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FROM THE ARCHIVES
SECTION TITLE HERE (IF STARTED ON RIGHT PG)
FROM THE ARCHIVES THE 1919 CONVENTION
By Steve Chaves (Salem State ‘18)
Over 100 years ago, our Fraternity faced similar perils that we are currently encountering today. Brothers were abroad serving in the armed forces during the First World War, then a global pandemic that brought three waves of the influenza virus across the world. These events caused The 1919 Convention to be postponed several times before the final destination was approved.
Initially to take place in Birmingham, AL, in late December of 1918 convention was postponed due to the city of Birmingham deciding not to allow the Fraternity to host a Convention because of the ongoing war. With so many brothers serving in Europe, Birmingham didn’t want to deter the war effort. After this decision, the acting ESR Marvin Holderness did not wish to have a Convention without the presence of Brother Billy Levere, who was one of the many Brothers serving in Europe at the time.
Our Convention’s next destination was St. Louis, MO, where it was to be held yet again in December of 1918. St. Louis was chosen for its “central location” and easy access to railways connecting all parts of the nation to ease travel for all brothers. This time, the influenza virus took its toll on the United States and forced the Fraternity to postpone the Convention. The St. Louis Health Commissioner decided to shut down the entire city, eventually denying the Fraternity a permit to host Convention. SAE attempted to delay Convention to “Easter Vacation” in 1919, but with many undergraduate brothers not having a vacation at that time and denial from the Health Commissioner, Convention was canceled.
Finally, Buffalo, NY, was voted on and approved to host Convention in the summer of 1919. Prior to 1919, Convention was held every other year in December between Christmas and New Year’s Day, on all years ending in an even number. Since the postponement of the 1918 Convention, SAE’s Convention is now held in the summer of years ending in an odd number, a tradition that came out of necessity and has stood the test of time. ◆
Alfred K. Nippert (Cincinnati 1894) and James G. Nippert (Cincinnati 1922) at the 1919 Convention in Buffalo, NY.
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