A 48-YEAR VOLUNTEER CAREER

Ellsworth Christmas (Purdue 55) is one of FarmHouse’s longest-tenured volunteers. He has dedicated 48 years on the Purdue FH Association board, only recently stepping back from his role. Ellsworth was awarded the Claude B. Hutchison Award for Outstanding Service at the 2022 Conclave in Oklahoma City.

Long-time Purdue chapter advisor, Brent Bible (Purdue 93), said, “Ellsworth (or Chris as he’s affectionately known in the local FarmHouse community) is without question the most dedicated and committed FarmHouse man I know. He’s been a positive, consistent and reliable influence in my life over the last 30 years. I first met Chris when I was serving as the chapter’s house manager as an undergraduate. At the time, he was not only the treasurer for the Association, but filled the role of a property manager as well. If you needed something done at the chapter house, one call to Ellsworth made it happen.”

Ellsworth Christmas helps restore artifacts as a volunteer for the Pioneer Village at the Indiana State Fair.

Ellsworth’s FarmHouse experience started at Purdue University in 1954 after arriving on campus from a small farm in southwest Indiana. Someone suggested the chapter should talk with him, and he received a phone call while he was home with the mumps. Despite Ellsworth being sick, two older FarmHouse members came to see him and invited him to a picnic, where he was asked to become a new member. Ellsworth did not have a place to live on campus; joining FarmHouse turned out to be a great housing option for him and allowed him to be amongst friends and brothers.

FarmHouse has always held a special place in Ellsworth’s heart. He has cherished his friendships in FarmHouse his entire life and still keeps in touch with many of his brothers. “I got a lot more out of FarmHouse than I gave back then. I hope this is still the case with today’s undergraduates,” Ellsworth said.

Ellsworth knew he could make time to volunteer. “Since FarmHouse gave me so much, I wanted to donate my time where I could,” he said. After being out of the country for four years for his career, he moved back to West Lafayette, Indiana, and was asked to join the Purdue FH Association board. He, of course, said yes.

The Purdue chapter looks a bit different in 2023 than it did in 1955. As of 2016, the chapter is in a new facility, furnished by the fundraising efforts by the Association and the generosity of donors through their building fund with the FH Foundation. Brent Bible recalls, “About 10 years ago, when it was time to build a new chapter house, Ellsworth volunteered to serve on the building committee and handle all of the financial aspects of the project, from managing contributions to the campaign, to paying vendors for work done. He and his wife, Nancy, were significant donors to the project, and provided advice and counsel on materials and design selections, architectural ideas and materials (he built the fireplace mantel), and ran errands to make last minute problems magically disappear.”

Ellsworth Christmas makes pizza at his home in his special brick oven.

Ellsworth recently retired from his career as an extension specialist and from volunteering with FarmHouse. Since retirement, unlike most folks, instead of downsizing, he upsized by adding a family room and a wood-working shop to his home. He recently finished his 37th and 38th set of handmade children’s tables and four chairs. He plans to make two to four more sets this spring and summer — not to sell, but as gifts. Over the years, he has enjoyed repairing chairs and constructing other items in his woodshop for friends, family, and the Purdue chapter.

A table constructed by Ellsworth Christmas for the Purdue chapter house.

A table constructed by Ellsworth Christmas for the Purdue chapter house.

Brent said, “Even in ‘retirement’ from the Association, Chris continues to contribute by faithfully attending alumni functions. Most recently, he and Nancy provided formal cabinetry for the chapter dining room, some of which he constructed in his woodworking shop. He has always been an enthusiastic advocate for FarmHouse, and his positive example is one I strive to constantly emulate. His commitment has motivated me countless times to be a better FarmHouse brother.”

Ellsworth Christmas working in his wood shop at his home.

When Ellsworth was asked to reflect on the importance of service, he said, “Service today is more important than ever. I see way too many people, young and old, who have the attitude of ‘what’s in it for me?’ People are not looking at the bigger picture of how important it is to help others.”

In FarmHouse, Ellsworth learned the importance of sharing, befriending others, communicating and helping. “University studies provided career education, FarmHouse provided life education.”