alpha Delta was unrepresented. District Chief Goodwin’s summary was, “ Number in chapter during the year, seven; initiated, two; to return, three; total membership, fifty-two. Prospects of chapter fair. No rivals. H. E. Evans, Fulton, Missouri, corresponding secretary.” But in the fall of 1880 a rival came in the shape of the Missouri Beta of Phi Delta Theta. Feeling was not friendly, but nothing of a serious nature occurred, and both frater­ nities began to grow and multiply.

The usual manner of initiations was by no means confined to the form prescribed in the ritual, but often for the most part was ad libitum. A spe­ cial committee on initiation was usually appointed and the ad libitum^ often took shape from this committee. About the year 1876 a peculiar contrivance called a “ solemnizer” was invented by a member, and it played an important part in the initiations of candidates. The “ solemnizer” soon gave way, however, to a bona fide goat, full of Beta spirit and enthusiasm, and, a few years later, “ one sturdy gander” took part in the initiatory rites of Alpha Delta. This was about the time the owl was on the cover of the magazine.

One of the most notable gatherings of the fraternity for the year 1882 was the convention of the ninth district at Kansas City June 6 and 7 which brought together the Betas of the West. To this convention Alpha Delta sent five delegates. Through the next few years the chapter continued con­ servative and without a chapter hall, meeting in rented rooms or with some member, but it grew steadily, always keeping in advance of Phi Delta Theta, “ lifting” one man from her in 1880 and another in 1884. John R. Moorehead was Chief of District IX for the year closing in June, 1885. In the spring of this year Dr. Press Grave Kennett died at his home in Selma, Missouri. The usual badge of mourning was worn.

On Monday night, April 5, 1886, Alpha Delta celebrated her eighteenth anniversary with a banquet at Palace Hotel. S. T. Harrison, ’77, was master of ceremonies. Ex-Governor Hardin of the “ original eight” and many alumni were present. Telegrams with greetings were received from many sister chapters and letters from ex-Governor Crittenden and other prominent Betas in the state. A t this time the chapter was in splendid condition, the entire active membership, save one, attending the St. Louis Convention in August. The Westminster Monthly being defunct, one of the Alpha Delta members established the Westminster Review in September, 1887, and con­ tinued as its editor.

July 11, 1887, the chapter was called to mourn the death of George Richmond Moulton, ’88, under peculiarly distressing circumstances. About

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would have represented Missouri in the Northwestern Interstate Oratorical Contest, and, within a few months, would have received the degree of A.B. from W estm inster College. His death at the beginning of a career full of promise, was profoundly mourned by all who knew him.

In 1879 the absorption of Alpha Sigma Chi led to the creation of a new district, Alpha Delta being placed in District V I, later, during the period of reconstruction and elimination, being transferred to the ninth district. This year also brought Alpha Delta two interesting letters which eventually led to the establishment of Phi Delta Theta in Westminster. The first of these, dated October 7, 1879, was f rom W illiam Raimond Baird to E. B. McClure. It ran th u s: “ Pardon me for addressing you, but I hope my object will be my excuse.

A s you are doubtless aware the fraternity of Alpha Sigma Chi will on the twenty-second of this month merge itself into that o f Beta Theta Pi. I am an active, I might say a very active, member of Alpha Sigma Chi, and since the matter has been practically settled, I have been endeavoring to help the Beta fraternity as I can. I invite your attention to the within cir­ cular and you will better see my position. I can readily command informa­ tion from many sources and am in correspondence with the authorities of nearly every fraternity. I learn from a recent letter from George Banta, secretary of Phi Delta Theta, that they are anxious to enter Westminster College. Knowing my resources he said that if I could present the matter to your chapter in any w ay he would be much indebted and could guarantee you a chapter in Missouri University. Now Mr. Banta is a Phi Delta Theta through and through, but he is a good deal of a gentleman, and I would recommend the matter to your attention. If the Phis would give you the names of one or two good lads at Missouri University, you certainly could use them as a wedge. T he president of the university is a Beta Theta P i and you could readily ascertain the character of the applicants from him.

Can you give me any tidings of Alpha Iota? M ajor Ransom says that it is alive and I have been insisting it is dead with equal pertinacity.”

T h e other letter, dated October 11, 1879, also to E. B. McClure, was from General Secretary E. J. Brown. It dealt with the same proposition: “ I don’t know whether you are at Fulton this year or not, but I know of no other w ay of getting into correspondence with the chapter at W est­ minster except through you. I failed to get a report from your chapter last year and hence do not know who your corresponding secretary is to be for this year. I hope you will inform me at once, should this letter reach you. Some time ago I received from a Phi Delta Theta resident at Franklin a proposition like this: If you will furnish me the names of men at W est­ minster College to establish a chapter o f Phi Delta Theta there, I will furnish you the names of men at the U niversity of Missouri to establish a Beta chap­ ter at that institution. I replied that I could say nothing about it until I had consulted with the Betas at Westminster. I think it probable that there is not material for another chapter in Westminster, and I am not certain that the w ay is open for a chapter at the U niversity of Missouri. W hat do you think about it? Get this matter before Alpha Delta if you can and report to me the opinions of the brethren. I am sorry you were not represented at the Convention. W e had a grand Convention. The address of the editor of the Beta Theta P i for this year is J o h n I. Covington, Cincinnati, Ohio.”

til

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at the close of the last year, filled out our number as specified in the constitu­ tion, and in my opinion the members are such as they should be. If I under­ stand the qualifications necessary for membership, they all possess them, and I have no doubt that the chapter will be continued in such hands. The fol­ lowing is a list of our members : H. A. Swift, William H. Upson of the Senior Class; T. M. Oviatt, R. H. St. John of the Junior Class; William H. Chapman, Oscar C. Kendrick and Charles R. Pierce (son of President Pierce) of the Sophomore Class; Platt S. Titus of the Freshman; W . F. Evans and Anson Pease of the English department. Our officers are H. A. Swift, President, and A. Pease, Recorder. Other officers will probably be needed and their application provided for in the By-Laws which are in preparation by a committee.”

That looked like a good start. But trouble soon developed. The chapter president, Henry A. Swift, and Rufus H. St. John belonged to the Hudson

W E ST E R N R E SE R V E CO LLEG E A T H U D SO N

chapter of Alpha Delta Phi as well as to the Boanergians, or “ Sons of Thun­ der,” as the local organization had been called. A s soon as they recognized the inevitable rivalry of the two fraternities, they left the incipient Beta Theta Pi. O f one of these the recorder of the chapter wrote, on May 20, 1842, “ The individual who has joined the Alphas and left us was then an Alpha, and knew not of the inconsistency of belonging to both at the same time. He considered his obligation to the other society prior and paramount, and, con­ sequently, when their position relative to each other was defined, he discon­ nected himself, although in heart he is with us.”

The catalogue of Beta Theta Pi does not contain the names of Swift, St. John, Chapman, Kendrick, Titus, Evans, or Pease. Chapman and Kendrick were expelled. “ On account of their conduct both they and the society have felt that a longer connection would militate against the interests of this so­ ciety,” so the recorder wrote on October 15, 1842. Upson remained a promi­ nent member of the chapter for many years, but accepted an honorary mem-

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ten or twelve of the members of the chapter had spent a week camping and fishing on the A u x Vasse, a stream of some size which empties into the Missouri about fifteen to eighteen miles south of Fulton. When the week was ended fishing tackle and camp paraphernalia had been brought in, and while they were waiting for their lunch to be prepared they were firing at a target. A gun in the hands of one of the members was accidentally dis­ charged, Moulton being wounded and dying from the effects the next day.

That left but one member in the Class of 1888, William Harrison.

A t the end of the college year, 1888, nine members of the active chapter expected to return in the fall. Forty-two members, all told, had graduated from Westminster College, twenty-eight with the A.B. degree and fourteen with the S.B.. These alumni were loyally attached to Alpha Delta, bound to her by a chain stronger than steel or brass. The thousand sweet asso­ ciations of chapter life are its links; a chain which in the light of the diamond and the stars is all a-glitter and a-gleam with gems of gold and pearlsl—and sunshine and flowers. The tender chords of memory and the sublime sentiment of our fraternity invest the chapter, and can there be a higher source of inspiration? This is a bond of union nothing can break— the divine poetry of existence, which nothing is permitted to profane. (This story is based upon, and to a large degree follows closely a sketch prepared in July, 1888, by Robert Lee Simpson, ’87, later a lawyer in San Francisco, California, who died in 1913.)

EARLY BETA I.IFE AT HUDSON The third chapter of Beta Theta Pi was established in Western Reserve College, then located at Hudson, Ohio, on August 26, 1841. It was installed

by Louis Powell Harvey of the Cincinnati chapter. It was a hasty and illconsidered move, the group selected for the purpose being anything but a satis­ factory one for the important work of forwarding the interests of a new fraternity which was desirous of enlarging its borders.

The background is furnished by a letter written by Henry A. Swift to Stanley Matthews on December 10, 1841. “ Something more than a year since, twelve of the students of Western Reserve College, some wild, others steady, but all independent in thought and action, associated themselves together for mutual protection; and the more effectually to combat an illiberal, bigoted spirit that prevailed at that time, they drew up a constitution and established a regular system of action. Our plan succeeded beyond our most sanguine expectations, and in a short time we found ourselves possessed of an influence which though invisible was yet in many instances found to be by no means weak. In this flourishing state of our Lodge you may judge with how much pleasure we received the proposal of L. P. Harvey. To be sure the object of the Beta Theta Pi was not exactly the same as that which led to the formation of our Lodge, but in the mean­ time our particular plans had been accomplished and the character of our members had in a great measure changed (two or three had left) so that there was nothing to prevent the abandonment of our constitution and the adoption of yours. This was done at the close of the last term. W e have now, by the admission of two members to supply the place of those who left

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this chapter through the delegate to the Convention by that body: Be it hereby recommended to each chapter to be choice in their selections for membership and to use our efforts in the west and south principally. Society adjourned.

T. M. O VIATT October 15, 1842 Society convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

S. M. Burton was admitted to membership. Upon balloting for officers S. R. Bissell was chosen president, H. C. Gaylord, recorder. On motion of H. C. Gaylord the anniversary oration from Oviatt was deferred for two weeks. On motion resolved that we petition the faculty of Western Re­ serve College for their sanction to the existence of this Society. Committee of petition Bissell and Oviatt. It was resolved, too, that this Branch promul­ gate its existence and that notice be inserted in the Cleveland Herald. Messrs.

Burton and Oviatt were appointed a committee to draught a new code of bv-laws and report at next meeting. Society adjourned.

H. C. G a y l o r d November 3, 1842 Society convened to call of Recorder. The committee on bye laws then reported, which report was accepted and then adopted article by article.^ The oration was postponed until Tuesday evening, November 8 at 7 o’clock.

Society adjourned.

H. C. G a y l o r d November 8, 1842 Society convened. Minutes of last meeting were read and approved.

S. M. Burton was chosen marshall. T. M. Oviatt delivered the anniversary oration. T. D. Cleaveland was admitted to membership.

H. C. G a y l o r d November 22, 1842 Society convened. Minutes of last meeting were read and approved.

H. E. Paine and H. Buck were elected members of the Society. Mr. Burton was appointed a committee to inform. The President then proceeded to assign to the members their departments of essay writing. To S. M. Burton was assigned the Alpha department, T. M. Oviatt, Delta, H. C. Gaylord the Epsilon and Bissell the Eta. Society adjourned.

H. C. G a y l o r d December 12, 1842 Society convened at call of Recorder. William B. Woods and L. Bissell were admitted to the Society. A communication from R. H. Gillmore, Re­ corder of Athens Chapter, was read. In it was mentioned the admission of the following members to that Society: L. D. McCabe, Marietta, O h io; M. S. Latham, Columbus; William J. Hoge, Gallatin, Tenn.; James M. Safford, Putnam, O .; William M. Shotwell, C ad iz; A. Oliver, Warren County.

On motion the recorder was instructed to write to the Athens Chapter in­ forming them that the resolution of this chapter respecting forming a chap­ ter at Granville had been reversed upon reconsideration. Society adjourned.

H. C. G., Rec.

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bership in Delta Kappa Epsilon after the desertion of the chapter in 1868 and was expelled from Beta Theta Pi. What happened to the rest of these early members is not known. But this preliminary story explains the first record of the minute book of the chapter, from which an outline of Beta Life at Western Reserve may be m ade: The Gamma chapter of the Beta Theta Pi was founded at Western Re­ serve College by a vote of the Miami and Cincinnati Chapters, through Mr. L. P. Harvey, August 26, 1841. A number of persons were admitted, all of whom afterwards dissolved their connection with the Society except Mr. W il­ liam H. Upson. _Mr. Upson initiated Messrs. Aumock, Oviatt, and Gaylord, and through their agency the Gamma Chapter was fully and completely re­ organized.

Hudson, July 1, 1842 Messrs. Upson, Aumock, Oviatt and Gaylord, with powers authorized having met, the following constitution was furnished them which was adopted after Mr. William Upson was called to the chair and Oviatt appointed Re­ corder. On balloting for officers it resulted in the pro tempore appointments.

A committee of Oviatt and Upson were appointed to draught by-laws, whereupon the Society adjourned. (The constitution of Beta Theta Pi is referred to. F.W .S.) T . M. O v i a t t , Recorder Hudson, July 8, 1842 Society met at No. 10, North College, and the minutes of the last meeting were approved. The committee on bye laws were called upon to report, after which the report was accepted and adopted. Letters were read informing of a branch formed at Cannonsburg, Pa., at Jefferson College. Another read from Cincinnati. On motion the Recorder was instructed to procure a record book, and to inscribe the name of each chapter, its date of foundation, and names of members. On motion it was ordered to give J. Dixon an invitation to accept an election to this Society. Society adjourned.

T . M. O v i a t t , Recorder Hudson, July 14 Society met. Minutes were read and approved. J. Dixon initiated. Es­ says were read and accepted. Letters were read, noting the time and place of Convention. On motion, T . M. Oviatt was appointed a delegate to Cin­ cinnati. B. F. Millard was elected to membership and the Recorder instructed to inform. Upon consent of joining Millard was added to the delegation.

The following gentlemen were offered the privilege of membership: Messrs William B. Woods, H. Paine, and F. Buck. The committee of delegation were instructed to urge a repeal of A rt 3rd, Section 3d, of the constitution and also to define more clearly the objects of the association in the amendatory measures of the Convention. Society adjourned.

T . M. O v ia t t , Recorder Hudson, October 3, 1842 Society met. The minutes of the last meeting were approved. The report of the delegation was accepted and its proceedings were unanimously agreed to. S. R. Bissel was proposed and initiated. On motion Mr. S. M. Burton was elected to membership. The following was recommended to

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July 25, 1843 The Beta Theta Pi convened and the president being absent, Mr. William B. Woods was appointed President pro tem. Messrs. Oviatt and Gaylord’s essays were postponed. The chapter proceeded to an election of which the following was the result: Mr. William S. Aumock was elected President, Mr. H. E. Paine was elected Vice-President, Mr. William B. Woods was elected Recorder, Mr. L. Bissell was elected Marshall. Society then ad­ journed.

S. M . B u r t o n , President H a l b e r t E . P a i n e , Recorder August 8, 1843 Chapter convened at the call of the Recorder. Mr. S. R. Bissell was called to the chair as President pro tem. A communication from the Jeffer­ son Chapter requesting the assent of this chapter to a proposition for the establishment of a chapter of the Beta Theta Pi at the College of New Jersey, Princeton, N.J., was laid before the Society. On motion the assent of the chapter was given and the Recorder was instructed to communicate this vote to said chapter. Chapter adjourned.

S h e r m a n M in o t B u r t o n , President H a l b e r t E l e a z e r P a i n e , Recorder October 3, 1843 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

The regular order of business was suspended. George Hoadly, Jr was then admitted to membership. Mr. Oviatt read an essay and Mr. Gaylord was excused from failure. Messrs. Paine and Woods were appointed essayists.

Society adjourned.

W i l l i a m S . A u m o c k . President W i l l i a m B . W oods , Recorder October 6, 1843 Gamma Chapter held an extra meeting. A motion was made and carried that the chapter go into an election of orator and reporter for the anniversary.

Mr. Hoadly was elected orator and Mr. L. Bissell reporter. On motion the president was requested to deliver his inaugural upon that occasion. On motion a committee consisting of Messrs. Paine and Hoadly was appointed to draft a new code of bye laws. Messrs. Burton and Woods were appointed a committee to procure a seal for the chapter. On motion Society adjourned.

W il l i a m S. A u m o c k , President W i l l i a m B . W oods , Recorder October 8, 1843 Chapter held an extra meeting. Mr. John S. Newberry was elected a member and afterwards initiated and introduced. On motion the following was chosen as the order of exercises at the Anniversary, viz., First, the in­ augural address of Mr. President William S. Aumock. Second, report of the history and condition of the chapter. Third, Anniversary Oration. Mr. Ebenezer Bushnell was admitted to membership. On motion it was resolved

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January 17, 1843 Society convened and the minutes of the last meeting were approved.

On Motion a committee of two was appointed to confer with the President of the College, to offer him an election and to consult with him relative to the Society. Burton and Woods committee. Proceeding to the election of officers, Burton was chosen President, (Paine, Recorder, and Woods, Mar­ shall. Aumock, and Oviatt were appointed essayists to read at the next regular meeting. Society adjourned.

H . C. G a y l o r d , Recorder February 7, 1843 Society convened. The minutes of the last meeting were read and ap­ proved. An inaugural address was read by Mr. President Burton. Mr. Aumock’s failure in reading an essay was excused. An introductory essay on * Aesthetics” was read by Mr. Oviatt. A communication from the Re­ corder of the Athens chapter of the Beta Theta Pi was read by the Recorder.

The committee appointed to draught a code of bye laws presented a report which was accepted. Said bye laws were adopted. By a vote of the So­ ciety Messrs. Aumock and S. R. Bissell were named as essayists for the next meting. Whereupon the society adjourned.

S. M. B u r t o n , President H a l b e r t E. P a i n e , Recorder February 28, 1843 A t a session of the Beta Theta Pi the minutes of the previous meeting having been read and approved, Mr. Aumock by a vote of the Society was excused from reading an essay. The second essayist, Mr. S. R. Bissell, read an article on Elocution, after which the Society having appointed Messrs.

Burton and L. Bissell essayists in order for the next meeting adjourned.

S. M. B u r t o n , President H a l b e r t E. P a i n e , Recorder April 10, 1843 A t a session of the Gamma chapter, held at No. 1, North College, the roll was called and the chapter adjourned till April n th.

S. M. B u r t o n , President H a l b e r t E. P a i n e , Recorder April 11, 1843 Gamma Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Messrs. L. Bissell and Burton were guilty of injustice to the chap­ ter in the matter of reading essays for that they failed. Chapter then ad­ journed.

S. M. B u r t o n , President H a l b e r t E. P a i n e , Recorder May 31, 1843 A t a session of the Gamma Chapter held at No. 1, North Hall, after the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved, Messrs. Oviatt and Gay­ lord failed to read essays. Chapter adjourned.

S. M . B u r t o n , President H a l b e r t E. P a i n e , Recorder

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the' time and place of meeting subject to the discretion of the Recorder. On motion Society adjourned.

W il l i a m S. A u m o c k , President W i l l i a m B. W oods, Recorder Hudson, December 26, 1843 Gamma Chapter convened. A review was read by Mr. Paine and essays

by Messrs Gaylord and Hoadly. Mr. Woods was appointed reviewer of Mr. Hoadly’s essay and Messrs Oviatt and Newberry essayists. Communications were read from the Cincinnati, Athens, and Jefferson Chapters and a letter from Mr. A. W . Hamilton announcing the formation of a chapter in Harvard University, organized September 5th and named Harvard Chapter. The following resolution was then passed, Resolved, that all persons who have ever had a connection with this chapter whose names are not attached to the Constitution be and are hereby expelled. On motion chapter adjourned.

W i l l i a m S. A u m o c k , President W i l l i a m B. W oods , Recorder Hudson, January 16, 1844 Gamma chapter convened. A review was read by Mr. Woods. Communi­ cations were read from the Athens and Miami Chapters. Woods and Paine were appointed essayists. The following were chosen officers for the next six months: Mr. H. E. Paine, President; Mr. L. Bissell, Vice-President; Mr. George Hoadly, Jr., Recorder; Mr. E. Bushnell, Marshall. The follow­ ing amendment to the B'y-Laws was then adopted: Art. 3 > Section 6. It shall be the duty of the Recorder, at the beginning of each collegiate year, to transmit to each absent member a written catalogue of the Society. On motion the Gamma Chapter of W . R. College adjourned.

W i l l i a m S. A u m o c k , President W i l l i a m B. W oods, Recorder February 6, 1844 Hudson Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. A communication was read from Mr. W . M. Scott announcing the formation of a chapter in the College of New Jersey, organized Novem­ ber 7, 1843, and called the Princeton Chapter. An anonymous communica­ tion was also read, subject, The Rights of Students. Messrs. Paine and Woods failed to read essays. Messrs. Aumock and Bissell were announced as essayists. On motion the chapter adjourned.

H a l b e r t E . P a i n e , President G eorge H o a d l y , J r ., Recorder February 27, 1844 Hudson Chapter convened. Minutes o f the last meeting were read and approved. Mr. Aumock read an essay. Mr. Bissell failed. A letter from Mr. Wm. H. Upson was read. Messrs Burton and Bushnell were announced as essayists. Mr. Newberry was appointed reviewei of Mr. Aumock s essay.

On motion the Hudson chapter did adjourn.

H . E l e a z e r P a i n e , President G eorge H o a d l y , J r ., Recorder

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that the anniversary should be held in Bro. Paine’s study. the chapter adjourned.

On motion

W il l i a m S. A u m o c k , President W i l l i a m B. W oods,, Recorder

'TU * m*t .

October 21, 1843 1 he Gamma Chapter met to celebrate the second anniversary of its foundation. An inaugural address was delivered by Mr. President William S. Aumock. A report on the history of the chapter was read bv Mr. L. Bissell. The Anniversary Oration was delivered by Mr. George" Hoadly, Jr. On motion, Society adjourned.

W i l l i a m S. A u m o c k , President W il l i a m B. W oods, Recorder October 24, 1843 Chapter held a regular meeting. Essays were read by Messrs. Paine and Woods. _ The committee on Bye Laws reported progress. An anonymous communication was read by the Recorder. Committee on seal reported Progress. Messrs. Aumock and Bissell were appointed essayists. Mr. Hoadly was appointed reviewer of Mr. Paine’s essay and Mr. Gaylord of Mr. Woods’ ditto. On motion Society adjourned.

W i l l i a m S. A u m o c k , President W il l i a m B. W oods, Recorder October 27, 1843 Chapter convened in extra meeting. The Committee on Bye Laws re­ ported. Their report was accepted and adopted. On motion society ad­ journed.

W i l l i a m S. A u m o c k , President W i l l i a m B. W oods , Recorder November 14, 1843 Hudson Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Mr. Hoadly read a review of Mr. Paine’s essay. Mr. Gaylord being absent, no review was read by him. Mr. Bissell read an essay. Mr. Oviatt was announced as reviewer of Mr. Bissell’s essay. Messrs. Burton and Bushnell were appointed essayists. On motion it was resolved, “ That the Phi Beta Kappa Society is not a society ‘similar in its objects’ to the Beta Theta P i.” The following departments of essay writing were chosen: Mr. Bissell, M an; Mr. Newberry, Law and Lawyers; Mr. Paine, Poetry; Mr. Bushnell, Superstition; Mr. Hoadly, Fiction; Mr. Woods, Humbugs; Mr. Gaylord, Human Nature; Mr. Oviatt, Aesthetics; Mr. Burton, Religion and Ethics; Mr. Aumock, Ultraism. Society adjourned.

W i l l i a m S. A u m o c k , President W il l i a m B. W oods , Recorder December 5, 1843 Hudson Chapter convened. Mr. Oviatt being absent no review was read by him. Mr. Burton read an essay. Messrs. Gaylord and Hoadly were an­ nounced as essayists at the next regular meeting and Mr. Paine reviewer of Mr. Burton’s essay. On motion the bye laws were so amended as to leave

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July 23, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Messrs Gaylord and Hoadly failed as essayists. Messrs. Burton, Newberry, and Woods excused for absence from the preceding meeting. Messrs. Paine and Newberry appointed essayists for next meeting. Chapter adjourned.

L e m u e l B is s e l l , President J o h n N e w b e r r y , Recorder October 1, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Messrs.

Newberry and Paine excused for failing to read essays. Mr. Paine was appointed to prepare a history of the Society. Mr. Bushnell an oration for the anniversary meeting. Messrs. Paine and Newberry appointed to wait on President and secure his admission to the Society. Chapter adjourned.

L . B is s e l l , President J. N e w b e r r y , Recorder October 22, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Mr. Paine read an essay on Poets and Poetry. Committee appointed to wait on the president reported progress. Anniversary meeting postponed five weeks. Messrs. Bissell and Newberry appointed essayists. Mr. Gaylord was assigned the pleasurable duty of reviewing Mr. Paine’s essay. Chapter adjourned.

L . B is s e l l , President J. N e w b e r r y , Recorder November 5, 1844 A t the call of the Recorder, chapter convened. Messrs. E. W . Reynolds and T. D. Nutting were admitted to all the privileges of the order. Corres­ pondence read from the Princeton Chapter. Chapter adjourned.

L . B i s s e l l , President J. S. N e w b e r r y , President November 13, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of the preceding meeting read and approved.

Mr. Gaylord read a review of Mr. Paine’s essay. Messrs. Bissell and New­ berry read essays. Correspondence read from Princeton Chapter. Messrs.

Paine and Newberry were appointed reviewers. Messrs. Bushnell and Gay­ lord were appointed essayists. Anniversary meeting postponed two weeks.

Chapter adjourned.

L . B i s s e l l , President J. N e w b e r r y , Recorder November 26, 1844 A t the call of the Recorder, chapter convened in Bro. Paine’s room.

The proposition of Bro. Woods for the establishment of a chapter in Yale College was assented to. Recorder was instructed to write the other chapters on the subject. Correspondence was read from the Alpha Chapter in regard to the establishment of a chapter in Bloomington and Springfield, la. The

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.

March 19, 1844 ■Hudson Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Mr. J. Newberry read a review. Messrs. Burton and Bushnell failed to read essays. Mr. Bushnell was excused from said failure on condi­ tion that he read his essay at the next meeting. On motion the committee on seal was discharged and Messrs. Paine and Hoadly were appointed a com­ mittee to procure a seal. Messrs. Hoadly and Newberry were appointed fu­ ture essayists. On motion the Gamma Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi did adjourn.

H . E . P a i n e , President G eorge H o a d l y , J r ., Recorder April 9, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Messrs. Bushnell and Newberry read essays. Mr. Hoadly failed. Messrs.

Paine and Woods were announced as future essayists and Messrs. Aumock and Bissell were appointed reviewers. On motion the chapter adjourned.

H a l b e r t E . P a i n e , President G eorge H o a d l y , J r ., Recorder May 21, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

The essayists and reviewers failed. Letters were read from the Miami and Jefferson Chapters. Messrs. Aumock and Bissell were announced as essayists.

The committee on seal reported. The report was accepted and adopted. On motion the chapter adjourned.

H . E . P a i n e , President G eorge H o a d l y , J r ., Recorder June 11, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

The essayists failed. Messrs. Bissell and Aumock were excused from sundry delinquencies. Messrs. Paine and Woods failed to present sufficient excuse for sundry other delinquencies. Mr. Aumock was allowed to egress. Messrs.

Burton and Bushnell were appointed essayists. Mr. Bissell was excused for failure in essay writing on condition that he write at the next meeting. On motion the Hudson Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi adjourned.

H a l b e r t E . P a i n e , President G eorge H o a d l y , J r ., Recorder July 2, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Messrs. Bissell and Bushnell read essays. The following gentlemen were chosen officers for the next six months, viz., Mr. L. Bissell, President; Mr. E. Bushnell, Vice-President; Mr. John Newberry, Recorder; Mr. H. C. Gaylord, Marshall. Messrs. Gaylord and Hoadly were announced as future essayists. On motion of Mr. Hoadly, Article 4th, Section 2nd of the ByLaws was suspended for the evening. On motion of Mr. William B. Woods the Gamma Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi Society located in Western Reserve College did then adjourn.

H a l b e r t E l e a z e r P a i n e , President G eorge H o a d l y , J r ., Recorder

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April 1, 1845 Chapter convened. Minutes of last meeting were read and approved.

E. W . Reynolds read a review of Mr. Gaylord’s essay. Mr. Bissell read an essay. Mr. Newberry was excused for absence on March n th . Mr. Bush­ nell was excused for absence from last meeting. Messrs. Nutting and Paine were announced as essayists, Bushnell to read a review. Chapter adjourned to the first Tuesday of next term.

H. C. G a y l o r d , President J n o . N e w b e r r y , Clerk May 27, 1845 Chapter convened. Minutes of last meeting were read and approved. Mr. Bushnell read a review of Bissell’s essay. Correspondence read from Prince­ ton and Oxford. Jno. Newberry was appointed to review an essay which was delivered by T. D. Nutting. H. E. Paine failed to deliver an essay.

Messrs. Reynolds and Bissell were announced as essayists for next meeting.

Chapter adjourned.

H. C. G a y l o r d , President J n o . N e w b e r r y , Clerk June 16, 1845 Chapter convened. Several members being absent, on motion chapter adjourned to time of next regular meeting.

E. W . R e y n o l d s , Vice-President J n o . N e w b e r r y , Clerk [A t this place in the minute book there is a space of about three inches left as if to permit the writing up of the record of a chapter meeting. Appar­ ently there was an election, Mr. Bushnell being chosen president and Mr. Reynolds, recorder, and Alvin Cole Keyse, Charles Winslow Palmer, Timothy Dwight Pelton and Charles Rockwell Pierce may have been admitted to mem­ bership as their names appear in subsequent records. The Convention to be held at Cincinnati was announced and John Newberry was selected as delegate. F. W. S.] September 30, 1845 Chapter convened at Messrs Paine and Newberry’s room. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Messrs. T. Doggett and C. A. Norton were elected members and initiated. Mr. Bushnell delivered an in­ augural address. Mr. Keyse read an essay. Mr. Newberry reported pro­ ceedings of the Cincinnati Convention. The chapter instructed their Secre­ tary to write to the different chapters in reference to the propriety of holding a special convention during, or at the close of the present collegiate y ea r; also to obtain the consent of the chapters for the establishment of a chapter at the University of Michigan. Chapter decided by vote to have the literary exercises o f the Anniversary consist of an oration, a poem, and a history of the Society. Mr. Palmer was appointed to pronounce the oration, Mr. Paine to read the poem, and Mr. Newberry the history. The social exercises of the evening to consist of a supper. Committee on supper Messrs. Pierce, Bushnell, and P.elton. The members selected their departments in essay writing for this ensuing year: T. D. Nutting, Ultraism; Jno. Newberry, Poetry; C. W . Palmer, Classical Literature; A. O. Keyse, Superstition;

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proposition was agreed to. Recorder instructed to communicate the decision of the chapter. Chapter adjourned.

L e m u e l B is s e l l , President J o h n N e w b e r r y , Recorder December 3, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of the two preceding meetings read and ap­ proved. Messrs. Paine, Newberry, and Bushnell read essays. Messrs. Nut­ ting and Reynolds appointed essayists. Mr. Bissell appointed reviewer. Mr. Bushnell selected Fiction as a theme for essay writing. Anniversary post­ poned three weeks. Chapter adjourned.

L . B is s e l l , President J. N e w b e r r y , Recorder December 24, 1844 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. Mr. Bissell read a review. Messrs. Nutting and Reynolds read essays. Mr. Reynolds’ selection as a theme for essay writing, “ Authors and Their W orks.”

Correspondence read from Cambridge and Jefferson. Messrs. Bushnell and Newberry were appointed reviewers. Messrs. Paine and Gaylord essayists.

The request of Bro. Hoadly to transfer the Harvard chapter to Yale College was assented to. Mr. Gaylord excused for absence at last meeting.

Chapter adjourned.

L . B is s e l l , President J. N e w b e r r y , Recorder January 28, 1845 The Gamma Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi convened. A review was read

by Mr. Bushnell. Essays by Messrs. Gaylord and Payne, and a history of the institution by H. E. Paine. Mr. Newberry was excused from the session.

The regular election resulted in the choice of the following officers: H. C. Gaylord, President; E. W . Reynolds, Vice-President; John Newberry, Re­ corder; T . D. Nutting, Marshall. The appointments for the next meeting, Messrs Bissell and Bushnell for essays, Messrs Reynolds and Nutting for reviews. Whereupon the chapter adjourned.

L . B is s e l l , President H. E. P a i n e , Recorder Pro Tem March 11, 1845 Gamma Chapter Beta Theta Pi convened. H. E. Paine was appointed Recorder pro tem. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

H. C. Gaylord took his seat as President and delivered an inaugural address.

Mr. Nutting read a review. Mr. Bissell failed to read a review. Mr. Rey­ nolds failed to read a review. Permission to Mr. Reynolds was given to read his review at the next meeting. Mr. Bissell was excused on condition that he read his essay at the next meeting. Messrs. Gaylord and Newberry were announced as essayists at next meeting. Chapter adjourned.

H. C. G a y l o r d , President H. E. P a i n e , Recorder Pro Tem

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December 2, 1845

Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Messrs. Keyse and Reynolds read reviews. Messrs. Newberry and Doggett chosen essayists for ensuing meeting. Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l , President E. W . R e y n o l d s , Recorder December 25, 1845 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Mr. Doggett read an essay. For the ensuing meeting Mr. Pierce was ap­ pointed reviewer of Mr. Doggett’s essay, Messrs. Newberry and Reynolds essayists. Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l , President E. W . R e y n o l d s , Recorder January 20, 1846 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

By ballot of the society Mr. Merriam was unanimously elected to member­ ship and initiated. Mr. Norton read an essay. Mr. Pierce failed in review and by vote of the Society was excused on condition that he write for the ensuing meeting. M!r. Reynolds failed m essay and was excused on a similar condition. Mr. Nutting failed in essay. Mr. Doggett was appointed to re­ view Mr. Norton’s essay for next meeting. Messrs. Palmer and Pelton were appointed essayists. Society proceeded to ballot for officers and elected the following: Mr. Reynolds, President; Mr. Pierce, Vice-President; Mr. Pal­ mer, Recorder; and Mr. Norton, Marshall. Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l , President E. W . R e y n o l d s , Recorder February 10, 1846 Chapter convened at Bro. Pierce’s room. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The President-elect read an inaugural address and entered upon the duties of his office. Mr. Doggett read a review, Mr. Pal­ mer an essay. Messrs. Reynolds and Pelton’s essays were postponed, also Mr. Pierce’s review. Mr. Merriam was appointed to review Mr. Palmer’s essay. Messrs. Paine and Bushnell were appointed essayists for the ensu­ ing meeting. Messrs. Paine and Newberry were excused for absence from last two meetings. Chapter adjourned.

E. W . R e y n o l d s , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder March 3, 1846 Gamma Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi Association convened at Bro. Paine and Newberry’s room. Meeting was opened with prayer. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Pierce read a review. Pelton read an essay, also Newberry one for Bushnell. Nutting and Norton were ap­ pointed essayists and Newberry reviewer of Pelton’s essay and Doggett of Newberry’s. Mr. Merriam was excused for failure to read an essay, on con­ dition that he read one at next meeting. A communication from Bro. Hoadly was read announcing the death of Bro. Thomas McKane at New

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Timothy Pelton, Law and Order; Eben Bushnell, Hoi Progonoi ■C. R. Pierce, F iction; L. Bissell, M an ; H. E, Paine, Woman. Messrs. Paine and Pierce were appointed essayists, Mr. Pelton, reviewer. Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l , President J n o . N e w b e r r y , Clerk Pro Tem October 25, 1845 Chapter convened at Paine and Newberry’s room. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Mr. Pelton read a review. Messrs. Pierce and Paine read essays. Committee for procuring entertainment on the Anni­ versary reported progress. Mr. Reynolds was appointed to review Mr. Pierce’s essay. _Mr. Nutting that of Mr. Paine. Messrs. Bushnell and Pal­ mer were appointed essayists for the ensuing meeting. Committee on A n­ niversary entertainment were instructed to open negotiations on that subject with Dr. Town. Chapter passed a resolution to refund to Mr. Newberry the sum of fifteen dollars as a compensation in part for the amount expended by him at the Cincinnati Convention. Secretary instructed to write to Messrs.

Oviatt, Burton, Gaylord, Upson, Woods, and Hoadly and invite their attend­ ance at the coming anniversary. Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l ’, President E. W . R e y n o l d s , Clerk October 28, 1845 A n n iv e r s a r y M e e t in g

Chapter convened in accordance with a previous resolution at Mrs. Bald­ win’s. Members present were Messrs. Bissell, Gaylord, Paine, Pierce, Bush­ nell, Nutting, Newberry, Reynolds, Keyse, Palmer, Pelton, Doggett, and Norton. Order of proceedings; 1st, an eloquent and able address by Mr. Palmer; 2d, a history of the Beta Theta Pi Association by Mr. Newberry; 3d, A Poem, “ The Bos Juvenilis, or Bovine Fandago,” a college freak in days o f yore, by Mr. Paine; 4th, Meeting proceeded to the discussion of an elegant supper prepared for the occasion; 5th, adjourned with full stomachs and full souls.

E. B u s h n e l l , President E. W . R e y n o l d s , Recorder November n , 1845 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Mr. Nutting read a review. Mr. Bushnell an essay. Messrs. Newberry and Norton were appointed essayists for the next meeting, Mr. Keyse reviewer of Mr. Bushnell’s essay. On motion of Mr. Newberry the following reso­ lution was adopted, Resolved, that the secretary be instructed to write to the O xford Chapter and express our disapprobation of their proposed plan of holding a convention at Columbus on the 26th of December. Chapter ad­ journed.

E. B u s h n e l l , President E. W . R e y n o l d s , Recorder

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June 16, 1846 Gamma Chapter, Beta Theta Pi Association, convened at Bro. Pelton s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Felton, Norton, and Bushnell for Newberry read essays.

Nutting through absence failed in review. The essayists appointed for the ensuing meeting were Palmer and Doggett. Bushnell was appointed to review Pelton’s essay, Pierce to review Bushnell’s and Newberry to review Norton’s. Chapter adjourned.

C. R. P ie r c e , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder June 28, 1846 Chapter convened at the call of the recorder at Bro. Pelton’s room Messrs. G. Paine, P. F. Sawyer and T. S. Payne were elected members and admitted to all the privileges of the order. A fter a pleasing manifestation of the social qualities of the brotherhood, the chapter adjourned.

C. R. P ie r c e , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder July 9, 1846 Chapter convened at Bro. Pelton’s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.. Pierce and Nut­ ting were excused for failing to read reviews and Doggett for failing to read an essay. Palmer read an essay. Communications from the Miami and Jefferson Chapters were read. On motion Sec. 5 of Art. j j of the by­ laws was amended so as to read, “The anniversary of the chapter shall be held during the week preceding commencement, at the time and place desig­ nated by the Recorder. “ It was resolved that the anniversary this year be held on the Wednesday evening preceding commencement, and that the exer­ cises be as follows: 1, An Oration; 2, A Poem; 3, Discussion of the Deli­ cacies of the Season Illustrative of the Social Talents of the Brotherhood; 4, A Valedictory Oration. It was resolved that Bro. Hoadly be invited to pronounce the Oration, Bro. Gaylord the Poem, and Bro. Reynolds the Valedictory. On motion Nutting, Merriam, and G. Paine were appointed a committee to make all proper arrangements for the anniversary. The essayists appointed for the ensuing meeting were Merriam and Pelton.

Norton was appointed to review Palmer’s essay. The election for officers resulted in the choice of the following individuals: C. R. Pierce, President; C. A. Norton, Vice-President; C. W . Palmer, Recorder; and G. Pame, Marshall. Nutting was excused for absence last meeting. Chapter ad­ journed.

C. R. P ie r c e , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder July 15, 1846 Chapter convened at call of the Recorder at Bro. Pierce s room. Re­ corder read letter from Bro. Gaylord declining to read the poem at the anniversary. On motion Newberry was invited to fill the vacancy. It was

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Orleans, member of Transylvania Chapter, also a cheering communication from the Michigan Chapter. Chapter adjourned.

E. W . R e y n o l d s , President ■ C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder March 24, 1846 Chapter convened. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved Merriam read a review and Nutting an essay. Doggett’s review was post­ poned. F or the coming meeting Palmer was appointed reviewer and Reynolds and Paine essayists. Chapter adjourned.

E. W . R e y n o l d s , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder April 14, 1846 Chapter convened at Bro. Pierce’s room. A fter prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Doggett and Palmer read re­ views. Paine was excused for failure in essay, also Norton, on condition that he read at next meeting. Paine, Norton,, and Pierce were excused for absence from last meeting. Norton and Pierce were appointed essayists for ensuing meeting. Chapter adjourned.

C. R. P ie r c e , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder May 26, 1846 Chapter convened at Bro. Pierce’s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Norton failed in essay reading. Excused on condition that he read it at next meeting.

Pierce read an essay. The essayists appointed for the ensuing meeting were Newberry and Pelton, the reviewer Nutting. A communication from Bro. Mason at Springfield was read, also one from the Alpha chapter, asking per­ mission to establish a chapter at Crawfordsville, la., and to publish a cata­ logue of the Society. On motion the Recorder was instructed to write a refusal to grant the first request on the ground of the chapter’s want of knowledge of the condition of the institution, and to discourage the second on the ground of the unpreparedness of -the Society to act in the way pro­ posed. Newberry was excused for absence last meeting. Chapter adjourned.

C. R. P ie r c e , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder May 29, 1846 Chapter convened at the call of the Recorder at Bro. Newberry’s room.

A communication from the Alpha Chapter was read, requesting permission to establish chapters at Marietta, O., Danville, Ky., and Columbia, S.C. On motion the Recorder was instructed to signify to the Alpha Chapter the assent of the chapter to the formation of a chapter at Danville, Ky., pro­ vided the opening be good, and the postponement o f action on the other requests until further knowledge could be obtained of the expediency and practicability of the proposed measures. On motion chapter adjourned.

C. R. P ie r c e , Vice-President C. W. P a l m e r , Recorder

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being absent T. Payne was appointed Sec. pro tem. T. S. Payne and Doggett read essays, G. Paine a review. T. Payne was appointed reviewer of Doggett’s essay, Armstrong of Payne’s. Merriam and Norton were ap­ pointed essayists for the ensuing meeting. Chapter adjourned.

C. A. N o r t o n , Vice-President T. S. P a y n e , Sec. pro tem.

January 19, 1847 Chapter met at Bros. Palmer and Doggett’s room. A fter the intro­ ductory prayer the minutes of the preceding meeting were read and ap­ proved. Armstrong and Palmer read reviews. Payne failed. Merriam and Norton read essays. G. Paine and Palmer were appointed essayists. Saw­ yer was appointed to review Merriam’s essay and Doggett, Norton’s. Payne was excused on condition of reading at next meeting. The election of officers resulted in the choice of Bissell, president; Merriam, vice-president; Palmer, recorder; and G. Paine, marshall. Chapter adjourned.

C. A. N o r t o n , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder February 16, 1847 Gamma Chapter, Beta Theta Pi, convened at Bros. Palmer and Dog­ gett’s room. The introductory prayer was offered, after which the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Brother Doggett, Sawyer, and T. Payne read reviews. Bro. G. Paine read an essay. Palmer failed in essay reading and was excused on condition of reading at next meeting. Nor­ ton was appointed reviewer and Sawyer and T. Payne essayists for the ensuing meeting. Communications were read from the Alpha and Zeta chap­ ters. Chapter adjourned.

C. A. N o r t o n , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder March 9, 1847 Chapter convened at Palmer and Doggett’s room. Recorder being absent Doggett was appointed clerk pro tem. Brother Bissell read an inaugural.

Brother Norton read a review of Bro. Paine’s essay. Palmer, Payne, and Sawyer failed to read essays but were excused on condition of reading next meeting. Chapter adj ourned.

C. A. N o r t o n , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder March 23, 1847 Gamma Chapter, Beta Theta Pi convened. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Payne and Palmer read essays. Armstrong and Bissell were appointed essayists for the ensuing meeting. Merriam was appointed to review Palmer’s and Doggett, Payne’s essay. Chapter adjourned.

C. A. N o r t o n , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder April 16, 1847 Chapter convened at the call of the Recorder. A communication from the Lambda Chapter was read announcing the death of Bro. D. O. Tiffany

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resolved that one of the Michigan chapter to be designated by that chapter be invited to deliver the Oration on that occasion. Chapter adjourned.

C. R . P ie r c e , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder July 30, 1846 Chapter convened at Bro. Pierce’s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Norton, Nutting, and Pierce read reviews. Doggett read an essay. Merriam was excused from reading on condition of doing so at next meeting. Palmer was appointed to review Doggett’s essay. Payne and Paine were appointed essayists for next meeting. Chapter adjourned.

C. R. P ie r c e , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder August 12, 1846 Gamma Chapter, Beta Theta Pi Association, convened in accordance with a previous resolution at the call of the Recorder at tfie American House.

B y an unfortunate necessity there was a failure of the literary exercises.

However the social talent of the brotherhood but appeared more conspicuous.

A sumptuous repast served up by mine host of the American was discussed with much zest after which the chapter adjourned with hearty wishes for the continued prosperity of the Beta Theta Pi in general and the Gamma Chapter in particular.

C. R . P ie r c e , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder October 23, 1846 Gamma Chapter, Beta Theta Pi, convened at Bro. Pierce’s room. The introductory prayer was offered after which the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Merriam read an essay. Messrs. G. Paine and T. S. Payne were excused on condition they read essays at next meeting.

Armstrong and Bissell were appointed essayists for the ensuing meeting and Norton reviewer. Armstrong chose as his department for essay writing, Musings. Chapter adjourned.

C. R . P ie r c e , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder November 11, 1846 Chapter convened at Bros. Norton and Merriam’s room. The intro­ ductory prayer was offered, after which the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Norton read a review. G. Paine and Armstrong read essays. Bissell failed on essay. Bushnell and Doggett were appointed es­ sayists for the ensuing meeting. Palmer was appointed to review Paine’s essay and Paine to review Doggett’s. Bissell and Bushnell received a stand­ ing excuse for absence. Chapter adjourned.

C. A. N o r t o n , Vice-President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder December 1, 1846 Chapter convened in Bro. Norton’s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved. Recorder

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an oration and a poem. Paine was appointed orator and Newberry poet.

On motion Newberry, Doggett, and Armstrong were appointed a committee to make preparations for the anniversary. Chapter adjourned.

L. B is s e l l , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder July 16, 1847 Chapter met at Bro. Palmer’s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Palmer read a re­ view and Armstrong and Bushnell essays. Norton and Merriam failed in reviews. Paine and Palmer were appointed essayists and Armstrong and T. S. Payne reviewers for the ensuing meeting. The election of officers resulted in the choice of Bushnell, president; Doggett, vice-president; Palmer, re­ corder; and Armstrong, marshal. Chapter adjourned.

L. B i s s e l l , President C . W . P a l m e r , Recorder August 3, 1847 Chapter met at Bro. Pierce’s room. The introductory prayer was offered, after which the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Armstrong read a review and Norton an essay. Payne failed in review and Merriam, Palmer, and Paine in essays, and were excused on condition of reading next meeting. The essayists appointed for the ensuing meeting were T. Payne and Sanford; the reviewer, Doggett. On motion Pierce and Palmer were appointed a committee to prepare toasts for the approaching anniversary.

Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder October 19, 1847 Chapter met at Bros. Palmer and Doggett’s room. A fter the intro­ ductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Dog­ gett read a review. Palmer, Paine, Payne and Sanford failed in essays. The following departments of essay writing were then chosen: Bushnell, Think­ ing; Bissell, Acting; G. Paine, Love; Sawyer, Fiction; Norton, The States­ man; Sanford, Literature; Armstrong, Biography; Merriam, Popularity; Doggett, Poetry; Palmer, Human Nature; T. Payne, Novelty; H. E. Paine, Law. Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder November 9, 1847 Beta Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi convened at Norton and Merriam’s room. The usual introductory prayer was offered, after which the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Mr. Karl Ruger was then elected a member and admitted to all the privileges of the Beta Theta Pi. Messrs.

T. S. Payne, G. Paine, and Palmer read essays. Correspondence from the Theta, Delta, and Kappa chapters was then read. Sawyer and H. E. Paine were appointed essayists for the ensuing meeting. Merriam was appointed to review T. S. Payne’s essay, Doggett to review G. Paine’s, and Bissell to review Palmer’s. On motion the request of the Delta chapter for permission

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of that chapter. On motion Bros. G. Paine and Sawyer were appointed a committee to prepare resolutions of sympathy in behalf of the chapter.

Chapter adjourned.

L. B is s e l l , President C. W. P a l m e r , Recorder April 19, 1847 Chapter assembled at the call of the Recorder at Bros. Paine and Sawyer s room. The committee appointed last meeting reported resolutions expressive of the sympathy of the Gamma Chapter with the Lambda in the recent loss they had sustained. Report adopted and a copy ordered to be transmitted to our brethren of the Lambda. A communication from the Alpha Chapter was read, announcing the first choice of the association for the special convention to be in Cincinnati, and notifying that it would be held on the second Thursday of May. On motion Messrs. Palmer, Payne, and Bushnell were appointed delegates to said convention. Chapter instructed the delegates to advocate the establishment of a head chapter, the publication of a catalogue, the condensation of chapters, restriction upon the formation of new chapters, and opposition to change of badge. On motion chapter ad­ journed.

L. B is s e l l , President C. W. P a l m e r , Recorder April 20, 1847 Chapter assembled at Palmer and Doggett’s room. Messrs. T. T. Munger and H. P. Sanford were elected members of the association and initiated into all the privileges of brethren in the brotherhood. The literary exercises con­ sisted in the main of “ feast of reason and flow of soul” and fully sustained the deservedly high reputation the chapter has earned in that department.

L. B is s e l l , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder May 25, 1847 Beta Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi convened at Bros. Doggett and Palmer’s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meet­ ing were read and approved. Armstrong and Bissell failed in essays and Merrill and Doggett in reviews. The delinquents were excused on condition of discharging their respective duties at the next meeting as worthy members of the worthy chapters. The minutes of the Special Convention were ap­ proved. Messrs. Bushnell and Doggett were appointed essayists for the en­ suing meeting. Chapter adjourned.

L. B is s e l l , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder June 14, 1847 Chapter convened at Bro. Paine’s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Merriam read a review and Bissell and Doggett essays. Armstrong and Bushnell failed in essays. Correspondence from the Theta chapter was read. Merriam and Norton were appointed essayists and Palmer and Paine reviewers for the ensuing meeting. On motion the anniversary exercises were to consist of

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Felton Sawyer, who died at Hudson, March 30, 1848, at 11% A-M- In his death the chapter has lost one of its brightest ornaments and the Brotherhood a most worthy member. Deeply devoted to the interests of the Beta Theta Pi, it was his constant aim to do all in his power to promote its interests. A brilliant scholar, of noble disposition, a generous, free and open heart, he was highly esteemed by his fellow students and deeply loved by his brothers of the Beta chapter. In his death we have sustained a loss which can never be filled. He has left us all in deep mourning and grief and has himself gone to spend a never ending eternity in a better world. Messrs. Palmer, Pierce and Doggett were appointed to draft resolutions indicative of our grief in the loss of our Brother. Chapter, adjourned.

H. E. P a i n e , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder pro tem.

Society convened. were accepted:

:

March 31, 1848 Committee submitted the following resolutions which

Resolved, T hat in the death of our Brother, Rufus Felton Sawyer, we recognize a Providence merciful in its most afflicting dispensations.

Resolved, T hat while we bow before the stroke, our hearts are deeply wounded by this blow which deprives us of the services of a companion, the sympathies of a friend, and (the strong, ardent love of a Brother.

Resolved, That we cherish his memory as one whose kind and fraternal spirit, dur­ ing a long and intimate association, has made him to us a Brother.

Resolved, T hat we deeply sympathize with the parents and relatives of the de­ ceased, and would mingle our sorrow wiith theirs in this, our mutual bereavement.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the relatives of the deceased, and to the chapters of the fraternity, and that they be published in the Ohio Observer, in the papers of the city of Cleveland, and in the Ashtabula Sentinel.

C. W . P a l m e r C . R. P ie r c e T. D o g g ett , Committee

The recorder was requested to return the thanks of the chapter to the ■Alpha Delta Phi Society for their manifestations of regard expressed upon the occasion of the death of our Brother.

H. E. P a i n e , President T . S . P a y n e , Recorder April 9, 1848 Beta chapter convened. A fter the usual introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Sanford reviewed. Ruger read an essay. Palmer failed in review. Messrs. H. E. Paine and Palmer were appointed essayists for the next meeting. Chapter adjourned.

H. E. P a i n e , President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder June 23, 1848 Society convened. A fter the prayer the minutes of last meeting were read and approved. Rollin A. Sawyer was admitted to the Brotherhood.

Messrs. Armstrong and Bushnell were appointed essayists for the next regular meeting. Messrs. Merriam, Sanford and T . Payne were appointed a com­ mittee to prepare room for holding Triennial Convention. Pierce, Bushnell

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to establish a chapter at the State institution of Alabama was agreed to.

Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder November 30, 1847 Chapter met at Palmer and Doggett’s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Merriam, Doggett, and Bissell read reviews; Sawyer and H. E. Paine read essays!

Messrs. Ruger and Armstrong were appointed essayists for the ensuing meet­ ing. Norton was appointed to review Sawyer’s essay and Palmer, Paine’s.

Mr. Ruger announced his department for essay writing to be Honour.

Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l , President C. W. P a l m e r , Recorder January 13, 1848 Chapter met at Palmer and Doggett’s room. The introductory prayer was offered, after which the minutes of the last meeting were read and ap­ proved. Norton read a review and Ruger, an essay. Palmer failed in review and Armstrong in essay, and were excused on condition of reading at next meeting. H. E. Paine was appointed to review Bro. Ruger’s essay. Bis­ sell and Bushnell were appointed essayists for the ensuing meeting. The elec­ tion of officers resulted in the choice of H. E. Paine, president; G. E. Paine, vice-president; T. S. Payne, recorder; and H. P. Sanford, marshal. Chapter adjourned.

E. B u s h n e l l , President C. W. P a l m e r , Recorder February 24, 1848 Beta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi convened at Norton and Merriam’s room.

Meeting opened with prayer. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

J. G. Graham was admitted to all the privileges of the society. Messrs.

Armstrong and Bushnell read essays. Messrs. Bissell and Palmer failed in reviewing. G. E. Paine and T. S. Payne were appointed reviewers for the ensuing meeting; Messrs. Doggett and Merriam essayists. Chapter adjourned.

G. E. P a i n e , Vice-President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder March 20, 1848 Society convened at Palmer and Doggett’s room. A fter the introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. W . C. Turner was admitted a member of the Society. H. E. Paine read an in­ augural. G. E. Paine reviewed. Messrs. Doggett and Merriam read essays.

Palmer and Sanford appointed reviewers for the succeeding meeting. Nor­ ton and G. E. Paine, essayists. Chapter adjourned.

H. E. P a i n e , President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder March 30, 1848 Special meeting convened at call of the Recorder. The deepest gloom and sadness pervades, occasioned by the death of our worthy Brother, Rufus

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appointed essayists for next meeting. H. E. Paine and Graham were ap­ pointed reviewers. Chapter adjourned.

H. E. P a i n e , President T . S. P a y n e , Recorder February 6, 1849 Chapter convened. Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved.

The business being postponed the same appointments stood for the next meeting.

Correspondence read from Danville, Michigan, Williams, Greencastle and Wabash. William McCorkle of the Wabash Chapter was at his own request transferred to the Hudson chapter. The Recorder was made a committee to return the thanks of the chapter to the order of I.O.O.F. for the use of their room for holding convention. Chapter adjourned.

T. D o g g ett , Vice-President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder March 6, 1849 Beta chapter convened. A fter the usual introductory prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. H. E. Paine read a review, Ruger and Sawyer, essays. Communications from Miami, Michigan. Byron Smith of Michigan University was elected a member of the Beta Chapter.

Beta chapter declined assent to establish a chapter at Farmers College, O. Fitch and George Paine were appointed essayists for the next meeting, J. G. Graham to review Sawyer’s essay. Chapter adjourned.

C. R . P ie r c e , President T . S. P a y n e , Recorder M ay 17, 1849 Special meeting of Beta Chapter, Beta Theta Pi, convened at call of re­ corder. Messrs. Coe and Sayles were elected members of the chapter and duly initiated and admitted to all the privileges of the order. Messrs. H, E. Paine, Graham and Fitch were appointed committee to report relative to the coming anniversary. Chapter adjourned.

C. R . P ie r c e , President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder May 22, 1849 Beta Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi convened at Doggett and Turner’s room. Fitch read an essay. Graham and G. Paine failed. Communications from Greencastle, Williams, Brown, Cannonsburg. Committee on anniver­ sary reported the exercises, Oration, Poem, History. Pierce appointed ora­ tor; H. E. Paine, poet; E. Bushnell, historian. Messrs. Turner and T. S. Payne were appointed essayists. G. E. Paine reviewed Fitch’s essay. Com­ mittee to prepare entertainment for anniversary appointed, H. E. and G. E. Paine and R. A. Sawyer that committee. T. S. Payne, Recorder, resigned and, on motion, R. A. Sawyer elected to fill vacancy. Chapter adjourned.

C . R . P ie r c e , President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder June 12, 1849 Beta chapter convened at Bros. Doggett’s and Turner’s room. Called to order by Bro. C. R. Pierce. A fter introductory prayer, T. S. Payne

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and Doggett to prepare for the entertainment of delegates. Bushnell ap­ pointed to prepare a history of the Beta chapter for the convention Chapter adjourned. ' ^ H. E. P a i n e , President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder c . , , w « July 6, 1848 Society convened. Meeting opened with prayer. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Messrs. Armstrong, Bushnell and Ruger read essays.

Merriam and Norton appointed reviewers, Doggett and Graham, essayists.

Chapter proceeded to an election which resulted as follows, H. E. Paine president; Karl Ruger, vice-president; T. S. Payne, recorder; R. A. Sawyer marshal. Chapter adjourned. * H. E. P a i n e , President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder .

July 26, 1848 Society convened. _ Introductory prayer and approval of minutes of last meeting. Merriam failed in essay. Graham failed essay. Ruger read essay; Committee reported progress. G. E. Pierce, President of Western Reserve College, was received into the chapter. Doggett, Palmer and Merriam ap­ pointed committee on invitations to oration m chapel. Chapter adjourned.

H. E. P a i n e , President C. W . P a l m e r , Recorder pro tem.

October 20, 1848 Chapter convened. Prayer, and minutes of last meeting approved. Pro­ ceedings of Triennial Convention approved by Beta Chapter. The follow­ ing subjects were chosen for essay writing: Bushnell, Thinking; Graham, Politics; Doggett, Steam; H. E. Paine, Gospel; George E. Paine, ----- ; T. S. Payne, Men and Women; Pierce, Medicine; Palmer, Law and Law yers; Sawyer, W ater Power; Ruger, ----- . Chapter taxed fifty cents per member to defray Recorder’s bill, etc. Chapter instructed to vote for Old Zach. Chapter adjourned.

H. E. P a i n e , President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder December 18, 1848 Chapter convened. Prayer, and minutes of last meeting approved. Dog­ gett read essay. Graham and G. Paine appointed essayists for next meeting.

Sawyer reviewed. Consent of chapter to establish chapter in Brown Univer­ sity. Communications from Williams and Ann Arbor chapters. Chapter ad­ journed.

H. E. P a i n e , President T. S. P a y n e , Recorder January 8, 1849 Chapter convened. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Albert G. Fitch admitted to the chapter. Doggett and T. Payne read essays, Sawyer reviewed. Election: Pierce, president; Doggett, vice-president; T. S. Payne, recorder; Graham, marshal. Messrs. G. Paine, Sawyer, and Ruger were

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Curiously enough, one of these men left college at the close of the term in the I spring of 1868 and was unable to return for the initiation. He received his pin, however, and his name has always been an honored one upon our roll.

I There is no statute of limitations running against the ‘sealing ordinance’ of initiation, and, to establish beyond peradventure or quibble his status we hope with his consent, ere long, to induct him formally into the mysteries.” (Page 360 of magazine cited.)

The Western Reserve chapter of Beta Theta Pi was an active partner in the plan formulated and fostered by “ J. Barnes Root and Company of the Lambda chapter at the University of Michigan to desert Beta Theta Pi for Psi Upsilon. It played the game with the infamous Root until he and his fellowconspirators, six Betas and nine fillers initiated after the treasonable arrange­ ment had been made, were safely entrenched in Psi Upsilon. Then it learned that Psi Upsilon did not want the Western Reserve chapter and so had to turn elsewhere for an alliance, finally, after three and a half years of under­ handed scheming finding a happy home in Delta Kappa Epsilon, as above related in the Delta Kappa Epsilon magazine. But there is another view , of the case: In the Beta Theta Pi Convention of 1869, held in Columbus, Ohio, the Presiding Chapter made the following report: “ During the year past a circumstance has happened which was slightly anticipated and yet which we could hardly believe would come to pass. W e refer to the action of the late Beta chapter. It is hardly regretted; and yet, their previous members were such as have done honor to the fraternity. If they had degenerated so low as to betray their trust (having joined the Delta Kappa Epsilon), we heartily rejoice that they are out of our circle. Their action was as treacherous and unmanly as could be conceived of, and their refusing to give even the names of those who have joined, or had sanctioned their proceedings was mean and contemptible. Had we pursued a wise course, probably, as soon as their procedure was heard of, we would have addressed communications to all of their alumni. But we did not do this, and, conse­ quently, only a few have been heard from. However, letters have been sent to all and we hope to ascertain all that is in our power. Those from whom we have heard, numbering some of the oldest alumni as well as the youngest, strongly discountenance it. In the publication of catalogues we would recom­ mend that the names of all those who are not known to have played the traitor remain and the others be stricken out. A s soon as their treachery was heard of, a resolution was passed expelling the chapter from the fraternity (i.e., the active members), and, soon after the votes of a majority of the chapters were received, an announcement of their expulsion was published in the Chicago Journal” The Convention adopted the follow ing: " Resolved, That we learn with great satisfaction of the fidelity of many of the members of Beta chapter, while the most of the active members basely betrayed their solemn vows; That while we condemn the meanness of the betrayers, we sympathize with and glory in those who remained true to the order and themselves, and cordially invite them to co-operate with our several chapters in furthering the immortal principles of the order.”

The minute book of the Beta chapter at Western Reserve, which was restored to the chapter a few years since, after having been kept by the

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entertained the association with an essay. Turner failed in essay, G. E. Fame on review. There being no correspondence, committees on anniversary art airs called on; reported Mansion House place of meeting, and Tuesday evening, July roth, time. Recorder notified to extend invitations to the hono­ rary members. Other items of desultory nature were discussed, giving great heart and encouragement to the Greeks thereof, when Chapter adjourned.

C. R. P ie r c e , President R. A. S a w y e r , Recorder .

July 9, 1849 Beta Chapter, Beta Theta Pi, convened at Bros. Doggett’s and Turner’s room. W as called to order, and after the introductory prayer, minutes were read and approved. Communications from Cannonsburg, Williamstown, Ann Arbor, and George Hoadley read. Election resulted in Bros. Bushnell, P rex; Turner, V. P rex; Sawyer, R ec.; Sayles, Marshal. The supper was dispensed with and a------time recommended. The fine system was spoken of and its enforcement urged. The chapter adjourned.

C . R. P ie r c e , President R. A. S a w y e r , Recorder Recorded by H. H. C o e , Rec. pro tem.

TREACHERY A T WESTERN RESERVE In the Quarterly of Delta Kappa Epsilon for December, 1914, is an article describing the chapter house of the Beta Chi chapter at Western Reserve Uni­ versity. This says, “ Some time in the college year of 1867-68 the members of Beta chapter of Beta Theta Pi decided that they would give up their charter in that society if they could obtain a Delta Kappa Epsilon charter. One reason for this decision, possibly the chief one, was the fact that it had become cus­ tomary for men to go East to finish their college course after a residence of a year or two at Western Reserve; others, after graduation, took graduate courses in the East. Delta Kappa Epsilon was then, as now, very strong among Eastern colleges, while Beta Theta Pi was then comparatively un­ known there. Hence arose the feeling that association with a strong Eastern society would be desirable. O f the then active chapters of Delta Kappa Ep­ silon, fifteen were located in New England and New York. So a corre­ spondence started with various chapters of Delta Kappa Epsilon, and the response thereto was so favorable that all the members of Beta chapter of Beta Theta Pi signed a petition in the spring of 1868 for a Delta Kappa Epsilon charter. This petition was duly presented to the Delta Kappa Epsilon Convention held at Amherst October 8-9, 1868, by Brother Elwood Williams of the Class of 1869; was by the Convention duly considered and granted and a charter given, bearing date of November 17, 1868. It was the thirtyeighth charter of Delta Kappa Epsilon. The new chapter, known as Beta Chi, was duly installed on December 1, 1868, by Brother Edward Heaton, Phi, Class of 1869. The charter members named in the records are the fol­ lowing: Brothers Williams, 1869; Warner, Williamson, Sherman, 1870; Baker, Baldwin, Dodge, Hine, Kennan, Latimer, Vance, Beach, Hanford, 1871; Gaylord, Hoyt, and Sherwood, 1872; sixteen in all, a goodly company.

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liamson, a Cleveland man long associated with Western Reserve University, reported for the committee the following extraordinary preamble and resolu­ tion which were “ unanimously adopted” according to the minutes: “ W h e r e a s , The Beta chapter is not an incorporated society under the laws of the state of Ohio and cannot, therefore, hold property as a society, “ Resolved, That this hall and all its furniture and all other property be­ longing to or held in the name of the Beta chapter of the Beta Theta Pi is the property in common of the persons constituting said chapter and not the property of the Beta Theta Pi society.”

Having thus quieted their consciences on the question of property built up by loyal members of the fraternity through years, the traitors then sought for .some way to relieve their treachery from some of its blackness. The rest of the minutes of Tuesday, November 10, 1868, are quoted in full. The com­ mittee evidently worked hard during its “ twenty minute recess” in preparing the following carefully studied document. The minutes continue: “The following preamble and resolutions were also presented and read as follow s: “ W h e r e a s , It was resolved by the Triennial Convention of the Beta Theta Pi society, held at Hudson, Ohio, on August 8, 9, 10, and 11, A.D. 1848, ‘That it is the opinion of this Convention that the Constitution does not confer power upon any chapter to declare itself dissolved, no power being competent to place a chapter in that situation but the Triennial Convention’ ; but “ W h e r e a s , N o such provision is now nor ever has been incorporated in the Constitution, and “ W h e r e a s , In the year 1851, after the passage of the above resolution, the chapters at Williams College and at Brown University did so declare their dissolution; and “ W h e r e a s , The Triennial Convention held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on August 8 and 9, 1851, recognized the fact of the dissolution of said chapters, and by their own a ct; and the said Convention did not contravene their right so to declare themselves dissolved; therefore “ Resolved, That it is the opinion of this chapter that the above resolution conflicts with the rights of chapters as developed in the history of the society, and that it is antagonistic to the principles upon which the society is founded; that its passage by the Convention of 1848 was in direct conflict with the article of the Constitution which defines the powers of the Convention; and that the action of the Convention of 1851 declared it by implication null and void.

“Resolved, That this chapter has and of right ought to have the power to sever its connection from the Beta Theta Pi society; and “ Be it further Resolved, By the Beta chapter of the Beta Theta Pi society that, when this chapter adjourns, such adjournment shall be held to be a dis­ solution of said chapter.”

A fter a somewhat extended discussion in which many praises were given to the Beta Theta Pi, the resolutions were unanimously adopted. The follow­ ing resolutions were presented and unanimously adopted: “ Resolved, That the pledges we have made to the Beta Theta Pi society be kept in good faith and that we will never betray the trust so long reposed in us. “ Resolved, That we will continue to cherish the warmest feelings of per­ sonal regard for our brothers in Beta Theta Pi, and deeply regret that this

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Delta Kappa Epsilon chapter of that institution for thirty years or more tells much of the story of the treachery which carried that chapter eventually into Delta Kappa Epsilon in 1868. There are hints of the negotiations with Psi Upsilon found as far back as 1861. There is co-operation in the plan to get the Michigan chapter made the Presiding Chapter just before the Michigan desertion. The minutes of May 2, 1865, show a motion “ to receive the minutes of the last convention at Detroit with the exception of the resolution in praise t ^he proposition to change the grip, and the re-establishment of Lambda.

Boudinot was the loyal Michigan Beta who refused to follow Charles Kendall Adams, Martin L. D ’Ooge, and other detested traitors at Ann Arbor. The minutes run along in normal style until September 8, 1868, when the first meeting of the year was held and there was a hint of what was going on. One paragraph in the record is significant: “ The society then went into the committee of the whole on the state of the chapter, and reported favorably as far as regards the chapter, but some­ what unfavorably in regard to the fraternity at large.”

The next meeting, September 22, 1868, is reported in usual style, no indi­ cation of the dirty work by traitors being given. But on September 29, 1868: “ The president then stated that he had, with the expressed consent and desire of all the members of the chapter, corresponded with the principal chap­ ters of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and that he had forwarded to the Yale chapter of said society a petition signed by every member of the society for the organization of a chapter of that fraternity at Western Reserve Col­ lege. He stated that several favorable and one unfavorable replies had been received, and suggested that some measures be taken by the chapter as a chapter in this regard. The chapter then concluded that a delegate to the Delta Kappa Epsilon Convention should be elected who should endeavor to secure a charter. Brother Williams was unanimously selected and em­ powered to act as a delegate from the chapter and make all arrangements to secure the desired object.”

A t the meeting of October 15, 1868: “ Brother Williams, who had just returned from the Convention of the Delta Kappa Epsilon society, reported that the petition of the members of this chapter had been granted but that all the formalities had not yet been attended to.”

In spite of this report of treachery completed the chapter then proceeded to initiate four candidates into Beta Theta Pi. On October 27, 1868, and again on November 10, letters were read from Beta chapters and things were as usual except th at: “ Williams also read letters from several alumni of the chapter approving the action of the chapter as to its union with the Delta Kappa Epsilon fra­ ternity.” “ The president then laid before the chapter a communication from the Yale chapter of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity relative to the granting of a charter to the members of this chapter. On motion it was resolved that the president with two others to be by him appointed be constituted a com­ mittee of three to draft resolutions relative to the dissolution of the chapter as a branch of Beta Theta Pi. The president appointed Brothers Beach and Williamson.”

A recess of twenty minutes was taken, when Williamson— James D. Wil-

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establishment by Charles J. Seaman, Denison ’71, and others under his direc­ tion, on May 4, 1881, although, as previously stated, the record books were not given back by the Delta Kappa Epsilon chapter until after the lapse of thirty years or more.

A REPENTANT TRAITOR The defection of the Beta chapter of Beta Theta Pi in 1868 was accom­ plished through the treachery of one man, who, for some reason best known to himself, deliberately planned this disgrace to the fraternity. The transfer of the chapter was made notwithstanding the earnest and indignant protests of the alumni of the chapter, but, being away from the scene of the act, they could only protest, nothing more. The life of the prime mover in the treach­ ery, subsequent to the act, was not long extended, and its termination seemed to Betas, who were acquainted with his treachery, to fill the idea of poetic justice. He was a brilliant fellow of magnetic power and influence, and of fine prospects. Beneath this exterior, however, there was an element of selfishness and insincerity in his nature that seemed to control his life. A fter his treachery he seemed to regret the act and wrote a number of letters to Beta corresponding secretaries, endeavoring to revive the old friendships some of the letters we have in our possession— and asking that he be con­ sidered still as a Beta brother and friend. Some of these letters were quite pathetic, and certainly manifested great humiliation. The letters were an­ swered, and he was denounced as unworthy to bear the name of Beta Theta Pi. He left this country for Europe, where he remained about two years, and there developed the consumption and came home; and, after about a year of suffering, he died. He seemed to be a victim of the most morbid despondency and gloom, and those who knew him best say that his final days on earth were inexpressibly sad. Wre do not propose to moralize further than to say, that the same elements in his nature that made him unfaithful in his voluntary promises to our Beta brotherhood worked out his own punishment in his last days in the recriminations of his conscience for having acted thus unfaithfully.

W e record the above as a part of the fraternity history, and as a lesson to the active chapters to look well into the characters of those whom they propose to invest with the responsibility of Beta’s honor and good name. (Beta Theta P i for November, 1879, page 62.)

BETA BEGINNINGS AT WILLIAMS Timothy Dwight Pelton, Western Reserve ’48 , left college without gradu­ ating. In January, 1847, he wrote to the chapter at Hudson proposing the establishment of a chapter at Williams College. He won the support of Alonzo Philetas Carpenter, ’49. C. W . Palmer, recorder of the Western Re­ serve chapter, wrote about the project, “ He urges the plan strongly and says it cannot fail. There are eleven fellows who will go into it, and these, too, the best in the Sophomore and Freshman classes. In Brother Pelton we feel the most certain confidence, and no doubt everything would be done with due caution and reflection. W e have given our consent to the project and now ask yours, hoping that it will be forwarded immediately as we ought

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step has been rendered necessary by local causes, and, as it seems to us, the unwise policy of the society by lowering its standard by an almost indis­ criminate granting of charters. ' “ Resolved, That the secretary be instructed to burn all books, papers, and correspondence belonging to or referring to the Beta Theta Pi society that are now m the possession of this chapter.”

There being no further business, before the chapter adjourned the minutes were read and approved. On motion the president declared the meeting ad­ journed and the Beta chapter of the Beta Theta Pi dissolved.

Attest E lw ood W i l l i a m s , President C. R. B a l d w i n , Secretary” November 10, 1868.

(A n exact copy of the minutes of Beta chapter.)

A note by William Raimond Baird in Forty Years of Fraternity Legisla­ tion, page 147, which refers to the action of the Beta chapter says: “ The men who thus left the fraternity were: Elwood Williams, ’69; W il­ liam H. Warner, James D. Williamson, ’70; George G. Baker, Charles R. Baldwin, Mortimer B. Beach, and Francis A. Hanford, ’71; and Thomas F. Gaylord, Thaddeus A. Hoyt, and William E. Sherwood, ’72. Membership in Delta Kappa Epsilon was offered also to the following alumni of the chap­ ter, namely, George H. Ford, ’62; Cortland L. Kennan, ’67; Clifton G. Mar­ shall, ’67; Philo A. Otis, ’68; William H. Upson, ’42; Samuel A. Wildman, ’70; Henry M. Wright, ’64; Ebenezer Bushnell, ’46; Thomas Doggett, ’48; Henry L. Hitchcock (honorary, Yale ’32) ; Henry V. Hitchcock, ’55; George W . Knapp, ’61; John Pierce, ’50; Henry H. Rice, ’67; and Philo A. Wilbor, ’66; and in the Delta Kappa Epsilon catalogue of 1910 there are given dates of initiation into Delta Kappa Epsilon of most of these at different dates, some as late as 1876. The chapter refused to state which of its alumni had joined in this movement, and for a number of years the alumni of this chapter were quite generally shunned by Betas; but when the Western Reserve chapter was reestablished in 1881, an effort was made to find out who had really left the fraternity, and membership in Delta Kappa Epsilon was repudiated by Clinton G. Marshall, ’67; Frank L. Baldwin, ’67; Cortland L. Kennan, ’67; Henry H. Rice, ’67; Philo A. Wilbor, ’66; John Pierce, ’50; George W . Knapp, ’61; George H. Ford, ’62; and Thomas Doggett, ’48. Ebenezer Bushnell, ’46, stated that he desired to remain in Beta Theta Pi, but that he had promised a near relative to continue in Delta Kappa Epsilon provided such relative reformed some bad personal habits, and he was consequently expelled from Beta Theta Pi at his own request.”

It might be added that the traitors did not keep their false pledge to keep in good faith their obligations to Beta Theta P i ; that the instructions to the secretary to destroy all papers and books relating to Beta Theta Pi were not carried out; that the private work of Beta Theta Pi was freely circulated among Delta Kappa Epsilon chapters with Western Reserve as authority; that even the pledge to a worried old man, which secured a member for Delta Kappa Epsilon under high pressure methods was not respected; and that not one of the participants in the chapter’s perfidy ever could look a Beta “ squarely in the eye” as they passed their lives among men. Some of the property of Beta Theta Pi was restored to the Western Reserve chapter long after its re-

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not to let so good an opportunity slip.” The chapter was established early in 1847, but some of the proposed “ eleven” evidently backed out, since On July 31, 1847, the total membership was reported to be eight. This statement was made in a letter written by the recorder, L. A. Hendrick, to Robert V. Moore of Miami. In it he told something of the beginnings of Beta Theta Pi at Williams. He said: “ I think your western and southern colleges are apt to have somewhat erroneous ideas of the position occupied by most secret societies among us— their real standing. In yoUr letter you seem to regard them numerically ; and, furthermore, to look upon each as an associa­ tion similar to our own, when, in most cases, it is far different. How it may be in other colleges, I know not. I speak only of this. Here we have_ three secret societies, Sigma Phi, Chi Psi, and Kappa Alpha. But such societies! mere shams, nonentities, comprising mostly only the so-called ‘bo’hoys’ of college, the only thing necessary to insure an election in either being a nice coat, a shining beaver, a finely adjusted cravat, with, peradventure, a pretty turn to the heel of one’s boot. The scrambling and tussling for new mem­ bers when a new class comes on, you can easily conceive. Sometimes, to be sure they may chance upon fine, good fellows; generally, however, upon such only as subsequently prove themselves mere offscourings, mere dregs of college. In such a state of things you can imagine the obstacles to be encountered in introducing a new society. I mean a good society— Beta Theta Pi. Men there w ere; but, then, so deeply rooted had become their prejudice against all secret societies, that it seemed a Sisyphean task to think of removing them. And, besides, there was a large-anti-secret society, ‘social fraternity,’ arrayed against us, embracing in its list the talent and in­ fluence of college— some of its men, no doubt, anti-secret from principle.

But we went slow ly; acted upon what, it seems, would have been your advice, using great caution as to whom we honored with an election. A ll considera­ tions of wealth we laid aside, and looking beneath the petty external cover­ ings, sought to know the man. Scholarship we have endeavored, as far as could be, to make our criterion, but with it combined a good and noble heart — ‘the elements so mixed that nature might stand up and say to all the world, This is a man.’ ”

FOUNDING OF THE WISCONSIN CHAPTER J. W . Hiner, who was prominently identified with the first movements for a chapter at Wisconsin, w rites: “ The idea of starting a chapter of one of the Greek-letter fraternities at Madison originated with me............This notion came into my head near the close of one of the college terms. I had no knowledge of the relative merits of the several college fraternities, and made up my mind to investigate the subject before taking anybody else into the scheme. It happened that W . S. Forrest, then a student at Beloit College, lived in my home town, Fond du Lac, at that time. When I got home I hunted him up, thinking that he might know something on the subject, and quizzed him. He at first was reticent, but finally admitted that he belonged to a sub-rosa chapter of Beta Theta Pi, then existing at Beloit. On being in­ formed that Madison was a good place for fraternity missionary work, and that I was willing to be an humble instrument therein, he entered with zeal

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BETA LIFE SIXTY YEARS AGO J.

C al K

a u f f m a n

,

Wittenberg

’72

In Tune 1929, as I am nearing my eighty-first birthday, my mind runs back to the morning of April 4, 1867, when I arrived at Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, where the scenes of this story are laid, and was enrolled as a student in the preparatory department. A t that time “ preps” and “ col­ legians” were upon a social level, the former always enjoying all the rights and immunities of college life. This particular “ prep” soon found fellow­ ship among the students, of whom there were nearly two hundred, with a score or more of boys as a rule from the college town.

It was not long before I, an eighteen year old country boy, observed several badges worn by different students. I learned that these represented membership in one or the other of the literary societies or the two fraterni­ ties. I was attracted by the fact that most of my new friends wore a gold badge in the form of what I was told was the Greek letter Phi. Later I became a member of the literary society which that letter represented. The other badges were of different shield-like shapes, with black enameled faces, letters of Greek on these faces, and gold borders. One that I specially noted was being worn by some of the men I knew best and with whom I associated most frequently. So much for my first term at Wittenberg.

On returning from the long summer vacation I decided to venture upon the regular college course; and was enrolled as a sub-freshman. I found that Latin and Greek were to be my. principal studies for the college year The study of Greek soon made the letters of that alphabet which appeared upon the badges already mentioned plain to me, and what had looked to me like B E N became B © I I ; but what the mystery was that lay behind those characters of course I. could not discern and about them I dared not to ask.

Although Betaism had its origin in 1839 there was a lapse of nearly thirty years before it had a name or a place in Wittenberg. Five young men, three of these sophomores and two freshmen, on the recommendation of three resident Betas, Rev. J. W . Gunn of DePauw, or Indiana Asbury as it was then known, Hon. J. K. Mower of Ohio and E. W'• Mullikin, also of Ohio, became the charter members. W ith the assistance of a committee from Alpha at Miami and from Theta at Ohio Wesleyan, these three alumni, on the evening of January 18, 1867, formally instituted the Wittenberg chapter, the Gamma Gamma of Beta Theta Pi. t h e event took place in a rear room of Brother Gunn’s bookstore. In the room above, the presses of the morning paper were running at full speed; and, in future initiations, the candidates associated the rumbling noise of the presses with the ceremony and a special part of the initiation.

There are some elements of uncertainty in all human affairs, and in a society without a permanent home and no particular or safe place in which to keep records, there is much, after the sixty-two years that is tradition rather than history. However some matters of interest and benefit to the present chapter and its friends have come down to us carrying the authentic acts and experiences of the past.

The five men who were the charter members of the chapter all belonged to the same literary society, the Philosophian. The problem was how to

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into the project. I then arranged with him to have negotiations actively commenced as soon as we got back to our colleges. “ Brother Hunter, who was my roommate at Madison and a resident of Fond du Lac, became a party to the scheme at this stage. When we got into the university harness again, we prosecuted the matter with vigor.

Brother Cook and the other charter members were added to the pair of eager aspirants for what Brother Wilkin styles ‘the blessings of Alpha Pi felicity/ Most of the correspondence was with Brother A. R. Sprague, then corresponding secretary of the Beloit chapter, I think. In due time a charter was granted and authority given to the Beloit boys to institute the chaptei. This is the way that we came to be Betas. Had Brother Forrest

T H E W IS C O N S IN C H A P T E R H O U S E

happened to be a member of some other fraternity, we should have gone into it and Wooglin might not have had a worshipper at Madison to this day. . . . . When the preliminary arrangements were completed, Brother Sprague, Keep, Forrest, and Foster and another, I think, whose name I have forgotten, came up and initiated us in a room in the Park Hotel on June 6, 1873.” (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta P i; extract from a chronicle written by John M. Dodson.)

In Beta Theta Pi, Vol. I, No. 8, page 60, July 15, 1873, is a letter from Chi chapter, signed by A. Gray, telling of the installation of Alpha Pi. A note says that “ Brothers Works, Gray, and Forrest of Chi initiated the new brothers.”

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ponding secretary was Charles Darlington, the first named charter member.

He was an ideal correspondent, capable in every way, well informed, and one of the best English scholars the institution has furnished. I succeeded him and was the “ permanent correspondent” until my graduation under the provision for the office then existing. Neither Darlington nor I ever thought of making out a bill against the chapter. Soon after my graduation the Beta magazine came into existence and the matter of personal correspondence became relatively a much less important one.

Since finances play so essential a part in fraternity life as well as m any organization or business, it is only necessary to say that college life then was much simpler and cheaper. W e could not now go back to the simple life of fifty years ago. No initiation fees, no regular dues, would not do very long in a college fraternity today. W e raised money to publish catalogues and for other needs, but a treasury with any money in it was a rarity. This is no place particularly adapted to any advice, but it would have been a great satisfaction to some of “ the silver gray” brothers if we could have had the fraternity surroundings that many of the Betas of today have. But while we live we shall be glad to help along so that the Beta boys of the future may be able to enjoy the motto that stood over the door of the dining hall at Wooglin on Lake Chautauqua, “ Thebe stisgo oden ough forus.

The final paragraphs will be convention notes. As a sophomore I closed my vacation by going directly from home near Massillon, Ohio, to Chicago to the Beta convention of 1870. This was held at the Tremont House. The attendance was not large, but the enthusiasm was certainly all that a young collegian would appreciate. The oration was delivered by the Hon. D. W .

Voorhees and the poem by Rev. David H. Moore, afterwards a bishop in the M. E. Church. The banquet was well attended and a credit to the fra­ ternity in every way. The wine glasses were not filled but stood empty all through the evening— a good moral lesson for today. In the afternoon we had a boat ride on Lake Michigan and Chaplain Lozier was the chorister — and no Beta of today would want to hear our songs rendered better than he made them go. It was my first experience in helping to sing a Beta song.

A fter that we had music in our chapter.

A s a junior I attended the convention at Indianapolis in 1871. g During 1872 no convention was held but a deferred meeting was held during holi­ day week 1873-1874. I have written of conventions because I feel that the present system is more satisfactory because funds are provided for the repre­ sentative and still there is no prohibition that others cannot attend. I was a sort of convention “ fan” , as would be said now, so much so that the Beta Theta Pi, for November and December 1879, in the intimate, personal com­ ment which characterized the magazine at that time, carried these two para­ graphs with a months’ interval between them. “ Rev. J. Cal Kauffman, of Alpha Gamma, was at Orrville, Ohio, when last heard from. He was at that time hunting for a Beta convention, but as he did not show up at the 40th, some solicitude has been aroused in the minds of his friends at Cincinnati fo r fear that something serious has befallen him. A n y information as to his present whereabouts, and as to his mental and physical condition will be thankfully received and cheerfully paid for.”

“W ord comes that Cal Kauffman is yet in Orrville, giving the milk of the word to his Lutheran brethren. It was said of him. W h en Gabriel blows his last trump, he 11 find Cal Kauffman going to a Beta Convention.’ ”

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get members from the rival society. Somehow a grapevine telegram brought out the story that George Scholl, of the junior class, had turned down a proposition from the rival fraternity and with the story gave a statement that he had said that when Wittenberg should have a real fraternity he would consider membership in it. Scholl had been a student at Miami Uni­ versity near his boyhood home, and had transferred to Wittenberg because he was on the way to the ministry of the church which was the founder and supporter of the latter college. A t that time Miami had chapters of several prominent fraternities, the chapter of Beta Theta Pi being as strong there as any. Hence the young man, to the untried members of the new Wittenberg chapter, appeared at least a possible candidate. Two more Philos were added and, soon after, the coveted Miami transfer was enrolled as the eighth member. Then business began and, before the chapter was ready to cele­ brate its first anniversary, the membership had grown to nine Philos and eight Excelsiors and faced the future with assurance.

In those days the literary societies were the strongest factors of college life and, at Wittenberg, the two societies were about equal in membership and enthusiasm. The election of men to represent the societies at the annual contest was held during the spring term, and in 1867 the result was such that the contestants were made to represent the two fraternities rather than the two literary societies; because the Excelsior contestants were all Betas and those o f the Philosophian, all Phi Psis. Because of the nature of the themes discussed at the contest, there seemed to be a general opinion in college circles that the Excelsior-Betas had been most appreciated.

Following this an anti-fraternity spirit,began to develop and, for years, there was an organization representing that idea; at the time mentioned a few members of the fraternities resigned their membership and a few pledged men refused initiation. This had its effects on both fraternities, but it really helped the Beta organization, making it stronger and more efficient.

Naturally this leads to an element of chapter life which certainly added to the improvement of the chapter’s literary standing. Before any man ap­ peared in the literary societies or class-rooms, it was expected that he present his proposed effort before the fraternity. Criticism that was meant kindly, at times was exacting and severe. The results certainly were not harmful.

A t this period in fraternity history there was a system of correspondence among the chapte'.s; and the reading of this correspondence became a very pleasant feature of the meetings. Some of this correspondence was a fine example of the epistolary in a literary sense, and, betimes, it was “ rich, rare and racy” , for there was a considerable amount of laudatory description of affairs at the different colleges, the faculty, the personnel of the chapter members, and with it all the Beta girls were not forgotten. Some things written were certainly apropos in a secret society rather than in a public gathering.

Our meetings were more or less frequent, but since there no chapter houses or halls, a committee on meeting places was appointed for the term and usually the meetings were held at some hotel, notably the Murray House and, later, the Lagonda Hotel. A fter most initiations there was a “ dorg” in some restaurant, Charles Keller’s place on Main Street being a favorite place for years.

Our expenses were paid by individual contributions or assessments. In the matter of correspondence there was 110 appropriation. Our first corres-

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299

mings’ name. Just at this time a third party organized, elected Brothers Cummings, Purmont, and Carpenter members, and were about to make application. Cummings said, “ It took all of the combined wisdom, shrewd­ ness, and perhaps means of which none of us exactly approve since we have grown older, to keep those men from spoiling our plans.”

A fter some delay, the charter was granted, and it was decided that Brother Cummings should go to Delaware, be initiated in the chapter there, then re­ turn and establish Alpha Lambda, or Lambda Lambda as it was then. The night this brother reached Wooster was Friday and the literary society was in session and was discussing a new constitution. Reid Carpenter was man­ aging the debate and Brother Cummings’ vote was needed. He couldn’t reach the hall before ten o’clock, as he had failed to make connections at Crestline; so he telegraphed Brother Carpenter to debate the preamble until he arrived.

Over three hours’ time was consumed in recounting its praise, and when Brother Cummings reached the hall, it was unanimously adopted. Brother Cummings says of this, “ The opposition took in the situation, and the warmest contest took place that I ever witnessed in a literary hall.” This was the first notice to outsiders that a brotherhood was being formed.

The next night, Saturday, Cummings initiated Rush Taggart at the latter’s home. These two men initiated the other charter members in Cummings’ room which was in the second brick house south of Nold Avenue on the east side of Beale Avenue. (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta Pi, author’s name not indicated.)

This same manuscript gives two stories showing the rivalry with Phi Kappa Psi. One was a trick played on Phi Kappa Psi, which, reported to the Virginia chapter, brought a letter of censure from the Presiding Chapter, “ charging Alpha Lambda with several sins of commission and one of omis­ sion: that of gentlemen.” Another was a triumph when Phi Kappa Psi ad­ vocated an address before the literary society and pushed the plan; but the speaker whom they invited happened to be a Beta and he wore a Beta Theta Pi badge as he made his address, much to the discomfiture of the Phi Psis.

There was also a sharp debate in the literary society over its constitution, at one time a motto for the society being under consideration. One speaker advocated strongly the choice of the three Greek words which formed the motto or name of Phi Kappa Psi, interpreting them at length, the Phi Kaps being furious. It is worth noting that bitterness with this particular fraternity attended early Beta days, not only at Wooster, but at Wisconsin, Bethany, Ohio State, and elsewhere, being intense at times in the Indiana college chap­ ters.

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It may seem strange to some that I used the name Gamma Gamma chap­ ter. 1 his was the name given at the institution of the Wittenberg chapter afterward -being changed to Alpha Gamma. When this change in nomen­ clature occurred, a member of Alpha Gamma said, “ The chapter that finally takes our old name ought to be a close friend to us.” That may have been spoken in faith that the fraternity would grow until, even under the new plan for chapter naming the third alphabet should be reached. One day a few years ago, I read in the Beta Theta P i an article by A. J. Priest of Gamma Gamma chapter at the University of Idaho, telling of old-time life m the Wittenberg chapter as it was associated with the career of the Beta he was so enthusiastically picturing, none other than the Miami transfer of early Alpha Gamma history, George Scholl.

A CHAPTER OF ALPH A LAMBDA HISTORY The Alpha Lambda chapter was established in the early spring of 1872.

The charter members were J. Wallace Cummings, ’73, Frank Taggart, ’74, R. R. Carpenter, Rush Taggart, ’71, C. H. Purmont, ’75, A. T. Robert­ son, 75, and Daniel Butterfield, 7 3 - In 1871 the matter of founding a chap­ ter of some fraternity had been discussed and the conclusion reached that an effort to this effect be made. J. W . Cummings and Frank Taggart were the first to reach any definite conclusion, the former suggesting: our dear Beta Theta Pi. There was a particular event that caused Brothers Cummings and Tag­ gart to push the matter forward. One night in the Athenian Literary Society, Brother Cummings asked leave of absence for the evening, which was granted.

He returned, however, in time to participate in an exciting debate; but when he attempted to speak, he was called to order and fined, on the ground of having been excused and therefore counted absent. He then pointed out that, if absent, he could not be fined for disturbance or contempt, but, if fined, he was present, and therefore entitled to speak. The majority sus­ tained the president’s ruling and he and Brother Taggart discovered that a number of men, whose existence under the name of Phi Kappa Psi was sus­ pected, voted together. The hint was taken that union was needed.

Soon after this, Rush Taggart was consulted. Reid Carpenter, Dan But­ terfield, and Charles Purmont next met at Brother Cummings’ room and a final decision was made that they would apply for a chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Wooster. In the meantime Purmont met some students from Dela­ ware from whom he learned the name of a Beta there, and to him the ap­ plication was sent. Trouble, however, arose from another party making application to the chapter at Springfield, using Brother Cummings’ name in their list of members. Here it may be said that a professor now at Wooster University, and formerly a student there, was the man who used Brother Cummings’ name in the second application to the chapter at Springfield.

The Presiding Chapter in the University of Virginia was suspicious (but they did not approve of founding this chapter anyway, their reason being that “ the school admits girls and niggers” ) ; and Brother Keifer of Spring­ field was appointed to investigate. He reported in favor of the first petition, thus shutting out the worthy professor who so boldly used Brother Cum-

T H E IL L IN O IS C H A P T E R , 1928-1929

F O U R H O N O R M E N A T IL L IN O IS , 1929 L e ft to right: W illiam V . Reed, ’29, Glenn B. McClellan, ’29, John W .

D eW olf, ’30, and Howard S. Ponzer, ’29. McClellan was chosen to Phi Beta Kappa, the other three to Tau Beta Pi.

T W O IL L IN O IS B E T A G R O U P S

Chapter V

The Individual in the Fraternity

Brown ’82, comes more and more into his own as the years go by. Nixon Waterman in a Boston newspaper described Brown Uni­ versity s remembrance of him in June, 1922, thus : “ Mrs. Sam Walter Foss of Somerville, her daughter, Mollie, and her sister-in-law, Miss Ethel Foss, sister of the poet, are guests of classmates of Sam W alter Foss at Brown University, Providence, which institution gave him an A.B., 1882. A t the exercises today there will be unveiled a replica of the medallion to Mr. Foss which the city of Somerville placed in its Public Library some years ago. Incorporated with this splendid portrait is the first stanza of Mr. Foss’s much loved and widely quoted poem, The House by the Side of the Road.’ Also the university is making a fine exhibit of Mr. Foss’s original manuscripts, autograph letters and other objects intimately related to the author of so many cherished lyrics. Greater Boston is proud of the honor of having had Sam Walter Foss as one of its own people for so many years, and is happy to know that Brown recognizes and fondly remembers him as one of its most worthy and eminent sons.”

S am W a l t e r F oss,

John T a l i a f e r r o Thompson, Indiana ’81, son of James Thompson, Indiana ’51, a colonel in the United States Arm y and professor of mathe­ matics at W est Point from 1854 to 1857, received the honorary degree of doc­ tor of laws from Indiana University in June, 1922. The Indiana Alumnus had this note about him in its commencement number: “ ‘John Taliaferro Thomp­ son, I shall not attempt here and now to recount the long list of your achieve­ ments and honors as a soldier, as inventor, as international authority on small arms, as directing head of that division of the war department which with incredible speed and success furnished rifles for our world army for which achievement the war department has conferred upon you the distinguished service medal,’ said Dr. W . L. Bryan, in bestowing the LL.D. degree on General Thompson. ‘Here and now I wish to recognize you as one of our soldiers, as one of the 2,800 men who went to the great war from this Uni­ versity. They stand about you, sir, proud of you as their senior officer and adding their suffrages to those of the faculty and board of trustees in con­ ferring upon you the degree, doctor of laws.’ ” D u n la p Jamison McAdam, Washington-Jefferson ’68, was one of the last initiates of the old Washington chapter, Pennsylvania, before its consoli­ dation with Jefferson. On June 8, 1922, the New York Times printed this item about him, as a Washington dispatch: “The most unusual ceremony in the history of athletics at Washington and Jefferson College and unique in the annals of American college sport took place this afternoon at the annual reunion of the General Alumni Association when Dr. Dunlap J. McAdam, graduate of the college with the Class of 1868, was formally awarded his varsity letter in baseball. Dr. McAdam, who is seventy-nine years old, is

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303

ately called “The Grand Old Man of DePauw,” is kept in memory by a build­ ing devoted to the DePauw department of religious education. A fine picture of him hangs in the Delta chapter house, a gift from his family.

A lf r e d C ow les, Michigan ’54, who was the faithful custodian of Lamb­ da’s records during the “ Fraternity W ar” at Michigan, is recalled by the Alfred Cowles Foundation for Study of Public Government at Yale Univer­ sity. This was established by a gift of $350,000 made by the children of Mr. Cowles, A lfred Cowles, Jr., Chicago ; William H. Cowles, Spokane, Washing­ ton; and Mr. and Mrs. Phillip B. Stewart, of Santa Barbara, California. A part of the fund will be used to offer fellowships at Yale and other universities, while another part of the fund will allow for the establishment of a collection of materials, relating to activities of political parties and electorate.”

D a v id A l e x a n d e r W a l l a c e , Miami ’46, was president of Monmouth

College, Illinois, from January, 1856, to January, 1878, and it was largely through his influence through twenty-two years that the foundations of this fine institution were well laid and its character and type determined. His name is perpetuated in Wallace Hall, the main college building and the archi­ tectural center of the campus. It is a splendid fire proof structure, erected in 1908. It contains thirteen recitation rooms besides waiting rooms, profes­ sors’ rooms, and literary society halls.

L e s l ie A l e x a n d e r L e e , St. Lawrence ’72, for forty years a member of

the Bowdoin College faculty, is honored by a tablet in the Searles Science Hall at Brunswick: To the Memory of L e s l ie A l e x a n d e r L e e , Ph.D. Instructor in Natural History 1867-1881 Professor in Geology and Biology 1881-1908 A Student and Interpreter of Nature A Teacher Faithful and Beloved A Friend and Helper of Men R i c h a r d A l m y L e e , Bowdoin ’08, drowned at sea in 1907 while an under­ graduate, is kept in memory by a scholarship in Bowdoin College, given by his mother, Mrs. Leslie A . Lee. A provision in the terms of gift secures preference in its award to members of Beta Theta Pi.

C h a r le s D avid W i l l i a m s , Kenyon ’80, w as recalled F eb ru ary 14, 1929, on the sixth anniversary o f his death, by a special service in St. P a u l’s Cathed­ ral in D etroit when Bishop P age celebrated a m em orial communion, after which the fam ily and some near friends o f Bishop W illiam s gathered in the crypt-chapel below the high altar where his body rests, to share in a brief service o f prayer and to witness the installation of a beautiful brass altar cross, the w ork o f Gorham , given b y M rs. W illiam s in m em ory o f her hus­ band.

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said to be the oldest recipient of a college varsity sport letter in the history of athletics. He played on the W . and J. teams of 1867 and 1868, in the day when varsity letters were not given.”

G r a h a m P e n f i e l d , Northwestern ’22, received a special honor at the close of his^ college career. The Chicago Tribune published his picture with this note: President W alter Dill Scott of Northwestern University has awarded the conference medal for achievement in scholarship and athletics to Graham Penfield of Evanston. He had the highest average in his class in his freshman year at Northwestern and was captain of the Purple football team in 1920. The selection of Mr. Penfield as conference medalist was made by the faculty committees on athletics, of which Prof. O. F. Long is chairman.”

J o h n C h a r l e s B u r c h a r d , Beloit ’92, was honored by M rs. A n ita W illets Burnham , an artist and one o f his close friends while he was living, who presented the B eloit chapter with one of her own pictures named “ T h e Sko­ kie V a lle y at Glencoe, Illinois.” O n the fram e, made by M rs. Burnham ’s son, is a brass plate bearing the inscription, “ F o r John Charles Burchard, Chi, 1892, by A n ita W illets B urnham .” T h e chapter w as greatly pleased to re­ ceive this m em orial to one of its most lamented sons, the leader o f the “ B ig B eta B ro th er” m ovem ent in Chicago and a devoted member, all through his life, o f B eta T h eta Pi. H o r a c e W i l l i a m S is s o n , Ohio Wesleyan ’12, is honored through the Horace William Sisson Scholarship Foundation of Ohio Wesleyan Univer­ sity, established by a gift of $10,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Ellis L. Phillips.

The fund will be held by the trustees of the University and the income will be paid to students of Ohio Wesleyan in the Sophomore, Junior and Senior classes who are in need of financial aid and who are members of Theta chap­ ter of Beta Theta Pi. The appointment is to be made by the University Scholarship Committee upon nominations made by the committee, composed of the President of Theta chapter, Chief of District IX Beta Theta Pi, and the Faculty Adviser of Theta chapter. Sisson, who died December 16, 1924, won the golden key of Phi Beta Kappa by his excellent scholarship.

A r t h u r W i n f i e l d M a c L e a n , Boston ’03, who established in 1908 the

Portia Law School, the only one in the world exclusively for women, was honored at the commencement exercises of the school on June 1, 1926, when his portrait was presented to the institution. The portrait is by Howard E. Smith of Boston and was exhibited during the spring in the Vose Galleries.

It was provided by contributions from alumnae and present students.

V i v i a n C l i n t o n R o ss , Rutgers ’ 12, is kept in memory by the “ V . C. Ross Lounge” in the Beta Gamma chapter house in New Brunswick, New Jersey, this memorial being provided by a generous gift of his chapter mate, Thomas Turner Barr, Jr., Rutgers ’13.

H i l l a r y A s b u r y G o b in , DePauw ’70, who was president of his Alma Mater from 1895 to 1903, and who, toward the end of his life was affection-

T H E W A S H IN G T O N A N D L E E C H A P T E R , 1928

S O U T H E R N C O N V E N T IO N D E L E G A T E S , 1928

T Y P E S O F SOU TH ERN BETAS

304

BETA LIFE A l b e r t C a r n a h a n S im o n d s , California ’16, is kept in memory by the

large president’s chair in the great dining hall of the California chapter at Berkeley upon which is a silver plate reading: “ Presented by Mr. and Mrs. Albert G. Simonds in memory of their son, Albert C. Simonds, ’ 16, First Lieu­ tenant, U.S.M.C., killed in action at Thiacourt, France, September 15, 1918.”

W i l l i a m Edgar B orah, Kansas ’89, is honored by the William Edgar Borah Outlawry of W ar Foundation in the Uni­ versity of Idaho. This was established by a gift of $55,000 made by Salmon O. Lev­ inson, a Chicago attorney who is recog­ nized internationally as the originator of the plan for the outlawry of war which Senator Borah championed and embodied in a resolution he introduced in the senate in 1923. It proposed a treaty declaring war a crime and that all nations agree to punish their war instigators and profiteers and that an inter­ national code of peace be adopted and that an international court be created to settle differences that otherwise might lead to war. Mr. Levinson, in mak­ ing the gift, said that the name of the foundation was in recognition of “ the almost priceless contribution” of Senator Borah to the cause of world peace.

He asked that $5,000 be used for a portrait or bust of Senator Borah to be placed in a suitable room connected with the work of the foundation at the university. The balance is to be used to maintain a lectureship or other means for promoting the purposes of the foundation.

E dw ard B a g b y P o llard , Richmond ’84, for over twenty years professor o f practical theology in C rozer Theological Sem inary at Chester, Pennsyl­ vania, is to be kept in m em ory at the institution. H e was the first editor of the Crozer Quarterly, whose perm anency as a feature o f the sem inary’s con­ tribution to religious education is assured by the co-operation o f the alumni in raising $50,000 to establish the E d w a rd B agby Pollard publication fund.

S t e p h e n B e a s l e y L i n n a r d P e n r o s e , J r ., Whitman ’28, w ho graduated in June, 1928, w ith magna cum laude rank and w ith the P h i B e ta Kappa golden k ey, d u rin g com m encem ent w e e k at W h itm a n d elivered tw o orations, one in an o ra to rical contest and the o th er on the g ra d u a tin g program .

G a i u s G l e n n A t k i n s , Ohio State ’88, professor of homiletics in Auburn Theological Seminary, gave the Samuel Harris lectures on literature and life at Bangor Theological Seminary in 1928. These were printed in book form under the title Reinspecting Victorian Religion. The lectures were based on a study of selected poems by Tennyson and Browning. A reviewer of the volume characterized Dr. Atkins as a great teacher, preacher and scholar who, when he speaks, has something worth saying and expresses it with a beauty and charm of diction which makes his prose almost as felicitous as verse. He is a master artist in the use of language. The book is a delightful

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Beta Kappa, national scholarship fraternity. He not only excelled in scholar­ ship, but also attained high honors in many other fields at the University, in­ cluding student government and debating. In his senior year, Mr. Cocke was elected president of the student body, the highest honor in the gift of his fellow students. Because of his qualities of leadership and his high attain­ ments in scholarship he was tapped by the Golden Fleece, highest honorary society at the University, of which organization he became president. He had the unique distinction of being president of Phi Beta Kappa, of the stu­ dent body, and of the Golden Fleece at one and the same time. | Mr. Cocke also attained many other honors. He was elected to membership in Sigma Upsilon, literary fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, social fraternity, and Gimghoules, a social organization, the glee club, Amphoterothen, committee of one hundred, and was secretary and vice-president of the Dialectic Literary Society, a member of the Y .M .C .A . Cabinet, associate editor of The Carolina Magazine, chairman of the Junior class executive committee, winner of the William Jennings Bryan prize in political science, and an international de­ bater, having represented the University of North Carolina in the debate with O xford University on the subject of the World Court, his side winning the decision.-|J-(From an Asheville newspaper) R obert C h a r l e s F oster H ig h t , Indi­ ana ’88, while in college was the founder o f the in terfraternity council and also o f a senior society called Jaw Bones. W ith H a rry E . W ise, Indiana ’88, who had been a student at Cornell, he chose red and w hite as the university colors, devised class and university yells, and made the class o f 1888 a w ide-aw ake organization which had great influence in developing college sports and college life as it is now fam iliarly known. H ight was a w illing and inform ative source of m aterial fo r the history o f P i chapter. F or tw enty-five years he bound up the fratern ity m agazine each year fo r his library. H e w as a rela­ tive o f John Junior H ight, DePauw ’54, one o f the A sb u ry Betas who went to Bloom ington in 1855 and revived the Indiana chapter. ( K ar l W . F is c h e r ) C o r n e liu s W i l t b a n k P r e t t y m a n , Dickinson ’72, was one of the char­ ter members o f A lph a Sigm a chapter. W h en he died on June 29, 1928, a Beta w r o t e “ W ith the death o f L uth er B. W ilson , ’75, on June 4, and D r.

Prettym an, ’72, on June 29, A lp h a Sigm a chapter bade farew ell to her last tw o charter members. Both w ere active B etas and the last alumni banquet o f A lp h a Sigm a chapter was the first one D r. Prettym an had m issed as was th § ast m eeting o f the Board o f T ru stees o f Dickinson College the first one he had missed since he w as elected T ru stee in 1901, the same ye ar in which B ishop W ilson was also elected to a Trusteeship. A t every alumni banquet B rother Prettym an w as the m ost enthusiastic B eta present and alw ays kept

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study of the religious poems o f the two outstanding religious poets of the Victorian period.”

J a y N orw ood D a r l in g , Beloit ’99, counts among his famous drawings

“The Long, Long Trail,” symbolizing Theodore Roosevelt’s journey to the Great Beyond. This widely admired drawing,” the Kansas City Star says, “ has been executed in bronze in bas-relief and will be presented to the 110th Engineers as a gift from Irwin Kirkwood. Mr. Roosevelt’s wholesome life and his hearty acceptance of every new adventure provided the inspiration for the drawing, which was published at the time of his death. It depicts " T H E L O N G L O N G T R A IL ”

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By Ding

Roosevelt, the adventurer, waving a friendly farewell as he embarks on the ride up the long trail. The spirit of the drawing has been declared typical of the great American’s attitude toward life. The tablet is the work of Mrs. L. G. Fraser, of New York, wife of James Earle Fraser, the sculptor.” On December 8, 1925, in the main lobby of The Roosevelt, Madison Avenue and Forty-fifth Street, New Y ork City, an heroic bronze plaque was unveiled in memory of Theodore Roosevelt, a reproduction of this newspaper cartoon.

W i l l i a m J o h n s t o n C o c k e , J r ., North Carolina ’25, stood at the head of his class. He was one of the most brilliant students ever to attend the State University. A s a result of his scholarship, he was made president of Phi

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of the constitution, he had no connection with the fraternity until about 1890 when some of the Beloit boys hunted him up and told him he was a member of the Beta fraternity and explained what the fraternity meant and what it was. From that time he was always greatly interested in the Beloit chapter and in the fraternity, although for twenty-five years he had had no connec­ tion with his chapter and no appreciation of the fact that his membership in a local sub-rosa society at Beloit had any relationship to a large college fra­ ternity.”

N a t h a n i e l M i l e s , Beloit ’11, brought great honor to the fraternity in his

college years. Concerning him the chapter secretary w rote: “ Nathaniel Miles, ’11, is certainly deserving of credit for his very unique record. In addition to having graduated from Beloit College last June with the degree of summa cum laude, and the highest record of scholarship of any one who ever attended Beloit College, of course winning the golden key of Phi Beta Kappa, Brother Miles was acknowledged to be the best all-round athlete that ever graduated from Beloit. During his four-year course, he won ten official “ B ’s” and was captain of three athletic teams, track in the spring of 1910, football in the fall of 1910, and basketball in the winter of 1910-1911.” Incidentally he played a full part in chapter life.

G l e n n B. S a n b e r g , North Dakota ’27, carried off first honors in the university’s oratorical contest November 4, 1925, winning also a gold medal and $30 in cash provided for by the founder of the annual Webster Merrifield contest, a former president of the University of North Dakota. This victory gave Sanberg the honor of representing the institution in the state oratorical contest the following March.

C h a r l e s W il b e r t S n o w , Bowdoin ’07, an associate professor at W es­

leyan University, whose Phi Beta Kappa key testifies to his scholarship, was honored by his Alma Mater with the degree of master of arts on June 18, 1925. He won this degree at Columbia in 1910 for graduate work in English, the Bowdoin award being honorary in character. On June 17, 1925, he read a poem entitled “Thanksgiving” which won for him a prize of $100 offered by Bowdoin College for the best poem submitted in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of the graduation of Hawthorne and Longfellow. The judges were Robert Frost, Henry Seidel Canby, and Professor G. R. Elliot of the Bowdoin faculty.

E n o c h H erbert C row der , Missouri ’87, A m bassador from the U nited States to Cuba, “ delivered a m asterly address in an im pressive m anner” in H avana, Cuba, on M onday, February 15, 1926. T h e occasion w as the twentyfifth anniversary o f the sinking o f the Maine. A m em orial tablet presented by the N ational U nited Spanish W a r V eteran s w as unveiled w ith notable cere­ m ony in spite o f a steadily falling rain. T h e H avan a Post published General C ro w d er’s speech in full and carried several illustrations of the tablet, the speakers, and the crowd.

J u n i u s I r v in g S c a l e s , North Carolina ’53, founder of the North Caro­ lina chapter of Beta Theta Pi, was born in Rockingham County, North Caro­ lina, June 1, 1832. The family name originally was D ’Escaler— Hardwin

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the gathering in a good humor by relating interesting anecdotes of the begin­ nings of Alpha Sigma. His songs at these gatherings will long linger in the memory of the younger men. Both these distinguished men were greatly interested in their own chapter and in the fraternity.”

O l i n R obert Brouse, DePauw ’6 6 , was born in New Albany, Indiana, August 29, 1843, and died in Rockford, Illinois, August 20, 1921. He was buried in Indianapolis, Indiana, where his life-long friend, Dr. Hillary Asbury Gobin, DePauw ’70, offered prayer at the grave to which his body was borne by six DePauw Betas. In January, 1862, he entered Indiana Asbury University, as DePauw was then called, but left college halls before long to enlist as a volunteer in the Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, re-enlisting later in the 132nd Indiana Regiment. A fter the war he returned to Greencastle and graduated in 1866. He joined the famous Delta chapter of Beta Theta Pi and retained his interest in the fraternity with unusual enthusiasm until his life ended. When he died he was one of the two oldest members of his chap­ ter. In 1876 he was editor of the Beta Theta Pi. The next year he served as General Treasurer, following this with membership upon the Board of Direc­ tors of the fraternity from 1879 to 1884. He visited many Beta chapters dur­ ing his long life and had personal acquaintance with a host of wearers of the diamond and stars. He was a progressive fraternity official with vision far ahead of his time, being the first to suggest the plan of equalizing railroad expenses of convention delegates. He served upon many important convention committees during his active years as an officer. A fter leaving college, he studied law in Indianapolis in the office of Judge Martindale and Judge John Stevenson Tarkington, DePauw ’52. In 1868 he moved to Chicago to practice law, but was burned out in the great fire of 1871. In November, 1879, he moved to Rockford, where he resided until his death. For twenty years, 1877-1896, he was editor of the Golden Censer, a religious and family paper, published at Rockford, which had a wide circulation. For twenty-five years he was connected with the David C. Cook Publishing Company of Elgin, Illi­ nois, traveling as a promoter and organizer of Sunday school classes and Bible classes. January, 1891, he was married to Miss Lillian Utter, daughter of Charles and Anna Utter. Besides his widow he was survived by his son, Charles Robert Brouse, P'urdue, ’17, of Chicago, and his daughter, Miss Flor­ ence Brouse, of Rockford. He also left six sisters, Mrs. George L. Wilkins, of Chicago; Mrs. George Blake, of Minneapolis; Mrs. C. L. Mandeville, Miss Anna D. Brouse, Miss Minnie R. Brouse, and Miss H. Grace Brouse, of Washington, D.C. He was a splendid example of the true Beta type and his influence for the fraternity goes on as one of those whose names are found on the Great Memorial Roll of Beta Theta Pi.

Beloit ’66, who died in Pueblo, Colorado, on May 6, 1922, had an interesting Beta history, illustrating well some of the features of Beta life under difficulties. Frank Ensign, Beloit ’00, who has given the history of the Beloit chapter much study, wrote of h im : “ Henry T . W right was initiated in Chi chapter in the spring of 1863. He was the only man taken into the chapter that year and the last man to join the original group. The second meeting of the chapter which he attended, the chapter voted to disband and, except for the letter which he wrote to Knox and W a­ bash when he learned that Northrup was endeavoring to secure new copies H e n ry T a lc o t t W r ig h t,

THE INDIVIDUAL IN TH E FRATER N ITY D ’Escaler going to England with William the Conqueror. The estates he re­ ceived were in the family until the W ar of the Roses brought disaster followed by extinction as English landed gentry. One branch settled in Virginia and from that old dominion Nathaniel Scales, father of Robert and grandfather of Founder Junius Scales, moved to North Carolina. It was good fighting stock all right, five of Founder Scales’ brothers being distinguished as soldiers.

Founder Scales enlisted for the Civil W ar as a private and was promoted for gallant service to captain, to major, to lieutenant-colonel, to colonel in the Confederate Army. A t the battle of Chickamauga, his horse being killed un­ der him and his hat and garments riddled by bullets, he was captured and sent to Johnson’s Island in Lake Erie where he was a prisoner of war until the end of the struggle. A fter the war he farmed for two years and then re­ turned to his law practice, settling in Greensboro. In 1877 and 1879 he was a state senator. He died in the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, July 11, 1880, in reality a victim of the hardships of a soldier’s life, being only forty-eight years old. For seven years he had served with ability and zeal as ruling elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro. His Beta son is Alfred Moore Scales, North Carolina ’92.

A n d r e w B e n n e t t M a r t i n , Cumber­ land ’58, died at his home in Lebanon.

Tennessee, May 31, 1920. He was born in Smith County, Tennessee, December 9, 1836, son of Dr. Matthew M. and Matilda (Crow) Martin. Dr. Martin was one of the landmarks at Cumberland University.

During the Civil W ar he was a major in the Confederate Army. In 1871-72 he was a member of the Tennessee legisla­ ture. He was professor of law in Cum­ berland for more than forty years, that is from 1878 until his death. He served as president of the university board of trus­ tees almost as long. A lawyer in his home city since 1858, presidential elector in 1880, a Knight Templar and Knight of Pythias, he had been a conspicuous figure for many years. A n oil painting of him hangs in the famous Cumberland law school.

A N D R E W B. M A R T IN , LL.D .

M c A l l is t e r B ea v e r , Penn State ’95, is the subject o f one o f the most inspiring biographies o f young A m erican manhood ever w ritten, A Memorial of a True Life, b y R obert E. Speer, published in 1898 by the F lem ing H . R evell Com pany and reprinted in 1920 by the A m erican Press.

H e was born on M arch 29, 1873, and died A u g u st 2, 1897, and his life w as unusually rich and significant in the w a y it radiated freedom , jo y and inspira­ tion in its tw enty-six years. H ugh was college secretary fo r Pennsylvania o f the Y .M .C .A ., and a leading figure at the student conferences o f his day. A t the m em orial service held fo r him at N orthfield, M assachusetts, D w igh t L. H ugh

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; P ictu re by W illiam C. Patrick.

B E T A S FROM T H E L e ft to right: Form er Chief A. J. Thomas Wood, President; Whitman, Markwood. President, W ashington Idaho.

N O R T H W E S T , 1928 Priest; Chief Charles H. D arling; Elton Pace, President, Utah; Harter S ta te ; Darwin Burgher, President,

A G R O U P O F S O U T H W E S T E R N B E T A S , 1928 District Chief M uldrow and convention attendants from Oklahoma and Texas.

W ESTERN BETA TY P E S

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Not long afterward, a cousin of ours from New Orleans came to make us a visit and saw the remains of the poor violin lying in the yard. He picked it up and examined it carefully, and all at once he shouted (shouted is the word, for I was standing near him and he made me jump), ‘W hy Cousin B etsy! how does it happen that this fine violin is lying out here in this condi­ tion-?’ She ran out to see what he was looking at, and replied, ‘Oh, that is just an old fiddle that Lucindy gave Sammy to play with.’ He had found the word ‘Stradivarius’ on what was left of the violin. I do not know that much regret was expressed, for our family were old school Presbyterians, and at that time a fiddle was not considered a proper musical instrument for the home. A s for young Mr. Gadberry, who had left the violin, our family heard nothing of him until, years later, they found his name in the papers during the Civil War. He had become a major general and fell fighting in the Con­ federate Arm y.”

H o m e r H o w a r d H a z e l , Rutgers ’25, at the time of his graduation was honored by his classmates at a meeting immediately following the bacca­ laureate address, when a silver loving cup, the class prize, was presented to him as “ the man who has done most for Rutgers.” _ Hazel, after five years’ absence from college, gave up a $5,000 job in Detroit because he found diffi­ culty in increasing his earning capacity, and returned to Rutgers in 1922.

He was a star in many lines. He won his varsity “ R ’ in four sports. He played three years on the varsity football team, first as tackle, then as end, and finally as fullback. He made an unusual record as a punter and placement kicker, his punts averaging almost forty-eight yards during his last season.

He also led the East as a placement kicker after touchdowns and accounted for twenty-five points in this manner. In 1923 he completed a forward pass which traveled eighty yards. In that year he was placed as end on W alter Camp’s first all-American team and in 1924 received the assignment of allAmerican fullback. Hazel also was a star in baseball, basketball and track.

In 1923 he played guard on the Scarlet basketball varsity, but did not play the next season because of an injury to his knee. For the last two of his college years Hazel won his letter in both baseball and track. Although in 1924 he did not report for the nine until the season was well under way, he won a place in the outfield and led the team in batting with a mark close to .400. In 1925, when the team lacked a first baseman, Hazel was called in from the out­ field to cover the initial sack. In track Hazel twice broke the college record in the shot put and won at least fifteen points in dual competition each year.

He placed in the Penn relay carnival in 1924 and was the middle states cham­ pion in his event in 1924 and 1925* also found time to win the national junior championship in the shot put. He became director of athletics in the University of Mississippi, where his influence as a man among men was powerful from the start. He rendered unusually effective aid to Beta Theta Pi in connection with the revival of the Beta Beta chapter in 1928.

A l e x a n d e r P it z e r , Hampden-Sidney ’ 54> died in Salem, Virginia, July 22, 1927. He was counted one of the most remarkable ministers of the Pres­ byterian Church, South. He was born in Salem, September 14, 1834, son of

Bernard and Frances L. Pitzer. He studied at Roanoke College and at Hampden-Sidney, graduating from the latter as valedictorian of his class.

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Moody remarked that no visitors there had left such profound impressions as Professor Henry Drummond and Hugh Beaver. Hugh was an ardent Beta, following into the fraternity his father, General James A. Beaver, Washington and Jefferson ’56, Governor of Pennsylvania, and his brother Gilbert A. Beaver, Penn State ’90, a charter member of Alpha Upsilon, and bringing in after him his younger brother, Thomas Beaver, Penn State ’98.

From the date of his initiation he determined that his chapter, though only six years old, should have a home second to none, and until its completion he was managing director in charge of construction, giving freely of his time and money. When a fire destroyed the house a few months after its completion, no disconsolate cry went up from him. His first message was “ W e must pre­ pare to rebuild.” Rebuilt it was, and the chapter house of Alpha Upsilon stands as one of the monuments to Hugh Beaver. “A Memorial of a True L ife ” should find a place on every Beta bookshelf.

E d w a r d L o u is F ie l d in g , Brown ’22, was initiated June 13, 1919, and

died on February 24, 1920. His parents, as a tribute to his memory, decora­ ted and furnished the best room in the Kappa chapter house in Providence as a guest room for visiting alumni. By chapter vote it was designated Fielding Room.

M a r s h a ll C h ase Gadberry, Indiana ’47, was recalled after seventy years by a contribution to an Indianapolis daily’s department headed “ A Hoosier Listening Post.” The military record seems to show that he was a captain of Mississippi volunteers in the Confederate States Army, but that does not spoil a good story which runs: “ When I read your story of the ‘old queen’s arm’ that the children 'busted’ and the powder horn,” writes Mrs. Elizabeth D. Legge of Bloomington, Indiana, “ I just had to break silence, for it reminded me of other precious belongings ‘busted’ by destructive children, among them one in our own family. It all happened away back in 1847.

There was a young man here in college from Yazoo, Mississippi, whose name was Marshall C. Gadberry. He roomed and boarded at the home of an aunt of mine, and from the way in which he spent money gave the impression of belonging to a wealthy family. However, when the time came for him to go home, he had spent so much money that he did not have enough to pay all his bill to my aunt, so he told her that he would leave his violin, on which it was said he played beautifully. As I was only two years old at that time, I am not able to testify as to the truth of this statement. There was no one in my aunt’s house who could use the instrument— indeed, her two daughters would have been horrified at the mere suggestion that they should learn to play the ‘fiddle,’ and this feeling was general at that time. So the violin lay on a shelf in an old cupboard for years. One day my grandmother took my little brother, six years old, with her to my aunt’s to spend the day, and found my aunt cleaning house, and everything taken out of the old ‘press’ and sunning. My brother immediately spied the violin and demanded it so insistently that it was given to him. When they started home he cried so over having to leave the new plaything that my aunt said, ‘Let him have i t ; it is of no use to any one here.’ He took it with him, of course, and it was not long until he had everything pulled loose that could possibly be taken off the violin, and only an empty shell remained, lying out in the yard, to be stepped on and crushed.

T H E D A I L E Y F A M IL Y Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Dailey, Indiana ’94, with their three Beta sons, Field T., Indiana ’16, Joseph L., Indiana ’ 17, and George S., Indiana ’25.

A B E T A S M IT H F A M I L Y Horace J. Smith, K nox ’95, and his three Beta sons, Clayton N., Kansas State ’21, Horace R., K nox ’24, and Emmett M., K n o x ’31.

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He studied theology one year in Virginia and two in Kentucky, graduating ^ the Presbyterian Seminary in Danville in 1857. Licensed to preach in j 1 wen^ L eavenworth, Kansas, where he was ordained the next year, and where he preached until 1861, when he returned to Virginia and became chaplain in the Confederate Army. A fter the war he supplied churches in Georgia and Virginia until he went to Washington, D.C., to organize the Central Presbyterian Church, of which he was pastor for thirty-eight years (1868-1906) and pastor emeritus twenty-one years more (1906-1927). This record of organizing a church and retaining connection with it for nearly sixty years is an outstanding one in the history of the denomination. From 1876 to 1890 he was professor of biblical theology at Howard University, Washington.

Arkansas College gave him a D.D. and Howard an LL.D.’ He was a commissioner to six general assemblies of the church and twice was sent abroad to Bible Society conferences. He was author of several important religious books. He married Miss Laura McClanahan of Roanoke, Virginia, on August 20, i860, who died in Salem, May 11, 1915. A bronze tablet in the vestibule of Central Presbyterian Church in Washington com­ memorates the life and work of this faithful Beta pastor.

G eorge M i k s h S u t t o n , Bethany ’23, state ornithologist of Pennsylvania,

left Montreal in July, 1929, planning to stay a year on Southampton Island, north of Hudson’s Bay, studying the birds that inhabit it, about which little had been learned. He had been in the north country on several expeditions.

In 1920 he went “ down” the coast as far as Cape Chidley. In 1923 he went to James Bay after blue geese. In 1926 he went by canoe down the eastern shore of Hudson Bay, and rounded the Labrador peninsula. In 1928 he studied the bird-life of the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These trips were made with other members of parties representing the Carnegie Museum with which he was then connected. The June, 1929, Atlantic Monthly told of one of his interesting experiences in birdnesting.

A lb e r t P e r ry C o o k , Western Reserve ’82, who from 1902 until his death in 1929 was connected with A lm a College, Michigan, was one of the group who revived Beta chapter on May 4, 1881. He graduated with the second honors of his class, winning also election to Phi Beta Kappa. He had to work his way through college. He roomed in the chapel and rang the bell.

Being of an engineering turn of mind he rigged up a clock which struck when it was time to ring the bell. He was a Beta father, his sons being Maynard A . Cook, Wisconsin ’ 14, and Sidney P. Cook, Columbia ’ 17. He had a long and honorable career as a Michigan educator. From 1883 to 1892 he was superintendent and principal of the schools in Milford and from 1892 to 1902, superintendent in Ithaca. Going to Alma College in 1902 he was made assistant professor of English, instructor in mathematics, and secretary of the board of trustees. In 1913 he was transferred to the Latin department and later became professor, in which capacity he served until his death. In point of service he was the next oldest member of the college faculty. The business affairs of the college demanded more of his time than his teaching; and for five years prior to his death he had served as acting treasurer of the board of trustees.

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G eorge S c h i l l i n g , Iowa State ’22, died on Sunday, April 3, 1921. At his funeral services which moved the entire student body tributes to his high character were paid by the president and dean, the athletic coach, the pastor of the local Presbyterian Church, and the chaplain of the college, Professor O. H. Cessna, Northwestern ’84* The latter said: “ Can it be possible that George Schilling is gone ? 'The very stern reality makes us almost think we dream.’ By sheer rugged strength of character and genuine worth and genial qualities George Schilling had won a leading place in Iowa State College. His influence reached out beyond his fraternity and his department to the entire college. He was regarded as one of the leaders to be conferred with if one desired to influence college opinion. He was prominent in athletics and one who was to be reckoned with in every contest he entered. He was one of the outstanding leaders in all that makes for college influence and efficiency. He was the leading man in his fraternity, having occupied many positions of honor and trust and, at the time of his death, was its president. That George Schilling, the strong, rugged athlete that he was, should lie down and die right in our very midst seems almost incredible.”

M a r s h a l l M il fo r d T u t t l e , Whitman ’ 19, was drowned in the Hudson

River near North Troy, New York, on Wednesday, June 15, 1921. W ith his chapter mate, Ben Leo Peterson, Whitman ’18, and two other students of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he had been making soundings on the river all day, as part of the work in a course of study. His boat was capsized by a high wind, two of its occupants swimming safely to shore, the other two drowning. When half-way to shore Peterson looked back and saw Tuttle and his mate apparently making good progress; but when he and his companion reached the shore, exhausted, no signs of the other pair were seen. They started to undress in order to swim back and try to find them, but were so exhausted that they fell down when they tried to remove their shoes. Peter­ son accompanied Tuttle’s body to the old home at Opportunity, Washington.

A t Troy six hundred of the students and faculty formed an escort o f honor to the depot, six of Tuttle’s classmates acting as pall-bearers. The students formed a massive “ R ” in front of the station, standing with bared heads as the train moved slowly away.

D o n a ld S trong S t a n i o n , Case ’15, who w as born in St. L ouis, M issouri, M arch 24, 1892, died in Cleveland, Ohio, on N ovem ber 6, 1921, of spinal trouble resulting from w ar service. H e was a brother o f Thom as Stanion, Case ’08. T h e Betas took part in the funeral exercises, singing “ Can W e F o r­ get” and the “ B eta D o x o lo g y.” H e has a m em orial presented to the Case chapter house by his fam ily, in the form o f a hand-wrought iron pair of andirons, bearing the m em orial plate. These andirons are placed in front o f the open fireplace in the main living room.

H ar o ld K i r k h a m H i n e , Bowdoin ’ 11, was one of those killed when the

United States dirigible Roma was destroyed on February 21, 1922. He was a lieutenant in the air service, having been commissioned second lieutenant at Arcadia Field, Los Angeles, and first lieutenant in the balloon service at Brooks Field, San Antonio. He had been stationed at Langley Field about a month when the Roma was wrecked. He was a brother of Paul Hine, Bowdoin ’ 11.

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BETA LIFE

W i l l i a m E v e r e t t G a r v i n , Westminster ’8o, died in St. Louis on March 19, 1926. _He had for many years been the head of the law firm of Dawson and Garvin. He was born May 21, i860, near St. Charles, Missouri. He entered Westminster College in 1876 and became a member of Beta Theta Pi From the first he evinced those qualities which have made our fraternity what it is. A man of strong convictions, yet always tolerant of the opinions of others, he endeared himself even to his professional adversaries as a lovable character and thereby became one of the most influential men in a wide circle In college he early took and throughout his course held a high standard of scholarship, graduating with honors in the class of 1880. He pursued his professional studies m the St. Louis Law School, now the Law Department of Washington University. Completing the course he immediately began practice in St. Louis, being recognized almost at once as one of the coming lawyers of that city and one who could always be depended on to maintain in his work the highest professional standards. He had the confidence of the judges in whose courts he practiced, and the respect of his professional brethren, many of whom frequently sought his advice and assistance. He possessed the rare quality of being able to see both sides of a case, with the result that he could never bring himself to champion a cause of doubtful merit. He represented some of the most important interests in his home city, always to their advantage and with distinction to himself and credit to his profession. He had a passion for justice, and was grieved when any just cause met defeat. A s a Beta he was an implicit believer in the principles of our fraternity, and manifested his interest by frequent attendance at alumni meetings and by responding to any call for service or help. Never­ theless, he was no narrow fraternity man, and his broad sympathies reached out to all, especially those in distress or need.

A r t h u r L e w is H u g h e s , Denison ’79, died in Annapolis, Maryland, on Saturday, November 13, 1926, while he was seated near his wife watching a football game between the United States Naval Academy team and George­ town. Death was instantaneous from heart failure. Interment was at his old home in Dayton, Ohio, where he was born March 24, i860. He entered Denison in the fall of 1877, was initiated into Alpha Eta chapter a year later, in the darkest of sub rosa days, and was an active and enthusiastic worker in the movement to regain recognition by the college authorities. He attended the convention of 1879 at Cincinnati where he served on important committees, among them that which recommended the adoption of pink and blue as the colors of the fraternity. He wrote a song, “ Our Colors,” which was printed in the magazine and had favor for many years. He also wrote, to the tune of “ Landlord, Fill the Flowing Bowl,” the song, “ Come Betas,” still popular in Beta Theta Pi. A fter graduation from Denison he entered the Naval Academy, completing his course in the class of 1884. He became a depart­ ment clerk in Washington in order to study law at Georgetown Law School, from which he received both bachelor and master degrees in law. His pro­ fessional career was broken by several special services for government and state. During the W orld W ar he was chief inspector of shell material at one large plant and after the war ended he took charge of the files of the chemical warfare division at Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland, making his home in Washington.

FOUR SA YLO R BRO TH ERS A T PEN N ST A T E Dwight, ’25; Kenneth, ’27; W ilbur A., ’29; Robert, ’32

T H R E E S H E P A R D S O N B R O T H E R S O F D E N IS O N Ernest, ’02; Francis, ’82; Daniel (deceased), ’88

TW O GROUPS OF B E TA BRO TH ERS

3j 8

BETA LIFE F r e d e r ic k B l is s L u q u i e n s , Yale ’97, was designated by the officials of

that institution as the incumbent of the Colgate Professorship, established by the will of Richard M. Colgate “ to bring the freshmen under the influence of a professor m the selection of whom character, personality, and teaching quali­ ties are to be giventhe preference.” This distinction came partly as a result of unusually effective work Dr. Luquiens had done in connection with the study of the educational program for the freshman year at Yale.

V a u g h n A u g u s t i n e H a i n e s , Ohio State ’22, who was drowned in May,

1921, was described in the Lantern, student paper at the university, as “ one who was well-liked on the campus, an active, bright, conscientious chap. He carved no great niche in the hall of fame while here, but what he did, he did well. He built up a castle of friendship among those with whom he mixed while here. The manner of his death is the highest compliment that can be paid him. He risked his life to save the lives of two girls who were drowning, and lost it in the risking. He was game to the last. His death was not that of a W orld W ar veteran killed in battle, not that of a great public figure, but that of a real fellow who gave his all for someone else.”

W a d e H a m p t o n M o r r is , Bethany ’ 15, lost his sight in an accident when

he was five years old. Y et he made life go, despite the handicap which would make most people despair. He graduated with distinction from a college of osteopathy in Los Angeles and passed the California examination for licen­ sure in medicine. He learned to ride a bicycle, ride horseback, play croquet, play the piano, the banjo and the ukelele, play cards and checkers with skill, use a typewriter and became skilled in the mechanics of an automobile. One of his sisters acted as his secretary and companion. Another sister became the w ife of the lamented William Dowler Turner, Bethany ’95.

W il b e r t W a l l a c e W h i t e , Wooster ’ 12, flight commander of the 147th Squadron, United States A ir Service, A.E .F., was killed in aerial combat in France on October 10, 1918. The alumni magazine of Mercersburg Academy, where he took his preparatory work, published a letter from the famous ace, Captain E. V. Rickenbacker, an eye witness, which told the story: “ Yes, I saw Lieutenant White killed in mid-air. A few seconds before the event caus­ ing his death, I had brought down a Hun machine in flames and saw the Ger­ man pilot escape a horrible death by leveling off his machine and jumping from it with a parachute. A fter getting this plane I climbed to get advantage in altitude oyer the rest of the Fokkers. Then it was that I saw the most horrible sight of my life at the front. There seemed to be a general fight on between the ten remaining Fokkers and the eight Spads of the 147th Squadron of which White was the leader. The inexperienced pilot in the rear of W hite’s formation had been taken into combat by the leader of the German formation. White saw this and, quick as a flash, he zoomed up into a half turn, executed a reversement, and came back at the Hun leader to pro­ tect his pilot from a certain death. He made a direct plunge for the enemy plane, which was just getting its machine gun fixed on the read of the Spad tail. Neither plane swerved in its course. Without firing a shot the heroic White rammed the Fokker head on, while the two planes were approaching each other at the rate of 250 miles an hour. Fragments filled the air for a mo-

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active Beta recorder in his day, zealous to extend the dominion and power of I

the fraternity.

J a m e s H e r b e r t S h e p p a r d , Lehigh ’ 13, was named for his maternal uncle,

James Johnson Robinson, Denison ’84, one of the closest companions of his father, William Collins Sheppard, Denison ’84. The latter was the son of a Denison graduate whose college life closed just as the fraternities were enter­ ing the institution, Thomas J. Sheppard by name, a Baptist minister of wide influence whose splendid military record in the Civil W ar is a matter of family pride. He was known to thousands who shared the miseries of prison life with him as the “ Andersonville Chaplain.”

T h o m a s N e s b it M c C l e l l a n d , Westminster ’70, a charter member of Alpha Delta chapter, died in Mayaguez, Porto Rico, on June 8, 1917. He was born in Missouri, March 11, 1847. A fter three years in college he was forced by failing eyesight to give up his studies. He went to Lexington, Kentucky, where he became a coal merchant. He met there and married Mary Marshall Morris. In 1909 he retired and moved to Porto Rico. Three years before he died, in 1914, six Betas met in his beautiful home in Mayaguez for the last Beta banquet he was privileged to attend. He told them of the founding of the Westminster chapter and of Betas he had met during his long life. He was a brother-in-law of James Nolley Tate, Westminster ’73, one of the small group which put new life into the chapter in 1872 when its death seemed likely because all the members had left college.

I

Cornell ’03, was instantly killed by lightning on May 27, 1917, while riding near his ranch in Wyoming.

N o r m a n de W it t B e t t s ,

O r v il l e J a m e s N a v e , Ohio Wesleyan ’70, a veteran of twenty battles in the Civil War, died on June 24, 1917, from injuries received when he was struck by a street car in front of his home in Los Angeles, California, as he was hurrying to a meeting of Roosevelt Camp, Spanish W ar Veterans.

I J o s e p h L e o n a r d H a y e s , Lehigh ’17, was killed on October 27, 19 17 , at

Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was returning on a motorcycle from an airplane in trouble on the side of the flying field away from the hangars and crossed in the path of an ascending airplane. One wheel of the latter struck him and knocked him off the motorcycle. He died on the way to the hospital.

C l a r e n c e V ir g i n i u s A s h b a u g h , Case ’ 19, was killed on February 8, 1918, by the fall of an airplane at the army aviation camp near Lake Charles, Louisiana. He fell 200 feet striking a hangar.

G u i n n W h it e h u r s t M a t t e r n , Miami ’ 17, was killed at San Diego, Cali­ fornia, the latter part of April, 1918, in an airplane accident. The tide was running swiftly and he was carried out to sea, neither his body nor the plane being recovered.

G eorge B i n g h a m R o l l i n s , Missouri ’72, who aided many Missouri stu­ dents to get an education, was drowned on June 18, 1915, in an old well on

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m ent; then the two broken fusillages, bound together by the terrific collision, actually telescoped, fell swiftly down, and landed in one heap on the banks of the Meuse. Lieutenant White sacrificed his life for a comrade pilot, and the most pitiable feature of this self-sacrifice was the fact that it was his last flight over the lines before he was to leave for the United States on a visit to his wife and two children. White was one of the finest pilots and best air fighters in our group. He had won seven victories in combat and was a wonderful leader and loved by all his pilots.”

J o h n D a v is S e a t o n R ig g s , Chicago ’78, wrote once of an interesting Beta ex­ perience : “ A request had gone to head­ quarters for the re-establishment of the Beloit chapter. I was asked if I could attend to it. I agreed to do so, and a special dispensation was sent to me.

There were no interurban trolley cars in Rockford, Illinois, where I then lived, and Beloit, Wisconsin; so I hired a horse and buggy and took the eighteen mile ride alone. The exercises which I conducted and carried out alone were different from the more or less elaborate initiation cere­ monies which prevail at present. There were no altars, no singing, no blindfold­ ing ; but what we did have was interesting and impressive. I discussed the principles of the order, interpreted the various words of the motto, gave the grip, read a descrip­ tion of the badge, and told the story of the catalogue frontispiece.”

J. D. S. R IG G S

S t a n l e y F r e l a n H a n s o n , M aine ’22, was his chapter’s delegate to the Estes P a rk Convention o f 1921. B eing the shortest physically, he was, of course, paired w ith the tallest delegate as a sergeant-at-arm s. H e w as named fo r F relan Stanley, owner o f the Stanley H otel, where the convention was held, his fath er having been a business friend o f M r. Stanley in connection with the m anufacture o f dry plates fo r pho­ tography. M r. Stanley, who designed and m anufactured the “ Stanley steam er” in the early years o f the autom obile industry also invented the Stanley dry plate. H e w as an interested observer o f the convention com pany at his fam ous hotel. H an son ’s father had the distinction of being the first person to bring an automobile into the state o f M aine.

T h o m a s R obert W oodrow , Michigan ’98, was named for Robert W oo d ­ row , Ohio 44, who died in M em phis, Tennessee in 1856 when he w as an offi­ cial o f the M em phis and Charleston Railroad. H is father and the paternal uncle mentioned w ere brothers of the m other of President W ilson, the latter’s father, Joseph R uggles W ilson, Washington-Jefferson ’44, being an

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orchard near Eugene was regarded as one of the finest in Oregon. Professor Young married Mary Luella Packard of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, July 25, 1887. She and two children, Frances Packard and Frederic Harold Young, both graduates of the university survived him. A t the funeral on January 6, 1929, active members of Beta Rho chapter were pallbearers, interment be­ ing in Hope Abbey mausoleum in Eugene.

C h a r le s M i l t o n M cC o rk le, North Carolina ’96, who died in Newton, North Carolina, January 4, 1929, was a native of Catawba County, being the youngest son of Judge and Mrs. Matthew Locke McCorkle, and received his early education at Catawba College and the University of North Carolina, securing his law degree from the latter institution. While still a very young man he volunteered in the United States army and went to Cuba during the Spanish-American W ar, where he saw action. M ajor McCorkle practiced law in Newton until the outbreak of the W orld W ar, for eight years being clerk of court of Catawba County. During the war he was made major in the judge advocate’s department of the volunteer army, serving in France and in Belgium. Immediately after the war he was in charge of the disembarka­ tion center at Brest, where he received a lieutenant colonelcy in the war army.

Upon returning to the United States he joined the regular army with the commission of major, and served as judge advocate at Fort Harrison, Indiana, and later at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. A fter this he was a member of the general staff, adviser to the President, in Washington, D.C. He was re­ tired from the regular army in July, 1927, on account of bad health and re­ turned to his old home in Newton where he resumed the practice of law.

L a t r h o p E z r a S m i t h , Beloit ’62, a charter member of Chi Chapter died at his daughter’s home in Lansing, Iowa, on December 29, 1928. He did not finish his college course, but entered the office of the Beloit Journal in 1861, where he remained until 1863. He edited this paper during the Civil W ar period. He then became editor for a time of the Burlington Free Press, fol­ lowing this for many years as editor of the Howard County Times at Cresco, Iowa. When he retired from active newspaper work he lived in Madison, Wisconsin, from 1894 to 1927. He served as clerk, trustee and deacon of the Madison Congregational Church during his residence there. The funeral and interment were at Cresco, Iowa. One of Mr. Smith’s most cherished posses­ sions was a sheet of manuscript written by Abraham Lincoln and either set in type by Mr. Smith, or obtained from the man who set it in type while Lin­ coln was in Milwaukee for a political address.

E dw ard L a w r e n c e D o h e n y , J r ., Stanford ’ 15, aged th irty-six, w as killed by his secretary on S atu rd ay night, F ebru ary 16, 1929. In what apparently was a fit of tem porary insanity the secretary, a long-tim e friend, shot and killed the oil m agnate and then killed him self. T h e traged y was enacted in G reystone, the magnificent D oheny home in B eve rly H ills, C aliforn ia. T h e five D oheny children, asleep in the house, w ere unaw are o f the m urder until m orning. Interm ent w as in the temple of Santa Sabina in F orest L aw n cem etery, L o s A ngeles, a structure brought from Rom e by M r. D oh en y’s father, E d w ard L . Doheny.

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his farm near Columbia. He was examining the covering of the well which he had declared to be unsafe, when the rotten planks gave way precipitating him into the water below.

A l e x a n d e r H a m i l t o n Y o u n g , Miami ’59, f ° r many years a Presbyterian clergyman died on May 9, 1914, as a result of burns received in the Aldine fire in Newark, New Jersey.

G ordon J o n e s , J r ., Colorado ’ 16, Pennsylvania ’ 17, was killed on April 26, 1916, in an automobile accident near Bennett, Colorado. He was driving his father’s car when the rear wheel broke, the car skidded and took fire and he was thrown out and killed. His brother-in-law also was killed and others of the family injured.

F r a n c i s E v e r so n P e r k i n s , Pennsylvania ’ 11, was one of the victims of a trolley accident in Boston on election day in 1916, the trolley car going down into the river through an open drawbridge.

H o r a c e C l a y t o n E m e r y , Wooster ’ 12, was killed January 16, 1917, by an avalanche at the Martin mine near Anchorage, Nebraska. H e was superin­

tendent of the mine and had gone to examine a new ore body when the snow slid down the mountain side and buried him.

F re d e rick George Y oun g, Johns Hopkins ’86, father of Frederick Har­ old Young, Oregon ’14, who died in Eugene, Oregon, on January 4, 1929, was dean of the School of Sociology at the University of Oregon. He was born at Burnett, Wisconsin, June 3, 1858. He graduated from Johns Hop­ kins University in 1886 with the degree of bachelor of arts, and received the honorary degree of doctor of laws from the University of Oregon in 1920.

From 1887 to 1890, Dr. Young was head of the State Normal School at Madi­ son, Wisconsin. He became principal of the Portland, Oregon, High School in 1890, and in 1894 became president of Albany College. In 1896, he joined the University of Oregon as head of the department of economics and soci­ ology, and in 1900 also assumed the duties of dean of the graduate school.

In 1920 he became dean of the school of sociology. He served the university, therefore, for thirty-three years. For thirty years he was secretary of the Oregon State Historical Association, and throughout his residence in the state he was intensely interested in its welfare and progress. He edited a book, Sources of the History of Oregon, and was author of Financial History of Oregon, and many pamphlets and statistical works. He also edited the Ore­ gon section o f the Encyclopedia Britannic a. He served on the Oregon Com­ mission for the Lewis and Clark centennial. For several years he was secre­ tary of the Oregon Conservation Commission. A t the time of his death he was editor of the quarterly journal of the Oregon Historical society, and of the Commonwealth Review. The latter publication was an outgrowth of the commonwealth conferences held on the campus between 1910 and 1915, which did much toward promotion of good roads programs, study of taxation prob­ lems, and similar public projects. An interesting bit of public service was his membership in the South Dakota constitutional convention in 1889. He was a pioneer in walnut growing in the Willamette Valley. His large walnut

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trip into the sky they went from 71 degrees above zero to 76 below and then came back to 79 above. A t 34,700 feet the intense cold produced results sug­ gested by the words “ Frozen to the Sky.” The story, originally, was printed in Chemicals, a New York publication.

C h a r l e s W . M e r r i m a n , Beloit ’78, retired from the Board of Education of the city of Beloit in the autumn of 1928 after fifty years of contact with the Beloit schools. He attended the public schools and Beloit College, was for several years superintendent of schools and since had been a member of the Board of Education.

M i c h a e l J o s e p h D e l a h a n t y , J r ., Bowdoin ’20, was killed on March

25, 1918, in an sea-plane accident at Pensacola, Florida.

R a l p h T o w n s e n d S i m p s o n , Stanford ’ 16, was instantly killed near San

Diego, California, March 18, 1918. He was emerging from a long nose dive in his airplane when he came from the dive with the machine upside down and fell to the water, the airplane falling upon him as his body struck the sea.

B y r o n J a c k s o n , J r ., California ’16, was killed at Call Field, Wichita Falls, Texas, on April $1 1918, when his airplane fell six hundred feet out of control.

F r a n k E l m e r S t a r r e t t , Brown ’ 16, was killed on January 5, 1918, in an airplane accident at an aviation school in France. He was the first person who went overseas to war from his home town, Athol, Massachusetts.

W i l l i a m A. S h r y e r , Indiana ’98, died in Hawaii on March 10, I9 !8 , in an automobile accident. He was driving his car which contained also his wife, a six-year old son, and a Japanese maid. The brakes did not work properly and the car ran over a sixteen-foot embankment, Shryer’s neck be­ ing broken.

W il s o n W il b e r f o r c e B l a k e , Monmouth ’72, was killed on May 1, 1918, in a street car accident in Mexico City, Mexico.

J o h n W il b u r D o r st , Wittenberg ’22, who died on Tuesday, January 17, 1928, was one of Wittenberg’s and Alpha Gamma’s most outstanding alumni.

A t the time of his death he was assistant general secretary of the Y .M .C.A . of Columbus, Ohio. In 1922 he graduated from Wittenberg with honors and two years later he received his master’s degree from Ohio St^te University.

While attending Wittenberg he was president of his freshman class, presi­ dent of Alpha Gamma Chapter, the founder of Skull and Chain, the senior honorary fraternity, and the editor of the college annual. During his senior year he was voted the most popular member of the student body.

C h a r l e s D oerr B e n n e t t , Colorado Mines ’24, who died in Los Angeles, California, May 30, 1927, following an operation for appendicitis, was twentysix years old. He was initiated by the Iowa State chapter in 1922 and was

324

BETA LIFE O l i v e r C a ry L o c k h a r t, Indiana ’03, then head of the department of

economics at the University of Buffalo, and director of its Bureau of Business and Social Research, sailed for China in January, 1929, as an expert on pub­ lic finance and taxation on the American Financial Commission which, under the leadership of Professor E. W . Kemmerer of Princeton, was asked to re­ vamp and stabilize the financial administration of that great oriental country.

The work of the finance experts, which was estimated would take about a year, comprised a Study of the Chinese financial system; the monetary and banking systems; the revenue, taxation, customs tariff, and financial adminis­ tration. A fter the completion of the survey and analysis of the findings, the commission offered its recommendations for the necessary changes and im­ provements. In 1926 and 1927 Dr. Lockhart served on a similar commission to the governments of Ecuador and Bolivia. A fter graduating from Indiana he went to Cornell where he secured his doctor of philosophy degree. From 1908 to 1918 he was professor of economics at Ohio State University, dur­ ing this period at the request of Governor James M. Cox, drafting the Ohio tax law in 1913, and serving as a member of the committee on taxation of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He also was engaged in special work with the tax commission of Ohio. From 1918 to 1924 he was on the staff of the National Bank of Commerce, New York City, as technical expert in eco­ nomic legislation with special reference to taxation and banking. He edited the bank’s edition of the Federal Revenue acts, and its widely used handbook, Commercial Banking Practice Under the Federal Reserve Act. He has been a member of the National T ax Association for many years, and served on its Federal Taxation Committee. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

H erbert F oster G u n n i s o n , St. Lawrence ’80, who had been associated w ith the B rooklyn Eagle fo r fo rty -six years, transferred control o f the new s­ paper at the beginning of 1929. T h e N ew Y o rk Times in an editorial about the change of ownership paid a rem arkable tribute to the newspaper. T h e new proprietor it said, “ seems fu lly aw are of the special quality o f his latest acquisition. H e knows the place which it has held fo r so m any years in B rooklyn, and the reasons for it. So it is but natural that he should announce his firm purpose to m ake no break in its honorable tradition, to leave to its executives the largest freedom possible, and to seek only to enlarge and strengthen the new spaper which strong and able hands founded and built up.

E v e r since the great increase in the population o f the Borough, now the larg­ est in G reater N ew Y o rk , a peculiar local sentiment has persisted in B ro ok­ lyn. T h e Eagle has succeeded w on derfu lly in identifying itself w ith this.

P robably it is still true that if you meet a traveler from B rooklyn in Honolulu or Shanghai or G eneva you w ill find that he has ordered the Eagle to be sent to him while aw ay from home. B y its intensive cultivation o f its own garden it has made itself strong in B rooklyn, while not neglecting the concerns o f the state o f N ew Y o r k and the whole nation.”

A l b e r t W i l l i a m S t e v e n s , Maine ’07, was one of the two army aviators

who had the experience which was given wide publicity in the Literary Digest of January 12, 1929, under the heading “ Frozen to the Sky.” They went up 37,854 feet, Captain Stevens securing a good photograph from that height of about thirty square miles in the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio. In the seven mile

T H E H A D L E Y B E T A F A M IL Y Edwin M. Hadley, Northwestern ’95, and his three Beta sons, Edwin M. Hadley, Jr., Northwestern ’29, James M cCarthy Hadley, Northwestern, P.G., and Raymond Widenham Hadley, Amherst ’32. The picture was taken at Widenham Castle, an ancestral estate in England.

T H E Z E IL E R B E T A T W IN S George, Indiana, on right; James, Purdue, on left.

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affiliated with the Colorado Mines chapter in the fall of the same year. His college record was one of which to be extremely proud. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Gamma Epsilon, honorary fraternities, and was president of the Senior class of ’24. He graduated with the degree of mining engineer. In 1924 he was vice-president of the chapter and attended the national Convention at Mackinac Island.

F r a n k l i n H a n f o r d , Naval Academy ’66, last survivor of the small but

gallant company which made up the short-lived chapter at the United States Naval Academy when it was located at Newport, Rhode Island, during the Civil W ar, died on Wednesday night, February 8, 1928, at the family home­ stead in Scottsville, near Rochester, New York. He was eighty-three years old. He retained his Beta interest throughout his life, within a few weeks before the end sending in some helpful notes on the famous chapter to which he belonged. In 1903, after forty years of service in the navy, he retired, to become a farmer on land which had been in his family for many years. The Admiral was a descendant of William Bradford of Puritan times, and was born in Chili, Monroe County, New York, November 8, 1884, the son of William Haynes and Abbey (Pixley) Hanford. He was a midshipman on the old Constitution, used as a training ship during the Civil War. He became an ensign in 1868 and rose through the ranks until he became a rear admiral in 1903, shortly before his retirement. He had seen service in many stations and ships and had circumnavigated the globe as navigator of the U.S.S. Pensacola from 1881 to 1884, taking observations for determination of the compass variations. During the revolutions in Ecuador and Nicaragua, 1895 to 1897, he protected American interests while in command of the U.S.S. Alert.

He commanded the naval station at Cavite, P.I., after the Spanish-American W ar and was charged with the salvaging of Spanish ships sunk by Admiral Dewey. He was an ardent book collector, having especially fine collections of naval and local New Y ork history. In 1912 he suffered a stroke of paralysis, which left him practically an invalid, though his mental faculties were as keen as ever.

W i l l i a m B is h o p O w e n , Denison ’87, president of the Chicago Teachers’

College and also the practical head of the city public school system, dropped dead while attending the regular Friday social function of the college, Febru­ ary 17, 1928. He was initiated into Alpha Eta chapter June 8, 1883, and for four years brought honor to Beta Theta Pi by his high scholarship and his ability in public speaking. Mr. Owen became a fellow in Greek in the new University of Chicago in 1892, then instructor, assistant professor and asso­ ciate professor in that department. He was an exceptional Greek scholar, and reinforced his American training by study at the Universities of Berlin and Halle. In 1901 he became principal and dean of the secondary schools of the University of Chicago, serving until 1909, in 1905 transferring his associate professorship to the department of education. In 1909 he became head of the Chicago Normal School in which important position he served until his death. He was elected to the Chicago chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in 1901 when he received the degree of doctor of philosophy with the summa cum laude distinction, and when the Denison chapter was established in 1911 he became one of its foundation members. He was a member of the Illinois

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member of the faculty when he died. In I 9 I 5>when a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was installed at Washington he received an election to membership on his student records. A fter his untimely death a committee of his friends prepared and published an attractive volume of two hundred pages entitled, Essays, Verse and Letters of Joel M. Johanson. The book was dedicated to his parents. It is a volume, intimate in character, containing, beside essays previously published, personal papers printed for the first time, among them a Statement of Faith, a Childhood Tragedy, and some letters to friends.

There are a number of poems in which love of nature is clearly manifested.

The memorial volume is a notable expression of the feeling for Johanson cherished in the hearts of his friends. On the occasion of his death President Henry Suzzallo of the University said, “ W e have lost one of the ablest of the Washington faculty, the type of a man no university can afford to lose.

Professor Johanson was a gentleman of refinement, a scholar of large breadth and ideals, a rare and wholesome character and a winsome personality. He was in his university work always co-operative and aspiring. He represented the best of the Oxford tradition welded to the best of American training. W e have lost a great personal force for liberal education and culture in the uni­ versity. Our sense of personal loss is as great as that which we feel is the loss to the university and to the community.”

Other faculty colleagues bore testimony that “ in his ten years service at Washington, Professor Johanson had a marked influence in the life of the institution. He advocated the tutorial plan of instruction for mature students, believing that greatest results could be obtained from personal interviews of instructor and student. Largely through his influence, the senior conference plan was adopted in the English department. Although senior English majors obtained no credit for their conference work on the books of the registrar, the work proved so stimulating to them that Professor Johanson was unable to assign hours for the number who registered in his work. Other instruc­ tors were assigned to assist in senior conferences.”

Living in the chapter house, Johanson was a great help to all Betas, a wise adviser, a sympathetic confidant, and a true friend. His memory is fondly cherished by those who knew him in Beta Omega’s home.

Ohio State ’91, the highest ranking officer who was killed in the World W ar, received posthumous honors, as described in the Army and Navy Journal for September 13, 1919, which recorded: ‘T h e Sen­ ate on September 8 paid an unusual tribute to the late Colonel Edward Siger­ foos, of Greenville, Ohio, by passing the bill (S. 2807) conferring the rank of brigadier general on Kim, posthumously. Only once before in the history of the country has such a bill been passed by Congress. Notwithstanding the unusual character of the measure it passed unanimously. Colonel Sigerfoos, as was noted in our issue of August 9, was nominated October 4, 1918, to be brigadier general and was confirmed October 10, before the news of his death on October 7 reached the United States. He died as a result of a shell wound in the Argonne. This bill legally confers on him the title he had won by his loyal services to his country. The Adjutant General also sent the following communication to his family: T h is office has been advised by the commanding general, A. E. F., that he has awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, posthumously, to Brigadier General Edward Sigerfoos for excepE d w a r d S ig e r fo o s ,

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State Normal School Board during the administration of Governor Lowden.

In 1922-23 he was president of the National Education Association, and in 1923 also was president of the Illinois Secondary Teachers’ Association.

H e w as a p ow erfu l facto r in state and national education circles fo r a score o f years.

O m a r B u n d y , DePauw ’81, represented the United States Army on Sun­

day, November 2, 1924, at a notable ceremonial at Culver Military Academy.

A n e w library and alumni building was dedicated, the trustees having erected it m memory of the sixty-two Culver men who died in the World War. Gen­ eral Bundy, commander o f the Fifth Arm y Corps area, unveiled the tablet for the army, other tablets, for the marine corps, the air service, and the allies being unveiled by distinguished leaders. Representatives of Serbia, France, Belgium, Great Britain, and Italy presented flags of their respective nations, the flag o f the United States being presented by National Commander Drain of the American Legion.

J u n i u s E m e r y B e a l , Michigan ’82, in 1924 was signally honored by being

re-elected regent of the University of Michigan for a term of eight years.

This was the second time in the history of the institution that the honor of a third term as regent was given to any individual. It was a striking testimonial to Brother Beal’s value as an active and effective member of the board. Fur­ thermore it was much more of a tribute to have the choice made by the people than to have it come from the governor of the state.

M orris W y n n W a t k i n s , Columbia ’24, was awarded the Charles M. R olker, Jr., P rize in A p ril, 1924. T h e prize, the annual income o f $1,000, w as given by M rs. C. M. R olker, in m em ory o f her son Charles M . R olker, Jr., o f the Colum bia class o f 1907. It is aw arded to the member o f the gradu atin g class who, in the estimation o f his classm ates, has proved him­ se lf w orthy o f special distinction because o f his industry, scholarship, or preem inence in extracurricula activities. W atkin s was the leader o f the U n i­ versity Glee Club and w rote much music fo r the concert o f the year.

J o e l M a r c u s J o h a n s o n , University of Washington ’04, Charter member of Beta Omega chapter, professor of English in the University of Washing­ ton, died December 13, 1919, following an automobile accident. The machine in which he was riding skidded on an icy street, turned over twice and plunged down a twelve foot embankment. He was carried to another auto­ mobile and hurried to the Beta Theta Pi chapter house where death came in about two hours, internal injuries rendering ineffectual all the efforts of two physicians. Funeral services were held in the chapter house where he had his bachelor’s home, these being in charge of Rev. Sidney Thomas James, University of Washington ’07, rector of St. Luke’s Memorial Church, T a­ coma. Johnson was born in Independence, Wisconsin, November 30, 1879.

He received the degree of bachelor o f arts at Seattle. He won the first Rhodes scholarship from Washington and spent three years in Exeter Col­ lege at O xford, being bow-oar in the Exeter boat during the period of his residence. Returning from England he became an instructor in English in his Alma Mater and, in time, was advanced to assistant professor, being a

A N O U T S T A N D IN G B E T A A T H L E T E Alvin Nugent M cM illen of the Centre chapter, known the country over as â&#x20AC;&#x153; B oâ&#x20AC;? and the most famous football player of his college generation.

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tionally meritorious and distinguished services. He organized the Army School of the Line at Langre and, as its commandant, displayed unceasing energy and marked ability in directing its activities. Through the thorough instruction furnished by the school he contributed materially to the combat efficiency of line troops, thereby rendering services of inestimable value to the American Expeditionary Forces.’ ” W a lla c e E d w a r d B e lc h e r , Maine ’99, some time after the World War, received a letter from the president of the American International Ship­ building Corporation accompanying a bronze medal. “ It is the desire of the Corporation,” the letter read, “ that the responsible heads of the Hog Island team should have a souvenir or memento of permanent character which would symbolize this wonderful accomplishment. To have been a part of this industrial venture must be a great source of personal satisfaction and pride to you and it is hoped that this little memento will serve as a reminder of the successful completion of this example of American pluck and ingenu­ ity.” The medal is a beautiful one, showing on the reverse a plan of Hog Island, 1917-1920. On the obverse is a seated figure of Liberty gazing at a ship in the sea, and the inscription, “ To W . E . Belcher who served his coun­ try during the Great W ar as a builder of thebridg'e of ships at Hog Island, 1917-1920. Presented by the American International Shipbuilding Corpora­ tion.” In this fashion the Corporation performed gracefully an act of recog­ nition for important services rendered in war times which yet did not entitle one to any recognition from the United States Government.

Thom as S m ith M c C le lla n d , Beloit ’64, died in Chicago, Monday, December 17, 1923. He was born in Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, on February 4, in the year of the founding of Beta Theta Pi, 1839. His ancestors on both paternal and maternal sides came to America before the Revolutionary War. He attended Beloit College from 1859 to 1863, and in 1862 was corresponding secretary of a secret or sub rosa chapter of Beta Theta Pi which had fourteen members. He left Beloit for Williams College from which he graduated in 1864. During the next year he was a private in the Fifty-seventh Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In 1866 he entered the law office of Goudry & Chandler in Chicago. A t the time of his death, at nearly eighty-five years of age, he was one of the oldest, if not actually the oldest lawyer, in Chicago.

One of his most celebrated cases was that involving the Lake Street Elevated Railroad and Charles T. Yerkes. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in i860 soon after he came of age. Funeral services were held in the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago on December 19, Rev. John Timothy Stone officiating and members of Beta Theta Pi were repre­ sented among the pall-bearers. Mr. McClelland married the daughter of John Gale, who kept the first store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Two daughters survive, M rs. Edward Miller Mills and Mrs. Florian Deane Wallace. An interesting fraternity occasion in his last years was a visit paid him on April 12, 1922, by a committee of two alumni of the Beloit chapter and an active member, who called to present a Beta badge to him, his own having been lost some years before. As he was almost blind the visitors unfastened the package and as he fumbled with the wrappings and finally felt what the boys had brought him he exclaimed, “ O h ! I know what it is ; it’s a Beta

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said, “ Probably the greatest reader in the entire university at that time was young Wilson’s first cousin, James H. Woodrow, of Columbia, South Caro­ lina, son of the famous Professor James Woodrow. He had the keen intellect­ ual interests of the Woodrow family and a Gargantuan taste for every kind of book, both English and French.” Brother Woodrow, who died in 1892, was a publisher, issuing the Southern Presbyterian from 1882 to 1892 and also the Southern Presbyterian Review.

W i l l i a m E l l e r y C h a n n i n g L e o n a r d , Boston ’98, published an unusual a u tob io grap h y th rou gh the C e n tu ry C om pany. It has the stran ge title, The Locomotive God. P ro fe s s o r L e o n a rd is a m em ber o f the U n iv e r s ity o f W is ­ consin fa cu lty. T h e b ook m entioned, in its early ch apters, has freq u en t m en tion o f B e ta chapter m ates in B o sto n U n iv e rs ity .

R u s s e l l P a r s o n s , Idaho ’23, in 1927 passed the rigid state land su rvey­ o r’s exam ination w ith a grade o f 96, the highest m ark ever attained.

H a t f i e l d H o n o r s M u e l l e r . A radio from B erlin on O ctober 1, 1927, sent to the Chicago Daily News, said that P ro fesso r James T a f t H atfield, Northwestern ’83, the day befo re “ made the speech o f honor at Dessau in connection w ith the centenary of the death o f W ilhelm M ueller, a Germ an poet, best know n fo r the use w hich m any o f the greatest song w riters, in­ cluding Schum ann and Schubert, made o f his poems. P ro fesso r Hatfield, who finally established definitely the date o f M u eller’s death from apoplexy as O ctober 1, 1887, and who has prepared the best texts o f the poet s w orks, spoke amid general applause o f the relations between M u eller’s verse and music. T h is is almost the first case o f any A m erican p rofessor ever being invited to play a leading role at the com m em oration of a Germ an literary genius.”

R o l l in D . S a l is b u r y , Beloit ’81, who died in the Presbyterian H ospital in Chicago, T u esday, A u gu st 15, 1922, w as born in Sp rin g P rairie, W isco n ­ sin, A u gu st 17, 1858, son o f D aniel and L ucin da (B ry a n t) Salisbury, so that he was alm ost exactly six ty -fo u r when the end came. H is path into fields w here he became w orld fam ous was opened to him by Thom as C. Cham berlin, p rofessor o f geology at B eloit College. T o geth er they w orked fo r fo rty years, w ith ever increasing distinction fo r both. Chi Chapter was “ under the rose” when he became a member o f it and he did not have the experiences o f chapter life w hich are now so fam iliar. B u t he served as Corresponding Secretary fo r a year and caught the vision of the possibilities of friendship o f man fo r man. A s facu lty adviser and chapter counselor fo r Lam bda Rho chapter in the U n iversity o f Chicago he w as w on derfu lly effective, finding in the problems, the achievem ents, and the m istakes o f young men m uch of keen interest. H is initiation banquet talks alw ays w ere antici­ pated with confidence that som ething w ould be said of real significance.

The encouragem ent and aid D r. Cham berlin gave him he passed on to m any a student, so that he had a v e ry large circle of devoted friends am ong those he had instructed. A ft e r graduating from B eloit he entered the service o f the U n ited States G eological survey, keeping up this connection fo r m any years.

F rom 1883 to 1891 he taught geology at Beloit, w ith one ye ar out fo r study abroad, principally at H eidelberg. In 1891 he became professor o f general

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pin, his voice trembling and the tears of joy streaming down his face. Then the years from January 2, 1861, the date engraved on the back of the pin to the present moment slipped aw ay; for a short half hour they were four boys together. Those who were privileged to be there went away with re­ newed loyalty to_ their beloved fraternity and with enlarged appreciation of some of the things for which it stands. Probably it was not an isolated in­ cident in Beta Theta Pi history, but the thoughtfulness of the boys of Chi of Old Beloit meant more to the veteran McClelland than they ever will realize, and the reaction on themselves made them understand more than ever the strength of the fraternal bond in Beta Theta Pi. J. E b e n A l m y , Syracuse ’66, who died at his home in Long Beach, Califoria, M ay 27, 1918, was a member of the Mystical Seven when he was in college and became a member of Beta Theta Pi under the terms of union when the two fraternities merged. He was the father of Don R. Almy, one of the distinguished leaders and builders of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and at the time of his death one of the most active workers in the Interfraternity Conference. It is interesting to recall that, by the same fusion, Lewis Daniel Palmer, Emory ’55, became a member of Beta Theta Pi, his son being the famous Phi Delta Theta official and historian, W alter B. Palmer. There was a third noted fraternity worker whose father was Charles Martin, Wash­ ington-!efferson ’42, listed in the catalogue also as Hampden-Sidney ’46. He went over the mountains to Hampden-Sidney College where he founded a new Beta chapter. He was a professor of the classics at Hampden-Sidney for nearly a quarter of a century. Then he went to what was called Virginia Polytechnic Institute at Blacksburg, where Beta Theta Pi had a chapter from 1877 to 1880. Had this chapter been continued Beta Theta Pi and not Kappa Sigma would have had the membership and the sweet memory of Stanley Watkins Martin, who was an officer of that fraternity from 1892 until life closed on August 20 ,1919. In Lynchburg, Virginia, his home, he was clerk of the United States court for the western district of Virginia. He was active in church work and in Masonic circles. He was, several times, a representa­ tive at or an attendant of the Interfraternity Conference in New York, and had many warm friends and admirers among fraternity officials. “ When he first took office as W orthy Grand Treasurer, the treasury was empty and the fraternity in debt. From that day all bills have been promptly met by cash payments.” So Dr. Ferguson, another great Kappa Sigma leader, sum­ marized the twenty-seven years of Martin’s service as the Jim Gavin of Kappa Sigma.

C a m p b e l l J o h n s t o n M c D ia r m id , Bethany ’93, a trustee o f the frater­ nity from 1897 to 1901, on O ctober 25, 1927, was chosen president o f the Cincinnati N ational L eagu e Baseball Club, o f which he had been secretary since 1919, when he became director. He became interested in baseball in 1907 when he purchased a block o f stock in the St. Louis Am ericans. M c­ D iarm id w as elected a director o f the B row ns and gained much valuable base­ ball experience in that capacity. He held office until 1919’, when he sold his stock and bought into the Cincinnati Club.

J a m e s H a m i l t o n W o o d r o w , Virginia ’82, was mentioned by Ray Stannard Baker in a newspaper serial on Woodrow Wilson in a paragraph which

H O M E O F DR. P A T T E R S O N O N W H IC H T H E R E IS N O W A T A B L E T T O H IS M E M O R Y

PATTER SO N H ALL A residence hall for women named in honor of President Patterson.

P A T T E R S O N M E M O R IA L S at the University of Kentucky

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and geographic geology at the University of Wisconsin, but the next year he accompanied Dr. Chamberlin to the new University of Chicago which as professor and dean of its graduate school of science, he served from its beginning in October, 1892, until his death, nearly thirty full years. An in­ spiring teacher, an appealing lecturer, an author in the fields of geology and geography whose writing commanded the highest respect everywhere, a wise administrator, a helpful counselor and warm friend, a true Beta, his death took from active association with our fraternity one of our great men, and from American Education one of its most distinguished representatives.

James K enn ed y P a tte rso n , Han­ over ’56, who died at his home in Lexing­ ton, Kentucky, August 15, 1922, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, March 26, 1833, son of Andrew and Janet (Kennedy) Pat­ terson. He was one of six Beta members of the class of 1856 at Hanover. He at­ tended the Beta Convention of 1856 at Louisville, Kentucky, and was chairman of the committee to prepare and send an address to the chapters not represented at the Convention. He was also a member of a committee of three appointed to re­ port some form of ritual. Their recom­ mendation precipitated a lively discussion, question arising whether it was on the whole desirable to impose upon the chap­ ters a hard and fast plan of initiation. His entire life was devoted to teaching. He was principal of the Greenville, Kentucky, Presbyterian Academy 1856-1859. There he met and married, December 27, 1859, TAM ES K. P A T T E R S O N Lucelia Wing. He was professor of Latin and Greek in Stewart College, Tennessee, 1860-1861; principal of Transyl­ vania High School 1861-1865; professor of metaphysics and history, State University of Kentucky from 1865 to I 9 I° and president of the institution for forty-one years, 1869 to 1910. This is claimed to be the longest period of service of a college president in American educational history. From 1910 until his death he was president-emeritus. He died in his house on the campus of the college where he labored for half a century. A number of memorials at the university keep his memory green at Lexington, Kentucky.

J o h n H e n r y P a t t e r so n , Miami ’67, who died on an A tlan tic C ity train as it w as passing K irkw o o d , Camden County, on Sunday, M ay 7, 1922, heart disease being the cause, w as born near D ayton, Ohio, on Decem ber 13, 1844, son o f Jefferson and Julia (Johnston) Patterson and grandson o f the famous Colonel R obertson Patterson, who w as one o f the original proprietors of Cin­ cinnati and laid out the town of L exington, K entucky. H is mother was the daughter o f Colonel John Johnston, a w ell know n Ohio Indian agent for

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was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1881, when he began practice in Roanoke.

He served a term as president of the Virginia State Bar Association. He was mayor of Roanoke at the time of its incorporation as a city, and afterwards city solicitor. He was vice-president of the First National Exchange Bank, Roanoke, and attorney for the Norfolk and Western Railroad.

Monmouth ’76, f a th e r o f H a r o ld B e l l S p a l d i n g , University of Washington ’04, a n d o f H u b e r t A l v i n S p a l d i n g , Washington State ’20, w a s m o d e r a to r o f th e U n it e d P r e s b y te r ia n G e n e r a l A s s e m b ly in 1929. D r . S p a ld in g w h o s e h o m e is in A lb a n y , O r e g o n , h a s b e e n lo c a te d in th e f a r w e s t f o r n e a r a q u a r te r of a c e n tu r y , a n d is r e c o g ­ W

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n iz e d a s o n e o f th e le a d in g m e n o f h is d e n o m in a tio n in t h a t p a r t o f th e c o u n tr y . T h e e a r ly p a r t o f h is m in is tr y w a s s p e n t in th e c e n tr a l s ta te s , h e b e in g a r e s id e n t o f M o r n in g S u n , I o w a , p r e v io u s to e n t e r in g c o lle g e a n d th e s e m in a r y . F o r a f e w y e a r s in t h e 90 s h e a c te d a s fin a n c ia l a g e n t o f M o n m o u th C o lle g e a n d m a d e h is h o m e in M o n m o u th , I llin o is . H e a tte n d e d th e a n n u a l c o m m e n c e m e n t a t M o n m o u th in 1928 a n d p r e s id e d o v e r th e a lu m n i d in n e r . H e k e e p s c lo s e ly in to u c h w it h B e t a a ffa ir s in th e f a r n o r th ­ w e st.

M e m o r ia l L a b o r a to r y .

The Mendenhall Physics Laboratory at Ohio State University is named for Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, Western R e­ serve ’65, who was professor of physics in the institution from 1873 to 1884 except for the three years 1878-1881 when he went to Japan to teach in the Imperial University. From 1886 to 1889 he was president of Rose Poly­ technic Institute, and then became superintendent of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey finishing his work in 1894. He was an en­ thusiastic Beta, often speaking at banquets of the fraternity. When he completed his work at Rose a bronze tablet was presented him by theclasses then in the Institute, a replica of which is set up in the front corridor of Rose Polytechnic, at Terre Haute, Indiana.

D a r t m o u t h ’ s L a u r e lle d S o n s . O n a tablet w hich reads “ T h e L aurelled Sons o f D artm outh” w hich is placed at the main entrance of the M em orial Field stadium in H anover are the names o f two B etas am ong those who lost their lives in w ar service.

Chester A lb ert Pudrith, F irst Lieutenant A v ia tion, U .S .A . 1917- 1918— A .E .F . killed in airplane accident, Lincoln, E ngland, A p ril 30, 1918. James L loyd Churchill, w as killed in airplane accident, Pensa­ cola, F la., A u gu st 29 , 1918.

Morrow Dormitory was built in 1905 by Dwight Whitney Morrow and his wife, and given to the college. The M or­ row seminary room, in the Converse Memorial Library, (the college library), is also in honor of Dwight Whitney Morrow. The Schiff Squash Courts, in Pratt Gymnasium, are in honor of Mortimer L. Schiff, ’96 . Emerson George Gaylord, ’05, left a scholarship fund which bears his name.

A m h e r s t B e t a M e m o r ia ls .

Vanderbilt University is the owner of the Gates P. Thruston, Miami ’ 55, collection.

It contains archaeological and prehistoric specimens, and is considered to be a very fine collection. It took a gold medal at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904.

T h ru sto n

C o lle c tio n .

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the United States Government. A s a boy Mr. Patterson worked in his father’s saw and grist mill. A t “ Old Miami” he became a member of Beta Theta Pi, and was an active and aggressive chapter official, but he left the institution to graduate from Dartmouth in 1867. The “ society” at Dartmouth did not appeal to him as the “ fraternity” had at Miami, and so he returned West with his'youthful enthusiasm for the Greek-letter organizations somewhat dampened. He spent three years as collec­ tor of tolls on the Miami canal, then went into the coal business, mining and selling, and in 1882 bought an interest in the Na­ tional Manufacturing Company.' The next year he became its director and in 1884 changed its name to the National Cash Reg­ ister Company. The remainder of his life was devoted to the improvement of cash reg­ isters. The plant of this famous company at Dayton, on the farm where Mr. Patterson was born, has attracted wide attention be­ cause of the many kinds of welfare work introduced into it. Mr. Patterson himself lectured and wrote much on co-operation between employer and ejnployees. He re­ ceived the decoration of the Legion of Honor from the French Government. There is a notable memorial to him in Dayton. : Another Beta memorial was placed in the Lee Mem­ orial Chapel at Washington and Lee Universit}^ on Tuesday June 4, 1929, still further enriching the Beta sentiment which has found expression in Lexington, Virginia. A s part of the 1929 commencement programme a bust was un­ veiled of Lucian Howard Cocke, Wash­ ington and Lee ’78, for many years a member of the board of visitors of the institution and at the time of his death November 14, 1927, its rector. The bust, made in New York, is the work of Julie Yates, w ife of Col. Halsey E. Yates of the United States Army. Mr. Cocke was a descendant of Richard Cocke, who came from Leeds, England, and settled in Hen­ rico county, Virginia, in the 17th century.

His father, Dr. Charles L. Cocke was the founder of Hollins College, 1846, and for Wide World Photos more than half a century was the honored L U C IA N H O W A R D C O C K E head of this institution. He was born at Hollins College, March, 1858. He received his education at Richmond College, Washington and Lee University, and the University of Virginia. He M

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at Orono. It bears the date “ Anno Domini 1899” although it has the ap­ pearance of mellowed age. It was presented to Beta Eta in 1928 as a mem­ orial by Alden Palmer Webster, Maine ’91, a younger brother. A sister of the Websters married Newell Prince Haskell, Maine 76, who went to Cornell for two years of graduate work, 1876-1878, and there learned of Alpha Sigma Chi, which soon absorbed the local “ E. C.” society at Maine, now Beta Eta of Beta Theta Pi. Eben Webster died in 1907 after a period of illness, being on a sea voyage from New Orleans to New York, when he is supposed to have fallen overboard dur­ ing the temporary absence of his attend­ ant.

A l f r e d D odge C o le , Brown ’84, is to be honored by his friends through the es­ tablishment in the M endenhall L aboratory o f Physics at O hio State U n iversity o f a library bearing his name. A committee of A m erica’s m ost fam ous physicists plans a $50,000 fund. A s a nucleus fo r the li­ brary, P ro fesso r C ole’s collection o f scien­ tific w orks was turned over to the- labora­ tory follow ing his death in Decem ber, 1928. A graduate o f B ro w n U niversity and later a graduate student at Johns H o p ­ kins and in Germ any, P ro fesso r Cole was a member o f the D enison U n iversity fa c ­ ulty sixteen years and of that o f O hio State U niversity, with the exception o f a year at V assar, tw enty-seven years. T h e

A L F R E D D. C O L E

T H E D. A. P E N IC K M E M O R IA L The memorial Sunday School building is at the right o f the Monmouth Presbyterian Church.

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The first memorial tablet placed in the im­ posing and beautiful chapel of the University of Chicago was in honor of a member of Beta Theta Pi, Dr. Charles Richmond Henderson, Chicago 70. He was the founder of the first Chicago chapter in the old universitv and wore his Beta badge on his coat lapel when he gave his graduating ora­ tion on commencement day. A highly successful minister of the gospel he joined the faculty of the new University of Chicago in 1892 and speedily made a place for himself as one of the most distinguished members of its exceptional company of illustrious teachers. As preacher, teacher adviser administrator and friend he ever “ honored Beta’s name” . The tablet which T

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is m th e e a s t a is le n e a r th e c e n te r s id e d o o r b e a r s th e f o llo w in g in s c r ip ­ t io n J ^

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C H A R L E S R IC H M O N D H E N D E R SO N 1849-1915

C h a p la in o f th e U n iv e r s ity P r o fe s s o r in th e D e p a r tm e n t o f S o c io lo g y 1892-1915

S tim u la tin g P r e a c h e r a n d T e a c h e r M o d e r a to r o f I n d u s tr ia l C o n flic ts O r ig in a to r a n d A d m in is tr a to r o f C h a r itie s In v e s tig a to r a n d R e fo r m e r o f P e n o lo g y P r o m o te r o f I n te r n a tio n a l F r ie n d s h ip B e lo v e d b y S tu d e n ts a n d C o lle a g u e s . ©

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P a t t e r s o n W a r d l a w , Virginia ’81, has Wardlaw High School and Wardlaw College in Columbia, South Carolina, named for him. He is a member of the W ardlaw family which was closely associated with the old South Carolina chapter, his father’s brother and two of his father’s first cousins of the Wardlaw name being Betas. On his grandmother’s side he is a Bowie.

E b e n C r o w e l l W e b s t e r , Maine ’82, is recalled in the Maine chapter house by a handsome buffet which formerly had a place in the Elms Inn

Chapter V I — Types of the Worthy

WHEN I FIRST MET PATER KNOX W illia m

L . G raves,

Ohio State ’93

The first national convention of Beta Theta Pi which I ever attended was that of 1891, held at Wooglin-on-Chautauqua, and I believe the last to convene at that famous gathering place of Betadom. Herbert L. Johnson, 92, and I were the delegates that year from the Ohio State chapter, at that time only seven years old, it having been established in 1885.

This convention granted me my first sight of v e r y celebrated Betas of the earlier years, John I. Cov­ ington and M ajor W yllys C. Ran­ som; but I recall also men like “ W arry” Warwick, Frank Scott, J. Cal Hanna, and especially one Francis H. Sisson, at that time fresh from his undergraduate membership in the K nox chapter.

Not until 1895 did I succeed in reaching another annual gather­ ing of the clans; but in that year W yatt G. Plantz, ’94, and I went up to Chicago with Lloyd T. W il­ liams, ’95, now a prominent legal light of Toledo, Ohio, to be pres­ ent at the meeting held in the Chi­ cago Beach Hotel, a huge place which had become famous during the W orld’s Fair of 1893. A s I look over my list of delegates, carefully preserved in one of my numerous Beta scrap-books, I find many interesting names, some of which I had checked as having W . L. G R A V E S made a special impression on me.

Perhaps a few of those who read these lines may recall such Betas as James L. Gavin, who was the delegate from DePauw that year; A. R. Sherriff, from the Harvard chapter; Otto P. Geier, of Cincinnati; L. R. Conklin, of Y ale; Clark E. Hetherington of Ohio W esleyan; R. M. Thompson, of Minnesota; John R. Richards, of

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Mendenhall Laboratory is named for another Beta, Thomas Corwin Menden­ hall, Western Reserve ’65.

S u n d a y S c h o o l M em orial. The Sunday School building erected by the side of the new Monmouth Presbyterian Church in Rockbridge county V ir­ ginia, near Lexington, is called “The D. A. Penick Memorial” in honor of the Reverend David Allen Penick, Hampden-Sidney ’56, a graduate in 1852 of Davidson College, and a former pastor of this church. Dr. Penick finished his course in the Union Theological Seminary in 1856. During the Civil W ar he was a chaplain of W est Virginia volunteers in the Confederate States Army His grandson, David Allen Penick, II, in 1929 is an active member of the Washington and Lee Chapter, class o f ’30 in the law school.

Office of if)e

O . R. B R O U SE, 88 Clark St., Hood 22.

§zm m i Tccasttttt!

1

^ - 7^ - ---

V -

S & Z.

A n autograph letter found in the California chapter archives from Olin R. Brouse, D eP auw ’66, General Treasurer, 1877-1879, showing letterhead used by him. Brouse first suggested the plan now followed by the fraternity of paying the railroad fare o f Convention delegates.

WHEN I FIRST MET PATER KNOX

343

one, still types for us the life history of any man of integrity, honor, and industry whose conception of existence is built in loyalty, fidelity, culture, humaneness, simplicity. No principles can survive without their incarnation in some human embodiment; and such an embodiment of the principles of Beta Theta Pi was, and is, John Reily Knox. To have known him, however,

JOHN REILY KNOX

slightly, simply to have seen him and taken him by the hand, must have been like a benediction and a blessing to any younger college man whose rare good fortune gave him the opportunity. O f all my lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memories, none surpasses in pleasure that recollection of the splendid old man seated there in the circle of boys to whom he was the object of reverence and love, and whose image every one of them would bear away and cherish in his inmost heart.

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Wisconsin; W . C. Merrill, of Denison; George M. Chandler and Robert W. Dunn, of Michigan. I could write a history of the careers of nearly all these men and of hosts of others I met at Chicago in 1895, f ° r they have all been successful; and as for the older Betas who were there, Reamy and Thorn­ burg and Echlin, Hepburn and Joyce and Ransom, Baird and Brown and Hardy, well, such names are written for all time upon the rolls of the fra­ ternity, though I fear they are not as well-known as they should be to the modern undergraduate.

It is a long time since I looked at my records of the ’95 Convention; and until just now I had forgotten that somehow I, a very young alumnus, had been placed on the toast list for the banquet which was the culmination of the proceedings. Do you wonder that I gasp a little as I glance over that list of names, and am filled with amazement to find my obscure title amid those glorious ones? The speakers that night were the Honorable John S. Miller, Beta Zeta, ’69; Honorable John Reily Knox, Alpha, ’39; Mr. Frank O. Lowden, Alpha Beta, ’85 (plain Mr. then) ; Dr. Thaddeus A. Reamy, Theta, 70; Major W yllys C. Ransom, Lambda, ’48. What a glittering cata­ logue in the history of Beta Theta P i ! And look at the dates of their gradua­ tions. Can you wonder that George W . Riley, Phi, ’95, and William L. Graves, Theta Delta, ’93, felt a trifle shaky at being in such company ?

And now I have come at last to the real point of this reminiscence, which I am writing chiefly because it was at the ’95 Convention that I had my first and last sight of “ Pater K nox,” the grand old man o f Beta Theta Pi, by far the best known of all the founders, as fate would have it, and in the minds and hearts, of most of us the most revered member of the fraternity. John Reily K nox was at that time an old man. He looked exactly as he looks in the fine photograph which through the generosity of the Michigan chapter has become the possession of every new chapter in turn. I do not recall him at the banquet, save vaguely, as' standing a long time in the midst of a tumultuous crowd, every man on his feet, applauding, waving napkins, cheer­ ing that quiet, gray-haired figure at the speakers’ table. My one vivid recol­ lection of him is as he sat one day in the lobby of the hotel, smiling, saying little, but obviously enjoying to the utmost his association with the college boys who constantly gathered around him, almost worshipfully, listening eagerly to the words he spoke, waiting for a chance to shake his hand. I remember catching a look in his face which was often there during that week, an expression of wonder almost of bewilderment, as he tried to realize into what a great and powerful brotherhood the little society he helped to found had grown. I think he never fully understood how it had come to b e; but he delighted in it, utterly. A t that time there were but nine districts in Beta Theta Pi. W hat would Pater Knox think of the fraternity of today, I wonder?

It is not conceivable that any young Beta who during that Convention week met John Reily Knox, heard his voice, looked into his calm, reposeful, gentle countenance, felt the influence of his sincere, honorable nature, could ever forget the experience. For the gentle old man was not just a country lawyer who, by the chance of fortune, had come to survive his fellows in the history of a college fraternity. Pater Knox was and is a symbol as well as a man.

He stands to us all as the embodiment of our Beta ideals; his life connects us with the spring-head of our fraternity origins; his career, not at all a notable

A T R IB U T E T O C H A R L E S D U Y W A L K E R

345

A TRIBUTE TO CHARLES DUY W ALKER In assuming editorial control of the Beta Theta Pi, John I. Covington, Miami ’70, in his “ Salutatory said: “ The Beta Theta Pi fraternity paper was established by Brother Charles D. Walker, the first number being issued at Alexandria, December 15, 1872. For a number of years the subject of a fraternity organ seemed to be one of the principal topics of the Beta Theta Pi conventions. The accomplishment of the desire, however, seemed to be reserved for the energy, ability, and enthusiasm of Brother Walker. The con­ vention of 1872, held at Richmond, Virginia, August 21-24, was an especially important one to the fraternity. Brother W alker was its leading spirit. It was the first convention held in the South after the war; and when the southern boys found that in Beta Theta Pi the chasm was closed that had held the North and South separate, they welcomed the northern delegates with warm hearts and outstretched arms. J. A. Sanderson of Alabama, John S. W ise of Richmond, son of Governor Henry A . Wise, W . N. Johnston of Virginia, J. H. Anderson of Virginia, C. D. W alker of Virginia, J. A. French of Virginia, W . A. Thom of Virginia, J. W . Rosebro of North Carolina, J. A. Armstrong of Virginia, J. R. Young of North Carolina, H. R. F airfax of Virginia, J. C. Hobson of Virginia, Dr. J. N. Upshur of Virginia, W . C. Powell of Virginia, J. E. Heath of Virginia, Thomas F airfax of Virginia and John E. Taylor of Virginia, were there. Many of these had served in the Confederate Army. Among the northern delegates were a number who had served in the Union Army, and many were the reminiscences exchanged be­ tween those who had a few years before been viewing the same subject from a different standpoint. Brother W alker was so impressed with what seemed to him to be the realization of his dreams in chapter life, that he decided to establish the Beta Theta Pi. Almost unaided, and under the severest trials, both from press of other duties, lack of funds, and what was severer than either, lack of hearty appreciation and sympathy, Brother W alker finished the first year of the paper. The Convention of 1873 adopted the paper as the organ of the fraternity, and Brother W alker then saw his way with less diffi­ culty, although his duties were none the less exacting. A t the close of the second year, Brother W alker surrendered his place on the paper to another, in order that he might complete his theological course. A fter entering the ministry he was married, and in 1877, after a brief illness, was called to his eternal reward. In this our brief salutatory, we have desired to fix upon the records of our fraternity the name of one who was a royal man, a loyal Beta, and one to whose earnestness and executive ability our fraternity owes more of its present advancement, system, and success, than to any other one man.

W e say this not unthoughtedly and not unmindful of the many earnest work­ ers who have toiled and are still toiling on in the good work of our beloved brotherhood; but from a conviction that to Brother W alker’s rare foresight and executive ability we owe our present admirable systems that have placed Beta Theta Pi in advance of all her competitors.” (Beta Theta Pi, Oc­ tober, 1879.)

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344

CHARLES DAVID W ILLIA M S: AN APPRECIATION G eo rge

P.

A tw a te r,

D.D., Kenyon ’95

Charles David Williams was first and foremost a man, not an ecclesiastic nor a partisan. His vigorous mind was ever engaged in approving things that are excellent, in whatever vesture or form he found them. His great heart went out to humanity, to men and women struggling with the burdens

B IS H O P C H A R L E S D. W IL L IA M S “A lover of mankind and an effective champion of the vital causes of humanity.”

of life. His burning indignation was not against persons, but against the evils by which persons were affected. His spontaneous affection, his cordial responsiveness to all that was genuine, his noble vision of the Kingdom on earth, his untiring effort to upbuild that Kingdom in human hearts, his lov­ able and genial nature, his robust and convincing public speech, made him a man to whom the hearts of men went out in deep admiration and confidence.

Bishop Williams was a giant in spiritual and mental stature and a true brother to humanity.

W ILLIS O. ROBB

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W ILLIS O. ROBB Willis O. Robb, Ohio Wesleyan ’79, was president of Beta Theta Pi from 1903 to 1906. He was editor of the Beta Theta P i 1878-1879; 18821883, and 1884-1885. He was a member of the board of directors of the fraternity from 1884 to 1889 and served on the board of trustees from 1897 to 1906. He was chosen a delegate to the first session of the Interfraternity Conference in 1909 and represented Beta Theta Pi in it each year during twenty years.

On July 31, 1928, having reached seventy years of age, he retired from business. This event gave occasion for tributes which indicated the deep impression made by him upon those with whom he was associated. On October 23, 1928, in the grand ballroom of the Hotel Astor, New York City, Mr. Robb was honored by over six hundred of his friends who gave him a complimentary dinner. The assemblage was one of the most representative gatherings of fire insurance company executives ever called together for an occasion of this kind. Sixty-two prominent officials of companies were the sponsors. The machinery of the Insurance Society of New Y ork was used to handle the details. Mr. William D. Winter, president of the society, pre­ sided. The-speakers included James A. Beha, superintendent of insurance; Jesse S. Phillips, former superintendent of insurance, and Otho E. Lane, president of the Niagara Fire and head of several leading organizations, a member of the Miami chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Mr. Lane made the presentation speech and handed Mr. Robb a check for an impressive amount as a remembrance from his friends. The menu card was specially designed. It was an eight-page leafllet inside a cover whose front page bore Mr. Robb’s picture and signature. By the side of the menu was placed that of the wed­ ding feast of Henry V II, January 18, i486. Two pages were devoted to a sketch of Robb’s career, written by William M. Barnet. This gracious tri­ bute said: “ Willis O. Robb was born in Marysville, Ohio, July 31, 1858. He was graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, with the highest honors in 1879. A fter graduation he became professor of Latin and Greek in Farmers’ College, College Hill, Ohio, where he remained from 1879 to 1883. Here it was that he met the daughter of the president of the college who later became his wife. To this fortunate event may be attributed a large portion of his subsequent success. In due course he went to Cincinnati to prepare for a career in journalism, but in 1884 abandoned that prospective field of endeavor for insurance work, and during the next two years was adjuster and superintendent of the Insurance Adjustment Company of Cin­ cinnati. W ith his natural intellectual endowment, supplemented by his ex­ ceptional scholastic attainments, he would, no doubt, as a journalist, have ascended to the same pinnacle of success that he has attained in the insurance world. The insurance fraternity is to be congratulated upon the fact that he did not adhere to his original intention. “ From 1885 to 1895 he served as state agent and adjuster of the Liver­ pool and London and Globe Insurance Company for Ohio and West Virginia, and from 1895 to 1902 he filled the position of general adjuster of the United States Branch of the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society. He was the first secretary of the Committee on Losses and Adjustments of the New York

R T . R E V . S, A R T H U R H U S T O N Bishop o f Olympia. A Kenyon Beta ’00, whose son in 1929 was selected for special training by Thomas A. Edison in a nation-wide contest.

R E V . G E O R G E P. A T W A T E R Famous Minister and Editor of his church. A Kenyon ’95 leader of men.

T W O B E T A L E A D E R S IN T H E P U L P IT

S M IT H H IC K E N L O O P E R Cincinnati ’01, Judge o f the United States Circuit Court of Appeals.

E. A L L E N C O X , Vanderbilt ’09 United States District Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi.

T W O B E T A L E A D E R S O N T H E B E N CH

W ILLIS O. ROBB

349

committee. Two weeks before the rushing season opened I memorized Brother Robb’s fine revealing of the Beta spirit (it will be found at page xii of the preface to Beta Letters and in p. 48 in Beta Lore) which begins, ‘Again the Beta is distinguishable and distinguished by just a little warmer and stronger, just a little tenderer and more enduring fraternity feeling than any of the others can attain to . . . and I made it the peroration of a rushing speech delivered many times in the course of the next three years.

Tw o years later, President Shepardson (then General Secretary) sent me a set of Beta Leaflets and I was privileged to read for the first time Brother Robb’s tribute to Pater K nox and his almost equally appealing fra­ ternity short story ‘G rif’s Candidate.’ The name of Willis O. Robb was

R O B B A T T H E B R O A D M O O R C O N V E N T IO N Interesting history connected with form er days at the U niversity of Mississippi was recalled by Robb when he discussed the revival of Beta Beta chapter at “Ole M iss” with fraternity officers, delegates, the chief of D is­ trict X III, and petitioners from the Theta Beta local.

thereupon added to my small and select circle of favorite literary figures, a group which then included only Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling, and Joseph Conrad. “ Former Trustee George M. Chandler, Michigan ’98, once told me that, in his opinion, Brother Robb’s English is the best and purest that has been written since Robert Louis Stevenson laid down his pen. Upon re-reading the Knox tribute and ‘G rif’s Candidate’ for the seventh or eighth time, I agree unreservedly. Perhaps the appropriateness, the stirring eloquence, the fine restraint, yet deeply moving emotional appeal of the Pater K nox speech has been equaled in the thirty years which have passed since that address was delivered at a district reunion banquet in New Y ork City, but I doubt it.

And perhaps some other searcher of young men’s hearts has cast in short story form an expression of the delights of untrammeled youthful friend­ ship more complete and more adequate than ‘G rif’s Candidate/ but I can’t

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Board o f Fire Underwriters, in which capacity he acted until 1910, when he became manager of the New Y ork Fire Insurance Exchange. When in 1922 the Exchange became a part of the New York Fire Insurance Rating Organir — w . zation, he remained in charge of the Metropolitan District and so continued until his retirement on July 31, 1928. “ In 1924 the degree of doctor of laws was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater. Mr. Robb is a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and in addition to serving as editor of its paper and its president he has been a member of its board of directors and its board of trustees. He has always been a profound student of the fire insurance business. He is an expert on policy forms, rating, and loss ad­ justments, and is universally recog­ nized as the highest lay authority on the fire insurance contract. He has made addresses before various or­ ganizations, and has delivered courses of lectures at Yale and New York University. He has a keen intellect, and a clear logical and analytical mind; he is a brilliant writer with a felicitous style, an adept at repartee, a redoubt­ able protagonist, and the happy posses­ sor of a pronounced sense of humor.

A ll in all he is one of the finest ex­ Robb’s signature and picture show­ amples of the scholar in business. ing him at seventy, as they appeared on “A fter forty-four years of contin­ the programme of the Insurance banquet uous service Mr. Robb retires from ac­ in his honor, 1928. tive participation in insurance affairs in which he has occupied so prominent a place, leaving a host of friends and carrying with him the respect, esteem, affectionate regard, and admiration of the entire insurance fraternity.”

An impression of this great Beta leader upon a younger member of the fraternity was thus happily described by A. J. Priest, Idaho ’ 18: “ Looking backward from the ‘seven-terraced summit’ of his three score years and ten, former President W illis O. Robb, Ohio Wesleyan ’79, must know that he has done many things well. There’s so much of the scholar in him, so much of the artist, that he is incapable of any sort of species of work not altogether admirable. And therein, one may safely assert, is found the secret of his successful business career, as well as the secret of his hold upon the minds and hearts of hundreds of younger Betas who know him only through his contributions to the literature of the fraternity. “ Let me make here a confession which probably could be made by scores of Beta w orkers: I began plagiarizing from W ilis O. Robb when, as an eighteen-year-old sophomore, I became chairman of the Idaho chapter’s rushing

W ILLIS O. ROBB

35i

“ It must be admitted that the entrance of the college man in business is so recent— scarcely a generation old-—that there has not been sufficient time for the novelty to wear off nor the type to become established. It has received a tremendous impetus since the war, and the vocation of the college man in the business world has already found its way into the pages of Punch and Life. Granting all this, there still prevails to an extent that is surprising the belief— perhaps it is a feeling more than a belief— that sound scholarship and business acumen do not go together. “ It has been the privilege of Willis O. Robb to do a great deal to dissipate this idea, because he has successfully united in himself the essential character­ istics of the scholar and of the business man. The union is not found so often that it becomes— or for that matter ever will become— common. But those who do, as in his case, possess the double capacity, do very much to show the possibilities in the business world of the educated person. The education referred to is not merely scholastic, but where it be sound carries with it other things, perhaps we call them character, which completes the attainment. When one observes the pursuit of the dollar, the pound, the mark, or the franc, or any other coin of whatever nation for that matter, and observes how the ability to acquire these things seems from the space devoted to them to be the one all-absorbing desire of humanity it is interesting, never­ theless, to note that in the very final analysis when men come to honor men they have apparently seldom made the mistake— or only for a brief while of honoring the one whose sole ability was to acquire wealth. In the Hall of Fame of New York University, of the group of persons honored by ad­ mission up to the present time, a careful examination will show only one that was possessed of what might be called wealth. That person, however, is not in the Hall of Fame because he was wealthy, but because when he passed away his contribution to the cause of education was so large and sub­ stantial that it marked the attitude on the part of persons of wealth toward the question of education and their opinion of it. So that if in the Hall of Fame there is this one case, it is there rather as a supporter of the general statement that wealth is not finally honored, than as a disproof of that state­ ment. Summed up or otherwise stated, character is the thing that in the final analysis is honored. It probably is more highly honored than any other quality or attainment which a person reaches. “ It was about forty years ago that in Cincinnati, Ohio, Willis O. Robb entered business, and he has continued in his chosen field— that of fire in­ surance— from that time until July 31, 1928. He has occupied positions of trust and responsibility in all branches of the fire insurance business. His peculiar contribution, however, is the service which he has rendered as secre­ tary and manager of bodies which represented the joint interests of the com­ panies in certain matters. Such positions demanded, first o f all, a knowledge of the thing to be performed, and, second and equally important, the peculiar ability to handle questions which call in their decision for the exercise of the ability to decide questions between parties where equity is involved— that is, where the details may be absorbed in the greater question of equity. _ The qualities necessary to do this call for a power of analysis of the facts in the case. That power Mr. Robb possesses to an unusual degree— possesses,_in other words, to such an extent that when piloting the interests of an association

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believe it. Brother Shepardson has reprinted both these Beta classics in the new volume Beta Lore along with many other appealing bits of Beta Theta Pi literature. “ ‘Blessed is the man/ wrote an obscure journalist after his first meeting with Mark Twain, ‘who finds no disillusion when he is brought face to face with a revered writer. Brother Robb is the only one of my literary lions whom I have been privileged to meet, and I am happy to report I have found no disillusion. W illis O. Robb at ‘Pier 70’ is exactly the able, cultured, entirely charming gentlemen his Beta writings lead an admirer to expect.

His delightful sense of humor could not have been keener in his years as a fraternity administrator, nor could his rare talent for selecting the right word for the right place have been more apparent in his days as editor of the fra­ ternity magazine than it has been in these recent weeks of his kindly, versedin-fraternity-lore guidance of the Commission which has just completed a revision of the Code of Beta Theta Pi. “ A s this is being written (in late August, 1928), Brother Robb is planning to attend the Colorado Springs Convention, which will mean that a selected group of Beta undergraduates will be privileged to learn what other good Greeks (both in our own and in other fraternities') have long known: that Willis O. Robb, great Beta, very real ‘monarch of mind,’ is ‘himself his only parallel!’ ” One of Mr. Robb’s close business associates for years, a brother Beta for whom he had the highest regard, Edward R. Hardy, Boston ’96, assistant manager of the New Y ork Fire Insurance Exchange, paid his tribute to his co-worker and friend from another point of view: “ Many years ago the popular theme of the monthly magazine and daily press was the scholar in politics. He was at the time a new type of politician, using that word in its best and original sense. It aroused attention and dis­ cussion because of the common belief that if there were two things that could not be united it was the scholar and politician. Some consideration of politicians in other countries would have led to a different conclusion. This would have been especially true of France, Germany, and England. The subject, in other words, was not as new as it was thought to be when the dis­ cussion was active in this country. There always has been, there is and probably will continue to be for some people a suspicion that a scholar lacks some things necessary for the politician. If this be true in that type it is equally true in the field of business. In all probability the feeling that the scholar, whatever his attainments, is not adapted to business is more wide­ spread than was and to an extent is today the belief that you could not unite the scholar and the politician in one individual. There is a tendency to look askance at a person who continues long after his formal student days have passed to carry with him the attitudes and endowments of the scholar. It takes a long time in other words to live down the impression that because a person is sound in scholarship he must be unsound in practical or business matters. To the ordinary chap, and sometimes to the more than ordinary, it is almost inconceivable that a person can read a bit of Latin and not be handicapped to such an extent as to be a positive failure in business, or if not a failure, not as reliable as one who does not have that ‘handicap.’ The business man is apt to judge others by his own limitations.

E D W A R D P. L U P F E R , Kansas ’95 Chief Engineer of the Peace Bridge between the United States and Canada

C A R L F. D A N N E R , Union ’ 16 Head of American Hide and Leather Corporation

T H O M A S M. G IR D L E R , Lehigh ’01 Head of Jones & Laughlin Corporation

W IL L IA M F. W H IT IN G , Am herst ’86 Secretary of Commerce under Presi­ dent C oolidge; Paper M anufacturer

FOU R N OTED B E TA S O F T O D A Y

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through a case in court he was conferring with the attorneys who, having examined his brief, asked, if he was-— or rather more than asked— assumed— that he was a lawyer, and were quite surprised when he told them that he was not. Again, two days before his retirement a caller at my desk, asking where a certain book which he needed for reference could be found, stated, I do not know to whom I can go for help in these problems now that Mr. Robb is going to retire.’

“Again, integrity is so necessary a qualification that it might seem as though it need not be mentioned. As a matter of fact it is the forefront of the qualities ne­ cessary for the discharge of the duties of these particular positions to which refer­ ence is being made. The members of these bodies are competing fiercely with one an­ other in the business world, each trying to secure not merely his share but a little more. If they are to lodge in a certain individual powers of decision over many of their acts one with another, they must have an absolute belief in the complete in­ tegrity of the person in whom that power is vested. Needless to say, this quality Willis O. Robb possesses. “ Again, the quality of justmindedness is essential. This means something more than the ability to listen sympathetically to both sides of a question— it means the *-^Blank and Stoeler, Inc. ability to listen to both sides of a question — it means the ability to listen sympathetW IL L IS O. R O B B to both sides— to listen sympathetically A picture taken at the time of his because if listening otherwise there may retirement from business in 1928. be made .the mistake of already having made up one’s mind. But the ability to listen to both sides justly and sym­ pathetically has enabled decisions to be made which convinced both parties, even the one decided against, that the case had not only been judged before the final tribunal but had-been given the benefit of every possible doubt or thought which could have decided differently had it been possible to do so. “ In a very brief manner these various qualities have been touched upon.

The contribution which Mr. Robb has made has been to unite in his person all of them and thus furnish to those whom he served the picture of a completed whole. “ It may be thought at this point that his scholarship has been forgotten.

That is not the fact. It is within a brief space of time that the Insurance Institute of America, an educational body, wanted a motto and turned to Mr. Robb for it. He promptly picked out one from the Greek and passed on the suggestion which was at once adopted. The number of business men in the United States who could do that sort of thing is extremely limited. “ There has been left for a final word the statement that the great con­ tribution made by Mr. Robb has been to show that one can be a practical

JAMES T. BROWN

355

and had the volume out late in the same year. He issued two editions, one being printed on thin paper and closely trimmed, so that it might be carried easily in personal baggage. He introduced the feature of arranging the names in two columns, each column being numbered as a page. As a spacesaving arrangement the index of names was printed in three columns to a page. The net total of names included was 17,664. The same general plan was followed in 1917, when Brown edited his third catalogue, this time 23,483 names being enrolled. In each of the three catalogues the volume was produced within a year, and, while there were occasional errors as was entirely natural in such a publi­ cation, the catalogues, on the whole were the most satisfactory and most useful the fraternity had had.

Brown helped the alumni interests in New York City greatly by the oc­ casional printing in book form of a list of Betas resident in the metropolitan district. These lists were attractively printed and, being bound in substan­ tial covers, found their place among the ready reference books of many individuals. In addition he was the business agent of “ The Beta Pub­ lishing Company,” an organization formed through his agency for hand­ ling and distributing certain books edited for the fraternity by William Raimond Baird, in whose preparation Brown assisted. These included Betas of Achievement, Beta Letters, Forty Years of Fraternity Legislation and A Decade of Fraternity ReconstructlO H

Almost from his first association James T. Brown, Publisher o f the Beta -p) • 1 1 1, j 1 . • 41__ ___ __ Theta P i and Francis W . Shepardson, iLdiwith Baird he had a part m the prepa- to^ at thg w h ite gulphur Springs Convenration and distribution of Baird s tjon Igig Manual of American College Frater­ nities, in its several editions, and when Baird died Brown issued this publica­ tion himself, adding many organizations as the fraternities increased by leaps and bounds. This editorial work brought him an acquaintance with fraternity leaders everywhere so that, counting his Beta friends, he must have known more individual fraternity men than anyone living, his memory helping him in recalling them in a friendly sort of way when he met them. He always enjoyed the annual gatherings of the Inter fraternity Conference and in the later years of his life the New Y ork Fraternity Club.

A devoted Beta has passed into the Great Beyond. He was proud of his fraternity, was loyal to it on every occasion, was ready ever to hear its call for service. ‘-Jim” be missed at convention, at fraternity reunion, •

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business man and a scholar too. That large service is making it easier for other educated persons to obtain a hearing in the business world, although, lacking some qualities, they may not have attained the height which Mr. Robb has reached. He carried with him when he retired the fullest confidence of those with whom he did business and the warmest appreciation of his scholar­ ship.”

JAMES T. BROWN On Monday, April 23, 1928, death from pneumonia came to James Taylor Brown, Cornell ’76, Keeper of the Rolls of Beta Theta Pi 1906-1928, business manager of the fraternity magazine, volumes X X I to X L V inclusive, thirteen times convention secretary and personally known to thousands of Betas.

When a lad in his teens James T. Brown became a member of the Alpha Sigma Chi fraternity at Cornell. He took a lively interest in the negotiations which resulted in the union with Beta Theta Pi and from the day of his admis­ sion into the fraternity there began a service of activity and industry for its advancement which ended only with his death. As a member of the commit­ tee which brought about the union with the Mystical Seven in 1889 he had a part in a second expansion movement of Beta Theta Pi. For many years he was closely associated with the late William Raimond Baird in work for the fraternity, so that “ the firm of Baird and Brown” be­ came a phrase often used to describe their co-operative efforts for Beta Theta Pi. Thus he was business manager of this magazine during the time- of Baird’s editorship, this covering Volumes X X I to X L IV , and held on a year longer when Francis W . Shepardson took the editorial work over on Baird’s death in 1917. He took great pride in the magazine, its circulation, its physical appearance, and its editorial content, contributing much material to the latter.

The importance of prompt appearance of the convention minutes being recognized by both Baird and Brown and being likewise appreciated by the fraternity, one or the other of them was frequently chosen as convention secretary. Brown’s service in this way made a record. No other individual was a convention official so often as he, and, at the time of his death, he also held the record in Beta Theta Pi for the number of conventions attended.

He was secretary at Lakewood in 1901; at Put-in-Bay in 1903 and I 9° 9 > at New Y ork in 1905; at Niagara Falls in 1907, 1908, 1911 and 1917,' at Saratoga Springs in 1910 and 1916; at Nantasket Beach in 1913 ; at St. Louis in 1914; and at Oakland in 1915. With business like precision he handled con­ vention details, his thoughtfulness providing for the sessions the necessary blanks and forms easily overlooked by one less trained. He was a popular official always, full of humor and life, and making strong appeal to the dele­ gates. His pronunciation of the word “ Wabash” when calling the roll will always be remembered, later secretaries sometimes being admonished by the convention to pronounce the word with the broad sound given it by “ Jim.” In connection with the catalogue of the fraternity, Brown’s work stands out as of great importance. In 1905 he was co-editor with Baird of a cata­ logue which was published within a year, Brown doing much of the routine and detail. This volume contained 14,023 names. In 1911 he was given complete charge of the compilation, it being the first time that a catalogue editor had been continued for a second edition. He began his work in January

J a m e s T. B r o w n , Cornell â&#x20AC;&#x2122;76, Keeper of the Rolls

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at inter fraternity meeting, as a friend. His name will be inscribed upon that enduring tablet where are written those of the workers for Beta Theta Pi. The long-time Keeper of the Rolls himself is now recorded permanently among the Betas of Achievement.

Funeral services were held in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, New York City, on the morning of April 25. The officiating clergyman was the Reverend Dr. J. H. Randolph Ray, Columbia ’08, rector of the Church of the Trans­ figuration (The Little Church Around the Corner). He was assisted by the Reverend Dr. Thomas S. Cline, rector of the church, and the Reverend Dr. Olin S. Roche, rector emeritus of St. Peter’s. All these clergymen were intimate friends of the deceased. The usual Episcopal cere­ mony was utilized.

The honorary pall bearers w ere: Willis O. Robb, Ohio Wesleyan ’79, former President; Harold J. Baily, Amherst ’08, General Secretary; George Howard Bruce, Centre ’99, former General Secre­ tary ; Dr. H. Sheridan Baketel, Dartmouth ’95, former Vice-president; Knowlton Durham, Columbia ’01, former District Chief ; John F. Post, Rutgers ’96; John C. Sackett, Cornell ’86; Frank J. Kent, Beth­ any ’02; Clarence G. Campbell, Boston ’05, former District C h ief; and Robert C. Langdon, Yale ’28.

The floral tributes were many and beautiful. The fraternity sent a spray of roses of the variety most loved by the de­ ceased. There was another spray from James T . Brown at his last conven­ the members of the board of trustees and tion, with George W . Switzer, D e­ their wives, and Beta Theta Pi in New Pauw ’81.

Y ork contributed a large piece in the form of a Beta badge, with the words “ Beta Theta P i” in purple flowers.

Although the services were held in mid-morning nearly a hundred mem­ bers of the fraternity were present, the representation of chapters being not­ able at a gathering in which many of the personal friends of the Brown family shared. Interment was in the local cemetery in Wappingers Falls, New York, Brown’s boyhood home. General Secretary and Mrs. Baily, W illis O. Robb and Dr. Baketel accompanied the body to its last resting place, on a knoll overlooking a peaceful valley, through which flows a river, with the foothills of the Berkshires in the distance. ★

★

★

Under the heading, “ Heaped-up Riches,” A. J. Priest, Idaho ’ 18, wrote the following tribute : “ Psalms, 39 :6.............‘He heapeth up riches and knoweth not who shall gather them,’ read the Reverend Dr. Randolph Ray, Columbia ’08, in the course of the service which had brought us together, on a gray morning in late April, to pay our final tribute to James Taylor Brown, Cor­ nell ’76, for twenty-two years Keeper of the Rolls of Beta Theta Pi.

TH REE VETER AN BETAS J^mes T. Brown at the W est Baden Convention in 1922 with former General Secretary Edward J. Brown, Hanover ’ 73i and Capt. John D. Alexander, Indiana ’61.

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“ New Y ork is a cynical city and the sometimes-not-quite-human folk who throng its streets and crowd its subways have little time for sentiment, but professional demands and business duties mattered not at all that morning for one hundred New York Betas. It was an unusual group of men. Leaders of the New Y ork bar, a distinguished physician, a nationally famous financier, a brilliantly successful manufacturer, a widely known college professor, the country’s foremost authority on fire insurance, a famous novelist. And younger men, too, of course; undergraduate representatives of the near-by chapters, a prospective member of this year’s Olympic team, an All-American half-back, a brilliant middle-distance runner who still holds several world’s records. Not a conventional, not an ordinary, gathering. “ From former President Willis O .R ob b , Ohio Wesleyan ’79, who had known ‘Jim’ Brown intimately since the St. Louis convention of 1885, to college sophomores who had met him only last year at initiation time, they were there because of their very real affection for that warm-hearted, kindly, always youthful Beta veteran and because they honored him for his long and devoted service to their fraternity. “ ‘I somehow can’t believe that he has gone,’ said someone as we left the church. ‘That almost boyish manner of his kept me from realizing that he wasn’t as young as some of the rest of us.’ Another recalled the frequent colloquies between ‘Jim’ and Dr. H. Sheridan Baketel, Dartmouth ’95, it having been ‘Jim’s’ habit to point to the former trustee’s silver gray thatch and declare, ‘That fellow Baketel’s older than I am. Don’t let him fool you.

Look at his gray hair!’ Still another remembered ‘Jim’s talk— ‘just to get the boys in a good humor’g—at the 1917 convention banquet and yet another mentioned his always affectionate and prideful reference to William Raimond Baird. ‘A s my old friend Baird used, to say,’ began many of ‘Jim’s’ best reminiscences. “ James T. Brown’s lastg$DUt not least significant, service to the fraternity was his organization of the hew metropolitan Beta Club known as ‘Beta Theta Pi in New Y o rk ’ which shares with twenty-one other Greek letter organiza­ tions the handsome New Y ork Fraternity Clubs building at 22 East Thirtyeighth Street. He was the first president of the new club and took great pride in the important part he had played in giving the fraternity a New Y ork home. The practical usefulness of ‘Beta Theta Pi in New Y ork’ has already been demonstrated by the holding of the last two reunions of District V, as well as a series of successful weekly luncheons and monthly dinners, in its attractive rooms. “ ‘He heapeth up riches and knoweth not who shall gather them,’ sang the Psalmist. ‘Jim’ Brown’s riches had been heaped up abundantly: the gift of friendship, a ready smile, genuine kindliness, an abiding interest in the wel­ fare of young men, rare loyalty and devotion to the fraternity he loved.

Since we believe that in Beta Theta Pi the noblest qualities of such men as kindly, lovable ‘Jim’ Brown are ‘clothed in immortality,’ since we know that in our fraternity ‘the echoes roll from soul to soul, and grow forever and ever,’— then, surely, no man knoweth when the harvest of ‘Jim’s’ riches shall be gathered home.” ★

★

★

A t the 1928 session of the national Interfraternity Conference by a rising vote the following minute was adopted in memoriam:

W A L L A C E H ALL, M ONM OUTH COLLEGE T he administration building at Monmouth bears the name of D a v i d A le x a n d e r W a lla c e , Miami ’46, founder of an important Beta Clan, who was president of the college from 1856 to 1877.

M ORROW H ALL, AM H ER ST COLLEGE A dormitory at Amherst built through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. D w i g h t W h i t n e y M o r r o w , Am herst ’95, and named in their honor.

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“ The death of James Taylor Brown, Cornell ’76, Keeper of the Rolls of Beta Theta Pi, removes one of the notable historians of the American college fraternity. Serviceable in the highest degree to his own fraternity as secre­ tary to many of its conventions, as business manager for a quarter-century of its magazine and as a frequent contributor thereto, and in many ways which evoked his unobtrusive, faithful labors, the fraternity world knew him best as the associate, and later the successor, of the late William Raimond Baird in the compilation and publication of successive editions of Baird’s Manual of American College Fraternities, a work which so completely filled its field and satisfied fraternity needs as to have no rival. Mr. Brown was a fre­ quent member of the Beta Theta Pi delegation in the Interfraternity Con­ ference, and his death in New York on April 23, 1928, will deprive future conferences of a welcome and recognized figure. The Interfraternity Con­ ference enters this record in their minutes as a mark of respect to the mem­ ory of Mr, Brown, and expresses to his family and fraternity brothers their sympathy and deep regret.”

STAN LEY HORNBECK The Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs in the United States Department of State is Dr. Stanley K. Hornbeck, Denver ’03. He was born in Franklin, Massachusetts, May 4, 1883, son of Marquis D. and Lydia M. (Kuhl) Hornbeck. He was initiated into Beta Theta Pi by the Colorado chapter and after two years at Boulder he trans­ ferred to Denver where he received his bachelor’s degree. He was elected Rhodes Scholar and spent the years 1904-1907 in O xford at Christ Church College, re­ ceiving his B.A. there in 1907. Return­ ing to America he became a fellow and, later, an instructor in the University of Wisconsin, being awarded his Ph.D. de­ gree in 1911, his major being in inter­ national law. He taught for five years (1909-1914) in Chinese government col­ leges, o ' both in South China and in North China; was in China during the period of the overthrow of the Monarchy and the first years of the Republic; and traveled and studied throughout the Far East in the years 1920-1921. He went to China last in 1925, for private re­ search; was retained by the United States Goverment as adviser to the American delegation to the Peking Conference, spent thirteen months in Peking, and left Peking at the end of September, 1926.

He has served the United States Government as special expert on the United States Tariff Commission; as technical adviser to the American dele-

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363

study. He edited' ten textbooks for school and college work in modern languages. He published articles in prominent educational journals and, from its organization, he was a member of the Modern Language Association of America, and was on the executive committee of the similar association for the middle states and Maryland.

His Beta son, Bertrand Harris Bronson, Michigan ’21, took his first degree with highest distinction, an achievement forecast in a way when he graduated from Lawrenceville in 1918 with a scholastic record which had not been equalled in the history of that school. With other honors at Michi­ gan was membership in Phi Beta Kappa. From Michigan he want to Har­ vard, receiving his master’s degree in 1922, and then being appointed Rhodes Scholar from Michigan. He studied at O xford during the years 1922-1925,

T H O M A S B. B R O N S O N

B. H. B R O N S O N

winning a “ First” in the Honors School for England. An interesting story, vouched for by a well-posted Michigan Beta, is that, when the Michigan Rhodes committee was considering candidates, it recommended another stu­ dent, because it felt absolutely sure that “ Bud,” as Bronson was known in college, was so good that he easily would win one of the “ at large” Rhodes scholarships, and thus Michigan would have two to its credit. Their confi­ dence was rewarded. A fter teaching at Michigan in 1925-1926, the younger Bronson received his doctor of philosophy degree from Yale in June,. 1927That same month he married Miss Mildred S. Kinsley of Portland, Maine.

He is a member o f the faculty of the University of California.

Asked what Beta Theta Pi has meant to him, the elder Bronson wrote: “ From college days to the present I have looked upon my joining Beta Theta Pi as one of the happiest events of my. life. Had I not been a member of Lambda at Old Michigan, I should have missed the dearest friendships and

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gation at the Paris Peace Conference, at the Washington Conference, and at the Peking Conference on Chinese Customs T ariff; as an officer in the Army during the W orld W a r ; and as a member of General Harbord’s Staff on the Mission which President Wilson sent to Armenia; and in the Department of State. ^ He is the author of The Most-Favored-Nation Clause in Commercial Treaties,” “ Contemporary Politics in the Far East,” “ China Today : Political,” and has contributed to several publications by the United States Tariff Com­ mission. He has been a Round Table leader at the W^illiamstown Institute of Politics and is a member of the Institute of Pacific Relations which met in Honolulu in 1925 and 1927. He gave the Lowell Institute lectures on “ China” in 1927.

FATH ER AND SON HONOR THE FRATERNITY If a Beta marries the sister of one of his chapter mates and they have a son who follows his father into Beta Theta Pi through the same chapter and then into Phi Beta Kappa, a good illustration is provided of the possibilities in our fraternity life. In June, 1928, Thomas Bertrand Bronson, Michigan ’81, retired from the faculty of Lawreneeville School, with which he had been connected since 1892, having completed in all a half-century of teaching.

Announcing the retirement, the school paper paid him a rich tribute as “ a man who has been connected with the happy memories of all those who are in any way affiliated with Lawreneeville, his fellow masters, boys, and alumni; who has meant more to the School than is easy to express.”

Mr. Bronson graduated from the Ann Arbor High School in 1875 wii.h first honors, having been prominent in debating and oratory and being ap­ pointed a speaker on the commencement program. That fall he entered the University of Michigan, but, when eighteen years old, he dropped out of college to teach and did not return for three and a half years. He graduated in 1881, having completed the required four-year course in two and a half years of residence. In his senior year, by special vote of the faculty, he was allowed to carry twenty-six hours the first semester and twenty-eight in the second, although the university maximum was fixed at twenty hours. He made Phi Beta Kappa standing and played on the class football team one year.

On graduation he became teacher of modern languages in the Michigan M ilitary Academy, serving there for eleven years, sometime as head-master.

In 1892 he went to Lawreneeville to head the modern language staff and to be master of Griswold House. Later he became assistant head-master of the school, occupying that position until his retirement. He was one of three masters of Griswold House during its entire history, his incumbency covering thirty-six years. His w ife aided him greatly in this capacity, being a real mother to the more than eight hundred boys who lived in Griswold under the Bronsons. Mrs. Bronson was Isabel Harris, a sister of Williams Cooper Harris, Michigan ’87^ _She married Mr. Bronson in 1886 and had the three­ fold distinction of being a Beta sister, a Beta wife, and a Beta mother.

Mr. Bronson was awarded the master’s degree from Michigan in 1886.

A t different intervals during his teaching years, he studied at Berlin, Paris, and Rome, making a number of additional trips to Europe for travel and

FATH ER AND SON HONOR TH E FRATER N ITY

365

more than half the'charm of college life. The ties there formed have never been broken. The influence for good was powerful and effective. It could not be otherwise with men like J. H. Grant and J. E. Beal, later regents ol the University, Beal, guardian angel of Lambda chapter; Dr. Dan E. Osborne; W ill T. Whedon, now class president of ’81; Judge O. F. Hunt; Attorney W .

B. Cady, composer and musician; F. L. Y ork; Reverend Hubert W. Brown; and Professors A. S. Whitney and Willis Boughton. M y life is filled with delightful memories of these men. Then there are later friendships, Pro­ fessors F. D. Sherman, W illard Poole, James T. Barrett, George Howard Bruce and acquaintances formed at the large gatherings in New Y ork City and in Philadelphia, governors of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and countless others prominent in state and nation.

When the members of a chapter are what they should be, the value of mem­ bership in our fraternity is inestimable.”

A COMMUNITY BENEFACTOR While he was traveling in Italy, in a vacation period, Frank M. Lay, Amherst ’03, a successful manufacturer of Kewanee, Illinois, talked with his wife and his son, Edward P. Lay, Amherst ’22, about what they might do to make conditions of living in their home town even more pleasant. The result of their conference and reflection was made known on December 28, 1928, at a meeting of the directors of the Kewanee Y.M .C.A. when Mr. Lay described a community need. Mentioning his long interest in the association as a welfare and character-building organization, his brother, Corliss W . Lay, bsing its first president, he declared: “The association has been handicapped by an inadequate financial struc­ ture and by a building that is obsolete. The young men and boys of K e­ wanee— as shown by a recent survey made by the association— need a fine new building, well equipped and well managed. The young women of Kewanee, the working young women— need such a plant, since no girls’ organization in Kewanee has a gymnasium, swimming pool, etc.”

Then he continued, “ If the people of Kewanee and vicinity desire such a community building— we want to help; and if the sum of $300,000 can be raised— Mrs. Lay and I will give $ioo;ooo of that sum. W e believe that one of the most important considerations in connection with this or other public projects, is that of future maintenance and upkeep; and we would stipulate that at least $100,000 of the total amount of money raised shall be set aside as a permanent endowment fund.”

Mr. L ay informed the directors that the $100,000 had been placed in trust with a Chicago bank, and that the interest from that amount would be available as well as the principal sum, this principal to be paid under two conditions, that the total amount of $300,000 be subscribed or pledged by a date named, and that satisfactory provision be made for the accommodation of women and girls, as well as men and boys.

Mr. L ay’s challenging offer was received with great enthusiasm. The Illinois field secretary for the Y.M .C .A . said that, excepting one bequest, it was the biggest single gift toward Y.M .C .A . work in the state, outside of Cook County (Chicago).

H. C. E L M E R , Cornell ’83

A. R IE S E N B E R G E R , Stevens ’76

TW O BETA F A C U LT Y STAN D BYS

F R A N K C. D A IL E Y , ’93 Hoosier Democratic Leader, 1929

P A U L V . M cN U T T , ’13 National Commander, American Legion, 1929

T W O IN D IA N A C H A P T E R L E A D E R S O F M EN

THE K 1NN-ISONS

367

THE KINNISONS B e r t r a m S. S t e p h e n s o n , Ohio State ’01 O when our sons to college go, W e’ll look them squarely in the eye And say, “ M y boy, the only Greek you need to know Is Beta, Beta Theta Pi.”

When Janies Edgar Kinnison, Ohio ’80, retired from the superintendency of schools at Jackson, Ohio, he had rounded out an even forty years of un­ broken work in that capacity. The boys of his first graduating class had become gray-haired m en: they and their children and grandchildren had known him and loved him as teacher, counselor, and friend. Long a leader in its church life and active in its Masonic orders, he had left his impress on the community, and Jackson did what it could to honor him. He was asked to retain the title of superintendent-emeritus and was told that his name would be perpetuated educationally in the “ Kinnison High School.”

The Kinnison family is one of those pioneer Ohio lines which came from Virginia. Charles Kinnison was born in Greenbriar County, Virginia, in 1773, his father also being a native of the Old Dominion. His son, Charles S. Kinnison, was born in Berlin, Jackson County, Ohio, in 1815. The name Charles is a favorite in the family, appearing in each generation. Charles S. Kinnison married Margaret Jane Carrick, who was born in Jackson County in 1821. Two of their boys are on the Ohio chapter roll.

-The older brother, Ripley Hoffman Kinnison, Ohio, ’73, died in 1916.

He was for some thirty-five years connected with the schools of Wellington, Ohio, serving as superintendent from 1897 to I 9 ! 5 - About the time of his retirement, Ohio University conferred upon him the degree of doctor of pedagogy. His name suggests a connection with Ripley C. Hoffman, one of the founders of the chapter at Athens. He was not related to him by blood but was his namesake by reason of the friendship existing between his father and this Beta founder. He never forgot a pair of bantams which Mr. Hoffman presented to him in his early boyhood. He started the famous ‘‘Kinnison tree” at Athens. O f this tree James Edgar Kinnison, Jr., Ohio ’ 16, w rites: “ Yes, there does exist a ‘Kinnison Tree’ upon the campus at Athens. It is a species of the maple, described by my father as an old sugar tree. When I entered school at Ohio University one of my first acts consisted in digging into that tree with my pocket knife. My uncle, Ripley Hoffman Kinnison, graduated from Ohio in 1873. Sometime during his student days, year un­ known, he carved his initials, R.H .K., upon that tree. My father left his ‘mark,’ J.E.K., in 1878. I made mine in 19 11 . Father informs me that when he cut his initials into the bark the three letters did not cover more than three inches. In order that mine might appear of present day size I was forced to cover about eighteen inches, so greatly had the tree grown. M y w ife and sister, both undergraduates at Ohio, have long claimed the right to leave their respective marks upon this tree but so far it has been reserved to the Beta members of the family.”

The second Beta in the family was James Edgar Kinnison, Ohio ’80. He was born in Middleton, Jackson County, Ohio, April 15, 1854. He was

W IL L IA M D O W L E R T U R N E R , Bethany ’95 One of “ The T en” who established the Founders’ Fund of Beta Theta Pi, a fine type o f successful Beta whose untimely death was widely mourned.

TH E KINNISONS

369

initiated into Beta Theta Pi, June 10, 1873. A youth of nineteen he had come over to Athens from the hills of Jackson County where he had begun teaching at the age of sixteen and where, with the exception of four years in college, he taught continuously until June, 1923, a span of more than half a century. Upon his graduation in 1880, he returned to his native county, first as superintendent of the city schools at Wellston and then for two years as principal of the high school at Jackson, where in 1883 he was made superin­ tendent. Ohio University twice honored him, in 1892 with the degree of master of arts, and in 1917 with the degree of doctor of pedagogy. In 1906 Governor Harris appointed him a member of its board of trustees, in which capacity he still serves. He has always manifested loyalty of the highest type to Beta Kappa and to Beta Theta Pi. He never counts a visit to Athens complete without an hour at the chapter house. He always has urged for membership in the fraternity his high school graduates whom he deemed worthy. The passing years have only increased his interest and quiet service among the boys.

Professor Kinnison’s two sons are also Betas. Charles Shadrach Kinni­ son was a member of the class of 1911 at Ohio State, where as an undergradu­ ate he was elected to Bucket and Dipper, and Sphinx, the junior and senior honorary societies. He was connected with the United States Bureau of Standards at Pittsburgh for a considerable time, then spent a year as a techni­ cal writer and, since 1917, has been advertising manager for the Hoskins Manufacturing Company, Detroit, Michigan. He is better known, however, as “ the Times Poet.” For the past two years the Detroit Times has regularly featured his verses, which have found wide popularity, perhaps because of the simple, homely, every-day themes with which they deal. Many of them center about little incidents of home-life, showing a remarkable love for and understanding of children, and through them all there is a strain of quiet humor and a Riley-like touch of cheer and high endeavor. Mrs. Kinnison’s brother, Heber Paul Gahm, is also a Beta, Ohio State ’ 13.

James Edgar Kinnison, Jr., was a member of Beta Kappa, the chapter of his father, and uncle and of which he is now Alumni Counselor. He was graduated from the College of Law at Ohio State in 1916 and, with the ex­ ception of his period of army service, has practiced in Canton, Ohio, where he is Assistant City Solicitor and a member of the law firm of McCarty, Arm ­ strong, Burt, and Kinnison. While at Ohio State he was initiated into the legal fraternity, Phi Delta Phi. He has been exceedingly active in its affairs and served as its National President in 1922-23, being elected at the age of twenty-nine.

While no other Kinnison appears in Beta Kappa, it is of interest that Earl Shadrach, Ohio ’19, is a son of Professor Kinnison’s w ife’s brother.

A fter finishing at Ohio he entered the Yale Law School, graduating in 1922.

He is now in practice in Cleveland, Ohio. (Beta Theta Pi, April, 1924.) ★ ★ ★ ‘'‘Gilbert and Culbertson were o f the opinion that Hoffman was the right kind of a man. HerJw&®-their first choice.”

H e n r y B e a r d , 1841

C H A R L E S B U N D Y W IL S O N , Cornell ’84 Long a professor at Iowa

A L B E R T S H A W , Johns Hopkins ’84 As a boy he worked with Roger W il­ liams, Miami ’72, on the Beta Cata­ logue of 1870.

T H O M A S H A R B IN E , Miami ’42 Late Nebraska banker and town founder, a Beta pioneer.

F R A N K C. JO N E S, Texas ’96 One o f three Beta brothers and a Beta father. The Imperial Potentate of the Mystic Shrine in 1928-1929.

F O U R D IS T IN G U IS H E D B E T A S

BETAS ON THE COLORADO SUPREME COURT

37i

This Preparatory School is a department of the American University of Beirut, one of the Near East colleges, and in the same association as Robert College at Constantinople which, incidentally, has a Beta president— Caleb E. Gates, Beloit ’77. These colleges are not directly connected with any foreign mission board although they can be easily termed “ missionary” in a broad sense of the word. Their prime object is “ to provide countries of the Near East with young men and women, trained with professional skill and inspired with the highest ideals which it is possible to give.” Coupled with this is, of course, an effort to encourage mutual understanding between the different nationalities and religious sects. A t the university in Beirut, which is co­ educational, there are well developed schools of medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry, which are not only sending out capable native doctors but also offer a much needed opportunity for research in Oriental disease and methods of hygiene. ~ . . . .

In 1929 there were four Betas connected with the American University of Beirut. One, the son of William H. Hall, H arry H. Hall, Union ’26, was serving his third year as an instructor in the department of physics. With him in the same department was Stephen B. L. Penrose, Whitman ’27, who took up the work in the fall of 1928. The other brothers were: Lewis W .

Hanke, Northwestern ’25, and W alter H. Ritsher, Beloit ’21, formerly in the Consular Service but then teaching in the department of political science. They all had hope that the Beta connection with the university might remain un­ broken, as it had been for thirty-three years.

BETAS ON THE COLORADO SUPREME COURT R

oger

W

olcott,

Yale ’05

When Colorado, the “ Centennial State,” was admitted to the Union in 1876, its first constitution provided for a Supreme Court of three members, elected by the people. The first three judges so chosen were Samuel H. Elbert, Ohio Wesleyan ’54, Ebenezer T. Wells, Knox ' 55>and Henry C. Thatcher. Judge Wells resigned September 1, 1877, but by the election in the following month of Wilbur F. Stone, DePauw ’57, Indiana ’57, to fill his place the court retained its Beta color, with two Betas out of the total membership of three._ In 1929 the Colorado Supreme Court was made up of seven judges, the number having been increased by an amendment to the constitution adopted in 1905. O f the seven, the Chief Justice was Greeley W . W hitford, Iowa Wesleyan ’82, and the two youngest and most recently elected members were Wilbur M. Alter, Denver ’04, and Julian H. Moore, Denver ’05, Judge Moore being sworn in on January 8, I 929 >an(^Ju<^Se Alter the preceding month.

Judge W hitford comes of an interesting Beta family. His uncle, Senator James Harlan, DePauw ’45 (first president of Iowa Wesleyan University), had a Beta son, William A. Harlan, Iowa Wesleyan ’76, and Senator Harlan’s three sisters, Mesdames Brown, Reeder, and Whitford, had two Beta sons apiece. Mrs. W hitford’s two sons were Clay B. Whitford, Iowa Wesleyan ’76, and Greeley W ., the future chief justice. Judge W hitford’s son, in turn, Kent S. Whitford, Denver ’ 12, is active in Beta affairs in Denver and was twice president of his chapter in his undergraduate days.

37°

B E T A LIFE

BETAS IN SYRIA H

arvey

P. H a l l , Union ’30

.j-, , So fT a ^ as7 f ecords seem to show the first Beta to go to Syria was John T. Edgar, Washington-Jefferson ’47, who was transferred from St. Thomas in the West Indies in 1866, where he had been American consul-general for five years, to Beirut in which place he served until his death in 1882. In 1871 he found another Beta resident in the person of Edwin Rufus Lewis, Wabash ’61, an Amherst graduate who had entered the Twenty-first Massachusetts Regi­ ment in the Civil W^ar as a private and was promoted to be adjutant and cap­ tain. A fter graduating from Harvard Medical School in 1867, he secured a degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York in 1871. He then went to Beirut where he was professor of chemistry in the Syrian Protestant

A S I A M IN O R B E T A S Lef t to right: W alter H. Ritsher, Beloit ’21; Lewis W . Hanke, Northwestern ’25; Stephen B. L. Penrose, W hitman ’27; H arry H. Hall, Union ’26.

College (now called the American University of Beirut). He remained there until 1884, and then became a member of the Wabash College faculty, retiring in 1888. He was the author of works on chemistry, geology and music in Arabic. He died in Madison, Indiana, in 1907. I suppose he was the father of W alter Stuart Lewis, Wabash ’79, who went to Beirut right after his graduation and was principal of the preparatory department of the Syrian College for two years, dying in 1882.

A fter the death of Edgar and Lewis another Beta did not arrive until 1896.

This was William H. Hall, Union ’96, who originally went out as a short term instructor in the Syrian Protestant College. A fter three years, however, he was appointed permanent principal of the Preparatory Department, so re­ mained in Beirut until his death in 1927. When William H. Hall first took over the work the Preparatory School was still in an embryonic condition, but during his thirty years of service he was privileged to see it housed in a plant of four large buildings with an enrolment of over four hundred boy1*.

TH E PARTING SONG

373

after which he practiced privately until 1918, when the governor appointed him to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Second Judicial District (the Denver district). Judge Moore was elected to the full six-year term as District Judge in 1919 and to the next term in 1925, being nominated in 1925 not only by his own Republican party, but by the Democratic party as wfell, thus paralleling Judge Alter’s experience. ' ‘ Judges Whitford, Alter, and Moore have always received the hearty indorse® - .S ' ment of the bar of Colorado, and the ap!' preciation and support of the lawyers of »■ Iff the state has been an element in their | fflir strength at the polls. Judge Moore and .wS&sSm Judge ^lter were^ele|ated to tlhe Supreme ^

sons, Eliakim H. Moore, went to Yale before the Beta chapter was established G R E E L E Y W . W H IT F O R D there, and is now head of the department .L ' . . of mathematics at the University of Chicago. Bishop Moore is affectionate^ remembered in Denver as the University’s first chancellor and in the annals o f Beta Theta Pi has a secure place.

THE PARTING SONG And now let hand grip into hand And eye look into eye,

Charles Hemenway Adams, DePcrnw ’65, wrote that song. Once when he was told that it was sung thousands of times, at the close of every Beta gathering, every banquet, every chapter meeting, “ he fairly gasped with aston­ ishment,” according to William Raimond Baird, Stevens yS who told him about it. “ Well, well,” he said, “ that is most surprising. That song just wrote itself.” And Baird in editorial comment noted, “That was just it. ^He had unconsciously voiced one of the deeper sentiments of the fraternity.

T o another Beta interviewer, Mr. Adams who was of an exceptionally shy and sensitive personality, said, “ Why, there wasn’t anything unusual about it.

W e were a little group of fellows at DePauw, and we didn t have many songs to sing when we got together. So I just wrote one; that s all.

Mr. Adams was on the staff of the Hartford Courant for thirty-four years,

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BETA LIFE

Ju^.?e W hitford’s career of public service and accomplishment was color­ ful. His first political office was that of district attorney in Denver, to which he was elected in 1894- In 1897 President McKinley appointed him United States district attorney for Colorado, which position he held until 1901. A fter several years of private practice in partnership with his brother Clay, Judge W hitford was engaged as a special prosecutor in the ballot-box stuffing cases of 1905, and in 1906 he was elected to the six-year term as district judge in the Denver judicial district. While on the district bench he showed rare courage, and entire indifference to his own political future in his rulings in certain strike cases which were tried in the latter part of his term, and suffered the expected defeat at his next appearance at the polls, a defeat more commendable than victory.

His orders were later upheld by the Su­ preme Court. Public sentiment works slowly, but surely, and in 1918 he was again elected to the district bench for a six-year term. He served only two years of it, as in 1920 he was elected to the Supreme Court by a majority of 51,000 votes, the largest that has ever been re­ ceived by a candidate for that office, up to the 1928 landslide. Judge Whitford, after eight years as associate justice, became chief justice on January 8, 1929, the day his youngest Beta colleague joined the Court.

Judges Alter and Moore have had R O G E R W O L C O T T , Yale ’05 parallel careers, and are now again in close Dean, Denver Law School ' association— “ days of Damon and nights of Pythias,” as O. Henry once put it.

They entered the same class at the University of Denver and were together at the Beta house until Moore took two years off to go as secretary of his father, Bishop David H. Moore, Ohio ’60, to China, Korea, and Japan.

Julian Moore made up for his absence in part by attendance at the college summer sessions upon returning, and was in the next class to graduate, after A lter’s.

Judge Alter entered Denver Law School in 1904 and Judge Moore in 1965, and the same Beta girl accompanied them each by turns to fraternity parties with apparent impartiality. A fter Law School, Alter practiced in the Cripple Creek district in partnership with Moore’s college classmate, Ernest B. Up­ ton, Denver ’05, until A lter’s appointment by the governor in 1923, to the Dis­ trict Court of the Fourth Judicial District, which includes Colorado Springs.

In 1925 he was elected for the ensuing six-year term, and was paid the unique tribute.of being unopposed by the rival political party, the only time this has happened in the Fourth Judicial District.

Meanwhile Moore put in the five years from 1908 tn 1913 in the Denver district attorney’s office, followed by two years in the city attorney’s office,

B IL L Y G R A V E S T A P R O F E S S O R P L U S

375

So it was in the time of Elizabeth. Great companies were organized to reach world markets. The Arm ada was swept from the seas...........England became a world power. . . . . W ealth increased rapidly and with it the independence of the merchant classes.

“ And the poets of today, according to Mr. Young, are ‘the workers in physical research.’ Sometimes, however, one of them misses the research laboratory and sits at the head of the board of directors.”

BILLY G RAVES: A PROFESSOR PLUS Every college faculty, and notably every university faculty, contains many professors-minus. They live in an atmosphere of their own, “ far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife.” They become so wrapped up in their specialties that they lose- all contact with life. To them the permutations of the X theorem' in a series extending to the nth power, or the carelessness in the use of the comma in the recently discovered manuscript of Peter Scriblius of the thirteenth century, are far more interesting than students. The pro­ tective colorings upon the wings of the extinct Dodo take more time than human souls. Souls! there are no such things. Even the college novel Grey Towers failed to do full justice to the professors-minus. But the academic woods are full of them; and if they have “ published,” their joy is complete, even if 875 of the edition of 1,000 of the learned discourse soon find their way into the junk man’s pile.

The professors-plus are relatively few. When Colliers discovered one and described him in its issue for February 16, 1924, several millions of Americans had a pleasant thrill. The academic atmosphere seemed for the moment to have freshened perceptibly. Members of Beta Theta Pi, especially, felt happy— for the professor-plus thus distinguished was a famous Beta, William Lucius Graves, Ohio State ’95.

The Lantern the Ohio State University newspaper, had the following edi­ torial reaction, under the heading, “ Our Professor P l u s “ Ohio State comes into national recognition this week through the publication in a weekly magazine of an article on our ‘professor-plus,’ William L. Graves of the de­ partment of English. It is not as Professor William L. Graves that our ‘professor-plus’ is known, however. To the thousands of alumni, undergradu­ ates, in fact as the author of the article puts it, to ‘everybody who knows Ohio State University,’ he is thought of as ‘Billy’ Graves. Readers of The Lantern know him as ‘The Idler.’ Readers of the Alumni Monthly know him as the author of the ‘Crow’s Nest.’ Those who have sat in his classrooms remember him as an eloquent lecturer, one who mixes the commonplace with the sub­ lime, who talks of the football team along with his dissertation on the poems of Wordsworth. Those who are his intimate friends say he is a delightful companion, wonderfully human, and sympathetic. The author of the article in Collier's presents ‘Billy’ Graves from another angle. He says, “ ‘Billy’ Graves looks beneath the rouge, the slangy language, the ‘petting’— and suc­ ceeds in seeing character and true worth. He has faith in the intrinsic worth of every new generation that comes to Ohio State seeking an education. And so he goes on, having faith and tolerance, and always able to say, ‘everywhere I go, everywhere I may ever want to go, I am sure to find a pal.’ ” Isn’t this a fine tribute to a man— to a professor? Isn’t this a great tribute to Ohio

374

BETA LIFE

the last twenty-seven of them being in the editorial chair. He had the strong desire, not at all unusual among editorial writers, to preserve anonymity even when powerful in influencing popular thought. He was a journalist of the old school type; a careful reader, a keen analyzer, a master of expression a quiet, scholarly, self-effacing man. He was found dead in his chair on August 28, 1915.

He was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, son of Reverend Charles R. Adams, a Methodist minister who moved to Chicago during the Civil War. So the son went to Indiana Asbury University (now DePauw), at Greencastle!

There he was classmate and chapter mate of David Gilbert Hamilton, ’65. In his sophomore year he left Greencastle for New Haven, finishing his course at Yale, his high scholarship winning honors, among them Phi Beta Kappa membership. In his junior year he belonged to Psi Upsilon and in his senior year to Skull and Bones.

From 1871 to 1876 he was an editor of the Springfield Republican; from 1876 to 1881 he was on the New Y ork Sun, and from 1881 until his death he was with the Couvant in the capital city of his native state. In our fraternity he will live eternally as long as young men kneel at the shrine, as long as the circle forms A s breaks the leal and loving band of Beta Theta Pi.

POETS OF TODAY T he gardens o f the muses keep the privilege of the Golden A g e ; they ever flourish and are in league with time— B a c o n .

In the New Y ork Sun for October 23, 1928 an editorial was printed which A. J. Priest, Idaho ’ 18, who noticed it rightly designated as, in its last para­ graph especially, a deft and appealing tribute to a well-known Beta leader.

It read : “ Romance, adventure, poetry are not commonly associated with the machine age. The man who rides beneath the bed of a river on his way to and from work, who from his desk speaks with a business associate on the other side of the continent, who without stirring from his own living room listens to an address delivered west of the Mississippi, probably reflects that this is a humdrum existence which he is leading. For color, sparkle, daring, he would tell you— if he clad his thought in words— to give him life in the days when men did things; specifically, he might mention the Eliza­ bethan era with its voyages of discovery and settlement, its opening of trade routes, its conquests, its playwrights and its poets. To Owen D. Young that era and the present one have much in common. Now, as then, ‘imagination is harnessed to a very prosaic need/ and when this combination occurs great things are quick to result. In his address at the annual con­ vocation of the University of the State of New York a few days ago the chairman of the board of the General Electric Company drew the following comparison between the two periods: N ew industries have sprung up, science and invention have provided new things and afforded new ways o f spending unexpected wealth............. Everywhere there is :action, and not only action but speed. W e race over roads, we fly through the air, we talk across continents, we throw the energy o f Niagara and the mines hundreds of miles to the points we need it, and all these activities require daring and skill............

TH E LIGHT

377

And those are the reasons why Betas all over the country called the atten­ tion of the editor of the Beta Theta P i to the Collier’s article or sent him the page containing it. Every one of the Betas who read it probably thought to himself, quoting the last line of the Collier's story, “ Sure, I know Billy G raves!”

A GREAT HEART AND A GREAT SPIRIT G ordon

S.

S

m yth

,

Pennsylvania ’ 18

Dr. C. Whitney Coombs, the foster-father of Ken Rogers, sent me one day a copy of a poem, “ The Light,” noting about it, “ These verses were writ­ ten during a brief respite from suffering shortly before the summons came.”

They express Ken and his life very beautifully and very effectively. I have carried the verses with me and I have a copy of them on my desk, for they have brought me real inspiration. O f all the young Betas I have known, Ken typified to me Beta Theta Pi. He was loyal and the most unselfish man I have ever known save one, my father. He seemed to me to live those ideals which Johnnie Blair pictures as “ Love, Truth and Faith.” To know him was to love him and to touch his life was to gain inspiration. I saw quite a bit of him when I was a Chief and he was at Mercersburg, and I know how he won his way to the hearts of the boys at Penn State, at Dickinson, at Lehigh, at Pennsylvania, at Hopkins. Those chapters were all stronger for having known him. Each of those chapters has paid him a silent tribute when I have been present at their meetings. Many boys have asked me for copies of “The Light” ; for last year I built many of my Beta talks about it and quoted it freely. And he touched many other chapters and many other lives, bringing inspiration always. The poem first appeared in The Churchman in the spring of 1926, and was reprinted in the Mercersburg Academy Quarterly and in the Waynesboro Record-Herald. In one sense, Kenneth Rogers is gone now and we miss him. In another sense, he is still with us and speaking to us through these words he wrote so near the end. I should like all Betas to read these verses : to those who knew him, they will bring a new sense of his presence: to those who did not know him, they will bring the revelation of a great heart and a great spirit.

T H E L IG H T K

enneth

W

h it n e y

R ogers,

Syracuse ’17

The purple haze of early dawn Is lifting in the twilight sky, Effulgent breaks the sparkling morn ; It is the day, and hope is nigh, And youth looks upward to the ligh t; I He feels the warmth, the thrill, the love, And journeys forth— for love is might— While clear the light gleams from above.

So in the heat of noontide hour A ll sultry with ambition’s glow,

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BETA LIFE

State that it has such a man on its faculty? Would that we had more like h im ! There would be less need for ‘boosting Ohio.’ ” The Ohio State Journal and the Columbus Evening Dispatch each had an appreciative article based on the Collier’s story but reflecting also the affec­ tionate regard in which this great Beta professor plus is held in his home city where his friends are literally legion. The Journal’s article is quoted for the benefit of any unfortunate Beta who hasn’t read the original story, illustrated by a picture of our former fraternity District Chief and Trustee trying to entice fish to his tempting hook as he sits at the end of a p ier: “ ‘Everywhere I go, everywhere I may ever want to go, I am sure to find a pal.’ How many men of millions, looked upon with jealous eyes as con­ spicuous successes in an age of success, would give much of what they possess to be able to measure their success in that brief sentence and know it was the truth. Billy Graves says it. It is his own summary of his success; the ulti­ mate analysis of what he gets out of being a ‘professor plus.’ Only Billy doesn’t make the claim that he is a ‘professor plus.’ That is the language of Frederick L. Collins, writing in Collier's, the national weekly. But Billy knows that when he says, ‘Everywhere I go, everywhere I may ever want to go, I am sure to find a pal,’ he is speaking the truth. He confides to Mr. Collins that it is this knowledge which inspires him to do the things which makes Mr. Collins, undergraduates at Ohio State University, and thousands of old grads scattered to the four corners of the world regard him through the fond eyes of true friendship as a ‘professor plus.’ “ W hy is Professor William L. Graves ‘Billy Graves’ to Columbus, to undergraduates at Ohio State and to old grads without number ? Why is he ‘closer to the youth of the Middle West, exerting a greater influence than any other man since Roosevelt,’ as Mr. Collins says he was told by one of the old grads when he came here to witness the Ohio State-Illinois football game last fall? “ Mr. Collins figures it out about like this. First Billy Graves has faith in the intrinsic worth of every new generation that comes to Ohio State seeking an education. Next he has tolerance. He looks beneath the rouge— the man­ nerisms— the slangy language— and sees character, nascent, but plastic to the touch of the artistic character builder. Then there is friendliness. In the words of Mr. Collins he ‘not only has sympathy’ for the students; he ‘per­ suades them to a sense of equality.’ And he keeps in touch with them, as friend with friend*.-through the years that follow their graduation. Mr. Collins was amazed at the number of ‘old grads,’ ranging from ’23 on back to ’93, when he graduated himself, that ‘Billy Graves’ met and knew, first name and last name, when they went together to the Buck-Illini classic. ‘I write to a good many,’ he told Mr. Collins. ‘When I discovered that writing was the only way to keep these boys my friends, I made up my mind always to find time for it.’ “ ‘Perhaps here, more than in any of his other qualities, Billy Graves had disclosed the secret of his success; he finds time for things, he manages, he writes letters. And the boys answer— lucky boys,’ Mr. Collins says. Through the years ‘Billy Graves’ has gone on, being kindly, tolerant, having faith in youth, writing letters, preserving friendships of the campus. That’s why today he can say, ‘everywhere I go, everywhere I may ever want to go, I am sure to find a pal,’ and know that he is speaking the truth.”

THE MAN I HAVE NEVER SEEN

379

was an all-round athlete” ; and a real-estate man said, “ Why, he was just a man!” and he said it so I knew he was one— square, and hearty and big— greater through and through than he or I. One graduate said, “ I remember seeing Reno in a sophomore rush, with eight freshmen trying to tie him, and they had the hardest job of their lives.” Another man said, “ He inter­ ested himself intensely and genuinely in other men. His popularity was based on character and unselfishness. He was a good scholar— one of our best athletes, and with it all he was the moving spirit of the Christian Association.”

So I went back and looked in some of the old records of the Association lying around in Stiles Hall, and I saw that he had been made a cabinet mem­ ber, then student president, and then was made general secretary of the A s­ sociation. And I found some of the old records which he had left, and notes in his handwriting, telling of this and that Christian activity he was pushing, and lists of names of men whom he was to see, and data concerning where each man stood in regard to the things he counted greatest and highest in the lives of men. And then I found the printed lists of names of men who were members of the Christian Association when he was there, and each man who was active had his name checked upon the list; and some of those lists and some of those notes and suggestions we follow today.

Such was the M an ! And then I began to wonder if I had happened to put my query to just the men who were interested in the Christian Association; and so I made a point to ask all classes of men who had known him why it was they spoke so highly of him ; and one man said, “ He was square,” and another said, “ He could rough-house the whole bunch o f us,” and another said, “ He was sincere,” A physician said, “ I spent a great deal of time with Reno, going out and enlisting friends in the support of the Christian Associa^ tion in the University.” An elderly man, a student leader of that day, said, “ I remember Reno when he first came to the Christian Students’ Conference at Pacific Grove.” And an engineer said, “ When we were not on the track or on some athletic trip, I believe I spent most of my time following Reno in pushing the Association work.”

To one of his f riends J said, “ Such an earnest Christian worker might have been thought of by some fellows as a ‘sissy,’ and he just swung back in his office chair and laughed, and when I began to wonder what the joke was, he stopped and then laughed again, and said, “ Well, no one ever called Reno that.” And another man said, “ He found me a job when I couldn’t have finished my course without some material assistance and he did the same for others I know.” And a missionary, home on furlough from the foreign field, said, “ I had no idea of going into unselfish work or Christian service until I was almost through the University and Reno got hold of me.”

Still another man said, “ He was universally appreciated as every man’s friend.

He was as much a friend to a freshman as he was to his senior classmates— and as much a friend to the man in need as he was to the man whom he needed.”

And the last man said, “ He was as much our leader in football as he was in anything else— he was a part of us.” And then I wondered no longer, because I thought I knew why it was they all asked about Reno, and where he was, and what he was doing, or why those who knew were so glad to tell me about him, and to speak so feelingly of just one man they had lived with in their college days. And it was a true feeling of keen appreciation with

378

BETA L IF E And conscious of light-given power W e fight the fight with blow on blow.

M ay we be worthy of that fight, May we be cavaliers of love With eyes fixed ever on the light That leads us on, that gleams above.

And as the shadows lay their deeps Beneath the twilight in the west, Some lingering ray of sunlight leaps Across the dim' horizon’s crest ; May we look up and see that light And know its ray will trail the morn Across horizons, through the night To dawn more glorious, day new-born. ★ ★ ★

“THE MAN I H AVE NEVER SEEN” This appreciation of Reno Hutchinson, California ’oo, who was killed by highway­ men in 1906, was published by the Y .M .C .A . o f the University of California. It is so earnest and heartfelt, such a fine tribute to a beautiful character, a lovable, capable, companionable Beta, that it deserves place in the permanent records of a fraternity which magnifies the individual. It was written by E. L. D evendorf.

He was born. I know not where, and care not when. He was born and lived.and grew up. And about then he came to the university. He came— and lived-— and went away. And that is all, so we say; but it is not so— for those who knew him least, with those who knew him best, will not agree with me that that was all. For he came, yes, he came and lived and went away, but where he lived things were not as when he came, and when he went away, it was not as when he lived. But, he was born, and he grew up— came to the university, and lived and went away— and ten years later, I came-— and I found his photograph standing upon my office desk, and no one. told me it was Reno Hutchinson, ’00.

I knew not who he was nor why his likeness should be standing there, nor why his honest face should look at me while at my work, but it was there.

Then I went out around the city, and up and down the state, meeting men, and as I talked with them about the university, they talked of the olden days, and the big games when they were there, and the names of the men who were there with them would spring fresh in their memory, and then invariably they would tell of Reno Hutchinson. And I knew not who he was, and they would say, “ Did you know Reno?” and I would answer, “ No,” and they would say, “ He was my friend; he got hold of me,” until I began to wonder how many friends one man could have. And so I asked each man I met, “ Did you know Reno Hutchinson ?”:— and if the man was in, or near, the college generation of Reno’s time, he-would say, “come in— yes, I knew Reno,” and I found that his name was an “ open sesame” to the inner offices and the lives of men.

And then I wondered why it was, and so I asked, and a lawyer said, “ Reno picked me out when I was a freshman and put me to work in the Christian Association” ; and a doctor said* “ He was a man” ; and a minister said, “ He

THE MAN I H AVE NEVER SEEN

381

with that selfish idea you will only be able to graduate a few of them into unselfish living.” And so I said, “ All right, I will do it— but I don’t know which way I am going to jump.” And then I thought; and here was “ that man I had never seen” who meant more in the lives of these classmates than any one of them living, and I said, “ I wonder if it paid for that man to go to college?” And I made up my mind that nothing that man could have done could have paid any larger returns. And so I thought, “ Well, it is just the same today.” And then I gave those boys a talk on “ W hy Go to College,” to prove to them that they could not spend four years better, even were they to die on the day of graduation; for here “ the man I had never seen” had proved it!

And that man who asked me to speak said, “ That was great; I did not know you had it in y o u !” Well, then, I wondered why he asked me to speak in the first place. But, really, I did not have it in me; it was just the reflec­ tion of what “ this man I had never seen” had done.

Then, one day, a university student came to me and he was terribly mud­ dled up with his learning, until his eyes were splashed so full of big splotches of philosophy he could not see the clear road, and his ears were so full of psychological soundings he couldn’t hear his conscience aright, and his hands held tight their grasp on material research until he couldn’t feel the spirit of things. But his feet in daily walk continually stumbled over the big fact of religious experiences in the lives of men. And so he came to me and said, “ Is there anything real in this religion we hear talked about?” And I just thought, “ Man, I am awfully sorry for you.” And I wondered how to help him ; for, if I talked about a Master of his life, he would go away not under­ standing what I meant, and if I tried to explain, he might argue and want a philosophical basis for an actual fact.

So I just thought, “ Well, man, I’ll put you where you can’t get away from it, no matter which way you face!” and then I took him in and just showed him that little eight by ten photograph hanging there on the wall, and told him who that man was, and how long he was here, and what the men who were with him said about him, and what his closest chums had to say about him, and of what an influence he left on so many of these men. And the student said, “ How did he have time to do all these things?” And I said, “ Evidently he had plenty of time for the things that were worth while, as he entered into all the life of the university. In his course he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, member of the football team, member of Skull and Keys, member of Golden Bear, president of his fraternity, and president of the Y.M .C.A ., and graduate manager, and helped support his mother while he was working his way through college.” Then he said, “ Well, that’s great! but how did he die?” And I said, “ Nobody knows, but they say it must have been an attempted hold-up when he was shot one evening on his way to his work as general secretary of the Spokane Young Men’s Christian Association; but these men can all tell you how he lived.”

He thought awhile and he said, “ Well, what are you telling me all this for?” And I said, “ I thought you were asking me about religion.” And he thought a minute and then he said, “ O h!”— just like that. So I said, “ Is it real?” And after that I said no more and he asked no more. So later on, when he was leaving I said, “ Now you try out material philosophy and sub­ jective psychology on that, and if you can run it off the track, you let me

38o

BETA LIFE

which those who knew of his leaving, spoke of his life. And those who were leaving the university when he entered, and those who were but entering when he was leaving; they too knew him. As that man said, “ He was part of us.

And I thought of what Another once said, “ Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it cannot live,” and “ He that loses his life shall find it ; “ He that spends his life shall save it.”

Then I wondered again, and this question stared me in the face— where could a man so spend his life to any greater purpose than among men in the university? This man, and that man, yellow, brown, black, and white, fresh­ men and seniors, doctor and lawyer, engineer and teacher, farmer and mis­ sionary; all in the university melting pot, to be educated out to a life work and trained— for what purpose?

And I knew I was beginning to feel the call of the university fellows faintly, as he must have felt it strongly long before I came. And he became real to me, and I called him, “The man I have never seen.”

Then one day, later on, a graduate came to the office door, and with a glad smile and a pleased gleam in his eye, he said, “ Why, if there isn’t R eno!

I ’m glad to see you have his photograph hanging there.” And I said, “ Is that Reno Hutchinson?” And he said, “ Didn’t you know who that was?”

And I said, “ No, only he seemed to belong here so much more than I that I just picked it up and hung it there.” And then I was glad, too, for I had the photograph of the man I had come to know but had never seen. And then, too, I knew why it was I had hung that unknown photograph that first day, Since then I have hung it out where all who come may see, and where those graduates and former students of the years from ’96 to ’03 may find a familiar face greeting them as they come in the door.

And he has explained some things I had not understood. For, one day, I called on a man who is helping to support the Christian Association work today, and I wanted to know how he got interested. And I said, “ You are not a graduate, are you?” And he said, “ No.” And I said, “ Did you attend the university for some time?” He answered, “ No.” So I asked, “ Have you a son going to the university?’ He said, “ No— why?” Then I said, “ Well, I just wanted to know for, aside from your general interest in Christian work and the financial support you give the Student Association, you seem to have a personal interest there.” And he said, “ Oh, I knew Reno Hutchin­ son. He used to come over to our old First Church, and he was a live worker, and once he told me that he learned most of the Christian work he knew how to do in the Christian Association; so I have always been interested there.”

And I thought, “ M y ! What a hold he has !— and where would the Association be now, if it had not been for men like him and the men like this man who knew him.”

A fter that a good many things were plainer. A man came to me and said, “ I want you to talk to some high school boys on ‘W hy Go to College.’ Don’t give them that old idea about being able to get more for themselves— put it on an unselfish basis.” And I said, “ That sounds good, but where do you think I would arrive at in a speech on ‘W hy Go to College,’ if I did not tell them about increased abilities, and better connections, and all that old tale about the sharpened axe?” And he said, “ Well, I don’t know where you will arrive— but I know it is useless to talk to these fellows about unselfish living unless we start in on an unselfish training. A s long as these fellows go to college

L U C K Y -O Z

3&3

you more proud? W ith Liberty and true Christianity at stake you would never thing of shrinking from the sacrifice.”

Just a few lines from intimate personal letters from a boy to his father and mother, written in anticipation of the zero hour. But they tell of the spirit of a true Beta lad, one of those who died for God and country “ over there.”

Second Lieutenant Osric Watkins, Wabash ’18, son of O. L. Watkins, Denison ’92, died at Bar le Due, France, on October 23, 1918. He was on his way to the front attached to the First Pursuit Group of the 94th Aero Squad­ ron when he was stricken with influenza. He was buried on the last day of a full year’s service.

W atkins’ first patriotic service was with the American Ambulance Field Service as recruiting officer and manager of the Boston office. When the Government determined to militarize this service, Watkins was designated to go to France to assist in effecting the transfer. While on this errand, he lived with A. Piatt Andrew, Wabash ’89, who had organized the American Ambulance Field Service and who was its Director General. During this visit, Watkins wrote to his parents: “ I recently had an experience which I can never forget. I was touring the country with Doc Andrew and a French captain in a wonderful gray auto.

W e passed a, field in which an old woman and a child were cutting hay with handsickles. The child stood up and I waved at him. The old woman ex­ tended the sickle with the handle toward me, making a movement as much as to say, ‘Come and do this work for me.’ The following day I took and passed the physical exams for the Signal Corps A ir Service. This meant a lot, of course, but I have thought about it very often since, and I know that I am right. If you do not approve, you have only yourselves to blame for teaching me in my childhood to love and honor.—first God, then my country and then my family. O f course I am under twenty-one and do not have to go, but my country needs me, and somebody has to go. There are too many slackers in America now. Whether or not I hate the Boches is aside from the question. They are the enemies of America, and it remains for every American to take as big a part as possible in destroying them and their ideals.

The war has no glamours for me and I have not entered actively in any wild rah-rah spirit. O f course, Lucky Oz that I am, I expect to stagger home apres la guerre, laden down with medals of honor, but should I not, I will be well content. I am not expecting to die but am quite prepared. You all need me, of course, but so does America, and there is no reason why I should not die. I have gone through much both of happiness and sorrow. I have tried hard in all things, have never been afraid, and am not afraid to stand before the Judgment Seat. My life has been very full, due to you and your love for me, and I could choose no other way— no more fitting climax than this.

It is of course hard for you all to give me up to the war, but it is your part to do it bravely, no less surely than it is mine, or than it has been the part of millions of other parents. I promise you that I will do well in this— that I will face all things unafraid, both physical and abstract, as I have tried to do in the past. I hate to write in such a doleful tone as if I were an old man speaking from his death-bed. I am more full of life and strength than I have ever been before. I do want to thank you for all the love which you have showered upon me, and thank you for the way you have brought me up.

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BETA LIFE

know.

And he has been back several’ times since but he has never let me know.

Once m a while he asks what some people call a “ telling” question, which makes me think that after a while he will come to the conclusion that Reno Hutchinson wasn t the first man whom we have never seen, who helps us to a realization o f religion.

So now, “the man I have never seen” but have learned to know, as I have made his acquaintance through one alumnus and another, is real to me. And I have wondered about the whole thing— until this stands o u t: How real his religion must have been to a live-wire athlete, fraternity man, and husky all­ round university fellow, for him to have an influence like this! And what a tale it would be, if through his life we could read his story of “ the Man whom he had never seen”— the Master whom he served!

Other men in other universities, and other men in this University, have also left their records high above the crowd; but I tell their story through the story of this one typical Christian university man. And so I end this appreciation of “ the man I have never seen.” A mosaic built of fragments!

But, above all, I hope it is full of the spirit of appreciation— for in that spirit alone has it been received, and again given out in the name of his great undergraduate affection— the Student Christian Association of the Univer­ sity of California.

LU CK Y OZ E. V e r n o n H

ahn

,

Wabash ’ 17 Issoudun, France July 23, 1918

“D

earest

D

ad

:

When you get this I shall have gotten into a spin too close to the ground, or something else equally foolish. I can faintly conceive of your grief, as I too have dreamed of sons that might one day have been mine. But if a man has lived well he dies well, as I believe, then know that I shall have held my head high before the Judgment Seat. I have committed my sins but I am deeply ashamed of them and I know that God will forgive them. I regret that I might not have lived to lighten your old age, father dear, and that I might not have given you a grandson; but it was not to be.”

Issoudun, France July 23, i 9i 8 “M

y pr e c io u s

M

other:

This isn’t to be mailed until I’ve gone where all the good aviators go, honey. You are so wise and brave and cheerful that I know you can be as proud as you are sad at my death. O f course there is scant reason to be sad anyway. You would have wanted me to live that I might be happy for myself and that I might be a continual source of pride and joy to you. Well, as for me, mother, my life has been one long history of happiness, and no other end­ ing of it could have left me more content. Could fifty more years have made it more perfect ? And so with you also. Could I have done anything to make

SM ITTY: A BETA BIRDMAN

385

guard at Issoudun, to playing the role of “ Police Militaire” at Saint Maxient, The brocard which was worn by the “ M .P ’s” was interpreted by the French girls to mean “ Mademoiselle Promenade,” although after the A .E .F. order was issued against American soldiers “ promenading,” the Mademoiselles said we should have worn “ M .P.D .”— “ Mademoiselle Promenade Defendu.”

A fter a season of M.P. duty at Saint Maxient, Lieutenant Smith was ordered to the Second Aviation Instruction Center at Tours, where he finished in June, 1918. A t the big school at Issoudun he was assigned to the pursuit course, owing to his adaptability for flying. He finished the arduous course with distinction. There were several occasions at Issoudun when he narrowly escaped death. A t one time when flying at a comparatively low altitude he got on his back and could not right himself— not at all a comfortable situa­ tion— but with a judicious pull on the stick he came out in good shape. There were other occasions of engine failure over bad ground when only a cool head brought him out without a scratch.

A t the front he sought night chasse work, not finding the maximum of thrills in day fighting. One night in the latter part of October he had his worst crash, diving a Sopwith “ Camel” into the ground at high speed. His only injury was a slight wound in the head, caused by striking the forward machine gun. Two weeks later he was selected by Captain “ Eddie” Rickenbacker to join his famous “ Hat-in-the-Ring” Squadron. Then came the Armistice, after which “ Smitty” spent his time “ ferrying” planes from one camp to another.

On the return from his last ferrying trip, Fate played her most cruel caprice. Smith was ordered to the rear, and would soon be on his way “ home”— what thrills and comfort that thought always brought to all of u s !

Other transportation not being available, Smith and his party took advantage of an opportunity to travel in an army automobile. The roads were in bad condition in this section, and as a result the car skidded and overturned at a sharp curve just outside of Colombes-les-Belles. Lieutenant Smith was mor­ tally wounded in the crash, when his head struck a stove that was being transported in the car.

It is the supreme caprice of fate that a great hero should be taken in such a way. Many of his comrades had “ gone west” “ like a bright exhalation in the evening” “ trailing with him clouds of glory”— and such an end was the normal expectation of “ Smitty’s,” along with the rest of us. Fate is not only capricious— she is sometimes very unkind— and thus it is that a loving mother loses a faithful son, Beta Theta Pi a devoted brother, and our country a brave soldier, leaving us the sublime proof of Beta blood in Beta vein, Free to flow, and without stain.

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BETA LIFE

W ith Lincoln, I can truly say all that I am or hope to be I owe to my well loved parents. I shall make you very proud of me.”

Between the time of the examination referred to in the letter and his formal enlistment of October 25, 1917, Watkins was sent to America on an­ other errand for the service to which he was still attached. Before resailing for France he telegraphed his parents, “Am sailing again for France in a few days to enter aviation school. Already signed up. Objection on your part futile. Y et your permission for me to go will make leaving easier.” He was commissioned at Foggia, Italy, and then was sent from school to school— Tours, St. Maixient, Issoudun, Cazaux— until he achieved the rank of Chasse Pilot. It was then that the epidemic overtook him and deprived him of the fruits of his training.

I have never known a Beta who was more “ to the manner born” than Osric Watkins. His genial bearing and knightly character gave him high rank in the esteem of all who knew him. Exchanging his cabin for the steer­ age quarters of a mother and her two children was easy for Osric— he had schooled himself in nobility. One of his former instructors wrote of his sturdy forthrightness and sunny bonhomie.” He thought Wabash College will always be the better for Osric’s having been there. I am sure of that, and I am sure that his fraternity, too, is all the nobler for his personification of its ideals.

Hail to you, Lucky Oz— Beta son of Beta sire! You lived nobly and died in a chivalrous undertaking. You are no longer an individual— you are one with a grand Idea. Your friends and brothers avow your leadership. They take their, place behind your banner. And to the discerning, the symbols on it are three stars.

SMITTY: A BETA BIRDMAN L e R oy

A. M u l l e n , Davidson ’ 16

Fate seems to enjoy to the utmost the free and untrammelled exercise of her whims and caprices in war. An evidence of the extraordinary turn which affairs can take, diverting the normal current of events and injecting tragedy with grim irony where it seems that peace and security belong, is the story of the death of Lieutenant Cedric A. Smith, United States A ir Service, a member of the Michigan chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Upon our entrance into the war, Lieutenant Smith (or “ Smitty,” as he was affectionately known by his associates) answered the call to the colors by joining the flying corps. He graduated from the School of Military Aero­ nautics at Champaign on October 13, 1917, and straightway was ordered to France for flying instruction. Someone may some day adequately set forth a history of the band of “ Lost Cadets” of which “ Smitty” was a member: 1,200 flying cadets sent to France and Italy for training, prevented from doing so by the lack of facilities— eventually getting into the game— some getting to the front— many more “ bumped off” far behind the lines. There is nowhere in the annals of the A .E .F. a more interesting bit of serio-comedy-tragedy than is contained in their story.

During the winter of 1917-18 the activities of “ Smitty,” altogether typical of those of the other cadets, ranged from road-building and sergeant-of-the-

TH E -WHEELER-BENTLEY FUND

387

Pale moon in night’s caress— modest thy rays— Circling in tenderness, hearken our praise.

A s fall thy quiet beams high ether through, So shine our modesty, tender and true.

Stars, show thy haloed heads ! Come forth tonight, Flowers of God’s azure meads, sparkling and brigh t; A s in the darkened dome glistening you stand, So, by good deeds on earth, shines W ooglin’s band.

Ruler o f earth and sky! Giver of love!

Be to our motives nigh— Guard from above; Grant us true manhood’s fame, life ’s purest joys, Guide to an honored name our Beta b o y s!

Charles Harvey Bentley, California ’91, died of apoplexy on December 30, 1922, while attending the Stanford-Pittsburgh football game at Stanford Uni­ versity. He, too, was a native son, having been born in Sacramento, Cali­ fornia, August 28, 1869, son of the Rev­ erend Robert and Francis Almira (H ar­ vey) Bentley. In the university he ranked high as a student, winning the golden key of Phi Beta Kappa. A fter graduation he became connected with the Sacramento Packing Company, and, later, traveled in the United States and Europe, establish­ ing agencies. From 1900 till 1916 he was general sales manager of the California Fruit Canners’ Association, and vice-pres­ ident and sales manager of its successor, the California Packing Corporation. He was a director also of the Alaska Packers’ Association. A t the time of the great dis­ aster in San Francisco in 1906 he was president of the Chamber of Commerce, and, in that capacity, instituted and di­ rected the supervision of insurance settle­ ments by fire insurance companies. He took a live interest in current problems.

He was president of the San Francisco University Club, 1914-1916. He was a C H A R L E S H. B E N T L E Y member of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, of the Cali­ fornia Association of Sciences, of the National Institute of Social Sciences, and of the National Economic League. He was a trustee of the San Fran­ cisco Public Library for fifteen, years and of the California. School of Me­ chanic Arts. During the war with Germany he was a member of the ex­ ecutive Committee of the California Council of D efense; then went on the ex­ ecutive staff of the United States Food Administration; and later, on the sub-committee on supplies of the National Council of Defense at Wash­ ington. In 1899 he married his first wife, Margaret Stearns Wilder of New York City. She died in 1905, and three years later he married Flor­ ence Beale Hush of Oakland, California. He knew the full meaning of the

386

BETA LIFE

THE WHEELER-BENTLEY FUND A memorial to Charles Stetson Wheeler, California ’84, author of Om egas Hymn, ’ and to Charles Harvey Bentley, California ’oi, has been established in the University of California by their friends in co-operation with the regents of the institution. Wheeler died of heart failure at his home in San Francisco, California, Friday, April 27, 1923. He was a native son, having been born in Fruitvale, December 11, 1863, son of Charles Carroll and Angeline' ( Stetson) Wheeler. He gradu­ ated from the University of California in the Class of 1884. He entered the law offices of John H. Boalt, pioneer attorney of San Francisco, in the same year and rose rapidly in his chosen profession, en­ gaging in many important cases. During his career as an attorney, Mr. Wheeler was twice tendered the office of chief jus­ tice of the Supreme Court of California, first by Governor Hiram W . Johnson and later by Governor William D. Stephens but both times he declined the high office.

Following the earthquake and fire of 1906, Mr. Wheeler was a member of the com­ mittee of fifty, organized following the disaster, and took a leading part in the re­ construction of the city. He was secretary of the relief corporation, also organized following the fire. In 1920, as a delegate to the Republican national convention in Chicago, he placed Hiram W . Johnson in nomination for the presidency. He was C H A R L E S S. W H E E L E R delegate to several Republican national conventions and went with Roosevelt into the Progressive Camp. He was for years a regent of the University of Cali­ fornia. He was a prominent member of the Bohemian, Pacific Union, Univer­ sity, Golf and Country, and Faculty Clubs and numbered thousands of friends among the membership of these organizations. He also was affiliated with the legal fraternity, Phi Delta Phi. He was one of the early delegates from the California chapter to a Beta Theta Pi convention, served the fraternity as Dis­ trict Chief, retained his interest in it during his lifetime, and rejoiced when his son and namesake, Charles Stetson Wheeler, Jr., California ’12, followed him into Omega chapter. His zeal for Beta Theta Pi led him, when still an under­ graduate, to write the song, known and sung in every chapter of the fraternity: O m ega' s H y m n

Sun in the western sky, nearing the foam Light with thy closing eye, Omega’s home.

Shed on her loyal sons light from above; Strengthen fidelity, friendship and love.

TH E W H EELER-BENTLEY FUND Hall, Herbert E. Harding, R. T .

Hubbard, Samuel Jones, M. R. McFarland, C. L. NcNear, F. W .

Magee, Frederick E. Magee, W illiam A. Moffitt, J. K .

Moffitt, Dr. H. C. Olney, W arren, Jr. Palache, Charles

389

Palache, W hitney Parsons, Reginald H. Price, R. M. Ramm, Rev. Charles A. Schindler, A. D. Stearns, E. H. Stewart, W illiam L. Stoney, Donzel Talcott, Seth R. Tinning, A. B. Turner, Frederick C. Wellman, W illiam B.

The said sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) is hereby tendered to your honorable body for the purpose of constituting a loan scholarship to be known as “The Beta Theta Pi Scholarship in Memory o f Charles S. W heeler and Charles H. Bentley.”

In view of the fact that all o f the donations but three were made by members of the fraternity o f Beta Theta Pi, to which the said Charles S. W heeler and Charles H. Bentley were devoted, it is the desire o f all the donors that in the award of the scholar­ ship preference be given to members of the Omega chapter of Beta Theta Pi, in the Uni­ versity of California, at Berkeley. But should there be, at the time o f award, no deserving and worthy member of the Omega chapter needing a loan, then the committee of award is authorized to make the loan or loans to non-members o f said Omega chapter, including among such non-members students of either sex.

The said fund and the interest thereon shall be used for making loans to deserving students, whether underclass students or postgraduate students. The committee of award shall have power in its sound discretion, but only in extreme cases, to make a scholarship loan from the principal sum, but in no case larger than five hundred dollars.

If, in any academic year, all the income is not used, the balance may be added to the principal and become a part thereof. The awards are to be made to students in attend­ ance at the University of California at Berkeley, California. In special cases, however, the committee of award may make loans by way of traveling scholarships to assist stu­ dents from the University of California at Berkeley who may desire to pursue studies elsewhere.

A student to whom an award is made must (except as hereinafter stated) execute a promissory note for the amount, bearing interest not to exceed six (6) per cent, the note to be payable to the University o f California within five (5) years after graduating from the university, or, if, leaving before graduation, then five years after leaving the university. A ll amounts paid in on such promissory notes shall be added to the said principal and become a part thereof. The committee o f award, however, are hereby given the power in such cases as they see fit to m odify the terms o f payment by increas­ ing the time o f payment, or to m odify any other of the said terms in this paragraph set forth. Furthermore, the said committee in cases where they deem it proper are hereby given the power to make the award as an absolute donation and gift, in whole or in part.

It is not the purpose of the donors to require, as a condition precedent to ob­ taining a loan from said fund, that the applicant must necessarily have attained an especially high standing in his work, but rather that the loan shall be made to a worthy and deserving student needing the assistance to remain in college. The committee o f award, however, may, in their judgment, prescribe such conditions with reference to scholarship and otherwise as they may at any time or from time to time see fit.

The committee of award shall consist o f three persons, each to be a member o f said fraternity of Beta Theta Pi, except as hereinafter stated. Each shall have the power of nominating his successor, and the award of any loan shall be made by a majority vote of such committee. W arren Olney, W illiam A. Magee and W hitney Palache are hereby appointed members of said committee.

Should a vacancy occur in the committee fo r any reason, and the party ceasing to be a member has not nominated his successor, then the other members shall name the successor. But should all the members of the committee fo r any reason cease to act without naming the successor, then in that event the active members o f said Omega chapter at the time of the vacancy or vacancies shall fill the same. Each successor, how-

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BETA LIFE

song» O When Our Sons to College Go.” His only son, Harvey Wilder Bentley, Yale 23, also a member of the California chapter, was home for the holidays, and the Stanford game was part of the programme of entertainment the father had planned for him. Two daughters, Margaret and Florence, are left to share the sorrow of the widow and the Beta son. A t the funeral in the First Presbyterian Church the services were conducted by Rev. W il­ liam K. Guthrie, the pastor. Five of the six pallbearers were Betas and life­ long friends from the California chapter, Charles S. Wheeler, ’84, William A. Magee, 87, James E. Beard, 88, Herbert C. Moffett, ’89, and a classmate, Warren Olney, Jr., ’91. In sending some newspaper tributes, Gloyd T. Stankard, Denison 16, secretary of the San Francisco alumni, wrote such an in­ teresting letter that part of it is added as indicating the position Brother Bentley held in the hearts of the Coast B etas: “You will find it hard to under­ stand how much of a shock the news as given on the enclosed clippings really was to all of us who knew Charlie Bentley. It would be exceedingly difficult to picture a finer man, a more delightful personality, or a more lovable char­ acter. Last fall he was the principal speaker at Omega’s annual initiation and none of us who heard that talk will ever forget it. You could have heard a pin drop throughout the entire time that he spoke. It is splendid to think that he should have so recently participated in a Beta ceremonial as the boys, all of us, in fact, will appreciate his interest more than ever in view of his sudden death. He could always be counted upon when we needed help or advice and his going leaves a vacancy in local Beta circles that will be hard to fill. I went to him a good many times and I guess that I feel his loss more perhaps than a good many local Betas do. I didn’t mean to write a eulogy to you but honestly Charlie Bentley appealed to me in a way no other person ever did and I only wish I had the ability to express it. He had the most simple, quiet dignity I ever knew, and when I would go into his office (and a Beta always had access to him at any time) he had only to speak a word and I seemed to feel as if I were in the presence of a personality who under­ stood just what I wanted. He seemed to inspire implicit confidence. A l­ though I only knew him but slightly I feel as though I had lost a close, per­ sonal friend. He was a wonderful Beta.”

These are the two great Betas to be kept in remembrance under the pro­ visions set forth in the following communication: San Francisco, California, March 12, 1929.

To

th e

R eg e n t s of t h e U n iv e r s it y of C a l i f o r n i a :

In order to set up a memorial scholarship in memory of Charles S. W heeler and Charles H. Bentley, both members of the Omega chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University o f California and eminent graduates of the U niversity of California and both deceased, their fraternity brothers have obtained subscriptions to the extent of $10,000 fo r said scholarship. The subscribers are as fo llo w s: Austin, S; W .

Bakewell, P ro f. Charles M. Bakewell, John, Jr. Bakewell, W alter B. Behr, Ernst E. Bentley, R. I. Brown, Arthur Cook, Frank B., Jr. Davis, John F.

Dornin, John C. Earl, Guy C. Eberlein, Charles W. Elliot, Albert H. Ellsworth, Oliver Evans, Charles J. Fries, W illiam Gooding, C. P. Gorrill, W illiam H.

THE MAINE MEMORIAL WINDOW

39T

above his grave where he had been buried by an unknown party. Letters to his family from members of the company said that he was the cleverest and best liked fellow in the company.

He was the first State of Maine man and Uni­ versity of Maine man to be killed in action.

The first and largest American Legion Post established in Maine at Portland is called the Harold T . Andrews Post, in his memory. One of the principal squares in Portland is named after him.

S. Tracy Webster, No. 326 on the chapter roll, was born December 18, 1897, in Augusta, Maine. He entered the chapter in 1914 and left to enlist in 1916. He was a First Lieuten­ ant in the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and he died while in service there.

Dunton Hamlin, No. 232 on the chapter roll, was born at Allston, Massachusetts, Sep­ tember 28, 1888. He was initiated into the chapter October 21, 1905. He had a very bril­ liant record during his college career, serving on the Campus board for two years, and be­ ing a member of Tau Beta Pi, and Phi Kappa Phi. He was also valedictorian of his class.

He enlisted at the beginning of the war, but died of influenza while in service at Camp Devens. The O.H.M.H. American Legion Post at Orono, Maine, was partially named f or him.

James H. Gray, No. 323 on the chapter roll, was born March 13, 1894, in Lubec, Maine. He was initiated in 1914, but left to enlist in 1916. He died of influenza while in service, October 1918.

The window is placed just above the first landing of the main stairway in the chapter house, so that the members, in the course of daily routine, frequently catch a glimpse of its beauty, and stop, now and again, to read its inscription. The colorings are attractive, and the pine tree on the chapter arms stands out clearly as the symbol of the great commonwealth which has built up the University of Maine, the Alma Mater of the honored dead. The chapter motto “ W e look to the dawn” has special significance here.

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BETA LIFE

eYer appointed, shall have the power as aforesaid to name his successor, and, in case ^5 to na’m e <i successor, the vacancy or vacancies shall be filled as aforesaid. But should the Omega chapter have ceased to exist when a vacancy occurs and no successor to the vacancy has been named, the Regents o f the University are hereby given the power to fill the vacancy, and thereafter, all vacancies as they may arise from time to time, subject only to the provision that such appointees shall be members o f said fra­ ternity, if available.

The funds shall not be earmarked and kept separate by the Regents, but shall be invested and handled by the Regents o f the University of California in the’same manner as other unearmarked, endowment funds are administered, and shall bear the average rate of interest from time to time as such endowment funds may bear.

Respectfully submitted, W arren O l n e y , J r .

W il l ia m A. M agee W h it n e y P a la c h e

THE MAINE MEMORIAL WINDOW Through the efforts of three alumni of the Beta Eta chapter, a memorial window has been erected in the chapter house to the memory of those mem­ bers o f the chapter, who died during the Spanish-American and World Wars.

The men serving on this committee, Frank Gould, chairman, Harold A. Rich, and Charles P. Weston, of their own accord, solicited funds from the alumni of the chapter. The window was designed by- Mr. Burnham of Phipps, Ball, Burnham Company. The installation exercises were held No­ vember i i , 1919, on the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice.

Two brothers, Roy Fernald of the class of 1896 and Arthur B. Morse of the class of 1902 were the men who'died in the Spanish-American war.

Roy Linde Fernald was born in Wintgrport, Maine, January 31, 1875. He was initiated into the Beta Eta chapter,: December 9, 1892, being number 124 on the official roll. While an active' member, he served the chapter as librarian. He was drowned in the Philippines in 1900 while a lieutenant in the United States volunteers. Arthur B. Morse, number 156 on the official roll, was born in Phippsburg, Maine, October 4, 1877. He was initiated October 1, 1897. He died in Jersey City, August 22, 1898 of typhoid malaria, contracted during active service.

The other four names appearing on the window are Harold T. Andrews, ’ 18; S. Tracy W ebster,-’ 18; Dunton Hamlin, ’11; and James H. Gray, T8.

They died during the World War. Harold T. Andrews, No. 327, was born November 10,. 1893, at Port­ land, Maine. He was initiated along with Brothers Webster and Gray, Novem­ ber 5, 1914. He left college at the end of his sophomore year in June, 1916, and enlisted in Company G, 103rd Engineers. He went across with the n th U. S. Engineers, A .E .F. About 10 a . m .. on the morning of Novem­ ber 30, 1917, with a party of engineers, he was working on a narrow gauge railway near Cambrai. Their party was armed only with picks and shovels.

They were attacked by a party of Germans armed with machine guns. It was later learned from a man who was wounded in the encounter that Brother Andrews was the third man to fall and was killed instantly. Two men were wounded in a search for his body, and finally they found the cross

THE GREAT MEMORIAL ROLL

393

Hugh A b b o tt......................................................... St. Lawrence ’03 Vasco Pickett A b b o tt........................................... St. Lawrence ’67 Worth Pickett A b b o tt......................................... St. Lawrence ’00 Benjamin Strickler Adams ................................. Yale ’ 18 Raymond MacDonald Alden ............................... Pennsylvania ’94 Edwin Pierce Allen . . . . . . ! ...............................Brown ’83 Reece De Cource A lle n .......... .................... . . . . Cornell ’23 Richard Meeker Allen ....................................... Denison ’26 Charles Leslie Allens worth ................................. K nox ’ 13 Alexander John A n d erso n ................................. (Whitman) .Vanderbilt ’28 t Cornelius A nderson................................... ..

David Percy Anderson ........................................Union ’ 14 Waldemar Daniel A u lic k ................................... Columbia ’26 Oscar Raymond B a c k ............ ............................ Dartmouth ’25 Alice Ayres Baily (Mrs. G. W .) ................... (Amherst) Mother of three Beta sons George Washington Baily ................................... (Amherst) A friend of Beta Theta Pi Alexander Watson Baird ....................................Toronto ’13 Jennie Mansfield Baird (Mrs. W . R . ) ...............(Stevens) A Beta wife; a Beta mother Raymond Duy B a ir d ................ ... • ................... Wesleyan ’09 William Raimond B a ir d ............................... .Stevens ’78 Benjamin Bartlett Baldwin . . . , ..................... .. . Knox ’ 12 Clinton Kirby B a n n in g .......... ............................ Cincinnati ’03 Shepard Barclay ................. .................................. Virginia ’69 Charles Woodson Bates ..................................... Westminster ’83 Joel Allan B a ttle ................................................... Miami ’59 Henry B e a rd ......................................................... Cincinnati ’40 W ilfrid Fitch B ea rd sley................ .............. .Northwestern ’93 James Addams B e a v e r......................................... Washington-Jefferson ’56 George Loomis Becker. . . ................................... Michigan ’46 James Thomas Begg, Jr...................................... Kenyon ’30 Charles Doerr B en n ett......................................... Iowa State ’24 Charles Harvey Bentley ....................... .. .California ’91 George Homer B illm an .......................................Wooster ’87 Ernest Francis B l a i r ........................................... Denison ’99 John Taggart B lo d gett.......... . . . . , , .................. Brown ’80 Walter William B o n n e r........ ............................ Indiana ’82 Allen Day Bonnifield ......................................... Iowa Wesleyan ’02 George Washington Boyce ..................................Ohio ’67 William Fletcher B o y d ............ ..........................Ohio ’66 Robert Archer B o w lb y ....................................... Wesleyan ’10 Kergan Stanley B ra n d t....................................... University of Washington ’30 Joseph Truman Bray ..........................................Wesleyan ’ 19 Richmond B r e w e r .......... .....................................Brown ’84 John Henry B r ie r ly .......... ............................ .Denison ’75 Herbert Fisk B r ig g s .................. .................... .. Northwestern ’89 Arthur Peter B ro c k w a y ................................ Denison ’78 Olin Robert B ro u s e ........ .....................................DePauw ’66

392

BETA LIFE

THE GREAT MEMORIAL ROLL

Can we forget the friends of long ago?

Can we forget The love that thrilled our hearts with joy?

It liveth yet.

Then sing, oh, Brothers o f the Mystic Tie. The days gone by; The love, the faith of Beta Theta Pi Can never die.

★ ★ ★ Ten years after the Baird Fund of Beta Theta Pi was established in 1919 the Great Memorial Roll has gained a firm position as, on the whole, the most significant list ever published by the fraternity. The founders of Beta Theta Pi, many of the illustrious workers of the years gone, Beta fathers, Beta sons, chapter charter members, gold star Betas, all have place. When any member of the Baird Fund dies his name is transferred from the active list to the roll of this Beta Legion; to the roster of eternal alliance with the im­ mortals whose memory is not forgotten and whose annual financial contribu­ tion to the work of the fraternity is provided for in the Baird Fund endow­ ment. A ll efforts to arouse interest in the Baird Fund had included mention of this feature: That there might be a continuing participation of the dead through.all the years in the affairs of Beta Theta Pi on payment of ten dollars, fifty cents a year, approximately, being received by the fraternity, “ long as time shall last or earth shall have a day.” But the first real suggestion of the deeper significance of the Great Memorial Roll came with the publication of the names of those, in true sense illustrative of the slogan, “ Once a Beta, always a Beta.” The power of the sentiment behind it grows with each pass­ ing year. W hat a tremendous thing it would be if the flame were kept burning on every chapter altar— the flame of love and devotion of every brother of the bond, an eternal flame of memory and of continuing service, A s when in living fire a spirit dwells.

THE GREAT MEMORIAL ROLL Allen Sidney D a v is ............................................... Denison ’oo Gilman Robinson D a v is ....................................... Denison ’78 Robert W . Ellison D a v is ..................................... Denison ’79 Stanley D e a n ..........................................................Washington ’05 James Leon de Fremery ................................... California ’82 Henry Adelbert Delano ........................................Denison ’69 Michael Joseph Delehanty, Tr............................. Bowdoin ’20 Robert Hamilton D e v in e ............ ........................Bethany ’84 William Hovey D e w e v ....................................... Illinois ’12 " Henry Groves D in n in g....................................... Vanderbilt ’29 John Minor D ithm er................................. ..........Purdue ’28 John Wilbur D o r s t............................................... Wittenberg ’22 William Thomas D o v e ll....................................... (Whitman) Alfred Claiborne D o w n s..................................... Kenyon ’81 Adolphus Spring D u d ley..................................... Miami ’58 JO H N H O L T D U N C A N ................................. Miami ’40 Charles Henry D u n cker..................................... Washington ’14 Alfred Crayton D y e r ........................................... Kenyon ’79 James Raymond E b n o th er.................................Kansas ’13 Elijah Evan E d w a rd s......................................... DePauw ’53 George Lane Edwards, Jr....................................Yale ’18 Francis Glover E ld rid g e..................................... Idaho ’27 Lloyd Alvin E llin gto n ............................... ..........Idaho ’ 16 Walter Henry E n d le ........................................... Kenyon ’ 17 Garrett Cook E n lo w ........................................... Ohio ’19 Henry Baird Favill . ... ........................................Wisconsin ’80 William Mead Ferris, Jr..............................:. . .K nox ’15 William Alexander F ie ld ..................................... Stevens ’91 George F itc h ......................................................... Knox ’97 Emmett Vincent F itzg e ra ld ...............................Bethany ’24 Sam Walter F o s s ................................................. Brown ’82 W alter Jefferson F o u te ....................................... Chicago ’ 12 Delmar Denham F r it t s ....................................... Kansas ’30 Henry Marshall Furman, Jr................................Oklahoma ’ 15 William Everett G a rvin ....................................... Westminster ’80 Donald Ferguson G a y e r ..................................... Case ’26 Sidney G e ffo rd ............................................... .. Bethany ’24 Charles Champion G ilb ert................................... Ohio ’43 Ralph Gregory G i l l ............................................. Wisconsin ’22 Thomas Andrew Gillespie, I I .............................Yale ’25 Donald Smith G ord on ......................................... Centre ’02 T H O M A S B O S T O N G O R D O N .......... ..

Miami ’40 Christopher Columbus G o s e ............................... (Whitman) * Eugene Gilmer G reen law ................................... Vanderbilt ’22 William Alfred G r e g g ....................................... Cincinnati ’ 14 Willard Kanada Gwin . ..................................... Idaho ’09 Luther Alfred H a g a r ......................................... Union ’ 14 Daniel Galer Hagarty ........................................Toronto ’ 16 James Guy H a g e n ............................................... North Carolina ’25

395

394

BETA LIFE

Bruce Frank B ro w n ....................................... .Denison ’91 James Taylor B r o w n ............ .............................. Cornell ’76 Roy Chetwynde B r o w n ....................................... Denison ’15 Fred Browne ........................................................Denison’02 Louis Mason B r u c h ............................................. Michigan ’16 John Charles B u rch ard ....................................... Beloit ’92 Roy Livingston B u r n s ....................., ...................Wesleyan ’ 10 Ralph Myler B utterfield.....................................Colorado College 24 A lfa Eugene B y e ................................................. North Dakota ’24 William Byron C a d y ........................................... Michigan ’82 Charles Edwin Caldwell, J r . ............ .................. Illinois ’ 11 Alonzo Philetas C arpen ter.............. ..................Williams ’49 Franklin George Carpenter.................................Wooster ’77 H arry Monroe C arp en ter...................................Denison ’94 Henry Martyn C a r t e r ............ ............................ Denison ’86 Albert Aubrey C a s t le ............ ............................ Denison ’84 Edward Howard C a s t le ..................................... Denison ’88 Lambertson Harold C h aille.................................Denison ’14 Edward Bruce C handler..................................... Michigan ’58 William Hopkins C h a n d le r...............................Yale ’ 15 Edwin William C h ild s......................................... Western Reserve ’57 Ralph Huntington Clarke ....................................Amherst ’03 Frederick C la tw o rth y ......................................... Denison ’69 Ner William C lin e ............................................... DePauw ’17 John C o b u rn ..........................................................Wabash ’46 George Perry C o le r ............................................. Ohio ’82 Schuyler C o lf a x ................................................... DePauw ’54 Samuel Herbert C o llin s.......... ............................ Denison ’74 Varnum Daniel C o llin s .......... ............................ Wabash ’50 Howard Field C o r w in ......................................... St. Lawrence ’05 William Henry C o rw in .......... ............................ Miami ’49 John Ichabod C ovin gton ..................................... Miami ’70 Clinton C o w e n ............................... ...................... Denison ’91 W arwick Miller C o w g ill..................................... Kenyon ’81 George Strain Cox ................................................Kenyon ’87 James Lawrence C o x ............ ............................ Denison ’69 William Van Zandt C o x ........ ............................ Ohio Wesleyan ’74 Frederick C rabtree............................................... Carnegie ’89 Buell Spurgeon Crawf ord ................................... Colorado ’23 Rogers C ritten d en ............................................... Missouri ’19 Thomas Theodore Crittenden.............................Centre ’55 Stephens Croom .................................................... North Carolina ’59 John Calhoun Culbertson ................................... Ohio ’43 Ulysses Thompson C u rr a n .................................Miami ’56 Lanson Stage C u rtis ............................................. Denison ’96 Robert Miller D a ile y ...........................................Indiana ’26 James Ganson D an iels......................................... Kansas ’13 Clark W alter Davenport ...................................Wesleyan ’23 Howard Salisbury D avidson...............................Northwestern ’26

THE GREAT MEMORIAL ROLL Robert Eugene Jones ......................................... Denison ’30 Herbert Lyon J o n e s .......... . . ............................ Denison ’86 Norman William Jones ................... .................... DePauw ’95 Ralph Kneeland J o n es.......... . ............................ Maine ’86 Frank Melville J o y c e ............ .. ........................... DePauw ’82 Curtis Elmer K e ls o ............................................. Illinois ’05 Harry Jay K e n d ig ............................................... Denison ’86 Samuel Harris K e r r .............. .......................... .Texas ’24 Benjamin Keys . ............................................. .. - Denison ’74 Harry Lardner K e y s .............. ............................ Denison ’73 William Barr K e y s ................ ..

Denison ’74 Arthur Claude K id d o o .......... ............................ Colorado College ’28 Albert John K im m e l.............. ............................ Colgate ’86 Ira Wells Kimmell . .. . ..................................... Bethany ’95 Edwin Russell Kingsland ........................... .

Colorado ’ 14 James Woodson K in n a rd ................................... Centre ’24 Elmer Ellsworth K itc h e n ................................... Denison ’86 Arthur Gerald K n ig h t......................................... Toronto ’18 JO H N R E IL Y K N O X ........ 7 ....................... .Miami ’39 Fred Albert Korsmeier. ..................................... Kansas State ’ 16 Irving Hubner Krengel ..................................... Beloit ’14 Joseph Rucker L a m a r ......................................... Bethany ’77 Milton Slocum Latham ..................................... Washington-Jefferson ’45 Walter Crane Ledyard ........................................Centre ’99 Fergus Sidney Lee . .. ........................................Tulane ’08 John Charles L e e ................................................. Illinois ’ 14 Manderson L e h r ........ ........................ ................B e lo it’18 Herman Frederick L ie b e r ................................. Indiana ’25 D A V ID L IN T O N ..............................................Miami ’39 Harold Edgar Loud . .........................................Michigan ’18 John Hogarth L o z ie r ........ .. .DePauw ’57 Horace Harmon L u r to n ..................................... Cumberland ’67 Ralph Gordon Lusk .......................................

Denison ’22 Augustus Davis L y n c h .......... ............................ DePauw ’57 George Edmond M acD onnell.............................Pennsylvania ’ 15 David Mack . . ......................................................Miami ’41 Kenneth MacLeish ............................................. Yale ’ 18 Thomas Francis McCaffery, Jr........................... Colorado College ’23 Albert McCalla ........................... .................. .. . . Monmouth ’67 Thomas Smith M cClelland........ ........................ Beloit ’64 David Waddle McClung . ......................'............ Miami ’54 James Rogers M cC on n ell............................... . .Virginia ’ 11 Edgar Scott McCoy ........................................... Denison ’77 Howard Alexander M cC racken.........................Iowa State ’26 John Alexander Porter M c G a w .........................Miami ’56 John Heyward McKenzie ................................. Boston ’84 Nicholas McLean ........................................... .. Illinois’16 William Edgar M cW a d e........ . ...L. . . . . . . . . .Denver ’24

397

396

BETA LIFE

Archibald William Hamilton . . .........................Miami ’42 David Gilbert H am ilto n .....................................DePauw ’65 Robert Gordon Hamilton ............ .................... Toronto *15 ? runkA? H a n fo r d ............................................. .. Naval Academy ’66 J ohn Alexander Hanna ..................................... Kansas State ’27 C H A R L E S H E N R Y H A R D I N .....................Miami ’41 ' Clifton Battle H a rg ro v e ..................................... Vanderbilt ’23 John Marshall Harlan ................................. .. .(Centre ’50 Samuel J. H a r r is ................................................. Dickinson ’19 James Cuthbert H a r tn e y ................................... Toronto ’07 George Boys H a rw o o d ....................................... Denison ’20 Anton Frederick H a u s ....................................... Wesleyan ’ 12 James Henry H e a t h ........................................... Idaho ’27 A rly Luther H e d rick .......................................... y ale ’08 Robert Stauffer Heizer ..................................... K ansas’n Charles Richmond H enderson...........................Chicago ’70 Frank L. H enderson............ , . ..........................Missouri ’88 John Herschel H en d erson .................................Whitman ’ 18 John Earl H e n r y ...... .........................................Illinois ’06 Andrew Dousa H e p b u rn ................................... Washington-Jefferson William Edgar H e r r ...........................................Wesleyan ’15 Henry Burt H e r r ic k ........................................... Western Reserve ’88 John Williamson H e r r o n ................................... Miami ’45 Robert Foster H ig h t ........................................... Indiana ’88 Harry Newton H i l l ............................................. Kenyon ’87 Robert Bennett Hiller, Jr.................................. .Brown ’24 George Hoadly ................................................... Western Reserve ’44 Ripley Christian H o ffm a n .................................Ohio ’43 Howard Wesley H o la d a y ................................... Idaho ’ 16 Herluin Gates Hopkins....................................... Denison ’21 Daniel S. H o w a r d ............................................... Brown ’02 John Turner H o w a rd ......................................... Toronto ’13 William Penn Huleatt ....................................... Colorado Mines ’20 Harrison Hume ................................................. Dartmouth ’66 John H u m ph rey....................................................Ohio ’81 Fenner Bush H u n t ............................................. Beloit ’63 Wilbur Alden Hunt ........................................... Denison ’ 10 Marshall Newton H u r d ........ ............................ Knox ’89 Arthur Lewis H u g h e s ...... ...................................Denison ’79 Henry Parr Hynson ............................................Johns Hopkins ’07 Stanley Hunt I v e s ................................................Yale ’27 John Henry James ............................................. Denison ’72 Morrison Cutler J a m e s ....................................... Bowdoin ’24 Arthur Payne J a y c o x ......................................... Whitman ’20 William Leeming J e lliffe ........ ................ .. .Y ale ’23 W alter Kendall J e w e tt....................................... Brown ’91 Oliver John J o b s e ............................................... Beloit ’09 Henry Hunter Johnson....................................... Miami ’40 William Byron Jo h n so n ..................................... Columbia ’23

THE GREAT MEMORIAL ROLL

399

Theodore Sill P a y n e ........................................... Western Reserve ’49 Timothy Dwight P e lto n ..................................... Western Reserve ’48 Augustus Winnitt P e te r s ................................... Davidson ’25 Charles Moore Peters g......................................... Denison ’02 Walton Burnside P e te r s .....................................Dickinson ’26 Ellison David W. P e tte y s ................................. Colgate ’82 Judson Ledlie P h ilip s ......................................... Denison ’81 Thomas Wendell P h ilip p s ................................. Denison ’74 Mason D. P h illip s........................................... g .Denison ’73 Leland Virden P ie rso n ....................................... Northwestern ’15 Myron David P i k e ........................................... .Wabash ’22 Frank Lewis P itk in ............................................. Beloit ’97 Ernest William P o n z e r........ .............................. Illinois ’00 Willard Henry P o o le .........................................Amherst ’86 Alfred Thruston P o p e ................ ...................... Bethany ’62 Albert Gallatin P o r te r ......................................... DePauw ’43 Raeburn Henry P o s t ........................................... Illinois ’04 John Jones P o w e ll............................................... Denison ’70 Donald Husted P o w e rs ............ .......................... Denison ’03 Franklin Patterson P r in d le ...............................Syracuse ’25 William Hughes P ritch ard ................................. Denison ’74 Jacob J. P u g sle y ................................................... Miami ’59 Leigh Whitfield Rabel ....................................... University of Washington ’26 George Creath R a n k in ....................................... Monmouth ’72 Wyllys Cadwell R an som ........ ........................... Michigan ’48 Gordon R e c to r ............ . .........., .......................... Denison ’20 Jonathan R e e s ..................................................... Denison ’67 Burton Ralph R eynolds......................................Colorado ’19 Russell B. R ic e ......................................................Denison ’76 Frank Junior R obertson ..................................... Oklahoma ’30 Gilbert Phillips R obinson................................... Washington State ’21 Owsley Booker Robinson................................... Massachusetts Institute ’26 Kenneth R o g e r s ................................................... Syracuse’ 17 William King R o y ............................................... Cornell ’76 M IC H A E L C L A R K S O N R Y A N ...................Miami ’39 George Frederic S a a l ......................................... Cornell ‘87 Rollin D. S a lisb u ry.............................................. Beloit ’81 William Webster S a n t ....................................... Kenyon ’14 Junius Irving S c a le s .............................* ............North Carolina ’53 Gordon Lockwod S ch en ck .................................Y a le ’ 18 Clarence William S ch n e lle ................................. Washington ’ 12 Charles John S eam an ......................................... Denison ’71 Siver S eru m gard ................................................. Minnesota ’90 Augustus Theodore S e y m o u r...........................Denison ’96 Edward Cornelius S eym ou r...............................St. Lawrence ’ 19 William Clement S h a fe r ..................................... Denison ’88 Alfred S h a r p ....................................................... DePauw ’17 Homer Vergil S h a rp e ......................................... Knox ’20 William Hughes Shep ard ................................... Denison ’07

398

BETA LIFE

Maurice Edward IVIalone................................... Toronto ’17 Robert AVood Miarkwick ................................... Colgate *15 Leigh Miltz M a r lo w ........................................... Yale ’30 David Calhoun M arq u is..................................... Washington-Jefferson Richard Charles M a rsh ....................................... Kenvon ’it; S A M U E L T A Y L O R M A R S H A L L .......... ! .Miami ’40 Charles IVIeeks IVIason.......... ............................ Rutgers ’97 Rodney Mason ................................... ................Washington-Jefferson Willis Edgar M a s o n ........................................... Washington State ’18 Richard Hartwell Mather ................................... Yale ’20 Guinn Whitehurst M a tte r n ............................... Miami ’ 17 Stanley M a tth e w s............................................... Cincinnati ’40 Robert Evans Maxwell ..................................... Washington-Jefferson Ulysses Mercer ................................................... Washington-Jefferson Charles Wesley Merrill ..................................... Denison ’96 Lloyd W esley M e tc a lf....................................... Idaho ’26 Herbert Lass. M ille r ........................................... Knox ’ 13 Thomas Greene M itch ell..................................... Cincinnati ’40 Thomas James M o n ilaw ..................................... Chicago ’24 David Hastings M o o r e ....................................... Ohio ’60 Douglas Marsten M o o r e ..................................... Denison ’18 Elisha M o rg a n ......................................................Beloit ’63 James Lucian M o r r is ......................................... Hanover ’87 Donald Whitcombe M orrison.............................Toronto ’ 19 Oliver Perry M o rto n ........................................... Miami ’47 Spencer Beach M o s e le y ..................................... Denison ’99 Edmund Harris M u n g er..................................... Miami ’48 Orville James N a v e ............................................. Ohio Wesleyan ’70 John Thomas N a y lo n ......................................... Michigan ’ 15 Elwyn Faucett Nelson ....................................... Denison ’94 John Stoughton N ew b e rry ................................Michigan ’47 John Strong N ew b e rry....................................... Western Reserve ’46 William Schmiddlapp N ich o las.........................Hanover ’n Harry Reid N ich olson ....................................... Toronto ’ 17 John Willock N o b le ............................................. Miami ’50 Charles Douglas O ’C o n n o r................................. Wooster ’80 Herbert Francis O lm stead ................................. Washington-Jefferson Henry Sayre O sb orn e.........................................Beloit ’62 William Bishop Owen ....................................... Denison ’87 George Welshman O w e n s .......... ...................... Washington-Lee ’70 Alexander P a d d o ck ............................................. Miami ’41 Charles Winslow P a lm e r ...................................Western Reserve ’48 Leon Palmer ........................................................Washington State ’20 Porteus Broderick P a lm e r................................. Minnesota ’09 Roy Sheldon P a r k e r ........................................... Illinois ’03 Robert Wilkes P arso n s.......... ............................ Wabash ’14 William Cheney P a r s o n s ................................... Western Reserve ’63 Frank Stuart Patterson.......... ............................ Yale ’ 18

TH E GREAT MEMORIAL ROLL William Dowler Turner .. . ...............................Bethany ’95 Burton Banks T u tt le ........................................... Denison ’87 Cornelius Harold Van Bruggen . .....................California (L .A .) ’30 A lfred William V a n c e ......................................... Oklahoma State ’ 16 Leslie Waggener, Jr..............................................Dartmouth ’26 Stuart Lanier W a lc o tt....................................... Wabash ’00 Charles Louis W a ld u c k ..................................... Illinois ’13 Charles Duy W a lk e r ........................................... Virginia Military ’69 Jesse Durbin W a r d ............................................. Miami ’43 Edward Newell W a r e .........................................Northwestern ’19 Warrington Karthaus LaVake W a rw ic k ........ Kenyon ’84 Osric Mills W a tk in s ........................................... Wabash 18 Frank Jay W e lc h ................................................. Knox ’22 Andrew Smith W ellin gton .................................Pennsylvania ’ 18 William Henry W e s t ........................................... Washington-Jefferson 45 Charles Stetson Wheeler ................................... California 84 Logan Wheeler ................................................... Washington S ta te ’ 18 Ared Frazier W h it e ........................................... DePauw ’67 Rhodes Millard W h itle y ..................................... Washington-Lee ’23 John Whitney ..................................................... Miami ’40 Clarence Otis W illia m s.......................................Brown ’83 Edmund A . W illiam s........................................... Denison ’89 Frederick Obadiah W illia m s.............................Denison ’92 Roger W illia m s................................................... Miami ’72 Frederick George W ilm se n ............................... Pennsylvania ’ 18 Joseph Gardner W ilso n ....................................... Miami 46 Robert Underwood W ils o n ...............................Ohio ’82 Robert William W ils o n ..................................... Miami ’40 Harold Arthur W in g ra v e ...................................Denison ’14 Henry Adam W i s e ............................................. Denison ’70 Oliver Spencer W ith e rb y ................................... Miami ’36 Alfred Conwell W o o le y .......................J............Denison 78 William Burnham Woods ................................... Western Reserve ’45 Henry Talcott W r ig h t ....................................... Beloit ’66 John Logan Y a t e s ............................................... Colorado Mines ’ 13 Frederick George Young . ................................. Johns-Hopkins 86 John Y o u n g ......................................................... St. Lawrence ’24 Robert Harvey Y o u n g ............ .......................... Washington-Jefferson 69 ★ ★ ★ They rest, they sleep the dreamless sleep W hile cycles move.

But in our hearts eternally we keep Their faith and love.

★ ★ ★

401

400

BETA LIFE

Daniel Shepardson ............................................. Denison ’88 Daniel Shepardson ............................................. (Denison) «pp m ■ A friend of Beta Theta Pi Eliza Smart Shepardson (Mrs. Daniel) ........ (Denison) Mother of three Beta sons J ohn Whitcomb S hepardson .............................Denison ’05 William Collins Sheppard .................................Denison ’84 Bertram Morgan S h erlo ck .................................Iowa State ’24 Louis S h ie l............................... . .......................... Brown ’86 Samuel Lawrence Sidwell . . . ........................... Dickinson ’20 Edward S ig e r fo o s ........................................ .'0 hio State ’91 Ernest Alroy Simpson .................................. .Toronto ’ 15 Joseph Donaldson Simpson ............................... Toronto ’12 Ralph Townsend Simpson ..................................Stanford ’ 16 James White Slocum ............................................Denison ’72 Marshall Christopher Slocum ........................... Denison ’78 J A M E S G E O R G E S M IT H . , .......... .. ...........Miami ’40 Lathrop Ezra S m it h ........................................... Beloit ’62 Robert Wilson S m it h ............ .......................... .'Williams ’50 Edward Chamberlain S n e l l ........

Wismnsin ’06 Geoffrey Allan S n o w ............ ............Toronto ”16 Gaylord Kenyon S n y d e r..................................... Stanford ’13 Gustave Leon S o n ia t........................................... Tulane ’11 William Eastman Spandow . . ........................... Denver ’18 Stephen Tucker Sp au ld ing.................................Michigan ’27 William Cyrus S p ra g u e .......... .......................... Denison ’81 Henry Strong S p rin g er.......... . .......................... Illinois ’10 William McKendree Springer .. . . . . . ............ Illinois College ’58 Edward Lee S t e e le .............. .............................. Wesleyan ’94 Russell Lee S te in e rt........................................... Dartmouth ’ 12 Edward Bruce Stevens . .................................... Miami ’43 Maurice Stiefel, Jr.................. ............................ Utah ’21 Gaillard S t o n e y ................................................... California ’88 Benjamin Franklin Stowell ............................... Ohio ’66 George Stacey S tra tfo rd ..................................... Toronto ’ 16 Riley Evans S tra tto n ................ .......................... Miami ’44 John Wallace S tro h eck er................................... Idaho ’11 Rush T a g g a r t........................................................Wooster ’71 Erie G. T a y lo r ..................................................... Colorado College ’24 John Isaac T a y lo r ............................................... Ohio ’60 Leon Rutherford T a y lo r ................................... Denison ’07 Edwin Holland T e r r e ll....................................... DePauw ’71 Stephen Dows T h a w ........................................... Yale ’07 A lfred Louis Thompson ................................... Pennsylvania ’04 Charles Telford T h o m p son ...............................Denison ’73 Gates Phillips T h u rsto n ..................................... Miami ’55 John Boswell T o r ia n ...... ................................... Wabash ’ 14 Eber Theran Tuller ........................................... Kenyon ’88 Joseph Salathiel T u n is o n ................................... Denison ’73 James Henry T u rem a n .............. ........................ Westminster ’26

W O O G L IN -O N -C H A U T A U Q U A

403

The club was located on the eastern shore of Chautauqua Lake near the head of the lake and opposite Mayville. The water frontage was about a quarter of a mile, the depth about half that distance. The ground rose de­ lightfully from the lake to the club house. Behind the property was the rail­ road with the club’s own platform, no need of a station the trains stopped on signal— and beyond the railroad was the highway with the farm house which was also the telegraph office and post office— “ Wooglin, N ew York.”

The clubhouse was built in the spring of 1884 frame, quite up to the standard of summer hotels of the period, well arranged and entirely adequate.

There was a good well on the place, a windmill, and a tank. Summer club­ houses in those days had no running water in the guest rooms and no private bathrooms. Kerosene lamps were the universal custom. There was a billiard table up on the fourth floor in the tower. The club owned a fifty-foot steam yacht and its own w h a rf; the lake steamers stopped at Wooglin wharf on signal. There were bath houses and rowboats, a baseball diamond and a tennis court.

The “ office” or lobby was spacious with a most attractive open fireplace.

The stairs were wide as they left the main floor and at the landing half way up divided and continued to the right and left to the second floor. On the landing was a very good stained glass window, the Beta dragon holding the shield; and, depicted thereon, the altar with Father Wooglin swearing the youth to eternal loyalty. It made a lasting impression on all who saw it.

In the lobby on the wall over the door to the dining room on the opposite side of the room from the fireplace was the strange legend “Thebe stisgo oden ough forus” f and when you heard the “ Oi Ouranioi” of Professor Gaines and his. St. Lawrence Cantonese, and actually saw Pater Knox talking to Major Ransom and Robb and Hanna and Shepardson, and then, just a little apart as became undergraduates, noted Dudley Hard, Bert Snell and Dwight Mor­ row, then in truth it was evident that the best was good enough for the chosen ones.

The Convention o f 1884 met at Wooglin and was an unqualified success.

The future of the club seemed assured. Now from the standpoint of the fraternity note the date— 1884. There were few chapter houses in Beta Theta Pi in those days— Amherst, Cornell, Michigan— 1884 to 1894 was the decade in which the fraternity changed from a chapter hall fraternity to a chapter house fraternity, and the change although gradual was of great moment. The change was from an era of small financial burden in each chapter; for the “ hall/’ two rooms and anteroom and perhaps a small kitchen over the college book store, could be rented for a small sum and the matter of heat and light was not heavy. A chapter hall meant a chapter of varying size, eight, ten, a dozen or twenty, one year; and the same chapter doubled or halved the next year or the year following as the “ Beta material” in the Freshman class waxed or waned. The new members were chosen one at a time on the basis of pure friendship and congeniality.

W ith the chapter house came the chapter of twenty to thirty members; for eight or ten were too few to pay the rent and make up the cost of operation of a dwelling and the more-than-twenty membership had to be maintained each year. Even a twenty-four chapter meant a delegation of eight in the Freshman class of whom five might be top notchers, two pretty good, but perhaps the last one was a “ filler.” O f course the chapter house meant living

Chapter V I I — Side Lights on Beta Life

W OOGLIN-ON-CHAUTAUQUA M a jo r G eo rg e M . C h a n d le r ,

Michigan

’98

A party of Beta Theta Pi alumni, while en route to the recent Saratoga Convention (of 1883) stopped at Lake Chautauqua, New Y ork.”

Ihus begins the narrative of one of the things which has played a great part m the life of our fraternity. Although the Wooglin Club was in active existence for only ten years, during that period eight conventions were held

W O O G L IN C L U B H O U S E

there— the Conventions of 1884, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892 and 1893.

The club was Charles J. Seaman’s idea; the legal title was the “ Beta Theta Pi Alumni Club.” It was incorporated under the laws of Ohio on March 5, 1884; the place of its principal office was stated to be Cleveland; the names of the incorporators were John I. Covington, Miami ’70, Cincinnati, Ohio; Sylvester G. Williams, Ohio Wesleyan ’77, Cincinnati, Ohio James D.’ Cleve­ land, Western Reserve ’44, Cleveland, Ohio; Charles J. Seaman, Denison 71, Cleveland, Ohio; Isaac N. Himes, W^ashington and Jefferson ’53, Cleve­ land, Ohio; and Charles D. O ’Connor, Wooster ’77, Cleveland, Ohio. The following composed the first board of trustees, John Reily Knox, Miami ’39, Greenville, Ohio; John I. Covington, Miami ’70, Cincinnati, Ohio; Edwin H. Terrell, DePauw ’71, San Antonio, Texas; Charles J. Seaman, Denison ’71, Cleveland, Ohio; Charles D. O ’Connor, Wooster ’77, Cleveland, Ohio; and Warrington K. L. Warwick, Kenyon ’84, Massillon, Ohio.

A C L U B ’S W A R W O R K

4-05

opened in 1894. The convention met at Niagara Falls in the hope that at the last minute it might be held at W ooglin; but 1893 was the last year of grace.

On June 28, 1901, the clubhouse was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.

Yes, the Wooglin Club was in active operation for a single decade only, but its influence in Beta Theta Pi was deep and vital.

W O O G L IN C L U B H O U S E F R O M T H E L A K E

A CLUB’S W AR WORK W

il l ia m

F.

M

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Iowa

’86

When the United States entered the W orld W ar, the Beta Theta Pi Club of New York was still at No. 1 Gramercy Park. In May, 1917, it removed to a new location at 40 East Fortieth Street, having an annex at 96 Park Avenue, which was connected by a passageway with the main house just around the corner. Things were still in the process of getting settled when the first influx of soldiers and sailors began. It was evident from the beginning that, if the .club were to do its duty and rise to the oppor­ tunity presented, it must largely forget its function as a local metropolitan club and become a national and international institution for the entertain­ ment of all Betas on their way to camp and to the front. It must become a combined barracks, canteen, and port of embarkation for Betas in the service. W ith this purpose in mind, the club resolved to throw all that it had available of space, supplies, and service to meet the sudden and extra­ ordinary emergency. This sometimes taxed our resources to the straining point, requiring the exercise of more or less ingenious, not to say weird,

404

BETA LIFE

and/ ru0bably eating tQgether and that made a powerful bond and ness tra in in g °bnf ^ ^ v r ? y had/ Readying effect and provided good busitime an H at fn ? ° t JS • absolute freedom of election, one at a , * } ' ? tlmc; during the entire four years, were about over • the dele­ gation had to be made up in the fall, the overhead had to be met 1 he chapter was approaching the club— how one hates to say it— and it r c t e r t a t a t l ' f ” , t\ * orma‘ ive ° f * e fraternity to stamp character into the fraternity^ Note the preposition used— ‘into” not “onto.” And he^r.ei^ came u n Club’s £reat service to Beta Theta Pi, a service which has never been properly recorded in enduring print.

■ v ra” k Slsson t(?ld me twent7 years ago that one of the distinct epochs in the ‘‘M'1>aS XV i UmnJnr 1891 when he came to Wooglin from out ventinn Th 7 *5 k ^ 01S t0 yePresent his chapter at the Beta conu ? ii T arrived by boat as the sun was casting long shadows The boat pulled up to the wharf and the boys piled out and stepped into a group of somewhat older men. A dignified gentleman grasped his hand and he looked into the kindly eyes of my father whom he instinctively recognized the counterpart of his own father, the only difference being that one was his own tlesh and blood the other was only his brother in Beta Theta Pi— only his older Beta brother.

J And so year after year the convention met at Wooglin and year after year the older men went there to spend the summers with their wives and families. Pater and Mrs. Knox, M ajor and Mrs. Ransom, General Smith, Governor Beaver, Professor and Mrs. Gordon, Captain Davies, T M Bax™r’ a ^ vernor Porter, Captain and Mrs. J. C. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs A. D. Rich, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Chandler, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Scott HePb^ rns’ M r- and Mrs. Harry Warren, Mr. and Mrs. Junius Beal’ Mr. and Mrs. W . K. L. Warwick, Dr. Reamy, Professor Gaines, the Hamiltons, Lon Snyder, the Worralls, General Thruston, Dr. Ramsay, the Sea­ mans, the Terrells, the Covingtons, Dr. Himes, Syl. Williams, Ed Good, Will Eugene Wambaugh, Chambers Baird, Raimond Baird, Will Siebert, Cal. Hanna, Frank Shepardson, the Thornburgs, Dr. Marquis two or three Manleys, Walton Mitchell, Willard Austen, Professor Hume’ George Billman, Charlie Sigerfoos, Fred Beekman, Wallace Farrington, Billy Graves, Charlie Trabue^-it would take pages to record them all. O f course, they weren’t all there every summer, but there was always a goodly group of worthy Betas which gave steadiness and dignity to the actual conventions and which gave all that we crudely call culture to every nook and cranny of Wooglin.

It was indeed a wonderful experience for the young man of college age to have a week or a summer in that atmosphere of Beta Theta Pi and in those surroundings of American family life at its very simplest and very best.

And so true it was and so great an impression did it make on the fraternity and on the undergraduates that last year in the Paris Opera House between the acts when everybody walks out in the grand hall to see and to be seen, Fred Beekman, the dean of the American Cathedral in Paris, told me the same story in almost the same words which Frank Sisson had used twenty years ago.

For a combination of reasons, principally financial, the club was not

THE BETA DRAGON

407

to embark. Soon the return tide set in and for the past few months we have been a port of debarkation, as of embarkation before. Thank God, most of the boys that we sent over have come back J some it is true with wound stripes, but at any rate back, and back to the old home. Needless to say we have welcomed them with open arms. Needless to say that what we have is theirs to command. Only the other day, one of these boys who had embarked from the club returned with four service stripes and two wound stripes, but well again. Soon he imparted to the writer that he was to be married, and would like to stay at the club till the happy day. And so he did, thereby establishing a new record for the club. For while many of the boys had both embarked and disembarked at the club, none before him had in addition to these two sailings, embarked from the club also upon the overseas cruiser “ Matrimony.”

In concluding this article the writer feels that he should call attention to the natural inference that should be drawn from the war work of the New Y ork Club. This work, however imperfectly it may have been per­ formed, was in its character, national and even international. To the New York Club all Betas “ looked alike,” whether from north, south, east or west. All found here a home; even though it may have been with all the discomforts of home---still a home.

Beta Theta Pi nationally should have such a home. Each of the fortyeight states of the union has its state capitol. Each of the seventy-nine chapters of Beta Theta Pi has its capitol building— -its chapter house. The United States of America has its national Capitol building. But United Beta Theta Pi, national Beta Theta Pi, has no such building unless it be the New York Club. W hy cannot the club of New Y ork become officially as well as in fact our national capitol. New Y ork is the logical place for such a national club, not only because the club is already established here with a membership representing every state in the union, but because hundreds of Betas from all over the country come every year to this commercial center, either on temporary business or to establish themselves permanently.

True, Beta Theta Pi is a spiritual rather than a physical institution; it is like “ an house of God, made without hands, eternal in the heavens.” But to man, who is of the earth earthy, some physical and tangible structure is necessary to the preservation and the best life of even the most spiritual institutions. W hy should we not make the Beta Theta Club of New York such a physical manifestation of our national fraternal spirit? W hy should we not make of it “ the outward and visible sign of the inward and spiritual grace,” of Beta Theta Pi, nationally and internationally?

(From Beta Theta Pi, November 1919, page 213.)

THE BETA DRAGON Charles J. Seaman, Denison ’71, editor of the fraternity catalogue of 1881, gave the information upon which the following note about the dragon was written, he being the “ well-known Beta” mentioned: “ The Epsilon chap­ ter cut, in which a dragon stands guard over the altar o f Beta Theta Pi, has really become a recognized emblem of the fraternity. Its growing use furnishes an illustration of the readiness with which Beta Theta Pi adopts

406

BETA LIFE

wemPam l°H tn t l t f *° h° U/ e the, inc°ming throngs. But for the most part we managed to take care of nearly all of the boys in some way or other JL ™ WCTe -aWay’ and theSe tried t0 find P,aces for elsewhere' still taking care of their personal effectsweand mail.

So, through the lengthening months of the war, we tried to play our part as a way , taboo for the hundreds o f Beta pilgrim-crusaders as they made their progress toward camp and overseas. Thus we became a tenLorary ome and a meeting place for Betas from all over this nation militant. A register was kept m which all were asked to sign their names. Probably o per cent or more failed to sign m their hurry or through oversight, and yet the register today contains 1,038 names of Betas in the service, who either stayed at the club or looked in upon it en route. Every one of the seventy-nine active chapters from Maine to Washington and from Tulane to loronto is represented by one or more of its members, as are also six chap­ ters now defunct. _A s illustrating the truly national character of the club one night we had in the house, by an odd coincidence, eight men from the University of Maine and eight from the University of Washington our extreme east and west chapters. Every day men from the same chapter met u j u ° P1’0'33-'3^ never would have come together during the war. had there not been some central meeting place. Life was just one “blooming’” reunion after another.

The club conceived it to be its duty to go a little further than merely to say, W e welcome you most cordially to our hotel.” Most of the boys were far from home, on a strange mission, in a strange city. W e felt it to be o u rd u ty to say, “ Welcome to your home! Jackson from your chapter is up m 503. Smith was here yesterday and will be back Saturday. How is everything at Siwash, anyway?” W e tried to make it our policy to lend a heart as well as a hand, something so easy to do that it is sometimes over­ looked, but like most simple things reaching out into the elemental springs of human life.

5 W ith this thought in mind, the writer tried always to be on hand if possible when any of the boys went directly from the club to the overseas boat to wish them Godspeed and to slip them a package of cigarettes or some cigars to smoke to the Beta Club on the boat. Approximately three hundred Betas embarked thus directly from the club to the boat and at the club said their last farewell to any one who had a personal interest in them.

It is the saddest experience of the war to the writer of this article and one that he cannot to this day think of without emotion, that some twenty of these sturdy, sterling, high-minded Beta brothers to whom he was the last to bid good-by in America, have never returned. Somewhere in France they lie in the soil made sacred by their unselfish devotion and heroic sacrifice.

Somewhere in the wide Universe of God their spirits must be receiving the reward of that love than which “ no man hath greater”— that he lay down his life for another.

In this connection it might be stated that the club in addition to trying to take care of all Betas whether members or not, contributed about 350 of its own 800 members to the service— nearly 45 per cent, and of these fourteen gave up their lives.

Well, all during the war the boys thus came and went in a steady stream, and even when the armistice was declared we still had a “bunch” waiting

THE BETA DRAGON

409

out any heralding of the fact.” (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X V II, No. 2 page 76.

November-December, 1889.)

One of the earliest advertisements in the fraternity magazine, that of Beeler and Curry, 208 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, offered “ Beta Note Paper” for sale. In this advertisement is a cut, about an inch square, of a griffin, the same advertisement without the griffin having appeared in the previous issue. But in neither advertisement is any mention made of the significance of the griffin as a fraternity design. It is a commonly used one in heraldry. (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. II, No. 2, page 28. February, 1874.)

AW R E T A

N O T E P A P E R

W-

| L

Fine Commercial N ote, Secondary pin, raised, 20, 25, 30 and 35 cents per quire

Envelopes 20, 25, 30 and 35 cents

p er pack, Prim ary or Secondary, in color, 15 cents extra on ach quire and on each pack, Prim ary only, in Blue and Gold or Black and G old, 50 cents extra on each quire and each pack

B est Englis-h T in ts 80 to 90 cents for paper

with E nvelopes in plain Stam p, $1 10 to $1 20 with colored Stam p, and $1.80 to $1 90 w ith C olor and G old Stam p.

D iscounts on 20 quires and 20 packs, 10 per cent

On 4 ream s w ith Envelopes, 15 per cent

Small orders not

subject to discount, m ailed prepaid on receipt o f price, or sent C O D

a t expense o f party ordering.

All orders

discounted, will be sent C O . D . at expense o f party o rd er­ ing, BEELER & CURRY, E n g r a v e r s & S t a t io n e r s ,

208 W est F o u rth Street, Cincinnati, O hio.

A fter a good many years the sentiment about the dragon received fresh stimulus from a song, written by Francis H. Sisson, K nox ’92, with a musical setting by George Fitch, K nox ’97: In days o f yore on a Grecian shore A dragon once ruled, they say, W ith a mail-clad frame and a breath o f flame, There he ruled in a dragon’s own way, T ill death was his lot on a fertile spot, W here they sealed up the dragon’s den; In the soil beneath they sowed his teeth, And the harvest was full-armed men.

Oh, daring and shrewd are the dragon’s brood, Full-armed fo r the battle o f life ; Ever eager to fight for the weak or the right, T h ey are masters in peace or in s tr ife ; Fearless and bold as their sires o f old, Fast flows their blood and w a rm ; This is their trust— to be gentle and just, And this is their safe-guard from harm.

408

BETA LIFE

appropriate and attractive symbols. Not long since in a company of Betas, a ques­ tion arose as to the origin of the dragon as a symbol of our fraternity. The facts seem to be these: When the catalogue of 1881 was in press, the thought came to a well known Beta, as he was walking along the street, of the fabled dragon that guarded the approach to the garden of the gods. W hy not embody that idea in an engraving representing the dragon as guarding the altar, the approach to Beta Theta Pi ? The picture was outlined to a Cleveland artist, G. G. Finn, now dead, and was elaborated by him, the Epsilon cut resulting. As a work of art this en­ graving is a fine one. Willard, a Cleveland artist, speaking of his dead friend’s work, said, “ I regard that dragon cut as Finn’s masterpiece.” Now, on magazine cover, songbook, and fraternity papers generally the dragon is a fixture. Let its lesson not pass unheeded; for, as the fabled monster of old jealously guarded the en­ trance to that sacred garden, so now should the entrance to Beta Theta Pi be protected, if not by a horrible dragon, at least by the watchful care of zealous Beta hearts.” (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X V II, No. 3, page 122, January, 1890.

Article by Francis W . Shepardson.)

Anticipating this dragon story the -v fraternity magazine of the preceding \ month said, editorially: “ The dragon’s first appearance on the magazine was in Jv \ 'S? W October, 1883, but the guise under which |jg^ Y— n he was revealed was almost too realistic IPRSai \\ for the newly initiated. A reaction ensuing, the magazine appeared in September, 1885, with a plain blue cover of simple elegance but without any of the characteristic features of a fraternity .-~v? publication. In October, 1886, the dragon M 4? reappeared under an old-English heading and occupying but half the page. f This cover was retained through the exf istence of the quarterly. The dragon dem sign in it, of whose history a short account will be given in the next number had already become popular as it well deserved.” The opening- sentence of this strong the dragon last month took possession of all the front page of the magazine with-

M a g a z in e

Cover

in

X 8 83 .

T H E R E V I V A L O F T H E M IS S IS S IP P I C H A P T E R A picture taken on the steps of the University of Mississipippi Chapel in which building- initiation and installation cere­ monies were held. It shows Chancellor Hume o f the University, a Vanderbilt Beta, four members of the fraternity s Board o f Trustees, the President, the General Secretary, the General Treasurer, Vice-President Clark, District Chief Marks, Coach Homer Hazel, alumni o f old Beta Beta, visiting Betas, the members of the new Beta Beta, and Wooglin.

4io

BETA LIFE Oh, this is the tale o f the dragon bold, And we are his sons today; Let this be our aim that we cherish his name And bow to the dragon’s sw ay; Loyal and true as the skies of blue, Brave as his own blood, red; W ith souls as bright as the snowy white O f the sands where his blood was shed.

Kenneth Rogers, constantly dreaming about new songs for the fraternity, was much taken with the thought of the dragon’s sons and their aim. He reflected a good deal on the double nature of the storied dragon as both beast and bird. A t length he added a song which quickly won favo r: T he dragon is lord of the beasts of the wold And the ruler o f birds of the air; And W ooglin of old found him dauntless and bold, A s the guard o f his secret lair.

Our pride and our dream is to keep him supreme And we pledge him with hands raised h ig h : “W e ’re the sons of the dragon, and forever more W e are guarding Beta Theta Pi.” T he sons o f the dragon are valiant and brave, E ver ready to enter the fra y;.

Oh, what can assail or what can prevail ’Gainst the strength of the dragon’s sway!

And strong in our might we go forward to fight W ith the shout of our battle c r y : “W e’re the sons o f the dragon, and forever more, W e are guarding Beta Theta Pi.”

THE O DYSSEY OF A DISTRICT CHIEF H. S h e r i d a n B a k e t e l , Dartmouth ’95 Chief of District IV Could Homer, that rare old Greek, have been a seer? Did he have the district chiefs of Beta Theta Pi in mind when he said in the Odyssey : N ow make the wandering Greek their public care, Since all who in the Olympian bower reside Let Hermes to O gygia repair; Bid him, arrived in bright Calypso’s court T he sanction o f the assembled powers report.

Meantime Telemachus, the blooming heir O f seagirt Ithaca, demands my care. ’T is mine to form his green unpracticed years In sage debates, surrounded with his peers, T o save the State.

However that may be, the successful chief of a district in this fraternity of ours must of necessity travel far and wide, not only in his own district but over into the confines of Macedonia, that he may keep in touch with those men confided to his care and learn from the brethren in pther districts how they are conducting their affairs. Each chief, therefore, must be for the term of his office more or less of a wanderer.

TH E O D YSSEY OF A DISTRICT CHIEF

413

riity and chapter affection. The speeches of some of these old grads will long be remembered, especially the silvered words of Dave, Dr. D. J. Carlough, ’92, and Trustee Newton. The presence of this splendid alumni body inspired the undergraduates and with the older men they laid plans that night which augur well for the future of Beta in Wesleyan. The singing was a delight. Wesleyan has for decades been famous for its glee club, which has long had a Beta leader and numerous Beta members. The chapter sang college and fraternity songs at that banquet in a way that sent the thrills up the spine of many an alumnus, who had not responded -to an emotion like that in years. The other New England chapters must look to their laurels, lest Wesleyan win out in the contest for the Sisson Cup, for which it is earn­ estly striving.

A twelve-hour train ride and some more miles in a motor, took the itinerant chief to Hanover, New Hampshire, where is located a college of which Mr. Daniel Webster, of the Class of 1801, said: “ Dartmouth is a small college, but there are those of us who love her,” when he pleaded for the college in the famous Dartmouth College case. No institution of learning has a more beautiful setting. Its forty or fifty buildings stand on a broad plateau, sur­ rounded on three sides by the foothills of the White Mountains. _ On the west placidly flows the lordly Connecticut, dividing New Hampshire from Vermont, and, beyond, the beautiful Green Mountains raise their majestic heads so high that all Hanoverians can see and admire. Beta Theta Pi has been represented in this 150-year-old college since 1858 when Sigma Delta Pi, later amalgamated with our fraternity, was established. The chapter of Alpha Omega has a notable list of alumni and on its undergraduate rolls are some of the most representative of the college body. Dartmouth has long been the home o f democracy, and fraternity feeling is not as strong in Hanover as in some institutions, but its Betas are good Betas and they reflect great credit on their national organization. Alpha Omega does not initiate until February 21 of each college year, and, if nothing unforeseen occurs, thirteen or more freshmen, next Washington’s birthday, will be wearing the Beta badge. The chapter is alive to the necessity of concerted and united action and it will no doubt continue to be as strong collectively as its members are individually.

Another visit took the chief to the college which made Lord Geoffrey Amherst famous. Nestled on a broad plain, surrounded by beautiful hills, it forms one angle of an irregularly formed triangle, with Smith and Mt. Holyoke as the other angles. Oh, fortunate men o f Am herst! Or should we say, Oh, fortunate girls of Smith and Mt. H olyoke! Despite the time neces­ sary to be devoted to the proper education of the sisterhood at these famous institutions of feminine learning, the men of Beta Iota find opportunity to give some attention to their own education, nor do they neglect their fraternity duties. Amherst has one of the best chapter houses in the fraternity and its members are well rounded and properly balanced. Notwithstanding a some­ what unfortunate rushing season, the chapter is in good shape and is repre­ senting the interests of Wooglin to fine advantage. Here, too, we observe the value of a loyal alumni body. The day came not long since when Amherst thought its old house passe, so H. A. Cushing, ’91, favorably known as a former professor in Columbia Law School, but irreverently yclept “ Pete” by some indecorous graduates, communicated with the alumni in this w ise: “ Dear Blank: W e need a new house at Amherst. Your share will be $— .

412

BETA LIFE

The “ Circuit Rider of Beta Theta P i” is what I was recently dubbed by one of our Beta associates when he learned of my transfer from District II to District IV. It is a matter of pride to have served three districts since 1901 and now to be busy with the affairs of the fourth. Students of heredity might with some truth say that in the itinerant nature of these services to the fra­ ternity signs of inherited traits may be seen, for when the itinerant chief first saw the light of day his revered father was a Methodist circuit rider in Ohio and long after he removed to New Hamp­ shire and had a single parish he made use of the old Civil W ar cavalry horse and the sad­ dle bags in the performance of his pastoral duties. The train and motor have usurped the place of the saddle horse but a Beta dis­ trict chief with a large area to cover must needs be an itinerant and a preacher, as well as an adviser, guide, and counsellor. To him are intrusted, to a considerable extent, the lives of many young men whose char­ acters are in the formative stage. His is the duty to show them the way and to ascertain, so far as his time and personal observation will permit, how well they are following in the paths he has pointed out to them. Some of us can bear witness to the value of our services to certain of our boys, whose lives have been turned from the lighter to the more serious things of life. Indeed I make bold to say without fear of contradiction that many a young Beta owes his success in college and after life to the sincere and earnest endeavors of his district chief, who reached out a help­ ing hand at the time it was most needed.

Wesleyan, delightfully located in an at­ tractive city on the banks of the Connecticut River, was the first chapter to be visited in the fall of 1919. Comparison with an offi­ cial visit made in 1901 constantly came to mind. Then the chapter was weak and lived in an old residence far removed from the H. S H E R ID A N B A K E T E L campus. Today Mu Epsilon is strong, the leader in many ways in the college and occupies a delightful house in the fraternity row opposite the college buildings. In 1901 Clarence L. Newton was an undergraduate, a fine scholar, and a football player of renown. Now he is called the uBeta Bishop of New England, and is^ still ^the scholar, a scholarly lawyer. Instead of fighting for football points, “ Newt” has fought his way to the front in Massachusetts legal circles. Mu Epsilon owes its high place in the fraternity of today largely to the efforts of a united and loyal body of alumni. No chapter can point to more enthusiastic Beta graduates A fter the initiation of thirteen splendid freshmen and some upperclassmen, n o sat down to the banquet in the chapter house. O f these more than half were alumni— a wonderful demonstration of frater-

415

TH E O D YSSE Y OF A DISTRICT CHIEF

are carefully chosen after more than a year of college residence, thus per­ mitting the members o f the chapter to become sufficiently well acquainted with the prospective candidates to know who possess “ Beta material. Practically all the physically qualified Beta undergraduates earned commissions during the war. Altogether too many gold stars attest to the valor of those boys.

Now the survivors, a host of them, are back hard at work and they are re­ flecting great credit upon Wooglin. Y ale Betas greet their fellows of the fraternity from other chapters with frank and open-hearted hospitality and after eighteen years’ close observation of Phi Chi, we have no hesitation m |

o

fplWta- f|i.

f

J o fm 3 . Gouin^to**, g& itot, 91®- *98. <M>. S. Q ss't S b itoi, £ a t v Scfioof.

e<.o=9=.

Gi/Moi-rmati., 0 . , S e p tc w G c t 21*t, 1880.

Dear (Brother ■ 1 would respectfully ask you to subscribe to the B e t a T h e t a P i fo r the year 1880-1881.

Terms, One Dollar, in advance.

The

B eta

T h e t a -P i

Fraternity, o f

C ollege Fraternity o f the United States.

w h i c h ' the B e t a T b e t a

P .

is the official organ, is now the leading National

Its advancement within the past few years has been phenomenal.

T h is ad-

vancement necessitated the establishment o f a Fraternity J o u r n a l- n o w entering upon its V I I I v o lu m e -w h .c h calls upon the members o f the Fraternity for their cordial support.

T h e subscription price o f the journal is put at the printers cost,

so that the immense labor o f its preparation, m ailing and business details are borne b y the e d ito r without recompense.

T h e expense o f publication last year was several hundreds o f dollars in excess o f the income.

W e feel that w e have a claim upon all members o f the Fraternity for at least a subscription o f O ne Dollar, especially as \ve can return an equivalent for the amount received.

W e u r g e t h a t you s e n d us your ■subscription at once so that w e may know w hat to depend upon for the com ing year, as vie w ill m t incur any fa r th e r pecuniary loss ky reason o f the fa r th e r publication o f the paper.

T h e preservation o f the honor o f th e Fraternity is incumbent upon you equally w ith ourselves, and the failure to publish the paper rests w ith vou, as w e have made our subscription for the com ing year.

Receipts for all moneys received b y us will be mailed from this office to parties subscribing.

I f you receive no re-

ceipt for .moneys sent, w rite us.

S ix line business card advertisements w ill be inserted for one year for O ne Dollar.

W in. Raim ond Baird, Lock B ox 1848, N e w Y o r k C ity, is our authorized Eastern agent for all business matters connected w ith the paper. , r .

Trusting that you will send us your subscription at once, and that you will urge other Betas to subscribe for the paper, I am

. . . » Y o u r brother i n ------& ------ .

JOH N I. CO VIN G TO N , Editor.

JO H N

I. C O V I N G T O N , Editor B e t a T h e t a P i,

Lock 'Box Mo. 408, Cincinnati, O h io :

Enclosed please find , wu./lii ' '■ --t*--------- ---'D o lla r—.— for which send to the following address, the B e t a T h e t a P i fo r the year 1880-1881. . .; ...................... _____ •• . . ....

.........

..formerly

............ .......................................................... ..............(

---------

County) .................. ..

Chapter, .

..^,.~(&tate).

A M A G A Z IN E C IR C U L A R F R O M C O V IN G T O N

saying that the Beta of Yale loves his fraternity with all the zeal that char­ acterizes the fraternity affection of members of our other chapters. 1 wenty sophomores, representing nine states and territories, from Massachusetts to Hawaii, were initiated November 25. A ll chapters of District II had delegates present and at the banquet they received a most vociferous welcome. Yale University has no more representative fraternity chapter than the Phi Chi of Beta Theta Pi and while neither a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, we predict that Phi Chi will ever stand in the front rank of Beta chapters.

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Please remit promptly as I can’t waste any time in writing.” Needless to say each man remitted. Result— a beautiful home, fully paid for when the boys moved in. The moral of this fable (which differs from other fables in that it is gospel truth, except in the exact wording of Cushing’s letter), is that a loyal alumni body is a necessity in every well regulated Beta household. The chapter which fails to keep in close touch with its alumni is losing its greatest asset and is also sapping some of the fraternity’s strength. Not the least enjoyable feature of the pleasant Amherst initiation banquet, which was at­ tended as usual by many alumni, good delegations from the Eastman and Baily families, and representatives from the other chapters in the district, . was a speech made by Frank M. Lay, ’93, whose chapter interest is doubled on account of the presence therein of his son. Praising the scholarship of Beta Iotans and desirous of further stimulating their interest, he presented the house trustees with $2,000, the income from which will be used for freshman scholarship prizes. This chapter recently received $5,000 from the estate of the late Brother J. V. Scarborough. It would be well if all Betas in making their wills would remember the Founders’ Fund of Beta Theta Pi. Syracuse, in the itinerant’s new district, was the next objective. This great university, built in a large city, but with many of the advantages of the country college, stands out as a beacon light among American educational institutions. Beta Epsilon carries on its rolls men who were initiated into Mystical Seven in 1851 and who, became Betas when we took over that fine old organization years later. The chapter is one of the outstanding bodies in Syracuse’s fraternal world. It has men in all activities and its members do not forget their scholastic obligations. Some are enthusiastic enough to say that the 1923 delegation of thirteen freshmen is the best from that class. Be that as it may, the chapter impresses one as an all around body with a lot of “ pep” and dash. Incidentally, the chapter has all bills paid and has a bank balance of over $700— not bad for a chapter “ shot to pieces” by the war.

The initiation banquet was a doubly joyous affair, for 30,000 people had seen Syracuse defeat its ancient rival, Colgate, in football that afternoon. Many alumni were present, men of influence and some of affluence, and they gave a decided “ boost” to the new $75,000 chapter house scheme which is being engi­ neered by Kenneth Rogers, ’ 17, who is a host unto himself. The new house will surely come. Beta Theta Pi is distinctly alive in the city and university of Syracuse and we may expect much therefrom.

A visit to the Yale chapter is always a treat and this year proved no ex­ ception Yalensian Betas can be counted upon as leaders in fraternity spirit and devotion. Despite the intense loyalty of every Yale man to his college, Wooglin has no more faithful followers than the fine, upstanding, clearthinking and capable members of Phi Chi. The Yale chapter stands for an ideal in Y ale life and we doubt if any chapter in the fraternity has made its presence more definitely felt in its institutional community than Phi Chi It stands for open house, which it possesses and for other changes which will come Tradition dies hard in an old university like that clustered around the New Haven green, but when many of the leading undergraduates of the col­ lege with their eyes fixed on the stars, inaugurate a campaign for those things which men generally acknowledge will result in the greatest good to the great­ est number those things are just naturally bound to happen. Phi Chi is a great chapter not because it is large numerically, but because its members

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happened. No one pursued. There appeared no occasion for our panic, unless it was that one of the boys in the coop saw a big dog, and got panicky for fear it would attack him, or thought he saw one. A t any event the same boys that before entered the coop returned to it and soon emerged with one of them hav­ ing a large turkey. Our band then sneaked away across lots as rapidly as possible. The turk was soon entrusted to my charge. I was so excited for fear of discovery by the bird’s squawking that I clutched its neck tight m my hands. Throughout our journey of about a mile and a half to the Beta house I never relaxed my clutch of the bird’s neck. A s we plunged through the front door of the house into the front hall, some one lit the gas and I let the bird loose. It gave one big hop into the air, on its release, and one loud squawk and then gave up the ghost, strangled!

That was the only turkey stolen for the Beta Turkey-Pull that year. But it was a very gay and festive occasion.

The company was large, the supply of turkey entirely adequate. I was never informed whether any attempt was made to serve the strangled turkey, or whether it was discarded because of its unsanitary demise. I only knew that I ate some turkey with great relish, and without any elaborate inquiry further into its source.

The most thrilling— doubtless alto­ gether the most perilous— “ Pull” ever pulled off occurred during my last year in the K .U . Law School in the fall of 1900. That year I was rooming in an­ T H E W IL D E R S other part of town from the Beta house W ebster W ilder , Kansas ’98, and his son, W ebster W ilder , Jr., Oklahoma ’31 and ate my meals down town. One morning, on going to breakfast, I noticed some of our boys in the pool room of the leading hotel. I wondered what had got them from their home so far down town at that unearthly hour.

Some of them were pale and perceptibly worn looking. None of them was in­ clined to talk at first. Later one of them divulged to me that they were wait­ ing for the arrival of counsel; that they were all in the custody of the sheriff of Douglas County. The dean of the K .U . Law School, Judge James Woods Green, had consented to act as their attorney, and the sheriff permitted them to await his arrival and the opening of court, before committing them to jail, or opportunity to give bail.

Later in the day, on stopping in at the Beta house I found Roll Lindberg, since deceased, swathed in flannels and imbibing required spiritual nourish­ ment, in bed, but with a cocky smile on his face, the only one of the bunch that had escaped capture.

It appears that the turkeys were roosting in a big tree near a shed close to. a farm house. Roll grabbed two of the turkeys, and others of the boys got

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It is always a pleasure to visit the chapter at Columbia, because within its hospitable walls is found a splendid congregation of devoted followers. The chapter this year is no exception. One year ago the dignity of Beta Theta Pi was maintained on the Columbia campus by two lone members. The chapter today numbers thirty-one and, if the plans of the officers go not awry, Alpha Alpha will number over forty before the completion of the second semester.

Columbia is profiting by the enlarged life lived by its members while in the service of the country and they are marching off toward the goal of success with greater determination and a keener sense of appreciation of what is de­ manded of them than probably ever before. Columbia has a long and excellent alumni list and many of its graduates are devoted to Alpha Alpha. Those men are behind the movement looking to a new house, which will take better care of the undergraduates than the home which has housed these boys for many years past. W hile the chapter is not up to its usual standard in scholarship it is fully alive to all that is demanded of it, and we believe the end of the col­ lege year will see Alpha Alpha in the position it should hold in the fraternity, that is, one of the very representative chapters.

The circuit rider has yet to make his complete rounds. He had purchased a ticket for Ithaca to be present at the Cornell initiation but a sudden indisposi­ tion made the trip impossible. He is anticipating with great pleasure visits to Cornell and Toronto and perchance other chapters may yet see him in their midst before the year is over.

A fter this brief survey of his small part of the great Beta field it is doubly easy to say “ I am exceedingly glad that I am a Beta.” (Written in 1920)

THE KANSAS TURKEY-PULL W

ebster

W

il d e r ,

Kansas ’98

The “ Turkey Pull” of Alpha Nu has long been an established institution.

Reading the story in Beta Lore about Senator Borah and the turkeys, my mind carried me back to my own college days. During my sophomore year at Kansas, in the fall of 1895, several members of Alpha Nu, prior to the date set for the raid, had been scouting in the vicinity of Lawrence, -looking for turkey “ locations.” W ith the “ dope” furnished by them our squad started off one cloudy, misty night at about nine o’clock, to try our luck. The loca­ tions visited were all close in to the city limits. The first place approached was soon abandoned, because of too numerous dogs barking, without our go­ ing beyong the gate at the highway. Our next point of call was a coop that was very close to a house. As we were just about to pass beyond the house, we were checked by discovery of a man leaning against the house, by sparks flying from bis pipe. W e did not linger there. But finally we found a place that looked certain to provide some plunder. I recall I was stationed as a scout some little way off from a hen house, with one of the band, while the other two entered the coop. They had their hands on one big gobbler and were just about to make off with it, when an alarm was given by someone and instantly everyone scudded for dear life. I remember making a plunge through a hole in a hedge fence, that appeared impenetrable. But I got through. Not far off, when we got together again, each one asked what had

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some too. And all succeeded in making their get-away, without discovery, un­ til well on their way, when it was found that one of them had left his cap behind, in which was his name. On going back for the cap, all the band sticking together, they were confronted by a bunch of farmers in ambush. Shot guns were shoved under their noses and all threw up their hands but Lindberg, who made a play as though he had a gun and broke through the cordon with some of the farmers in hot pursuit. In the course of his flight he had to wade through a stream with ice in it and got wet to the skin. He still kept ho d of one turkey during the most of his flight, but finally had to abandon it. But he was-never captured, tracked, nor discovered. . „ The law’s delays were worked to the limit by Judge Green and a friendly court, a former K.U . law student. The case wound up with a plea of guilty to a minor offense and the discharge of the boys with a small fine, with the con­ sent of the injured farmers. The farmers came to understand there was no criminal intent nor malice toward them shown by the boys, but simply the fol­ lowing by them of a time-honored institution and tradition of the oldest fra­ ternity in the university, composed of the best and most honorable boys in that institution, who however, were required to resort to this venture to put to the test their qualities of courage and daring.

Judge Green would accept no fee for his services, but did accept a tine young turkey purchased from the injured farmer by the boys.

A certain sequel to this episode was revealed to me a few years later, when, returning to college as an alumnus, I was dining at the home of Judge Green with my sister, then an undergraduate Pi Phi at K.U . The Judge stated that the previous fall his brother, a farmer, living “ down near Tonganoxie — which expression was later incorporated into a song relating to a turkey foray by the Alpha Nus— had had some very promising turkeys stolen from him.

The judge feared it was our boys that got them. It was apparent that the fudge almost distrusted himself for having previously so ably defended similar malefactors. He did remark that our boys ought to be a little more careful in the future not to molest the relatives of their best benefactors.

Supplementing this story of W ilder’s, which, after its appearance in the Beta magazine, was reprinted in the Kansas Alumni publication, is a paragraph written by Roderick M. Grant, Beloit ’22, about the veteran Topeka news­ paper man, Frank Pitts MacLennan, Kansas 75 ; . . . “ In his life of achievements, one of the chief boasts of this Beta is his part in the first Alpha Nu ‘turkey pull.’ The roll book records, too, that he ‘likes to tell stories of the old days’ when he visits the chapter. Those turkeys,’ he says with a chuckle, ‘belonged to a farmer named Crooks. He was a neighbor of Ned Stephens, one of the boys in the chapter. Ned s dad must have been ‘on’ to the affair, because the Stephenses had all the Betas over for dinner some time after the first turkey pull, and they served two tur eys.

One decorated each end of the table, and when Mr. Stephens started carving, he looked around the board and asked, without a hint of a smile, ‘W ill you have a piece of Mr. Crooks, or Mrs. Crooks ?

T W O V IE W S O F T H E C A S E C H A P T E R H O U S E

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served. The bride and groom left immediately afterwards, escorted by the rest of the _ party for a short way. § ..

Brother Hutchinson received his B. S. in Commerce, and was one o f the outstanding members of the graduating class. He was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, national leadership fraternity, and served as editor of the 1929 Yearbook of the university. He has been most prominent in publications, and in journalistic work on the campus, as we as serving on the track team several seasons. H e was one of the leaders in the chaptei during his whole course, holding among other offices the captaincy o f the goats in his freshman year, and the office of recorder in his senior year. Mrs. Hutchinson received her higher training at the University of Texas, specializing in musical education. During the past year she has been supervisor of music in the public schools at Ada, Oklahoma.

H er ability as a pianist and as a singer will be remembered by the brothers who heard her during “ Finals” most pleasantly.

“ T H E A L T A R S E N D IN G L O V E ’S S W E E T IN C E N S E H IG H ”

A STRANGE BETA SEQUENCE On a warm day in 1908 Dr. and Mrs. Dunbar Roy of Atlanta weie going north on the Southern Railroad for their annual summer vacation. Dr. Roy became a Beta in Richmond College from which he graduated in 1887, being a member of Alpha Kappa chapter. Then he took his medical work at V ir­ ginia, being admitted to Omicron chapter by transfer. He has been an inter­ ested Beta ever since his initiation. On that hot summer day, somewhere between Atlanta and Greenville, South Carolina, the conductor came through the train and asked if any physician was present in that car. Dr. Roy re­ sponded and was told that a mother in the Pullman drawing room was greatly worried over the apparent pain and illness of her baby whom she was taking north. On going into the drawing room he found a baby a few months old, crying with what apparently was infantile colic. Dr. Roy succeeded in getting some hot water and paregoric at the next station and with the assistance of Mrs. Roy and another lady passenger he succeeded in relieving the distress of the baby. No names were asked but the conductor had given Dr. Roy s name to the mother. “W e separated,” Dr. Roy said, as he told the story, “ and I heard nothing further from this incident until twenty-one years later.

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A CHAPTER HOUSE WEDDING An unusual incident of Beta life was a wedding in the Washington and Lee chapter house on June 6, 1929. Campbell C. Hutchinson, Jr., ’29 of Caspiana, Louisiana, and Miss Mary Frances Marshall, of Whitesboro, Texas, were the principals. ^ The two had been engaged for a year and planned to be married before leaving Lexington, the bride’s mother being an invalid whose physician had forbidden her from assuming the responsibility and the accompanying excitement of a home wedding. While they were at luncheon at the Beta house, just before starting south, one o f the boys wrote, “the broth­ ers persuaded them to have the knot tied while the rest of us could take part.

They consented, and the three hours following were somewhat rushed. The brothers dispersed, each on a separate errand, and soon flowers, greens, the cake, ring and veil, etc. arrived. The biggest trouble was in finding a minister.

— P icture by O. N orris Smith.

T H E H A P P Y C O U P L E W IT H B E T A F R IE N D S

Not until twenty-five minutes before five could we locate a preacher in town.

The ceremony was as charming as it was simple, and we certainly enjoyed the opportunity of bidding brother Hutchinson goodbye in such a pleasant way.”

A more formal account of the interesting ceremony relates: On June 6, 1929, at 5:30 in the afternoon there occurred at the Beta House at W ashington and Lee, a charming wedding, bringing to an unusual climax one of the best “ Finals” houseparties that the far-fam ed W & L hospitality has ever been host to.

Brother Campbell C. Hutchinson, Jr., of Caspiana, La., one o f the graduating class in the school o f commerce, and Miss M ary Frances Marshall, of Whitesboro, Texas, were united by Reverend Potts, pastor of the Lexington Baptist Church, in a simple but most beautiful ceremony, witnessed by the Betas who were detained beyond the closing of the college year, and our house-matron, Mrs. Francis.

W ith the help o f some friends among the faculty wives, a very attractive altar was constructed in front of the fireplace in the sitting room, decorated with greens and garden flowers. “ Oh, Promise M e” was sung by Mr. Earl S. Mattingly, Registrar of the Uni­ versity, after which the groom entered, accompanied by Brothers Gilbert Ladd and Clark K elly. The bride was dressed in a simple white satin dress, carrying a corsage of roses.

She was given in marriage by Brother Graham Lowdon. A fte r the ceremony, the wed­ ding party adjourned to a neighboring inn, where a most pleasant wedding supper was

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While attending the annual homecoming dinner of the Gamma Eta chapter at Georgia Tech, a fine looking young fellow came up and spoke to me, giving his name as Alonzo Clark of Birmingham, Alabama. He told me that on returning home from school the previous summer he had mentioned to his mother my active interest in the Beta chapter at Tech and spoke of me as Dr. Roy. Whereupon his mother told him that he was the baby on the train over twenty years ago and that I was the doctor who came in and administered to his bodily pains and sufferings. Needless to say we both were surprised, but both were delighted with the Beta bond of union.

JERREMS’ “FRATERN ITY” “ I owe all the success that thus far has attended me through life to my college fraternity.”— Extract from the banquet toast o f any alumnus.

Fraternity is a big thing at college, and especially at our college. To a neutral, “ fraternity” means a coveted p rize; the girls you meet in society know it only as something on account of which they are allowed to wear a pretty jeweled pin; and the “ pater” puts down an extra figure or two on the monthly allowance because of it. .

To a member, his “ fraternity” means everything. The older alumni who come back at commencement and wander through the corridors, looking for their old rooms— alumni of the days when the red and white rostjs of the hterary societies used to occupy the place of the sparkling shields and diamonds, and when “ rushing” and “ spiking” were unknown— don’t understand what it means to come back to the chapter house, look over the dingy framed groups on the smoking room wall where you figure in old-fashioned college toggery, re ic s of the time when blazers and sweaters were having their first fight for exist­ ence, and give everyone from the outgoing senior to the chapter babe the grip you haven’t forgotten.

When solid, middle-aged men, ministers, many of them, will sit from eleven to four in an atmosphere of banquet-room smoke, singing the old songs from the battered chapter songbooks; responding to innumerable toasts, which are cheered to the echo by the undergraduates at the far end of the table— you never know what a good after-dinner talker you are until you come back to your chapter banquet— and winding up with an impromptu song service under the trees in front of the sleeping dormitories, with the grey of dawn creeping over the college; when you see all this done commencement after commencement, you begin to be impressed by the strength of the fraternity sentiment. That is, if you are an outsider. If you are a college man it won t be necessary. , , .

The fraternities have done a deal of good at our college, and what is more, the faculty know it. When Brandon, of my class, set the pace in his sophomore year, and the faculty secretary began to send him notices appoint­ ing interviews with the president— the faculty secretary does this whenever the faculty arrives at the conclusion that a student is going to the devil, which means poker, getting drunk in dormitory, or flunking two or three successive written monthlys— it was his chapter that pulled him together. He was graduated a Phi Beta Kappa, and not half a dozen who heard him speak on class day knew that Brandon would never have worn a cap and gown had

T H E L O U N G E A T IN D IA N A

T H E W ID E H A L L A T IN D IA N A

T H E CH A R M O F IN D IA N A C H A P T E R â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S H O M E

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questions about it, and he had given the names of ten men as members. I groaned as he went on naming them. Every one of the eight chapters m college had a representative. g “ For Heaven’s sake, Jerrems,” I gasped, “ how did you mix the crowd up sor “ W e ll, it’s done n o w ,” he an sw ered g rim ly. _ He looked so genuinely miserable and helpless that the ridiculous side of the whole thing struck me, and I rolled over the bed laughing so violently that Jerrems himself was finally forced to join in the merriment, and we both acted like a pair of hysterical girls for five minutes. When he finally^went down the draughty corridor with its flickering one gaslight— they haven t got them any m ore; the faculty put in lamps for the students to amuse themselves by throw­ ing pop bottles and old footballs at; there was a junior on our hall who could knock off the chimney top nine times out of ten while standing at the door of the hall, and that was a good thirty feet— I had promised to interview the fellows he had, unknown to themselves grouped into Omega Psi— he had given me a list of them— and ask them to help him through. He told me that his younger sister, Olive he said her name was, had taken a fancy to me be cause he used to write a good deal about me. There were three of them, that is, his sisters. He showed me her picture, and I don’t pretend to say that the latter was not a factor in inducing me to take the step I did.

I thought I would have to undertake a delicate piece of engineering, to say the least, to approach the eight men, all of other fraternities, and probably be laughed at for my pains. I wasn’t though, much to my surprise. ^They promptly entered into the spirit of the thing. Only one man objected to “ mak­ ing a ja y” of himself, as he put it. That was Melville of the Delts, and he melted as soon as he saw Olive’s photograph— I am at liberty to call her that which I had, unknown to Jerrems, abstracted from his dressing table for use in an emergency. .

W e had a council of war in my room that same night, m which Jerrems participated, and broke down, because, as he said, we were being “ so damned good” to him. W e mapped out a regular schedule then and there for the en­ tertainment of his sisters. W e detailed ourselves in squads of three to take them to nine practice, bowl in the gym, help them clamber up the rickety old bell tower and scribble their initials on the shaky cupola posts, and do all the other things that delight the hearts of girl visitors to our college.

W e couldn’t manage a pin for the Omega Psis off hand, but compromised on little red and blue bouttonnieres. “ Don’t forget the grip,” said Jerrems. ‘‘They think that is the most important thing about^a fraternity, and will ex­ pect to see us giving it to each other every half hour.

Melville swore out loud at this, and had to be pitched over the footboard into the water pitcher to keep him quiet, while Dana, of Beta Chi, devised an elaborately showy grip, which consisted in touching the forehead with the left hand and grasping the other man’s hand with the right, while you wheeled around on your left heel.

Then we all went down to Pinckney’s, and when the_party broke up some time next morning, Jerrems’ supper bill must have run into two figures. He couldn’t thank us enough, and we had to drink the champagne he ordered be­ cause Pinckney would have served it over again if we hadn’t. Which, con­ sidering the fact that Jerrems had paid for it, would have been exceedingly improper.

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it not been for that group of laughing underclassmen in one of the front rows, who applauded every word he uttered, and anxiously watched the junior chair­ man hand up over the orchestral palms a big bouquet bearing a card with some Greek letters.

When Brownlee, from New Mexico, died of typhoid just before the Easter recess, it was bis chapter mates who took the body home to the broken-hearted mother, and a tenderer escort a dead king never had. It is the fraternity which carefully collects chemistry papers every year, and edits its own Seneca horse, to which there is no purchasable translation, and many a junior owes his passing in the laboratory finals to Furst or Shaw six classes back.

When one is lucky enough to have girls visit you at our college, it is the members of your fraternity who serenade under their windows, play tennis with them hot afternoons, when chasing wide balls is no sport, and show them the buildings when you are not cooped up in a lecture you daren’t cut. All this “ fraternity” means, and a great deal more that cannot be told here.

Each college student knows this, and that is the reason a new fraternity chapter breaks out every year or two. The neutrals of a few terms’ standing give up hope, and start a feeble chapter of their own in self-defense. Some­ times they last, but very often they do not, and the ones that do are rarely worth much.

Just why none of the chapters at our college ever “ spiked” Jerrems was a mystery to me. He was a city fellow, dressed well, dabbled with fair success in athletics, and didn’t board at a students’ club. This last meant that he had money. Being a neutral never seemed to bother him, though, and he was on good terms with all the chapters in college. But I remember how queer he looked when we’d been playing whist in one of the fellows’ rooms on Friday nights and we would stop sharp at eleven, everyone at the table tramping off to chapter meeting except himself.

He came into my room one evening just as I was turning in after a three hours’ wrestle with some German poetry, and told me that his folks were coming on to see him the next week. That was the first time I ever heard him mention -fraternity. “ O f course none of you men know exactly how I feel having to go it all by myself,” he said. uYou are all fraternity men, and have a right to ask one another to do things. I don’t mind it so much as a rule, only now that the mother and sisters are coming out, I feel as if I must have someone to help me through.”

I could see it was hard work for him to get on with what he was saying, and so I tied a double knot in the shoe string I was loosing to give him a chance to pull together. Fraternity is a delicate matter to talk about with another fraternity man, but to discuss it with a neutral is unheard of.

His sisters, he said, were Wellesley girls, and knew all about fraternities.

I thought this a bad sign, but I didn’t tell him so. A girl is perfectly justified in wearing as many pins as she may be offered, but she wants to stop there.

When she begins to discuss fraternities openly, it does not sound pretty, and most fellows will ask for their pins as soon as they get a chance to speak to her alone; and then he went on to say that when he came to college and didn’t receive a bid, he was too much ashamed to write the truth about it, and had given them the name of a fictitious crowd as that of the fraternity he had joined. The Omega Psi, he called it. They had kept writing him all sorts of

FROM THE D IAR Y OF SAM ’L PEPYS, JR.

EXCERPTS FROM THE DIARY OF SAM’L PEPYS, JR. Emprynted in the hope that some of the freshmen first entering into Colorado’s University may find herein something for their edification and amusement. Including an account o f the goings-on at The University Club in Denver, Monday night, September 17, 1928, when the Active and Alumni Members of the Beta T au Chapter of Beta Theta Pi’ Fraternity gave a dinner in honor of students entering the University of Colorado for the first time.

June 7, 1928.

Lay late account fatigue from merrymaking at our High School Gradu­ ation Party last night. Albeit I experience a feeling of great relief and some satisfaction at having been in the first 92 per cent of my class.

July 4, 1928.

Conversed at length with my father all forenoon, it being Independence Day, and I, asserting mine, declined to cut the lawn. A fter much discourse of this and that, we fell to talking of higher educational institutions, he in­ clining to the viewpoint that most of my education until now having gone to the wrong end. Albeit, after much invective anent my artistry upon the saxaphone , it was determined I should attend the State University at Boulder, come Autumn, I not mightily enthusi­ astic account being forced to refuse an offer of thirteen shillings fortnightly to perform with Mister Moyer’s min­ uet musicians yclept Syncopatin’ Sapheads. And so to bed, much vexed at my ill fortune.

September 1, 1928.

Up betimes and to the apothecary’s to purchase my first razor, I being much embarrassed by the unwanted presence of a downy beard upon my face. Then to the haberdasher’s to purchase raiment, it being but two weeks until my departure to the seminary. Mightily pleased at my choice 01 suitings consisting of purple weave with orange stripes, but when I fetched my parcels home and fell to exhibiting them, my Uncle Joseph Pepys became well nigh convulsed and spluttered, “ Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” To bed much vexed at my Uncle who I regret is a man of little tact and uncouth manners.

September 15, 1928.

Up very betimes and to the courts to play at tennis with Thomas, Richard, and Harry. Thence to the soda house to slake our thirst with a cup of coke

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Jerrems sisters came the f ollowing week. They not only came and saw the Omega Psis, but they saw and conquered the whole of our college. I’ve seen girls who were dragged from driving to tennis, and from that to some other diversion during their stay in town. Girls whose “ prom” card was twice filled before the glee club concert was fairly begun— they always have the prom and the glee club concert on the same night— but I never saw any that cut such a wide swath as Jerrems’ sisters did, and, best of it all was, they deserved it. ^ Better still, they were loyal to their brother’s fraternity and we Omega Psis, base deceivers that we were, were the favored ones.

W e all went down to meet them at the hotel the first evening, Jerrems filing the ten of us into the parlor and presenting us one at a time. I never paid much attention to girls bef ore that evening when he introduced me to his sister Olive. The photograph hadn’t half done her justice. She was one of those girls about whom my freshman chum, who regarded every French expression as an opportunity for a pun, used to say that her “ tootin scramble” was immense.

W e had drilled ourselves pretty well, and displayed our red and blue button-hole decorations ostentatiously. I heard Melville shamelessly remark, as he pinned his upon the oldest Miss Jerrems with his college pennant— he prided himself upon not giving his college pin to girls, too— “ Yes, we of Omega Psi have heard so much about you all from Jerrems that we’ve been begging him to write you to come on ever since we initiated him.”

Jerrems was just a bit anxious at first, but when he saw how things were going he came out of his shell, and was the merriest of the party, insisting that “ the girls” should have frequent illustrations of the grip. This last I thought a rather dangerous proceeding.

Olive asked me about our chapter house once, and it sort of staggered me, for I had not the heart to lie into that pair of brown eyes, until the Theta Kappa man who was helping me entertain her calmly assured her that our alumni were building us one on the campus. He showed her the foundations of his own chapter house when we drove past the next day, and she was de­ lighted with it. He was an awful liar.

They stayed over a week, and the Omega Psis were at the station in a body to see them off. The quantity of flowers and candy those girls carried away with them was something appalling. I had a five-minute farewell with Olive in one corner of the station all by myself, and I felt pretty bad over some things she said to me, but when Mrs. Jerrems told me— I was the only senior in the crowd— almost with tears in her eyes, how much she thanked us all for being so good to her boy and making his college life so pleasant, I couldn’t help feeling like a low down hypocrite.

This only lasted a week, though, then Jerrems joined our fraternity.

(Printed anonymously in the Beta Theta Pi.) ★

★

★

“Yes, and Beta girls there are Pure and lovely, passing fair W ho with brightest smiles enliven all our way.”

FROM THE D IARY OF SAM ’L PEPYS, JR.

429

Small peas boiled and then covered with a sauce of butter that has been melted.

Crushed potatoes to be eaten if de­ sired with a brown gravey.

Crisp lettuce cut in segments, covered with a delectable relish compounded of cheeses and oils.

Frozen custard, flavored with the extract from the cocoa bean.

With this there were distributed wafers of divers sorts and varieties.

Thereafter was served coffee .in diminutive cups.

A fter the meal tobacco for smoking was passed and I, never smoking, es­ sayed to light a cigarette and, churl that I am, did light the corked end, to the vast (and I thought somewhat excessive) merriment of some of my hosts.

From time to time during the eating, the company would burst into song as if by common consent rendering melodies and roundelays, some in a jocose vein and some of the sort that well nigh brought lumps to the throat.

Thereupon music was made, and very pleasing it was to the ear. There was harmony singing, so close that the shivers did play up and down my spine after the manner of a chiropractic adjustment. There was music upon the piano forte, but what gave me the greatest pleasure was the performance of Signor Perinni upon the zither.

The companie then witnessed a spirited production entitled : T

h a t ’s

My W

eak ness

Now

The play opened with a droll scene of two freshmen bartering with a sophomore with respect to a lodgment. The beholder becomes aware that the two freshmen are inseparable companions, a collegiate version of Damon and Pythias.

It now developes that two fraternities desire these two lads. One group is composed of high minded, idealistic young men of earnest purpose, but alas! the other group contains a number of rogues and wastrels. One promises a life of sober rectitude, but alas! the other lures to frivolity and extravagance.

False to a mutual promise to join the first group, one of the lads, dazzled by the hum of motor cars and Brussell’s carpets, joins the second. While his companion, saddened but steadfast, joins the first named group.

Tempus aviates and we observe a learned and distinguished justice of the High Court of Judicature sentencing convicted criminals. He leans for­ ward agape with amazement to discern in the prisoner’s dock the besotten face of his erstwhile companion but lately dragged thither from the gutter.

I cannot go o n ! Tears blind me when I perceive the grave responsibilities attendant upon the wise choice of sterling companions.

A

p p e n d ix

A.

F r e s h m a n E t iq u e t t e

Before going up to the University, drop a postal to the president so he will be at the bus terminal to greet you.

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BETA LIFE

and cherry and fell to talking about our plans for college, I hearing much about groups of students known as fraternities occupying separate lodgings and maintaining wholesome rivalry in scholastic attainments and athletic prow­ ess. To bed much puzzled at how my High School self assurance hath dimin­ ished until it hath well nigh become timidity.

September 16, 1928. (Sunday) Lay long abed, it being the last opportunity to do so under the parental roof, but at last up to answer the telephone. Much pleased to receive an in­ vitation to dine and be entertained tomorrow night at the University Club over against the Presbyterian Church on Sherman Street. The occasion is sponsored by one of the fraternal groups at the State Asylum for the Unedu­ cated. None knoweth what the program will be at this juncture but some have told in years past how they made sport with songs and stories in the Scotch tone and did some amusing play acting withal.

Commenced a new serial narrative in the Saturday Evening Post but my wonderment of tomorrow’s occasion and the events to follow so distracted my thoughts, I knew naught of what I was reading. So to bed.

Monday, September 17, 1928.

Up and to my stint about the yard, it being my last day at home and me none too happy thereat. That being done, Thomas, Richard, and Harry did drive by in Richard’s new remodeled fifteenth-hand motor vehicle, Body by Heinz. W e to the apothecary’s for refreshment and gossip.

In the afternoon spent much time in the adornment of my person for the evening’s function. Find to my chagrin that I do use my razor like an oaf and my face is a’ sorry sight.

Thence to the University Club and am greeted by a Blackamoor who takes my new K nox hat and leaves me to wonder whether I shall see it again or no.

A loft I find a merrie company of gentles of all ages. Someone do greet me and present me about but I know not whom I met so great was my be­ wilderment.

Thence to the dining hall and each stood by his seat until the head man in a loud voice queried “Who was Pater Knox ?” Whereupon the members did roar a reply that made the very welkin ring and did beat upon the table with their eating implements. I, somewhat aghast at this unmannerly pro­ cedure, but then these fraternal groups do seem to have strange customs* and unfamiliar nomenclature.** W e then fell to eating of divers foods somewhat as follows: L is t

of

V

ic t u a l s

Small green olives.

Celery in clusters.

Soup in bowls.

Trouts, fished from a mountain brook and roasted with rashers of ensaltened pork. * E ditor ’ s N o t e : F or the edification of the new students a few succinct rules of conduct are set out as “Freshman Etiquette” under Appendix “A .” ** E ditor ’ s N o t e : Some of the expressions used by the undergraduate students are explained in a Glossary hereafter appearing as Appendix “B.”

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A M ID -W E S T E R N B E T A R O U N D -U P A T IL L IN O IS

BETA LIFE

430

Do not fail to carve your initials on the campus trees. It stirs such tender memories when you return in after years— if you live that long.

When in doubt which fork leads, play your knife.

Leave all marbles, tops and beanies at home. No games nor hunting al­ lowed on the campus.

Never pour your coffee into your saucer if a larger plate is available.

A

p p e n d ix

B.

G lo ssa ry

Beta Theta Pi— God’s gift to the American College System.

University of Colorado— Greatest institution of higher learning in Boulder County, Colorado.

Saxophone— The harp of the undergraduate heaven. A nuisance per se.

Student— Appellation satyric-ally employed to designate an inmate in the Asylum for the Uneducated. You can tell one when you see him, but you can’t tell him much.

Freshman— The lowest and simplest form of the homo sapiens studensis.

A STRANGE BADGE STORY On June 19, 1929, en route from Evanston, Illinois, to his home in Long Beach, California, Leland S. Brown, Northwestern ’30, sent from New Orleans, the following letter: On the Illinois Central coming down yesterday, I noticed that a woman sitting across the aisle from me was wearing a Beta pin turned on its side as a breast pin.

N aturally my curiosity was aroused, so I asked the man who was with her if he was a Beta. I had sized him up as not a college man, but I took a chance. The husband, as he turned out to be, didn’t seem to understand what I meant. W hen I showed him my pin and asked him if the one his w ife wore was really his, he smiled and, with a Southern accent, answered, that he found the pin in 1922, seven years ago, and had watched the papers in Chicago for some time but saw no request for its return. The pin was found on Grand Boulevard between Forty-third and Forty-fourth street. 1 immediately asked him if he wouldn’t like to have me locate the owner, to which he replied that he would be more than glad to have me do so. The pin belongs to W . L. Montgomery o f the Beta T au chapter who was initiated March 5, 1920. The finder was Mr. W illiam Beachman, who at present lives in Durand, Mississippi. I f you would send me brother M ontgomery’s address, I should be glad to communicate with him regarding the return of the pin.”

A n examination of the Baird Fund list quickly revealed brother Mont­ gomery’s name, with address R.F.D., No. 1, Edgewater, Colorado. A letter sent him brought the following reply, dated June 26, 1929: I thank you very much for your kind interest and help in unearthing my Beta pin. I have no doubt that the pin is mine, as I lost one in the year of 19211. It was lost in Boulder, Colorado, and since receiving your letter I have been imagining the various ways it might have reached Grand Boulevard in Chicago. T o the best of my knowledge I lost the pin while playing pass ball in front of our chapter house. F ol­ lowing your suggestion, I am writing brother Brown this evening in the hope that he can give me the necessary information to recover my badge. I am particularly anxious to get it back as it is the pin given me at initiation which adds an extra sentimental value to it. B efore closing I wish again to express my appreciation for your thoughtfulness in this matter. Aside from the service you have done me, it is a distinct pleasure to receive a personal letter from you.

(Letters of Leland S. Brown, Northwestern ’30, and William L. Mont­ gomery, Colorado ’23, to Francis W . Shepardson.)

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A C O N V E N T IO N B A N Q U E T P R O G R A M M E

ties, for they associated them with virtue, morality and talent. It is said that they marveled that Socrates could be so great, so good, and yet so ugly. The Betas before me must be so great and good, for they reproduce the ideal of Grecian beauty. Have I not just and ample cause to con­ gratulate you? Most endowed in philosophy, history, prose, poetry, sculp­ ture and oratory, I ask not whether you are descended from Ionic or Doric stock. On behalf of the Epsilon alumni chapter, I extend to you the Beta s hand, give you the Beta’s grip, and pledge you his enduring fraternal friend­ ship, and bid you, in any good work, godspeed.

A CONVENTION BANQUET PROGRAMME The fortieth annual Convention of the fraternity closed with a banquet which was held in the Grand Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio, Thursday, September 4, 1879. Dr. Thad A. Reamy was toastmaster. F ifty years later (1929) the list of the speakers seems much like a roster of builders of Beta Theta Pi. Here is the “ intellectual part” of the m enu: S o n g: “ Gemma Nostra” s . TT .

I £ John W . Herron, Cincinnati: “ Our Parent Chapter; Miami University John Reily Knox, Greenville, Ohio: “ Our Founders of a Former Gen­ eration: L o ! One Is Here” . a lfp ll M . M c K e e Vaughan, Danville, K entucky: ‘ Our Active Members : I he Hope and Trust of Our Fraternity” Song: “The Alumni’s Return” 4. „ .'JbB Robert W . Smith, Chicago: “ Our Departed Brothers: They Rest from T h e ir L a b o rs and T h e ir W o r k s do F o llo w T h e m .”

p M p S lp

W yllys C. Ransom, Port Huron, Michigan: “ Railroads: How the Modern Greeks Travel” S o n g: “ Dear Beta” Willis O. Robb, Delaware, Ohio: “ The Ladies: As Mothers, Daughters, Wives or Sweethearts, They Are Ever with U s.”

Isaac E. Adams, Evanston, Illinois: “ Our B adge: What It Means to a Greek” Olin R. Brouse, Chicago: “ Our Name: Beta Theta Pi Song: “There’s a Scene” . „ Albert S. Berry, Newport, Kentucky: “ Our Fraternity; Knows no Party, no Creed, no Section” , ^ 1 Charles J. Seaman, Cleveland: “ M usic: The L ife and Spirit of Greek Fellowship” „ John H. Grant, Ann Arbor, Michigan: “Wooglm Song: “ Wooglin” Sacrifice of the Dorg Song: “ Our Silver Greys” “ Ne’er fades the rosy cheek, nor dims the eye O f loyal Greek, in Beta Theta P i” Lawrence G. Hay, D.D., Indianapolis:

Pente kai Pentekonta

432

BETA LIFE

A CONVENTION GREETING From a faded newspaper clipping, long preserved by Dr. George W. Switzer, DePauw ’8i, the speech of welcome is reproduced which was given to the delegates to the Cincinnati convention of 1870 by Dr. Thaddeus A. Reamy, Ohio Wesleyan ’ 7o : G R E E K S : A s president of Epsilon alumni chapter of Beta Theta Pi, it becomes my pleasant duty to speak to you, delegates to this, the fortieth annual convention, a few words of congratulation and welcome. Brief they must be, as but ten minutes by the programme are allotted me. Five years have elapsed since a similar convention met in this city. During this period some few chapters have died, but others, vigorous, healthy and powerful, have been born. I see sitting in front of me at this moment a young man, tall and massive enough in stature to remind one of the Grecian legends of giants to whom were attributed extraordinary works, and I am informed that this delegate represents a baby chapter born since the last convention here, but already grown to full vigor. Some opposition has been en­ countered from college faculties, but in the main the faculties have ac­ quiesced and in many instances favored and encouraged the Greek fraterni­ ties. This special fraternity has grown in power and usefulness. It numbers now fifty-one chapters, with an aggregate membership of about five thousand.

There are, I believe, ten alumni chapters, with a membership of more than three thousand. These, as you know, are men who have left college halls and entered upon the active duties of life. It is a source of the keenest pleasure and profit for these older men at the annual conventions to .meet with younger members of the class, thus renewing the memories of college life. I notice among the alumni members present distinguished divines and doctors, lawyers, statesmen, editors, manufacturers and merchants.

Commercial, social and professional matters are quite changed with us from what was true of these affairs in the earlier days of Greece. With them it was considered to be degrading for a gentleman o f education and family respectability to engage in merchandising. Now with us it is honorable.

W ith them theology as a practical profession neither offered position, souls nor a good salary. Now with us theology receives many Betas, for it not only offers to high talent, spiritually consecrated, good audiences and many souls but a fair salary. The jurisprudence of Greece was not of a high order. A s a rule the lawyer amounted to but little. He was not allowed to speak for his client in court, though he might prepare the client’s speech, and his fees were very small. With us the lawyer not only makes the speech but fixes the size of and retains the fee. No wonder that I notice a full quota of lawyers and legal students among you. In Greece, with the excep­ tion of a few great names, such as Hippocrates, the doctor amounted to but little. He and his physic were so unpopular and repulsive that it is said to have been common for him to employ an orator to plead eloquently at the bedside of the patient to take the prescribed medicine. With us even the children cry for medicine as for candy. I learn that among you are a number of candidates for medical honors.

A s I look among you I am reminded of another fact. The ancient Greeks as a rule were of fair face and form, and they prized these quali-

TH E CHICAGO BANQUET OF 1926

435

THE CHICAGO BANQUET OF 1926 D

unlap

Cam ero n C lar k ,

Chicago ’ 18

The greatest banquet in the history of Mid-Western Betadom was held at the University Club in Chicago, Friday evening, February 26, 1926, to honor President Francis W . Shepardson for his past activities m the fraternity and to express deep confidence in the great future of his new worlc Ih is was the first announcement to alumni of the plans of such tremendous importance in Beta Theta Pi. • T General Secretary George Howard Bruce and General Treasurer James L. Gavin journeyed to Chicago to appear on the program with President Shepard­ son. Fortunate indeed were those present, as the beloved “ Saints” of the fraternity, William A. Hamilton, Northwestern ’79 and J. Calvin Hanna, Wooster ’81, the first and second General Presidents elect­ ed in Beta Theta Pi under the Constitu­ tion of 1897, joined this galaxy of speakers. The banquet was arranged by Former District Chief Dunlap C. Claik, Chicago ’17, as Chairman of the Commit­ tee, and the singing was led by District Chief George H. Littell, Wabash ’21.

Among those present were District Chief Clifford C. Gregg, Cincinnati ’17, Former District Chief John W . Newey, North­ western ’18, and Horace G. Lozier, Chicago ’94, who has contributed so much to the musical development of Beta Theta Pi. Certainly this was the finest gather­ ing of General Fraternity leaders, past and present, ever held in Chicago— prob­ ably ever met anywhere aside from a Convention.

DUNLAP C CLARK Other “ Betas of Achievement” were in _ prominence among the attendants. The speakers’ table included, as>ioe from those already mentioned, W infred E. Garrison, Bethany 92, Yale 94 > toastmaster; Dr. Anson Cameron, Bethany ’95, president of the Beta Theta Pi Club of Chicago; and Alfred R. Bone, Bethany ’92, president-elect, Judge George A. Cooke, K nox ’92; Charles M. Moderwell, Wooster 89; Edwin M. Hadley, Northwestern ’95; Brode B. Davis, Michigan 90; James H. Tufts, Amherst ’84; Gordon A. Ramsay, Northwestern and George B. McKibbin, Iowa Wesleyan ’09; all leaders in Chicago business, profes­ sional and educational circles; and Frank M. Lay, K nox 93 of Kewanee, and Edwin L. Johnson, Iowa ’84 of Waterloo, Iowa.

Tw o hundred and thirty Betas representing fifty-two chapters were present.

A ll the active chapters in the surrounding districts sent delegates and, as well, the Minneapolis Alumni chapter, the last represented by Paul Koughan,, Bow­ doin ’15. The Denison chapter sent its president, Howard Keeler. The 1m-

T H E B E T A H O U S E A T IN D IA N A

T Y P E S OF N EW B E TA HOM ES

A FIRE A T BERKELEY

437

sented the Report of the Nominating Committee for Officers and Directors of the Chicago Alumni Association for the ensuing year, which was adopted by unanimous vote. The new officials, accordingly, became: president, Alfred R. Bone, Bethany ’92; vice-president, Charles C. Grant, Ohio State 05; secretary, George M. Gibbs, Iowa ’25; treasurer, Morris R. Chase, Case ’20; directors, Walter A Strong, Beloit ’05 ; Anson Cameron, Bethany 95 ; Harold E. Gallup, Michigan ’ 10; Orville J. Taylor, Chicago ’08; Ralph E. Brown, Northwestern ’ 17; John A. Logan, Chicago ’21; G. Irving Baily, Amherst 17; Carl B. Davis, Chicago ’00; William D. Dean, Yale ’05.

The opportunity to learn of the broader aspects of our great fraternity and its splendid recent development was welcomed by the alumni. Following the close of the evening with the “ Parting Song” and the_ Doxology, all left with redoubled enthusiasm and increased confidence in the future oi Beta Theta Pi.

A FIRE AT BERKELEY On September 18, 1923 Berkeley, California, was visited by a disastrous conflagration. Five hundred homes were burned and three thousand resi­ dents were made temporarily homeless. The chapter paper Omega News describing the experience of the exciting hours, reported: Only the most fortunate circumstance saved the Beta house from the flames. The fire started from a broken power wire in Wildcat Canyon to the east of Berke ey on Monday morning. A high wind from the northeast aggravated the situa­ tion and rendered the efforts of the few residents of the canyon unavailable.

By two o’clock the blaze had come over the top of the hill behind North Berkeley and commenced its destructive path toward the University campus “ Classes were dismissed and 4,000 students joined m the work of hre fighting Equipment to aid the Berkeley fire department was brought from Oakland and San Francisco. The fire seemed to ignore all efforts to conquer it A t four-thirty it was within two blocks of the Beta house and the historic home of Omega seemed doomed. W ith the blaze taking a fresh block every five minutes destruction seemed imminent. Chapter records were taken to the home of one of the members in Oakland and furniture and clothes were removed from the house. Just as the fire was starting on the next block to the northward it seemed as if the hand of God interposed. The wind veered quickly to the south and the fire was out withm an hour. It was hard to realize it, but the house was saved. |j “ Members of the chapter volunteered to the authorities f or guard duty and were placed in the burned area. Stephens Union, the student club house, was opened to the refugees and the women of the campus turned out for relief work. Such was the efficient system with which affairs were handled that it was unnecessary to discontinue university exercises for even a day, al­ though 1,000 students and 150 officers and instructors of the University were homeess. ^ members lost their homes. Brother R. A. Hill, ’23, the chapter president, lost everything at his home in the blaze. Fortunatdy he was living at the chapter house and saved some of his clothing. Pledge Frank Perry’s family lost two houses, one of which the family was occupying. Perry is now living at the house.

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BETA LIFE

portance of the gathering to the entire fraternity was evidenced by the re­ ceipt of forty-seven telegrams and letters from alumni and active chapters.

Among others, word was received from Frank O. Lowden, Iowa ’85, former Governor o f Illinois; former President Francis H. Sisson; Vice-Presidents John A. Blair, Frank G. Ensign and H. Sheridan Baketel; Former Trustee Morris R. Ebersole; and District Chiefs Harold J. Baily, Clem B Holding W arwick D. McClure, Thomas S. Barclay, Merle R. Chessman, Ronald F. Moist, Gordon S. Smyth, G. Atwood Manley, A. J. Priest, George A. Hedenburg, and Raymond M. Myers. A congratulatory telegram of especial inter­ est was sent by Samuel B. Brierly, Denison '75, the “ Grand Old Man” of Denison, long President of that Alumni Association and not a Beta. He w ired: Congratulations to the Beta fraternity on having as a member such a man as Francis W ayland Shepardson. I have known him since his boyhood. He is every inch a man, true as steel, stands straight, looks the world square in the eye. Earth has few like him.

The evening was greatly enhanced by the presence of Byron M. Hatfield, Brown ’22, of the Student Prince company playing in Chicago. Unusually gifted in voice and personality, he sang to a most enthusiastic audience, “ The Blind Plowman,” “ The W reck of the Julie Plante,” “ The Volga Boat Song,” and “ Golden Days,” the last from the Student Prince. The Chicago chapter jazz band, composed of Stephen Paddock, ’26, John Wild, ’27, Robert Place, ’28, and Rainey Bennett, ’29, supplied excellent incidental music throughout the gathering and accompanied the songs.

• Following the banquet, $235 was subscribed by those in attendance, repre­ senting twenty new enrollments in the Baird Fund and two contributions to the Founders Fund. In addition, $110.73 received from the sale of ban­ quet tickets in excess of the expenses has been donated to the Founders Fund in the joint name of the Chicago (Alpha) Alumni Association and the Beta Theta Pi Club of Chicago.

Enthusiasm ran high as the speakers in turn traced the tremendous growth of Beta Theta Pi in numbers and financially in the past twenty-five years and outlined the great contributions of President Shepardson to its internal organization and outstanding inter fraternity prestige. As our great leader stood to speak, the entire assemblage rose with him, singing “ The Loving Cup” with a spirit seldom equalled. “ Shep” spoke fifty minutes, during which time there was no lapse in the close attention of all. Inspired by the confidence of the entire fraternity and inter fraternity world, and their splendid response to the announcement of the great step, President Shepardson gave the outstanding speech of his great career of speeches.

A s a gift suitable to the extensive traveling entailed, the Chicago Alumni Association presented Dr. Shepardson with a large traveling bag, enclosing a leather toilet kit, writing paraphernalia for use on the train and a fold­ ing umbrella. A roster of signatures of banquet attendants was prepared and given with these articles as a permanent record.

The Banquet Committee was Dunlap C. Clark, Chicago ’ 17, Chairman; Anson Cameron, Bethany ’95; George H. Littell, Wabash ’21; Charles C. Grant, Ohio State ’05; William H. Lyman, Chicago ’ 14, and John A. Logan, Chicago ’21.

Immediately following the dinner, Erwin R. Brigham, Illinois ’ 18, pre-

AN U NUSUAL MICHIGAN CEREMONIAL

439

of our order. Now I want to know who found him and how it was ascertained he was born in Ellery County, Georgia? I am the fellow who first sought out our founders and procured from each (except Gordon) a photo, from which to make Cuts to adorn the frontispiece of our forthcoming catalogue. It took me six months to find the Honorable John H. Duncan. I wrote thirty-seven letters and finally found him as clerk in the city of Houston in the Lone Star state. As for Brother Gordon I kept up my search for eighteen months, wrote ninety-two communications to various parties all over Ohio, Kentucky, and the South, and finally gave up in despair and concluded that the Honorable Thos.

Gordon had been gathered unto his fathers.”

AN UNUSUAL MICHIGAN CEREMONIAL On October 29, 1855, Edward Bruce Chandler was initiated into the Lamb­ da chapter of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Michigan. That fact had much to do with a trip made by several individuals to Ann Arbor on March 5, 1921, to see another Bruce Chandler admitted to the light. It was a rainy d ay; but that did not prevent Major George M. Chandler, in his army uniform, from marching several civilians without umbrellas over several blocks of territory while he interpreted “ Michigan” to them. W hat the M ajor does not know about the history, traditions and spirit of Michigan, no one knows.

W e visited the magnificent library, so admirably adapted to student needs.

W e climbed to the roof of the wonderfully complete Union, to see the city and get a birdseye view of the university environment. W e looked into its various rooms, to gain an impression of the great contribution to university democracy such a center of college life as this must be. W^e inspected the campus and were shown the lines of future development. W e sized up the other fraternity homes as we made our way to the Beta house.

There we found archives of priceless value to the fraternity and an evident appreciation of the importance of keeping them in good condition. It was not hard to guess that some interested individual among the alumni makes it a matter of business to see that the successive archivists are taught values.

The initiation ceremony was well put on. There was a special feature, one never known before in Beta Theta Pi. For George Mosely Chandler, 98, fastened on Bruce Cooley Chandler, ’24, the badge of his grandfather, Ed­ ward Bruce Chandler, ’58, all three Michigan men and all three members of Lambda. Later in the evening Major Chandler sprung another surprise. He brought forth one of the old-fashioned badges used before the Civil W ar and presented it to the chapter to be used as a president’s badge, to be worn dur­ ing an individual’s incumbency of that high office. The badge originally be­ longed to a Lambda man, being picked up on a railroad train under peculiar circumstances, with no way found to identify the one who lost it.

A t the initiation banquet former president of the fraternity John Calvin Hanna, Wooster ’81, made one of his inspiring talks, indicating his own emo­ tions as he witnessed the welcome of the grandson of one cherished Chandler friend and the son of another. He drew upon his rich knowledge of classical lore for some suggestions about the meaning of the words of the motto of the fraternity. A t the head table that night, as some one noted, there were seated two presidents of the fraternity, four convention presidents and four who

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BETA LIFE

“ It would be difficult to enumerate the deeds of heroism performed by members of the chapter during the fire. It is known definitely, however, that two Betas saved the lives of fire victims. Brother A. M. Beekler, ’25* while in company with another fire fighter, carried an aged woman out of her burning house. The front door jammed on their way out and Beekler was burned about the face while breaking the door. Brother R. A. Dofflemeyer, ’23, a transfer from Gamma Beta, also carried a woman out of her home under arduous circumstances: Details of either of the rescues cannot be ob­ tained from the principals. Suffice it to say that they deported themselves as true Betas.”

T H E D E N IN T H E IN D IA N A H O U S E

HUNTING THE FOUNDERS In the Beta Theta P i for November, 1880, under “ Catalogue Clippings” a statement was that “ all the living founders of the fraternity have been found.” Knox was located at Greenville, Ohio; Marshall, at Keokuk, Iowa; Linton, at Farlinville, Linn County, Kansas; Duncan at Houston, Texas; and Gordon, at Lexington, Kentucky. The paragraph continued, “The last named was particularly hard to find, all trace of him having been lost. It was ascer­ tained that he was born in Ellery County, Georgia, and a batch of letters sent at random to names in the county, selected from the mercantile register, hap­ pened to hit one of Gordon’s relations.”

The name “ Ellery” was a missprint for “ Elbert.” In the magazine for January, 1881, A. N. Grant added the following interesting information: “ By the way, I see on page forty-nine of November impression, Beta Theta Pi, that somebody has found out the Hon. Thos. B. Gordon, one of the Founders

SOME K N IG H TLY OBLIGATIONS

441

UNCERTAINTIES OF 1847 “ W e are not fully informed respecting the origin and establishment of the order. A s yours is the Alpha chapter, you, of course, can give us some or all of its history, which would be very interesting for u s ; it is not desired, however, unless perfectly proper and consistent with the policy of the associa­ tion. W e would like to know also what the character o f the annual celebra­ tions i s : whether private or public, and how far it is generally thought ad­ visable to let the existence of a branch be known through the college. Ours thus far is entirely unknown to any person except the members, as everyone we applied to readily joined. There is some antipathy entertained here by the faculty against secret societies, consequently we have been very cautious.”

(J. W . Taylor, Wabash, to Jerome T. Gillet, February 8, 1847.)

HOW THINGS LOOKED IN 1847 W e consider, brethren of the stalwart Alpha, that a new era has dawned upon our existence; that the Beta Theta Pi has begun to breathe the breath of life anew. In short, our convention has cleared away the dark clouds that hovered around our horizon, and the bow of assurance, bright and beautiful, has lighted up our pathway to glory and success. Are we not all that we claim to be— the Queen Society of the W est? Other associations may find a home and a foothold among the rocky glens of the East and her cold, sterile hills, but the Beta Theta Pi will hold for inheritance the wide spreading prairies of the W est; she will claim the supremacy of her broad and majestic streams, and claim as her cherished children the gems of the Western states. Ten years have not yet passed away, and there are ten chapters who are, we hope, united firm and immovable by the bonds o f— kai— There is nothing more to prevent our onward and upward course. In planting our standard in any institution we should be sure that we have a good position and men enough to keep it.

W e are persuaded that these defunct chapters hurt our society more than anything else that can be attached to us. Let us all endeavor to extend the influence of our glorious confederation by increasing its branches, but let us be sure we are right and then go ahead. (W yllys C. Ransom to Jerome T. Gillet, M ay 28, 1847.)

SOME KNIGHTLY OBLIGATIONS In the famous paper, “ Recollections of 1839,” in which Pater K nox wrote out his reminiscences of the founding period, he said: “ About the same time, too, I came across an old book, no copy of which I have seen since, and the name of which I have forgotten, giving an account of some of the secret organizations of the Middle Ages. Their knightly vows and pledges were given, with some curious sketches of their inside working and secret history, and I was, I might almost say o f course, very much interested in these Ancient Brotherhoods.” Thirty years after this paper was read at the convention of

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had been trustees of Beta Theta Pi. There is a tradition at Michigan that the local “ Beta temple” once was erected in the grove, and that meetings were held there in days long gone by. Among the chapter treasures, in fact, is pre­ served a slab taken from a tree into which some devotee of Wooglin had cut deep large Greek letters initializing the fraternity’s name. To the tradi­ tional site of these early devotions chapter members often make their pilgrim­ ages. All such things add to the sentimental interest of chapter life, an in­ terest stimulated at Ann Arbor by many pictures and memorials of the days gone by. The bronze tablets are extremely attractive which testify to the valor of Lambda s sons in the wars of the Republic. They have been most favorably judged by competent art critics.

Stuart and Merle Jones, W ilbur and Howard Compson, Fred and Albert Geehr.

A STUDY IN BROTHERHOOD In the Syracuse chapter in 1928 there were three pairs of brothers from three different families and from two different states and yet all brothers to one another. So Merle Jones, ’30, reported, sending a picture of the sextette to illustrate the puzzle.

Stuart and Merle Jones, Wilbur and Howard Compson, and Fred and Albert Geehr were the six in this unusual condition of being brothers in the blood to at least one of the chapter and Greek brothers to all of them. These six represented all four classes in the university, two being seniors, one a junior, two sophomores and one a freshman. It was also stated that during the first semester of the college year for the two previous years there had been three sets of brothers either active members or pledges, in the Beta house, Robert and Desmond Hallovan in the fall of 1927 being in the sextette in place of -the Geehr brothers.

A RHYM E FOR “DORG”

443

A RHYME FOR “DORG” The Wabash chapter has a fine collection of archives. Some of the early records of chapter meetings are extremely interesting. Often the meetings were held out doors in a grove, “ near the pulpit,” so the minutes state.

This pulpit is believed to have been a stump of a tree. The Wabash boys have found two trees marked with the Greek letters of our fraternity name.

One of these is in the yard around the home of General Lew Wallace, the author of Ben Hur. The other is in the woods not far from town. W h e n ­ ever the “ pulpit” may have been, there was a meeting held there on June 23, !859, whose minutes begin: “ Brother French was called to the chair, said chair being the decaying remains of a fallen tree, symbolic of the situation our enemies will assume when we have become a little older.” That day John Edward Cleland was initiated, an item of historic interest because, in later years, his daughter married John Allan Blair, a popular District Chief who was advanced to membership on the Board of Trustees of the fraternity and became a greatly-sought Beta banquet speaker. Blair also was from the Wabash chapter, his mother, Jennie Blair, long being a cherished member of the trio of women who were initiated into the fraternity at Wabash College.

One of the recorders of Cleland’s time had a poetical turn and liked to put his accounts of chapter events into rhyming lines. John Hogarth Lozier had recently introduced the Wooglin idea into the fraternity literature and Mark Lindsay DeMotte, his chapter mate, had attached the canine to it, so that the characterization “ dorg,” already was familiar on M ay 17, i860, when the minutes contain this doggerel— the humor being unconscious in calling it such: “ In describing the events of this meeting serene The recorder brought out his old poetry machine.

But the melody of the verse enveloped in fog For the machine had no word that at all rhymed with dorg. “ So the recorder consulted his own bump of planning And improved on the rhyming if not on the scanning; For, inserting an r, and of hog making horg, Many words could be coined that would then rhyme with dorg. “ The cakes and pies and the lemonade sweet Which abounded so plenteous were hard to beat.

But, can we forget while on life’s path we jorg The all-soothing virtues which we found in the dorg? “ The Betas all feasted to society’s bounds, Then rested, and turned, and took it by rounds, But nothing was found in the shape of good grorg That at all would surpass the institution of dorg.”

This effort seems to have ended the poetical career of the recorder as, in the mass of Hoosier rhyming effusions, no further sonnets are discovered from his gifted pen.

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Elmer C. Conley, Denison ’05, who made an extensive collection of the literature of secret societies, called attention to the obligations of The Thrice Illustrious Knights of the Cross as possibly the ones which had awakened Pater K nox’s curious interest.

This degree, now extinct, was conferred in the early days of the Knights Templar. The meetings of the order were called councils and were held under the authority of a body which styled itself “The Ancient Council of the Trinity.” A few of the obligations of this degree follow: Fifth— '“ I swear to put confidence unlimited in every illustrious brother of the cross, as a true and worthy follower of the blessed Jesus who has sought this land, not for private good but for pity and the glory of the re­ ligion of the Most High and Holy God.” Seventh-—“ I swear to advance my brother’s best interest by always sup­ porting his military fame and political preferment in opposition to an­ other........ ” Ninth— “ I swear never to see calmly nor without earnest desires and de­ cided measures to prevent the ill treatment, slander, or defamation of any brother knight; nor ever to view danger or the least shadow of injury about to fall on his head without well and truly informing him thereof, and, if in my power to prevent it, never to fail, by my sword or counsel, to defend his welfare and good name.”

Eleventh— “ I swear to keep sacred my brother’s secrets, both when de­ livered to me as such, and when the nature of the information is such as to require secrecy for his welfare.”

When these four obligations are compared with those formulated by the founding fathers and used for a year or two by the Miami chapter, the re­ semblance will be more apparent. Among the ten Marshall obligations, in the first constitution were the following: Second— “ I promise to place implicit confidence in everyone who wears the badge and bears the name of Beta Theta Pi.” Third— "I promise to render all possible assistance to advance the interest, as far as may be in my power, consistent with honor, justice, and duty, to aid in the preferment of everyone who wears the badge and bears the name of Beta Theta Pi.” Fourth— “ I promise to look upon his friends as my friends, and, in cer­ tain degree, upon his enemies as my enemies, and never to intrude upon his domestic relations, or claim his privileges, or defame his character.”

Fifth— -“ J do solemnly promise never to see calmly nor without earnest desire and decided measures to prevent the ill-treatment, slander, or defama­ tion of everyone who wears the badge or bears the name of Beta Theta Pi.” Sixth— “ I promise to keep the secrets sacred of every member of the Beta Theta Pi, both when delivered to me as such, and when the nature of the information is such as to require secrecy for his welfare.”

It will be recalled that, after a brief period, the Miami chapter considered that some of the implications of the obligations were unChristian;- and a special committee was appointed to get up some new ones of more satis­ factory wording for a fraternity of college students. This change was made* as Pater Knox puts it, “ at a very early day” ; but the origin of the obligations first used seems quite clear.

AN E A R L Y CASE OF LIFTING

445

in all parts of America where father and mother, brother and sister, have a lively interest in its activities, its prosperity and growth. Such a state of affairs makes for solidity and strength. Occasionally it may seem necessary to close the doors of a chapter to one who was born to the fraternity. In the long run, however, a lad who has had the Beta background" in his home is far more likely to add strength than to bring weakness. The heart of father or brother is warmed anew at the shrine when a younger member of the family is welcomed to the fraternal fellowship, and so the chapter makes a double gain. But even those who have thought much of the strength of Beta Theta Pi in families were deeply moved by the line-up at Niagara Falls that day.

AN EARLY CASE OF “LIFTING” The first case of ‘‘lifting” which affected Beta Theta Pi was that of James Samuel Hibben, Miami ’42. He left the new fraternity to join Alpha Delta Phi. His letter of withdrawal from Beta Theta Pi was read by the Miami recorder at a special called chapter meeting held on March 3, 1842. A t that time “ Mr. McCleary moved, That the chapter release Mr. Hibbins from all obligations save that of secrecy.” But, after considerable debate, the whole matter, state the minutes, was postponed till the ensuing morning.

The next record, however, was entered at a meeting held on Wednesday, March 12, 1842. “ Mr. Hamilton moved the following resolution: That we debar J. S. Hibbins from the duties and privileges of this chapter, but that it is the sense of this chapter that it is beyond our power to exclude any mem­ ber from the obligations and vows of the whole association.”

The constitutional point is interesting. Beta Theta Pi now had more than one chapter. W hat was the relationship between membership in an individual chapter and membership in the fraternity at large? Before following that out, it may be well to dismiss Hibben. Edward Bruce Stevens, a chapter con­ temporary, said that he did not blame Hibben; that he was Alpha Delta Phi type and went to his own. Before he went, he “bid” Stevens to membership in Beta Theta P i— and among the first hundred members of the fraternity none was of greater value than Stevens. But Stevens’ statement about blaming Hibben was made forty-six years later. John Armstrong Collins, Miami ’42, writing to Alexander Paddack at Cincinnati on March 12, 1842, the date of the second meeting referred to above, said, “ I am confident that Hibben is already one of the A.D. ‘Phis.’ He is a sad mixture of boldness, meanness, talents and low desires, destitute o f any leading and guiding principles which remain the same in all circumstances.”

The case had an important bearing upon decisions of the Convention, which was held at Cincinnati, on August 15, 1842. Mr. Brown, of the Cin­ cinnati chapter, presented a resolution on the subject of resignations which had been adopted by his chapter with a recommendation that it be incorporated into the constitution of Beta Theta Pi. A fter long consideration by a com­ mittee and report to the Convention, the following text was adopted: “ Re­ solved, That each chapter shall have the power to make regulations for itself respecting resignations and expulsions.”

There was another aspect of the case which caused much disturbance. The existence of the fraternity had not yet been made known. The fact of ex-

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A CONVENTION REMINISCENCE When the great Beta Theta Pi dinner was given in New York in 1905, in honor of Edward C. Stokes, Brown ’83, then governor of New Jersey, among the letters of regret that were received was one dated February 28, i 9° 5j from Rollin A. Sawyer, Western Reserve ’49. It read: I begin to find myself the oldest fellow in the crowd— I was the youngest in the fraternity when elected to membership^—and I have kept on thinking myself a boy till now. Y et a graduate of 1851 finds himself close to the margin— almost a back number— and but for my daily contact with young men in my classes at the German Theological School I might fancy myself in the sere and yellow leaf. Beta Theta Pi Association is very dear to m e : as once I told you, I made it my religion with the enthusiasm of its early members. The fraternity was only ten years old when I came into it. Brother John Reily K nox was near us (his daughter was in my parish when I was in Dayton, Ohio, in the sixties). W e then had probably ten or fifteen chapters.

A s recorder of the presiding chapter for two years, I came to know the men of these chapters well. The triennial convention at Pittsburgh in 1851 was a memorable affair. All the meetings were full of fine spirit and high ideals.

The public meetings were by card and really dress receptions. A finer lot of men and women I never saw together. With that send-off I have kept my ideal of the fraternity spirit, character and life till now, with comparatively little association with the men of the greatly enlarged brotherhood. But the Governor’s reception a few years ago was a representative affair that did us honor. And I shall try to join you in dining our Jersey governor on the twentyfourth prox. I thank you for the invitation and enclose my cheque for a ticket. Cordially and always in the old bond.”

A CONVENTION EXPERIENCE When H. Sheridan Baketel, Dartmouth ’95 and H. Sheridan Baketel, Dartmouth, ’20 faced the Niagara Falls Convention of 1917, they started something. Six other Beta sons stood up along with a Beta grandson and another Beta father. The episode was one not soon to be forgotten by those who saw the group and gained a new appreciation of the real meaning of the popular song, “ O When Our Sons to College Go.” But no one had any idea of what would follow the call for brothers of Betas to come forward. The line stretched clear across the room. There were twenty-seven in it. Five of these represented three brothers in a family. The other twenty-two marked pairs. While for the most part a single chapter affiliation attended the as­ sociation of brothers there were four instances where chapter lines crossed.

The Convention feature made a deep impression on all. It was recognized as an expression of a force that has become powerful in Beta Theta P i.' There are a few chapters where the family tie is not conceded any value. A Beta son or brother gains no favor before the ballot. An embittered father or a disappointed older brother in the alumni roll is counted of small importance by the boys temporarily in control of the chapter’s development. But these chapters are in the small minority. Beta Theta Pi has hundreds of homes

IN TER FRATER N ITY RELATIONSHIPS

447

OLD-TIME INTERFRATERNITY RELATIONSHIPS “ A t Greencastle the Greeks have a pretty set of scamps to oppose them.

Not content with stealing from the mails several of our No. I sent to the Delta boys, thieves have now raided Hiett’s, K err’s, and Goodwin s rooms, breaking open their trunks and stealing all their copies of the Beta Theta Pi. Certainly our paper is creating a commotion, or it could not be the object of attack. Boys, secure the legal punishment of the thieves, but keep cool and be manly in it all.” (Beta Theta Pi, March, 1876. p. 32-) ★

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★

In the seventies of the last century in Indiana when “ lifting” was in the heydey of its glory there was a student who was a Phi Gamma Delta at W ab­ ash in his freshman year, a Phi Delta Theta at Indiana during his sophomore and junior years, and a Phi Kappa Psi at Indiana during his senior year. The bitterness such warfare caused is indicated by an extract from a Greencastle letter to the Beta Theta P i in 1874: “ Our last addition, W . D. Parr, ’75, was taken from the ranks of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and although for a time it caused a vast amount of moral depravity to make its appearance in col­ lege circles which culminated in a cowardly assault at the hour of night upon the ‘lifted’ brother and his ‘barberous’ disfigurement by the loss of foretop and a luxuriant moustache— justly the pride of Delta yet justice having been appeased and that moustache returning, Wooglin has reason to be truly proud of his new son, brought forth under such trying circumstances, and Brother Parr is now one of the most enthusiastic workers around the altars of the old Greek. It is a matter of self-congratulation to us that during the period of almost three years that we have been connected with the chapter, not a single frilure has been made in securing the desired man, after we had definitely decided upon him.” (J. A. Burhans in Beta Theta Pi, Vol. II, No. 2, p. 24, February, 1874.)

A

A

A

“The Phi Delta Theta at Butler College recently prided^ themselves on doing a smart thing by publishing a bogus ‘Legend of Wooglin.’ The Phis and Phi Psis seem to delight in conduct of this kind, and it is fun, no doubt.” (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. V II, No. 7, p. 176, April, 1880.) ★

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“ Herbert S. Houston, ’88, recently a student at the lately defunct Chicago University where he was a member of Psi Upsilon was initiated with J. E. Bowman, ’89.” (Boston chapter letter in Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X IV , No. 2, p.

140, January, 1887* )• • • • “ The pledged man in 90, was formerly a membei of the Chicago University chapter of Psi Upsilon, making the third member of this fraternity we have won over to Beta Theta Pi.” (Boston chapter letter in Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X V , No. 1, p. 55>October, 1887.) ★ ★ ★ “ W e were rather pleasantly surprised recently in receiving the minutes of our fraternity meetings from the year 1856 to 1866. These were presented

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istence of some chapters had not been revealed. Some, in the Convention, pro­ posed that all obligation of secrecy of the association be removed. Others violently opposed this radical measure. The outcome was the adoption of the w ording: “ Resolved, That no chapter or member of this association shall re­ veal anything in regard to it, more than its mere existence; and that no chapter shall reveal even the existence of another chapter, without its con­ sent.”

One possible outcome of such a case as that of Hibben and as. those of Western Reserve initiates who joined the fraternity without thinking of rivalry with Alpha Delta Phi to which they already belonged, was covered by a resolution introduced by Alexander Paddack, “ No person, a member of any similar association, shall be eligible to membership in this— and no mem­ ber of this association shall be eligible to membership in any other association of similar objects.”

Commenting on this, William Raimond Baird, once w rote: “ A t this time, and for many years afterward, most of the college fraternity constitutions con­ tained the latter provision, but not the former, upon the theory, apparently, that a man who joined a second fraternity would naturally prefer it.” “ The whole question of double membership,” he continued, “ in various college fraternities arose at an early day in their history. It became a rather common thing for the fraternities at Hamilton, Union, and Williams, to solicit for membership members of the anti-secret society or societies. This was frequently successful. It was but a step from that practice for the societies to invade each others’ ranks. This was termed ‘lifting’ (derived from an ancient English word for theft). The secrecy surrounding each association made such a course of conduct practical, A t times there was a justification for it, when a student, unacquainted with his surroundings, had been induced to join a society whose members he subsequently found to be uncongenial while he did find congeniality and companionship among the members of a rival society. Students going from one college to another where the fraternity of their membership at their first college was not represented frequently joined a second society at their new college residence without any thought of disloy­ alty to either organization. For instance, the founder of Phi Kappa Psi became a member of Delta Phi at Union, emigrating to Union from Jefferson. This was especially the case where some of the fraternity chapters partook of the nature of class societies as they did at Yale. A conspicuous example of such membership was that of Andrew D. White, who was a member of Sigma Phi at Hobart from 1849 to and of Psi Upsilon at Yale in 1852, where Psi Upsilon was a junior society.”

There is no doubt, too, that the Hibben case led to a good deal of anxiety relative to the possible revelation of “ secrets” of the fraternity. Up to his time there was no obligation binding a member in case of his withdrawal, by resignation or by expulsion. Suppose Hibben told the Alphas about the secrets of the B etas! But it was not until after the desertion of the Williams and Brown chapters in 1851 that the Convention of that year voted that an­ other obligation should be added to those taken at initiation, “ I solemnly promise that if at any time my connection with the Beta Theta Pi be dissolved, I will never reveal anything of the nature, objects, or business of the Associa­ tion.”

IN TER FR A TER N ITY RELATION SH IPS

449

That the bitterness was sharp is illustrated by another story : One day at chapel Ulysses Thompson Curran, ’56, described as “ a Beta senior, sturdy of build and for whose physical prowess the whole college had respect, made fun of the badge of the new fraternity. Benjamin Piatt Runkle re­ sented the insult, and in the chapel aisle after prayers were said the two mixed in an old fashioned fist fight. O f course the hero triumphed over the vil­ lain according to the Sig account, he having right and truth on his side. What the Beta version was is not known. The two fighters were suspended on March 10 1856, until M ay 10, “ and required to return immediately to their respective homes,” as the letter of discipline said. In 1908 the two met at the Miami commencement, General Runkle then a trustee of Miami, Judge Curran the orator of the Alumni Association. The two clasped hands, the judge remarking that Sigma Chi and the country were greatly indebted to him for having given the General his first lesson in military tactics, namely to strike early and often. ★

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★

“ A copy of our constitution was stolen by a member of the Sigma Chi, copied and then returned. That copy is now in the possession of this fra­ ternity. They showed it here to many of our Beta friends, but could effect nothing. The Phi Kappa Psi here know our motto and g rip ; yet that does no harm. I know the Sigma Chi grip and also the Phi Kap grip and motto, and, understanding their passwords and signs, got into one of their meetings re­ cently; yet they thrive. It is always expected that each society will act as a spy upon the other, and no reasonable person should wonder when one becomes acquainted with another’s secrets.” (Delaware, Ohio, correspond­ ence, December 4, 1866.) ★ ★ ★ I f had to fight the Phi Gamma Delta for three years and I know them of old. But, let me tell you, with all their manners they do not hold a candle beside the Phi Delta Theta, and it has a chapter here. I learn from Delta that the Crawfordsville boys have compromised the matter. The sum and substance of the matter is, that the fraternity ought to have taken the matter in hand themselves and not left them to do it. I say there is no excuse for the negligence manifested at Tau. Nothing but gross negligence would ever have allowed that constitution to get out of their hands. I hope it will be a lesson. I don’t think that it is necessary for the boys to feel frightened over the turn of affairs; for what if our secrets are known; it will not harm, us. None of them have a constitution equal to ours. W e need not be ashamed of it. I have seen a number of others, such as Delta Kappa Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta and the famous Phi Gamma Delta, which, by the way, is at Greencastle. A t least I had it there. It is not worth publishing. Our order has for its basis such truths that they cannot but be admired. I think that we better not say a word about it but go on. I don’t see why Hanover need feel so badly about i t ; for in 1864 there was one of their number who turned renegade and told Phi Gamma Delta and all others all about us. They need not feel hurt.” (From an Indiana Asbury alumnus, D. Gilbert Hamilton, December 7, 1866.)

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through the courtesy of Phi Gamma Delta.”— An editorial note said, “ Many years ago all the records of this chapter were stolen by some rival fraternity or fraternities. Probably the records returned were a part of this lot.” (Beta Theta Pi, Vol X X X IV , p. 144.) [On May 4, 1912, being in Greencastle, I examined the two record books mentioned above, and soon discovered that they were not minutes of Delta chapter but those of Tau chapter at Wabash. $0, on the f ollowing day, I carried them over to Crawfordsville with me, think­ ing I should make an important contribution to the chapter archives. There, however, I found that the chapter had the original record books which had been returned by Phi Gamma Delta at Wabash years before. Closer examina­ tion of the other set showed that it was a complete copy, with a record in the back showing the pages transcribed by each Phi Gam who had a part in the copying. Some of the minutes were annotated, a flowery sentence or a boast­ ful paragraph being marked in parenthesis “ Oh Hell,” “ The Hell you say,” “ A damn lie,” and other choice expressions. It was a fine show of virtue on the part of the Wabash Fijis to restore the Beta records, after having made a cor­ rect copy, which, in time, was loaned to the DePauw Phi Gamma Deltas for their edification. These records, many of them, were printed by the Fijis and others on a broadside, a copy of which is in the Delta archives at Green­ castle. It is a sheet about twenty-four inches by thirty in size with a “ scare head/'' Copies were scattered all over Indiana. The old records are extremely interesting. They indicate that the Wabash chapter ran sub rosa for a long time, “ barbarians” often prowling around and trying to get into meetings.

Some meetings were held in the woods, some in college rooms, and some, clandestinely, in the Calliopean Society hall. Peanuts seemed to be a staple article of food at many meetings and “ feeds” were common as a means of cementing friendships. One catches the inspiration of the times as the minutes are read. The departure of some brothers to join the army after Fort Sum­ ter fell is described. F.W .S.] ★

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How Beta Theta Pi played a part in the unfolding history of Sigma Chi is indicated by several incidents related by Dr. Joseph C. Nate in his great historical volumes about that fraternity. The Western fraternities at Oxford, he says, were more intolerant of the new comer than the Eastern ones were, seeming to feel some degree of jealousy because of “ the appearance of a new claimant for a crown heretofore peculiarly their own. There was a period of cold-shouldering, during which conditions often were sensitive.” T h en : “ One night when the chapter met for regular session at Lockw ood’s room, they .found that the place had been entered, his trunk broken into, and that the tin box con­ taining the Constitution, Ritual, seals and records had been stolen. W ith the more generous fraternalism of later years, the founders came to agree that the perpetrators of this act were never positively identified. But a growing feeling between Sigma Chi and Beta Theta Pi at the time threw prompt suspicion on the latter. There was a bit of detective work involved in the rather fixed opinion of the Sigs as to the one re­ sponsible fo r their loss. Diligent search discovered the tin box, buried in the timber portion of the spacious campus. The box was empty except for a few less important matters and its principal contents were never found. But it had been cut open by a heavy blade as o f a large bowie-knife and by whom else was the execrable rudeness committed but by the one student in college— an adventurous Southerner— known for his custom of carrying such an instrument of destruction. And to what fraternity did he belong but Beta Theta P i ! ”

A M ILITA R Y DINNER AT EL PASO

45 i

“W e were without opposition until last commencement, when a congeries of malignant soreheads, who vainly sighed for a place in our ranks, got their cancerous caputs together and obtained a charter from the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Their sole purpose is individual preferment, and their only^ am­ bition is to secure supremacy in college politics. Every sand pile is likely to contain a pearl; every desert has its oasis; and it is not strange that this dreary Sahara of Phi Kappa Psi imbecility should possess one or two able men. The great majority of them, however, are persons of weak mind, meager attainments, corrupt character, and degraded connections. A s a whole the chapter is a caricature upon human decency, a living libel on man­ kind. It is possible that all Phi Kappa Psis do not answer to this description, and perhaps the correspondence which you receive from other chapters may contain words in their praise. I have reference only to the Madison chapter.

No vocabulary is vile enough to adequately describe it; no imagination is base enough to do it justice. One of the shining lights of the chapter re­ cently delivered a chapel oration which was almost wholly plagiarized from Harper’ s Monthly. The plagiarism was detected and exposed by the Beloit College Round Table. The Phi Kappa Psis are not represented on the edi­ torial corps of our college paper, and have but one man on the class day programme for next commencement. If any Beta who may chance to read these remarks has ever heard of a respectable Phi Kappa Psi chapter, I hope that he will advise us forthwith. I can only say that if a ball of tartar emetic, as big as the planet Jupiter were thrown into the jaws of hell they would not vomit forth in all the throes of their intestinal agony a more abject jumble of diabolism and corruption than the Phi Kappa Psi chapter of the University of Wisconsin.” (Wisconsin letter in Beta Theta Pi, Vol. I l l , No. 4 , page 4 5 , April, 1876.) * * ★ Postscript: The National Interfraternity Conference was organized in New York, November 17, 1909, and for twenty years now (1929) has been working toward common respect, harmonious co-operation, and finer fra­ ternity and inter fraternity feeling.

A M ILITARY DINNER A T EL PASO One of the features of military training on the Texas border just before the time of the W orld W ar was a dinner at the Hotel Sheldon in E l Paso on December 7, 1914. Captain Ralph R. White, Western Reserve ’ 14, of the Ohio Engineers, initiated proceedings by sending to the adjutant a bulletin to be read to the different troops in that neighborhood, announcing: “ During the first ten days of December there will be a Beta Theta Pi ban­ quet. A ll Betas who are with troops on the border and wish to attend this meeting are requested to send a postcard to the undersigned at once. The postcard should contain the name, rank, regiment, and company, and address of the sender. A ll Betas who send in postals as requested will be notified by postcard of the date, time, and place of the banquet.” (Signed Capt. Ralph R. White, Ohio Engineers, E l Paso, Texas.)

Pursuant to that call, twenty-seven Betas assembled and there were eight or nine others who were unable to come. All were soldiers and all came in

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One of the Delta Tau Deltas takes the third rank in the scientific courses, which we do not at all envy him. W e Betas profess to try for something higher. The Delta Tau Deltas are the only rivals we have as yet, and they are a nondescript multitudinous concern of about thirty-five members, in­ cluding nearly everybody in college, in fact, that would have anything to do with them..........They have lately devoted themselves to running elections in the literary societies; but they pursued their game so boldly, running a Delta ticket for everybody and supporting very inferior men for no other reason than that they were Deltas, that they got all the outsiders down on them and they have nothing to depend on now but their large force of voters.”

(Monmouth correspondence, June n , 1866.) ★

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“ Two fraternities, the Phi Delta Theta and the Delta Tau Delta, have dis­ banded, and now two of the former and one of the latter wear the badge and bear the name of Beta Theta Pi. W e decided this year there was one of the Phi Kappa Psi members we wanted and now he too is a worshipper of Wooglin. He says that Beta Theta Pi is a paradise compared with Phi Kappa Psi or anything else. ‘So say we all of us.’ The Phi Kappa Psi boys boasted at the beginning of this year that they would break up the Phi Delta Theta and take their two best men. They did break up the fraternity, but failed to get the men. . . . . Our rivals are the Phi Kappa Psi, the Phi Gamma Delta, and the Sigma Chi. Not one of them do we fear. Every man we have taken this year has been solicited by them. The defunct Delta Tau Deltas petitioned us for admission to our chapter; but, no, our custom ever has been to ask men when we wanted them. All our members are working together finely and each one looks forward with pleasure to Saturday night, the time of meeting.” (Indiana letter in Beta Theta Pi, Vol. I, No. 12, De­ cember 1, 1873, page 80.) ★ ★ ★ “ W e believe that Sigma Chi is endeavoring to establish a chapter here, and have consequently taken measures to pledge every desirable man in the college. Having done this, we will welcome Sigma Chi to the University of Wisconsin and allow her to partake of our leavings with anxious solicitude.

This will be an act of commendable philanthropy on our part. It will be putting into admirable practice, Tt is better to give than to receive,’ for the act of giving the individuals with whom the Sigma Chi has opened negotiations is certainly preferable to receiving them. Although they may do for Sigma Chi, they do not possess the qualifications of a Beta. The Phi Kappa Sigma recently made a reconoissance of our university and will probably establish a chapter at some remote date. Her condition will be more lamentable than that of Sigma Chi.” (Wisconsin letter, Beta Theta Pi, Vol. I, No. 12, page 70, December 1, 1873.) ★ ★ ★ The publications of the fraternity are full of similar material to that al­ ready given. The virtuous and properly acting Betas had a hard time, often, in meeting shameful attacks upon them— if their own stories are always to be taken as stated. Let one additional choice bit of description close the chap­ ter on the old time inter fraternity comity:

“ BROTHER A LC O T T ”

453

ence held at Silver Bay on Lake George, New York, from June 15 to 23, 1922, was marked by considerable Beta Theta Pi activity. Immediately after the opening of the Conference a notice was posted asking Betas to register.

There were thirty-two who heeded the call. They represented thirteen differ­ ent institutions. On Sunday, June 18, a Beta dinner was held in one of the private dining rooms. Fleming James, P ennsylvania ’95, presided as toast­ master, calling for a response from each chapter represented. The Mystic Circle closed the evening’s association together. Later in the sessions a Beta “ sing” was held. Those who enjoyed the happiness of Beta friendship along with their Y .M .C.A . work were j Amherst, C. C. St. Clare, ’00, William F. Whitla, ’23 -Boivdoin, F. P. Bishop, ’24, H. P. Bishop, ’23, T . L. Fowler, ’24; Carnegie, G. B. Allison, ’25, C. F. Bowers, ’23; Columbia, W . S. Knebel, ’24; Dartmouth, J. A. S. Millar, ’23, A. O. Warren, ’25 ; Johns Hopkins, J. R. Sher­ wood, ’23; Massachusetts Tech, P. H. Carrier, ’25, W . T. Ferguson, 22, S. Hazard, Jr., ’23, W . L. Rich, Jr., ’22, D. R. Taber, ’25 ; Pennsylvania, Flem­ ing James, ’95; Rutgers, H. Y . Broek, ’24; Wesleyan, H. D. Berlew, 21, R. L. Jones, ’25, J. H. Maddaford, ’24, E. R. Thomas, ’24, D. C. Warlow, ’23; Williams, A. R. Blackmer, ’24, R. A. Kimball, ’24; Yale, J. E. Barker, ’ 18, S. Butler, ’24, E. F. Campbell, ’ 18, J. M. Gaines, Jr., ’24,. E. D. Keith, ’ 10, J. L. Miller, ’24, J. B. Mintener, ’23.— ( J o h n M. G a i n e s , Jr., Secretary.) _ During the same summer vacation nineteen Betas who were on Little Traverse Bay, Michigan, had two dinners together at the Bay View Country Club, one occasion being in honor of prospective rushees. So much enthusiasm was aroused that an organization was effected with Elmer B. Africa, Wabash ’24, as president, and Edward L. Elliott, Michigan ’22, as secretary. For the next summer plans were made to include a Beta dinner every two weeks at the Bay View Country Club, a Beta baseball team, and a Beta dance to be given at the Walloon Lake Country Club. The members of the fraternity who were present at the first meeting were: Clyde W . Miller, Kansas 9 $> Topeka, Kansas, who acted as toastmaster; Howard W . Fieber, Indiana ’25, George S. Dailey, Indiana ’25, Perry E. O ’Neal, Indiana ’ 1 5» R ex C. Boyd, Purdue ’ 15, Joseph L. Dailey, Indiana ’ 17, Elmer B. Africa, Wabash ’24, Edward J. Elliott, Michigan ’22, all of Indianapolis, Indiana; W . A. Kunkel, Jr., Indiana ’ 16, K. M. Kunkel, Indiana ’20, S. Simmons, Indiana ’17, from Bluffton, Indiana; L. Nulton Parrish, Miami ’24, Lee W . Parrish, Miami ’03, from Hamilton, Ohio; John Molyneaux, Miami ’97> from Oxford, Ohio; J. Earl Little, Wabash ’24, and H. LaMont Little, Wabash ’25, from Marion, Indiana; Grant M. Miles, Illinois ’06, and John M. Niehaus, Jr., Illinois 20, from Peoria, Illinois, and Henry W. Lawrence, Texas ’ 18, from Fort Worth, Texas.

“BROTLIER ALCO TT” The name Amos Bronson Alcott (1799-1888) does not appear on the official rolls of the fraternity. Perhaps it should be there. It may be as justly entitled to a place as are the names of a few other honorary members who were initiated into Beta Theta Pi before the constitution of 1879 first put a definite limitation upon candidature. A letter written by Reverend Frank W . Gunsaulus, Ohio Wesleyan ’75, to S. Raymond Thornburg, Ohio Wesleyan ’ 15, under date of December 17, 1914, told the following story:

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their field uniforms, the occasion being reminiscent of two former Beta gath­ erings under similar circumstances. During the Civil War, the entire Western Reserve chapter enlisted under the command of the late Charles A. Young, then professor of mathematics, and being sent into training at Camp Chase, Ohio, held two fraternity banquets, inviting members of the Miami, Michigan and Indiana chapters who happened to be in the neighborhood. Similiarly, at the capture of Ponce, Porto Rico, during the last war with Spain, eight Betas held an impromptu banquet at the hotel the evening after the United States troops took possession of the town.

Probably the most interesting happening of the evening at El Paso was when the banquet was partly through and the assembled company was singing the first stanza of “ When Our Sons to College Go,” and the door opened with a bang and there came into the room a captain from the Eighteenth Pennsyl­ vania Infantry with this remark: “ I don’t know any of you, but I do know that song, so I know you’re all Betas and so am I !” It was a concrete ex­ ample of the widespread influence and knowledge of the fraternity. The very welcome brother was Scovel of the Wooster chapter. He was dining with his w ife and baby in the dining room of the hotel when he heard the song and couldn’t resist a call to meet his fraternity brethren.

The Betas at the dinner had a fine time and thoroughly enjoyed their re­ union. The following is a roster of those present: M ajor Charles W . Gamble, Second Ohio Infantry, M.C. ,Vanderbilt; Cor­ poral L. J. Whitlock, Battery B, Ohio Artillery, M iam i; First Lieutenant Arthur Silver, Third Ohio Infantry, M.C., Miami; Private Joseph B. Kleckner, Fourth Ohio Infantry, M.C., Ohio W esleyan; Chief Musician J. P. Ed­ wards, Second Kentucky Infantry Band, Ohio Wesleyan; Corporal F. J. Welsh, Company F, Third Ohio Infantry, Western Reserve; Private Stanley L. Orr, Troop A , Ohio Cavalry, Western Reserve; Sergeant F. C. Haveman, Company C, Third Ohio Infantry, Ohio State; Sergeant Glen R. Grant, Troop B, Ohio Cavalry, Ohio State; Private Z. C. Ebright, Troop B, Ohio Cavalry, Ohio State; Private Q. H. Findley, Troop A, Ohio Cavalry, Western Reserve; Corporal J. F. Meloy, Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, Dickinson; Sergeant S. J. Harris, Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, Dickinson; Sergeant Carl B. Rettig, Third Field Hospital, Ohio, Kenyon; Sergeant R. A. Craig, Battery B, Ohio Artillery, Kenyon; Second Lieutenant.

BETA SUMMER GATHERINGS Y oung folks, old folks, everybody come, Come to the Beta dance and have a lot of fu n ; Kindly check your chewing gum and flivers at the door, And we’ll dance the Beta dance that you’ve often danced before.

That is the way the muse inspired Philip Hand Richards, Yale ’ 17, when he issued an appealing circular to Southern California Betas inviting them all to an informal spring soiree on Friday evening, June 16, 1922, at the California Country Club at Culver City. One of the great sources of strength of Beta Theta Pi has always been the loyalty and spirit of members who have finished their college days. In like manner the summer gatherings have memories which have enriched Beta life. For example the Student Y.M .C.A . Confer-

455

for which those letters stand. So we were safe while he was living ever betrayed us if he entered the heaven in which Bronson Alcott 1: on earth.

Alcott died in Boston in 1888. It has long been a tradition that catalogue editors of the fraternity made and unmade members, m connection with their editorial work upon the rolls. William Raimond Baird, who got his first train­ ing' in this field in connection with the catalogue of 1881, and was associated with catalogue making almost to the time of his death m 1917, was once asked why Alcott’s name was not on the roll. His answer perhaps reflected his orthodox views, although he lacked the enthusiastic and sentimental character­ istics of Dr. Gunsaulus. He said that he himself had always regarded Alcott as an overestimated man; that he believed that much of his reputation was due to the fact that Ralph Waldo Emerson once said he could not understand Alcott’s philosophy; and that people thought a man must be a wizard, indeed, if Emerson could not fathom him. A t any rate Alcott’s name is not m the Beta Theta Pi catalogue.

UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS Under the heading “ In a Pullman Section,” A. J. Priest, Idaho 18, told of a chance meeting on a train in January, 1928, where Lewis K. Jacobsen, Utah ’23 on his way East, discovered that the upper berth in his section was oc­ cupied by another Beta. As they talked together mention was made of Victor I. Mann, Minnesota ’25, and his address in Sydney, Australia, was given. As Jacobsen was then on his way to New Y ork to purchase supplies for a trip to Sydney, he put the name and address in his memorandum book. The entire

story is given on page 65 of B e ta

L ore.

Just before the clanging bells announced the arrival of January, 1929, a letter was received by the editor of the fraternity magazine, from Jacobsen, telling of his experiences with Mann, whom he hunted up at the address given him on the train. He w rote: “ What a great feeling of security it was to me to know that I had a Beta brother to meet when I arrived and, instead of being a stranger in a strange land,’ I had the companionship of a brother Beta to look forward to. “ You can rest assured that I was not long in locating 100 Clarence Street

R .O .T .C B E T A S A T C A M P K N O X , 1928 From left to right, those shown are: Back row, George F. Gillan, Iowa State ’29; John R. Oliver, a pledge of the Iowa State chapter; Maurice W. O ’Rourke, Jr., Indiana ’31; W ilfred M. Bacchus, Missouri ’29; Hayward A. Gay, Ohio State ’30; George M. Hutto, DePauw ’30; George D. Shellabarger, Ohio State ’30, and Thomas J. Dyer, Indiana ’30. Front row, John H. Stanley, De Pauw ’30; Eugene B. Schricker, De Pauw ’29; Howell H. Brooks, De Pauw ’29; M ark J. Sturtevant, Ohio State ’29; George W .

Hendrix, Ohio State ’29; Jesse E. Johnson, De Pauw ’28, and Joe D. Kniffin, M issouri ’30.

A B E T A A L U M N I B E A C H P A R T Y A T S A N D IEG O , 1928

S U M M E R M E E T IN G S O F B E T A S

PRESENTS MEMORIAL TO FRANCE

457

Lake C ity ), entered the university at a later date than Brother Ray, and in due time he became a member of the fraternity, and so with a Beta family I naturally became an ardent admirer of our great fraternity and its members.

I think I rejoiced as much as anyone when on that Memorable Day in Septem ber 1913, we received the glad tidings that Utah had been granted a charter of Beta Theta Pi. Brother Ray was one of the Utah delegation at the Con­ vention. I was initiated during the fall of 1918 (November 2, 1918) and there were so few active members present due to the War, that Brother Ray con­ ducted the initiation. What a wonderful inspiration it was to me to hear the Beta Ritual for the first time, and what a great feeling of pride thrilled me when Brother Ray addressed me as ‘Brother Lewis Kenneth Jacobsen accept and wear the badge of Beta Theta Pi, and as you wear it bear m mind the noble principles for which it stands...........i That was the happiest moment of my life and really the beginning of what has proved to be a stepping stone to the greatest of life’s possessions. For if I had not been a Beta Theta Pi, I would not, I am sure, have life’s greatest treasures, the most wonderful girl on earth, a Delta Gamma, for my wife, and three charming youngsters, two future Betas, and a future Delta Gamma. During my early active career I came in contact with Brother Thomas Varley, who was then m charge ot the Intermountain Experiment Station of the U. S. Bureau of Mines located at the University of Utah. It was largely because of the encouragement and guidance of Brother Varley that I studied mining and metallurgy. I went to him for advice and counsel on personal as well as chapter problems. It was he who was largely instrumental in obtaining the metallurgical scholarship for me, and it was under his direction that I did my work for my master s de­ gree in metallurgy. Brother Varley recommended me for my first position, and it was he who recommended me to the General Engineering Company, and they in time recommended me for my previous position and the one I have at present Another loyal Beta brother provided me with the means for work­ ing my way through the university. Brother A. L. Mathews secured a position for me which developed into a very remunerative position during my under­ graduate days. Can anyone now doubt that I largely owe everything I am and possess to the greatest of college fraternities, Beta Theta P i?”

BETA PRESENTS MEMORIAL TO FRANCE On M ay 8, 1928, with a score of airplanes overhead, at the Le Bourget flying field near Paris, Robert Jackson, Dartmouth ’00, of Concord, New Hampshire, presented to the French Republic a monument to the memory of the flights of Nungessen-Coli and by Lindbergh.

The sculpture is the work of a French artist, Georges Michel, now de­ ceased. It represents the Conquest of the A ir— a nude female figure in marble poised on a pedestal some twenty feet in height, and apparently about to launch herself confidently into space. A marble drapery floats airily behind. The style of the statue suggests the best Greek period, and in its lightness and grace recalls the famous bronze Mercury of Gian di Bologna, familiar to every visitor of the Bargello museum in Florence.

Mr. Jackson, long an amateur both of art and of aeronautics, became possessed of this statue a few years before while on a visit to Paris, being

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and making myself acquainted with Brother Mann. The look of astonishment on his face when I introduced myself led me to believe, I am frank to confess, that he thought I was another of those crafty American tourists looking for favors. Nor did he warm up until I asked him, ‘You are a Beta, aren’t you?’

His eyes sparkled and his face beamed— ‘I am, are you?’

That was the beginning of two weeks of constant companionship— we ate and slept together and he became so enthused about one of my shirts (made in U .S .A .), that I was forced through brotherly affection to loan it to him.

Needless to say, he still posesses the shirt, and in exchange I am the none-tooproud possessor of one with an Australian trade mark. The time then ar­ rived for me to depart to Mount Isa, fifteen hundred miles by rail from Sydney.

W e kept up our friendship by a weekly correspondence and when the time arrived for my company to purchase mining equipment Mann’s company naturally received the order, and none other than our good Brother Mann came to install it and acquaint the native miners with the latest in mining machinery. He has been here three weeks now and will remain until after Christmas. “ W e share the same quarters and find that the ‘Yankee’ meals we cook are much more palatable than the meals we can obtain at the local hotel. Until one has actually experienced the Australian bushman’s life he cannot appreci­ ate how satisfying and enjoyable a breakfast of fresh fruit, ham and eggs, percolated coffee and buttered toast really is. “ Every evening under the Southern Cross, if you could tune in your radio, you would hear, ‘The Loving Cup,’ ‘The Old Porch Chairs,’ ‘Wooglin to the Pledgling,’ ‘The Beta Dragon,’ ‘Come Smoke a friendly Pipe/ ‘The Serenade Song,’ ‘Barbarians W e to College Came,’ ‘The Marching Song,’ ‘Betas of Long Ago,’ ‘A s Betas Now W e Meet,’ ‘My Beta Girl,’ ‘The Beta Sweetheart,’ ‘The Beta Pi Chapter Song,’ ‘The Gamma Beta Chapter Song,’ and many others.”

On March 12, 1929, writing from Mount Isa, Jacobsen added another chapter to the story of Beta companionship in a far country: “ Mann returned to Sydney on February 20, but he has accepted the position of development and efficiency engineer with the Mount Isa Mines Co., and will return here per­ manently after the first of May. Brother Mann has a wonderful opportunity here and we are expecting great things from him. It is indeed an enormous un­ dertaking but I am sure Brother Mann will be successful. Beta Theta Pi is re­ sponsible to a great extent for our presence here. I received my present appoint­ ment largely through the recommendation of Brother Thomas Varley, Utah ’07, and I am of the opinion that my acquaintance with Brother Mann has been largely responsible and instrumental in his acceptance of the position here.

W hat a wonderful fraternity we a re ! Little do we realize during our active a f­ filiation the important part the fraternity plays in the molding of our future destinies. During my high school days my one ambition was to become a mem­ ber of Beta Theta Pi, and during my college career Beta Theta Pi was my guid­ ing spirit, and then little did I realize that our fraternity would have such a dominant influence in the shaping of my career and my future life. During my junior year at the Salt Lake High School I was fortunate in being invited to the Beta house numerous times. A t that time Brother Paul H. Ray, Utah ’14, was engaged to my cousin, Helen Owens, and since I was living with the Owens’ family, I naturally came to know Brother Ray and something of Beta Theta Pi. M y cousin, Russell W . Owens, Utah ’ 17 (now a successful M.D. of Salt

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459

claimed as a brother, and always respond. I think, though I may be mistaken, that my friend and classmate, General Noble, late Secretary o f the Interior, was a ®ember at Marietta. I thank you for your letter, and if I cannot sign myself your brother m Beta Theta Pi, I can thank you for reminding me that I was once a member of it.

Another illustration is that of Alanson Carroll, Western Reserve ’58. His home was in Granville, Ohio, and planning to be a Presbyterian minister, he went away from his home town where there was a Baptist college and com­ pleted his college course at Western Reserve. He was elected to member­ ship in Phi Beta Kappa for his high scholarship, also being chosen to give the valedictory oration at commencement, this, at that time, being counted the first honor. This- he declined, according to the statement under his name in the fraternity catalogue of 1881. Nearly forty years after he graduated, on M ay 25 1896, writing from Independence, Missouri, where he died m 1907, he indicated uncertainty about his Beta membership. He wrote to General Secretary John Calvin Hanna: Please ascertain whether m y name is to appear in the catalogue o f the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, proposed to be published soon. I graduated at W estern Reserve College m 1858 Just as I was about to leave fo r home I was informed that I was elected to tha , or some other like society. I never was initiated form ally and never have fully known much more of it than that I was elected on account o f standing in scholarship. I now feel interested ift knowing more about it. I thank you to inform me whether my name is written there, and what course I must pursue to find out more of its workings.

It was the election to Phi Beta Kappa, usually a feature of the college commencement season, which, with uncertain memory, the aged minister re called: for he was an active undergraduate chapter worker m college and m the college year 1856-1857 was president of the Beta chapter as the records show. On February 10, 1857, he presided at a special meeting when Edwin William Childs, Western Reserve j i f f was initiated. The minutes of the meet­ ing of February 7, contain the interesting sentence, “ Mr. Gregory, member of our rival the Alpha Delta Phi knocked at the door during the meeting but found nobody at home.” Childs was elected to membership that day This incident in chapter history is mentioned for another reason beside showing Carroll’s defective memory in his later years.

Less than half a block away from Carroll’s home m Granville, on what was then the village green, stood the Congregational church. About fifteen years after the initiation of Childs at Hudson, Ohio, the church changed its rela­ tionship and became Presbyterian. One of its early ministers m that religious connection was Reverend Adolphus S. Dudley, a Miami Beta of the class of ’ e8 Carroll’s own year. He was a strong backer of Alpha Eta chapter at Denison A fter some lapse of time Reverend Edwin W . Childs became the pastor and he, too, was found by the Denison Betas greatly interested m its activities and in the affairs of the fraternity generally. So through the links of life the novitiate of February 10, 1857, was a pastor m Carroll s family church in his home town and a live and enthusiastic Beta while Carroll, himself, chapter president that day, at about the same time, with faltering memory was inquiring of General Secretary Hanna, in good religious hymn phrase, “ Is my name written there?”

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greatly impressed by its beauty and desiring to assist the widow of the sculptor, who was anxious to realize on her husband’s accumulated works. Having no special plan for disposing of his purchase, Mr. Jackson left the marble in storage in France until the epoch-making events of 1927 suggested the utiliza­ tion of it as a last memorial “ To those who tried, and to him who succeeded.”

The dedication ceremonies were simple but dignified and were held on the first anniversary of the start o f Nungesser’s ill-fated attempt. On the pedestal of the monument was the inscription, “A I’ honneur de ceux qui tenterent, et de celui qui accomplit. Nungesser-Coli; Lindbergh; 1927.” A gathering of about a thousand people witnessed the presentation ceremony, at which the principal address was made by the American ambassador, Hon. Myron T. Herrick. Several eminent French authorities connected with aviation also participated. Mr. Jackson’s daughter unveiled the statue which is placed just inside the entrance of Le Bourget, the great northern air-service terminal, some five or six miles from the heart of Paris.

IS MY NAME WRITTEN THERE The olden time initiation into Beta Theta Pi, which consisted mainly in reading the constitution, which included the secret work, and in getting the new member’s signature to it, did not make much of an impression upon the novitiates. They recalled the fraternity in their later years because of the association with fellow members and the personal stimulus received from such association rather than because of fundamental ideals or the recollection of the interpretation of such ideals through initiation ceremonials. A good illustration is the case of Dr. T. T. Munger, Western Reserve ’51, famous New Haven divine. A fter years of separation from the memories of college days at Western Reserve before he went to Yale, all that he could recall of the chapter which initiated him was the high character of the members and a chapter walk which all took the day he was admitted to membership. He w rote: M y relation to Beta Theta Pi is, or was as follow s: In 1846-7 I was in Hudson, Ohio, first in the Preparatory Department and then (1847) in the Freshman class for two terms, leaving in the spring and going to Y a le where I graduated in 1851. A few days before I left Hudson I was taken into Beta Theta Pi by vote, though I never attended a meeting. M y only participation in the doings o f the society was as fo llo w s: It was an annual custom with the society to celebrate the return of spring by taking a walk in the country in the company of such young ladies as they might invite. The society comprised the best men in the college and the ladies invited were the prettiest in the town. I think I must have been elected the night previous to the walk. However it be, the walk was my initiation and it was the happiest moment of my life up to that time. The kindly notice of the seniors, their fraternal greetings, the congratulations of the young ladies whom I had adored at a distance, the walk in such company, all together made a profound impression upon my mind and heart. I hoped to return to Hudson, but my father decided to send me to Yale, his own college, greatly to my regret. M y home was in Homer, Cortland County, N ew York. I think I was the only freshman taken in the society up to that d a te ; but I may be mistaken. There were some brilliant men in the society at that time, the Paynes, Palmer, Dr. Pierce, who died in the war, I think, and, if I mistake not, the late P rofessor New berry of Columbia College and others.

O n ’coming to Y a le I joined Psi Upsilon and as it is a rival society .in some colleges, I supposed that my relations with Beta Theta Pi lapsed by virtue of entering that society.

I am glad if it is not so. The memory of my brief relation to the society is a delightful one; and I have also a great respect for the society, so far as I know it. I am often

PUTTING OUT A FIRE

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the old yellow brick house (I hope that I ’m not lying, ’cause, boy, if this old wreck has to stand another year, the chapter will have to carry accident insurance against being hit on the head by falling plaster). “ Several of the brothers that were there expressed the thought that they wished so and so were here to have his name put on a brick. Well, the thought struck me, why not give you fellows who found it impossible to be there a chance to have your own name put on a brick, so I sat down this morning and figured out how much it would cost the chapter to have a name put on a brick, and the cost of having the bricks packed for shipment to the house and trucked over here, with the amount of time that it would require on the part of the actives and the cost of hauling them back again.

Its going to mount up, but I think that for a dollar even we can fix up a brick to any specifications that you wish and, if there is any balance left over, we’ll use it to make up a block with the names of the founders of the ........ , chapter chiseled in it. “ Now if you’ve any special idea that you d like to have me work out on vour brick, iust let me know and I’ll do all that is possible to comply with your request. (The bricks are 2 ^ x 8% .) Another thing maybe you know of some deceased brother that you would like to have included in the roll-call on the fireplace.

“The chapter wants to hear as soon as possible whether you want us to make that brick for you, but even now I ’m going to spend sometime this summer filling in all the requests for sculpturing in order to get things ready in time for building. Then again, if you’ve got any hot ideas about special bricks commemorating any particular object about the house, like Sapho, why let’s have them. Another thought, it isn’t necessary that you be a Beta Pi man, the chapter will be glad to do anything for any brother who wears the badge and bears the name Beta Theta Pi. Let’s build the best fraternal fireplace by nicking every brick. ", \J ||| “ P.S._Action, big boy, the time is short. Write me today and don t let it slide because delays are going to mean a lot of extra work for me, so have a heart.”

PUTTING OUT A FIRE H

enry

M

artyn

S

m ith

,

Washington-Jefferson ’51

Among all the precious literature treasured in Beta archives you might search in vain for a reliable account of the proper method of putting out a fire. Our excellent chairman, waking the echoes under the live oaks of Louisiana, prompts me to supply the deficiency. Fire is a serious matter, and to deal with it properly demands dignity and decorum and a strict regard for metaphysical principles. .

It was about the year 1850. In those days there lived withm the precincts of the Gamma chapter a combative watchmaker, who for a consideration be­ stowed his best second-story room upon an humble member of the fraternity.

Hiram O. was stoop-shouldered and suspicious; he halted in his speech, and he halted in his g a it; and he was largely endowed, as men born m the bracing atmosphere of Connecticut are supposed to be, with that eager spirit of in­ quiry which some call curiosity. His lodger, being mostly busy with his books,

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BETA LIFE

ST. LAW RENCE ENTERTAINS SCHUYLER COLFAX Some of the advantages attending membership in a college fraternity were agreeably illustrated by what took place immediately after the lecture of Mr. C olfax on Tuesday evening, December 7, 1880. All those who have the good fortune to be connected with the St. Lawrence chapter of Beta Theta Pi pro­ ceeded with their distinguished guest to the society’s room at the college, find­ ing the building brilliantly illuminated and a truly sumptuous banquet in waiting. The real treat of the occasion, however, was an address by Mr. Colfax, admirably adapted to the occasion and delivered with an ease and charm of manner only to be appreciated by those who have heard him on similar occa­ sions. The distressing hoarseness which formed so unfortunate a drawback during the lecture almost entirely passed away in the smaller room and more conversational style; and the orator spoke at considerable length, recounting his experiences in connection with college societies, and mingling many words of counsel and encouragement. Despite the secrecy which usually attends the proceedings of these fraternities, we wish it were possible to report his words in full. Certainly the members of the chapter are under great obligations to him for his courtesy and cordiality. (Item from the St. Lawrence Plaindealer, reprinted in Beta Theta P i for January, 1881, page 97.*)

BRICKS OF THE FIREPLACE Down stairs in the dining room of the Minnesota chapter house there is a fireplace whose bricks have more than ordinary interest. Many of them have special markings. The story of this fireplace was well told by Wallace A. Thexton, Minnesota ’27, who sent out a circular letter regarding it at the time when funds were being secured for construction. This letter said: “ Well, sir, we had the old banquet and it was a humdinger. Even the initiation went along in good shape, if I do say so myself. It was worth the seventy-five cents that the dinner cost to see ‘Bob T .,’ Bill Wheelock, Dave Bronson, H. H. Chapman, Henry Knoblaugh, Doc Bissell, Tom Ellerbe and some of the other ‘not so young’ shaping out their marks in the bricks which will go into the fireplace in the card-room of Beta Pi’s new home, with that eating utensil that is set on the left side of the plate, and then without a moment’s hesitation use the aforesaid tool to spear that last pea in the southwest corner of the plate. These boys acted like little kids, and don’t think that they didn’t have a good time either, because they did, and told me to tell you that they were darn sorry that you weren’t there to join in on the fun. “ You should have seen some of the pieces of art that are going into that fireplace in the new house. Bill Wheelock and Dave Bronson each sunk a buffalo nickel in a brick so just the ‘bull’ showed for their coat of arms; other were not so Scotchy and put a quarter in so that only the head of the most beautiful girl in America was exposed to view. Bill made one with ‘Sapho-12’ on its face; bring any memories back to you? All in all, we’ve got about 200 bricks duly marked and ready for the brick kiln where the marks of the initiation banquet of the class of ’27 will be baked in so that the chapter will always have something to remember the last banquet held in

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preparatory to sprawling at full length on the floor. Now, why is this? But we pass on.

In the meantime the prancing and pounding up stairs, or to speak more politely, the multiplicity and emphasis of action, disturbed the slumbers and aroused the curiosity of the man from Connecticut in the realms below.

Naturally he wished to solve the mystery of those strange gymnastics at the dead of night. And so, in a most primitive toilet, he was soon heard hobbling upstairs, filling the night with exclamation points, then battering the door open with fists and objurgatory epithets. And just here questions of great importance have to be considered: Quaeritur, I. Could this man from Connecticut justly claim admission on the ground of his being the landlord ?

Negatur, Because it was the Beta’s private fire in his own rented room; and every American citizen is entitled to put his own fire out in his own way.

Quaeritur, 2. Should he have been admitted on the ground of neighbor­ liness ?

Negatur. Neighborliness implies the right “ to consult, vote and deter­ mine,” whereas a fire is not possibly put out by the Socratic method.

Naturally, m view of such considerations, he found the door locked, Bed­ lam without, dignified silence within ! “ And fast the flames rolled on.”

But even a fire must come to an end sometime. By carefully spreading all quartos and folios upon the floor, the enemy was repressed in that direction.

Turning the ignited bed clothes upside down did the business for them. A judicious use o f the water bucket calmed the enemy on the center table, and the chimney swallowed up what was left in the oil can. It was over almost as suddenly as it had commenced. _ . . .

And then the door was opened and the man from Connecticut invited m.

There was no light now but the moonbeams streaming through the windows.

A pungent but not unwholesome odor of smoke filled the room ; and there was no other token of the conflict but the hapless oil can lying in the fireplace in innocuous desuetude.

Many thoughts crowded on the much meditating man. _ Here was a fire in his own house and he was not permitted to be present at it, nor to help put it out, nor to give directions., nor even to ask questions. He had been robbed of a privilege and an opportunity. He glared about the room in speechless amazement, wheeled around with a snort of indignant scorn, and rushed down­ stairs, growling like Mars after his unsatisfactory interview with Diomed.

He never forgave the wrong of declining his services. His face wore an expression of armed neutrality under high pressure from that time on. But the sweetness of the Beta spirit was shown in the name given to the scene of the ineffectual courage of that misguided man from Connecticut. The place was thereafter known as the Areopagus.

Reminiscences grow dim as the years go b y ; this one is still luminous.

Happy will it be if it serves to while away the hours at Wooglin. It has not been our good fortune to mingle since those days in the grand assemblies.

But whether they are celebrated at Wooglin, at the Vatican library, or in the Queen’s chamber in the great pyramid, our heart is with them and we send them love greetings from among the live oaks of Louisiana. ( N o t e : H enry Martyn Smith, D.D., who wrote the above story o f his college days at old Jefferson, became a Presbyterian clergyman. H e was moderator of the Southern

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was deemed unsocial by this worthy person, and there was no intercourse save that connected with the ordinary transfer of the monthly shekels. It naturally excited in his breast a want of confidence.

But life flowed on evenly, till late one night the dying flame of the lamp announced to the Beta lodger that the oil was spent. If we call it oil, it is under protest. Really, it was some highly inflammable preparation of spirits of turpentine, known as illuminating fluid, a dangerous concoction.

The ceremony usually observed in such cases was, to light a candle, blow out the light of the lamp, and fill up from a half-gallon tin can, out of which the fluid flowed through a pipe-stem tube. But there was no candle; there was not even a match to be found.

When one is in a hurry, anxious to resume an absorbing study without delay, it is possible that the reasoning faculties may be less evenly balanced than usual; or the perceptions of consequences less keen, or something of that sort. The one postulate firmly fixed was, that it was not possible to close up study for the night in the middle of the chapter. And there was but one way to get the rest of it, namely, by filling the lamp without blowing out the light.

A la s ! That man who is so notoriously a reasoning animal should be so unreasonable. A t the same time it would seem that science itself is partly responsible for the result. Had not Sir Humphrey Davy as good as demonstarted that flame cannot pass through a very small tube ? The tube of that can was smalh—contemptibly so ! And so, as the fluid flowed gently but rapidly into the lamp, the question whether the can would burst was relegated to science. It seemed impossible that it should burst if science could be trusted.

And yet it did burst, in spite of science and Sir Humphrey Davy.

One ominous gurgling seemed to be struggling through the pipe of the can, admonishing the Beta to hold the can at arm’s length toward the fire­ place. Then a great roar, and in a moment his extended hand seemed filled with all of Jove’s thunderbolts. In the explosion the fluid spurted in every direction. The fireplace got the most of i t ; the center table loaded with books was covered in a moment with a canopy of fire; the floor and the bed received a fiery baptism; wherever a drop fell there arose a jet of flame. Had he been seeking a Bible illustration, here was a realistic picture of the gorgeous splendor of Nebuchadnezzer’s fiery furnace.

What would you have advised a man in such a case? Most men would have said, “ Collect your thoughts.” But his was not a little Bo Peep case; it was urgent. Besides, suppose that a man had no thoughts worth collecting.

No, my friend, that wouldn’t do. It was the despair of science.

Rely upon it that in such a case, and in all similar cases, the ancient orator gave the true solution of the problem in his famous recipe for public speakers, “ Action ! action!! action !!!” In the case we are speaking of, which was some­ thing special, we might suggest the additional word, “ Back-action!” This was the key to the situation.

B y an unfortunate coincidence, on such occasions every piece of furniture seems endowed with a spirit of obstructiveness. One might understand how some things get in your w a y ; but how explain why everything gets in the way.

Should you aim to kick out a jet on the floor, ten*to one you knock your toes against the leg of the table; if your purpose is wheel to the rear, you find your­ self mixed up with your rocking chair; if you plunge at some terror in the corner, you find yourself first balancing on the back of some other, chair,

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in the chapter hall, and in half an hour the number of Betas was visibly in­ creased. Major Ransom then gave us all a hearty Beta welcome, and General Smith and Brother Seaman followed suit, placing before those present the necessity of hearty co-operation in Beta enterprises.

All then adjourned to the dining hall of the Clinton House where ample justice was done to an elaborate menu. When the wants and wishes of the inner man had been supplied, the following programme was carried out, Gen­ eral Smith being toastmaster: The B rid e: G. Z. Snider, Rutgers ’76 The Groom: Charles J. Seaman, Denison ’71 _ Our Silver Grays: W^yllys C. Ransom, Michigan 48 Alpha Sigma Chi Alum ni: W . K . Roy, Cornell ’76 “ Grapes” : Byron Travers, St. Lawrence ’80 S Y E rM : A. L. Moore, Maine ’79 Our Absent Members : B. F. Willson, St. Lawrence ’80 The,Stalw arts: F. N. Cleaveland, St. Lawrence 77 Our First Dorg: H. H. Cameron, Rutgers 80 Fraternity Engineers: W . R. Baird, Stevens 7^ The L adies: C. R. Carpenter, Cornell ’80 W ooglin: G. M. Mann, Cornell ’80 Closing Address: Robert W . Smith, Williams ’50 The programme was enlivened by the Beta songs, the singing being led by Brother Seaman, and the banquet was concluded at a late hour.

The next day the majority of the brothers left Ithaca; in the afternoon the halls seemed deserted, and by nightfall Alpha Sigma Chi was a thing of the past and a new constellation of Beta stars was shining in the east. The silently falling snow has buried Alpha Sigma Chi from sight. Le roiestm ort, vive le roi! .(Adapted slightly from Beta Theta Pi, November, 1879.)

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Presbyterian General Assembly in 1873-1874. From 1869 until his death in 1894 he was editor o f the Southwestern Presbyterian, making his home in New Orleans. Sending the college reminiscence to John I. Covington, he wrote, under date July 21, 1888, “ Dear F rater: Enclosed you have the reminiscence. Hope it may serve to help the enter­ tainment. And, if it is fit for that service, hope you get it in time. Keep your promise and send me the circulars. I shall peruse them with great interest. M y best wishes are with you. Shall be proud to have a place among the Memories of Wooglin.

Salute for me the Brotherhood.” Betas of the days before the era of electric lights will enjoy this tale of the old-time “coal-oil lamp.” It may bring memories of other incipent fires and oil-can explosions, particularly when it was discovered that there were some live coals in the stove after all.)

THE LAST ALPH A SIGMA CHI CONVENTION On Tuesday morning, October 21, 1879, the last convention of the Alpha Sigma Chi fraternity opened its sessions in the chapter hall of the Cornell chap­ ter, located in the Titus Block in Ithaca, New York. The president, Garret Z. Snider, Rutgers ’76, was in charge. Delegates were present as follow s: Rut­ gers : Garret Z. Snider, ’76, H. H. Cameron, ’80; Cornell: Charles R. Carpen­ ter, ’80; Gustave M. Mann, ” 80; Stevens: William Raimond Baird, ’78; Princeton, Thomas Bradford, ’81; St. Lawrence: Byron Travers, ’80, B. F. Wilson, ’80; Maine: Arthur L. Moore, ’79; New York Alumni: James T. Brown, Cornell ’76; St. Lawrence Alum ni: Frank N. Cleaveland, St. Law­ rence ’77. There were also present the vice-president of the fraternity, W il­ liam King Roy, Cornell ’76, and the entire active Cornell chapter.

The routine business was rapidly disposed of, John A. Rosenbaum of Hoboken, New Jersey, being appointed to an office in the nature of a receiver to settle up the treasurer’s accounts in view of coming changes.

In the afternoon session the time was principally taken up with the dis­ cussion of the articles of convention agreed upon and reported to the Con­ vention by the Niagara Commission. They were unanimously and enthusias­ tically ratified in a series of resolutions, and the Convention voted to present them to Messrs. Ransom, Smith, and Seaman as a committee of the whole, One essential change was made, however, in the naming of the chapters in the future.

In the evening W yllys C. Ransom, Robert W . Smith and Charles J. Sea­ man of Beta Theta Pi having arrived, they held an informal reception in the chapter parlors and awakened a hearty enthusiasm among the visiting Alpha Sigma Chis.

The next morning, Wednesday, October 22, 1879, was devoted to inspect­ ing the university and its surroundings, and many were the curious glances directed to the glittering Alpha Sigma Chi monogram and its wearers. At about twelve o’clock the session was resumed; the Beta delegation was in­ vited to be present; the resolutions of the evening previous were delivered to them, and president Snider declared the eighth convention of Alpha Sigma Chi adjourned sine die.

M ajor Ransom then took charge, and in a pleasant, earnest speech filled with Beta zeal showed the true aim and spirit of the fraternity. In the after­ noon the entire body of fraternity members, with General Smith as a noble central figure, had their photographs taken in one of Ithaca’s romantic glens.

The artist, his camera, and assistant will long be remembered by all present.

Seven o’clock in the evening saw all the delegates and visitors assembled

T H E IO W A P R IZ E W IN N E R For the second year in succession Alpha B etaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decorations won the prize.

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Chapter V I I I — Anecdotes and Incidents of Beta Life A B e t a S t r e e t . In R o ck H ill, South Carolina, is O akland A venue, a street about h alf a m ile long. In 1921 five active members o f the Davidson chapter lived on this street, and there w ere six other Betas there, five of them being D avidson alumni.

A T h i r t y Y e a r S u b s c r i b e r . When in 1920 Professor David Leslie Patterson, Pennsylvania State ’95, joined the Baird Fund, thus becoming a life subscriber to the fraternity magazine, he had been an annual subscriber to it for an even thirty years.

Ralph A. Kreimer, M ax B. Robinson, and Raymond Betts, Jr., members'of the Beta Nu chapter at Cincinnati, have a common birthday, December 21, 1888. A group picture of the “ triplets” was published in Beta Theta P i for April, 1916.

B e ta T r ip l e t s .

J a m e s W il k e s F o x a l l , St. Lawrence ’ 16, an attorney of W est Chester, Pennsylvania, appointed D istrict Judge and Secretary o f N ative A ffa irs under the U nited States N aval G overnor of Sam oa, fo r a tw o-year term, sailed from N e w Y o r k fo r Sam oa on F ebru ary 1, 1928.

B e s t D r il l e d S o l d ie r . Among the cadets of Alabama Polytechnic In­ stitute at Auburn who won military honors at the final competitive drill maneuvers on May 21, 1928, Virginius Leslie Taylor, Cincinnati ’31, of Mo­ bile, Alabama, won the medal for “ best drilled soldier.”

L i f e I n s u r a n c e L e g a c y . Rogers Crittenden, Missouri ’19, who died in 1929, carried a life insurance policy for $3,000, one third payable to his mother, a third to the Zeta Phi chapter at Missouri by which he was initiated into Beta Theta Pi, and the other third to the fraternity itself.

W on C o n fe r e n c e M e d a l . In M ay, 1924, at N orthw estern U n iversity, G u y W illiam D avis, Northwestern ’24, was aw arded the Conference medal, a coveted distinction granted annually to the institution’s outstanding student and athlete. D avis won three letters in football and three in track.

“ Claudius Martin Bare, Hanover ’76, en­ tered Iota chapter September, 1873, in his sophomore year. He was suddenly taken from us on the evening of June 5, 1874, being drowned while bathing in the Ohio River.” (Beta Theta Pi, supplement page 10, January, 1876.)

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T h e “ R a c k e t ” L e t t e r s . In a stage success, The Racket, which later was used in the movies, a cub reporter was shown with the Greek letters B © II on the back of his slicker. The theater fans in the fraternity seemed equally divided in condemnation and praise of such advertising. The author of the play is Bartlett Cormack, Chicago ’22.

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preps. W e are proud of this fact and would like to know if its equal exists in the fraternity.” [Perhaps in the Boston chapter— E d it o r .] (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X V , No. 1. p. 39, October, 1887.)

W a s h in g t o n S t a t u e .

W h en Sam uel Spahr L a w s, Miami ’48, was ninety-six years old, he went back to his A lm a M ater fo r the Com mencem ent of 1920 and unveiled in the college lib rary a statue o f G eorge W ashington presented by him. T h e forty-five B etas ahead of him on A lp h a s roll had all passed on and o f the sixty follow in g him only one or two w ere living.

It was a noteworthy event in a long and honored life.

I A P o e t ’s L a u r e l . On June 18, 1925, Bowdoin College conferred the degree of master of arts upon Charles Wilbert Snow, Bowdoin 07^ The day before he read a poem entitled “Thanksgiving” which won for him a prize of. $100 offered by Bowdoin College for the best poem submitted in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of the graduation from that institution ot Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

number of “ The Alpha Nu,” describing some valuable additions to the chapter library, reported that “ Brother Bruce Hurd has given a large picture of John P. Usher together with a pamphlet by Usher containing personal stories about Lincoln’s cabinet.

I he Kansas chapterhouse is the remodeled residence built by Hon. John P. Usher, a mem­ ber of Lincoln’s cabinet, shortly after the Civil W ar period.

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A t the annual Block “ S ” Dinner in honor of Syracuse University varsity athletes, held on March 22, 1924, m the Archbold Gym­ nasium the Syracuse Glee Club and Orchestra presented “ Fighting, a new Syracuse song by Kenneth W . Rogers, ’ 17. The number was received with much enthusiasm and was immediately taken up by the^ student body and alumni and adopted as one of the official songs of the University.

S y ra cuse S o n g .

B e t a S t o r ie s . In Gunter’s Magazine for M ay and June, 1 9 ^ there were two stories published with Beta Theta Pi life as a basis, written by “ Leonard Stone of the Kansas Chapter,” so it was reported. An ^quiry made some time later of the publishers was answered by a statement that the magazine had been combined with another and that these numbers were out of print. The name “ Leonard Stone” is not found on the Kansas chapter roll.

G a m m a D e l t a . A local fraternity at the University of Pennsylvania named Gamma Delta amalgamated with Phi chapter in 1896, bringing to Beta Theta Pi Arthur Hobson Quinn, Franklin Spencer Edmonds, Fleming James, Edward H. Fetterolf, William Cramp Schertz, Samuel McCune Lindsay, Samuel P. Tull, Raymond MacDonald Alden, John Nolen, William H. Folwell, William J. Leaman, Francis M. Quinn and Warren P. Humph­ reys.

C. W . A n d e r s o n . The appearance on the magazine mailing list of three “ C. W . Anderson” names, with three separate addresses, led to an investiga-

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Before William Raimond Baird became a Beta writI w 1? u n S J' 1Seaman> Denison ’71, on September 13, 1879 he proposed that he be allowed to run an “ Other Fraternities” column in Beta Theta P i noting, ‘ I conducted such a department for Delta Tau Delta, Phi Delta Iheta and Kappa Alpha last year with much success.”

B a ir d ' s C o l u m n .

W o n a F e l l o w s h i p . A t Amherst College in 1920 Carter Lyman Good­ rich, 18, who had won Phi Beta Kappa election, was awarded a two-year fel­

lowship, established to bring about a better understanding and more complete adjustment between man and existing social, economic, and political institu­ tions by a study of principles underlying these human relationships.

A B e t a G ra ce .

T h e T oronto chapter at times uses a B eta grace at its table, the G reek w ords being tra n sla ted : “ W e wish, O God our Father, to give thee thanks fo r w hat T hou hast given us. A m en .” T h e G reek text, which introduces the initial letters o f the name o f the fraternity in an interest­ ing w ay runs: BouX6[i.e6a ©so? Ilatep yapw aot Souvat av0’wv Y)[xtv Keyaptaai au ’ApLI^V.

Qn February 14, 1920, in Seattle, Washington, fif­ teen members of the University of Washington chapter who saw service in France during the World W ar gave a dinner dance in a down-town cafe. Most of the women guests also had been in France during the war. The menus were printed in French, the dishes served were French, and several toasts were given in French.

A F rench D ance.

A w arded G r a ss e l l i M e d a l . In 1926 E d w ard Robie B erry, Maine ’04, w id ely known fo r his great achievem ent in developing clear-fused quartz, was the recipient of the fourth aw ard o f the G rasselli M edal, a g ift o f the G rasselli fam ily o f Cleveland, Ohio. T he aw ard was made by the Am erican Section o f the^ So ciety o f Chemical Industry (B ritish ) for the most valuable thesis on applied chem istry.

A w a r d e d C h e m i s t C l u b S c h o l a r s h i p . In the spring of 1924 James Elvin Whallon, Purdue ’25, was awarded one of the two national scholarships of the New York Chemist Club. This scholarship, known as the Hoffman award, is given for excellence in the study of chemistry. The previous year at Purdue University, Whallon had won the Wilbur scholarship, one of the most prized in the institution.

On July 4, 1920, William Chester White, Hampton-Sidney ’8o, an active fraternity worker in college days, completed his eleventh year as pastor in Churchville, Virginia, having previously served for twenty-two years in W arren Springs. His father was pastor at Berryville, Virginia, for twenty-two years and his father-in-law, for the same number of years, was pastor in Romney, W est Virginia.

C u r io u s C o in c id e n c e .

A n A n t i - T o ba cc o C h a p t e r . “ Out of the whole thirteen in our chapter there is not one man who is addicted to the habit of smoking or chewing to­ bacco, much less any worse habit. The same thing may be said of our pledged

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significance in that it shows a loyalty to the order by the “ Silver Greys” undimmed by passing years. W e challenge any similar fraternity to show such a record.” (Note in Beta Theta Pi, 1879) W on A l p h a K a p p a P si C u p . O n Decem ber 9, 1925, in the presence of 1,200 students o f the College of Business Adm inistration o f Syracuse U n iver­ sity, in annual convocation assembled, Charles F red Cook, Syracuse ’27, was aw arded the A lp h a K app a P si cup, donated each year by that honorary com­ m erce fratern ity fo r proficiency in scholarship, personality and activities am ong sophomores. In his freshm an year he w on the honor and aw ard of B eta Gam m a Sigm a, honorary business fraternity.

G iv e n N o r t o n M e d a l . A t a convocation of the University of Buffalo on February 22, 1926, W alter Platt Cooke, Cornell ’91, was given the Norton Medal, awarded each year to the outstanding citizen of Buffalo for eminent service to the community. Among the special reasons for the selection of the recipient was his presidency of the Arbitral Tribunal of Interpretation, de­ signed to decide disputes arising between the Reparations Commission and Germany growing out of the execution of the Dawes Plan.

W a b a s h C h a p t e r B adge .

T h ro u gh the interest o f John A llan Blair, Wabash ’93, the W abash chapter received the badge of the late Joseph F arrand T u ttle, W abash ’67. It w ill be handed down in perpetuity to be worn as the president’s badge. It is greatly prized by the C raw fo rd sville boys.

B rother T u ttle was a law yer in D enver fo r m any years, an active member o f the B eta alumni association there, and one of the select com pany admitted into the “ O rd er of S ilver G ra ys” because o f his interest in the fraternity.

Statistics of the fraternity for the college year 1880-81 included reports from the thirty-seven chapters then on the roster.

To begin the year they had 321 members. They initiated 203. They lost by dropping out of college 52 and expected 93 to receive degrees. To begin the next year they counted on 356. The largest chapter of the year, Harvard, had 31 members, Michigan following closely with 30. There were 9 chapters with 10 members or less. O f the 37 chapters then reporting 5 are no longer active.

A n A n n u a l R e p o r t.

H onored for S c h o l a r s h ip .

T h e W a r M em orial Cup of the Case chapter, com m em orating the Lam bda K ap p a men killed in the W o rld W ar, bears the names o f Clarence V irgin iu s A shbaugh, R ichard W a lte r B lair, and Leland S tan ford M ugg. O n the back o f this same cup are annually engraved the names of the members o f the Freshm an class of Lam bda K ap p a who obtain the highest scholarship record for the year. U p to 1929 these names are: L aw ren ce B. R ayl, C arl W . M eininger, H a rry W . Sm ith, E a rl L . H .

Bastian.

W a l t o n B u r n s i d e P e t e r s , Dickinson ’26, who was an instructor and coach of baseball in West Nottingham Academy, Colona, Maryland, and was killed in an automobile accident which occurred when the baseball team was returning from a trip, was honored at the commencement exercises of the Academy on June 1, 1929, when a memorial portrait was presented secured

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so° n Put Chauncey W . Anderson by himself, but revealed two U ittord W . Andersons. They have properly qualified as Clifford Walter Anderson University of Washington ’ 12, and Clifford William Anderson, North Dakota 26. And so the Anderson puzzle in the Baird Fund list is solved.

H e n r y S p e n c e r H o u g h t o n , Ohio State ’00, previous to his departure from China in 1927 to become dean o f the State U n iversity o f Iow a College o f M edicine at Iow a City, was decorated w ith the O rd er o f Chia H o Chang or outstanding service m medical w ork in China. D r. H oughton w as presen­ ted at that time with a silver bowl inscribed w ith the names o f the staff of the

Peking Union Medical College, with which he had been connected for about nine years.

The minutes of the Beta chapter at Western Reserve College show for the meeting of October 20, 1848, “ Chapter in­ structed to vote for Old Zach.” The chances are that in that W hig strong­ hold, the Western Reserve, every one old enough to vote would have voted for Zachary Taylor for President of the United States anyway; but this may be a unique chapter action in Beta Theta Pi to instruct for a particular political candidate.

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The Ann Arbor Times News for September I 7 » i 92 7j announced the election of two delegates from the city to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to be held at Kansas City in May, 1928. Interestingly enough both were Betas. The Reverend John Edward Martin, Ohio Wesleyan ’01, superintendent of the Ann Arbor district, was chosen as a ministerial delegate, and Junius Emery Beal, Michigan ’82, was selected as a lay delegate.

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B e t a T h e t a P i H i l l . “ W h en in D eadw ood,” says B rother Tosh o f A lp h a N u, I called at the office o f the B lack H ills Daily Times, and found on the table of the local editor a copy o f the Beta Theta Pi, left there by some w andering G reek. I interpreted the name of the paper to the barbarian editor, and noticed a few days a fte r in his columns that he had named a cer­ tain hill ‘B eta T h eta P i/ T h u s does our name and fam e spread.” ( Beta Theta Pi, January, 1878, page 134.)

There is no center diamond in a heavily jeweled badge owned by Claude Lorain Howes, Maine ’88, but there is a double bor­ der of cut stones, gallery crowned, containing eighteen diamonds and thirtytwo rubies. The wreath, now worn smooth, originally was rough. The badge was modeled after one owned by Harry Foster Lincoln, Maine ’87, who bought it from a western man, and was presented to Howes by his father and mother as a graduation gift in 1888.

A n U n u s u a l B ad ge.

A l u m n i L o y a l t y . “ A s a matter worthy of especial record we note the fact that at the Fortieth Annual Convention there were present at least one representative from each convention that the fraternity has held. When we consider that our fraternity is forty years old this fact becomes one of

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N i p a n d T u c k . W illis Van Devanter, DePauw ’81, and A lfred A. Frazier, Denison ’79, graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in 1881. The fraternity magazine for June that year said, “ Brother Van Devanter stood in the front ranks of the graduating class and came within a hair’s breadth of taking the examination prize out of Brother Frazier’s hands. There was only one-tenth of one per cent difference between the standings of the two.” Van Devanter went out to Wyoming as United States Judge after awhile; Frazier settled in Zanesville, Ohio, where he has practiced his profession with dis­ tinction since graduation.

A D a v id s o n L e g e n d . “ Brother Morrison returned to Davidson after the Civil W ar, and found that we were so depleted in strength that the frater­ nity chapter would be compelled to drop its identity. He procured the ritual and other literature that had been hidden in the Chambers Building columns and sent them to the archives of the national fraternity.” (Part of a letter from C. W . Gilchrist of Charlotte, North Carolina, to Francis W . Shepardson, November 7, 1921.) The imposing columns of “ old Chambers,” which was destroyed by fire, were hollow, and there are many traditions regarding the use made of them to conceal things.

K in sh ip a t A m h erst. Telling of the I 929 delegation at Amherst, Ira DeWitt Johns in 1925 reported: “Those who have Beta relations are Richard Allan Conover, son of Lawrence P. Conover, Wisconsin ’90, brother of H ar­ vey Conover, Wisconsin ’ 14, and brother-in-law of Alfred Sw ift Frank, Am ­ herst ’09; John Henry Doan, nephew of Howard L. Newell, Lehigh chapter; Gentry Warren Stuart, nephew of Lee M. Gentry, Missouri chapter; Charles Bradshaw Akers, cousin of Kenneth and Harold Spencer, Kansas chapter ; Lawrence Locke Crispin, cousin of Edward T. Headley, Amherst ’26; Harry Mills Sisson, cousin of Arthur B. Schell, Amherst ’22.”

W ill W . Eastman, Hanover ’68, and William K. Archibald, Hanover ’74, helped to revive Epsilon chapter. Eastman was in the theological seminary at Danville. On January 17 or 18, 1870, “ four of the finest students of Centre College, men who have rejected propositions from all the other fraternities existing here” were initiated to revive the chapter. These were Andrew J. Cochran, Maysville, K entucky; Edward L. Warren, Louisville, Kentucky; John B. Worrall, Covington, Kentucky; and John W . Yerkes, Danville, Kentucky. (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta P i; letters from W . W . Eastman to Roger Williams.)

C e n t r e C h a p t e r R e v iv e d .

S u b t e r f u g e . Difficulties of Beta life in early days of faculty opposition to fraternities are suggested by two sentences from the records of the Beta chapter at Western Reserve College.

February 6 1849— “ William McCorkle o f the Wabash chapter was at his own request transferred to the Hudson chapter,” March 6 1849— “ Byron Smith of Michigan University was elected a member o f the Beta Chapter.” ^ And so either brother, if asked if he t>glonged to Beta Theta Pi, could look the college president-squarely in the eye and say, “ Not in this college.”

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by contributions from members and alumni of Alpha Sigma chapter, members of Brother Peters’ preparatory school fraternity, and other friends and rela­ tives.

W on C o n fe re n ce M e d a l . A t the annual honors convocation held at the University of Michigan on May I, 1928, Norman Gabel, Michigan ’28, tackle of the Michigan football team for three years, was announced as winner of the Western Conference medal for excellence in athletics and studies.

Gabel was credited with forty-nine hours of A in the course of his studies, an A in the Michigan system of marking meaning 100. He had another forty-nine hours of B, a grade regarded as 85 or above, while his other twelve hours were listed as C. P is t o l R ec o r d . A t Indiana University in 1927 Captain Archie Kiefer Rupert, Indiana ’04, shot 495 of a possible 500. He used a Stevens pistol and shot on the fifty-foot range to a regular pistol target. Captain Rupert is listed among the expert riflemen and expert pistol shots. He came to the Indiana University military department in 1924, and completed his duties there at the close of the college year in 1929. In addition to his regular military class work, he was in charge of the rifle teams, last year coaching the men’s team to win the fifth corps area meet.

F ive P a irs o f B ro th ers. Possibly an unique record in fraternity exper­ ience was made by the Michigan chapter of Beta Theta Pi with five pairs of brothers in the active chapter at the same time. They were Kenneth R. Kerr, ’24, and William W . Kerr, ’25 E., of Winnetka, Illinois; Frederick Moore, ’24 E., and James Grant Moore, ’26 E., of Port Huron, Michigan; Charles Reinke, ’25, and Miles Reinke, ’26, of Milwaukee, W isconsin; W . Cyrus Rice, III, ’23 I., and, Robert V. V. Rice, ’25, L., of Grand Rapids, M ichigan; and Harold Stadfield, ’25, and Joseph Stadfield, ’23, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In the spring of 1920 Beta Theta Pi at North­ western was the scholarship leader, Rho’s Rhomer, stated, “ Recent reports from the registrar show that Beta Theta Pi was first in scholarship out of ten national fraternities for last semester. W e were beaten out of the cup last year by S.A.E . which had a chapter of only twelve men, while we had nearly thirty. In addition, Gray Penfield, letterman in football and swimming, was presented with a prize in chapel for having the highest scholarship in his class.

M ax H ayford heads the honor roll of his class in the college of engineering.”

N

o r th w ester n

H o n o r s.

B e ta s i n Los A n geles. In June, 1881, there were at least two Betas in Los Angeles, California, for Walter Dennison, Ohio Wesleyan ’77, writing from there to John I. Covington said, “ Having just perused the May number of the Beta Theta P i and gone over again the old loved scenes among the Greeks, I am all aglow with the ancient fire which will never die though fate pushed me into the middle of the Pacific. One other Beta resides here. Him I met three weeks ago. Patton is his name and he is a Virginia Beta and a royal one.” (This probably, was George Smith Patton, Virginia Military In­ stitute chapter, 1877)

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which he had found quite a while previous, and which had the name Ben­ nington engraved on the back. Thus was Brother Bennington’s badge luckily returned and happily received after a two years’ absence. ( G eorge O. B o w l e s , Secretary) In the Indiana Daily Student a note was published from William Chauncey Langdon, author of the Indiana University sonS> “ The Hymn to Indiana,” stating that Charles Divere Campbell, Indiana 98, was the composer of the music for the song. O f him Mr. Langdon wrote, “ the finest composer the state of Indiana thus far has produced, an Indiana graduate and professor of music at Indiana University in 1916, who died in 1919. He also composed the music for the ‘Pageant of Bloomington and Indiana University’ in 1916 and the ‘Pageant of Indiana’ at Indianapolis the same year. It is very fine and very playable music. Indiana University has full reason to be proud of him.”

H

y m n to

I n d ia n a .

Philip Smith of the Kansas State chapter had a curious experience with his badge in 1928, as told by C. W . Koester, secretary of the chapter, Smith one day in March “ glanced down at his shirt pocket and found that his badge was gone. A thorough search revealed nothing. He had sent his clothes to the laundry the day before. Possibly they had found his badge on a soiled shirt, but upon investigation he was told that no one at the laundry had found his pin. Time flew swiftly by until it was October. One day a friend of Brother Smith’s walked into the store and said, “ Phil, is this your pin?” And it was. This friend had found the badge at the mouth of a sewer just a scant few feet from the edge of the river.”

B adge F o u n d .

A T r ip l e I n i t i a t i o n . A t Spokane, Washington, at the annual spring reunion of District X X , held May 9 and 10, 1924, novitiates from the Idaho, Washington State and Whitman chapters were received at a joint ceremonial where the parts were presented with great effectiveness. Great interest was manifested by all the alumni members present, some of whom had not attended an initiation for years. No other occasion in Beta Theta Pi history is recalled where neophytes from three chapters were admitted at the same meeting except at the annual banquet of the Chicago (Alpha) Alumni Associa­ tion on Friday, May 3, 1929, when candidates from the Chicago, Illinois and Wabash chapters were initiated in the presence of a large company.

A l p h a C h i R h o S o n g . The Garnet and White of Alpha Chi Rho con­ tained a gracious note about Kenneth Whitney Rogers, Syracuse 17, at the time of his passing. It said, “ The death of Mr. Rogers is of more than pass­ ing interest to Alpha Chi Rho for at least two reasons. He was a brother of our own Gaillard Sherburne Rogers, Columbia ’09 who died November 18, 1919 and he was always deeply interested in Alpha Chi Rho, though he him­ self was a most active member of Beta Theta Pi. He taught at Mercersburg Academy for several years and during that time he became very intimate with the members of our Phi Beta chapter. Kenneth Rogers sometime before his death wrote an Alpha Chi Rho song, which attained considerable popularity in our Dickinson chapter, and it will probably appear in the next edition of our song book.”

BETA LIFE

474

O liv e r A l l e n B row n, Ohio Wesleyan ’66, who died in 1908, was the father of five Beta sons, all of them members of the Alpha Sigma chapter and all graduates of Dickinson College. The oldest of the five is also on the roll of Theta at Ohio Wesleyan. They are Burton Stover Brown, ’00, automobile editor of the New Y ork Sun; Kent James Brown, ’01, a Phi Beta Kappa mem­ ber, professor of German in the University of North Carolina; Beverly WaUgb Brown, ’03, advertising manager of the Red Bank, New Jersey, Standard; Oliver Allen Brown, ’05, a realtor in Matawan, New Jersey; and Rev. Arthur Henry Brown, ’07, pastor of the Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, Methodist Church.

How T h e y M e t . Samuel H. Elbert and Wilbur F. Stone were members together of the Supreme Court of Colorado. A Denver correspondent, writ­ ing to the editor of the fraternity magazine in May, 1880, told this story: “ Brothers Elbert and Stone have been ‘sitting on the bench’ together for three years and, until a few months ago, never knew of. their being brothers in Beta Theta Pi. Brother Stone was reading a Beta paper when Brother E l­ bert came into the room and, noticing the copy before him, at once recognized it, and then asked Brother Stone if he was a member of Beta Theta Pi. When the latter informed him that he was, they shook hands as brothers and as as­ sociate judges.”

When the DePauw chapter had 270 members all told, it had among them, so the Beta Theta P i for May, 1880, recorded, one VicePresident of the United States, one Secretary of the Interior, one foreign Minister, one Secretary of Legation, two United States consuls, one Comptrol­ ler of the Treasury, three United States Senators, one Speaker of the House of Representatives, ten members of Congress, two governors, one lieutenant governor, twenty-one members of state legislatures, seven judges, fourteen presidents of colleges, eighteen college professors, two brigadier-generals, seven colonels, two lieutenant-colonels, thirty-five other military officers and fourteen soldiers.

E

arly

D

elta.

The Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Missouri, through its William F. Kuhn Memorial committee, published in 1928 an educa­ tional pamphlet of forty-eight pages inside an attractive cover in tribute to Dr. W illiam Frederick Kuhn, Wittenberg ’75, father of Dr. Harold Philipp Kuhn, Stanford ’04. The brochure carries a bust portrait, reproducing- a bust of Dr. Kuhn, presented to the Missouri Grand Chapter by Dr. Emmett Craig of Kansas 'City. There is a brief biographical sketch followed by choice extracts from masonic addresses made by Dr. Kuhn in an active masonic life. The pamphlet is one of six recently published as part of an edu­ cational programme.

K

uhn

M

e m o r ia l .

M e s s e n g e r F i n d s B a d g e . Paul W. Bennington, ’26, of Lambda Kappa chapter at Case, lost his badge one evening while riding in his automobile.

He advertised extensively for it but was never successful in his attempts to recover it. One day, two years after the occurrence, Brother Normal Hall, ’28, was called to the door to receive a telegram. The messenger noticed Brother H all’s badge and stated that he was in possession of a similar one,

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

477

William Eastman Spandow, Denver ’ 18, was killed in an accidental explosion in 1922 while experimenting in the chemical labora­ tory at Columbia University. A few of his brothers, intimately connected with him during his college days (Brother Dan W olfe in particular), donated a loving cup to the active chapter to be known as the William Eastman Spandow Memorial Cup. This cup is presented annually to the freshman of the previ­ ous year, who, in the eyes of his brothers, has excelled in scholarship, loyalty to the chapter, and been outstanding in campus activities. Up to 1929 there had been three names engraved upon the cup: Elton Diehl Redmond, 29, Charles Walter Soloman, ’30, and Clarence Edwin Westerberg, ’31.

T

he

S pandow Cu p .

A J o k e o n t h e A l p h a s . “ Our prospects are fine for just the ones we want of the Freshman class. W e have at present the best two in the Sopho­ more class connected with us without the knowledge of the Alphas, and they are straining every nerve to get them to become Alphas. Tis really amusing to see their tactics. They spare no abuse in speaking to them of us, and feel quite confident of getting them. Poor fellows, doomed to what disappoint­ ment > W e shall undeceive them in about two weeks, for we have sent for four badges for the sophs. When they come, Oh! the woebegone faces'of our brethren of the crescent and star! Wish you could be here to enjoy the sport.” (C. W . Palmer, Western Reserve, to Jerome T. Gillet, January 21, 1847) S o u t h e r n F r a t e r n i t y S e e k s A l l i a n c e . “ I have received an important letter from a member of a leading Southern fraternity with whom I have had considerable correspondence in the past, conveying the surprising news, that his fraternity has had a split and is likely to go to pieces soon. He desires and designs to turn his half of it into Beta Theta Pi, if all is satisfactory, have written him to write to you and deal with you directly.^ He demanded that I should not disclose his name or business until he had given me permis­ sion I supply you this hint, however, and you will probably know all soon.

A fine prospect is offered for Southern expansion.” (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta P i; letter from Chambers Baird to J. Cal Hanna, from Ripley, Ohio, January 22,1889.)

On Tuesday evening, August 16, 1927, the lawyers of Greensboro, North Carolina, met at dinner and organized the Greensboro Barristers’ Club. It is an organization of lawyers who have successfully engaged in active practice of law and who have lived in the city and held licenses between five and fifteen years. The purposes of the organi­ zation are to engage in legal research, and to maintain among members of the bar professional courtesy, personal integrity and strict adherence to the ethics of the profession. For first president, District Chief Robert Haines Frazier, North Carolina ’19 was chosen, a pleasing home honor to this efficient Beta leader. Brother Frazier also was recently made presiding clerk of the New Garden quarterly meeting of Friends.

H

eads

B a r r is t e r s ’ C l u b .

T h e F o u n d e r s i n C o l l e g e . “ President Hughes has referred to me your letter asking for information with regard to the grades and college life of the founders of Beta Theta Pi. I find that we have complete records of all

A C H A M P IO N T E A M Gamma Theta chapter at Washington State College in the 1928-1929 season had a championship intramural basketball team which won the honors of two institutions.

A fte r winning thirteen games and losing but one on the Washington State campus, a challenge was issued to Gamma Gamma chapter, intramural champions at the University of Idaho. They accepted, and the game was played at Moscow, Gamma Theta winning a hard fought game. Brothers Chittenden, Peck, Lainhart, Coffin, Roen, and pledge Gillespie made up the team.

W H E N T U L A N E B E T A S W E R E C H A M P IO N S Shute, Ford, Armstrong, W yckoff, Varnes, W alshe

B E T A C H A M P IO N S IN B A S K E T B A L L

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

479

being that, as no vote was ever taken formally ending the chapter, its rights remained unaltered. J. Newton Brown who was initiated at ^Vooster went to Miami as a student in the fall of 1885. He pledged six men, E. H. Greer, ’89, W . G. Shannon, ’90, H. B. Smith, ’90, Shaler Berry, ’go, James C. Mount, ’90, and Louis E. Orr, ’91. They were initiated on the last day of the college year. John Reily Knox, ’39, John W . Herron, Andrew D. Hepburn, and others were present. (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X IV , No. 1, pp. 2 and 3, October, 1886.)

M a d e a n Ass o f H i m s e l f . In a letter from Theta chapter, dated at Delaware, Ohio, December 14,1869, and signed by Hermus Cronkleton, R.oger Williams of Miami is told of the expulsion from college of a Beta, a Sigma Chi, and a Phi Kappa Psi. This news is followed by these sentences which refer to a Beta who, later, became quite an influential Methodist minister in central Ohio. “ Friday evening we met with another mortification. Brother . . . ., a good man and editor-in-chief of the Collegian, made an ass of himself at the contest between the Athenian and Zetagethian Literary Societies. He insulted the president and would not sit down when through speaking when his allotted time was up. He was hissed and stamped down. He did very w rong; yet the boys stick by him as close as they can under the circum­ stances.”

W o oster C h a p te r R e u n i o n . A t the Wooster commencement in June, 1926, the boys of Alpha Lambda chapter held an old time reunion. Former President and General Secretary John Calvin Hanna wrote: “ I attended the forty-fifth anniversary of my class which was quite a successful affair with a dinner at the Compton home, and in the evening the reunion of old Alpha Lambda. This was gotten up through the energy of W ill Pomerene and eighteen of us ate sandwiches and pickles and ice cream and spent the evening in singing and in reminiscences, and in fact held a regular old-fashioned chapter meeting. It did us all good. Seven of the eighteen were active members of the chapter while I was there: F. D. Taggart, ’80; Henry For­ man, John Lentz, and myself of ’81; W ill Pomerene, Stanley Gooding and Jay Turney of ’84.”

T h e D ia m o n d 's V a l u e .

In the spring of 1928 the St. Louis GlobeDemocrat carried a boxed advertisement praising its classified advertisement columns. It was headed “ The Diamond gives its material value, too,” and then followed: “ Now you take the average run of college fraternity pins, and their chief value lies in the sentiment attached to them. (Naturally a fraternity man hates to lose the badge which suggests such hallowed associa­ tions.) But there is one fraternity* whose pin has specially intrinsic value as well. There’s a diamond just above the center. When one of the pins is lost, the matter becomes almost an Hellenic tragedy. Naturally the Beta who lost his in St. Louis recently took it seriously enough to pledge the support of a W ant A d in Saturday’s Globe-Democrat. (* Beta Theta Pi. In other orders jeweled pins are optional.)”

D e l t a T a u D e l t a P e t i t i o n . The minutes of P i chapter at Indiana U ni­ versity, dated, Beta Hall, November 15,1873, contain the following paragraph:

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grades since the year 1840; and that is just a few years too late to embrace any of the founders except Henry Hardin. I find that, that year, he ranked eighth in his class, having a grade of 94 in scholarship and 98 in general char­ acter. From an examination of the faculty minutes of that period I do not find that any of the founders were ever brought before the faculty for mis­ conduct or any other purpose; so I presume they were a reasonably proper sort of fellows.” (George Bishop, Business Director of Miami University to Francis W . Shepardson, November 11, 1913.)

C h a p t e r B u s i n e s s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n . The question of the business ad­ ministration of each chapter is of vital concern to the fraternity at large.

No chain is stronger than its weakest link. Business administration of our chapters involves more than the detailed work of each treasurer. It calls for the leadership of the president, upon whose shoulders rests the respon­ sibility of seeing to it that the treasurer, the steward and all those delegated with authority in conducting the chapter’s affairs function satisfactorily and perform their duties in a thorough, business-like manner. It is for each man in each chapter to take a pride in the financial position of his chapter. As Kipling sa ys: “ It’s not the individual or the army as a whole, but the ever­ lasting teamwork of every bloomin’ soul.” (Atwood Manley) I n d i a n a C h a p t e r F o u n d i n g . “ In 1845 our chapter was founded by Gavin Riley McMillan of the Miami chapter. Thomas B. Graham and John G. Clendennin were the charter members.

Clendennin died in college.

Graham is supposed to be living at Keokuk, Iowa, but all attempts of late years to find him have proved fruitless. Any information concerning him will be thankfully received by the chapter. In 1849 the chapter became moribund according to the records, but there must have been Betas in college a year or two after that date. In January, 1855, through the efforts of the Reverend John Junior Hight, then professor of letters, the chapter was re­ established. Since then it has continued its existence with varying success.”

(Indiana letter in Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X V , No. 2, p. 129, January, 1888.)

T h r e e B e ta E le c to rs . Three of Oregon’s five electors in the presi­ dential election of 1928 were Betas, Charles H. Carey, Denison ’81, Robert B. Kuykendall, Oregon ’13, and Harold J. Warner, Oregon ’13. The other two electors, a man and a woman, had not attended college. A t the time of meeting in the capitol at Salem, January 2, 1929, Judge Carey acted as chair­ man. It was an added feature o f interest that Elector Warner, immediately after graduation from law school in 1916, entered Judge Carey’s Portland office— Carey and Kerr— where he remained a short time before locating in Pendleton for his practice, and that Elector Kuykendall who did not enter practice until after the W orld W ar, also started with the firm of Carey and Kerr, remaining in that relationship until 1924 when he located in Klamath Falls.

R e v iv a l o f A l p h a C h a p t e r . The Miami chapter, the Alpha of Beta Theta Pi was revived June 22, 1886, after a period of twelve years of quies­ cence. The original chapter never had a charter, it being the founder of the fraternity, and no vote was taken on the question of revival, the theory

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

481

The Beta Theta Pi in 1879 said, editorially: Will our alumni please remember that we want personal letters from them at all times, no less than from the college brethren? Just now is when the out-of-college part of our fraternity should make special efforts to follow and keep abreast of our plans for growth and development. The old fra­ ternity may grow out of their knowledge in a few years unless they keep their eyes open. W e don’t want to see any of our fresh and active young gradu­ ates of recent years coming into some convention in the future looking like cats in a strange garret as they listen to new and novel details of fraternity work and ways, and mourning for “ the good old Colony days” that will be forever gone. Keep up with the procession now, and you won’t have to puff yourself purple overtaking it after it is out of sight around a corner.

A

lum ni

L etters W

anted.

F oun d i n W a s h in g t o n . James B. P a rk er o f the Case chapter attended high school in W ashington, D.C. W h en a junior in the institution he found, one day, at the school’s entrance, a piece of jew elry which he recognized from his lim ited know ledge on the subject as a fratern ity pin. T w o years later P ark er entered Case and was duly pledged to Lam bda Kappa. P a rk er noticed a fam iliar appearance to the B eta pin. H is thought as to w here he had seen a like pin recalled to his mind the one he had found tw o years previous on the streets o f W ashington. H e had exam ined this badge and, due to his increased know ledge o f the fraternity, found it to be the B eta pin o f a brother in 1900 in the Colgate chapter. P a rk e r’s letter o f inquiry to this chapter failed to elicit any fu rth er inform ation on the pin, so that it still rem ains in his posses­ sion as a memento of a som ewhat peculiar experience. ( G eorge O . B o w l e s , Secretary) K i n s h i p i n M a i n e . An alumni letter published by the Maine chapter in the spring of 1926 contained a paragraph telling of relationship in Beta E t a : “ Brother Edward H. Kelley, ’90, claims the greatest interest in Beta Theta Pi having two sons in Beta E ta; Irving B., ’26, and Edward G., 29.

Brother William L. Bailey, ’26, son of William M. Bailey, Beta Eta, ’91, and nephew of David W . Colby, Beta Eta, ’87. Brother Joseph D. Gay, 27, brother of Thomas E. Gay, ’25. Brothers Cyril G. Cogswell and Lawrence P. Cogswell, both of the class of ’27. Brother Harold Ingalls, 28, brother of Everett P. Ingalls, ’ 15, who had two uncles in Beta Eta, E. E. Palmer, ’99, and P. B. Palmer, ’96. Brothers Paul Giddings, ’28, and Spofford Giddmgs, ’26, of Augusta. I Brother Charles R. Bond, ’28, brother of Granville M. Bond, Beta Eta, ’26. Oscar T. Turner, ’29, brother of Otto C. Turner, Beta Eta, ’25.”

L i c e n s e No. 39.

A Cuyahoga Falls note in the Akron B e&covi-JoutwqI for December 3, 1928, read: “ Arthur A. Billman, member of the Falls school board, is seeking some way in which he can have the state issue him an auto license number fzero.’ For thirteen years Billman with No. 39*has boasted the smallest figures in Summit County. For eight years he has had another, No. B38, for another car. His envy was aroused this year, however, when his sister, Mrs. J. A. House, wife of the president of the Guardian Trust Com­ pany of Cleveland, obtained license No. 1. This was released when a plate labeled ‘Governor’ was issued for the governor’s auto. Thirteen years ago

480

BETA LIFE

“ A proposition received from the following nine members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity tonight, Pierre Gray, W . W . Beck, S. A. Montgomery, J. G. Stewart, R. Williams, H. Logoden, Charles Carpenter, Buskirk, Hubbell, was submitted to the fraternity, proposing to withdraw from Delta Tau Delta and join the Betas. The proposition was rejected by the unanimous vote of the chapter. Rose, Morrison, and Wilson were appointed committee to inform the Delta Tau Deltas of the action of the fraternity. Chapter ad­ journed after singing ‘Wooglin.’ ” J. H. M c M i l l a n , President W . B. W i l s o n , Secretary A R e m a r k o n H is t o r y (? ). The rumor that the founders of Beta Theta Pi were originally Alpha Delta Phis who bolted that fraternity on account of the political animus arising from the Dred Scott decision is ab­ surd. The Dred Scott decision was rendered in 1856. Beta Theta Pi was founded before Dred Scott was heard of off his master’s plantation. The following from a letter of the third instant from our founder, John Reily Knox, is to' the point: “ No one in any way connected with Alpha Delta Phi had anything to do with the organization or early days of Beta. None of the ‘thirty-niners’ belonged to or had any connection with any of the Greekletter societies or any other organization except the ordinary literary societies of Miami University, the Union Literary, the Erodelphian, and Miami Hall.”

(Beta Theta Pi, Vol. V III, No. 4, January, 1881.)

A D u n c a n I t e m . “Judge John H. Duncan, one of the founders of Beta at Miami, died several months ago at Austin, Texas, in the Confederate Home, I think. You might write there for the date and cause of his death.

No man was more honored and respected in Houston for his sterling integrity and lofty character than Judge Duncan. A fter leaving the bench he prac­ ticed law but was ndt a success' and died poor. He was one of the most sci­ entific and thoroughly educated lawyers at the bar, but could not turn his’ learning to practical account. He has confirmed in conversation with me our tradition of the founding of Beta, of which he appeared to retain his fondness, keeping a catalogue in his office near at hand.” (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta P i; note from Presley K. Ewing, Mississippi ’81, to General Secretary J. Cal Hanna, September 1, 1896.)

P a t e r K n o x ’s C a n e .

The collection of Beta memorabilia in the Theta chapter house at Delaware, Ohio, was enriched, through the generosity of R. H. Jamison, Ohio Wesleyan ’06, by the gift of the cane of John Reily Knox, presented to the latter by co-founder Samuel Taylor Marshall. The cane was given to Mr. Jamison on the occasion of his initiation into Beta Theta Pi by his uncle, Mr. Jacob Martz, who had been for about twenty years a partner of Mr. K nox in the practice of law, the firm being known as Knox and Martz. Mr. K nox used the cane during the later years of his life, and upon his death it was presented to Mr. Martz by Mrs. Knox, because of the close association between the two men. The cane is an ebony stick with a heavily chased gold top— which top is engraved, “ Knox, Greenville, Ohio, Dr. M .” It is the impression of Mr. Jamison that the “ Dr. M.” represented the donor of the cane— Samuel Taylor Marshall.

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

483

Hopkins ’86, who died in 1929, a member of the Baird Fund wrote, “ It hap­ pens that Dean Young was principal of Portland High School at the time my mother was in school and later I took classes under him at the University of Oregon. A t the time we built our chapter house at Oregon his son, F. Harold Young, was president of the Beta Rho Alumni Association and I was secretary-treasurer so we naturally went through considerable grief and worry to­ gether. As a matter of fact, Harold Young more than any other one indi­ vidual, was responsible for the building of the house. In view of the interest which both Dean Young and his son have taken in Beta Theta Pi and Beta Rho chapter in particular, I feel that it is only appropriate that Dean Young’s name be placed upon the Memorial Roll and I am very glad that you sug gested it to me.”

A M o n m o u t h I n c i d e n t . Back in 1870 the Monmouth chapter ini­ tiated John Riddell Berry and David Craig Stewart, recent arrivals from Washington and Jefferson College, without first writing to the Gamma chap­ ter, but not, however, without consulting R. W . Poindexter, a Washington and Jefferson transfer to K nox College, a few miles from Monmouth. The latter interposed no objection and the two men were initiated. A day or two later the Gamma chapter wired, “ For God’s sake don’t take those two in ; it will ruin us.” This led to quite a war of words. On inquiry, however, it de­ veloped that the only objection to the students was that they had belonged to Delta Upsilon somewhere. The Monmouth chapter stood pat and felt its position stronger because the Washington and Jefferson chapter at the time consisted only of Isaac S. Van Voorhis, a freshman, and James Cummins, a senior preparatory student, and Van Voorhis had been lifted from Delta Tau Delta within a year.

In the March, 1923, issue of The Alpha Record it is said: “ A t the recent initiation banquet held at ‘The Sign of the Spinning Wheel,’ a large Beta flag, supposed to be the original flag of the fraternity, was hung behind the speaker’s table. Recently another, similar m design but bearing the names of Mrs. A. D. Hepburn, Etta Hepburn, and Leila S. McKee, was found hidden away in the attic. The question now is which of the two is the original flag, or is either? Both are of blue bunting about five by nine feet, having a white border eight or nine inches from the outside edge. An equilateral triangle, f ormed by three white stars and having a red rose in the center, is found in both flags. The rose upon which the above mentioned names’ appear is of a faded pink material. The other, presumably the newer of the two, is of a brighter hue. Perhaps some alumnus or other interested brother can enlighten us as to the origin of these two old flags and so write a page in the history of the chapter.”

T h e F irst F l a g .

A B e t a R e s ig n s .

N ow and then, though by no means so frequently as in years gone by, a fraternity member resigns on conscientious grounds.

There have been a number of members of Beta Theta Pi in such company.

On May 23, 1913, one of them wrote a chapter m ate: “ A little less than three years ago I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost according to Acts 214 and the one and only thing I had to do beforehand was to take off my frat pin; and because of my conscientious scruples regarding it, I haven’t had

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BETA LIFE

Billman aplied for No. 39 in honor of his fraternity at Kenyon, Beta Theta Pi, which was organized in 1839. Each year, before one license plate is well set on his car, Billman makes application for the following year’s plates in order to keep No. 39.”

T h e V i s i o n . A t a banquet in Washington, D.C., January 30, 1917, given in honor of Aimaro Sato, DePauw ’81, Ambassador from Japan to the United States of America, Bishop Earl Cranston, Ohio ’61, of the Methodist Episco­ pal Church, in a stirring address used these thought provoking words, “ As I look back to the time of my initiation into Beta Theta Pi I am impressed by the inspiration which the ritual gave me. Surely, I thought as I went from the impressive ceremony; surely they have made a mistake to think that I am worthy of being talked to in this way. And then I determined to be the man which they seemed to think I was. I had the vision of the fraternity’s ideals. “ A fter all it is a vision that a young fellow gets that helps most if he achieves success. Without vision life is drudgery; with vision, a man may do the hard­ est work with songs in his soul. And it is your young men who see the visions most clearly. Old men only dream dreams of things that are past.”

L ost B adge R ecovered . Som e months ago in the business district of Beloit, W isconsin, I lost m y B eta badge. I advertised in the local papers w ith ­ out im m ediate result. A b o u t two months later I w as there and was told that a news item had appeared in the papers about a member o f the wom an’s sym phony orchestra from Boston, M assachusetts, w riting the chief o f police o f B eloit to locate me. She had found m y badge on the street, and thought I m ight be a B eloit resident or student. She did not know the fratern ity the badge represented, and o f course could not decipher the chapter designation.

T h e paper finally com municated with me, and I recovered my badge. I think it w ould be a good idea to have the chapter names on the back o f the badges as “ U . o f M in n .” instead of B eta P i in G reek letters. W e are all upon the alumni rolls o f our universities and colleges, and this m ight facilitate the re­ co very o f m any lost badges. (W . D. M c C lu r e , F ebru ary 14, 1929.)

B e t a P r e se n t s M e m o r ia l R oom . Dickinson College received from L em ­ uel T o w e rs A ppold, ’81, vice-president o f the Colonial T ru st Com pany of B altim ore, M aryland, a m em orial room. It is located in W est College, the oldest college building west of the Susquehanna R iver, erected in 1803 ac­ cording to plans and specifications o f the fam ous governm ent architect, L atrobe, then busy w ith plans fo r the Capitol at W ashington. A t the sug­ gestion o f B ro th er A ppold, w ho is a trustee o f the college and has made several g ifts to it in recent years, the ground floor o f this building was re­ m odeled into a Students U nion, w ith rooms fo r college organizations, and the form er college chapel in the building was redecorated to preserve the place w here President Buchanan, C h ief Justice T a n ey and a number o f other nationally know n men w orshipped during their undergraduate days at the old institution. T h e m em orial room is used as a lounge and reading room.

Richard Houghton Martin, Oregon ’21, of Portland, Oregon, when sending his check to make Frederick George Young, JohnsT

he

B o n d ’s L i n k s .

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

Who's Who and What’# What in Beta Xi of Beta Theta Pi

and Tulane University (1908-1928) Alpha Delta XI was born In 1904— founded In 1906— and became a chapter of Beta Theta Pi in 1908. The signal honor of receiving a charter on first ap­ plication was the second In the history of Wooglin’a Clan.

Tulane’s President*—

Edwin Boone Craighead Robert Sharp A. B. Dinwiddle

Tulane’s Enrollment —

1908, 2100; 1928, 4400.

Interesting C ollege Events Glendy Burke’s 25th anniversary---- 1905 The first issues of The Tulane Keekly and The Tulanian___ ___ ___1905 "Those new fraternity badges you see belong to Alpha Delta XI........ 1906

The death of The Olive and Blue..l907 Phi Beta Kappa’s entrance----------- 1907 Championship Football T ea m ..------ 1925 Completion of The Stadium a® B monument to the team of 1925-----1926

Beta Stars Oldest faculty member, T. C. W. Ellis, •Centenary 1855.

Our first graduate, James T. Nix, 1907.

In Athletics

Football— Marks 1913; George 1914; Llnfleld 1919 (Capts.); All-American Back — and most valuable player— “Our Peg­ gy” Priestly Flournoy 1925.

Baseball— Taylor 1911.

Track— Commagere 1913 (All-Southern Hammer Throw).

Basketball— Bradburn (WP) 1911; Hennican (Jr.) 1923; Hennican (E) 1926; Davidson (E) 1926; Davidson (C.E.).

Golf— Bouden 1916.

Tennis— Carter 1914; Bayon 1927; Sutter 1927-28 (Pledge).

In College Publication

Perret 1908; Bloom 1908-12; Ingram 1914; Chamberlin 1923.

Beta Xi of Beta Theta Pi (Scholarship) Year Rank *1913-14...................................... 1 1914-1 5 1 1915-16 5 1916-1 7 ........ 3 1917-18 ..................................... 7 1918-19 3 1919-2 0 .

7 1920-21 ■ * 1921-22 14 Beta XI has graduated 33 physicians and 19 lawyers.

1908-12 Honor Men: Bradburn ’08, Bradbum ’08, Bloom ’08, Blum ’08, Pearce ’08, Perret ’08, Wad© ’12.

Year Rank 1922-23 17 1923-24 17 1924-25 ..................- ......... 13 1926-27 - ............. 6 4 1927-28 *1927-28 ..................................... * •Sigma Iota 1st, Sigma Chi 2nd, Kappa Nu 3rd.

Phi Beta Kappa: Marks ’14, Suthon ’16.

Alpha Omega Alpha: Bradburn ’12, Bloom ’12, Bradburn ’12, Wade ’12, Gardner ’20, McLaurin ’14, Webb ’25.

Scholarship Medal (Offered by Dr. Charles J. Bloom) 1927-28— William Montgomery Light 1924-25— James Edward Lytle 1926-27— Phillip Joseph Bayon 1923-24— Rene Gelpl 1925-26— Herbert C. Parker 1922-23 William Wright

Efficiency Medal (Offered by Theodore Middleton Simmons) 1927-28— Phillip James 1923-24— Rene Gelpl 1926-27— Woollen Walshe 1922-23— Ellis Hennican 1925-26— Hubert Ford 1921-22— Junior Hennican 1924-25— Crawford Davidson

Trophies Basketball— Permanent possession on one

trophy; Inter-Fraternity Basketball trophy, won 1923, 1924, 1925. Two legs on 2nd Inter-Fraternity Basketball trophy, won 1926, 1928.

Track — One leg on trophy 1926.

Tennis— Permanent possession of two trophies. 1st Sigma Chi Tennis Trophy won in 1918, 1919, 1920. 2nd InterFraternity Tennis Trophy won In 1921, 1923, 1926. 3rd— Two legs on second Inter-Fraternity Tennis Trophy, won 1927-28.

A T W E N T Y Y E A R RECORD A T TU LA N E The banquet program at the twentieth anniversary of the Tulane chapter in N ew Orleans in December, 1928, included an interesting summary o f chapter history and achievement.

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BETA LIFE

it on since and never expect to again. Therefore, having the pin on hand and doing me no good, I could use part of the price to advantage. I am in charge here of a Pentecostal or Apostolic Faith Mission and in a position to put every dollar I can get hold of to good use. So you see I have nothing against the frat, either local or general, and as fa r as caring to be longer known as a Beta is concerned, I might say that I haven’t seen one since leav­ ing college and am absolutely indifferent one w ay or the other.”

A B a d g e S te a le r . “ In May, I 9 27, a young man made his appearance at the Kansas State chapter house, introduced himself as Mr. James, and said that he was a pledge from one of the chapters in West Virginia, which he named. He stayed with us for several days. W e became better acquainted with him and found him to be a rather likeable fellow. One night two badges disappeared. They could not be found. Tw o of our actives suspected this James from W est Virginia. The rest of us rather doubted the guilt of our guest and visitor. Nevertheless, the two skeptical actives did a little investi­ gating and they found this James had been giving his name as Johnson to various stores in Manhattan. The police were called. They searched James and found one of the missing badges pinned to the underneath side of his shirt. James was placed in jail for the night. The next morning he was freed and told to get out and stay out of town. The other badge that was taken that night never was found.” (C. W . K oester, Secretary) Sigm a A lp h a E p silon C h a p te r Seeks B e ta C h a rte r. Early in 1891, P. C. Patterson of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, opened up correspondence with General Secretary J. Cal Hanna and Ellis Guy Kinkead, District Chief. He asked whether Beta Theta Pi would take the chapter over, whether it was opposed to “ lifting,” and, if so, whether it would do to resign from Sigma Alpha Epsilon, form a local society, and come into Beta Theta Pi in that way. District Chief Kinkead, who was strongly opposed to “ lifting,” wrote guardedly, and, although Pat­ terson urged quick action, the matter was dropped on the advice of Rogers Israel of the Dickinson chapter, who was a minister in Meadville at the time.

Kinkead wrote to Hanna, April 10, 1891, telling of a letter from Israel: “ It is of no uncertain tenor, and establishes me firmly in the belief that we don’t want anything to do with them.” (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta P i ; cor­ respondence with Patterson; letters of E. G. Kinkead to J. C. Hanna, March 21, 1891, and April 10, 1891.)

B e ta M a te r ia l.

The life story of Professor Edward Fortescue Reid, Hanover ’61, is interesting in connection with some of the ideas occasionally advanced by chapter members when considering candidates about “ good Beta material,” as they say. H e was born in Kinross, Scotland, December 25, 1836; ran away from school and shipped as a cabin boy for Calcutta. He grew tired o f the sea and entered Queen’s College, Belfast. “ Tw o years later young Reid came to the new world, and after roving for some time, north, south, east, west, penniless at last, he hired himself to an Indiana preacher-farm er to earn money to return to Ireland. Here two Hanover College students discovered in the clumsy woodchopper laid up with a foot cut, a superior Greek scholar, and soon the w ay was open for him to enter

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487

by Dr. Baketel. Then he made the nfistake of declining the position of first secretary of the fraternity which was offered him, a decision he has always regretted.

1839. In these non-Greek days, when, in many a chapter, all the instruc­ tion in this ancient language comes from the requirement to learn the Greek alphabet and when the familiar song states that “ the only Greek you need to know is Beta Theta Pi,” it is not strange that errors are made in the use ot the Greek notation for 1839. If ours were a probably use the Roman notation, and write our date M D C C C X X A I A . g § America we use the Hindu, sometimes called Arabic, notation and write it 1839. The Greeks had their own system and their own notation, so that our familiar Alpha, Omega, Lambda, Theta, means th is.

Alphas— One thousand. > Omega— Eight hundred.

Lambda— Thirty.

Theta— Nine. and the combination means one thousand, eight hundred, thirty and nine, or, as we say it in English, eighteen hundred and thirty-nme.

In the report of the board of trustees to the Sixty-First General Convention is this interesting paragraph: The last convention withdrew the charter of the Cumberland chapter. A fter the adiournment of the convention, and before the publication of its proceedings, and without knowledge of what had been done, the chapter initiated two men, T. C. Field and J. M. Bone. It appears that this was done m good taith.

Still it is doubtful whether it was legal. The board recommends that these initiations be approved and confirmed” (Convention Minutes, Pages 15-16, Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X X V III, Special No. 1, September, 1900) The rec­ ommendation was endorsed by the commiteee on miscellaneous affairs as fol­ lows- “ W e recommend that the action of the Cumberland chapter m the mi tiation of J. M. Bone and Julian C. Field, Jr., after the withdrawal of their chapter be ratified and confirmed by this convention, provided they each pay the annual dues for the year 1899-1900” (Page 38, magazine cited) The two names are the last ones on the Cumberland list as it has been printed m sub­ sequent catalogues.

D

ead

C h a p t e r I n it ia t e s .

For seven years or more after 1873 the Iowa chapter was inactive. The reasons given were thus stated in the magazine: “ The Greeks of this chapter have determined to close its books, and thus discon­ tinue the chapter as an active member of our order. The reasons given are cogent The majority of the students at the university are poor and are ob­ taining an education on a narrow margin of time and money. The university has large, commodious, and elegantly furnished society halls. The standard ' in these literary societies is high. Under these circumstances it has been found impossible to secure fit men. In their ignorance, thinking the literary society to give all that the fraternity can, and dreading expense and con­ sumption of time, they refuse to connect themselves with Greek orders.

I n view of these things Alpha Beta has furled her colors. Whether the battle I o w a ’s I n a c t i v i t y .

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college, where he was initiated into Iota chapter.” He graduated with honors in 1861; enlisted in the Union army as a private and came out as captain in 1865; he died of erysipelas March 23, 1889 (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X V II, No. 2, p. 69, November, 1889).

B o r a h o n B e t a i s m . A t a banquet in Boise, Idaho, in 1926 complimentary to A. J. Priest, Idaho ’18, who was leaving the state for New York, “ the high light of the evening,” the reporter said, “ was the address of Senator Borah, in which he stressed the value of Beta idealism in its formation of the fundamen­ tal background upon which sound thought and action may be builded. That Beta ideals and training have had their effect upon the life and work of Idaho’s distinguished senior senator, probably the most outstanding single figure in the public life of the country today, was expressed when Brother Borah said, T believe that I shall always feel that whatever success I have attained I owe in a large measure to those indelible impressions created in my college days through my association with Beta fraternalism when the Betas at old Kansas gathered together for their weekly meetings.’ Senator Borah declared, ‘Even in official Washington Betas are drawn together through mutual attraction emanating from those fundamental inward qualities which distinguish the gentleman and the Beta everywhere.’ ” S t r a n g e B a d g e S t o r y . When I read several of the badge storks in Beta Lore, it brought back to my mind a story which came to my attention while secretary at Wesleyan. I received a letter from the secretary of our Texas chapter stating that a badge had been brought to him bearing the Greek letters ME and the initials E. M. M. and asking if the owner could be traced. The letter also stated that a member of anotitier fraternity at Texas had found this badge in France and upon his return t6 this country after being mustered out of service, had brought it to the Texas chapter to see if the owner could be located. I immediately recognized the initials and communicated with the owner who had since left college and his reply to me furnished a part of the missing chain in the story. He wrote saying, “ Shortly after initiation, I mailed this badge to Winnie, but she never received it. M y eiforts to trace it through the mails were of no avail.” That portion of the story which tells how the badge was taken from the mails to France is still unknown and probably forever lost. ( R i c h a r d T. S t e e l e . )

D r . H . S h e r id a n B a k e t e l , Dartmouth ’95, contributed to the Novem ber, 1928, Centaur of the A lp h a K ap p a K app a m edical fraternity an article as part o f a sym posium on the history of that organization which made that m agazine an exceptionally valuable and unusually interesting issue, D r. B ak e­ tel contributed “ P art I. T h e O rigin o f the Society and the Fraternity, 188595,” and the editor uses an attractive picture o f the w riter by w ay o f illustra­ tion. D r. B aketel is a sort o f “ P ater K n o x ” to this medical fraternity. H e belonged to a local organization at D artm outh called A lph a K app a K appa and, one d a y in Decem ber, 1893, w hile in a Boston restaurant w ith John F. R yan, T u fts ’96, he and R yan repeated the fam ous John R eily K n ox-Sam uel T a y lo r M arshall consensus o f opinion, “ L e t’s build up a fra te rn ity !” A t the first convention B aketel was chairm an and R yan w as secretary. T h e consti­ tution o f the organization, practically the same as now in use, w as drawn up

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

489

feet north o f the lot with the initials ‘L .A .’ upon it. A n effort is being made to find the parents of the child, and until some disposition can be made the child will be carefully cared for at the house.” (T h e Daily Iowan of Febru­ ary 14, 1906, reprinted in Beta Theta Pi, V ol. X X X I I I , p. 475 -)

An E a r ly “K ” M an.

The “ K ” stands for Kapsas and a newspaper item from Lawrence in that state, dated July 30, 1928, told of Charles Freder-, ick Scott, Kansas ’81, as the oldest living ‘ K man. It said, T he days of early athletic contests at the U niversity of Kansas, and the period when the coaches were permitted to play on the teams with the players, was recalled here today, when Charlie Scott, Iola publisher, candidate for governor of Kansas, was presented with the first of nearly 1,500 life-tim e athletic passes being given to ‘K ’ men, in recognition of his being the oldest living letterman of the university. Scott came to Lawrence in the fall of 1877 and entered the U niversity of Kansas. Before that time no attention had been paid to athletics whatsoever, except when a few of the boys would get together an have a baseball game. But no contests with other schools had been staged, and there was no athletic association. But in the spring of that year it^was decided to organize a baseball club, which was to be backed by the school.

Charlie Scott, who had played a little baseball in his home town, was among the first to answer the call— and there were barely enough players to make up a team.”

A F o u n d e r ’s D a u g h t e r .

Mrs. W . S. Wilson of Eminence, Kentucky a daughter of Founder Thomas Boston Gordon, Miami ’40, “ of ever honored memory,” writing on March 18, 1929 to acknowledge a copy of Beta Lore, said “ It’s very lovely to be remembered in this kindly way, by my f^her s fraternity, and his sainted memory is brought before me as I picture his de­ light in rehearsing his happy days at Miami University He loved the Betas and it was a sorrow to him, as it was to all of us who loved^ him that hej a too weak, physically, to accept an invitation to be a guest of the W ooQl n Qub, at Chautauqua, New York. This came a few months before he went home.’ I went to O xford to visit the fraternity, when I taught m Maysville, Kentucky but I was unfortunate in the tme. It was the Thanksgiving holi­ day, and there were but few of the boys in town. In the short time and under unfavorable circumstances, I met but one man who remembered fat er.

I have often wondered how many children of the founders are livin g; there are three of us who have passed the three score years and ten The oldest, Mrs. S. G. Holloway, of Memphis, celebrated her completion of eighty years on the fifteenth of this month.”

C u r io u s B e t a A s s o c ia t io n s . George W . Boyce and William F. Boyd of the Ohio chapter were for years prominent m fraternity affairs m Cin­ cinnati. “ They began life together as boys of a tender age living on adjoin­ ing farm s: together they went to school, then to_ college, then to law study * they became law partners; they married two sisters named W ood on the same evening; and the four lived togetherfig one fam,ly O f course they were members together of Beta Theta Pi (Beta Theta Pt Vol. X V I No. 4, page 256, September, 1889). Two coal merchants, Grove D. Curtis, Kenyon ’80 and George W . Taylor, Virginia Military ’72, meeting casually at Norfolk,

488

BETA LIFE

has been bravely fought we cannot tell*! But we must remind Brother Glass that his motto is of necessity, ‘Frangas non plectas/ so long as he retains his present vitreous name.” (Iowa letter in Beta Theta Pi. Vol. I, No 2 p. 14, January 15, 1873).

A H a p p y D is c o v e r y . H ow Brother B. T. Castor, Nebraska, was “ dis­ covered” by the Hawaiian Betas makes an interesting story. It seems that Cas­ tor, a lieutenant in the air corps of the United States Arm y stationed at Wheeler Field, Schofield Barracks, Oahu, made the friendship of John Mid^ kiff, Colgate, but neither knew the other was a Beta. As Midkiff was lo­ cated on Waialua plantation, only a few miles distant, they saw much of each other. Finally one night while attending the Schofield Barracks boxing bouts together,_they fell to talking of college. Castor was telling Midkiff of a pe­ culiar coincidence where he and a brother officer had served together for three years on the island without knowing that they were college mates together at Nebraska. They had been freshmen together, one an Alpha Tau Omega, the other a Beta, yet for three years they had lived in ignorance of the fact.

One day not long ago they put two and two together and discovered the facts.

It was in telling of this to Midkiff that Castor casually mentioned the fact that he was a Beta. “ This is coincidence number two,” replied Midkiff. “ I’m a Beta, too!” ( E z r a J. C r a n e ) A b o u t F o u n d e r H a r d i n . On December 8, 1879, Edward Bruce Stevens wrote to John I. Covington: “ Charley Hardin, you know, was lately governor of the great state of Missouri, and a good governor he made— he couldn’t help it— he was and still is a good Beta. I had the honor of having him for a roommate for one term, and so came to know and appreciate his worth and capacity better, perhaps, than many others. In those days Charley was re­ garded as one of the strong men of college. I knew him as one of the most industrious, untiring and ambitious of men; but I also knew him as one of the most sincere, devoted, and tenderly attached of friends. Governor Charley Hardin and the Honorable Samuel Shellabarger of Ohio were classmates. I well remember a society and class struggle for a speakership. Unfortunately (as some of us thought), Charley was beaten, and I shall never forget the bit­ ter fight it developed in the society hall. Then I entered into its spirit as an angry partisan; but now, and for long since, I have looked back to those days as days of glorious strife, developing character and mapping out the future.

Hardin, then, was father of the coming man.”

B a b y o n t h e P o r c h . “The members of the Beta Theta P i fraternity were very much surprised this morning when one of their members found a baby boy serenely sleeping on their front porch. One of the members chanced to go out on the porch at five o’clock this morning to look for valentines and there found a somewhat dilapidated bushel basket seemingly filled with bed clothes. Upon taking the basket into the house he found a baby boy serenely sleeping therein. The child was wrapped warmly and had on an embroidered upper garment, and the under garments were of silk. It had brown hair and blue eyes and a dimple was exposed when it awoke. No clue was left as to whom the child belonged, although the basket and the clothes were carefully searched. Later in the morning a handkerchief was found lying about twenty

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

491

W ar because one was in the Federal Arm y and the other in the Confederate Army. A fter the war they again met and the war had made no difference in their friendship. Years later my grandfather visited Governor Crittenden regularly and I remember so well the stories he would tell of their visits when he returned home. When I was in the university my grandfather wrote to me that his friend’s grandson had been pledged Beta at Missouri and for me to make his acquaintance if I went to Columbia. That year I was a delegate to the District Convention at Westminster and while there met a cousin of my grandfather who was on the faculty at Westminster but of more impor­ tance to me I also met Rogers Crittenden the day after when I went to Co­ lumbia for the Pater Knox dinner. From that start our friendship grew stronger and stronger. I saw him last at a Beta dinner in Kansas City.”

A n O dd E n c o u n t e r . While he was in California in the winter of 1929 Charles Pugh Davis, Michigan ’96, or “ Stubby” as all his friends call him, had an interesting experience. When he entered the class of 1896 at Michi­ gan by transfer from the University of Iowa he was told that his coming to Lambda chapter rounded out the original delegation for that year, which had been depleted by the withdrawal from college of Byron Cleveland Por­ ter. Both Betas live in the Chicago region, but neither had ever met the other, although each knew of the other. Porter’s note in Shelby Schurtz’s Beta Theta P i at Michigan states, “ Engaged in wool business in Chicago from 1893 till 1917; then retired, since which time I have devoted my time to golf, at home summers, in California winters— with heart-rending results.” “ Stub­ by” drove some miles from his California hotel to Beverly to see a famous movie star in a picture named The Iron Mask. During the intermission while he was out in the lobby a man standing near him saw his Beta pin. “ Where from?” “ Michigan.” “ So am I, class of ’96.” “ Then you’re Beek Por­ ter?” “ Y es.” “ I ’m Stubby Davis who took your place.” A s “ Stubby" puts i t : “Rather odd; to belong to the same chapter and meet in Beverly after thirty-five years.”

T he B eta P itcher . The Illinois chapter, the Sigma Rho of Beta Theta Pi for a number of years, until mounting costs and increasing size of the mem­ bership roll made it impracticable to continue the custom, presented a specially designed Beta pitcher to each member on his marriage. Clarence J. Roseberry, who had much to do with the administration of the plan, described it as follow s: “ Our Beta pitcher scheme is this: W e buy a solid silver pitcher from a local jeweler at a cost of $36.50. He engraves on one side of the pitcher the Beta coat-of-arms as it appears on the outside of the magazine, dragon and all, scroll underneath. On the opposite side of the pitcher we have engraved in old English letters this inscription, “ Presented to (full name of member) by the Sigma Rho of Beta Theta Pi (date).” The pitcher is not large, possibly from seven to nine inches tall and holds three and a half pints.

W e have been sending this present to each man who has issued wedding in­ vitations. Some of the brothers have had small weddings, without issuing in­ vitations, and the result has been that they have not received pitchers. The idea has been to give a pitcher to each brother as he marries. As far as it has gone it has given great satisfaction, as it is a handsome thing. It costs from $2.00 to $3.00 each per pitcher.”

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BETA LIFE

Virginia, discovered that they had a common birthday, November 30 18^'? and that they were Betas. (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X X X V , No. 2 p 189 NoThe secretary of the University of Washington chapter (Beta Theta Pi, Vol. X X X V , No. 4, page 428, February, 1908), reported two treshman initiates of that year, who were born on the same year in the same place, entered the same university the same day, and were initiated into Beta Omega of Beta Theta Pi together. He claimed them as better “ Beta Twins” than Curtis and Taylor, mentioned above.

R e c o g n iz in g D i s t i n g u i s h e d S e r v ic e . Following closely the ideas of rank G. Ensign, Beloit 00, the Board of Trustees at the Bigwin Convention reported : The Board, for a long time, has been considering the pos­ sibility of some form of recognition of distinguished service to Beta Theta Pi by individual members of the fraternity which should in no way affect the traditional policy of having no ranks, no degrees, no official privileges. It now refers to this Convention for such consideration and action as may seem desirable a recommendation, that the Board of Trustees, under such a plan and regulations as may hereafter be determined, may give such recognition either to active members or to alumni. The Board recommends that the form of such recognition be the gold seven-pointed star of the Mystical Seven, remi­ niscent of the seven interwoven elements of the mystic spell and the seven obligations of the fraternity, a representation of such star also to follow the name of the worker for Beta Theta Pi thus honored in all catalogues, rolls of the Baird Fund, or chapter membership lists.” The Convention, after a report by a committee, recommended that the Board be authorized and em­ powered to establish such form of recognition.

Post-M ortem M emberships.

A t the convention of 1872, “ Professor Adney of Kappa, on behalf of his chapter, asked that L. Gerald Adney, who had been asked and had promised to join Kappa chapter but had died before initiation, be considered a regular member of said chapter. Brother Seaman presented a similar case from Eta Eta, James L. Cox. On motion of Brother Covington, it was ordered that their names be placed on their chapter rolls, and in the catalogue of Beta Theta Pi (Forty Years of Fraternity Legisla­ tion, page 199). A t the convention of 1873 a similar case was presented by W. A . Barr of Alpha Delta, and on motion of Brother CovingtOn the name of Joseph Christman was added to the roll of that chapter (Forty Years, page 222). Marshall Newton Hurd, K nox ’89, was one of the men selected for the Omicron Eta Pi, a local organized to revive the Beta Theta Pi chapter at K nox College. He died on January 7, 1888. The charter was granted July 27, 1888, the formal installation occurring September 6, 1888. Following the precedents set above his name was added to the roll of Beta Theta Pi after favorable recommendation by the board of trustees and action of the national convention. There have been other cases of a like nature.

T h e F r a t e r n a l T ie .

H ow Beta ties are formed and how they grow is well illustrated by an extract from a letter written by Dr. James M. Scott, Kansas ’ 17, of Lebanon, Kansas, regarding Rogers Crittenden, Missouri ’19, at the time of the latter’s death in 1929, “ His grandfather and my grandfather were life long friends who were separated for four years during the Civil

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entire situation he said th at it d id n ’t seem fa ir to the B e th a n y team and he w o u ld get the ath letic m an ager on the w ire as he k n e w him p erson ally I he resu lt w as th at th e B e th a n y team w ere co m fo rta b ly q u artered m the fr a e n itv houses ate at the R u tg e rs train in g tab le and w on a close gam e, as th ey w ere in p rim e condition. P e rso n a l in terest o ! b ro th er in b ro th er m ade tins possible.”

A C h a p t e r V i s i t e d . The November, 1924, Chi Eye of the Beloit chapter records: “ Seventeen brothers of Chi chapter journeyed down to the Knox chapter during the week-end of October 4, to see what it was like to be enter­ tained at a real homecoming. It was a disastrous day for the Beloit, team Quite a number of the boys of Chi will never forget how Brother Senn of Xi chapter romped up and down the field leaving the Beloit gridders behind But thank heavens, it was a Beta anyway who was really the cause^of ou defeat The first impression we got at K nox will always be a lasting o , many o f the fellows never saw such fine decorations on fraternityhou as we saw that night when we pulled into ^ esbu rg-an d brothers the Beta house looked 50 per cent better than any of the rest of them. The boys o X i certainly have a house to be proud o f, and they also have a good hospita bunch of boys in the chapter. W e were given a royal reception and they did every thing possible that they could do for us— even so much as taking o money away from us, because we got beat. But any way I was well worth it just to be able to make that trip, and to see the big Beta dragon squirming up the street in the homecoming parade. Here s to the health and wealth the K nox brothers and may we hope to see them m Beloit on such an occasion next year.” “ Messrs. Kirby & Son, who for so many years and with so much satisfaction to us have manufactured our gotten up a number of secondary badges m accordance with the design adopted at the last national convention. The Messrs. Kir^y. h a ^ ^ ^ e more faithfully the design adopted, not making the wreath of_ wheat as Duhme & Co. have done thus destroying its significance, but of laurel as presented. This adds greatly to the beauty o f the pm, making it heavier and richer and leaving smaller space between the gem and wreath. With these changes we can proudly boast that no fraternity m the land has so beautiful a pin. While this pin can never take the place of our badge, while we do not wish it in any case to be known as our distinctive mark; yet as a piece of Beta jewelry, we are very glad it has been so beautifully gotten up The fact that this pin is an unofficial badge makes it allowable to vary the gem This puts it in the power of those who cannot afford a diamond still to have a real gem. W e heartily recommend those wishing to get this pin to purchase from the Messrs. Kirby, not only because their design is by far the prettier of the two, but because they have served us long and faithfully and, more than all, are helping to support our paper. W e must help those who help us.” (Note in Beta Theta P i 1073) S econdary B

adge.

A V i r g i n i a B o o k l e t . An attractively printed and pleasingly written brochure prepared by McLane Tilton, Virginia ’96, has the cover title, A Review of Omicron Chapter, Beta Theta Pi, University of Virginia 1855-1927.

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W ith a membership of six and four rivals, our prospects at the opening of the year were not bright; but impressed with the soundness of our underlying principles, we entered upon the work with a persistent zeal and energy, and in the end have gained the victory Two men were initiated about the middle of the term, McConn a “ paene” and Allen a “ sub.” O f the nine men secured by the different fraternities only five were contested; two of whom were “ taken in” about the middle of the term, the Thetas securing one and we the other. But the real struggle of the term was over the remaining three of the contested men. Upon them, during the whole term, from “ morn till night” (poetical, indeed, yet true) and sometimes from night till morn, were brought to bear the persuasive power of our rivals.

But to no purpose. The quiet and unassuming “ spiking” of our men, and the high reputation and sound principles of Beta Theta Pi gained the d ay; and these three, on the last Saturday evening of the term, were initiated into the mysteries of our order. You may be.sure that there was rejoicing in our Beta circle that night, and that a good-sized “purp” was sacrificed upon the altar of Wooglin. ( “ Tau Triumphant,” Beta Theta Pi, January, 1880) R u s h in g F if t y Y

ears

A

go .

A R o u n d R o b i n . Eight Betas of Gamma Theta chapter graduated from Washington State in the Class of 1924- Before we left the old school we decided that we were going to keep in touch with each other during the com­ ing years and it was left to me to do the job. A month or so after we left I started a round robin letter, routing it to each chap at his then address with instructions for him to write his letter to the gang and send the letter to the next man on the mailing list within seven days after receiving it. By the time the letter got back to me there were eight letters in it. I took out my letter, wrote a fresh one and sent it on its way again. By this method we heard from each brother once every round of the letter and each time the letter came there were eight new letters in it. W e have done this for three years now and would miss the letter a great deal. It makes the rounds about once in every two months. W e are now scattered from California and Wash­ ington to New York. Who can tell where we will be located in ten years from now? A t times we send snaps around with the letter. Perhaps soon we can send pictures of young Betas. Our round robin already holds a great deal of interest to us and that interest ought to grow as the years go by.

It is our one method of keeping in touch with each other. ( R e x H. T u r n e r ) A little story of Beta L ife was told by Clarence George Campbell, Boston ’05, a former District Chief, and at the time a law partner of Frank J. Kent, Bethany ’02, both of them, in his lifetime, being partners of William Raimond Baird, Stevens ’78: “ One October night in the midst of a busy day in our office my partner came in, tearing his hair and saying, ‘Our football team from Bethany with eleven Betas in the squad is en route to Rutgers for the game tomorrow and the Rutgers athletic management have just ’phoned me that the hotel absolutely cannot accommodate them. What shall I do? I f they have to stay in New Y ork or Newark they will not get a good night’s rest, and will have to travel down to New Brunswick in the morning and will arrive tired out.’ A fter thinking for a few minutes, Brother Charles Meeks Mason, ’97, an old Rutgers football man, since deceased, came into my mind and I got him on the ’phone. Upon explaining to him the T

he

B eta W

ay.

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By McLane Tilton. Its sixteen pages contain four pictures of the new chapter house, four floor plans from basement to attic, a brief story of Omicron’s history, an account of the chapter’s real estate transactions, a description of the new home, and a statement of the financial obligations of the Virginia Wooglin Company of which former District Chief Richard W . Carrington, Virginia ’ 10, the chapter alumni counselor, is secretary-treasurer. Brother Tilton prepared the booklet in an artistic and appealing style. The first thing seen is a color block showing the famous Borglum statue of the aviator, James Rogers McConnell, Virginia, n . A t the end is a stanza from one of the poems of James Lindsay Gordon, Virginia ’78, bringing back recollec­ tions of the campus: Hope dies, love withers, memory fails and fades, But through the long years’ ceaseless ebb and flow These faint, far Echoes from the old Arcades,— Blown through the reeds of boyhood long ago,— In sunlit hours, in twilight’s quiet shades, W ill speak to us of One we used to know.

The difficulties under which students sometimes used to get their education in Beta colleges are suggested by a statement made

by Fenner B. Hunt, Beloit ’63, in a letter written on August 18, 1914 to Frank G. Ensign, Beloit ’00: “ Adverse circumstances prevented me from entering college at the proper age, and also made it necessary for me to work my passage through when I did enter. I was janitor of the three-story brick school building southeast from Middle College until about the middle of the first term of my junior year. I had three floors to sweep, using a. hand­ brush under the stationary benches, which took until about ten o clock at night, and in the morning I had all the desks and other furniture to go over with a feather duster. I left Beloit about the middle of the first term of the junior year to teach a district school at W est Milton, twenty miles north of Beloit, and did not return until my class was commencing review of the class work for the winter term. I managed to take in advance what the class took in review and passed my examination at the close of the term. During vacation and about two weeks of the third term I brought up and passed my examination for the first term. The next thing was a nervous collapse; but Dr. Clark soon brought me out of that, and I took charge of a boarding-club at a private house, taking the place, I think, of Philo Pettibone, a senior, and held this position until I graduated.”

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C h ic a g o C h a p t e r T r a g e d y . O n T h u rs d a y , O cto b er 20. 1921, fo u r m em ­ bers o f L a m b d a R h o m et instant death in an autom obile accident and a fifth had his sku ll fra c tu re d and received other seriou s in ju ries so th at his life w a s in the b alan ce fo r a lo n g tim e. T h e five B eta s, w ith a fe llo w student, a m em ber o f D e lta U p silo n , bought a second-hand autom obile, each co n tribu tin g $50.00, and started fo r P rin ceto n , N e w J ersey, to see the C h ica g o -P rin ceto n fo o tb a ll gam e on O cto b er 22. T h e y to ok the D ix ie H ig h w a y south fro m C h ica g o and planned to use the N a tio n a l R o a d th rou gh In d ian a and O h io , and o v e r the m ountains. W h e n tw e lv e m iles south o f W a tse k a , Illin ois, the autom obile o vertu rn ed on the ra ilro a d track, alo n g w h ich an attem pt w as m ade to go, w hen it w a s seen to be im possible to avoid a h e a v y fre ig h t train b ea rin g dow n upon it. A ll but one in the ca r w ere th ro w n on the tra c k and

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ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

497

The Zeta Phi, describing one of the annual pig roasts at Missouri, said: “ The pig roast was again the most outstanding social event of the year in Columbia. Zeta Phi intended that it should be that way, and, if the remarks of the townspeople were not too flattering, we may well feel assured that our efforts were not fruitless. There were some fifty or more townspeople present, many of whom have attended pig roasts for years, who proclaimed alike that the pig roast this year was the prettiest, the most unique, and the best planned party they had ever attended. The chapter house was decorated according to plans drawn by Duane Lyon, a commercial artist of Kansas City and very good friend of the chapter, representing a Venetian garden in carnival attire. The walls of the entire lower floor were covered with blue lattice backed by white cloth and covered with southern smilax. The French windows were made to assume the appearance of golden niches in the garden wall and contained such ornate things as sun dials, crystals, and fish ponds, while from the walls swung Venetian lamps and canopies supported by spears. The fireplace lined with gold tile made a beautiful nook for the Quadrangle Orchestra which was certainly at its best on March the ninth. Late in the evening the true carnival atmosphere was increased by confetti, serpentine, and carnival hats. On the whole, the pig roast was so successful that it can only be considered as another victory for Zeta Phi.” M

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I n d ian a ’ s H onorary M embers . The historian of Pi chapter, K arl W .

Fischer, ’25, made a thorough study of the chapter roll from original lists, correspondence, and interviews with older members. He found an even dozen honorary members, elected when such action was allowed, i.e., before the Constitution of 1879 was adopted. All of these men remained active and enthusiastic members of the fraternity. Their names a re : Lowman Hawes, Methodist clergyman in Bloomington, i860; Daniel Kirkwood, Professor, i860; Tames Buckley Black, Lawyer-Judge, 1862; James Ray McCorkle Bry­ ant, Law Professor, 1862; Samuel Trumbel Gillett, Methodist clergyman, 1865; William H. Throop, P. E. Clergyman, 1870; Henry R. Naylor, Metho­ dist clergyman, 1870; Joseph Ewing McDonald, Lawyer, 1870; James Thomp­ son, Professor Civil Engineering, 1870; Samuel Hamilton Buskirk, Lawyer, 1870; Joseph W right Wharton, College graduate, 1870; James McDonald Hardie, Actor, 1875. The chapter elected probably three or four others, but they never appeared for initiation. One was a Bloomington judge named Carlton. Honorable James Buckley Black was also elected a member of the DePauw chapter (then Indiana Asbury). Joseph W right Wharton was a graduate of DePauw. While he was in college he was a Phi Delta Theta.

That chapter dying out, he was initiated by a wandering Psi Upsilon into that fraternity. Finally, as a graduate, he was given honorary membership in Beta Theta Pi. A B u r g l a r io u s I n c i d e n t . “ When a member of the Junior class of Washington and Jefferson College, located then in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, I served one or more terms as corresponding secretary of Gamma chapter of Beta Theta Pi, and tried to keep in touch with as many chapters as possible, and had quite a number of chapters On my list. During that time some one or more of the barbarians purloined a copy of our constitution. Horrabile

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were unable to escape before the train struck and mangled them. Those killed in this terrible tragedy were: Thomas Monilaw, ’24, son of William J. Monilaw of the University High School, Chicago; Harold M. Skinner, 24, of Oak Park, Illinois; Stanwood Johnstone, ’22, of Minneapolis, Minne­ sota, and Herschel Hopkins, ’24, of Granville, Ohio, who was initiated by the Denison chapter. The severely injured was Walter Reckless, ’21, of Chicago, who graduated in June 1920, as a Phi Beta Kappa man and Univer­ sity Marshal. His life was spared.

A M E M O R IA L T O T H O M A S J. M O N IL A W A painting by W alter Sargent, presented to the Chicago chapter by W illiam J. Monilaw in memory of his son.

The Convention minutes for 1927 described a little ceremonial which called attention to some interesting fraternity his­ tory : “ President Shepardson then proceeded to the platform and addressing Convention President Ensign told him that the Eye of Wooglin had been on him for twenty-eight years. Brother Shepardson then referred to Brother Ensign’s service as secretary of a General Convention, as trustee and vicepresident in charge of finance and as president of a General Convention. He then welcomed Brother Ensign into that distinguished group of eight persons, including Brother Ensign, who had had the honor to serve as Convention President and as Convention Secretary, and referred to Brother Ensign’s knowing all but two of them personally. In addition to Brother Ensign, the group includes W yllys Cadwell Ransom, John A. Kellar, Charles Duy Walker, William Raimond Baird, Francis Wayland Shepardson, Warren Damon Oakes, and George Moseley Chandler. A s a token of the honor which had been accorded him, President Shepardson then in the name of the fraternity presented Convention President Ensign with an ivory gavel and at the same time expressed the hope he would cherish it as one of his prized possessions.

Brother Ensign, apparently very much moved by this manifestation of the regard in which he is held by the fraternity, expressed his thanks for the honor which had been conferred upon him and stated that he would always keep the gavel as one of his most cherished possessions and that he would hand it on to his sons to be so held and prized by them.” . P r e s id e n t

and

S ecretary.

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

499

however, been filled by the election of Mr. Charles T. Worthington and John C. Zachos; the latter, though resident in this country for fourteen years, is a native and citizen of Greece, where he expects eventually to reside. You can hardly conceive the difficulty of making a proper choice of members in a city where the pursuits of business conceal and encrust the true dispositions and characters of individuals and render deception easy. W e shall be more deliberate in future.” N o t e : Even Worthington did not remain long as a member, and the name of Stephen Gano, first recorder of the chapter, is not found in the catalogue of the fraternity.

F r a t e r n a l F i f t i e s . A t the Convention of 1927 the Board of Trustees reported a proposal emanating from Dr. George W . Switzer, DePauw ’81, that the completion of fifty years of membership of an individual in Beta Theta Pi be formally recognized in each chapter of the fraternity and that a suitably engraved card, showing name, chapter and date of initiation, be presented to the member thus recognized at the time of such recognition, as an evidence of his membership in the Order of Silver Greys, or some other such designation to be later determined. The board recommended this suggestion to the con­ sideration of the Convention as one likely to strengthen greatly the sentimen­ talities of Beta Theta Pi. The Convention, after report by a committee, adopted the following recommendation: “W e recommend that the Board of Trustees of the fraternity be authorized and empowered to devise a plan for the recognition of fifty years of membership and faithful service to Beta Theta Pi. This honorary distinction, as suggested by Brother Switzer, should have a suitable name and we recommend, if possible, a Greek word or words com­ bining or expressing the idea of ‘fifty’ and ‘veteran.’ This honor should be conferred by the general fraternity upon the recommendation of the Board of Trustees of the fraternity and should be based upon being a true and loyal Beta for fifty years. A suitable certificate should be given to every member upon whom this honor is conferred; the Board of Trustees to be authorized and empowered to adopt such rules and regulations as in its discretion may seem suitable to govern the conferring of this honor.”

C a r e i n S e l e c t i o n , 1843. The Ohio University chapter, established by Henry Beard of Zanesville, November 9, 1841, had eighteen members all told on February 27, 1843, when John C. Culbertson, one of the charter members and one of the nine active members in college, w rote: “ You will perceive from the above list that our number is extensive; yet we flatter ourselves that the reputation of the individuals concerned is such as to confer honor upon the association without waiting for the association to confer honor upon them.

The same care that a miss manifests when she culls a choice bouquet should be exercised in the selection of those who shall adorn our Literary Knight­ hood.’ Mind in its bloom, sociality in its flower, and morality in its maturity shouid unite in the Beta Theta Pi. For this reason we have invariably been careful, considerate and circumspect in our admission of members. Someone suggests an individual; his character in the society is fully discussed, and his pretensions fully canvassed. During the time intervening ere our next meet­ ing (two weeks afterward), the members examine the person under considera­ tion and determine whether they can admit him into the association and style him brother. A t the ensuing meeting he is proposed, but lest his character

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dictu! Each member of the chapter was appointed instantly a Sherlock Holmes to recover the sacred book by hook or crook, by fair means or foul, So that the instrument be found and placed with its friends once more. A number of skeleton keys were made by bending pieces of wire of various lengths, at the ends at right angles, and off we started on ‘society night/ when most or all of the student body would be at their different literary halls.

Fortunately the first trunk I attacked opened easily, and at the very bottom, under the owner’s laundry, letters, and other contents, I found our book.

A fter hurriedly replacing everything properly, I hastened to spread the good news. It proved that our valuable property had been stolen by a ‘non-frat/ a Delta Upsilon. I think that this circumstance induced me to be more careful and also more cautious with fraternity papers, and to take heed that the barbarians’ should learn nothing concerning the brotherhood that we did not wish them to know.” (Manuscript letter to Francis W . Shepardson, Janu­ ary 9 ,19 11.)

A lp h a Kappa P h i. The fraternity archives have been enriched by a gift o f an Alpha Kappa Phi badge, worn before the Civil W ar by J. L. Waller, a student in Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina. For this inter­ esting relic the fraternity is indebted to Mr. W . F. Stackhouse of Marion, South Carolina, a member of Chi Psi. According to meager information gathered by the late William Raimond Baird regarding Alpha Kappa Phi and published in successive editions of Baird’s Manual, the fraternity was founded at Centre College “ about 1858.” But when Chi Psi entered Fur­ man University in 1858, Alpha Kappa Phi had a chapter there, Mr. Waller being one of its members. His badge carries on its face a letter M whose significance is not known. If it indicated the chapter name as Mu, then the origin of Alpha Kappa Phi must go back of 1858. Dr. McGlothlin, president of Furman, who wrote a history of the institution, reports that if the early societies there kept records, they have all been lost. When Beta Theta Pi was revived at Centre after the Civil W ar the Alpha Kappa Phi had a chap­ ter there, one at Georgetown College, Kentucky, and one at the University of Mississippi. The Georgetown chapter soon died. The Centre chapter, being reduced to two members, gave up its existence, the two joining Beta Theta Pi. On their advice, in 1879, the last surviving chapter at Mississippi became the Beta Beta of Beta Theta Pi, men from Centre going to Missis­ sippi to affect the transfer.

D i f f i c u l t i e s a t C i n c i n n a t i . The first Cincinnati chapter was estab­ lished on the plan used for a time by Phi Beta Kappa and some other frater­ nities : To select from the young men of the city those deemed worthy of carrying out the ideals of the association, whether connected with any institu­ tion of learning or not. T. Stanley Matthews, afterwards an Associate Jus­ tice of the United States Supreme Court, then the recorder of the Cincinnati chapter, gave some idea of the difficulties of this chapter’s life on November 24, 1841, when he wrote to John A. Collins of Miami: “ Since our last we have had the painful duty of recording the resignations of two of our mem­ bers, Mason Wilson and Howard Matthews. They arose not from any par­ ticular dislike, but a general distaste for the objects and too low an estimate— an undue appreciation of the nature of the association. Their places have

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

501

if it does no more, may we flatter ourselves that our attempt has not been utterly fruitless.”

P i Kappa A lp h a P e t i t i o n . In 1884 the Theta chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha, at Southwestern Presbyterian University, Clarksville, Tennessee, pe­ titioned Beta Theta Pi to take it over. The members then were W . M. Ander­ son, E. M. Hicks, K. L. Jones, R. M. Kennedy, T. M. Sleeper, T . A. Steele, J. L. Storey, W . B. Young, R. F. Craif, T. A. Canfield. The reason for seeking Beta Theta Pi is thus stated: “ Having carefully and closely examined the book,” American College Fraternities, edited by Baird, and other books and catalogues, we selected Beta Theta Pi as our preference, and we trust that our application will meet with your approval. Our reason for emerging from Pi Kappa Alpha is, that we wish ever to be members of a living fraternity; and, since we have only two living chapters, Alpha which is f ounded at the University of Virginia and Theta chapter of this university, we fear anti fraternity laws and wish to be members of a larger fraternity, standing upon a firmer foundation. Alpha has given us full consent to do as we think best......... W e feel that we can be as successful and work as faithfully under a different name, as there is not mg in a name, and if our application will meet your approval, we are ready and willing to take down the banner of Pi Kappa Alpha, with feelings of regret, for we have become attached to it, and, free from every stam, speak the sad ‘Farewell,’ as we give it a parting glance; and then, with pure motives, stout hearts, renewed energy, and courage sufficient to surmount every obstacle, press boldly forward with the standards of Beta Theta Pi and plant them upon firm and secure ground.” (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta Pi.) A H e r o ’s B a d g e . When William Griffith Sprague, Michigan, ’ 15, was initiated into Lambda chapter in the chapter house at Ann Arbor, a special fraternity badge was presented to him by Francis W . Shepardson, Denison, ’82, on behalf of, and at the request of his father, William Cyrus Sprague, Denison ’81. The invitation to join Alpha Eta chapter at Granville, Ohio, m the early spring of 1880 was given to Shepardson by Sprague. Each of them, on more than one occasion, had been privileged to greet and clasp the hand o the founder of Beta Theta Pi, John Reily Knox, Miami 39. As the grip was given to the younger Sprague at his initiation and the badge was presented to him these things were recalled in a little ceremonial which will never be forgotten by any of those present. The badge itself, presented y at er o son had particular significance because its diamond center was one of three diamonds taken from a brooch which was given to the boy s mother by his father some years before her death. O f course, all of these factors made this Beta badge a peculiar treasure to the novitiate. A fter the younger Sprague had heard the call of the country in the W orld W ar, he_ wrote to his father that he had lost the badge somewhere in France, and indicated his great sor­ row on that account. Fate was unkind to this young officer of the American Flying Corps, who was killed by being struck by his propeller blade after a flight, while awaiting embarkation for home after the Armistice. When, some months later, the personal effects of this war-sacrifice reached his fath­ er’s home, the latter, while looking through a suitcase found the badge own in the corner of a small pocket of the case. The son’s name is inscribed upon

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should not be fully understood, his election is deferred until the next meeting, when, if worthy, he receives our votes. Not content with this, he is not in­ formed of his election nor introduced till the next meeting, reserving for our­ selves the power of reconsideration. In this way we have guarded against hasty action, and have manned our fort with a band of literary veterans.”

The Round Robin of the Idaho chapter for June 1929 conveyed to the alumni this unusual and on the whole re­ markable report: “ Gamma Gamma made a clean sweep in every form of intramural activity and won by the widest margin on record. The 1929 Gem of the Mountains, the university year book, devotes a page to each championship team and a group of smiling brothers in Wooglin’s Clan greets the eye on each page.” The year-book gave a detailed story of each contest, placing Beta Theta Pi at the head in volleyball, cross country, basketball, swimming and intramural debate. In the same year twelve outstanding students, seven men and five women, were selected to be specially honored in the year book, two of the seven from the entire university body being Betas. Their pictures were published and a personal note, thus: “ Darwin Kilburn Burgher, Because, by three years of conscientious work on the gridiron and the maple court he has won the admiration and respect of every Idahoan, and was rewarded with the captaincy of both the football and basketball teams in his senior year; and because, unaffected by honors which have been thrust upon him, he is the exemplification of our ideal in that rare combination of man and athlete.” “ Everett Clark Lawrence, Because, he has proven himself worthy of every honor and deserving of merit through his activity on the baseball nine for three years, as president o f the Senior Class the first semester, and certainly not least as a student in every sense of the word.”

O u t s t a n d in g I d a h o R ecord.

L o f t y D e s i g n s . A letter written by John H. Jones of the first Cincinnati chapter March 25, 1843, carries some suggestion of the spirit which animated the pioneer Betas. A fter some mention of absence and illness of members, he w rote: “ W e shall now apply ourselves with new energy to the accomplish­ ment of the great objects contemplated by our society. Great indeed they a re ; so large, in fact, that many would regard them as visionary and laugh to scorn those who attempt their completion. But we may console ourselves with the reflection that, even if we be unable to succeed to the full extent of our wishes, yet that we shall accomplish something. He who aims high, though he miss his mark, may yet strike higher than one who, looking low, accomplished his design. The great French orator, when France seemed in the very extremity of distress, thundered from the tribune, ‘It is necessary to dare, again to dare, and ever to dare.’ His country followed his advice, dared, when to dare seemed almost frenzy, and succeeded But even if we fail in accomplishing the lofty designs of our association; yet, regarded as a mere common literary so­ ciety, it cannot but do much good, constituted as it is, and numbering among its members, we hope, some young men of talent, it must be peculiarly suited for doing good as a mere literary association. To imbue its members with a love of letters, to keep it alive in them when, without some aid, the more ex­ citing pursuits of life might entirely destroy it, are certainly objects worthy of labor; and if the Beta Theta Pi succeeds in accomplishing these, then, even

N E B R A SK A B E T A W A T E R POLO TEAM

S T . L A W R E N C E B E T A B A S K E T B A L L C H A M P IO N S , 1929 T o p : W . Worden, C. Cosman, J. Calder B o ttom : K. Swarthout, A. Howe, L. Lyons

TYPES OF BETA ATH LETES

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the World W ar memorial tablet in Lambda’s chapter house where a gold star bears tribute to his valor. The badge made more significant by the special circumstances mentioned was cherished by the father as long as he lived. “ The responsibility of an alumnus to his fra­ ternity is greater than that of the active even though the alumnus may have responsibilities from which the active is free. Assuming new responsibilities cannot in any way lessen a responsibility already assumed. The reason is simple. The pledge to Beta is for life. So far, then, alumnus and active are equal. Boj:h owe undying allegiance to their fraternity. Both are pledged to so live that Beta shall not only not suffer at their hands but that it shall be the more glorious. Once a Beta always a Beta is what both have solemnly sworn. W hile in college the active is pledged to give his best to his fraternity.

W hile a part of the life of this world the alumnus has pledged his best to Beta.

Thus far both are equal in degree of responsibility. Now to show that the responsibility of the alumnus is greater than that of the active, the following proposition is submitted. The alumnus does not expect the active to set him an example. The active does look to the alumnus for guidance as to his con­ duct. One of the most important things in life is influence. Hence the re­ sponsibility of the alumnus far exceeds that of the active. I conclude with a few of the many cases in which the alumnus may assist or injure an active.

An alumnus cannot get an active to pay his bills by improperly running bills of his own. A drinking alumnus cannot make a sober active. An alumnus who never takes an interest in his fraternity cannot make an active take an interest therein. In short, an active should ignore and shun the alumnus who does not keep his fraternity pledge and the alumnus remembering his re­ sponsibility should through example, add to the glory of Beta Theta Pi.”-— (Article in the Chapter News of Alpha Zeta.)

T

h o u g h t s fo r

A

l u m n i.

B e t a B a t t l e s B a n d i t s . The New Y ork Herald-Tribune of July 20, 1926, contained the following Associated Press dispatch from Constantinople about an exciting experience of Paul Horrell Phillips, Washington State ’21: “ An experience recalling W ild W est days, in which two American Near East Relief workers, Paul H. Phillips, of Seattle, Washington, and his wife, had a narrow escape in a fight with raiding Tartars in Russian Armenia, was re­ lated today in messages from Brivan to the Near East Relief officers in Con­ stantinople. Phillips, who superintends the relief organization’s model ranch at Karakalla, was aroused one morning by excited orphan employees crying that Tartar tribesmen from Azerbaijan had crossed the mountains and were raiding the ranch. Phillips, who often had encountered cattle thieves in the Northwest, picked up his rifle and hurried out to see the Tartars driving away prize Swiss stock imported by the Americans to improve Armenia’s breed. He opened fire, but the raiders, numbering from twenty to thirty, made a stand behind the rocks, and fired back. Alone with his wife and a few orphans, Phillips realized that they were outnumbered and that darkness might prove disastrous. He therefore dispatched the oldest boy on a horse to the nearest American relief post, eighteen miles away. In the subsequent fighting Mrs. Phillips was severely beaten by a tribesman. Throughout the day the sniping and stalking continued, and when it was growing dusk the situation became desperate. Suddenly another relief worker, William

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

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ones their report was not received. W e ask of the Franklins if these things are so, and here we are. Never before has there been such a commotion w ithin'oid Jefferson. It has conceived the Lawrence literary society; broken off all intercourse between the Franklin and Philo societies; made many enemies in each; and exhibited what is known of our brotherhood. All seem to be against u s ; and yet there is not an individual but desires membership.

(W . A . Rankin to R. V . Moore, February 10, 1848.) N o t e : The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity was founded at Jefferson, April 22, 1848.

M o n m o u t h H i s t o r y . “ The Reverend John A. Gordon resigned from Alpha Alpha Prime on account of conscientious scruples. He is now a Presbyterian in California. The Reverend George I. Gordon, my brother, still considers himself a Beta and is so considered certainly by all the old Betas of Monmouth. You will find his record on page 200 of the catalogue published since Alpha Alpha died. In the midst of the excitement and irri­ tation growing out of the stringent anti fraternity legislation of the trustees of Monmouth College, the Beta students attempted to compel George I. Gordon, a .member of the faculty, to answer charges based upon his actions or rumored actions as a member of the faculty. I believe the matter re­ ferred to was based entirely upon a rumor concerning his action in a meeting of the faculty. The citation was coupled with a threat to drop his name from the rolls if he did not answer. He consulted Judge Glenn of old Alpha, Professor Wilson of Pi, and a number of old Betas. They were un­ animous in their decision that undergraduates participating in such a demand upon a member of the faculty were deserving of discipline by the faculty, but that it was wiser for all concerned for George to ignore the whole matter.

From that day to this he has heard nothing either officially or unofficially from Alpha Alpha. Under the old constitution and the uniform usage of the old chapters no alumni member of Beta Theta Pi could be dropped on such charges and in such manner. I have understood that the particular state­ ments attributed to Professor George I. Gordon were not made by him, but that he felt that he could not properly answer to the charges in any way be­ yond simply deciding to be present and denying the authority of the students.

The whole affair was very unfortunate.

Relations were pretty highly strained when, upon initiation, a formal resignation was filed and accepted, to take effect the instant the initiate was asked by his father whether he was a Beta or not. In consequence of such performances by the later-day Betas, good Dr. Wallace became so much disgusted that he at last resigned or tried to resign his membership in Beta Theta Pi.” (Manuscript archives of Beta Theta P i; letter from J. C. Gordon to J. Cal Hanna, April 3, 1889.)

A S t r i k e E x p e r i e n c e . The Johns Hopkins chapter paper gave the head­ ing “ Casey Jones” to the following story of chapter experience: “ Soon after seven o’clock on Monday, April 12, 1920, the members of the chapter began to arrive at the house for the weekly chapter meeting. Someone mentioned the fact that the Pennsylvania Railroad had asked for Hopkins students to act as volunteers and help out in breaking the outlaw railroad strike. The suggestion was made that the chapter go down as a body to offer its services.

Excitement over the expectation of getting into the affair soon arose to fever heat, and after a few minutes of unanimously affirmative discussion it was

504

BETA LIFE

Cronin, of New Haven, Connecticut, appeared over the hills with a company of cavalry. They rushed down upon the tribesmen, shooting some of them and clearing the American ranch of the invaders.”

V i t r u v i a n was the name of the local society at Dartmouth College which, in 1899, became Alpha Omega chapter of Beta Theta Pi. It was founded by Benjamin Ames Kimball, Dartmouth ’54, No. 1, on the Dartmouth chapter roll. He died July 20, 1920. His residence in Concord, New Hamp­ shire, was given by will to the state of New Hampshire as an executive man­ sion, the use of the house being reserved to Mrs. Kimball during her life. A Dartmouth note about Vitruvian says: “ In the latter part of the nineteenth century Hanover was the proud possessor of two seats of learning, Dartmouth College and the Chandler School of Arts and Sciences. Students of the Chand­ ler School were not then admitted to the various collegiate societies. Con­ sequently, in 1857 there was founded the Phi Zeta Mu fraternity which later became absorbed as the Eta Eta chapter of the Sigma Chi society. This as­ sociation was followed in 1858 by the Sigma Delta Pi, which, under a char­ ter of the legislature, changed its name in 1871 to Vitruvian. It was ambitious to become a chaptered organization so it went ahead and established two as­ sociates, one at Cornell and one at Wooster University, Ohio. However, both of these outgrowths later dissolved. In 1889 Vitruvian was itself absorbed, becoming the Alpha Omega chapter of Beta Theta Pi. It is interesting to note that in the Aegis, the Dartmouth College yearbook of 1890* the above men­ tioned secret society was still known as Sigma Delta Pi— established in 1858, with twenty-seven members of the Scientific Department. Another source gives a line or two in which it mentions the burning of the Vitruvian house, along with “ five other fraternity houses” in the general conflagration which occurred at Hanover on the evening of January 4, 1887.

E a r l y J e f f e r s o n C h a p t e r L i f e . The Zeta chapter may be said to thrive on dangers and difficulties. Six members of college constitute, our number, and all the rest are combined with the faculty to crush us. Their strong arm is uplifted, but even as it towers above us, we laugh at, we scorn it. The true conspirators in the plot are jealousy and envy. They attribute every uncommon occurrence to a freak of the Betas. The students act as spies upon us, and report to the faculty. They, poor souls, don’t know whether to put confidence in their assertions or not. They can’t somehow believe there is an association. However, we have the agreeable satisfaction of knowing that, if discovered, the penalty will be expulsion. But, on the other hand, we know this cannot be so long as we are true to ourselves, and no one doubts this. W e hear and have reason to believe that some “ choice spirits” have banded themselves together for our revelation. This we know, that on every occasion “ a certain.crowd” exert their influence against every­ thing that smacks or could possibly smack of Betaism. W e lately expelled a member from the Philo literary society. Immediately his friends raised the cry of “ Betas,” in order to excite sympathy for the oppressed gentleman.

He presented a petition to the rival society begging them to take up his case and decide upon it, at the same time presenting what he called the evidence brought forward in his trial— and our most important secrets. They did s o , appointed a committee to sympathize with him ; but by the efforts of certain

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

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toward high ideals for which he labored is still going on. It gives me great pleasure to send to Beta Theta Pi one o f the life membership cards of the same series as we send to members o f Sigma Alpha Epsilon who become life members o f our National E n­ dowment Fund.

V e ry sincerely yours, J a m e s E. C h a p m a n , Acting E. S. R. R e c o g n iz in g S e r v ic e . A feature of Beta life in more than one chapter has been the recognition of special service by some individual member. An occasion of that sort was a banquet in Sioux City, Iowa, where honor was paid to Russell Marks, Yale, and Peter Olson, South Dakota. The South Dakota chapter paper described it as follows: “ Never in the history of Gamma Alpha chapter did the singing of ‘The Loving Cup’ bring forth such spirit and emotion as when the voices of fifty members of the Sioux City alumni and South Dakota chapters blended around the banquet table in the W est Hotel at Sioux City on Thanksgiving evening to pay tribute to Brothers Russell A. Marks and Peter Olson. Following a brilliant speech by Toast­ master Herbert L. Olston in which he expressed the appreciation of Gamma Alpha for the untiring efforts and unselfish sacrifices of both men for the South Dakota chapter, Brother Joe Eastwood started the famous song, and as the others took up the air it assumed the dignity and reverence of a^hymn, while two beautiful loving cups were passed down the line of men to ‘Rusty’ and ‘Pete,’ as tokens of remembrance. In making his presentation speech, ‘Herb’ reminded those present of the very strenuous times in ’09, ’10, ’n , and ’ 12, when Beta Gamma was struggling for recognition by the national fra­ ternity, and he recalled vividly many incidents in which Brother Marks, a graduate of Y ale and an influential Beta, proved his friendship for the boys at South Dakota. He pointed out that ‘Rusty’ had done more than any other man to help Beta Gamma realize its goal in the securing of the charter, and declared that the ‘old gang’ felt that they owed a debt to him which never could be repaid. Paying a tribute to Brother Olson, ‘Herb related how Pete had come to the university and had been one of the founders of Beta Gamma, how he labored for its success while a student, and how, after he graduated, he spent the first thousand dollars he ever made to purchase ‘Beta H ill’ ; how he held the property in his own name and paid the taxes on it for over ten years, and how, finally he deeded it over to the chapter and sold it for $8,200, thus enabling Gamma Alpha to build a new home. ‘Rusty and Pete accepted their gifts in two of the finest speeches ever heard at a South Dakota Beta gathering, declaring that the cups would be kept and prized more highly than they could express.”

A N a r r o w E s c a p e . The pledging and even initiating of students without any investigation of their antecedents is risky. Once or twice our chapter has had a narrow escape. When I was a sophomore, there entered the college a fine-looking fellow, who dressed well, talked well, and had good manners.

All the fraternities, including our own, made a dead set at him, and rushed, him in fine style, and he had a gay time. The contest finally narrowed down to ourselves and the Thetas. The latter were good fellows, but a trifle inclined to be “ sporty,” and our friend seemed to prefer them on that account, but still he had leanings toward our chapter, especially to some of our freshmen, who

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decided to postpone the meeting until less stirring times. Nearly the entire chapter immediately left for Union Station, where they were enrolled and held for service whenever called. Twenty-five out the active chapter of twenty-eight were among those enrolled on the first night, besides Joseph Branham, a graduate student. Cashell, Welliver and Slingluff were sent to Washington immediately. Names were taken for a gang which was to report for duty at five the next morning. Sixteen of the nineteen were Betas.

Eleven o f us spent the night at the house, while those who lived near by went home. In the morning they were up at four— early hours for B etas!— and walked to the station. There they were lined up around the counter of the lunch room and given a good breakfast. Sixteen Betas out of nineteen— it was a real Beta dorg, at a unique and heathen hour. A fter eating they were sent to the railroad ‘Y ’ to await developments. There they shot pool, played cards and checkers, and restlessly waited their turn on the road. Nothing turned up, much to their disgust, and they were sent home, with orders to report again at four. A t that time eight of the number were put to work immediately and the remainder told to report later. Thus it went on through­ out the week. Each volunteer reported several times during each day, and nearly all were eventually put to work on the road. Altogether eighteen of the active chapter held railroad jobs at one time or another, as fireman, brakeman, switchman, baggagemaster, or tractor operator. They were not over­ effective railroaders, perhaps, but very practical protestors against an un­ warranted labor agitation.”

I n t e r f r a t e r n i t y C o u r t e s y . The Board of Trustees of Beta Theta Pi reported the following correspondence to the Convention of 1927: Chicago, June 6, 1927.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon B o x 254, Evanston, III. G entlem en :

The Beta Theta Pi fraternity, noting with great satisfaction the decision of the Sigm a Alpha Epsilon Fraternity to call its National House the Levere Memorial, in honor o f its lately deceased great leader, W illiam C. Levere, and heartily approving the ideals fo r which he so earnestly wrought during the years of his faithful service, begs the privilege o f a life membership in the National Endowment Fund o f Sigma Alpha Epsilon and to that end sends its check for fifty dollars with this note o f high appreci­ ation and good will.

B eta T

heta

P i,

B y Francis W . Shepardson,

President

Evanston, 111., June 7, 1927.

Dr. Francis W. Shepardson, President o f Beta Theta Pi, 5234 Dorchester Ave., Chicago, III. D ear D r. S h epard so n :

Y o u r letter in which Beta Theta Pi wishes as a privilege to subscribe for a life membership in the National Endowment Fund o f Sigma Alpha Epsilon is just about the most affecting thing that has ever happened in my fraternity experience of more than thirty years. It proves that the barriers o f narrow misunderstanding are down and that Interfraternity is something more than just a word. Sigma Alpha Epsilon appreciates very much indeed the note of high appreciation and good will which you send in honor o f our lamented brother, W illiam C. Levere, and I know he would rejoice that the work

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

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a collection of letters edited and arranged by his mother which, in her fore­ word, she says “ tell the story of the rich life that he lived during those last eighteen months, and of the birth of the man from the heart of the boy.”

Some of the letters are descriptive, some thoughtful, some remarkable for their sentiments. No Beta could help being proud of one who wrote: “ W e must all give up this life sooner or later, but it is not granted to all to give it up so nobly as to us. To me, the finest miracle in life is to be able, in the last few moments on this earth, to revolutionize one’s entire existence, to forget a life of failure and weakness, and to die a hero. The Gates of Honor are opened to us, those lucky ones who are over here. W e need not fear that we are not prepared to die, for no matter what we have been, in the last glorious minutes we can die, not as the ordinary man, but fighting for the ideals we hold so sacred.”

W ab a sh B etas i860. A n unpublished letter, written by J. H. Meteer of W abash to T . Crutcher of Indiana A sbury on April 10, i860, tells some­ thing of Beta life in Craw fordsville as the Civil W ar drew near. The catalogue of 1917 does not show M eteer’s name on the W abash list; but he wrote on the date m entioned: Y o u will see by my autograph that I am something new under the sun in the way of a corresponding secretary; and being also a young Greek, if I should not show that skill which one older in the service would, you will please pass my imperfections by.” Y o u ask if we don’t pity your “strapped” condition. W e do have a common sympathy for you in all your joys and sorrows, but for a student to be m that situation is such a common thing that we have begun to look upon it as a matter of course; hence it does not give us much pain. W e do not wear badges, borne ol our members have pins but not many. W e are now having vacation and all but four of our numbers have gone home. W e do not spend our time exactly as you did but we have “fine old times.” One of the four is the president’s son, a boy about fifteen but as true a Greek as ever pulled the wool over a barbarian’s eyes. Another is selling books in a bookstore. T he third, our brightest jewel, is making garden etc. at twelve and a half cents an hour, while I am keeping books in a dry-goods store and my head is kept full of “John Smith, to merchandise etc.” the whole time.

T he president’s son never stayed away from home all night before last week m his life without permission, but he was at my room at our meeting and we stayed so late he spent the night with me. I am very intimate with the family, and the old gentleman thought it was all right fo r him to stay with me, little thinking of what he had been doing. W e are compelled to be very sly and we succeed most ad­ mirably. Y o u r Bladen man made some grand flourishes about the Betas, but when last heard from he had not succeeded in finding one. H e tried to start a society, the object of which should be opposition to the Greeks. H e made a complete fizzle 01 it. I do not know how he was at your college but he was not a very huge P^ne here. H e was accustomed to get beautifully “bored” both in Greek and Latin We have not yet elected our delegate to the convention, but I think Brother Dodds of Cin­ cinnati will be selected. W e certainly ought to be represented there. I think it very much like the Phis to step in at Indiana after we had refused. That is the w ay they do things in this college; how is it with you? W e were called upon to vote m respect to a chapter in Kentucky M ilitary Institute, but we do not know enough about the college to cast an intelligent vote. It seems though that military institutions generally are not the best adapted to Greek societies, because their studies are mostly of a scientific nature. It seems to me that we want men who promise to stand forem ost in the learned professions. Our literary society exhibitions went off well last week and our brethren o f both societies carried away the ribbons we think. W e had only one in the Lyceum but three in the Calliopean. W e have decidedly the best scholars in college. W e agree with you that we might visit more. I think we could ^make it very interesting and profitable. Come up and see us when you get over your strappedity.

Best love of T au to Delta and all her sons.

5°8

BETA LIFE

were anxious to secure him. In the meantime one of our seniors, had inter­ viewed the secretary of the faculty (a Beta) about him, and found that he had been conditioned in two studies at his entrance, and so the senior said he wouldn’t vote for him, and the freshmen had to wait, and in a few weeks had the mortification of seeing him proudly display the Theta badge one morning in chapel. The boys felt pretty sore about it, and more than one spoke almost unkindly to our senior, who was credited with being the main cause of our loss.

Soon after the Christmas holidays, a junior, who had been kept out of college, returned. He was from Mobile, Alabama, from which the new Theta had registered. The boys soon told him of their disappointment, and were surprised when he said that the one mentioned had never been heard of in the social circles of that town.

Some weeks elapsed before the junior and his fellow townsman met. It was in the gymnasium, and the latter was in tights, preparing to do a running high jump, when the Mobile man sauntered in with a couple of the Betas.

He looked at the jumper whose back was turned, and exclaimed, “ Great S cot!” and said to one of his companions, “ Who is that fellow? He has a heel just like a negro.” When told that he was our lost prize, he walked across the floor to have a nearer look, when, as he caught sight of his face, he said: “ Jiminy crips ! what luck you boys are in ! W hy, he is a son of old L ----- , the sugar refiner, by a quadroon woman who lived in the house. It’s a public scandal at home.” The junior never “ gave the matter away,” but as soon as the much rushed candidate discovered his presence, he left college, and the mortification of the Thetas when they learned the real reason for his departure was intense. (Chapter letter from Beta Theta P i) T h e M acL eish . General Order No. 518 of the United States Navy De­ partment contained a notice of the naming of new destroyers, among them one in honor of Kenneth MacLeish, Yale ’ 18. The official language stated: “ Detroyer No. 220, under construction at Wm. Cramp & Sons Co., Phila­ delphia,. Pennsylvania, named in memory of Lieutenant Kenneth MacLeish, United States-Naval Reserve Force; born in Glencoe, Illinois, September 19, 1894. A fter serving in the United States Naval Reserve Force as an enlisted man since March 24, 1917, he was appointed ensign in the Naval Reserve Flying Corps August 31, 1917. On October 13, 1917, he was ordered to avia­ tion duty in France; commissioned lieutenant (junior grade) March 23, 1918; commissioned lieutenant July 1, 1918. Detached from duty at Clermond Ferrand July 2, 1918, and ordered to DunkerqUe; on August 18, 1918, ordered to duty with Northern Bombing Group, Paris, France, where he took part in many air raids over enemy’s lines. While on a raid with the R. A. F. Squad­ ron No. 213, the squadron was attacked by a large number of enemy planes.

In the engagement which ensued MacLeish’s plane was shot down and he was instantly killed. He was considered one of the best pilots of this group.

Reported battle casualty No. 1,224 by the Fifth Corps R. A. F. on October 15, 1918.” Additional data regarding this Beta hero was given in an article

by Admiral Sims in The World’s Work for May, 1920 under the caption, “ The Victory at Sea,” his picture being shown. An intimate volume about him was published by his family as Kenneth, a book of 131 pages of text with binding of Yale blue. The frontispiece is a fine likeness. The book contains

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS certainly was delighted to read of the happenings of seventy years ago. He returned it this morning accompanied with about 50 pages of personal notes about the men who signed the roll and college notes of those days. A little Christmas present that I made to the chapter during the holidays has just arrived from the framing company. It is a United States map with the chapters all indicated by dots and a light behind. The dots form little “ stars” which shine where the chapters are located. I have encircled the Miami chapter with red. The whole frame is about the size of an ordinary chapter coat-of-arms and it is hung at the other end of our front room over a stone fireplace. This balances the room as at the other end we have our chapter coat-of-arms with our motto “ Queenly” below. ( K a r l W . F i s c h e r .)

D r o n e s i n t h e H i v e . Our district conference of chapter presidents dis­ cussed, among other problems, that of the deadwood in a chapter. It is a very regrettable, but nevertheless positive fact that in each chapter of Beta Theta Pi there exist men who are contributing little or nothing to their fraternity, but who, on the other hand, expect to derive a great deal of benefit from it, with the least possible expenditure of energy. There is an old adage which says that one gets out of his fraternity exactly what he puts into it, and in the majority of instances this is true. A s our eminent General Secretary says, there are too many drones in the Beta hive, members who swell the numbers, who profit by the work of others, who are known to the college body as Betas, who are “ pin wearers,” but who add little, if anything, to the chapter’s con­ structive accomplishments.

This is one of our most serious problems. What can we do with the drones? W e are glad to say, however, that the majority of the active mem­ bers of our fraternity do have high ideals, they do have the right objective, they do recognize the opportunity for service afforded them through member­ ship in Beta Theta Pi. But the good work of the majority is rendered almost absolutely fruitless by a few who have no real interest in Beta Theta Pi, who have joined merely to be known as fraternity men. It is the duty of each in­ dividual chapter which desires Beta Theta Pi to be an organization of service, an organization whose purpose is to carry out these objects which are “ worthy the highest aim and purpose of associated effort” to strive to find some way of either changing the drones into workers, of changing their inactivity and in­ difference into zeal and enthusiasm, or else some way to get rid of the drones.

A chapter’s worth to itself and to the fraternity as a whole is measured to a very large extent by the contribution it makes to the college and to the student body in doing its share in creating a fine wholesome atmosphere; by the repu­ tation of the chapter among the serious minded people of the community; by its accomplishments in sending out from under its influence better boys, better men, than when they were pledged; by its achievement in develop­ ing citizens with character.

Let each man in the chapter ask himself this question— “ Am I doing all in my power, am I striving to the best of my ability to help the chapter to achieve these accomplishments by which it is judged and to keep it on the pinnacle where every chapter of Beta Theta Pi deserves to be?” (Editorial in the Beta Alpha Bulletin)

BETA LIFE Oliver Perry Morton from Alpha was a friend of Thomas B. Graham. This is known definitely, and also that Gavin R. McMillan was one of the founders of the Indiana chapter. He was a junior at Bloomington in 1845. Evidently he entered Miami, was initiated, then transferred to Indiana where he met Thomas B. Graham of whom he learned through Oliver P. Morton, who was also from Alpha. Brother McMillan was only here one year, then he returned to Miami, for he received his degree at that institution. One other fact remains, one Samuel H. Mc­ Millan from the same town as Gavin, Xenia, Ohio, was a junior here in 1858.

Since he was from the same place, I suppose that he was some relative, . I n d ia n a C h a p t e r H

is t o r y .

although we have no records of his being initiated. In the library fire of 1884 absolutely all records of the university burned up except one volume of names which happened to be out of the library at the time of the fire.

A ll of the university records are based upon a book, History of Indiana Uni­ versity by T. A. W ylie, one of the professors. This volume contains numer­ ous biographical articles about the early Betas, including one which is unusual.

It says of Homer Wheeler, that, “ while a student at Indiana University he was baptized by Rev. Andrew Wylie, D.D, the president, in the college chap­ el, W . A . P. Martin and S. N. Martin, his classmates, standing up with him as sponsors.” Both of these men were Betas. Those early members had a good influence upon their brothers. I sent the minute book from 1854-69 which I told you of before to Brother Alexander, whom you probably met at the W est Baden Convention. He was recorder from that period, and

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

513

The DePauw chapter held an unusual initia­ tion on Saturday, April 26, 1924. It was carried out after much correspond­ ence and consultation, and with the full approval of executive officers of the university who co-operated in arranging for proper registration of the noviti­ ate. A Greencastle letter in the Indianapolis News thus described i t : “ Fred H. Hamilton, ex-’i7, came back to Greencastle Saturday after years of earnest labor to be judged again by those who had judged him ten years ago when he was a freshman in DePauw University. Hamilton matriculated in DePauw in September, 1913. Coming from a home where little had been deAn U

n usu al

I n it ia t io n .

T H E TH R E E M U LDROW S D istrict Chief Osborn Fisher M uldrow (seated) and his two brothers, Hal (left) and Alvan (righ t), three power­ ful factors in upbuilding at Oklahoma.

nied him, he found his studies irksome, and in March of the school year, he was asked to withdraw from school because of low grades. In the meantime, Hamilton had been pledged to Beta Theta Pi, a Greek letter fraternity.

Withdrawing from school meant severing connections with the fraternity.

Reluctantly his pledge pin was removed and ‘Pidge,’ as he was known to members of the organization, packed up his belongings and presumably left Greencastle for all time as far as school and fraternity were concerned.

However, it has been proved that Fred Hamilton was not the kind of man to permit this apparent disgrace to dominate his future. A t the time he left Greencastle he promised himself to come back some day and prove himself worthy. On leaving school he proceeded to North Dakota Agricultural Col-

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T h e C ir c l e o f P h i . Pennsylvania chapter sings with zest this song, whose words written by Edward Warlock Mumfoxd, Pennsylvania ’89, sug­ gest something of the spirit of the chapter: "Here stand we together-— The sons of old Phi, Renewing a compact That never shall die.

Love, loyalty, truth In the glance of each eye— Hearts linked in the mystic Old Circle of Phi.

“ The sons of the Dragon stand brother by brother, A s old friends, as true friends, look eye into eye— United, undaunted, each pledges the other His faith and devotion In dear old P h i! “ And ’round us is woven Another great band— A widening circle, Y et linked hand in hand; No distance or time Breaks the mystical tie— They still are a part of The Circle of Phi. “ So as we are meeting W e feel they are now Around us, repeating The old Beta vow— Stand firm— is the watchword, And strong the reply— W e are keeping the faith in The Circle of Phi f”

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

5i5

the number of its superior men than in anything else. Beta Theta Pi has helped produce hundreds of men of fine character, who are leaders in many walks of life. Beta Theta Pi has helped produce some of the master-spirits of our time. God helping us, Beta Theta Pi will carry on. With courage, energy and faith let us all press forward with the determination that the his­ tory of Beta Theta Pi, like the path of the just, shall be as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. ( H ar o ld J. B a i l y , 1927) T h e I g l e h a r t B adge. T h e U tah chapter cherishes highly the B eta badge once worn by W illiam Iglehart, DePautv ’84. Its story, as told by Lucian Y .

R ay, Utah, ’26, w a s: “ T raditions, those treasured parts o f the past that come down to us to enrich our lives and to teach us the true m eaning o f the institutions we revere, have a place in every chap­ ter.

E ach chapter o f this m ighty brotherhood has th e m : a chair, a bench, a plaque, a deer’s head, a picture and countless other things, each w ith its story o f sacrifice, o f battles fought together and won, or, maybe, occasionally lost.

A m on g the things that represent the best there is in the frater­ nal w orld to the boys o f Gam m a B eta at U tah is a badge o f unusual size and with an unusual story.

Back in 1895, before any of the present active members of the chapter were born, a Beta from DePauw sought the dryness of the western climate to help him fight the dreaded tubercular germ.

William Iglehart was his name and although it does not appear on the official roll of Gamma Beta chapter it is enshrined for ever in the hearts of Utah Betas. Not many years after his arrival in Salt Lake the boys of the local Alpha Pi, began the long, hard, fight of ten years that was to bring them a Beta charter, and one of the many splendid Betas who worked so well for their cause was Brother Iglehart. Sincere in his desire to give Alpha Pi the best in fraternalism, letter after letter went back to the national officers recommending the group, and when success crowned their efforts none was happier than he. In the early part of 1910, after years of constant association with the boys, Brother Iglehart began the last hard battle he was to fight, and during his fatal illness the bond of friendship, splendid before, grew deeper and more firm than ever. It seems that the only means of keeping him alive was by the use of oxygen, then a very expensive article because of the lack of modern equipment with which to make it. See­ ing a chance to be of very valuable service at this time, the whole chapter volunteered, and simply by lung power furnished the air to keep him alive.

But even this aid was not sufficient, and powerless to do further they watched their old friend succumb. Another wearer of the diamond had gone to rest.

In loving memory of her husband, Mrs. Iglehart for many years wore his Beta pin. Made in the early 8o’s it was of the large size of that period. Look­ ing somewhat like an immense jeweled pin of today, it differed in these re­ spects: The customary diamond was not there, and in place of the black enamel was a shield of gold. Attached to the pin by a small chain was a guard designating his chapter, the Delta of Beta Theta Pi. When Mrs. Iglehart

514

BETA LIFE

lege, where he spent two years in successful schooling. In November, 1916, he enlisted in the Princess Pat regiment of Canucks, and until January, 1919, saw service on the fields of France. He was wounded twice and gassed twice, receiving the Croix de Guerre and the Militaire Medal, presented by the King of England. Transfer to the United States forces was denied him on technicalities and a commission was denied because of his American citizenship. A t the close of the war he was sent to California, where his physicians told him he might have a chance to overcome the effect of gas­ sing. He married a California girl. He has met with financial success and is now manager of the land department of the Ring Petroleum Corporation.

He matriculated in DePauw for one day Saturday and was initiated into his fraternity. U. Rae Colson, Paris, Illinois; Fred Donaldson, Lebanon; Paul Smith, Lafayette; Cecil Haupt, Williamsport; M. G. Keyes, Robert Clark, George Clark, Weber Donaldson, of Indianapolis; George Walker, Shelbyville; Dr. H. W . Rhorer, Kokomo; S. K. Williams, Chicago, Illinois; H. P. Weidman, South Bend, and R. E. Jenkins returned to the university for the initiation.”

T h e H e r it a g e . Cato once said that “ the best way to keep good acts in memory is to refresh them with new ones.” A great heritage has come down to us from the founders of Beta Theta Pi. Generations of Beta leaders have worked upon human souls imbuing them with principles and the love of their fellow men. The Beta torch has been passed from hand to hand; from gen­ eral secretary to general secretary. Brother Shepardson passed it to Brother Bruce in 1917, and in July, 1926, Brother Bruce passed it to us. I say to us, my brothers, for this sacred flame is in your keeping as much as it is in mine.

In Beta Theta Pi we have officers only for convenience. It is individual re­ sponsibility that cotints. Together we can keep the torch blazing brightly. To prove worthy of our trust we must keep green the memory of the great deeds of our predecessors by worthy acts of our own. The accumulated influence of individuals is the source of the strength and prestige of Beta Theta Pi. To each one of us the fraternity looks for the future. A future which our own characters, our own actions, our own principles will do something to stamp with shame or with glory. Beta Theta Pi stands for the development of the finest character and manhood. It is for everything which contributes to that great end and against anything which interferes with its attainment.

W e profess high ideals. It is time to match promise with performance. How quickly many seeming difficulties will vanish if we will go to the root of the matter and live up to our principles. Modern science is furnishing us the facts of life, but we need a spiritual interpretation of those facts. Religion is abso­ lutely necessary, if it can furnish us such an interpretation. There is spiritual power in the ideals and principles of Beta Theta Pi which like religion, helps men to live. Fraternity life gives men a chance to put brotherhood into prac­ tice. A priceless gift is the capacity for human friendship. Beta Theta Pi seeks to aid men in preparing for and living happy, useful, and effective lives.

To this end the uplifting power of ideals and the sustaining power of human friendships are indispensable. There is a high type of manhood in most of our chapters; men of whom great things can be confidently expected. Beta ideals are helping to make better sons of eighty-five alma maters and better citizens of Canada and the United States. The wealth of a nation consists more in

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS

5i7

Beck, Cumberland ’87, and Lafayete Dillard Beck, Cumberland ’91. William W irt Beck’s sons, Brousias Coman Beck and John Dillard Beck, belong to the Washington chapter, as does Nemias Bramlette Beck, Jr., son of Nemias Bramlette Beck. The older Beck boys have a sister, Anna Beck Allen, whose son, Riley Harris Allen, of Washington and Chicago chapters performed heroic acts in Siberia during the W orld W ar. The family tie is not overlooked in the northwest in building up Beta Theta Pi. These illustrations were found in the new chapter at Pullman: Five Love brothers, William Denver, ’16; James Edward, ’14; Ray Emerson, ’18; Thomas Warren, ’22, and Otho McKinley, ’23. These Love boys hail from Garfield, Washington. William Denver Love was a charter member of the local society and its first presi­ dent. There were two Evans boys, Chester and Ira; two Matson, John and Joseph; two M cKay, George and F rancis; two Robinson, Gilbert and William.

There were two Laney brothers, David and William, and their “ dad” came to see them made Betas, he being John W . Laney of the Iowa Wesleyan chapter.

John Binns, now a Rhodes scholar, has two Beta brothers, Graham and Robert, regarding whom one might almost write a poem declaring that Gra­ ham Binns and Robert Binns are twins. Hubert Spalding, was one of the charter members of the University of Washington chapter whose first meet­ ing in Seattle was held in the home of their father, William A. Spalding, a member of the old Monmouth chapter. The inquiry revealed that Leslie Obenlund was a brother of Chester Obenlund of the Whitman chapter. Just to show how the world ties up, Edward Beach of the new chapter at Pullman stated that he was the son of W alter G. Beach, who was born in Granville, Ohio, his father being pastor of the Presbyterian Church there, a pulpit also filled at other times by the two Beta preachers, Reverend A. S. Dudley of Miami and Reverend Edwin W . Childs of Western Reserve and also by Reverend D. B. Hervey, a Phi Gamma Delta, whose three sons, W alter Lowrie Hervey, Henry Dwight Hervey, and Clifford Reeder Hervey are Betas. When W alter Beach married a daughter of General A. J. Warner he thus became a brother-in-law of William R. Pomerene, the founder of the Ohio State chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Over at Eugene, Oregon, six out of nine pledges had Beta brothers and Donald MacDonald, ’22, was the son of Aaron Hay MacDonald, Richmond '88. To get back to that Seattle dinner. The boys had secured one of the Rexall Drug Store dogs, the underside of which had been painted white. Upon this they asked me to write my name. Then the dog was passed around the table and when it came back to me it had pink and blue ribbons around its neck and a medal containing the inscription that it was presented to me on the occasion of my visit to Seattle. (Memorandum

by Francis W . Shepardson) A L odge P i n . O. Norris Smith relates: “ In April, 1928, on my way to the ‘Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival’ at Winchester, I stopped for re­ freshments at a “ one-horse” lunch counter in Newmarket. It was quite hot and I was in my shirt sleeves, wearing my pin. The waiter was half tight, and as soon as he saw the three stars, he asked what ‘lodge’ I belonged to.

Developments of the conversation resulted in my acquiring a pin which he had found on the streets of Winchester a year or so before, and had worn inside his cap while waiting to find another member of the ‘lodge.’ He had been afraid to wear it, evidently having heard that the law forbade wearing

BETA LIFE also passed away from this earth, the pin came into the possession of his two sons, George Priest Iglehart and William Taylor Iglehart, neither a Beta, but both good friends o f the chapter and cousins of A. J. Priest and Joel Priest of the Idaho chapter. During the winter of 1924 these two, because of the attachment of their father to the Utah Betas, presented the chapter with his badge to be used as they saw fit. It was of course accepted, and has become a part of Gamma Beta’s traditions, being known as the Iglehart Badge. Each president of the chapter during his term of office wears it over his heart and

TH R EE TH O M PSO N BROTH ERS Ralph, Lee, and W aym an Thompson have been notable leaders at Oklahoma, the two first named being twins.

none can see it without thoughts of the splendid associations it silently typi­ fies.”

On Thursday, January 22, 1920, there was an alumni banquet at Seattle when 12 7 Betas, representing thirty-two chapters came to­ gether. There were members running back into the late sixties, many from the seventies, a large number from the eighties of the last century besides younger alumni. The toastmaster was the distinguished engineer Reginald H. Thompson whose great achievement in lowering the level of the city was widely heralded at the time. A study of Beta relationships made at this ban­ quet revealed that there were four Becks in Beta Theta Pi, William W irt Beck, Indiana ’74, Nemias Bramlette Beck, Cumberland ’89, Junius Wilden B eta K in s h ip .

SUBJECT I NDEX PAGE

PA G E

Beta L ife Begins at M issouri............................... 207 . .468 A Beta Grace..................................................

Beta L ife: F ifty Years at M a in e .......................... 18/ . .466 A Beta Street................. . . . . ........................

Beta L ife Sixty Years A g o ........ .......................... f S | . . 110 A Bit of H istory........ . .................................

Beta L ife Seventy-Five Years A g o ................... 5° A Chapter House W edding....................................

Beta M aterial.............................................................

A Founder’s D aughter............................................

Beta Pitcher, T h e ---- ............................................. .468 A French D ance..............................................

Beta Presents Memorial Room........................... ys* .501 A Hero’s Badge..............................................

Beta Presents Memorial to F rance.....................4V A Joke on the Alphas.......................................... , Beta Resigns, A . . . . ..............................................

A Monmouth Incident.......................................... - , 1 Beta Sequence, A Strange................................. JjW A Pair of Purdue Petitioners............................. ^ Beta Start at Colgate, T h e .....................................

A Poet’s L au rel......................................................., Rn Beta Stories.................................................................

A Remark on H istory..................... ....................

Beta Summer Gatherings........................................

A Repentant T raitor.............................................. .

Beta Triplets............................... ............................

A Strange Badge Story. . ...................................... , Beta W ay, T h e ...................... .. ■■• .......................

A T hirty Year Subscriber..................................

Betas on Colorado Supreme Cou rt...............• • • ••>/* A Veteran Sends C heer..........................................

Betas in Los A ngeles......................................

370 A V isit to O m ega...... . . .......................................

Betas in S y ria ...............• ■.......................................

A V isit to Toronto, 1920......................................

Beta Theta P i (A crostic)...................................... ■??

Active Member D rowned......................................

Beta Theta Pi at Brow n............................... " “ Alcott, Brother” . . . . ■............. • ......................... 2 U Beta Theta Pi H ill........ Eg ■................................ 45 Alpha and Omega at Monmouth.........................

Beta Theta Pi, Pioneer S p ir it............................ gg Alpha Chapter R evived....................... ..................

Beta Theta Pi Society. W h at?. . . ..................... g Alpha Chi Rho Son g ............................................ ’ ' g Beta Theta Pi, Western Characteristics...............J g Alpha Kappa P h i.................................................... 471 Bethany, A Bit of H istory....................................

Alumni L oyalty•■•••••■........................................4g;, Bethany, Early Beta Days • ••••............................ 1. .

Alumni Letters W anted........................................

Bethany College m Lamar’s T im e..................... ^ Amherst Beta Beginnings......................................4-7$ Billy Graves, Professor P lu s............................... g g| Amherst K inship............................................ .. ^j Bond’s Links. T h e .. . ..................... ........................ 4g, An A crostic............................................................... 471 Borah on B etaism .. . . . . . • • ..................................

A n Annual R e p o r t................................................

Boy in the Window Seat, T h e .............................

An Altar to Friendship.......................................... 4fig Bricks of the Fireplace.......................................... 4S3 An Anti-Tobacco Chapter......................................

Brother A lc o tt.......... • • ........ .. ‘ v ............... 07 An Early Case of L iftin g ........................................ 4g9 Brotherhood of Select Congenial Souls...............ggg An Early “ K ” M a n ............................................... 4 g9 Brown, Beta Theta Pi a t................... .................... ^ j 4 An Historic A ssociation.. . . . ■■ y j a .............150 Brown, James .......................................................... 474 An Indiana-Asbury Student Rebellion............. 8* Brown, Oliver A l l e n . . . . . . ................................. .- g ......................... 22o A n Odd Encounter Building the Denison Chapter............................. ^ A n Ohio Wesleyan Visit in 1880....................... , - | | Burglarious Incident, A ........................................

A n Open Meeting at Greencastle....................... a fg Anderson, C. ...............................................................

California Chapter Beginnings........................... ^ Anniversary, T h e .............■• • • ............................... , 42 California Chapter Cullings. . . . .......................

Anti-Fraternity Law at D en iso n ......................

California, Early Activities of Omega...............1 Awarded Chemist. Club Scholarship...................468 California, A Visit to Omega. • • • • • • ...................j^g Awarded Grasselli M edal....................................

California, A Veteran Sends Cheer...................

Call of the Trumpets, I h e....................................49g .......... 488 Baby on the P o r c h . . . . . . . .

Care in Selection. • • • - .......................................... ,<73 ....................... 67 Backward Glance to 1872, A Centre Chapter R e v i v e d . . . . . . ........................... 4_g __ 482 Badge Recovered. A ...............

Chapter Business Administration....................... ........ .............. 484 Badge Stealer, A ...................

Chapter L ife at Hanover (P oem )....................... ...4 3 0 ; 486 Badge Story, A Strange..........

Chapter Minutes 4 __ 468 Baird’s Colum n.......................

M ia m i................................................................. .. ....................... 486 Baketel, H. Sheridan.............

Michigan ............................................................. ........ ...........116 Beginnings at B erkeley........

Western Reserve • ; ...............298 __ 10 Chapter of Alpha Lambda His ory, ...............

Believe it or N o t................... .........437 Berkeley F ire ............................

Chapter Visited, A . . . . . . • • .................................. 7S __ 446 Best Drilled Soldier...............

Charting the Future in ...................................... ^ .........168 Beta Alpha, Birth o f . . ...........

Chicago Banquet of ............................................ 49J .......... ...........489 Beta Association, Curious. . .

Chicago Chapter T raged y......................... n 6 * 128 __ 4 Beta B adge...........1 .................. ............. .........503 Chi P h i......................................................... BE 64, 207 Beta Battles Bandits ........... ...........182 Chi P si........................................................

3 4 8 . 9, Beta Beginnings at K n o x - ...........................

291 Cincinnati Chapter. ................................. _ 493 Beta Beginnings at W illiam s.................

• • lg() Cincinnati, Difficulties a t....................................

Beta Days at Iowa W esleyan.................*............ ^ Circle of Phi, T h e . . . . . . • • ■• ■• ■ _• • • ■• " " 460 Colfax Entertained at St. Lawrence.

371 Beta Dragon. T h e .................................................... 47g Colorado Supreme Court Betas........................... lg Beta Electors, T h ree.........................................

516 Colors, The (Poem ). . . . • • •■■..................... • i g0 Beta Kinship.

• M U l n S M l .......... . . . ’ . 93 Beta Life, An Analysis of Problems.

Come Back to Gambier (P oem )................. ^15 __ 225 Beta L ife at Athens Long Ago. Community Benefactor, A - . j A 7 9 .............433 ...2 6 2 Beta L ife at Hudson, E a rly ---Convention Banquet Programme, 1879.............^ ' ........ 254 Beta L ife at W estm inster...........

Convention Experience, A ................................. 4j 2 ......... 1 Beta L ife Begins.

Convention Greeting, A . • •• • • • *..................... 405 Beta L ife Begins at Georgia T ec h ..................... 154 Convention President and Secretary.................

Beta L ife Begins at M innesota......................... p-'.

BETA LIFE the insignia of a club to which the wearer did not belong. He confided that he had inquired the price of setting the diamond in a stick-pin. The pin was the standard badge, engraved, as I remember, Mervin G. Coyle, Feb. 23, (?)

1914, Alpha Sigma (Dickinson). The alumni secretary of that chapter fur­ nished me with Coyle’s address, but my letter was never answered. In the meantime, I am using the badge, and getting full value for my two dollars invested.”

T H E O L D T IM E C U M B E R L A N D This building of Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennesee, home of the old Mu chapter, was destroyed in the Civil W ar. The modern Cumberland has no Beta memo­ ries, campus and buildings being modern.

SUBJECT INDEX PAGE

Psi U psilon...........................................................41, 45, 51, 64, 77, 117, 119, 170, 176, 208 Purdue Pair of Petitioners...................................231 Putting Out a F ire .................................................. 461

521 PA G E

Toronto, A Visit to, 1920. . .................................248 Traitor, A Repentant..............................................291 .286 Treachery at Western Reserve.....................

Tribute to Charles Duy W alker........................... 345 Triple Initiation...................................................... 475

Q .T .V .................................................................. 188, 191 “ Racket” Letters...................................................... 466 Recognizing Distinguished Service..................... 490 Recognizing Service............................. .............. : . 507 Richmond Convention of 18 7 2 ............................ 67 Riding the Goat at Law rence................................163 Robb, W illis 0 ........................................................ 347 Round Robin, A ...................................................... 492 Rushing F ifty Years A go. .................................... 492 St. Louis Invitation................................................ 494 Secondary Badge, A . ............................................ 493 Secrecy at M ich ig a n ............................................... 199 Seventy-Five Years of Beta Theta P i................. 58 Shera F am ily............................................................. 1 Sigma Alpha Epsilon Petition................................484 Sigma C h i........ 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 137, 142, 198 Sigma Delta Rho....................................................... 41 Sigma P h i.......................................41, 45, 51, 77, 83 Sigma Phi Epsilon.................................................. 59 Sigma P i ........................................ ............................. 59 Sixty Years at Washington. ................................251 Smitty, Beta Birdm an............................................ 384 Snow Rebellion at M ia m i..'.............................. 197 Some Knightly Obligations. ..................................441 South Carolina Chapter................., .......................236 South Carolina Chapter Founder....................... .247 Southern Fraternity Seeks A l l i a n c e .. .. ...........477 Spandow Cup, T h e .................................................. 477 Spirit of a Chapter, T h e .......... ,............................ 29 Study in Brotherhood, A ......................................440 S u b terfu g e.................................................................473 Syria, Betas in ........................... ............................ 370 Syracuse Song.......................................................... 469 Temple Dedication at St. Law rence................... 232 The Fraternity, 1878-1928, A Reflection...........90 The Three Crusaders (P o em )............................. 39 They Elected Dr. Crow e........................................158 Theta Delta C h i........ .......................... . . 4 1 , 170, 176 Thoughts for Alum ni.............................................. 502 Three Beta Electors..................... ...........................478

Uncertainties of 1847............................................441 Under the Rose at Denison ( P o e m ) . .. . ........ 144 Under the Southern Cross......................................455 Union Triad, T h e .................................................... 41 Unusual Initiation,. A n ........................................513 Virginia Booklet........................... .............................493 Vision, T h e .................................................................482 V itr u v ia n ...................................................................504 Voting Instructions.................................................. 470 Wabash Betas, 1860........................... .................... 509 Wabash Chapter Badge....................................... 471 Walker, Charles D u y ............................................345 Washington, Sixty Years a t................................. 251 Washington State S ta rt....................................... 252 Washington S t a t u e . . . . ..........................................469 Watkins, Osrid (Lucky O z ) ................................. 382 Welcome and Interpretation, A ....................... .. 18 Western Characteristics in Beta Theta P i. . . . . 53 Westminster Beta L if e ............................... .. .254 Western Reserve, Early Beta L ife .....................262 Western Reserve, Treachery a t................... .286 Westminster Beta L ife ................... .......................254 Wheeler-Bentley F u n d ............................................386 When I First Met Pater K n o x........................... 341 W hite W i n s .............................................................. 26 W illiams’ Beta Beginnings......................... .......... 291 Williams, Charles D avid......................................344 Wisconsin Chapter Founded................................. 293 Wittenberg Early Chapter L if e ........................... 295 W on a Fellowship.................................................... 468 W on Alpha Kappa Psi C up....................................471 W on Conference M edal................................466, 472 W ooglin C lu b ........................................................... 59 Wooglin-on-Chautauqua ........................................402 Wooster Chapter B e g i n n i n g s . . . . . . . . . .............298 Wooster Chapter Reunion......................................479 Zeta Phi L ife B egins................................. ..........209 Zeta P s i.................................................... 64, 116, 128

520

BETA LIFE

Convention Reminiscence, A ................................444 Cornell, Chronicles o f ............................................ 133 Curious Beta Associations....................................489 Curious Coincidence, A ........................... ............ 468 Crowe, They Elected D o c t o r ............................ 158 Davidson Legend, A .............................................. 473 Dead Chapter Initiates.......................................... 487 Dedication of a T e m p l e ............. . .'...........”.'..232 D elta Kappa Epsilon. . . . . . 60, 64, 116, 128, 132, 159, 170, 172, 176, 189, 190, 198, 208 Delta P h i.........................................................41, 45, 51 59, 64 Delta P s i..................................................... ..

Delta Tau D elta...................108, 109, 110, 1 1 1 , 139 Delta Tau Delta Petition....................... ................ 479 Denison. Chapter Building....................... .. .136 Denison, Under the Rose at (P o em ).................144 Denver Chapter H is to r y .................. .................... 146 D .G .K ....................................................... .191 DePauw, A n Open M eeting....................... .......... 153 DePauw, Early Beta D a y s................. .............. .. 147 DePauw M em ory Book..................... .................... 154 DePauw Students’ Rebellion..................................150 Diamond’s Value, The. . . . . ' . ............................. 479 D iary of Samuel Peppys, Jr............................. ..427 District Chief’s O dyssey........................................410 Drones in the H iv e ............... ............. ..

511 Duncan, John H ................................... .................. 48.0 Early Beta L ife at H udson............... ............ ...2 6 2 Early D elta................................................................. 474 Early Records of Michigan Chapter. ................. 200 Editorials, A Group o f............................................ 21 Father and Son Honor Fraternity..................... 362 F ifty Y ears at K ansas............................................ 161 First B'eta F la g ................... .. . .-....................... .483 F ive Pairs of B ro th e rs........... .....................'...4 7 2 Followers of the Vision, T h e ............................. .. 83 Foreign Names of Members, 1928..................... 91 Founder’s Daughter, A . . ...........-.......................489 Founders in College, T h e ......................... ............ 477 Founders H unted................... .. ......................... .. .438 Found in W ashington.................. . . . . ............ ..481 Founding of the Wisconsin Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . 2 9 3 Foxall, James W . . ........................................ .. .466 Fraternal F iftie s............... . ....................................490 Fraternal Tie, T h e ................................. .... .. .. .. -499 Gamma Delta ................... . . . - ............ .......... . .... 4 6 9 Georgia Tech Beta L ife B egin s.-....................15 4 Given Nortori’ M edal.......... ............................... 4 7 1 Graves, “ B illy,” Professor P lu s................... . ..375 Great Memorial Roll, T h e ..................-. . 392 Greek Notation of 1 8 3 9 . . . . . . ......................... ..487 H alf A C en tu ry,at Northwestern....................2 1 6 Hanover, Chapter L ife (Poem) ............... ..

157 Hanover Elects Dr. Crow e............... .................. 158 Happy Discovery, A ................................................ 488 Hardin, About Founder.......................................... 488 Harvard Chapter R evived................................-...1 5 8 Heads Barristers’ C lu b .......................................... 477 Heritage, T h e ......... ............. .......................; 5 1 3 High Souls, T h e .. .................................................. 22 Honored for Scholarship...................................... 471 Hornbeck, Stanley..........................360 Houghton, H enry S ................................................ 470 How They M et........ ................................................ 474 How Things Looked in 18 4 7 .............................. 441 H unting the Founders......................... .................. 438 Hymn to Indiana..................................................... 475 Idaho’s Outstanding Record.-........................... ..500 Iglehart Badge, T h e ...................................... ..........515 Indiana Chapter F o u n d in g ...................................478 Indiana Chapter H istory/...................................... 510 Indiana’s Honorary M e m b e rs...........................497 Interfraternity R elationships......---- . . . . ------447 Interfraternity ' C o u rte sy ...................... .. • ........... 506

Iowa’s Inactivity...................................................... 487 Iowa Wesleyan Beta D ays..................................... 160 Is M y Name W ritten T h ere?............................. 458 Jefferson Chapter Life, E a rly ............................. 504 Jerrems’ F raternity.................................................. 423 Kansas, F ifty Years a t............................................161 Kansas, Riding the Goat a t .............. .. . . . . . .163 Kansas, The Turkey Pull a t ................ .............. 416 .

Kappa A lp h a .................................. . . . . . . .41',-51, 64 Kappa Phi Lambda..................... 137, 138, 139, 140 Kenyon and Beta A lpha......................... ..............164 Kenyon, Birth of Beta Alpha............................... 168 Kenyon Founder’ s S to ry ........ ............................ 166 Kenyon, Renaissance a t........................................176 Kenyon, Semi-Centennial.......................

178 Kenyon, “ Come Back to Gambier” ................... .180 Kinnisons, T h e.................................................... .. . .367 Kinship at Am herst......................... ...................... 473 Kinship at M aine..................... ...............................481 K nox Beta Beginnings. .......................................... 182 Knox Chapter History, Memorandum. . . . . . . . 185 Knox, When I First Met P ater...........................342 K nox Cane, T h e....................... ...............................480 License No. 39.......................................................... 481 L ife Insurance L e g a c y ... ............... ’..................... 466 ’ Lodge B'adge, A ............................. ................ ..

517 Lofty Designs............................................................ 500 Lost Badge Recovered. .......................................... 482 Lucky Oz (Osric W atkin s)................................. 382 MacLeish, T h e.................................................... ...50 8 Made an Ass of H im self..................................... 479 Maine, F ifty Years a t....................................... 187 Maine Memorial W indow ................................... 390 Major Ransom’s Suggestion................................. 74 Man I Have Never Seen, T h e ............................378 Memorial Roll, The G reat............................. .. .392 Messenger Finds B a d g e ...................................... 474 Methodist Delegates...........................................4 7 0 1 Miami Chapter........................................................

Miami Chapter R evived........................................478 Miami Freshman of { 8 3 9 . . . ............................... 12.

Miami, Snow Rebellion a t................................. 197 Miami, Triad, T h e................................................ 41 Michigan Ceremonial, A n Unusual. ................... 439 Michigan Chapter L o t.............................................207 Michigan Early Chapter R e c o r d s ...................200 Michigan, Secrecy a t..................... ........................ .199 M ilitary Dinner at El Paso................................. 451 Minnesota Beta L ife Begins. ................................207 Missouri Beta L ife B egins................................... 209 Missouri Pig Roast....................................... . .. . 4 9 7 Monmouth, Alpha and Omega a t....................... 211 Monmouth H istory............................... .................. 505 Narrow Escape, A .................................................. 507 New York Club’s W ar W o r k . . . .......................405 Nip and T u ck .......................................................... 473 North Carolina’s Beta Pioneers.............

-212 Northwestern’s H alf C e n tu r y ...........................216 Northwestern H onors.............................................. 472 Old-Time Interfraternity Feeling...... .............. • .447 Ohio Wesleyan Visited, 1880............................. 229 Our South Carolina Chapter............................. 236 Our Youthful D a ys......................... ...................... 27 Parting Song, T h e.................................................. 373 Pi Kappa Alpha Petition.......... ............................->01 Pioneer Spirit in Beta Theta P i ......................... 45 Pistol Record................................... .. • ■• ■■■ - VA. Phi Delta Th eta.........41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 116, 198 Phi Gamma D elta.............................................

Phi Kappa A lp h a ...................................

Phi Kappa P s i............................... . M , 108, 109, 110 Phi Kappa T a u ................................... .......... ’ ' ' ' ' vV a 374 Poets of Today Post -Mortem Memberships.......... .......................... 490

NAME INDEX PAGE

Billman, George H ................................................... 404 Birch, George W . F ....................................... 109, 146 Bird, Albert D ..............116, 120, 1 2 1 , 122, 123, 126 Bishop, F. P ................................................................453 Bishop, H. P .............................................................453 Bissell, Frank S ........................................................ 460 Bissell, Lemuel .......................................................226, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274 Bissell, Sanford R .................................264, 265, 266 Bissell, Stephen J...................................189, 190, 194 Black, Carlyle H ......................................... ............ 235 Black, Gurdon G.......................................................vii Black, James B ..........................................................497 Blackmer, A. L ........................................................ 453 Blackmar, Thomas S ............ ................................... 203 Blair, John A .........................30, 377, 436, 443, 471 Blair, Richard W .................................................... 471 Blake, William W ................................................,.325 Bliss, Frederick M .................................................. 115 Blodgett, John T ............................................... 115, 158 Bloom, Charles J...................................................... 485 Blum, Joseph .........................................................485 Boardman, Harold S .............................................. 191 Boardman, W illiam S ..............................................107 Bond, Charles R ...................................................... 481 Bond, Granville M .................................................. 481 Bond, Raymond ............................................ 220, 221 Bone, A lfred R ................................................435, 437 Bone, John N ............................................................ 487 Bone, W alter J ....................... .................................156 Booth, Henry J..........................................................140 Booth, N e w to n ................................................ 126, 147 Borah, W illiam E ............................ 58, 304, 416, 496 Bouden, Charles W ..................................................485 Boughton, W illis .................................................. 365 Boutell, H enry S . .........217, 218, 219, 220, 222 , 225 Bowerman, Benjamin E ....................................... 115 Bowers, C. F .............................................................453 Bowie, Langdon ...................................................... 245 Bowles, George 0 ............................................475, 481 Bowman, J. E ............................................................ 447 Boyce, George W ........................................... 227, 489 Boyce, H enry J........................................................ 115 Boyce, Jesse T .......................................................... 212 Boyd, Hugh .................................................. 227, 229 Boyd, Rex C ............................................................. 453 Boyd, William F ..................................... 211, 227, 489 Boynton, Arthur J....................................................163 Brace, Dewitt B ........................................................ 115 Bradburn, Muir ...................................................... 485 Bradburn, William P. , ........................................485 Brainerd, Charles M. ............................................ 188 Branch, Thomas P .................................................. 156 Branham, Joseph R ..................................................506 Braun, Louis J...........................................................192 Brewer, Charles S ................................... ................ 235 Brewster, Clara L inton....................................17, 26 Brierly, John H .......................................................140 Brigham, Erwin R .................................................. 436 Brister, E. M. P ...................................................... 140 Broek, H. Y ................................................................ 453 Bronson, Bertrand H ..............................................363 Bronson, David .......................................................460 Bronson, Thomas B ............................... ................ 362 Brooks, Howell H .................................................... 454 Brouse, Charles R .................................................... 308 Brouse, Olin R ...........................71, 75, 154, 308, 433 Brouse, Richard W .................................................. 180 Browder, W. Fiske ................................................ 154 Brown, A r t h u r ................................................ 180, 388 Brown, Arthur H .................................................... 474 Brown, Beverly W ....................... . .........................474 Brown, Burton S ......................................................474 Brown, Daniel B ...................................................... 203 Brown, Edward J...................................Foreword, 67, 70, 71, 90, 134, 158, 231, 260, 359 Brown, Hubert W ............. ...................... .............. 365 Brown, James T .................. 235, 342, 354, 360, 464 Brown, J. Newton .................................................. 479 Brown, Kent J.......................................................... 474 Brown, Leland S ...................................................... 430

523 PAGE

Brown, Oliver A ..................................... ; . . . . . . .474 Brown, Oliver A. Jr..............................................474 Brown, Thompson L .............................................. 445 Brown, Ralph E ...................................................... 437 Brown, Walter H ........................................... 179, 180 Browne, John A ................ ....................................... 226 Bruce, George H .. ................. 235, 356, 365, 435, 513 Bruce, James .......................................................... 241 Bruce, W ilk in s ...................................................... .213 Bryant, James R ...................................................... 497 Buck, A lfred H ........................................................191 Buck, Francis H ............................................. 264, 265 Buffum, Charles N ..................................................191 Buffum, Wilder S ....................................... ............ 108 Bundy, Omar ...........................................................328 Burchard, John C. . ................................................ 302 Burg, John ...................................................... 1 ...2 1 7 Burge, Flippin D ......................................................156 Burgher, Darwin K ................................ .. .310, 500 Burhans, J. A .......................................................... 447 Burns, Graham ...................................................... 517 Burns, John .......................................................... .517 Burns, Robert ........................................................ 517 Burns, William T ...................................138, 139, 140 Burrows, Robert M ..................................................156 Burton, R o b e r t......................... ...............................160 Burton, Sherman M ..............264, 265, 266, 267, 268 B'urton, Stephen G ................................................... 152 Bush, John M ................................................... .. -225 Bushnell, E b en eze r................................................ 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 277, 278, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 286 Buskirk, Samuel H ..................................................497 Bussell, Stephen J .................................189, 190, 194 B utler, P ierce.......................................................... 115 Butler, S .....................................................................453 Butterfield, Daniel .............................................. .298 Buttrick, Reuben E ..................................................235 Cady, William B ...................................................... 3.65 Cahall, R a y m o n d ............................................168, 180 Calder, Joseph R ...................................................... 503 Caldwell, Caleb D........................................... 113, 148 Caldwell, Samuel .................................................. 183 Caldwell, Theodore ................................................235 Cameron, Anson M ...............................435, 436, 437 Cameron, H. H ........................................................ 465 Campbell, Charles D ................................................475 Campbell, Clarence G.....................................356, 492 Campbell, E. T ........................................................ -453 Carey, Charles H ............................................. 127, 478 Carlough, David J ...............................................31, 413 Carpenter, Alonzo P ...............................112, 113, 291 Carpenter, Charles R .......................................464, 465 Carpenter, Chester F ........................................... • -135 Carpenter, John L ........................................... 173, 175 Carpenter, Reid ............................................ 298, 299 Carrier, P. H ...........................................................453 Carrington, Richard W ......................................... 495 Carroll, Alanson .................................................... 459 Carter, Charles M ....................................................485 Cash ell, Edward H ..................................................506 Castle, James S ........................................................ 1°2 Castor, B. F. ............................................................. 488 Caswell, Charles S ................................................... llj?

Caten, William L ....................................... .............. 132 Caudwell, Norman ........................................

Cessna, Orange H ......................................................317 Chaille, Uriah M ......................................................J40 Chamberlain, C. C .....................................................1°° Chamberlin, John 0 ................................................. 485 Chambliss, Leopold A ............................................. 156 Chandler, Bruce C ....................................................439 Chandler, Edward B ..............204, 205, 206, 404, 439 Chandler, George M. . .............................. •&°£eword, 155, 205, 206, 342, 349, 402, 439, 496 Chapin Charles E ......................................................189 Chapman, H. .............................................................460 Chapman, William H ....................

Charles, Robert K .......................... 241, 242, 243, 245 Chase, John .................................................... 191> 192

NA ME INDEX PAGE

Abbott, Anna, M rs..........................................234, 235 Abbott, Edward S .......... .........................................190 Abbott, H u gh ............................... .................. 233, 235 Abbott, Vasco P .........................................................235 Abbott, W orth P ............................................ 233, 235 Adams, Charles H .................................................... 373 Adams, Isaac E ...........................................................433 Adney, L. G erald.....................................................490 Adney, Robert J. C .................................................. 227 Adney, W. H. G ......................................70, 227, 490 Africa, Elmer B ............................... .......................453 Akers, Charles B .................................................... 473 Albin, M artin H .......................................................208 Alcott, Amos B .................................................... ...4 5 3 Alden, Raymond M .................................................. 469 Aldrich, David S ...................................................... 133 Alexander, John D ........................................359, 510 Alexander, W est L ............................. ............ 136, 139 Allan, W illiam ........................................................... 70 Allen, Edwin, P .........................................................115 Allen, John B ......................................................... . .492 Allen, Nelson W ...................................................... 209 Allen, Riley H ...........................................................517 Ailing, Asa A .............................................................135 Ailing, Robert B .......................................................135 Allison, G. B .............................................................453 Allston, Solomon W ........................... .................. 213 Alm y, J. E ben........................................................... 332 Alter, W ilbur M ........................... .. . .. .371, 372, 373 Anderson, Chauncey W ..........................................470 Anderson, Clifford W a lter....................................470 Anderson, Clifford W illiam ....................................470 Anderson, James H ..........................................70, 345 Andrew, A. P ia tt.....................................................383 Andrews, Harold T ................................... --390, 391 Angell, W alter F .......................................................115 Anger, John............................................................... 179 Appold, Lemuel T .................................................... 482 Armes, W illiam D..................................116, 117, 118, 120, 123, 124, 125, 126, 128, 129, 130 Armstrong, Arthur H ............................................156 Armstrong, Cheney................................................ 278, 279, 280.

281, 282, 283, 284 Armstrong, Francis X ............................................ 476 Armstrong, James A ............................... . . . . 7 1 , 345 Ashbaugh, Clarence V ................................... 321, 471 Atkins, Gaius G .........................................................304 Atwater, George P ........................... 177, 180, 344, 346 Aumock, W illiam S . . . . .264, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270 Austen, W illard H ............................... .......... 136, 404 Austin, Cleland R .................................................... 235 Austin, Jam es............................................................. 115 Austin, S. W ...................................................... ..

388 A very, Alphonse C .................................................. 213 A very, H en ry,........................................................... 209 Ayers, H enry P ........................................................ 184 Babcock, Harmon S ................................................ 115 Bacchus, W ilfred M ................................................ 454 Backus, Clinton J.....................................................107 Bailey, William L ...................................................4 8 1 Bailey, W illiam M .................................................... 481 Baily, G. I r v i n g .....................................................437 Baily, Harold J......................................Foreword, 24, 30, 90, 91, 356, 436, 514 Baird, C h a m b ers.............................................404, 477 Baird, William R ................................Foreword, 58, 74, 113, 114, 115, 122, 125, 132, 134, 156 158, 182, 183, 187, 224, 260, 261, 342, 354, 358, 360, 373, 392, 404, 446, 455, 464, 465, 468, 492, 496, 498, 501 Baker, Andrew K .....................................................J15 Baker, George ...........................................................

PAGE

Baker, Malcolm H ......................................... 179, 180 Baker, Orlando H ......................................................151 Baketel, H. S h e rid a n ....................................235, 248 249, 356, 358, 410, 412, 436, 444, 486 Baketel, H. Sheridan, Jr....................................... 444 Bakewell, Charles M .................................................388 Bakewell, John, Jr....................................................388 Bakewell, W alter B ...................................................388 Bancroft, Edward H ............................................. 161 Banks, Edward ...................................................... 133 Bannerman, Robert L .............................................. 156 Bannister, John C......................................... .220, 221 Banta, George ......................... .. . ..................... .. . 122 Barclay, S h e p a rd ............................................251, 252 Barclay, Thomas S. .............................................. 436 Bare, Claudius M ..................................................... 466 B'arker, J. E .............................................................453 Barnett, Edwin H ....................................................156 Barnett, Stephen T ..................................................156 Barr, William A ..................................... 257, 258, 490 Barrett, James T .................................................... 365 Bassett, Charles F ......................................... 161, 185 Bastian, Earl L . H ................................................... 471 Bate, James H ..................................... ............109, 110 Bates, John L ......................................................... 115 Bates, W alter E ...................................................... 125 Battelle, Joseph B ....................................................227 Baxter, Thomas M ................................................... 404 Bayon, Phillip J........................................................485 B'each, E d w a rd ........................................................ 517 Beal, Junius E ...................... 207, 328, 365, 404, 470 Beam, H enry G............................................... 178, 179 Beard, Edgar ...........................................................119 Beard, Henry .................................................... 5, 499 Beard, James, E ..................... .................................388 Beardsley, W ilfred ..................................... 220, 221 Beasley, James E. ................. .............. 212, 213, 216 Beatty, James .......................................................... H5 Beaver, Hugh M. .......................................... i l l , 312 Beaver, James A ............................................. 312, 404 Beaver, T h o m a s ......................................................312 B'eck, Brousias C.....................................................517 Beck, John D ............................................................ 517 Beck, Lafayette D ......................................... ..........517 Beck, Nemias B ........................................................516 Beck, William W . .................................................. 516 Becker, George L ........... 200, 201, 202, 203, 205, 208 Beckwith, Charles...............112, 113, 201, 202, 205 Beebe, G e o rg e .................................................. 132, 135 Beekler, A . M .......................................................... 438 Beekman, Fred W .....................................................404 Begg, James T .......................................................... 178 B'egg, James T., Jr....................................... - . 1 * 8 Behr, Ernest .................................................. 127, 388 Belcher, W allace E ..................................................330 Bennett, Charles D ..................................................325 Bennett, R a in e y ...................................................... 436 Bennington, Paul W ......................................■•••474 Bentley, Charles H. ...................................... 386, 387 Bentley, H arvey W ................................................. ^88 Bentley, R. I ..............................................................

Benton, Charles A .....................................................

Benton, William M ...................................................1°4 Berlew, H. D ........................................................ • -453 Berry, Albert S ................................................... 34, 433 Berry, Edward R .................................................... 468 Berry, John R ............ ............................................. 483 Berry, Shaler .......................................................... ..

Betts, Norman .. .....................................................

Betts, Raymond, Jr.................................■• • ■■• • -7 °° Bickford, Charles S ................................. 187, 188, 190 Bierce, William W .........................••* ■■••• •• •226 Billman, Arthur A .......................... 176, 177, 178, 481

NAME INDEX

525

PAGE

PAGE

Dunn, Robert W . ................. ................................. 342 Dunster, Henry ....................... .. ..........................115 Durham, John D ............................................. 113,.148 Durham, Knowlton .............................................. 356 Dyer, Alfred C ...............................167, 171, 173, 175 Dyer, Thomas J ......................................................... 454

Fow.ler, T. L ............................................ ........... .453 Foxall, James W .................................. 1 ............ 466 Francis, David R ....................................... .. 251, 252 Frank, A lfred S ............................... ...................... 473 Frankland, Charles ......................... : ........... . . . . . .24 Frazer, Charles D ............................................. 33 .232 Frazier, A lfred A . ................................................ 473 Frazier, E rasm u s......................... .............. -.1.09, 111 Frazier, Robert H. ..................... 24, 214, 215, 477 French, J. Ad ....................... ............ ..

71,. 345 French John L ..........................................................443 Fries, William .................................................... '. .388 Fripp, Joseph J................................................. .,...242 222 Fullerton, William D .................................. ..

F yfer, John K ............................................................211

Eagle, John C ................................. ................ 137, 139 Earl, Guy S ............................ 116, 117, 125, 128, 388 Eastman, W illiam W ....................................... 211, 473 Eastwood, J o sep h .................................................... 507 Eberlein, Charles W ................................................388 Ebersole, Morris R ........................................155, 436 Ebright, E. Z ........................ ..................................... 452 Echlin, H enry M ................................... . . . . .222, 342 Edgar, John T ................................. £................ ;..3 7 0 Edminston, M a tth e w ...........167, 170, 171, 173, 175 Edmonds, Franklin S ..............................................469 Edwards, J. P ........................ ........................... .452 Edwards, Stephen 0 .................................................115 Ehrman, H arry F ................................... ................ 135 Elbert, Samuel H ............................................371, 474 Ellerbe, Thomas ........................... ................ .. .460 Elliot, Albert H .............................................388 Elliott, Edward J...................................................... 453 Elliott, Isaac H. . ....................204, 205, 206 Ellis, Allen C ..................................................156 Ellis, T. C. W ......................................... .. i,...........485 Elmer, Herbert C....................... .. • ■............... 135, 364 Ellsw ortt, Oliver .................................................... 388 Ely, Fred W ....................................... .......................136 Emery, Horace C .................... .............. .. . . . . 322 Ensign, Frank G.................. 308, 436, 490, 495, 496 Epps, C a r l .......................................... . . . . . . .. .. 156 Evans, Charles J. ........................................ i . . . .388 Evans, C h e s te r ........................... .............................517 Evans, Henry C .................................. ./■................ 261 Evans, I r a .............................................. .. .517 Evans, Marion L ......................................... ............ 212 Evans, W . F ............................................................. 263 Eversole, Frank R ................................................... 259 Everz, Ernest H ................................................. .. • .223 Ewing, Presley J................................................... ,..480

Gabel, Norman ............................. ...................... . .472 Gadberry, Marshall C ................................... 312, 313 Gahn, Heber R ............................................. . . . . . 3 6 9 Gaines, Charles K .................................234, 235, 404 Gaines, John M ...................................................... .453 Gale, Garvey ................................. ........................ 180 Gamble, A r c h ib a ld ............................................ .. . -255 ^ Gamble, Charles W .................................................. 452 Gano, S te p h e n ....................... ........................ 4, 5, 499 Gannt, James B ...................... ...................... .251, 252 Garbutt, Cameron W ................................. . ......2 1 9 Gardner, Henry D. J.......................... ; . . . ...........107 Gardner, W alter P ............................ . . . . . . . .485 Garlick, J o s h u a ......................................... . .J25, 126 Garrison, W infred E ............................. .435 Garvin, William E ......................................316 Gates, Caleb F . ............................. ................ ..

371 Gavin, James L .................. ............ 30,-235, 341, 435 Gay, Edward J ..................................... .. • ■ ■ .251 Gay, Hayward A .....................................................454 Gay, Joseph D ............................................... .481 Gay, Thomas E. .................................,...481 Gaylord, Emerson G, ..................... - . ; ......... . . . 337 Gaylord, Henry C .......................... 264, 265., 266, 267 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, . 274, 277 Gee, Harold W ................... ................ ..

156 Geehr, Albert .................................................. .. ... .440 Geehr, Fred ......................................................... ..440 Geier, Otto P ....................................... .................... 341 Fairfax, Hamilton R. .................................... 71, 345 Gelpi, R e n e ............................................................ .485 Fairfax, Thomas ................................•s .71, 345 .473 Gentry, Lee M. . ....................................

Farrington, W allace ....................... ‘ . . ; . . x t . 404 George, Garrett L. ................... .............485 Ferguson, Francis L ................ ............................2 5 9 Gibbs, Edward E ..................................................... .192 Ferguson, W . T ............................... ............ ........... 453 Gibson, Nelson D .................................................... 235 Fernald, Arthur L .................... . . . - ..........,....- .,.1 9 0 Giddings, Paul ............................. .................... .. • -481 Fernald, Roy L ................................................192, 390 Giddings, -Spofford ............... .. ...................481 Ferree, Charles W .............................. ..209 Gifford, Daniel L ............................................... ..10 7 Fetner, Stephen R .................... .............. ...1 5 6 Gilchrist, C. W .......................... •••,••.................... 473 Fetterolf, Edward H .................. ..........- ............ • ■ 469 Gillan, George F. ....................... .......... 454 Fieber, Howard W ...................... T. . . . . . . . . . . . .453 Gillespie, Pledge ......................... .. • • • ........... • • -474 Field, Julian C ................................. ■ • • • • ■■* ........ 487 Gillet, Jerome T ..................................... 238, 441, 477 Fielding, Edward L ................................................. 312 Gillett, Samuel T ............................................... • • -497 Findley, Quay H ...................................................... 452 Gilmore, Charles W ................................................147 Fischer, K arl W ...........................236, 307, 497, 511 Gilmore, Robert H ......................................... 225, 265 Fitch, Albert ..................................................284, 285 Girdler, Thomas. M ........... v \ ,!.............................353 Fitch, G e o rg e .......................................... .. .409 Gist, Richard V . ............................239, 240, 241, 244 Fitts, Frank H ......................................... ................ 108 Given, G. M. W ................................................... . • - US Flack, Arthur. H ......................................... ..1 1 5 , 158 Glazier, Daniel J ............................................. H2> 113 Flanigan, John M ...................... .............. . . . . . . . . 1 5 6 Glenn, John J ........................................................595 Flournoy, Priestly ............................... .................. 485 •Glover, Edward A ........................................... .. •-244 Floyd, Thomas B ......................................................156 Glover, William F ................................................ ■-'245 Fogg, Charles H ..............................................189, 190 Gobin, H illary A ......................... - ............. 3<>2, 308 Folwell, W illiam H .................................................. 469 Good, J. E d w a r d ........ ...1 6 5 , 176, 177, 178, 179 Ford, Herbert D ........................................................476 Gooding, C. P .................... ................................... ■•38° Ford, Hubert ........................................................... 485 Gooding, Stanley.........................................479 Forman, Henry .......................................................479 Goodrich, Carter L ..................................... ■• • • -468 Forrest, W illiam S ....................................... .293, 294 Goodwin, John S .......... ...........................75, 261, 447 Foss, G. O ............................ , . , . . „ , . ................ • • 188 Gordon, James L ......................................................495 Foss, Sam W alter ............................................ 98, 300 Gordon, John A ................................................... .. • ■ 505 Foster, Austin P ...................................................... 115 Gordon, John I ................................................. . ■"•I Foster, George T ...................................................... 294 Gordon, Joseph C .......... . . . . . . 2 1 1 , 212, 404, 505 Foster, Lewis P ..................................... 239, 240, 244 Gordon, Thowas B .........................................

Foster, Ralph W ............................ ............ .............. 115 5, 6 , 7, 8 , 9, 10, 47, 83, 438, 489 Fountain, W illiam W ............................... . . . . . . .254 Fowler, Charles S. ..................... ...........................135 Gorrill, William H ..........................................Vdo ^on -Gould, Frank W. ............................................ 192> 390 Fowler, E d w i n ........................................................ 108

524

BETA LIFE PAGE

Chase, Morris R ....................... -..............................437 Chase, W endell W .................................................. .191 Chatham, Robert N ................................................ 244 Cheney, Darwin H. . . .217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222 Cherry, Frank 1 .........................................................156 Chessman, Merle R .................................................. 436 Childs, Edwin W ............................................. 459, 517 Chittenden, Edgar A ................................................ 476 Chrisman, J a m e s ...................................... , , .258, 490 Churchill, James L ....................................................337 Churchhill, G e o r g e ................... ............ 182, 183, 187 Cilley, Jonathan V .................................................... 190 Clark, Alonzo ........................................................... 423 Clark, Daniel ........................................................... 227 Clark, Dunlap C .............................................. 435, 436 Clark, G e o r g e ........................................................... 574 Clark, Oliver P ..........................................................113 Clark, Robert ........................................................... 514 Clark, Victor S ...................................... .................. 208 Clatworthy, F re d e ric k ........................... 138, 139, 140 Clayton, Jefferson B ................................ ................ 227 Cleaveland, Frank N ......................... ............ 464, 465 Cleaveland, James D. ................................. 265, 402 Clendennin, John C ................................................ 478 Cochran, Andrew J ................................................473 Cocke, Lucian H ...................................................... 336 Cocke, W illiam J..................................... .. .306, 307 Coe, A lfred B. ......................................................... 135 Coe, H enry H .................................. ............. 285, 286 Coffin, James P. . .212, 213, 214, 216, 237, 238, 239 Coffin, Quentin D ........................... .........................476 Cogswell, Cyril G .............................................. . ..481 Cogswell, Lawrence P .............. .. . ..........................481 Colby, David W ........................................................ 481 Cole, A lfred D ...........................................................339 Colfax, S c h u y le r ................................ . ........... 18, 460 Collins, Chester F .................................................... 160 Collins, John A ................................................ 445, 498 Collins, Ralph............................................................. 161 Collins, Samuel H .................................................... 140 Colson, U. R a e ...................................... .. ............

514 Commagere, John A ................................................ 485 Compson, H o w a r d ..................................................440 Compson, W ilb u r .....................................................440 Cones, Joseph M .......................................................163 Conklin, Lewis R ................................. .....................341 Conley, Elmer C ........................................................ 442 Conover, Harvey ..................................................... 473 Conover, Lawrence P. . >...................................... 473 Conover, Richard A .................... .............................473 Conover, W ilbur .................................. .................. 13 Cook, Albert, P ........................................................:314 Cook, Charles F ........................................................ 471 Cook, Frank B., J r................................................... 388 Cook, Hobart R .........................................................294 Cook, Louis A ...........................................................115 Cook, Maynard A .....................................................314 Cook, Sidney P ........................................ .. .314 Cooke, George A. ...............................................4 3 5 Cooke, W alter ......................................................... 132 Cooke, W alter P ........................................... -471 Cooper, David M .......................................................203 Cormack, Bartlett ................................. . . . . .........466 Cosman, Charles B ........................ .. ..................... ■ 503 Cosmey, Stan wood H .......................... .....................191 Coulter, John G............................................... .. • • • -158 Coulter, Merle C ........................................................ 158 Coulter, Stanley ............................83, 157, 158, 231 Covington, John I. ...................................................12, 68, 71, 74, 90, 124, 146, 155, 258, 260, 341, 345, 402, 404, 415, 472, 488 Cowgill, W arwick M .................... 167, 168, 171, 173 Cowles, A lfred ......................................................... 303 Cox, E. Allen ......................................................... 346 Cox, James L ................................. 136, 138, 139, 490 Coyle, M ervin G.................................................. .... .518 Craft, Frost ............................................................. 154 Craig, R. A ........................................ .......................452 Craig, William ................................................... • • -1 °4 Crandall, George H ..............................................••}oo Crane, Ezra J.................. .............. ................ ..........48a

Cranston, Earl ........................................................ 482 Crary, Benjamin F ..................................................147 Creel, Alexander M ...................... ...........................226 Crittenden, Rogers ........................... . . . . . . 4 6 6 , 490 Crittenden, Thomas T .............................-...261, 490 Cronkleton, Hermus ............................... <............479 Croom, Stephens ................................. 213, 238, 239 Crowder, Enoch H ................................................... 309 Crowe, John F ..........................................................158 Crutcher, Thomas E ............................................... 509 Culbertson, John C .......... ................ ............225, 499 Cumback, W i l l ........................................................ 18 Cummins, James ....................... ............................ 483 Cunningham, William R ........................109, 110, 111 Curran, Ulysses T .................................................. 449 Curtis, Grove D ......................................... i . ............36, 167, 168, 173, 178, 179, 180, 489 Cushing, H arry A ................................................... 413 Cushing, John P ....................................................... 115 Dailey, Field, T ........................................................315 Dailey, Frank C ......................................... ■■.315, 364 Dailey, George S ............................................. 315, 453 Dailey, Joseph L ............................................. 315, 453 Dann, H arry F ......................... ...............................156 Danner, Carl F ..........................................................353 Darling, Charles H ..................... ..................-24, 310 Darling, Jay N. ( “ Ding” ) ................. .. .306 Darlington, Charles .............................................297 Davidson, Crawford ..................................... . . . . 4 8 5 Davidson, G e o r g e .................................................... 179 Davies, K elley ........................................................ 180 Davies, Samuel W ................................................. .404 Davis, Brode B .................. ....................................... 435 Davis, Carl B ...................... . . , ................ .. .437 Davis, Charles P ....................................................... 491 Davis, John F ...................... .....................................388 Davis, Guy ................................... ..............2 1 9 , 466 Davis, Robert W . E. ........................................ .. • • 144 Dawson, William W .................................. 24, 178, 180 Deamer, William W .............................H8, 119, 128 Dean, William D ......................................................437 Delahanty, Michael J. Jr............................. • ■ -325 Delano, H enry A .........................138, 139, 140, 246 Denison, Marion B. ..............................................115 Dennis, W arren A .......................... .. ■• • ■• • ■• • • -208 Dennison, W alter E ...................... 75, 127, 128, 472 De Motte, Mark L .................................148, 150, 443 DeMotte, William H .......................................147, 154 Devol, Russell S: , ................. .............................. *27 DeW olf, John W ................................................... .-301 Dickson, Charles A ............................. .................. -208 Dike, James ..............................................................

Dickinson, George .. ................................................

Dillingham, Samuel C ................................ .. i Dixon, John .......................................... .................... __ Doane, Clarence E ............................... ..................

Doane, John H. ....................... ........................ .. • ■.4 » Dobyns, John .......................................................... , Dodson, John ... .......................................................

S 0 ogge“ e T^omasA V.V.273', 276,’ 285, 278 Doggett, ugm ^ ^ 274,^75,* ^ 284> 286 Dohney, Edward L ............................. .................... 32 Donaldson, F r e d ..................................................

514.

Donaldson, Weber ..................................................

Doolittle, Lelon A .......................... .. _ Dornin. John C ..................................... .................. -^c *|§|? * l7fi Dorst, John W ................................ .. • • Downs, A lfred C. ....................... i 68, 171, 175, 176 Doyle, William ........................................................

Douglass, Charles H. J ........................................... ..

Douglass, George A ............................ ....................

Douglas, W alter ...................................................... 250 Drew-Brook, Thomas ..............................................

Drown, John N. ...................................... • ■ VJg ‘ ci 7 Dudley, Adolphus S. .. ■.....................................

Dumper, A r t h u r ...................................................... j Duncan, J o h ^ H o h . . . . . ^ . • ■• ^ ^ Duncan, Thomas J .............................

NAME INDEX PAGE

Humphreys, W arren P ........................................... 469 Hunt, Fenner B ........................................................495 Hunt, John L ................................................... 110, 111 Hunt, Ormond F ......................................................365 Hunter, Charles J .................................................... 294 Huston, S. A r t h u r .................................................. 346 Hutsinpiller, Simeon D ..........................................115 Hutchinson, Campbell C ......................................... 420 Hutchinson, Reno ...................................................378 Hutto, George M ...................................................... 454 Iddings, Dan ........................................................... 13 Iglehart, William .................................................... 515 Ingalls, Aldana T ........................................... 189, 190 Ingalls, Everett P ..................................................... 481 Ingalls, Harold .........................................................481 Ingram, Rollin T ...................................................... 485 * Irish, A lva A ..............................................................156 Irons, Samuel L ..................................................... . 1 1 5 Israel, R o g e r s ...........................................................132 Jackson, Byron J......................................................325 Jackson, Robert ................................................ . . . 457 Jackson, Robert D ...................................................128 Jacobs, George B ......................................................128 Jacobsen, Lewis K ........................................... 455, 457 Jaggard, Edwin A .................................................... 208 James, Fleming .............................................. 453, 469 James, John .............................................................140 James, Philip ...........................................................485 James, Sidney T ........................................................328 Jameson, M ax .........................................................235 Jamison, Roy H ........................................................ 480 Jarvis, James L ........................................................ 134 Jenkins, R. E ............................................................ 513 Jewett, Leonidas M ..................................................227 Jipson, Webster C .................................................... 133 Johanson, Joel M ............................................. 328, 329 Johnson, Albert M ....................................................128 Johnson, Bertrand R ............................. . . . . 1 9 1 , 192 Johnson, Edwin L ............ ....................................... 435 Johnson, H enry H ...................... 2, 3, 6 , 7, 8 , 9, 10 Johnson, James D ......................................................226 Johnson, Jesse E ...................................................... 454 Johnston, Herbert L ................................................341 Johnston, M ax .........................................................235 Johnston, Walter N ..........................................70, 345 Johnstone, S tan w ood .............................................. 496 Jones, Eugene B ...................................................... 251 Jones, Frank C .......................................................... 368 Jones, Gordon Jr....................................................... 322 — Jones, Herbert .........................................................154 Jones, Jameson C ......................................................156 Jones, John H ............................................................ 500 Jones, M. R ...............................................................389 Jones, Merle .................................. ........................440 Jones, Stuart ...........................................................440 Joyce, Frank M ........................................................ 342 Kane, John ............................................................... 163 Kauffman, J. C a l ................................. .......... 295, 297 Keating, Thomas J....................................................140 Keegan, William R .................................................. 115 Keeler, Howard ..................... ................................. 435 Keene, Ben S ......................................109, 111 Keene, George F ........................................................115 Keep, W illiam B ........................................................294 Keesler, Samuel R ....................................................156 Keesler, W illiam P ...........................................

156 Keith E. D ................................................................ 453 Kellar, John A ................................................. 255, 496 Kelly, C la r k ............................................................... 420 Kelley, Edward G.................................................... 481 Kelley, Edward H .................................................... 481 Kelley, Horace A ......................................................160 Kelley, Irving B ........................................................481 Kemp, William E .................................................... 162 Kendrick, Oscar C ....................................................263 Kennett, Press G......................................................261 Kennett, William P ....................................... 256, 257 Kennicott, Ransom ..............................218, 220, 221

527 PAGE

Kent, Frank J ........................................... . . . 356, 492 Kent, William H ...................................................... 70 Kerr, Kenneth R ....................................................... 472 Kerr, Robert F .................. ....................................... 447 Kerr, William W ......................................................472 Kessinger, David ..........................................183, 227 Keyes, M. G .............................................................. 514 Keys, Benjamin ............................. ........................ 140 Keys, H arry L ..........................................................140 Keys, William B ......................................................140 Keyse, A lvin C .......................................273, 274, 275 K iefer, Simon P ........................................................298 Kimball, Benjamin A ..............................................504 Kimball, R. A ............................................... ............ 453 King, Frank C ........................................................... 255 Kinkead, Ellis G. ............................................ 27, 484 Kinnison, Charles S .............................. .................. 369 Kinnison, James E ......................................... 367, 369 Kinnison, James E. Jr.............................................367 Kinnison, Ripley H ................................................. 367 Kirkwood, D a n ie l.................................................... 497 Kittle, Andrew J ......................................................149 Kleckner, Joseph B ............................................... • -452 Knapp, Vernon W ...........................................251, 252 Knebel, W . S ............................................................ 453 Kniffen, Joseph D ....................................................454 Knoblaugh, Henry .......................................... • • •460 Knox, John Reily ......................................• • F,rPnt,1?" piece, 3, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 47, 53, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 77, 83, 103, 156, 176, 233, 341, 342, 343, 402, 403, 404, 433, 438 441, 442, 444, 479, 480, 486, 501 Koester, C. W ..................................................475, 484 Koughan, Paul ...................................................... 4.55 Kreimer, Ralph A ..................................................... 466 Kuhn, Harold .......................................................... 474 Kuhn, W illiam ........................................................ 474 Kunkel, K . ... ............................................................ 453 Kunkel, W. A ............................................................453 Kuykendall, Robert B ............................................. 4/8 Ladd, Gilbert .......................................................... 420 Ladd, Jacob L .....................-....................................209 Lainhart, Porter W ................................................. 476 Lamar, Joseph R ............................................... 90, 111 Lambert, John D ....................................................... 1°1 Lane, Otho E ............................................................ 347 Laney, David ................................................

Laney, John W ................................................160, 517 Laney, William .................................................... *517 Lange, Leonard J. .................................................. “ J' Langdon, Robert C ..................................................

Langhorne, James ..................................................1 ^ Larrabee, William C.......................................

Latham, Milton S........................................... 225, 265 Latimer, W . Drennan ..........................................

La Tourette, Louis ................................................

Lawford, W illiam .................................................. 115 Lawrence, Everett C. ..........................................

Lawrence, Henry W ......................................... " ’ ' 1 15

S r S m S s E\v/iv//i«;

Vs4,'469

Law will, Joseph A ....................................................“ 6 Lawyer, K e n n e th ....................................................

Lay, Edward ......................................... .. • • ■■• • • Lay, Frank M ......................................... 365, E f t 435 Lederle, Frank .............................................. I 15. 156 Lee, John C. ................................................ YoV'-jn-?

Lee, Leslie A ....................................................I 92. 303 Lee, Richard A ..........................................- • Leffingwell, Charles W ................................. 184, 185 Lentz, John J .............. ............................................

Leonard, William E. C ........................................... 333 p Lewis, Albert ...........................................................

Lewis, Edwin .. ...................................................... ..

Lewis, John .............................................................

Lewis, John .............................................................404 Lewis, W alter .......................................................... ..

Libby, M ark .. .......................................................... 189 Light, William .........................................................485 Lincoln, H arry ........................................................ 470

526

BETA LIFE PAGE

Graham, James P ...................................................... 254 Graham, Josiah G.......... .......................282, 284, 285 Graham, Thomas B ........................................478, 510 Grant, Amandus, N .................68, 74, 75, 258, 438 Grant, Arthur H .......................................................135 Grant, Charles C ........................................... .436, 437 Grant, Glenn R ..........................................................452 Grant, John H ............................................74, 365, 433 Grant, Roderick M ...................................................419 Graves, W illiam L ............................................... 154, 155, 156, 341, 342, 375, 404 Gray, Ansley .....................................................■ . . .294 Gray, Barzillai ............................201 , 202 , 203, 205 Gray, C l a r k .......................................... .................... 184 Gray, James H ................................................ 390, 391 Gray, John H .............................................................. 158 Greer, E. H ..............................................................479 Gregg, Clifford C ................................................... 435 Grosscup, Benjamin S ............................................134 Gunn, James W .........................................................295 Gunnison, Herbert F ....................................... 134, 324 Gunnison, H u g h .....................................................235 Gunnison, Stanley E .............................................. 235 Gunnison, W alter B ........................................134, 235 Gunsaulus, Frank W ................................................453 Gutelius, Charles B .................................................... 24 Guthrie, Edward H ....................................................226 Hadley, Edwin M ............................................. 327, 435 Hadley, Edwin M., Jr............................................. 327 Hadley, James M ...................................................... 327 Hadley, Raymond W .............................................. 327 Hageman, John C .................................................... 234 Hahn, E. V e r n o n .....................................................382.

Haines, Vaughan A ..................................................318 Haines, William T .................................................... 188 Hale, Horace C .........................................................235 Hale, Huson D .......................................................... 107 Hale, Ledyard P .......................................................235 Hale, W illia m ........................................................... 115 Hall, Benton J ............................... 182, 183, 184, 185 Hall, H arry H .................................................. 370, 371 Hall, H arvey P .........................................................370 Hall, Herbert E ................................................ 24, 389 Hall, Jabez ............................................................... 110 Hall, John C ............................................................... 71 Hall, Normal ........................................................... 474 Hall, W illiam H ............................................... 370, 371 Hallovan, D e sm o n d .................................................440 Hallovan, Robert .....................................................440 Hammett, Fred M .................................................... 115 Hamilton, Archibald W . . .3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 269, 445 Hamilton, David G..........................................374, 449 Hamilton, Fred H .................................................... 513 Hamilton, W illiam A. 217, 218, 219, 222, 225, 435 Hamlin, Dunton .............................................390, 391 Hane, W illiam C ..............................................240, 244 Hanford, F r a n k lin ...................................................326 Hanke, Lewis W ..............................................370, 371 Hanna, John C a lv in ...............3, 231, 341, 403, 404, 435, 439, 459, 477, 479, 480, 484, 505 Hanna, W illiam B .................................................... 160 Hanson, Stanley F .................................................... 320 Harbine, T h o m a s ..................................................... 368 Hard, Dudley ........................................................... 178 Hard, Dudley J r........................................................ 178 Hard, W illiam ...................................... 219, 220, 221 Hardie, James M ...................................................... 497 Hardin, Charles H ...............................2, 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 47, 57, 77, 83, 261, 478, 488 Harding, Reinhardt T ......................................................

116, 118, 120, 123, 124, 125, 126, 389 Harlan, J a m e s .................................................147, 371 Harlan, W illiam A ....................................................371 Harmon, Frank W .................................................. 140 Harris, S. J.................................................................452 Harris, W illiam C .................................................... 362 Harris, William J......................................................216 Harrison, Samuel T ..................................................261 Harrison, W illiam .................................................262 Harrison, Zebulon B ................................................157

PAGE

S S E S f* Louis P ....................................... 5> 262, 264 Haskell, Lee C ...........................................

11 e Haskell, Newell P ............................. iqq Hatfield, Byron M .................. .......................

1 4^6 Hatfield, Henry R.......................... .220 Hatfield, James T .........................104, 218,' 223',’ 333 Haupt, Cecil .......... ....................................................

Haveman, F. C .....................................’ .................. 452 Hawes, Lowman ..............................................' .497 Hawley, Melvin M .............................. ...220 Hay, Lawrence G.....................................! ! ! ! ! ! ! .433 Hayes, Joseph L .................................... ! ! . . ! ! ! ! !321 Hayes, Scott ..........................................' . ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 209 Hayford, M ax ............................................ . . . '. '. .472 Hazard, S. J............................................... .. .453 Hazel, Homer H ..................................................... *313 Headley, Edward T ................................................. 473 Heard, George C ....................................................... 255 Heath, James E ................................................. 7 1 , 345 Hedenburg, George A ............................................. 436 Henderson, Charles R ............................................338 Henderson, Ulysses V ....................................... . .156 Hendrick, Herring D ...............................................156 Hendrick, Leonard A ...............................................293 Hendrix, George W ................................................. 454 Hennican, Ellis ............................................. . . . . 4 8 5 Hennican, J u n io r .................................................... 485 Hepburn, Andrew D. ............... 146, 404, 479, 483 Hepburn, Charles M ............................................... 342 Herron, John W .......................35, 72', 90, 433, 479 Hervey, Clifford R................................................... 517 Hervey, H enry D ................................ .................... 517 Hervey, Walter L ..................................................... 517 Hester, John ............................................................ 153 Hetherington, Clark E ........................................... 341 Hibben, James ........................................14, 445, 446 Hickenlooper, Smith ..............................................346 Hiett, Emery R ......................................................... 441 Higgins, John T ............................................... 208, 209 Hight, John J............................................................. 307 Hight, Robert F ........................................................307 Hill, H a r r y .............................................................. 165 Hill, Irving ............................................................ 163 Hill, James B .............. ............................................. 153 Hill, Marcus S ..........................................................125 Hill, R. A ....................................................................437 Hilliker, Charles E ................................................... 24 Himes, Isaac N ............................ 113, 149, 402, 404 Hinchcliff, William E ..............................................107 Hine, Harold K ........................................................ 317 Hiner, Joseph W ....................................................... 293 Hitchcock, Henry S .............................. 182, 185, 187 Hoadley, George .................................................. 267, ................... 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 277 Hobbs, Richard G..................................................... 218 Hobson, John C ................................................. 71, 345 Hoffman, Ripley C ................................................... 226 Hoge, Eugene W ...................................................... 70 Hoge, William J ............................................. 225, 265 Holcomb, Anselm T ................................................. 227 Holton, Thomas T ......................................... .108, 111 Holtzclaw, James P. ........ ..................................... 109 Honto, Frank M. .....................................................209 Hooper, Osman C ....................................................144 Hopkins, Herschel .................................................. 496 Horton, Victor F ......................................................115 Houghton, Henry S ................................................. 470 Houston, Herbert S ................................................447 How, E. S ................................................... 189 Howard, W ill R ..................................... 189, 190, 194 Howe, Quentin F ......................................................503 Howes, Claude L ......................................................470 Hubbard, Charles M .................................................177 Hubbard, Philip W ..................................................1°° Hubbard, Rollin B ................................................... 177 Hubbard, Samuel ........................................Y , Y , 7 ^ Hughes, Arthur L ........................................... 144, 316 Huhn, George ............................................................ « TTnm p

......................................................... T’U^r

Hume’, W ilson T .".'.V . 121, 122, 123, 125, 126, 127 Humphrey, Calvin .................................................. 1,56

NAME INDEX

529 PAGE

Moor, Charles L ...................................................... .189 Moore, Arthur L ................ 188, 189, 193, 464, 465 Moore, A . Truman ................................................ 373 Moore, David H ..................146, 227, 228, 297, 372 Moore, F r e d e r ic k .....................................................472 Moore, G e o r g e ................................................ 112, 113 Moore, James G........................................................ 472 Moore, Julian H. .....................................................371 Moore, Robert V ......................... 191, 198, 293, 505 Moore, William A ................................... 74, 203, 373 Moorehead, John R ..................................................261 Mo-rehead, James T .................... . . . . . 2 1 3 , 214, 215 Morris, Wade H ............m .............................. . • • ■ 318 Morrison, John B .................. ................................... 480 Morgan, Edwin C .................................................... 163 Morrison, Robert G. . ............................................208 Morrison, Robert H ................................................. 473 Morrow, Dwight W. 22, 23, 58, 108, 337, 361, 403 Morse, Arthur B ...................................................... 390 Morton, Oliver P .............................................. 18, 510 Morton, Stratford L ................................................ 93 Moulton, George R ........................................261, 262 Mower, Jacob K. . . . .............................................. 295 Mount, James C ........................................................ 479 Mozier, William F ....................................................405 Mugg, Leland S ........................................................471 Muldrow, Alvan M ..................................................513 Muldrow, Henry L ........................................... . . . 5 1 3 Muldrow, Osburn F ............................... 24, 310, 513 Mullen, Leroy A ...................................................... 384 Mullikin, Edward W .............................................. 295 Munger, Edmund H ....................................... 197, 198 Munger, Theodore T ................................... .280, 458 Mumford, Edward W ............................................. 512 Murchison, Kenneth .............................................. 103 M yers, Raymond M ................................................. 436 Napton, Charles M ................................................255 Nason, Osmond C. B ............................................... 115 Nave-, Orville J...................... ...................................321 Naylor, Henry R ......................................................497 Nelson, James P ................................ .........................36, 167, 168, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175 Newberry, John Stoughton ................................199, ....................................20Q, 201, 202, 203 Newberry, John Strong ............... . .267, 268, 270, - 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 458 Newell, Howard L .................................................. 473 Newey, John W ........................................................ 435 Newland, Frederic S. ......................... . . , . 2 5 5 , 256 Newton, Clarence L. .................................... 412, 413 Nichols, Charles E. 0 ............................................. 107 Nichols, Edwin ....................................................... 32 Nichols, Jesse C. ......................... ..

163 Nichols, W illiam E ..................................................212 Niehaus, John M. Jr..............................................453 Niles, Addison P ...................................................... 128 Nix, Jay T .................................................................485 Noble, Henry C ................................. ....................... 1 Noble, John W. ..........................112, 197, 198, 459 Nolen, John , , .........................................................469 Norman,. James M. .................................................156 Norton, Augustus ................................................ .229 Nojrton, Charles. A ........................ . . . 27 3, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 284 Norton, W illiam B ........................................... .. ,...,223 Noyes, Ellis B'................................................ 115, 161 Nutting, Timothy D ............................................... 271, ........... 272, 273, .274, 275, 276, 277, 278 Oakes, W arren D ...................... . .............. .............. 496 Obenlund, Chester .................

517 Obgnlund, Leslie .....................................................517 O ’Connor, Charles D ................ .............................402 Olds, Chauncey N ............................................

13 Oliver, Alexander L ............................... ...2 2 5 , 265 Oliver, John R .......................................................... 454 Olney, W arren ....................................388, 389, 390 O’ Neal, Perry E ...................................................... 453 Olson, Peter ............................................................. 507 Olston, Herbert L .................................................... 507

Ormsby, Frank W ..................................... .............. 135 O’Rourke, Maurice W ............................................. 454 O rr, Louis E ..............................................................479 Orr, Stanley L ..........................................................452 Osburn, W illia m ............................................161, 163 Oviatt, Tracy M. . .^63, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269 Owen, William B ..................................................... 326 Owens, F. W ......................................... .. • ............. 26 Owens, Mrs. F. W ........................ ............ ..

26 Owens, Russell W ....................................................456 Pace, Elton ........................................................ .... .310 Paddack, A le x a n d e r...............3, 4, 5, 7, 8 , 445, 446 Paddock, S tep h en .................................................... 436 Paine, G e o r g e ................................................ 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 284, 285, 286, 468 Paine, Halbert E ................ 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276 Palache, Charles .................................................... 389 Palache, W hitney ........................................389, 390 Palen, W illiam E ............................................155, 156 Palmer, Charles W ................................................. 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 291, 458, 477 Palmer, E. E ..............................................................481 Palmer, Lewis D ......................................................332 Palmer, Luke ...........................................................183 Palmer, Perley B ........................................... 192, 481 Palmer, W alter B ................................. 121, 122, 332 Parker, Franklin L .....................201, 202, 203, 205 Parker, Herbert C ....................................................485 Parker, James B ............................................. .. .481 Parker, W alter C y ................................................2 13 Parks, James J............................. 182, 183, 184, 494Parmelee, William B .......................... .................... 34 Parr, William D ........................................................447 Parrish, Lee W ..............................................; ----- 453 Parrish, L. Nulton ................................................ 453 Parsons, Reginald H ..............................................389 Parsons, Russell ........................... ........................333 Parvin, Theophilus ................................................ 18 Patterson, David L ................................................ 466 Patterson, James K ................................. . . . 334, 335 Patterson, John H ........................................... 334, 336 Patterson, Robert C ................................................. 190 Patton, George S .................................................... 472 Payne, Dillon H ...................................................... 160 Payne, John W .................................. .................... 140 Payne, Theodore S ....................................... 112, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285 Pearce, Francis M ....................................................485 Pearson, H enry P ..........................................220, 221 Pearsons, W illiam A ............................................... 160 Pease, Anson .......................................................... ^63 Peck, H enry C .......................................................... 4?6 Peed, Mansfield T ................. .................................156 Peeples, Henry C ......................................................

Pelton, Timothy D. ..273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 291 Penfield, Graham .......................................... 302, 472 Penney, George B ....................................................135 Pennick, Daniel A ..........................................339, 340 Penrose, Stephen B. L. Jr.................. 304, 370, 371 Perkins, George H ....................................................183 Perret, St. J o h n ...................................................... 485 Perrin, Lewis W . ...2 3 9 , 240, 243, 245, 246, 247 Perry, Edgar .............................................. ............115 Perry, Frank .................................................. .. .437 Peter, Charles ........................................................ 163 Peters, Walton B ..................................................... 471 Peterson, Ben L ........................................................317 Pettibone, Philo .................................................... 495 Pflasterer, George P ................................................156 Phelps, Charles M .................................................... 24 Philipps, Thomas W ............................................... 140 I Phillips, Emory B .................................................... 156 Phillips, Mason D .................................................... 140 Phillips, Paul H ........................................ ............ .. 502 Pickering, William B .............................................. 227 Pierce, Charles R ............ .. .................................. ■ 263, __ 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 458 Pierce, George E ............................... ..

284 Pierce, John L .......................................................... *84

528

BETA LIFE PAGE

Lindberg, Roll .........................................................417 Lindsay, Samuel M .................................................. 469 Lindsay, W illiam B ..................................................115 Lindsey, James E ................................. .213 Linfield, Edwin H ..................................................485 Linton, David ............................................ .......... 3, 5, 12, 17, 26, 47, 56, 77, 83, 84, 102, 438 Littell, George H. .................................. 24, 435, 436 Little, H. LaM ont ................................................ 453 Little, Isaiah ........................................................... 198 Little, J. Earl ........................................................... 453 Locke, John ............................................................. 188 Lockhart, Oliver C ....................................................324 Lockwood, Thomas F .......................... .. ................. 156 Logan, John A ......................................... :. ... .436, 437 Long, James ........................................ .................. 3, 9 Lord, W illiam C..................................... 213, 239, 240 Losey, H enry ..................... ............................. . . . . 1 8 4 Lothrop, L. R ............................................................ 188 Love, James E ............................................................ 517 Love, Otho ............................................................... 517 Love, Ray E ........................................................ . . . 5 1 7 Love, Thomas W ...................................................... 517 Love, William D ........................................................517 Lowden, Frank 0 ........................... 58, 328, 342, 436 Lowdon, G r a h a m .............................................. . . . 420 Lowe, J. D ................................................................. I l l Lowndes, Erie ................. ............................. ............ 24 Lozier, Horace G ...................................................... 435 Lozier, J. H o g a r th ................................148, 227, 443 Lozier, Lue C ...............................................................55 Lunt, James ............... ............................. ................ 188 Lupfer, Edward P .......................... .353 Luquiens, Frederick B'............................................318 Lurton, Horace H ................................. .....................70 Lyman, William H ....................... .................... . . . 436 Lyons, Leland F ....................................... ................ 503 Lytle, James E ............................................................485 MacDonald, Aaron H .............................................. 517 MacDonald, Donald .......................................... . . 51 7 MacDonald, John E ..................................................156 M acLean, Arthur W ................................................302 M acLeish, K e n n e th .................................................508 MacLennan, Frank P ....................................161, 419 Macloon, Ernest H ............................. ............ 191, 192 McAdam, Dunlap J.................................................. 300 M cAlester, Andrew W ................ ........................... 211 McCabe, John J. ................. ................ . . . . . 1 1 5 , 172 McCabe, Lorenzo D ................................. . ..225, 265 M cCalla, A l b e r t ...............................................211, 212 M cCarty, Alston .....................................................161 M cCleary, Daniel ..............................100, 102, 445 M cClellan, Glenn B ....................................... .......... 301 M cClelland, Hugh R ......................................

M cClelland, Thomas N ..............................-255, 321 McClelland, Thomas S .......... .......... ............ .......... 330 McClure, Edward B ..................................................260 M cClure, W arwick D ................................. . 436, 482 McConn, William V. ................... ........................492 McConnell, James R ............................... ................ 495 McCorkle, Charles M. . .................................. • - ■ 323 McCorkle, W illiam ................... .............. . . . 285, 473 McCormick, L. Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105, 107 M cCoy, Joseph W ............................. j .................. i%*®, McCulloch, Charles E .............. .............. .............. ,252 McDiarmid, Campbell J............ ..

332 M cDill, Edgar .......................................... . . . . . . . 2 1 2 McDonald, Evans P ....................... .........................209 McDonald, Joseph E .............. .............................. .497 M cFarland, C. L .........................

389 -McIntosh, Herbert ........ . . . ■■• 115 M cKane, Thomas ......................... .. ■• • • • -275 M cKay, Francis ..............................• ■■■• - - 517 M cKay, George ............................................ .. ■• 517 -483 McKee, Leila S ................................... ..

M cKee, Robert B .................................................. ..

M cKeever, Franklin G ............................................115 McKibben, W illiam K .......................................... g# *| M cKibbin, George B ............................................

M cKinney, James F. .................................. .. "• -233 M cLaurin, Hugh L .................................................. 485

PAGE

McMillan, Gavin R ..................................... .. 478 McMillan, John H ............................................. ...4 80 McMillan, Samuel H ...................... .................... -..510 McMillen, A lvin N ................................... .............. 331 McNear, F. W ................................................... . . . 389 McNutt, Paul V .......................... .............. . . . . . . . 3 5 4 Mack, David .......................................................... 3, 9 Maddaford, J. H ......................................................453 Magee, Frederick E ................................................. 389 Magee, William A ........................ 119, 388, 389, 390 Mahan, Frank .................................................... ... 70 .............. 133, 146 Makepeace, M. D ............................■ Malone, Maurice E ................................................. 251 Manley, G. Atwood ..................................... 235, 478 Manley, Williston ............................. 233, 235, 404 Manly, George ........................................................ 404 Mann, Gustav M ................................... 135, 464, 465 Mann, Victor I ...............................................455, 456 Manning, Henry P ..................................................115 Marble, Guilford L ........................ ..

173, 175 Marion, Lycurgus A ............................................. ,209 Marks, Homer H .................................. ..........191, 192 Marks, Russell A ........................................... .. .507 Marks, Sumter D ............................................. 24, 485 Markwood, H a r t e r .................................................. 310 M arley, Jesse W ....................................................... 154 Marquis, David C ..................................................... 404 Marshall, Samuel T ........................ 5, 6 , 7, 8,-10, 11, 12, 47, 56, 77, 83, 438, 442; 480, 486 Martin, Andrew B ................................................... 311 Martin, Charles ...................................................... 332 Martin, Edward G................................................... 177 Martin, James C ....................................................... 125 Martin, James W. ............................................ . . . 1 91 Martin, John E ................................470 Martin, Richard H ........................................... .. • .4.82 510 Martin, S. N ....................................... ..

Martin, W . A. P .............. ...................... .. . . • • -510 Mason, Charles M ....................................................492 Mason, Rodney ......................... .................. .......... 276 Massey, W alter E. H ....................................... .. ■.249 Mathews, A . L ..........................................................457 Mathews, S t a n le y ........................................ .262, 498 Matthews, Howard ................... ............................ 498 Mattern, Gwinn W ...................................* • ............321 Matzinger, Charles J................ .............. .............. 156 Matson, I r a ...............................................................517 Matson, John .................................................. .517 Maxwell, James M ................................ . . . . . 1 09, 254 Meader, W alter S ....................................................115 Meininger, Carl W . ..............................................471 .......... . .................................V , v 1 1 n Meloy, J. F. Mendenhall, Thomas C ................ ............ • ■337, o4U Merriam, Joseph B ........................... ■■••■•275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, -282, 283, 284 Merrill, Earl B ....................................................

M errill, W esley C....................................................34^ Merriman, Charles W ......................... • ■• • • ■1 • • Merwin, S a m u el..........................................• ■ Meteer, J. H ......................................... .. ................. 509 Midkiff, John ...................................... .488 Miles, Grant M ................................. .................. ino Miles, Nathaniel ............................. .. ■ ........

Millar, J. A . S. ■• ■• • .........................

Millard, Benjamin F .............................200, 205, 264 Miller, Clyde W . ................................... ..........W M iller, John H ................................... . . • • • • ------ * Miller, John S . ........................... ..

••• • • Miller, Sidney ........ ................ .197, 199,.202, 203 Mintener, J. B .......................................„• • • -fg» Mitchell, H. Walton .......................................... -’ A Mitchell, Giles S ............................... ................ ■■.68 Mitchell, Thomas G .......................... ............ .4, 226 Mize, DeW itt C ........................................... ............ “ 6 Moderwell, Charles M ........................ ..........V iY o i o Moffat, James E. ................................ • -211, 212 Moffitt, Herbert C .................................H9. 388, 389 Moffitt, J. K ........................... ......... .........

Moist, Ronald F ....................................... .. .24, 436 Molyneaux, John ............... ..................................... ^ “Monilaw, Thomas ..................................................

Montague, Frank .. ............................................... . i s o

NAME INDEX PAGE

Scott, Llew ellyn D .................................................. 156 Scott, O rfutt T ........................................................ 259 Scott, W illiam H ............................................227, 228 Scott, William M ......................................................269 Seaman, Charles J.........................36, 37, 70, 71, 74, 135, 136, 139, 140, 172, 174, 176, 291, 402, 404, 407, 433, 464, 465, 468, 490 Sears, Frederick W .................................................. 107 Senn, William .................................................. .. . .493 Serumgard, Siver .......................................... 207, 208 Sessions, Coleman ...................................................213 Seymour, Frederick H ............................................. 134 Shadrach, Earl .......................................................369 Shannon, W alter G ..................................................479 Shapard, Evander .................................................. 156 Sharp, Leedom .......................................................208 Shaver, Thomas ........................................ ...211, 212 Shaw, Albert ...........................................................368 Shaw, Thomas W ................................. 255, 256, 257 Shellabarger, George D ........................................... 454 Shepardson, Daniel Jr............................................319 Shepardson, Francis W .................................................

30, 56, 58, 67, 83, 94, 97, 99, 121, 127, 150, 154, 155, 156, 164, 180, 185, 220, 221, 233, 235, 254, 319, 349, 350, 354, 355, 403, 404, 408, 430, 435, 436, 448, 473, 478, 496, 498, 501, 506, 513, 517 Shepardson, Frank L ..............................................115 Shepardson, John E ................................................319 Sheppard, James H ..................................................321 Sheppard, William C ..................................... .. • .321 Sherriff, Andrew H ..................................................341 Sherman, Frederick D ............................................365 Sherwood, J. R ........................................................ 453 Shiel, Jefferson .......................................................115 Shontz, H arry B ...................................................... 177 Shorter, Eli S ...........................................................214 Shotwell, W illiam ........................................ 225, 265 Shreiner, John A ...................................................... 160 Shryer, William A ....................................................325 Shiite, Frank C........................................................ 476 Shutter, Marion D ............................... .................. 140 Siebert, W illiam H .................................................. 404 Sigerfoos, Charles ...................................................404 Sigerfoos, Edward ................................................ 329 Sillers, W illiam W . .................................................215 Silver, Arthur .........................................................452 Simmons, S .................................................................453 Simonds, Albert C ....................................................304 Simpson, Erastus R ..................................................192 Simpson, Lacey .......................................................163 Simpson, Ralph T ......................................................325 Simpson, Richard C .................... 239, 240, 243, 244 Simpson, Robert L ................................................... 262 Singletary, Thomas C ..............................................212 Singleton, Charles G.......................................255, 257 Siphef, John A .......................................................... 177 Sisson, Francis H .........................341, 404, 409, 436 Sisson, H arry M ...................................................... 473 Sisson, Horace W .................................................... 302 Skiles, W . Vernon ................................................ 156 Skinner, Harold M .................................................. 496 Slingluff, Betts .......................................................506 Smiley, E. Kenneth .............................................. 24 Smith, Byron ......................................... . . . 285, 473 Smith, Cedric A ........................................................ 384 Smith, Clayton N ......................................................315 Smith, Cosby D ........................................................ 156 Smith, Cruger W . .................................................. 227 Smith, David ...........................................................132 Smith, Emmett M .................................................... 315 Smith, George E .......................................................184 Smith, H arry W ...................................................... 471 Smith, Harold B ...................................................... 136 Smith, Henry M ...................................................... 461 Smith, Holway B ......................................................479 Smith, Horace J...................................................... 315 Smith, Horace R ...................................................... 315 Smith, Isaac F ............................................................107 Smith, James G.................. 2, 5, 6 , 7, 8 , 47, 83, 100 Smith, Lathrop E .................................................... 323

531 PAGE

Smith, Lewis P ...............................................246, 248 Smith, H. M e r le ............................................162, 163 Smith, O. N o r r is .................................................... 517 Smith, Paul .............................................................514 Smith, Philip .......................................................... 475 Smith, Robert W .................... 74, 404, 433, 464, 465 Smith, Teis .............................................................208 Smith, W illiam C ....................................................208 Smyth, Gordon S .....................................24, 377, 436 Snell, Bertrand H ........................................... 108, 403 Snell, James B .......................................................... 255 Snow, Charles W ........................................... 309, 469 Snow, H enry ........................................................ 4, 5 Snyder, Alonzo M ................................165, 178, 404 Soloman, Charles W ................................................477 Sommers, Charles L ................................................208 Southon, Archibald M ........................................... 485 Spalding, Harold B ................................................. 337 Spalding, Hubert A ....................................... 337, 517 Spalding, William A ............................253, 337, 517 Spandow, William E ............................................... 477 Spencer, Harold .................................................... 473 Spencer, Kenneth .................................................. 473 Spofford, Charles M ................................................220 Springer, William M ..................................... 220, 222 St. Clare, C. C ........................................................ 453 St. John, R. H ........................................................263 Stadfield, Harold .................................................... 472 Stadfield, Joseph .................................................. 472 Stanion, D o n a ld ...................................................... 317 Stanion, Thomas .................................................... 317 Stankard, Gloyd T ................................................... 388 Stanley, Charles E ................................................... 227 Stanley, John H ...................................................... 450 Starbird, Ralph ...................................................... 190 Starrett, Frank E ..................................................... 325 Stearns, E. H ............................................................ 389 Stearns, Frederick W ............................................. 208 Steele, Edward L ................................................. 31, 32 Steele, Richard T ..................................................... 486 Steele, Robert .......................................... .............. 13 Steele, T im o th y .............................................. .. ■• ■32 Steere, C h a r le s ........................................................ US Stephens, Nelson J ................................................... 419 Stephenson, P. N ............................................... .. • • 161 Stevens, Albert W .............................................. • • 324 Stevens, E. Bruce . . . . 1 2 , 13, 100, 101, 445, 488 Stevens, Elisha M ....................................................106 Stevenson, Bertram S ............................................367 Stevenson, William G............................................. 240 Stewart, David C ......................................................483 Stewart, William L ........................................... . . . 389 Stiles, Theodore L ....................................................227 Stinson, William B ................................................... 244 Stoffregen, Clifton W ............................................. 156 Stokes, Edward C ....................................................444 Stone, Kimbrough .................................................. 211 Stone, Leander .......................................... ..2 51, 257 Stone, “ Leonard” .................................................. 469 Stoney, Donzel ...................................................... 389 Stout, Thompson W ................................................208 Strong, Hiram ........................................................ 199 Stuart, Gentry W ..................................... .............. 473 Sturtevant, M ark J..................................................454 Sullivan, Lynn ...................................................... 235 Sutton, George M ....................................................314 Swan, Grimke ...........................................................H Swarthout, Kenneth L ............................................. 503 Sw ift, H enry A ..............................................262, 263 Switzer, George W .............. 90, 153, 356, 432, 499 Sykes, Richard E ............................................233, 235 Taggart, F r a n k .............................................. 298, 479 Taggart, R u s h ...........................................................299 Tait, Robert W ..........................................................184 Talcott, Seth R ........................................................ 389 T'arkington, John S .................................................308 Tate, Henry H ........................................................... 213 Tate, James N ......... ......................................... 257, 321 Tate, John W . .................................... .. ........... .. • • . 213 Taylor, Frank H ..........................................219

530

BETA LIFE PAGE

Pilcher, John N ........................................................ 227 Pingree, Mellen E .................................................... 115 Pinkerton, John L .................................................... 110 Pipkin, W illis B ....................................................... 212 Pitzer, Alexander ...................................................313 Place, Robert ........................................................... 436 Plantz, W yatt G. . . . ............................................ 341 Plume, Robert C .......................................................115 Poindexter, Robert W . .........................................116, 117, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 128, 483 Pollard, Edward B ....................................................304 Pomerene, W illiam R. . .............................. 479, 517 Poole, W illard ......................................................... 365 Pope, A lfred T ................................................ 109, 110 Porter, Albert G.......................................................404 Porter, Byron C ........................................................ 491 Post, John F ...............................................................356 Powe, Samuel H ........................................................3, 9 Powell, James E .............................................. 256, 259 Powell, John J ......................................... ........136, 139 Powell, W illiam C ..............................................71, 345 Powers, H enry H .....................................................113 Pratt, Albert H .........................................................108 Prentiss, George F ........................................... . . , ,107 Price, R. M. ............................................................. 389 Priest, A . J......................... .......................15, 53, 298, 310, 348, 356, 374, 436, 455, 486, 516 Priest, H enry S .........................................................256 Priest, Joel ................................................................516 Pudrith, Chester A .................................................. 337 Purington, James F ..................................................189 Purmont, Charles H ....................................... 298, 299 Queal, I r v i n g ..................... 217, 218, 219, 220, 221 Quinby, Frank L. . . . : .......................................... 212 Quinn, Arthur H .....................................................469 Quinn, Francis M .................................................... 469 Raffo, Dillon 0 .......................................................... 156 Ramm, Charles A ............................................119, 389 Ramsay, Gordon A .................................................. 435 Ramsay, James S ...................................................... 146 Rand, Daniel C .........................................................156 Rand, Fred L .............................................................156 Rankin, George C ............................... 70, 71, 75, 172 Rankin, Robert C .....................................................163 Rankin, W illiam A .................................................. 505 Ransom, Robert B ......................................................163 Ransom, W yllys C ........................................................... __ Foreword, 70, 72, 74, 75, 90, 130, 131, 134, 135, 161, 163, 197, 203, 341, 342, 403, 404, 433, 441, 464, 465, 496 Rawles, Paul W . H ........................................201, 205 Rawlins, Benjamin F .........................................,-14,6 Rawline, Edward W ........................................218, 220 Ray, Lucien Y ............................................................ 515 Ray, Paul H .....................................................456, 457 Ray, Randolph ......................................................... 356 Rayl, Lawrence B ......................................................471 Reamy, Thaddeus A ...................... 34, 342, 432, 433 Reckless, W alter ................................................ , , 496 Redmond, Elton D .................................................. 477 Reed, Frederick M ..........................................189, 190 Reed, George W .......................................................107 Reed, W illiam V ............................................ ..

301 Rees, Jonathan ...............................................137, 139 Reid, David II...........................................................245 Reid, Edward F ........................................................ 484 Reinke, Charles ....................................................... 472 Reinke, M iles ........................................................... 472 Rettig, Carl B .................................................... ■■■-452 Reynolds, Edwin W. 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276 Reynolds, H a r r y ....................................................... 156 Reynolds, L e v i .......................................................

Reynolds, W alter ...................................................156 Rhorer, H. .................................................................514 Rice, Robert V . V ...................................................472 Rice, W . Cyrus ....................................................... 472 Rich, Albert .. ...........................................................

Rich, Harold A .........................................................390 Rich, Lawson ........................................................... 3

PAGE

Rich, W . L. Jr..........................................................453 Richards, John R ..................................................... 341 Richards, Philip H ................................................... 452 Richardson, Alexander ........................................ 227 Richardson, John M ..................................... 242, 245 Ricketts, Coella ...................................................... 156 Ricketts, Richard .................................................. 110 Riesenberger, Adam ..............................................364 Riggs, John D. S ..................................................... 3/0 Riley, George W ....................................................... 342 Ritscher, Walter H .........................................370, 371 Rivenburg, Sidney W ............................................. 115 Robb, W illis 0 ............................................................26, 67, 71, 72, 75, 90, 172, 347, 348, 349 350, 351, 352, 354, 356, 358, 403, 433 Robbins, Edward P ................................................. 116 Roberts, Cassius M ............ 167, 168, 170, 171, 173 Robertson, Alexander T ......................................... 298 Robinson, G ilb e r t .................................................... 517 Robinson, Horace R ............................................... 208 Robinson, James J................................................... 321 Robinson, L e w is ...................................................... 190 Robinson, M ax B ..................................................... 466 Robinson, William ............................................. . 517 Roen, Helmer 0 ........................................................476 Rogers, Kenneth . . . .84, 377, 410, 414, 469, 475 Rollins, George B ........................................... 209, 321 Root, Oren Jr............................................................209 Rose, Theodore F ........................................... 179, 480 Roseberry, Clarence J............................................. 491 Rosebro, John W ............................................... 71, 345 Ross, Vivian C ....................................... .................. 302 Round, Arthur M ..................................................... 115 Roy, Dunbar . . . . , ..................... 155, 156, 421, 423 Roy, W illiam K ..................................... 135, 464, 465 Roys, Cyrus D .......................................................... 404 Ruger, Karl ..................... 281, 282, 283, 284, 285 Rupe, Charles M ...................................138, 139, 140 Rupert, Archie K ..................................................... 472 Ryan, Michael C ................ 3, 5, 10, 47, 56, 77, 83 Sackett, John C. ................................................ .. .356 i Safford, James M ........................................... 225, 265 Saine, Lawrence P ................................................... 156 Salisbury, Rollin D ................................................. 333 Salter, William M ................................. 125, 183, 185 Sanberg, Glenn B ..................................................... 309 Sanders, Albert D ....................................................224 Sanders, John E ............ft.................................• • • Sanderson, James A ......................................... 70, 345 Sanford, E. C ..................................................• Sanford, Henry P ....................... 280, 281, 282, 283 Sanford, John A ................................................ -115 Sato, A im a r o .................................................... 23, 48Z Savage, Watson L ..................................... • ■• • • • • 107 Sawyer, Rollin A .........................283, 284, 285, 286 Sawyer, Rufus F. . .277, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283 Saye, James F ................................................

Sayles, Dwight .............................................. 285, 286 Saylor, D w ig h t........................................................ 319 Saylor, K e n n e th ...................................................... ^19 Saylor, Robert ........................................................ ..

Saylor, W ilbur A ..................................................... 319 Scales, A lfred M ....................................... • • • Scales, Junius 1 ..................................... 215, 309, 311 Scarborough, John V . B ...............................107, 414 Scarborough, William W ....................................... 10/ Schertz, W illiam C ...................................*.............. 469 Schell, Arthur B. .....................................................4/3 Schiff, Mortimer L ...................................................

Schilling, George .................................................... 31/ Schindler, A. D ........................................................ 389 Schlater, Thomas W ..................................... VoV ' sqr Scholl, George .............................................. 296, 298 Schricker, Eugene B1............................................... 4b4 Schurtz, Shelby B ..................................

Scobey, Orlando B .................................136, 139, 140 Scott, Charles F ..................................... ' ac?a Scott, Frank H ..................................... 223, 341, 404 Scott, James M ......................................................... 490 Scott, H arvey D ....................................................... 148

NAME INDEX PAGE

W ilhite, Sampson L ................................................. 156 W ilkin. Charles A .................................................. 294 W illard, A . M ............................................................ 36 Williams, Charles D ................................................

167, 168, 169, 171, 172, 173, 303, 344 Williams, Chauncey C ................................... 125, 128 Williams, Joseph .................................................... 213 Williams, Lloyd T ....................................................341 Williams, R o g e r .............................................. 473, 479 Williams, S. K .......................................................... 514 Williams, Sylvester G............................ 128, 402, 404 Williamson, Samuel E ............................................. 139 Wilson, B. F ......................................................464, 465 Wilson, Charles B .............................................136, 368 W ilson, John B ................................................. 189, 191 Wilson, Joseph R ......................................................320 Wilson, Luther B ......................................................307 W ilson, M a s o n ......................... .. . . ........................498 Wilson, Robert W ............................................. 3, 9, 10 Wilson, Warren B ....................................................480 Wing, Newton C ........................................................156 Wise, Henry A ..........................................................137 Wise, John S ................................................. 70, 71, 345 Witherby, Oliver S ............................................. 3, 8 , 9 Wolcott, Roger H ........................................... 371, 372 Wolfe, D a n ie l...........................................................477 Wood, Thomas .........................................................310 Wood, Thomas D ......................................................133 Woods, William B ........................................... 103, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 274 Woodrow, James H ..................................................332

533 PAGE

Woodrow, R o b e rt..................................... .............. 320 Woodrow, Thomas R ............................................... 320 Woodward, Daniel C .............................. 189, 190, 194 Worden, W ilfred J................................................... 503 Works, Charles A ..................................................... 294 W orrall, John B .......................................146, 404, 473 Worthington, Charles T ...........................................499 W right, Henry T ..................................................... 308 Wright, Lucius C ................................................... <228 Wright, W illia m ........................... .................. 191, 485 Wright, William T ................................................... 167 Wyckoif .....................................................................476 Wyman, Levi A ......................................................... 190 Yarborough, Neill S ............................................... 213 Yerkes, John W .......... ............................................. 473 York, Francis L ......................................................... 365 Young, Alexander H .......................... .. . . .............322 Young, Charles A ....................................................452 Young, Frederick G................................ 322, 323, 482 Young, Frederick H .............................. 322, 323, 483 Young, James R ................................................. 71, 345 Young, J o h n .................................................... 233, 235 Young, John C ........................................................... 158 Young, Owen D ..22, 23, 58, 232, 233, 234, 374, 375 Zachos, John C ......................................................... 499 Zeigler, Jacob T .........................................................222 Zeiler, G e o r g e .......................................................... 327 Zeiler, J a m e s.............................................................327 Zimmerhackel, H arry ............................................150

532

BETA LIFE PAGE

Taylor, George W ..................................... .............. .489 Taylor, John E ....................................................71, 345 Taylor, J. W ...............................................................441 Taylor, Levi W ..........................................................190 Taylor, Orville J ........................................................437 Taylor, P erry P ..........................................................136 Taylor, Virginius L ................................................. 466 Tenney, Fred C ........................................................ .115 Terrell, Edwin H ............................................. 402, 404 Thexton, W allace A .................................................. 460 Thirkield, W ilbur P ....................................... 114, 115 Thom, W illiam A ................................................71, 345 Thomas, E. R ..................................... .........................453 Thompson, Allen T ....................................................227 Thompson, . Charles M ........................... . ,184 Thompson, Charles T ................................................140 Thompson, Ellis D .................................................... 133 Thompson, J a m e s............... ..........................300, 497 Thompson, John T ....................................................300 Thompson, L e e ......................................................... 516 Thompson, M anley H ..............................................177 Thompson, R a lp h ..................... ...............................516 Thompson, Robert M .......................................341, 460 Thompson, W ayman ...............................................516 Thompson, William H ..............................................107 Thornberry, David W ..............................................177 Thornburg, C h a r le s ..................... ...........................404 Thornberg, S. R a y m o n d ........................................ 453 Thornton, W illiam N ................................................156 Throop, W illiam H ....................................................497 "Thruston, Gates P ............................................. 337, 404 Thurmond, Claudius M. B ...........................109, 111 Thurston, Benjamin F ............................................. 115 Thurston, Charles R ..................................................115 Tiffany, Dean 0 ....................................... 203, 204, 279 Tilton, C h a r le s ......................................................... 115 Tilton, M c L a n e .................................. ...................... 493 Tinning, A . B ........................................................ .. .389 Titus, Platt S ................................ . .........................263 Tolman, W illiam H ........................ ...........................115 Tosh, Lindorf D. L .................................161, 162, 470 Trabue, Charles C ............................ .........................404 Trask, Birney E ............................. ..........................208 Travers, B 'yro n .................................................464, 465 Trench, William W .................................................. 235 Trimble, John M ............................................... 255, 257 Tufts, James H ...............................105, 107, 108, 435 Tull, Samuel P .......................................................... 469 Tunison, Joseph S ............................................... 83, 140 Turner, Frederick C ................................................. 389 Turner, Oscar T ........................ ............................... 481 Turner, Otto C .......................................................... 481 Turner, W illiam C .................... ...282, 285, 286 Turner, W illiam D ............................................318, 366 Turney, J a y ............................................................... 479 Tuttle, Joseph F ..........................................................471 Tuttle, Marshal M ...................... ...............................317 Upham, A lfred H ...................................................... 11 Upshur, John N .................................................. 71, 345 Upson, William H .......................... 263, 264, 269, 274 Upton, Ernest B ........................................................ 372 Van Devanter, W i ll i s ................................58, 90, 473 Vander Veer, Francis E ........................................... 156 V an Syckei, E lb r id g e ..................... .........................138 V an Syckle, Nehemiah D.............. - .......................115 V an Voorhis, Isaac S ............................................. 483 Varley, T h o m a s ...............................................456, 457 Varnes ........................................................................ 476 Vaughan, M. M cKee ............................................ 433 Vaughan, W illiam P ..................................................156 Venable, Charles S ..................................... w " -“ 42 Voorhees, Daniel W ...............................147, 148, 297 Wade, Herbert W ..................................................... 485 W ait, W illiam ........................................................... 223 W alker, Charles D. .. .62, 70, 71, 73, 236, 345, 496 W alker, G e o rg e .......................................... .. ■• •• ■-514 W alker, James M. . . . ................... 200, 201, 202, 205 W alker, O liver .. ......................................................163

PAGE

W alker, Robert F ............................................. .209 Wallace, David A ...................................211, 303, 361 Wallace, Theodore B ............................................... 261 Wallace, William H ...............................255, 256, 257 Walshe, Woolen H ...........................................476, 485 Walton, A lb e r t ........................................................ 255 Walton, Frederick J. C ...........................................115 Wambaugh, E u g e n e ............................. 115, 158, 404 W arder, William .................................................... 14 Wardlaw, James W. .............................................. 244 W ardlaw, Joseph G...................................................246 W ardlaw, P atterso n ................................................ 338 Wardlaw, Thomas L .................................................244 W ardlaw, William C .............................. 238, 240, 243 Warlaw, D. C ............................................................453 Warner, Harold J ..................................................... 478 Warnock, J a m e s ................................................ . . .198 W arren, A . 0 ............................................................. 452 W arren, Edward L ................................................. .473 Warren, George 0 ..................................................... 189 Warren, H arry C ..................................................... 404 Warriner, E d s o n ,.................................................... 188 Warrington, Francis M ...........................................218 Warwick, W. K. L ......... 165, 166, 176, 341, 402, 404 Watkins, Morris W ................................................. 328 Watkins, Oscar L .................... .... ............................383 Watkins, Osric ........................................................ 382 Watters, Linton G..................................................... 156 Waugh, J o se p h ........................................................ 109 Weatherly, Robert J.................................................110 Webster, Alden P ..................................................... 339 Webster, Arthur M ..................................................115 Webster, Charles S ..................................................191 Webster, Eben C ........................... 189, 191, 338, 339 Webster, S. T r a c y .......................... ............... 390, 391 Webb, Clarence H ..................................................... 485 Welch, Leroy W ....................................................... 140 Weidman, H. D ........................................................514 W e lliv e r ..................................................................... 506 Wellman, W illiam B .................. ............ ................ 389 Wells, Ebenezer T ................................................... 371 Welsh, F. J .................................................................. 452 West, Nathaniel ........................... 200, 201, 202, 205 West, Samuel A ........................................................227 Westerberg, Clarence E ...........................................477 Weston, Charles P ................................................... 390 Weston, Ernest C ..................................................... 191 Weston, Francis H ................................................... 244 Wetmore, W illiam R ............................................... 213 Whallon, James E . ..................................................468 Wharton, Joseph W ................................................. 497 Whedon, W illiam T ................................................. 365 Wheeler, Charles S. . .118, 119, 123, 128, 386, 388 Wheeler, Charles S., Jr...........................................386 Wheeler, H o m e r ...................................................... 510 Wheelock W illiam ................................................460 Whitaker, Albert C ...........................................178, 179 Whitcomb, Charles T. C .........................................107 White, Henry C ........................................................115 White, Ralph R ......................................................... 451 White, W alter A ....................................................... 190 White, Wilbert W .....................................................318 White, W illiam C ..................................................... 468 Whitehead, Jacob P ................................................. 107 Whitford, Clay B ......................................................371 W hitford, Greeley W .............................371, 372, 373 Whitford, Kent S ................................................. y | W Whiting, William F ................................ 107, 108, 353 Whitla, W illiam F ................................................... 453 W hitlock, L. J............................................................452 Whitney, Allen S ........................ ............................ 365 W hitney, John ........................................2, 3, 7, 8, 9 W hitten, John E ................................................. 24, 163 Wickersham, James A ............................................. 161 Wilcox, Frank N ....................................................... 134 Wilcox, Fred E ..........................................................135 Wilcox, Wallace J..................................................... 135 Wild, J o h n ...................................................... .. •• • -436 W ilder, Webster ............................................416, 417 W ilder, Webster, Jr................................................. 417 Wilhelm, Henry W .......................... ........................ 135