Eta History

The

A Special Supplement to Our Magazine

THIRD DEGREE The Journal of the Eta Alumni Association of Phi Sigma Kappa at the University of Maryland

History of the Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa at the University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 1920-1927

Eta Alumni Association of Phi Sigma Kappa

Todd B. Hoffman ‘82, Secretary

12806 Silverbirch Lane Laurel, Maryland 20708

J. Victor Alonso ‘13, Treasurer John J. B. Wright, Esq. ‘82, Second Vice President

301-206-5472 alumni@psk-eta.com www.alumni.psk-eta.com

Christopher M. Flood ‘13, First Vice President Joseph E. Criscuoli ‘82, President

December 31, 2017 It is a tremendous privilege to share with you this special issue of our magazine, The THIRD DEGREE. Since the re-vitalization of our association, in 2010, we have published many items detailing the history of the Eta Chapter. Our members have been most forthcoming in sharing their stories, and all of our readers have enjoyed being regaled with these tales, both small and tall.

In this special issue we are publishing, for only the second time in the 120 years since the establishment of the our chapter, the written history of the very earliest days of the Eta Chapter at the University of Maryland, College Park.

We wish to sincerely thank the following individuals for their contributions to the publication of this very special issue:  Julianne Katherine Wright Cannon, for her excellent transcription of the original typewritten document into a digital file;  Grace M. Criscuoli, for extraordinary proofreading services so important to this publication.  The late David B. Lloyd H’51 for his historic video detailing the history of the Skull & Coffin Society and the early years of the Eta Chapter, from which several still images were extracted and placed into this publication.  Dr. Drury G. Bagwell TT’61, and former Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park, for providing the missing pieces of this important history.  Kenneth A. Hall H’87 , for sharing with us his examination of the history of the chapter, written while he was an undergraduate at the University of Maryland, College Park.  Anne S. K. Turkos, University Archivist at the University of Maryland, College Park, for her continued support of our efforts to document and preserve the history of our chapter.  The past members of the Executive Committee of the Eta Alumni Association of Phi Sigma Kappa Wayne H. Bethards H‘59, Peter J. Della-Croce H‘99, and J. Eric Vinson H‘86 - for helping to bring our association to the point where our history is relevant for, important to, and welcomed by, so many.

All the Very Best, Enjoy the Read, and Damn Proud,

J. Victor Alonso, ’13 Treasurer

Todd B. Hoffman, ’82 Secretary

John J. B. Wright, Esq., ’82 Second Vice President

Christopher M. Flood, ’13 Joseph E, Criscuoli ’82 First Vice President President

Contents 3 Preface 8 Foreword 9 College Year of 1920-1921 15 College Year of 1921-1922 23 College Year of 1922-1923 27 College Year of 1923-1924 34 College Year of 1924-1925 38 College Year of 1925-1926 39 College Year of 1926-1927 The THIRD DEGREE

1

Dedication This publication is dedicated to all the members, past, present and future, of the Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa.

Through good times and bad, and through two World Wars, a group of men remained loyal to their fraternal bonds and to their University of Maryland.

It is fitting that the earliest days of our chapter be recounted in writing, for all to read and share.

2

The THIRD DEGREE

Preface This history of the Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa actually begins in 1897 in Baltimore, Maryland, the original home of the University of Maryland. As a preface to the history of the formation of the local Secret Order of the Skull and Coffin at the College Park Campus, we present a selection from the book, “Phi Sigma Kappa - A History: 1873 - 1923�, written by Frank Prentice Rand and published by The Council of Phi Sigma Kappa in 1923.

The Earliest Eta When Eta was inducted into the Fraternity, Tom Swann Tompkins. erstwhile of Delta, was the proselyting agent. Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Zeta, each in turn, had added a chapter to the list. Eta was really Epsilon's contribution. But Epsilon was in no condition for missionary work, and so, let us say, Delta in the spirit of the Brotherhood stepped forward to bear her burden for her.

Tompkins was the only affiliate charter member of Eta. Ten other men constituted the pioneer roll, most significant of whom, as far as our history is concerned, was James Spicer Murray. Brother John A. Cutter, responsible for much of the early expansion of the fraternity, went to Baltimore and on January 8, 1897 inducted the candidates, one by one, in the Eutaw House, after which there was the usual banquet. On his way back to New York he stopped at Morgantown, thus affording Delta her first visitation from the Council.

James Spicer Murray later gave this report of the Eta induction:

Eutaw House, in Baltimore, the site of the induction of the Eta Chapter in 1897

"We were inducted at the Eutaw House by Brother John A. Cutter, whose secret movements, mysterious gestures, and important consultation with Affiliate Brother Tompkins created the most intense anxiety and wonderment. It was noticed that, like the fable of the wolf and the fox, the initiated candidates never came back to tell us what the tests were and how they fared, and really we grew solicitous about their being alive at all. The last man began to think that Dr. Cutter was holding a vivisection clinic, judging from the strange noises and muffled sounds that came from Room 108 C."

The Official Crest of Phi Sigma Kappa (circa. 1890)

Overleaf: Pages from the 1921 edition of Terrae Mariae, the yearbook of the University of Maryland features the membership of the Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa while still in Baltimore.

The THIRD DEGREE

3

4

The THIRD DEGREE

The THIRD DEGREE

5

Reproduction of the original cover of the document, which measured 8.5” (wide) x 11” (high), bearing the signature of the author, Edgar Farr Russell, H ’22

6

The THIRD DEGREE

History of Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa at the University of Maryland College Park, MD 1920-1927 by Edgar Farr Russell H, ‘22 This History is dedicated to the memory of two men closely associated in the early history of Eta Chapter: Dr. Tollef Bernard Thompson Professor of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Maryland Died 1925 ~~~~~*~~~~~ Brother Ralph Monzelle Sipes '27 Engineering Student at the University of Maryland Joined the Chapter Invisible 1927 ~~~~

The THIRD DEGREE

7

Foreword This history of the formation of the local Skull and Coffin at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, the initiation of its members into the Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa, and the story of the years 1923-1927 of Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa, is an interesting and valuable little fraternal pamphlet. Particularly is this true if and when a later edition of Phi Sigma Kappa history is written. It is from such material as this that the compilation of a future national history can be collated. One could wish that every chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa has as comprehensive a permanent record.

Charles R Huff Regional Vice President, Southern Region - Phi Sigma Kappa Washington, 1931

Editor’s Note: To preserve the historical look and feel of this document, in as much as this is possible using updated publishing techniques, we have retained the single-column format of the original document. Artwork and illustrations have been added where possible to enhance the document. Beyond this, no editing has been undertaken, and little has been done to change the document in any way.

Joseph E. Criscuoli President, Eta Alumni Association of Phi Sigma Kappa College Park, 2017

8

The THIRD DEGREE

College Year 1920-1921 – The Beginning The history of the Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa at the College Park Branch of the University of Maryland really begins with the founding of the local Secret Order of Skull and Coffin on October 20, 1920, because to this local society or fraternity came initiation into Phi Sigma Kappa on May 18 and 19, 1923. Eta Chapter had existed at the University of Maryland in Baltimore since January 8, 1897 but as the University of Maryland in Baltimore and the Maryland State College in College Park were not joined into one institution-- the University of Maryland-- until 1920, Phi Sigma Kappa was not represented on the College Park Campus until the previously mentioned May 1923.

During the years of 1919 and 1920 the higher educational system of the state of Maryland underwent a radical change. Previous to this time there existed at College Park, MD, the Maryland State College, comprising within its scope, Engineering, Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, other kindred undergraduate curricula and a graduate school. Located in Baltimore was the University of Maryland, with graduate departments of Medicine, Law, Commerce, Pharmacy, Business and Dentistry. When the students of both institutions returned to school in the fall of 1920, they found that the two institutions were combined into one united University of Maryland.

Phi Sigma Kappa had established the Eta Chapter in Baltimore in 1897 and it drew primarily its personnel from the graduate departments. However under the reorganization of the University on 1920, it was seen that the establishment of a branch of Eta at College Park was a logical necessity. The initiative in this matter was left entirely by the council of Phi Sigma Kappa to the active Eta Chapter in Baltimore. A few local fraternities at College Park had approached the chapter for the purpose of establishing a branch but the active chapter in each case determined that the time was not quite auspicious for the move. The success of the establishment of a branch of the Beta Chapter at Union in Albany had convinced the higher officials of the fraternity that the move was also feasible at Maryland. For several years, Brother Walter Brandes, E '14, then on the Council had made a careful study of conditions at College Park.

The Skull and Coffin Fraternity, which was to become a part of Phi Sigma Kappa, was founded upon the intimate association and friendship of three men later to be brothers in Phi Sigma Kappa. On October 20, 1920 while the University of Maryland was starting its new role as the State University, George Allen Wick '23, conceived the idea of formally making their friendship into a brotherhood. All three had known each other for years and had attended Tech High School in Washington, D.C. together. It was natural that such a time of new growth and outlook for the University should evoke similar feelings in the minds of the students at College Park. Other local fraternities were founded at about the same time, viz: Sigma Tau Alpha, (later to become 'a chapter of Delta Sigma Phi). Delta Psi Omega (to become Alpha Tau Omega); and Delta Mu (to become Theta Chi) and finally the next year, Sigma Tau Omega. The local Nu Sigma Omicron, and the three nationals, Sigma Nu, Kappa Alpha (Southern) and Sigma Phi Sigma had all been on the campus for some time. It is not pleasant but true that an excellent spirit did not prevail among the existing fraternities, nor between them and the new Skull and Coffin Fraternity and the other new locals. Skull and Coffin was hampered in many ways by petty meanness's and did not find its prospects a bed of roses by any means.

The University of Maryland, College Park - 1920 The THIRD DEGREE

9

The early chapter history bears a striking resemblance to the national history of the order. The chapter met with many trials and discouragements, financial and otherwise, but one feature in its favor continued to prevail --the chapter picked its new men because they were liked and not because of the prestige they were supposed to bring to the fraternity. In this way a true brotherhood of friends was carefully brought about.

In founding Skull and Coffin several different types of organizations were considered first, a mystical society with "terrible" aspects patterned after a Chinese tong; second, the usual local greek letter fraternity; and finally, a social club, the like of which may be found at Yale and Harvard. However through the suggestion of Kenneth Baldwin Chappell '23, who is now a lieutenant in the Marine Corps" and who had been taken into the confidence of the three Founders of S. & C., a secret society was formally adopted on October 20, 1920. This society no doubt partook of all the characteristics of the three proposed types of organizations.

Various names for the newly born order were next discussed, and Skull and Coffin was chosen from six similar names. In the meantime the membership of the order was increased by seven new men. These seven caused the term, "Mystical Seven" to be applied in the ritual and initiations as did the first three members with the corresponding term, "Mystical Three". The order's hat-bands because of this significance bore three one-eighth inch gray stripes on a two inch black band, black and gray being the colors of S. & C.; black representing the "black of the coffin" and grey, the dust of the bones", The seven new men were: Kenneth Baldwin Chappell '23; Williard Eugene Zepp '23; John Philip Schaefer '23; John Wesley Mumford Jr. '23; Raymond Blauvelt Reed '24; Ernest Alexander Graves '23; and Ralph Joseph Breisch '24. Seven rubies representing the "Mystical Seven" appeared in the crown on the coat-of-arms..

Seven stood also for the first seven officers, viz. Edgar F. Russell, President; The Coat of Arms of the Secret Order of Mortimer B. Morehouse, Vice Pres., J.P. Schaefer, Recording Secretary; J.W. Skull and Coffin.

Mumford Jr., Corresponding Secretary; G. Allen Wick, Treasurer; K.B. Chappell, Sergeant-at-arms; and R.B. Reed Historian. Breisch who was somewhat older than the rest of the members and who had seen service during the World War, left college at Easter because he was needed at his home in Catawissa, PA, and he never returned. For this reason he never became a Phi Sig when S. & C. was initiated into Phi Sigma Kappa.

The pins were adopted from a design submitted by Russell and consisted of a gray skull pierced by a gold dagger, both of which were mounted on a conventional black coffin. Twenty opals for "bad luck" carried out the date of the founding, opals representing October and the number of them, twenty, showing the twentieth of the month and 1920.

These jewels formed a border on the pin.

The pin was nine-sixteenths of an inch high.

Skull and Coffin had two whistles, a call and an answer, the call originated in a derision of Delta Psi Omega, whom the order did not care much for and the answer was the first half dozen notes of the Star Spangled Banner. The fraternity flowers were red and white roses for "unity" and rhododendrons for "beware".

10

The THIRD DEGREE

Left: Calvert Hall, the original meeting place of the Skull & Coffin Society.

Below: The attic rooms of Calvert Hall, where Skull & Coffin Society got its start.

A motto "virtute Non Astutia"(by virtue and not by craft) was adopted from the suggestion of a friend of the order, who was a Maryland student named George Gifford. The motto in time came to be translated into foolishness by the members as "Virtue, no studies". The coat-of-arms, which has been previously mentioned was the design of the pin surmounted by a ducal crown in which the seven rubies were set. The motto was inscribed on a scroll beneath it.

So much for the early secrets and ritual. As time went on during the first year of 1920-1921 other features, such as the handshake, constitution, and pledge pin were added or improved on.

Brother Schaefer’s home in Meetings were held each week in the different members rooms, Riverdale, Maryland. which at that time meant in Calvert Hall, and often by way of special celebration, a meeting, supper, or smoker was held in the home of Brother Schaefer in Riverdale, MD. or in the home of Dr. Raymond Reed, one of the professors in College Park, MD. Dr. Reed who is a Phi Sig from Cornell, made the boys welcome, and especially so as his son Ray Reed was one of the "Mystical Seven". S&C was always glad to make the trip to Schaefer's also; after the meetings, Mrs. Schaefer gave the brothers everything to eat that boys like. What days those were; in these meetings and feasts there is another likeness to the history of the National Fraternity. Rand's "History of Phi Sigma Kappa"is very explicit on this point in the first chapters of the book, for it seems as though the "old boys" of 1873 spent a large part of their spare time in eating and having a good time.

Naturally most every local fraternity has in mind the joining of some good national fraternity, so "S&C" as the order became to be known began to look about for some acceptable fraternity, Edward Browne, a student at the University of Maryland and a Sigma Chi man suggested his own fraternity and this met with the approval of the members.

Overleaf: Pages from the 1921 edition of Terrae Mariae, the yearbook of the University of Maryland presents Albert F. Woods, the President of the University of Maryland..

Below: Brother Edgar Farr Russell, Class of 1922, as profiled in the 1922 edition of Terrae Mariae, the yearbook of the University of Maryland. Russell, the author of “History of Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa at the University of Maryland - College Park, MD 1920-1927,” would also go on to design the first official flag of Phi Sigma Kappa.

The THIRD DEGREE

11

12

The THIRD DEGREE

The THIRD DEGREE

13

Before any action was taken however, the more important matters of rushing new men and of obtaining formal recognition by the university took most of the members' attention and the matter was dropped for the present.

Formal recognition was granted by Dr. A. F. Woods, the President of the University in a letter during March of 1921. The Chapter also applied for representation on the Inter-Fraternity Council but were refused admission.

The outstanding reason was that the Inter-Fraternity Council was in no great hurry to grant us any such prestige. It is a fact that because of this and other petty slights, S & C did not join the Inter-Fraternity Council for a long time; even after a year or so when the opportunity was offered. Skull and Coffin never joined until they made Phi Sigma Kappa and even then there was a discussion as to whether it would be best. The Chapter felt that it was strong enough without the advice, domination, and prestige of the Inter-Fraternity Council.

At the end of the rushing season in the spring of 1921, four men were found wearing the black and gray pledge ribbons. Ribbons were used at first as a preliminary badge as the order had not supplied itself with the black coffin pledge pins which were soon to be familiar on the campus. The four men who brought the total membership to fourteen were: Mason Carpenter Albrittain '23, William Milburne Jones '23, Ralph Monzelle Sipes '27, and Lee Aloysious Cohee '24. Ralph Sipes was the first man of College Park Eta to join the Chapter Invisible. He died on January 19, 1927.

On June 4, 1921 a theater party was given at Keith's to the four new men, and in the last issue of the college weekly of the year, this event appeared on the front page. It was the first time that any Skull and Coffin activities were publicly announced to the University.

Thus ended the first year of Skull and Coffin. It was not brilliant but it laid the foundation for a bigger brotherhood to be. The friendships made during the year were strengthened during the summer; especially so at the R.O.T.C. camp held in Plattsburg Barracks, NY. The brothers who attended and who lived together even more intimately than at college were: Ray Reed, Mason Albrittain, Ernie Graves, Bill Jones, Phil Schaefer, K. B. Chapell, Mortimer Morehouse, Lambda'24, and Ed Russell. Garett Embry and Edward Richardson were in camp too but at that time they had not been taken into the order.

After camp one meeting was held to bridge the summer gap until school opened. This was held at the home of Bro. Russell and was a case of pleasure before business.

The Kinney Crest of Phi Sigma Kappa was compiled by a Committee headed by Burton Kinney, Alpha '82.

Although never used officially, the design did ultimately evolve into the Official Crest.

14

The THIRD DEGREE

College Year 1921-1922 – The Development The second year of Skull and Coffin was that of expansion and internal improvement. The officers were G.A. Wick, President; W.M. Jones, Vice-President; R.M. Sipes and W.E. Zepp, treasurers; J.P. Schaefer, recording secretary; J.W. Mumford, Jr, Corresponding secretary; K.B. Chappell, Sergt. at Arms; and R.B. Reed, Historian.

Mortimer Morehouse, the Vice President of the year before, did not return to Maryland in the fall of 1921 but attended George Washington University in Washington. Here, he was promptly pledged into Phi Sigma Kappa and in due time was initiated into the fraternity. Although away from Maryland, Bro, Morehousse attended many of the meetings of Skull and Coffin, and he put Skull and Coffin in touch with Bro. Walter Brandes, the National Auditor of Phi Sigma Kappa. Many visits were made by the members to confer with Brandes. and he in turn visited and inspected Skull and Coffin at College Park. All of these events led to a great friendship and interest. and plans were made for the presentation of the Society to the Brothers of Eta Chapter in Baltimore, MD. The idea was, that if the brothers in Baltimore approved of the members of Skull and Coffin in College Park, a branch of Phi Sigma Kappa was to be established in College park using Skull and Coffin as a nucleus.

On October 20, 1921, the order celebrated its first birthday by attending the theater in a body. On November 4 a smoker was given at the Continental Hotel in Washington. Dick Liebert, Washington's famous entertainer, played for the evening

An advertisement (above) and postcard (right) featuring the Hotel Continental, built circa. 1910 on 420 N. Capital & E St. facing Union Station and Capital Plaza and demolished prior to 1975.

The THIRD DEGREE

15

During the existence of S&C, the question was often brought up about the suitability of the name Skull and Coffin. Many members, especially Ernest A. Graves '23, who was affectionately known as Ernie or “Buzzard”, claimed that it was difficult for outsiders to understand the true significance of the order by the name. After weeks of talk at the meetings, it was finally passed that there should be two names, “Skull and Coffin” for the use within the order and the Greek letters “Sigma Kappa” for use without. Also it was decided that we should have a publication to be called “The Sigma Kappa”.

The official jeweler of the order all during its existence was the firm of Schmidie in Washington. One of the firm's members, a young man named Mr. Duehring, became very friendly with us, and as time progressed he suggested that the order petition his fraternity, Delta Upsilon, for a chapter. While appreciating his kind interest, it was decided to continue with the efforts toward getting into Phi Sigma Kappa not only because this fraternity was liked but because Morehouse had helped keep all interested in it.

During the year a large felt banner was secured. This was used at initiations and dances, and if size is anything to be admired, this banner was wonderful. It was larger than any which was used by the other fraternities and always showed off to advantage when displayed with the others. The banner itself was black with the large Gothic letters of gray, “Skull and Coffin”.

Initiations were much improved, both physical and ritual. The physical initiations were held in the woods west of the university and always started at 12 Midnight. The candidates assembled at a crossroads, and after a gong solemnly struck out the hour, hidden members appeared and each candidate was blindfolded and taken by a member to the “Delta Rendezvous” deep in the woods. This name, “Delta Rendezvous”, was used because at the scene of the initiation, three immense logs had been rolled together to form a triangle, or Delta. A large fire always burned in the space between the logs; this not only gave a desired effect but was often much needed, for initiations were sometimes held in the middle of winter. “...each candidate was blindfolded and taken

The ritual usually followed several days later and was held at by a member to the ‘Delta Rendezvous’ deep in the woods.” the home of some member. Not yet had the order secured a house. Houses of any type were hard to either buy or rent in College Park, and little money could be spared by the order for either purpose. This did not place Skull and Coffin at the disadvantage which might be supposed, as every fraternity at Maryland did not have a house at that time. If a private room could be secured, fraternity men were thankful for that.

On January 14, 1922, the members gave a dance at the Dupont studio in Washington. Prof. And Mrs. H.C. Wiley attended, and Prof. Wiley was soon pledged to the order. Later Dr. T. B. Thompson, another professor, was pledged. Dr. Thompson had been approached by Sigma Tau Alpha (now the national Delta Sigma Phi) and the local Sigma Tau Omega, and he had refused both bids. Naturally Skull and Coffin was somewhat elated when Dr. Thompson accepted S&C's offer. Dr Thompson, who was very helpful to Skull and Coffin, is now dead. He was killed in 1925 while standing with his back to an approaching train at Riverdale, Maryland, where he lived. On November 1, 1924, he had left the University as Professor of Economics and Business Administration and had become the acting chief of the Division of Documents at the Library of Congress. An article in the “Washington Post” at the time of his death stated, “Dr. Tollef Bernard Thompson was 47 years old. He received degrees from universities here and abroad and was a linguist of note, specializing in Scandinavian languages. He held professorships in the University of South Dakota, The American University, and the University of Maryland, being on leave from the faculty of the latter institution at the time of his death.

He was active in the Masonic Fraternity.”

16

The THIRD DEGREE

“The Diamondback” in it's writeup reported that Dr. Thompson attended Concordia College and Valparaiso University, from which institution he graduated in 1901. From 1902 to 1909 he studied abroad doing graduate work in the University of Christiania, University of Berlin, and University of Greifswold obtaining the Ph. D. Degree from the latter institution. He also studied in the Universities of Minnesota, Chicago, South Dakota and Iowa. He came to Maryland in July 1919.

Professor Raymond Clifford Wiley, who teaches chemistry is still at Maryland. He received his M. A. from Maryland in 1922, and although he was initiated along with Dr. Thompson into Skull and Coffin on March 28, 1922, he never became a Phi Sig when Skull and Coffin was initiated as a group into the Eta Chapter in 1923. Working for his Ph. D. gave him little time for fraternity affairs.

On January 23, 1922, at one of the meetings it was explained that Skull and Coffin was not to be allowed to have its picture placed in the annual with the other fraternities but because of the Order's short existence was to be put in with clubs. This was purely discrimination, and Skull and Coffin showed its spirit by deciding to go in either as a fraternity or not at all. What finally happened was that Skull and Coffin and Delta Mu went into the annual together under the title, secret societies.

On February 18, 1922, a dance was given by the society at the home of Miss Esther Stieg in Washington. Being a friend of Phil Schaefer '23, she generously invited all the boys with their girls to her home. For many days after there were conversations based on the S. and C.'s “Prom” at Esther's home.

Early in the spring of 1922, membership certificates or shingles were provided for the members. These were cards about 5 by 7 inches, suitable for framing and had the following inscription:

Page 317 from the 1922 edition of Terrae Mariae, the yearbook of the University of Maryland, presents the “Secret Societies” title page after which Skull & Coffin’s pages were presented.

Know Ye That: (Name) Has been duly initiated and received into Skull and Coffin University of Maryland Date Secretary President At the top of the cards appeared the official coat-of-arms. Bro Brandes, the Auditor of Phi Sigma Kappa, complimented the order on them.

On March 18, 1922, a smoker was held. Even during the comparatively early history it may be seen that a variety of entertainments were being given.

Overleaf: Pages from the 1922 edition of Terrae Mariae, the yearbook of the University of Maryland, presents the members of the Secret Order of Skull and Coffin.

The THIRD DEGREE

17

18

The THIRD DEGREE

The THIRD DEGREE

19

On March 21, a resolution was offered by Bro. Chappell, which today may seem peculiar but which then was a necessary one: “Whereas: In the past, the members of Skull and Coffin have not been under any restriction in regard to the wearing of the pin and, Whereas: Due to this, nobody in the organization has felt any obligation in this respect and, Whereas: As a consequence, the members think that they are not compelled to wear the pin at all times on the campus, therefore: Be it resolved that each and every member shall wear the pin under all conditions and shall be required to do so under compulsion”.

Bro. Zepp moved that this resolution be adopted. This motion was seconded and passed. That any man has to be ordered to wear his fraternity pin is astonishing, but at that time, there was a laxity in displaying the emblem.

A goating day was held on March 22, 1922. Goats: C. Holmes, S. Powers, R. Dougall, H. Terry, M. Brothers, and E. M. Richardson reported for instruction and “improvement”. Goat Holmes managed to forestall the improvement being given him for a long while, for he had carefully padded his trousers. The motto for the occasion was, “Better late than never”, and he went home a sadder but wiser goat. Two of these goats, Terry and Brothers, were initiated a few days later on the twenty-fifth of the month. Both men soon came to be an asset to the order.

On March 28, 1922, our two faculty pledges, Prof R.C. Wiley and Dr. T. B. Thompson were initiated; that is they were given the ritual. Of course the physical initiation was dispensed with for them. The attitude of the order towards its faculty members may be seen in an excerpt from the minutes of 1922, “Professors are to be regarded as true brothers, and members are to work with them and for the same ideals”. Both professors did all within their power to aid the order, and the financial system was much improved under the guidance of Dr. Thompson.

Beginning on April 4, 1922 the weekly meetings were held in a classroom in Morrill Hall. Not only did this give the order more room, which was needed because of the increased membership, but it gave more privacy to the meetings. When the meetings were held in the various members' rooms, there was always a chance that some outsider would interrupt.

Perhaps on this meeting night was the first serious mention made of obtaining a fraternity house. Brother Wick had had a talk with Walt Brandes, the Auditor of Phi Sigma Kappa, and it was learned that before Phi Sigma Kappa would allow Skull and Coffin to become a branch of Eta Chapter, a house would need to be obtained.

A week later on April 11, all members were warned to keep secret the fact that Skull and Coffin was trying to make Phi Sigma Kappa. It was said that if the intentions of S. & C. became known, the other fraternities would do all they possibly could to prevent Phi Sigma Kappa from being installed at Maryland. The wisdom of this precaution was seen later. The secret never leaked out, but when the order Morrill Hall (circa. 1935) is now the oldest building on did make Phi Sigma Kappa, in 1923, Delta Psi Omega campus at the University of Maryland. and Sigma Phi Sigma made feeble gestures doubting the 20

The THIRD DEGREE

legality of Phi Sigma Kappa coming to Maryland. As Brandes was having more and more business to do with the order, the following resolution was proposed by Bro. Russell: “We the members of the Skull and Coffin Secret Society through our president Mr. George A. Wick, give Mr. Brandes full power to negotiate with us and ask us questions relative to our organization.” This resolution was accepted and a copy sent to Brandes. Bro. Wick also urged the members “to keep themselves neat and have beards shaved” as Brandes was going to visit S. and C. from time to time.

Morrill Hall was the scene of another meeting on April 25. Mike Brothers was appointed Chaplain and Rudolph Regis Chasser was pledged after the meeting.

On May 9, 1922, Goats Ryon, Holmes, Prangley and Chasser were given the ritual at Ray Reed's home. This was followed by a fine supper and four boys went to bed that night, happy with their new membership in a congenial brotherhood. Some may be curious to know what the dues of Skull and Coffin were at about this time. According to the minutes of 1922 they were $2 a month.

On May 12, Skull and Coffin may be said to have received the first formal recognition from any Maryland fraternity.

On the night of May 12, the order sent a representation to a Delta Mu dance at the Raleigh Hotel in Washington after having received an invitation from them.

Images from the Raleigh Hotel include a color postcard indicating “ Pennsylvania Avenue at night showing searchlight from The Raleigh on the Washington Monument”, a photo of the dining room and a photo of the hotel lobby.

The THIRD DEGREE

21

Delta MU and Skull and Coffin were always on good terms, and for a while there was even talk of the two fraternities uniting. Because of minor differences, however, and other more important business, this matter was never pressed and never came to be.

Officers were elected for the following college year. These were: G.A. Wick, President; M. Jones, VicePresident; J. P. Schaefer, Secretary; E. Zepp, Treasurer, S. Powers, Corresponding Secretary; M. C. Albrittain, Sergeant- at- arms; and R.B. Reed, Historian. Ernie Graves, alias “Buzzard”, was appointed chairman of the Initiation Committee, and the initiation fee was raised to $25. This fee, however, included along with membership a jeweled pin, certificate, and stationary which were to be given to each new member on the day he received his ritual.

The last social event of the year was a dance given at Ray Reed’s home on May 20, 1922, in honor of the new men. This night also celebrated the twenty-first birthdays of Brothers Reed and Schaefer. The night was a perfect moonlight one and from the order's publication, “Sigma Kappa”, one may read, “ The activities of the year were terminated with a party at Dr. Reed's home in College Park to celebrate the birthdays of the S. and C. twins, Phil Schaefer and Ray Reed, who both reached man's estate on May 20. University Music helped everyone step it off when they weren't on the porch looking for the moon.”

On May 31 Dr and Mrs. Thompson entertained S. and C. at their home in Riverdale, MD. From the “Sigma Kappa” we read that refreshments of ice cream and cake were generously served by Mrs. Thompson during the evening. Considering the size of the chapter and the corresponding appetites, this was quite an undertaking by Mrs. Thompson.

And so the second year of Skull and Coffin came to a successful conclusion. The order had grown and was preparing for the third year-- the year of attainment-- the year when Phi Sigma Kappa should open it's doors in a wide welcome. Honors came to many of the S and C brothers during these two years described. “Pinky” Albrittain; “Dream” Chappell; and “Bill” Jones made Scabbard and Blade, the honorary military fraternity; “Wes” Mumford was an Alpha Zeta man; and Phil Schaefer was the Battalion Sergeant Major. Many of the other brothers held corresponding positions of responsibility in college affairs and activities.

Just two of these would have paid your annual dues in 1921.

22

The THIRD DEGREE

College Year 1922-1923 – The Attainment The first meeting of the third year was held on October 10, after being opened by Bro. Mumford with a prayer.

Bro. Wick told the chapter that the only requirement that Skull and Coffin had not fulfilled toward making Phi Sigma Kappa was that S. and C. had not as yet obtained a house. He suggested that at least a lot for a house be bought in order to prove that the chapter was not inactive. He also warned the members that good scholastic marks must be gotten by each member as Phi Sigma Kappa did not tolerate poor students. Everett Embry and Galen McKeever were voted on and passed for membership in the order.

Skull and Coffin at this time stood very high in the Military Department. With the organization of the battalion in the fall it was found that of the three companies, two of the captains were S. and C. men. These were Brothers Jones and Embrey; Phil Schaefer was the Battalion Adjutant with the rank of Captain; Wick and Chappell were First Lieutenants; and Graves, Mumford, and Richardson were Second Lieutenants. There is no telling how many of the members of S. and C. were non-commissioned officers. Skull and Coffin actually had the military “sewed up”, something which has not been repeated since by the order.

On October 17, Bro. Brothers as chaplain gave a prayer for our success. Jones, Mumford and Reed were appointed a committee to secure a house, and the time was soon approaching when S. and C. was to live under its own roof.

On November 7 the official coat-of-arms was presented to the chapter by Bro. Russell, who was then an alumnus. November 24 was set as the initiation date for goats Embrey and McKeever.

As various propositions were passed back and forth in regard to uniting with Delta Mu, Brother Wick was given authority on Nov. 21 to deal with them. Bro. Dougall (of contagious laugh fame) brought up the name of George Henri Schmidt '26 who was known as Count, and it was passed by the order. Dr. Raymond Reed and Walter Brandes both of Phi Sigma Kappa were made honorary members in Skull and Coffin at this meeting.

On December 5 Bro. Wick reported on the Delta Mu proposition. They told him they had a house and wanted Skull and Coffin to unite with them but under their name.

They also explained that “didn't need any help”, meaning money, A committee was appointed to go into the entire matter further. Brothers Wick, Reed, and Jones were the committee, but the minor differences previously set forth were obstacles too great to be surmounted.

The greatest difference felt by the brothers of S. and C. was that the Delta Mu boys were too different a type to really mix in with the S and C. if a union of the two fraternities ever occurred. Many regrets no doubt passed in both brotherhoods as to the failure of the union, but a kindly feeling continued to prevail. It must be remembered that Delta Mu was the first organization to really recognize Skull and Coffin on the campus.

Hail to old Delta Mu! Now Theta Chi.

The THIRD DEGREE

Then and Now: In 1921 a secret society known as Delta Mu was the first to recognize Skull and Coffin, and now we know this group as Theta Chi. 23

“Frat Plans Housewarming” “The Skull and Coffin Fraternity-- otherwise known as Sigma Kappa-- will have a housewarming at its new home in College Park, shortly after New Year's Day it was announced today. The announcement stated that the fraternity had obtained a bungalow and will move in at the beginning of the second collegiate term.

The fraternity in the announcement extends invitation to friends of the members for the housewarming and for future social events” On February 7 another prayer was offered for success in chapter affairs. Between “Wes” Mumford and “Mike” Brothers, the members seem to have often had prayers offered in their behalf. No wonder that Skull and Coffin made Phi Sigma Kappa! On this date, the members learned that S. and C. could be on the Inter-Fraternity Council if they so desired. A suggestion that a representative be sent to the Inter-Fraternity Council was rigorously opposed by all the other members of S. and C. who remembered the shabby treatment they had received at the hands of the Council previously.

Brother Brothers was elected Critic on March 20. His was the thankless job of pointing out the members' faults. Karl Grahm Pheiffer '26, the brother of John Pheiffer, a Phi Sig from Lehigh was voted on and passed this same evening. Also was Russel Bunton White '25.

An announcement and a house.

On April 17 Brother Wick at meeting read a letter from John Pheiffer relative to his sending a recommendation on behalf of S. and C. to the brothers at Eta Chapter in Baltimore. Many Phi Sigs were working at this time to help Skull and Coffin make Phi Sigma Kappa. Brothers Morehouse of Lambda; Marshall Davis of Mu, Brandes of Epsilon; and Dr. R. C. Reed of Gamma, were all giving recommendations and aiding the order with advice.

All College Park Eta brothers owe these men a debt of gratitude. It was decided at this meeting that all the members should attend the Episcopal church in College Park as a group on the following Sunday. The minister had sent a cordial invitation to the brothers, and they accepted. From the minute book at this time in 1923 it is seen that the order had five men pledged: Herbert Stanley Schaefer '26, the younger brother of Phil; Frederick Church Matson '26 who afterward transferred to Mu chapter at Lehigh; Russell Bunton White '25, who transferred to Psi Chapter at Virginia after graduation to study law; John Hanson Mitchell '26, who also transferred to Virginia but before graduation; and Karl Grahm Pfeiffer '26.

On April 25, 1923, at a regular meeting it was decided to actually petition the Eta Chapter in Baltimore, and recommendations from the various deans, professors, and fraternities at College Park were to be secured. This apparently never happened, and it is very doubtful whether the other fraternities would have been so obliging.

At this meeting the name of Martin Harris White '26, who is the son of “Doc” White the ex-big league ball player, was passed.

A special meeting was called by Bro. Wick on May 3. No mention was made of Phi Sigma Kappa at the meeting, but this was but a lull in the feverish activities of the chapter. Brother Wick was elected to represent S. and C. at the annual Delta Mu Ball.

On May 8, Phil Schaefer was elected to take Wick's place at the Ball as Wick could not attend. By this time Skull and Coffin had been informed by Eta Chapter in Baltimore that Phi Sigma Kappa was made and so it 24

The THIRD DEGREE

was decided at the next regular meeting to dissolve the order.

All dues were to be brought up to date and paid, all records straightened out, and the ritual to be burned. New officers were to be elected after the initiation into Phi Sigma Kappa. Brother Wick read the requirements which each brother must fulfill for the initiation on May 18 and 19. Brother Jones suggested that the goats should not be initiated until after the members had been taken into Phi Sigma Kappa, so that the goats would be able to wear the Phi Sigma Kappa pledge buttons on the campus. This suggestion was met with approval, put in the form of a motion, and passed.

On May 14 was a meeting of historical importance to the chapter. It was the last meeting of the Secret order of the Skull and Coffin. Brother Jones made the following motion: “The Secret Order of the Skull and Coffin has received official notice form the Eta Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa, Baltimore of our being voted upon favorably. In order to complete our former business negotiations and become initiated into Phi Sigma Kappa on May 18 and 19, I move that the Secret Order of the Skull and Coffin disband in pursuit of Phi Sigma Kappa's instructions.”

“Amendment” No man shall be considered released from the Skull and Coffin and eligible for Phi Sigma Kappa until all his dues and obligations shall have been paid.” Both the motion and amendment were passed.

The ritual was then burned, and Brother Jones now has the charred paper in a glass vial. The large banner was given to Brother Wick and the coat-of-arms to Brother Russell. The order then disbanded.

On May 18, 1923, the former officers of S. and C. were initiated by the Baltimore Eta men in the former Skull and Coffin house, and on the following day the remainder of the old S. and C. men were taken in. Phi Sigma Kappa had made her appearance on the College Park Campus. What an event this was. The other fraternities congratulated the new fraternity on the achievement, Sigma Phi Sigma in a somewhat doubtful way and Sigma Phi Sigma and Delta Psi Omega both questioning whether the establishment of Phi Sigma Kappa at College Park was “legal”.

What prevented there even being any question was that Phi Sigma Kappa had existed in the Baltimore Branch of the University since 1897 and was therefore not inducting a new chapter, but merely initiating men on the College Park Campus.

The first Phi Sigma Kappa meeting was held in the house on May 28. At this time May 29 was set as the date for the initiation of the goats, and these men went through according to schedule.

Brother Brandes, who had done so much both as a national officer and as a friend to Skull and Coffin, installed the chapter officers of College Park Eta on June 4, 1923. These were G. A. Wick, President; W. M. Jones, Vice-President; J. P. Schaefer, Secretary; W. E. Zepp, Treasurer; M. C. Albrittain Doorkeeper; and R. B. Reed, Auditor.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church - then and now.

The THIRD DEGREE

25

As each chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa has an Alumnus Adviser who supervises scholarship and acts as a mediator between college officials and the chapter, Prof. R. C. Reed, the father of Ray Reed, was suggested by Walt Brandes to fill this position for the newly established Eta Chapter. Prof. Reed, as has been stated, was a graduate of Cornell and an alumnus of Gamma. Brother Graves moved that the chapter recommend Brother Reed to the Grand Council as Adviser for Eta. This was seconded and unanimously passed. The dues were placed at $3 a month and were to continue during the summer months. How the boys began to “look up�!

Brother Powers was appointed to represent the chapter at a Chi Omega Dance. Chi Omega Sorority had recently come on the College Park Campus also but they were not destined to be there long. Coming as they did secretly and without much previous organization, they promptly ran aground on the college officials and other sororities and fraternities. While they lasted, however, a very cordial feeling existed between them and Phi Sigma Kappa. Brothers Prangley and Davis were selected to represent the chapter at the Sigma Tau Alpha (now Delta Sigma Phi) dance and Everett Embry to represent the chapter at the Kappa Alpha dance.

Invitations seemed to have poured in on the new Phi Sigma Kappa, and the chapter at last took its place on the Inter-Fraternity Council.

Brother Brandes gave a farewell talk and summer addresses were gathered by the members from each other.

The last meeting of the year 1922-1923 was held on June 11. Officers were elected for the year 1923-1924.

These were R. B. Reed, President; M. F. Brothers, Vice-President; W. F. Drexell, Secretary; A. F. Ryon, Treasurer; R. R. Chasser, Doorkeeper; and A. G. Prangley, Auditor. Brother Graves reported that the new pins would be ready on June 13, and then Brother Reed closed the meeting.

The third year of a strong brotherhood thus ended; the goal was reached in making Phi Sigma Kappa, but the Utopia was far from being reached. It has taken the continued efforts of the strongest men in the chapter to place Phi Sigma Kappa at Maryland where it is today, and it will take the efforts of many more to follow to keep it there.

At the end of the third year, Phi Sigma Kappa was found by the Registrar of the University to lead all the other national fraternities scholastically; this has never been repeated since by the chapter but has been deemed worthwhile and each year an effort had been made to regain the head of the list.

The modern Crest of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity 26

The THIRD DEGREE

College Year of 1923-1924 – The First Complete Year As Phi Sigma Kappa The fourth year of the brotherhood and the second year of Phi Sigma Kappa at Maryland was opened by Brother Reed '24 on September 18, 1923, in the old Skull and Coffin House. This house continued to be rented by the brothers all during the college year. Although there was much talk about getting a bigger home and buying it at that, no progress was made whatsoever. The next year (1924-1925), a worse house was rented; this was Bill White's old store rebuilt into a house, and it remained for the year after this one (19251926) before a home was purchased. However in Bill White's house, the chapter at least saved some money which was to be used as a first payment on the house to be bought later.

On September 25 there was discussion as to the chapter publication. As the order was no longer Skull and Coffin, all the brothers were urged to turn in names for the publication to take the place of the “Sigma Kappa”.

Much stress was laid on Eta's publication for it was said and rightfully so, that a chapter's publication is often the only way a chapter may be judged by the other chapters. As “The Signet”, Phi Sigma Kappa's national publication does not print chapter letters, it is imperative that each chapter get out a good publication several times a year. At this meeting it was also decided to buy a piano. Much talk was as usual expended on getting a new house and it was decided to buy Dean Zimmerman;s house. Of course this never came to be. Brother Harry Ahern of Lambda, visited the chapter this night and said that Lambda and Eta Chapters should give a Christmas dance together. It had always been characteristic of Lambda and Eta that the greatest cordiality has existed between the two. Naturally both are chapters of the same order but over and above this, the brothers have been more like men in the same chapter. Dances and smokers have and are given together frequently and many individual friendships have sprung up among the brothers of these two adjacent chapters. Ahern also recommended a Maryland student, Samuel Crosthwait, to us and in due time Crosthwait became a brother of Eta and a credit to the chapter. He and Brother Al Muzzy both played on the varsity lacrosse team.

Other future brothers were recommended this night. These were Howard Owen Embrey '27 who had been the Colonel of the High School Cadets in Washington, D.C.; William Day '27, Joseph McCabe ;'27; Rudolph Till '27 and Leston Parks '26. Dr T.B. Thompson; Prof. H.C. Wiley; and E.F. Russell all of the old Skull and Coffin were voted on and passed for membership in Phi Sigma Kappa. An election of officers concluded the business. Everett C. Embrey was elected the President; M.F. Brothers, Vice-President; William F Troxell, Secretary; Allison F. Ryon, Treasurer; James L. Dougall, Auditor; and Arthur Prangley, Inductor.

On October 2 the proposed house again occupied a prominent place in the discussion. K. Pfeiffer, A, Ryon, and M. F. Brothers were appointed on a House Committee to look into all available property in College Park.

As anyone knows who is familiar with College Park real estate, there is not much to pick from.

Brother Walt Brandes was present at the meeting of October 9, 1923. To use the words of the minutes for this year “he gave the chapter a much needed bawling out on having too many absentees from the meeting”. A laxity was gradually creeping in which was eventually to do harm As is the case when most local fraternities make a national, there is a let down. Due to new weakness in the chapter officers, a careless attitude bobs up.

This laxity was not to reach its climax until the next year in the make-shift house of Bill White's ex-store. At this meeting Bro. Selwyn Powers moved that brothers Walt Brandes, Dr. R. C. Reed, and Allen Wick act as the Alumni Organization of the College Park Eta Chapter. Not until April 30, 1925 were the alumni weld together when they met at a dinner at the Portland Hotel in Washington, D.C., as the College Park Alumni Association of the Eta Chapter, Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. Among other rights, this incorporated body is allowed to own property and the first Eta Chapter house was owned under its name. The Washington Eta Club The THIRD DEGREE

27

“For Victorian decorative exuberance—some would call it excess—few buildings in Washington could compare with the Portland Flats apartment house, which stood on a slender triangular lot just south of Thomas Circle from 1880 to 1962.

is now a chartered club of the Fraternity and meets often in Washington to renew college friendships and aid Phi Sigma Kappa nationally and at College Park.

At the meeting of October 15, Bro. Mumford who had been graduated the June before and who was now taking graduate work towards his M.A. Degree, reported that the brothers had not been taking the slightest interest in the chapter publication. Laxity seems to have been in the increase and was preparing for the next year when the chapter was to be on rather shaky ground. It was decided to fine absentees $1 for each meeting missed without a genuine reason. This rule was put in force and was instrumental in making attendance good at meetings.

The evening of November 12 was set for a chapter dance at the Brooke Tea House in Washington.

On October 22, the name for the chapter publication was chosen. The Eta Terrapin” won out over the “Eta Cub” and “The Eta Oriole”. Brother McKeeber suggests that the picture of the members of the active chapter be framed every year and kept in the house. This was done. Also the chapter received many of the old pictures of Baltimore Eta. These were brought over when the chapter was definitely transferred to College Park. Among them was a large engraving of a doctor which was donated by Bishop and Mrs. Wilson in memory of their son, Arthur S. Wilson H'08.

At the meeting mentioned above the following men were voted on and passed. Samuel Leland Crosthwait '27 who was later to bring Eta glory on the lacrosse field; Edward Nelson Snouffer '28; William Harrison Day '27; Joseph Ivey McCabe '27; Howard Owen Embry '27; Rudolph William Till '27; and David Dallas Jr. '27.

On October 29 Bro. K. Pfeiffer reported that no progress had been made on the house committee. A. F. Ryon brought up the subject that apparently some one had scratched the letters Phi Sigma Kappa on a cement walk, this brought forth an admonishing by the President, Bro. E. Embrey. He warned the brothers that the writing of the letters, Phi Sigma Kappa, or the three T's or anything which could be seen by outsiders was very bad taste. Likewise the brothers have been cautioned from time to time to avoid the use of the abominations: “frat”, “frat house”, “P.S.K.”, etc.

28

The THIRD DEGREE

A special meeting was called on October 31. It was decided to purchase the Power's (no relation to the Phi Sig Powers) house. That chapter affairs were rather hit or miss may be seen by the fact that after definitely deciding to buy the house, the matter was never pressed.

On November 5 it was passed in meeting to ask Bro. Walt Brandes for his picture which was to be hung in the house. Brandes had done much for the chapter and it was only natural that the brothers wished to have something to remember him by. Brother M. Brothers reported on the Inter-Fraternity Council at Maryland.

He said it seemed as though Phi Sigma Kappa had been taken on the Council without being asked. In the business of the Council he had not voted, so if it had been decided that the chapter would not remain on the council no protest could have been voiced against Phi Sigma Kappa. Bro. Brothers summed up the values of the Council by saying it was “amusing”. On this night three brothers were appointed as a new committee for the chapter publication. These were McKeever, S. Powers, and Troxell.

On November 13, Brother Dougall moved that Eta Chapter definitely go on the Inter-Fraternity Council. This was seconded and passed and Brothers R. Reed and J. Bounds were appointed to represent the chapter. Prof.

R. C .Reed, the father of Ray invited the chapter to a smoker at his house and this was much appreciated. The day set was November 22. At this meeting of November 13, the names of Henry Clark Fox '28; and John Harland Hornbaker '27 were recommended for membership.

On November 19, Harry Ahern of Lambda again visited the chapter and informed the brothers that the joint dance between Lambda and Eta was to be given at the Colonial Hotel in Washington on Christmas Eve from 10 PM to 2 AM. A buffet supper was to be served at 12 PM. And the cost to each brother was to be $6. Sigma Chapter, at St. Johns College was also to be invited.

This dance was held according to the plans made, and today as some of the older brothers look at the favors they received that night, a flood of pleasant Phi Sig memories sweeps before them.

May there be many such memories to follow.

November 26 saw more wavering back and forth on the Power's house proposition. Brother E. Embrey brought forth the news The Colonial Hotel - on 15th that the local fraternity, Sigma Tau Omega, wished to join the Street, NW, in Washington, D.C..

Inter Council. Bro. Martin White moved that the Phi Sigma Kappa delegates be instructed to vote in favor of Sigma Tau Omega being taken on the Council. This motion was passed, thus showing the attitude of the chapter toward Inter-Fraternity “politics”. Embrey suggested at this meeting that the chapter place a basketball team on the floor in the Inter-Fraternity contests. This suggestion was met with approval and Phi Sigma Kappa has always been represented by a team, but not always with a good one. It was not until the year of 1926-1927 that Phi Sigma Kappa reached the semi-finals in the basket-ball games. The chapter's bowling teams however have usually been excellent.

The next meeting was held on December 4, 1924, and Brandes was present. He said that the chapter should not be in a hurry to buy the Powers house because it was located so far from the University. He suggested that The THIRD DEGREE

29

the chapter look about and find a house nearer. Bro. E. Embrey reported that the Inter-Fraternity Council could not agree about taking in the local Sigma Tau Omega. It seems as though the Council was still up to its old tricks and jealousies.

The minutes for the meeting of December 10 show an apparently busy evening. Bro Galen McKeever under whom the “Eta Terrapin” was to make its first appearance made no report as to its progress but he asked if any action had been taken on getting the Skull and Coffin history written for it. Bro. Brothers stated that he has obtained it. Bro. Gilbert Morgan '07 of Baltimore Eta and of the National organization was present and he gave some gratifying remarks on the way meetings were conducted. Humford, the graduate brother, moved that a rising vote of thanks be given to Bro. Brandes for the Phi Sigma Kappa nameplate he was going to give the chapter for Christmas. This was done and the handsome nameplate which now marks the house of Eta Chapter at College Park is a continual reminder of a loyal Phi Sig- Walt Brandes, E '14. The initiation date for Leston Parks was set for the following Friday and the meeting closed.

On December 17, Albert John Patruska '26 was voted on and passed for membership. “Al” was soon to bring much glory to the Phi Sigma Kappa world by his running. He starred not only on the cross country team at Maryland but finished ahead of Olympic Games runners in the full marathon from Laurel, MD to Baltimore.

A quarterly election on the night of December 17, gave the chapter the following officers: E. Embrey, Pres.; M. Brothers, Vice-President; W. Troxell, Secretary; A. Ryon, Treasurer; A. Prangley Inductor; and R. Dougall, Auditor.

Before the Christmas holidays, the first issue of the “Eta Terrapin” appeared. On January 22 the following were voted on and passes: Karl Blackwell Frazier '27; Roger O'Donnell, Jr. '27; John Harland Hornbaker Jr., ;27; Henry Clark Fox '27; and Harvey Alvin Jacob '27. Jacob after leaving college, did a lot for the chapter especially by way of lending his money for house improvement.

On February 1, many of Eta's men attended a Phi Sig banquet in Baltimore. On February 18, Edward Bernard Gary '27 and Arthur Rudolph Brandes were voted on and passed. Brandes is the brother of Walt Brandes and had been in a class at Maryland which had been graduated years before Eta was established at College Park; he has not been initiated into Phi Sigma Kappa however to the present date.

On February 26, Bro. Dougall brought forth the motion which was passed that the names of A. R. Brandes, R. F. Russell, and Prof. R. C. Wiley be sent to the Grand Council for approval of membership. The Council gave its sanction by a letter.

The most important business of March 10 was the decision of the chapter to get out another issue of the “Eta Terrapin”. As Bro. McKeever had done so well with the first issue, he was unanimously elected editor.

Dougall, Embrey, Bounds, and Reed were appointed to represent Eta Chapter at a meeting of Phi Sigma Kappa's southern chapters. This meeting was held at the Lambda Chapter's House in Washington.

On March 24, Mumford the graduate brother asked to be placed on the inactive list, and the name of Edward Baylis Longyear '26 was recommended for membership.

On April 1, Longyear was voted on and passed. The brothers were still engaged in looking for a house to buy; among these houses were that of Prof Gambrill and Mr. Harrison. Perhaps the outstanding event of the evening was the decision to have a written examination for goats on Phi Sigma Kappa History.

Since then this has been enlarged to include chapter history as well and by this examination it is assured that each new man will come into the order with a comprehensive knowledge of Phi Sigma Kappa. The quarterly election was held making E. Embrey, Pres.; M. Brothers, Vice-President; W. Troxell, Secretary; A. Ryon, Treasurer; R. Dougall, Auditor; and A. Prangley, Inductor.

30

The THIRD DEGREE

At the meeting of May 5, Bro. “Sel” Powers '25 moved that the brothers attend church in a body on Sunday May 25. This was seconded and passes and was done according to the custom started in previous years.

On Friday, May 16, the annual dance was given at the Sunset Inn in Washington, D. C. On May 26, Bro. Walt Brandes was present and he spoke on the house proposition saying that the alumni of Eta Chapter should be incorporated so that a house could be bought. An inventory was taken as to how much each brother could raise for a new house and the total was found to be $1,285.00. As has been mentioned, the chapter rented Bill White's house next year instead of buying a house.

Brandes also suggested the chapter make the following recommendations to the Grand Council: That Phi Sigma Kappa have a more aggressive policy in the Southern Region of the Fraternity and place chapters in such institutions as University of Tennessee, University of Florida, University of Alabama, and University of Georgia.

That the Grand Chapter Tax be not increased.

That every active man in the chapter be required to take “The Signet”.

That absolute economy be practiced by Grand Council.

That Phi Sigma Kappa should not have a traveling secretary as it is too expensive.

Practically all of the recommendations by Brandes are now in force in one way or the other.

On June 2, the chapter was visited by Bro. Gilbert Morgan, the national Vice-President of the Fraternity. He urged as Brandes had, that the alumni of the chapter incorporate. He told of conditions of the National Fraternity and explained that it was in good shape from every standpoint. The Secretary was instructed to send a letter of congratulations to the newly established chapter of Delta Sigma Phi which had formerly been the local Sigma Tau Alpha Fraternity. Officers were elected for the following quarter. These were: A. Prangley, President; J. L. Dougall, Vice-President; A. Ryon, Treasurer; W. F. Troxell, Secretary; White, Auditor; and J. H. Bounds, Inductor.

The last meeting of the fourth year of the brotherhood at College Park was held on June 9. Bro. Galen McKeever reported that the chapter publication, “Eta Terrapin” would be out on June 12. The magazine appeared on time and much credit can be given to McKeever for the two good issues gotten out while he was the Editor. Another issue was not to appear until the spring of 1927. The officers who had been elected at the meeting before, were installed, and after a discussion had been held relative to “building a house” for the next year, the meeting was officially closed by the president, Bro. Prangley.

So was closed a busy if not entirely fruitful year! The greatest misfortune was that of not obtaining a suitable house for the following year. However it must not be thought Eta had accomplished nothing. Many good men were taken in, good chapter publications had come out, and at least three of the brothers made honorary fraternities. Bro. M. F. Brothers, was initiated into Phi Mu, the engineering fraternity and J. L. Dougall and A. Prangley were taken into Scabbard and Blade.

Overleaf: Pages from the 1925 edition of Reveille, the yearbook of the University of Maryland.

The THIRD DEGREE

31

32

The THIRD DEGREE

The THIRD DEGREE

33

College Year of 1924-1925 With the resumption of classes in the fall of 1924 the brothers found themselves without any house to accommodate the chapter. After giving all prospective locations proper consideration, the old store belonging to Bill White at the College entrance was rented. A few pieces of furniture were bought at the beginning of rush season and the chapter was located in a fairly comfortable, if not dignified, manner.

A social calendar was adopted and the rush season was launched with a smoker at the house. With several worthy recommendations, a few legacies, and any number of likely prospects, the outlook for pledge day seemed to be unusually good.

The social life of the fraternity became very pronounced this year. Heretofore, the more serious phases of college life were considered important. Now that the goal of getting into Phi Sigma Kappa was reached, chapter affairs eased up a lot and the chapter became “social minded�. Dances were held at the old Franklin Square Hotel, The Raleigh Hotel, and Dr. Reed's home.

Eta at College Park was represented at its first National Convention by Bro. Prangley. The chapter paid his expenses and from his report, a new insight of national affairs of Phi Sigma Kappa was received. The traveling expenses of chapter delegates are now paid by the Grand Council.

On pledge day, fourteen men were pledged. Up to this time, this was the largest delegation to wear the magenta pledge button at College Park.

The example set by the chapter basketball team the year before was diligently followed throughout this season and no more enviable record was established. The team weathered the entire season without a victory which was rather a peculiar distinction.

The Franklin Square Hotel was a notable landmark on the northwest corner of 14th and K Streets, N.W. for many years. Designed by John B. Brady and completed in 1891, it took the place of a mansion that had been home to Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson. Originally opened as the Cochran Hotel, it cost $160,000 to build.

34

The THIRD DEGREE

Alpheus Carlton Newman, Jr. was initiated in the spring. He already had an enviable record on the track and cross country teams and brought the chapter considerable glory. At the same time Stuart Bentley Gibson and George Albert Arzberger Jr. were taken into the fraternity.

The spring formal dance or as it is know at Maryland, “Spring Formal” was the most elaborate affair that the chapter had undertaken to that time. It was held at the New Willard Hotel in Washington.

During the spring a great deal of effort was expended by Bro. Shipley toward getting a new house. It is regretted that this effort was in vain but the chapter was not in a position to undertake buying or building at this early stage of its career.

On May 17 the chapter attended church in a body and thereby helped perpetuate a previously established custom.

During the early part of June the brothers were proud to see six of the chapter graduated. These were Roy Dougall, Les Parks, Sel Powers, Russ White, Bill Troxell, and Arthur Prangley who had steered the Phi Sig ship of Eta during the year 1924-1925.

This year was fundamentally one of individual accomplishment and social success. Phi Sigs were everywhere apparent on the Maryland campus. Dougall, Sel Powers, and Prangley were Lieutenants in the R.O.T.C. Harry Wells, who was after graduation to achieve success in an expedition to Borneo, was prominent on the Rifle Team. Divvy Dallas and Howard Embrey were out for football and Sam Crothwaite was a member of the Varsity Basketball and Lacrosse Teams.

Al Patruska starred on the Cross Country Team.

Even the freshmen were not to be outdone. Arzberger and Newman were on the track squad and Waller and Barr represented the chapter in baseball.

Bro. “Count” Schmidt was a member of the coveted Junior Prom Committee and out for dramatics and the college annual, the Reveille.

Day, Savage, Riess, Frazier, and Troxell were on the staff of the college newspaper, the Diamondback. In the Glee Club were Savage, Bartlett, Mumford, and Pud Snouffer.

Prangley was elected to Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Mu the honorary engineering fraternity.

Above: The new Willard Hotel, circa. 1922.

Overleaf: Pages from the 1926 edition of Reveille, the yearbook of the University of Maryland.

The THIRD DEGREE

35

36

The THIRD DEGREE

The THIRD DEGREE

37

College Year of 1925-1926 During the summer of 1925, the advisability of building a new house was considered by the alumni but it was rapidly seen that the financial condition did not warrant such a step even though the chapter had saved some money in Bill White's place. Bill White's ex-store was given up however, and after all available houses in College Park were considered it was finally decided to buy the house of Mr. Crisp. This cost $10,000 and was bought in the name of the Eta Alumni Association with $1,000 as a down payment. The $1,000 was obtained from chapter savings during the previous year and from a loan of Ernie Davis, who was now an alumnus.

The house served the purpose of providing sleeping quarters, meeting and imitation rooms, and a place for social events. Although it was the best house that the chapter had used to this date and owned at that, the brothers never cared much for it. Comparatively few lived in it for it was felt that the house was too far away from the university; also brothers wishing to live in the house were unable to leave the college dormitories even at the end of the first semester, due to a college rule.

Much influence was brought to bear, but to no avail. The house was to continue only partially filled.

The question of scholarship was often discussed at meetings and as the scholastic standing of the chapter was low the year before, the alumni were quite irked. In an effort to improve conditions, the Eta Alumni Association offered a piece of Phi Sigma Kappa jewelry to each man who maintained an average of B or over for the year. The first brothers to receive this award were Nicholas and Hornbaker.

The election which took place in December saw Bro. “Count” Schmidt retire as President and Jim Bounds take his place. The torch of social leadership was well carried by Bounds.

When initiation time came the following seven men were taken in: William Oscar Bradley '29; Edward Frederick Bradstreet '29; Rodney Powers Currier '28; Robert Montgomery Estes Jr. '29; Albert Leon Guertler '29; Ernest Sheppard Parker '29; and Joseph C. Thoma '29.

Estes was prominent in freshman athletics, playing both football and basketball. Bradstreet was Vice-President of the Freshman Class.

Two Eta Chapter houses (undated) and a somewhat dangerous flagraising (aided by a police officer?)

Later Alexander Aloysius Muzzy '27 was initiated and he proved to be one of the best lacrosse players Maryland has ever seen. Patruska was now captain of the Cross Country Team.

“Divvie” Dallas was next elected to the chair and it was under his regime that the Spring Formal was held at the Capitol Yacht Club. As one wag said, “It lasted from 10 'till 2 and everyone had a wet time, it was near the water”.

This and a little more and thus ended 1925-1926 of Eta.

38

The THIRD DEGREE

College Year of 1926-1927 “Divvie� Dallas opened the first meeting for the College year and it was found that a transfer had come from Cornell - Brother Ira Pencost Romberger Jr. '29.

Several social honors came to the chapter shortly: Muzzy was elected President of the Rossbourg Club, one of Maryland's oldest social organizations and Powers was appointed chairman of the Junior Prom Committee.

Jack Savage was elected Vice President of the Junior Class.

Rush functions were held in the usual way, a smoker being held at the Lambda House and a dance at L'Aiglon.

Directly after the dance new chapter officers were elected and Bill Press became President. Bill Press and another Eta man, Elmer Russell Cramer '29 are the present joint owners of the College Park Bowling Alleys.

The rushing season brought the following men into the fraternity: Wilbur Lawrence Behymer '30; Elmer Russell Cramer '29l; William Ernest Fleischmann '30; Robert Newton Freed '30; Jack Arthur Ladson '30; JohnThomas O'Neil '30; Jerrold Vernon Powers '30; John Van Allen Robertson '30; Clarence Linden Painter '30; Dorrance Talbot '30; and Robery Wood Dallas '30.

Later the chapter pledged Theodore Bennington Weiss '29; Roy Benjamin Tansill '30; and Homer Carlos Gilchrest '30. These three were not initiated until the following school year of 1927-1928.

Plans for a new house were considered as one of the main issues for the meetings; as had been said the existing house was not felt good enough to meet the needs of the chapter.

Brother Press and Cramer were appointed to see the alumni and active members for donations.

The basketball team of the chapter was much better than the year before and the chapter baseball team was also good.

The Spring Formal was held at the Columbia Country Club and with the usual social events continuing the college year of 1926-1927 came to a successful conclusion.

May there be many more years of success for eta chapter and old Phi Sigma Kappa!

Above: Columbia Country Club, circa. 1912.

Overleaf: Pages from the 1927 edition of Reveille, the yearbook of the University of Maryland.

The THIRD DEGREE

39

40

The THIRD DEGREE

The THIRD DEGREE

41

A Rich History.

Time-Honored Traditions.

An Engaged and Motivated Membership.

The University of Maryland, College Park - circa. 1938.

Be a part of it, and give new meaning to the theme “Fraternity for Life�

The Eta Alumni Association of Phi Sigma Kappa Your Alumni Association www.Alumni.PSK-Eta.com