Illinois Delta of Phi Kappa Psi - 1904

Transcription

Illinois Delta of Phi Kappa Psi - 1904-2016
Fran Becque, Ph.D.
Greek Chapter Housing History Project
March 1, 2016
Information courtesy of University of Illinois Archives and the Society for the Preservation of
Greek Housing. This history was produced as part of the Society for the Preservation of Greek
Housing’s Greek Chapter History Project. The Society was founded in 1988, with the goal of
preserving the historic buildings that embody the history of the nation’s largest Greek system,
and educating the public about the historical significance of fraternities and sororities on the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. Dues paid by member fraternity and sorority
chapters and donations from chapter alumni fund the Society’s work. In keeping with their
mission, the Society began the Greek Chapter History Project in May 2000 in conjunction with
the University of Illinois Archives. The GCHP aims for nothing less than producing a complete
historical record of fraternities and sororities on the University of Illinois campus by employing a
graduate assistant to research and write histories of campus chapters. Making the work
possible are the extensive collections of the University of Illinois Archives, especially its Student
Life and Culture Archival Program. Supported by an endowment from the Stewart S. Howe
Foundation, the heart of the SLC Archives is the Stewart S. Howe collection, the world’s largest
collection of material related to fraternities and sororities. © 2016 The Society for the
Preservation of Greek Housing and the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. All rights
reserved.
Phi Kappa Psi was founded on February 19, 1852 in Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania, at Jefferson College, now Washington and Jefferson College in
Washington, Pennsylvania. Phi Kappa Psi’s founders are William Henry Letterman
and Charles Page Thomas Moore.1
Two issues of The Illini, both published in May 1881, each contained an
article entitled “Old Times” which told about some happenings in the early history of
the University. The author of the first article in the May 13, 1881 issue was
identified as “Q.E.D.” The second installment of “Old Times” had no author listed,
but it included this reference to Phi Psis on campus, “There was once a secret
society in the dormitory. I don't know whether the faculty ever found it out or not,
but it was there. It was the Phi Kappa Psi, and always obtained its recruits from the
fresh men. It happened that a certain fresh whom we will call Smith (because that
was not his name,) wished to join the Phi Kappa Psi. The members were notified
and the society met in secret session. Smith was led in blindfolded, and after taking
an oath that would astonish the clerk of the supreme court (I.I.U.) he was given a
seat. Not being able to see where he was, he sat down in a tub of water. I am
solemnly assured, as was he, it was a mistake, and I believe it as much as he did.
At this stage of the proceedings S— was informed that a fee of twenty-five cents
was necessary, and he shelled out. While a member went after the peanuts, Smith
was tossed up in a blanket to keep him from catching cold. He appreciated this
kindness, but was much relieved when the peanuts appeared, although the tossers
in their haste to get at the fruit dropped him on the floor. He was now led out, still
Anson, J.L. and Marchesani, R.F., Jr. (1991). Baird’s Manual of American College Fraternities (20th
edition), Indianapolis, IN: Baird’s Manual Foundation, Inc.
1
blindfolded, and was promised a second degree soon, while the society took a
recess of three minutes to discuss the peanuts.”2
Phi Kappa Psi history also included a mention of Illinois Delta. However, it
was in a list of “graduate” chapters, the precursors of alumni associations, “In
1883, Illinois Delta – Chicago was given a charter. It went inactive about two years
later.”3
In the spring of 1893, Will Snow, an 1887 initiate of the Kansas Alpha
chapter of Phi Kappa Psi at the University of Kansas, found himself in ChampaignUrbana. He gathered together a group of men and tried to start a chapter of Phi
Kappa Psi at the University of Illinois. The men petitioned Phi Kappa Psi for a
charter. They were not successful and some of the unaffiliated men joined other
fraternity chapters.4
The University of Illinois was growing quickly and there were other Phi Psis in
the area. In 1901, F.H. Burr, Ohio Delta, wrote to The Shield, "There is never a day
that passes by but that I am glad to say 'I am a Phi Psi.' If you could only travel
with me to the various colleges and universities, and see how strong we are, I am
sure you would be surprised as well as delighted….I was rather surprised to find
two Phi Psis at the University of Illinois, Brother Healey, of Beloit, and Brother
Burkhart, of Ohio Wesleyan. Brother Nahl, of Kansas Alpha, also accepted a position
this year at the same institution, occupying the chair of biology."5
2
The Illini, May 25, 1881, p. 5.
Campbell, J.D. and Gorgas, H.S. (1952). The Centennial History of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity 18521952 (Vol. 1). Binghamton, NY: Vail-Ballou Press.
4 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1973-74 (v. 94), p. 73.
3
Delta Tau Delta chartered a chapter on the campus in 1872. However, antifraternity laws were put into effect in the 1880s and the established fraternities
were sent underground or closed. In 1891, the fraternity ban was lifted.6 Greekletter organizations were being granted charters by national organizations.
Chapters of Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta
Theta, Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Gamma Delta, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon for the men
and Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and
Chi Omega for the women were on campus when Burr penned his letter.7
Also in Champaign-Urbana was a Phi Psi who had started his college career
at the University of Illinois. Dan Gardner Swannell was the son of a Champaign
businessman. He attended Illinois for a year and then headed to Ann Arbor; in
1893, he was initiated into the Michigan Alpha chapter of Phi Kappa Psi at the
University of Michigan. He returned to the land of the Illini in 1896 and began a
quest to bring a chapter of his beloved fraternity to the University of Illinois. The
Swannell family business, the Swannell Drug Store at One Main Street in
Champaign, had a place in the early history of Illinois Delta. The men who sought a
charter often met with Swannell at the drug store. The first plans to request a
charter were made there, “After the store was closed for the night, many a Phi Psi
informal meeting was held around the old coal stove. Early chapter Presidents and
stewards were trained by the Swannell bookkeeper.”8
6
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1973-74 (v. 94), p. 73.
Anson, J.L. and Marchesani, R.F., Jr. (1991). Baird’s Manual of American College Fraternities (20th
edition), Indianapolis, IN: Baird’s Manual Foundation, Inc.
7
Fred W. Reimers, a Phi Psi from Northwestern University, and John W.
Webster, from the DePauw University chapter, enrolled at Illinois in the fall of 1900.
Together with Swannell they began talking up their fraternity. However, the Phi Psi
extension policy moved much slower than the men were hoping for and they “soon
learned from reliable sources that they were too soon for the fraternity’s machinery
to move their way. Accordingly they began a thorough advertisement of the
institution to the fraternity. At every opportunity they would tell Phi Psis of the
great university and of the chances that a chapter would have there. Brother
Swannell attended both the Columbus and Pittsburg G.A.C.’s, and quietly agitated
the proposition.”9
In the fall of 1902, Jean Burkhardt, from the Ohio Wesleyan chapter, and
William J. Healy, Jr., from the chapter at Beloit College, whom Burr had mentioned
a year earlier in his letter to The Shield, were still students at the university. A
group of men were pledged to a local organization in the spring of 1903.10
George B. Lockwood, Editor of The Shield, wrote in 1903, “Of the five
institutions at which Phi Kappa Psi is not represented, Princeton is not a fraternity
field and Harvard and Yale offer well-nigh insurmountable obstacles to the
development of the college fraternity system common in other institutions. The only
institutions mentioned at which the fraternity is not represented which could be
considered legitimate fields are the University of Illinois and the University of
Missouri.11
9
Ibid.
10
At the Fourth District Council meeting on April 15-16, 1903, one of the
papers read was “The Advisability of Entering the University of Illinois,” by H.R.
Beckman of the Indiana Alpha chapter.”12 Beckman had met the petitioners and
recommended that “the fraternity take favorable action toward them.”13 The report
of the Michigan Alpha chapter in the March 1903 Shield noted that Michigan Alpha
Jim Ryan had been in Champaign from March 11-14 investigating for his chapter,
the men who were seeking to get a Phi Kappa Psi charter. He “reported very
favorably upon the crowd and the Institution.”14 J.J. Trefz of the Ohio Beta chapter
at Wittenberg College “returned from a trip to Illinois, where he paid a visit to the
University of Illinois and looked up the crowd of petitioners there. He reports them
as being as fine a set of fellows as can be found.”15
A committee of the Executive Council visited. Swannell learned that “it would
be impossible for him to get the necessary unanimous vote” and the group “decided
to disband and the majority either failed to return to college or joined other
fraternities.”16
In the fall of 1903, Bert Ingels, a member of the Indiana Alpha chapter at
DePauw University became an instructor at the University of Illinois.17 He joined
with Healy and Swannell and the quest for a charter began anew. Other Phi Psis
who were at the University of Illinois or in Champaign-Urbana came together for
the purpose of establishing a Phi Psi colony and then a chapter. These men were:
12
13
John J. Walsh, Illinois Beta (University of Chicago); Arthur E. Grantham, Indiana
Alpha (DePauw University); and Arthur S. Goble, Minnesota Beta (University of
Minnesota). According to a report in The Shield, “The brothers are meeting
frequently and are planning to secure rooms in one house during the next
semester.”18
The January 1904 Shield had an article reprinted from The Phi Gamma Delta
Quarterly by “Request of the Phi Psi Colony at the University of Illinois.” It included
statistics about enrollment at the University and boasted, “Thus from a small
western college the university has advanced until last year it ranked seventh, as
follows, among the great universities of the country: Harvard, 5,468; Columbia,
5,353; Chicago, 4,296; Michigan, 3,764; California, 3,696; Minnesota, 3,509;
Illinois, 3,288; Cornell, 3,281.”19 It was noted that there were 10 active fraternity
chapters and “numerous locals, and it is generally rumored that there are now
petitions for chapters of Alpha Delta Phi, Delta Upsilon, Delta Kappa Epsilon and Phi
Kappa Psi.”20
A 1904 Shield had a picture of the Phi Psis who were attending the University
of Illinois. The men were identified as “(Illinois Orphans).” In the picture were
Grantham, Swannell, Goble, Berks, Healy, Walsh, and Ingels.21
The Phi Psi colony at the University of Illinois was mentioned in a Shield
report. It was “making itself felt at Champaign. At a dinner recently given, the
entire delegation was present.” The colony address was listed as 509 John Street in
18
19
Champaign. The Phi Psis in town were invited by Ingels to a dinner at the Hotel
Beardsley on Friday evening, February 5, 1904. In attendance were Grantham,
Goble, Swannell, Walsh, Healy, and Henry W. Berks, a charter member of the
chapter at the University of Kansas. It was the “first of what we hope will be an
infinite number of enthusiastic meetings. All praise is due Brother Ingels, for the
dinner has done more to awaken the old Phi Psi spirit than any previous meeting we
have held.”22
The Phi Psis in town “had a very good idea as to the kind of a crowd they
could get together. Nothing definite was done until the first of February, when the
six Phi Psis organized and planned a campaign to carry the matter through the
G.A.C. at Indianapolis. Each one then made arrangements to attend the convention
and wrote to all his friends to meet him there. On March 9, notices were sent to the
various chapters, Alumni Associations and prominent members, announcing that
Illinois would be brought up for consideration at the G.A.C. In April 1904, Swannell
took a group of Phi Psis to the Indianapolis G.A.C. They obtained a suite of rooms
together, and began their work.”23 When Swannell started politicking at the G.A.C.,
he seemed to his friends to be a man on a mission. The men finally accomplished
what they set out to do and the campus was placed on Phi Psi’s accredited list.
In the G.A.C. report which appeared in The Shield, it was noted that “the
Illinois proposition has never been before the fraternity in the form of a petition."24
The committee on extension recommended that the University of Illinois be placed
22
23
upon the accredited list and “that the Executive Council be instructed to grant a
charter to said institution and establish a Chapter there when, in their judgment, a
suitable number of petitioners of satisfactory character has been secured."25 The
vote on a chapter at Illinois was in the affirmative.26 Another article in that same
volume of The Shield reported the “University of Illinois is the most inviting field for
fraternity extension in the United States, and Phi Kappa Psi has done well to get in
on the ground floor.”27
A news item in the April 11, 1904, Illini reported that “one of the Chicago
papers stated on Saturday that the National convention of Phi Kappa Psi had
granted a petition to a body of petitioners at the University. This was a
misstatement. The convention merely recommended to the national officers that
the University would be a desirable place to establish a chapter but did not act on
any petition from a local body.”28
The group tried to rent rooms in the same house, but due to the scarcity of
rooms it wasn’t an easy task. Ingels found a new house which had rooms on the
upper floors and committed to renting them, but not having signed a contract, he
saw them given to another party. The group “went to work with out even a hall and
rushed men in their own rooms, on the campus, and in the back end of Brother
Swannell’s place of business. The flattering results that came from their efforts is
plainly shown in the personnel of the eight men they succeeded in pledging. Every
25
Ibid.
Ibid.
28 The Illini, April 11, 1904, p. 1.
26
man taken was either intimately known by members of the crowd or was heartily
recommended by Phi Psis.”29
Kappa Alpha Theta, a women’s fraternity which established a chapter at
Illinois in 1895 after transferring to the University of Illinois a charter from the
chapter at Illinois Wesleyan College, was moving to a new home. In late May 1904,
the men signed a three-year lease on Theta’s former home at 402 John Street in
Champaign.30
An application was made “for the appointment of an investigation committee.
Brothers Coy, Lyle and Garcelon, representing the Executive Council, came down to
Champaign and visited the boys May 28th, and, after having gone over the ground
carefully, were more than pleased with the situation, and so they wrote a very
strong recommendation which went into the Executive Council with the petition
signed by the five Phi Psis and the eight pledged men.”31 The Executive Council
advised the group that although they did not act favorably on the petition, they
would be able to “get their charter in the fall. The petitioners then carried on their
plans as had already been outlined. The several committees worked all during the
summer at the tasks assigned them and the general supervision committee,
composed of Swannell and Ingels, both of whom were in Champaign during the
summer, selected and contracted for the house furnishings, help, etc., and carried
on the heavy correspondence that was necessary to get everything into shape.
Letters were sent out to many Phi Psis in Illinois by them, telling of their hopes and
29
30
requesting information concerning any desirable men coming to the state institution
and the fact that when college opened the boys had a list of twenty-five men
recommended by Phi Psis shows the loyal manner in which the Illinois members of
the fraternity supported the cause.”32
The start of the 1904-05 academic year saw the men living together in a
well-furnished home, taking meals together, and planning for a future with a Phi Psi
chapter on campus. Walsh and Grantham followed other opportunities and did not
return to campus. In their place was a member of the Dartmouth chapter of Phi Psi,
Howard Chandler Williams. In addition, the new President of the University,
Edmund Janes James, was an initiate of the chapter at Northwestern University.
Wilfred Reddick from the Indiana University chapter was teaching mathematics.
Rudick was “more than an able assistant in the rush and in getting everything in
smooth running order. The rushing season found the Phi Psis at the head of the list
after new men and the end saw them still at the head with a bunch of the best men
that came to the institution. Most of them were rushed by the leading fraternities
but jumped at the opportunity of becoming Phi Psis. The men as pledged are as
follows: John Darwin Blount; Fred Swannell (cousin to Dan); Albert Austin Harding;
Roswell Bell Swezey; Eugene Lucius Munn; Ralph Waldo Emerson Yardley; Harry
Kelley Rubey.”33
32
33
Ibid.
On October 3, 1904, the men sent in a second petition to the Executive
Council. A charter was granted to Illinois Delta on October 24, 1904. Texas Alpha at
the University of Texas was also granted a charter on the same day.34
Illinois Delta, the sixty-third chapter of Phi Kappa Psi, was installed on
Friday, November 18, 1904 by a special committee appointed by the Executive
Council. The installation team consisted of President George B. Baker, Secretary
Orra E. Monnette, Treasurer Lincoln M. Coy, Archon J.T.S. Lyle, and Dan Swannell.
The installation took place in the Knights of Pythias Hall on Friday at 2 p.m.
Monnette presided and was assisted by H.G. Townsend, E.M. Griggs and I.E.
Springer.35 The charter was presented by George B. Baker. The response was made
by W.J. Healy. The constitution was presented by L.M. Coy. The response was made
by B.D. Ingels. The seal was presented by J.T.S. Lyle. The response was made by
L.E. Wise. The chapter’s charter members were: James Nicholas Young, Jr.;
Leonard E. Wise; James C. Groves; Edwin Roy Murphy; Wilfred Lewis; Clement
Alvin Hildebrand; Claude Ethelbert Winn; Samuel Philemon Stout; John Darwin
Blount; Frederick Wells Swannell; Roswell Bell Swezey; Albert Austin Harding;
Eugene Lucius Munn; Harry Kelley Rubey; Ralph Waldo Emerson Yardley; Bert Dee
Ingels, Indiana Alpha; William James Healy, Wisconsin Gamma; Arthur Steen
Goble, Minnesota Beta; and Howard Chandler Williams, New Hampshire Alpha.36
An article about the installation in The Illini (before the masthead read The
Daily Illini) noted that “the organization is somewhat peculiar owing to the fact that
34
36 Ibid.
35
it was started entirely by members of the fraternity and will have upon its charter
roll four men who have joined the Phi Kappa Psi at other colleges.” Those men were
identified as Ingels, Healy, Goble, and Williams.37
The meeting was adjourned at 4 p.m. once the chapter officers were
installed. The installation banquet took at the Beardsley Hotel later that evening
with 52 Phi Psis in attendance. Between the installation and the banquet, Swannell
had the visiting Phi Psis to his home for a little celebratory get together. After the
dinner, the Illinois Deltans sang some selections from the new song book.
University President James had been on the job less than a month. He lent “his
distinguished presence to the occasion, and in a few well-chosen words expressed
his interest in the fraternity and especially in this occasion. He said that in his
opinion the recognition which had come to the university with the establishment of
this chapter indicated a new era in the history of the institution. He said that in his
opinion the college fraternity was an influence for good which college and university
authorities would do well to recognize and utilize. He referred to the fact that a
score of institutions for higher education were represented at the banquet table and
declared that it was only through the associations of the Greek letter society that
such a community of interest among college men could be created.”38
As was the custom of the day, there was much post-prandial oratory,
“Monnette followed President James with a response to the toast: ‘Phi Kappa Psi.’
The Shield anticipates the pleasure of printing this inspiring address in a later issue.
John W. Webster, one of those connected with the movement for Phi Kappa Psi at
37
38
The Illini, November 17, 1904, p. 1.
Illinois, spoke with eloquence and feeling on the subject, ‘An Inspiration.’ President
George B. Baker made the speech of his life on the topic ‘Opportunities.’ Walter S.
Holden, of Chicago, spoke on ‘House Rules,’ and gave a great deal of common
sense advice on this subject which has so appealed to The Shield that Brother
Holden has been asked to write out his remarks for publication. ‘Random Shots,’ as
the program had it, were fired by Brothers George B. Lockwood, D.G. Swannell,
F.W. Berks and John J. Walsh. Brother Berks, who was a charter member of Kansas
Alpha and for many years had not entered a zone of Phi Psi influence had that day
renewed his youth and his enthusiasm for the fraternity at the altars of Phi Kappa
Psi, and his little speech was one of the events of the evening. His genuine
enjoyment of the long lost associations of the fraternity was delightful to
contemplate. At three a.m. the company broke up with a stentorian rendition of the
Phi Psi yell.” An open house took place on Saturday at the chapter house.39
Illinois played the University of Iowa football team that afternoon and the Phi
Psis and their guests sat in a block of seats in the grandstand. Illinois won the
game. The enthusiastic crowd, both town and gown, surrounded the home of
President James. They cheered until the President appeared and gave a short talk.
Later that night, the chapter hosted a smoker. The men sang Phi Psi songs, and
talked of the quest for a charter and the future of Illinois Delta.40
The first chapter meeting with minutes seems to be the one which took place
on November 21, 1904. It was called to order by William J. Healy at 7 p.m. The
39
40
Ibid.
chapter bylaws and house rules were approved.41 At the December 5, 1904 chapter
meeting, in the section of the meeting open for remarks, Ingels “talked on laying
plans for next year, duties of officers, literary exercises, by-laws, leaving meeting,
entering room, and told us to work together if we wish to succeed.”42 At the
December 12, 1904 chapter meeting, it was reported that a thank you was to be
sent to Indiana Alpha for the gavel it presented to Illinois Delta. 43
At about the same time as the chapter was chartered, The Illinois Delta
Bazute came into existence. Howard C. “Army” Williams stated that it was
established in the fall of 1904 as a typewritten sheet. It was read at chapter
meetings .44 In 1915, it was published every six weeks. In 1965, Joseph C.
Longueville, 1915, remarked about The Bazute, “Strange how this paper, which
originated as a semi-humorous ‘gripe sheet,’ written by and read aloud at the close
of a chapter meeting, has changed in character. It is now certainly doing much
towards establishing a closer bond between the chapter and the alumni of Illinois
Delta.”45 A 1930 Shield article provided this information, “Twenty-six years ago,
upon suggestion of Wilfred Lewis '04, Illinois Delta instituted as a part of its literary
program The Bazute, written in longhand by contributing members and edited by
freshmen. The first editor was John D. Blount. The Bazute at first was confined to
the chapter meeting; a few years after its founding it was mailed to chapter alumni
a couple of times a year.”46 This may have been done in order to meet comply with
41
November 21, 1904 Meeting, Minute books of Illinois Delta, Phi Kappa Psi HQ, Indianapolis, IN.
December 5, 1904 Meeting, Minute Books of Illinois Delta, Phi Kappa Psi HQ, Indianapolis, IN.
43 December 12, 1904 Meeting, Minute Books of Illinois Delta, Phi Kappa Psi HQ, Indianapolis, IN.
44 The Illinois Delta Bazute, April 1934, p. 3.
45 The Illinois Delta Bazute, December 1965, p. 3.
42
constitutional requirement that the chapter send a circular letter to its alumni every
year.47 The Bazute had many incarnations throughout the years and it was the
manner in which most of the chapter alumni received information about the
chapter.
During the spring and summer of 1905, a new addition was opened three
blocks west of the university campus; it was known as Fairland Place. Swannell,
Ingels, and Harding, were the only Phi Psis in Champaign when the lots came up for
sale. They were able to get an option on two lots, at the cost of $2,000.00. It took
“considerable hustling” and through the “financial assistance of several of the
brothers, raised sufficient money to enable them to take up their option, it being
necessary for Brothers Swannell and Ingels to guarantee the balance of the
amount.”48
The chapter’s letter to The Shield was published in the October 1905 issue,
“With fourteen men back, we went at the freshmen from the word ‘go.’ Thanks to
the good offices of the alumni in Illinois and the neighboring States, we had about
thirty men to investigate. Right here we want to thank personally every brother
who showed his interest in the success of Illinois Delta by recommending to us
some good man in the freshman class.” Initiation took place on October 5, 1905,
with a banquet on Saturday, October 6. The toasts at the banquet, and then the
opportunity for each brother to speak took a goodly amount of time; the banquet
47
48
broke up about daylight.49 The event was planned to be an annual alumni reunion
for the Phi Psis in the area.50
Although he had been on the job about a year, the formal installation of
Edward Janes James as President of the University of Illinois did not take place until
Wednesday, October 18, 1905. The festivities began on October 15. There were
194 colleges and universities represented at the installation ceremony. Each of the
fraternity houses opened their doors to the guests of the university. Among the
guests at the Illinois Delta house were: “Brother Stuart, Illinois A., head of the
Garrett Biblical Institute; Brother J.H. Lewis, Virginia A., the corporation counsel of
the city of Chicago, and Brother J.E. Stubbs, Ohio A., president of Nevada
University.”51
The chapter’s first formal dance took place on October 27, 1905. Dan
Swannell and his wife were among the chaperones. The alumni were reminded, “We
want all the Phi Psis anywhere around here to feel that these dances are given for
them, and that they have a standing invitation for each and every one. We are to
give three more on the following dates: January 26th, February 23rd and March 23rd,
come, and then let us know about it.”52
The University of Illinois Association of Phi Kappa Psi, the chapter’s House
Corporation, held its first meeting in October 1905. Dan Swannell, J.W. Webster
and Wilfred Lewis, were elected trustees for two-year terms and F.W. Reimers, L.E.
Wise and M.D. Funk were elected for one-year terms. The officers had not yet been
49
52 Ibid.
50
chosen. That would happen at the November 9, 1905 meeting. The Association was
paying on two lots, valued at $2,000. The lots were two blocks south of the house
the chapter was renting. The corporation had already paid down the debt. The goal
was to have the lots paid for in two years and have a house built by the end of the
third year.53 Chapter members, both initiates and transfers, were required to sign
House Association notes. They agreed to pay a certain amount each year to the
House Association and having membership in the Association in return. The system
afforded “an excellent means of accumulating a substantial fund each year, and it is
not considered burdensome upon the individuals of the chapter.”54
Home ownership had been a goal of the chapter since its chartering. The
three-year lease on the former Kappa Alpha Theta house was merely a temporary
solution to the problem of chapter housing. Swannell, “the Father of Illinois Delta,”
wrote to The Shield, “Illinois Delta is in good shape. We were instituted on
November 18, 1904. By September 1, 1905, we had furnished our house and paid
all our installation expenses, which cost us in all about $1,500; paid all the running
expenses of the chapter, and had paid $600 on two lots for a chapter house that is
in prospect, this without owing anyone a penny except the balance due on the lots.
We are now boasting that we will be in our house by the fall of 1907, or within
three years after the establishment of the chapter. If a chapter without alumni, and
in the first years of its history, can accomplish this, I fail to see how any chapter
can fail to secure a chapter house if it sets out earnestly to try.”55 Howard C.
“Army” Williams was The Shield correspondent in September 1906; he would later
53
Ibid.
54
serve the fraternity as National President. Williams boasted in a chapter letter,
“Another year we expect to be located in the finest chapter house at the university.
Negotiations have been completed whereby two valuable lots will be paid for in full
by New Year’s Day, and in the spring of 1907 ground will be broken for our own
home which will be ready for occupancy by fall.”56
The Junior Prom was held on December 14, 1906 at the Armory and the
Illinois Deltans were well represented. The following evening, the Panhellenic
Smoker took place; it was an event for the fraternity men to come together and get
acquainted. The event was deemed a success and it was surmised that the event
would continue into the future. The academic schedule of 1906 was different than
the current calendar, “Classes were dismissed for the holiday recess December 21st
and work for the new year will begin January 5th. The week of trial in the mid-year
exams is slated to occur from January 21st to 25th inclusive.”57
In the early years of its history, music was important to the chapter. The
Glee Club and the Mandolin Club were making annual concert tours. Chapter
member Wilfred Lewis was director of the Glee Club, another member was involved
with both clubs, and another was a member of the Mandolin club. The University
Military Band was under the leadership of charter member Albert Austin Harding.
Friday, February 1, 1907 was the date of the annual visit of the State Legislature.58
In 1907, William A. Kutsch was initiated; he was one of the men who had
hoped to be charter member of Phi Kappa Psi. Having received his degree he went
56
57
to Germany to continue his studies and was not initiated. Guy Miller, a friend of
Kutsch’s returned to campus for a visit with him. Williams, still the chapter
correspondent, noted “it has been a great pleasure to us to have ‘the good old men’
back with us.”59 Thursday, June 6, 1907 was set for the annual reunion of the
alumni and chapter members. Both were “urgently requested to be present at the
meeting.”60
For decades, the chapter used the annual inter-scholastic meet, typically held
in May, as an opportunity to rush high school men who might be attending Illinois
in the future. The 1907 Inter-scholastic had 80 schools and 360 students
competing.61
The 1907-08 academic year began on an optimistic note. There were 11
pledges and excavation for the new house was about to begin. “Army” Williams was
appointed as the University Regiment’s Captain. It was one of three positions in the
University’s “War Department” which came with a highly coveted salary.
A financial panic in October 1907 had the chapter in a tizzy. It caused the
men “to entertain grave apprehensions as to the possibility of finishing our new
house at the time we had set, we have planned to let the contracts and are hoping
for the best. If any brother has any influence in financial circles we hope that he will
see this and tell the powers that be to let up until we get into the house.”62
59
61 Ibid.
60
Harding, a newly minted alumnus, became a member of the music school
faculty. It was said that he was “rejoicing over an appropriation of $3,000 for new
instruments for the university band of which he is the conductor.”63 John Philip
Sousa gave a concert in the Auditorium. 64 Harding and Sousa’s friendship would be
lifelong and it was one of the reasons Sousa left his papers and items to the
University of Illinois. Harding’s presence on the University of Illinois campus lasted
for decades and still lives on in a building named for him
Despite the financial panic of the fall, the new chapter house was being built.
Ground was broken on March 12, 1908. The chapter was quite proud that it had
taken only four short years to achieve this goal. The chapter’s Shield Correspondent
noted, “Scarcely an evening passes that the entire chapter cannot be seen walking
the two blocks from our present home to our new house to count the bricks which
have been laid during the day.”65 Chapter activities revolved around sports
including inter-fraternity contests. In addition to intercollegiate competition, the
baseball team on which Illinois Deltan Ernie Ovitz pitched “held the Boston
Americans to a 4-0 score and will meet the White Sox and the World's Champions
this week in a series of practice games.”66
During the summer of 1908, “Army” Williams attended the G.A.C. meeting in
Denver. Three other Illinois Delta members accompanied him to Colorado where
63
66 Ibid.
64
they met up with another who was already in the city. While there, they joined up
with Harding who was playing with his band in Colorado Springs for the summer.67
During his undergraduate years, Clarence F. “Dab” Williams, who would later
go on to be “Mr. Phi Psi,” as Shield Editor and Executive Secretary/Director, served
his chapter as Shield Correspondent. He further endorsed the fact that Swannell
was the force behind the chapter acquiring its own home at such a young age.
Williams wrote, “The phenomenal success of Illinois Delta in its determination to
own a chapter house second to none at the University of Illinois has called forth no
little commendation on the part of the alumni and the members of the fraternity
who are in a position to appreciate the importance of the undertaking that at last
has been pushed through to a reality…Members of the fraternity who are
responsible for the present existence of Illinois Delta, foremost of whom is Brother
D.G. Swannell, Michigan Alpha, advocated the house movement from the start.
Months before the charter was granted petitioners to the Fraternity hoped to own a
house before they were graduated from the university. None of these men,
however, has remained to reap the seeds which he sowed.”68
Although the notes for the property were to be paid in two years’ time, the
$2,000 was paid in 16 months and the chapter boasted that the “lots have trebled
in value in less than four years, and there seems to be no end to the boom. Having
met our first obligation, the object of the chapter was to save money and create a
surplus, which was done by strict economy and continued hammering at the men,
urging them to meet their association assessments before due. With the money
67
68
that we had saved by living in a third rate house, with that which had been pledged
to the house association, together with our lots as security, Brother Swannell and
members of the chapter succeeded in securing a loan sufficiently large to warrant
the letting of contracts for the new house, which was done last winter. Ground was
broken early last spring, and we were able to move into our new lodge this fall.”69
The new chapter house at 911 South Fourth Street in Champaign, at the
corner of Fourth and Chalmers, two blocks south of the streetcar line and three
blocks from the university, was ready for the start of the 1908-09 academic year. It
had taken only a year longer than originally anticipated.
The home was designed by J.W. Case and it was built by A.W. Stoolman.70
The house was three-stories high, in Old English style. The first story was red brick;
the upper stories had oak cross beams. It housed 18 men and four servants. A
brick terrace extended across the entire front and south ends of the house.
The Shield correspondent described the chapter house, “The first floor
contains a living room, a beautiful large dining room, a hall, a den, and a kitchen
with two pantries. On the second floor there are five suites of rooms, each suite,
accommodating two persons. On the top floor there are four more suites and the
Servants’ quarters which are petitioned off at the back of the house. The chapter
room is located in the basement in a very cozy and well ventilated place. The mural
decorations are in panel and are very simple.”71
69
Ibid.
The Daily Illini, September 24, 1908, p. 3.
70
Additional details were in the next issue of The Shield, “The chapter room is
located in the basement, and gives the chapter ample space in which to hold its
meetings and conduct initiations. The room is well ventilated, there being three
large windows and an immense fireplace to regulate the circulation of the air. A
trunk room, coal bins, furnace room, laundry, and store room take up the
remainder of the basement. The arrangement of the first floor is very practical. The
living room occupies the south portion of the house. It is a large and pleasant
room, the walls being paneled in cypress and finished in leather brown. A large
fireplace is built in the south wall, and on either side of it are large French windows,
opening on the south porch. Comfortable window seats are built under a series of
casement windows at the east and west ends of the room. The dining room is just
off the living room and resembles it in style. It is large enough to accommodate two
tables, each of which can seat seventeen men. Heavy oak beams give the ceilings
of the living and dining rooms a pleasant colonial effect, adding much to the
attractiveness of the rooms. Between the dining room and kitchen is a serving
pantry. The kitchen is large and well arranged, there being three sinks along the
west wall, and an unusual amount of shelf space. A large store room provides a
place for the steward to stock his year’s supply of non-perishable goods. The
servants enjoy the comforts of a small sitting room, off from the kitchen. Extending
along the greater part of the east side of the first floor is the reception hall, at the
north end of which is a den; the walls of which are finished in blue. A fireplace adds
to the pleasantness of the den. A broad, open staircase extends from the reception
hall to the second floor, which is divided off into five suites of rooms, every two
men having a study and ‘bunk’ room. Just off from the hall is a large bath room,
modernly equipped and supplied with a shower. The third floor, aside from the
servants’ quarters of which mention has been given, provides for four study rooms
and two large sleeping rooms, giving the chapter means of accommodation at times
of entertainment. There is also a bathroom on this floor.”72
On Friday, November 6, 1908, an informal dance took place; there were 28
couples in attendance. The following afternoon the Illini trounced the University of
Iowa team, 22-0, helped along by Phi Psi J. Frank “Heavy” Twist. A housewarming
took place on that evening, November 7, 1908. A banquet was held in the dining
room. Dan Swannell was toastmaster. University President James was one of the
speakers. According to the chapter’s report, “Every Phi Psi song ever written was
sung during the banquet, and the party closed, early in the morning, with an
enthusiastic ‘High, High, High.’”73
Interclass competitions, or “rushes” as they were called, were commonplace
on the University of Illinois campus during the early years of the 1900s. In the fall
of 1908, The Shield correspondent reported, “Sophomores and freshmen departed
from the old time color rush this fall, and in its place held a push ball contest, which
proved an excellent means of entertainment, to those on the bleachers, at the
expense of a score or more of badly injured participants. Judges of the contest were
slow in learning how to conduct the battle, and for some time the anticipated sport
looked like a bloody encounter between hostile foes.”74
72
73
After a visit to Champaign for a football game, the correspondent for the
Illinois Alpha chapter at Northwestern University wrote, “The magnificent new
chapter house of Illinois Delta is at once an inspiration and a reproach to Illinois
Alpha. That we, in our thirty-six years of existence, have been unable to do as
much towards getting our own chapter home as Illinois Delta has done in four years
certainly makes us feel ashamed.”75
The Shield Editor gave a shoutout to the chapter in the January 1909 issue,
“Illinois Delta is another chapter deserving of special mention because of the
neatness of her typewritten report and the general good condition it shows. The
chapter is splendidly balanced. Her men seem to be leaders in college life holding a
long list of honors and her business methods in attending to correspondence and
other business with the national officers has been very gratifying.”76
The area around campus was growing. One chapter report in 1909 noted that
the men and their dates took in The Three Twins in an Urbana theater after a
formal dinner and another told of a car line that was built through the campus, “just
north of the Womans’ Building, to Urbana. This line connects with the John Street
division at Wright Street.”77
The spring of 1909 saw 27 men living in the house and 31 boarding there.
The men who took their meals there included A.A. Harding. An instructor in
landscape gardening was supervising work at the home. A hedge was planned for
the front and along two sides of the house. Shrubbery was to be massed along the
75
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1908-09 (v. 29), pp. 208, 248.
76
back border. The terrace wall and the first story were to be covered in Boston and
English ivies, intermingled with climbing roses.78
There was an unsuccessful attempt to form an interfraternity league. Its
intended purpose was to regulate fraternity matters, including eligibility for
initiation and methods of rushing. The vote was eight to six against; Phi Psi voted in
the negative because, “those opposed to the organization feared, most of all, that it
would become a political union.”79 “Dab” Williams was looking forward to serving as
the delegate to the G.A.C. in Washington, D.C. The entire chapter was anticipating
a visit to the home of President and Mrs. James; they had extended to the chapter
an invitation for the evening of March 26, 1909.
The Comus Club became a chapter of Zeta Psi in the spring of 1909. The club
was, according to the chapter correspondent, ”one of the best at Illinois, and Zeta
Psi bids fair to become one of the top-notchers.” During the installation festivities,
some of the visiting Zeta Psis were entertained at the Illinois Delta house. Sigma
Chi had started excavation on “what promises to be one of the best Fraternity
houses here.”80
Seven brothers who stayed after semester’s end took part in the annual
house party, held on June 7-12, 1909. Harding spent the summer at the chapter
house, “directing the K.P. Band, and figuring in the local musical world with his
usual prominence.”81
78
Ibid.
81 Ibid.
79
When 23 men arrived back at the house in the fall of 1909, there was
linoleum on the floors in the study rooms and the landscaping project added to the
impressiveness of the chapter house. Everyone seemed to be playing tennis and a
chapter tennis tournament was planned.82 An informal Halloween party with
decorations of cornstalks and pumpkins took place on October 30, 1909.83
The spring formal was held on April 8, 1910 at the Elks Hall. The Purdue and
Northwestern Phi Psis visiting the campus were invited to the formal, too. Turner’s
orchestra furnished the music. A gold coat of arms decorated the front of the dance
programs, which were done in leather.84
At the 1910 G.A.C. meeting in Toledo, Ohio, Swannell was elected Treasurer
of the fraternity. Swannell was the Illinois Delta House Association’s first Treasurer,
a position he still held. The chapter members referred to the chapter house as “the
house that Father Dan built.”85
October 15, 1910 was the date upon which the first football homecoming
celebration took place. It was an idea conceived by an Illinois Deltan and an Acacia
member, “Dab” Williams, and W. Elmer Ekblaw, respectively. With the blessing of
President James and Dean of Men, Thomas Arkle Clark, Alpha Tau Omega, the Illini
versus the University of Chicago game was chosen as the featured football contest.
“Many, if not all, of our alumni expect to be present and we hope to have many
other Phi Psis with us,” was the sentiment expressed by The Shield
82
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1909-10, (v. 30), p. 93.
84 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1909-10, (v. 30), p. 545.
85 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1909-10, (v. 30), p. 707.
83
correspondent.86 The December 1910 Shield reported the event was “a great
success. Thousands of old men were back to see Illinois gain a decided victory over
Chicago.” On the field that day were Phi Psis “Heavy” Twist and J.R. Merriman. 87
The 30 man chapter was quite busy that fall of 1910. J.R. Merriman was
President of the junior class; he was also elected to Alpha Gamma Rho, at that time
a professional agricultural fraternity. Other brothers were active on the Junior prom
committee, the Illio yearbook, the University auditing committee, Yoxan,
sophomore cotillion committee, and the sophomore stag committee, to name just a
few.88 “Heavy” Twist, was chosen by Eckersall for both the all-Conference and the
all-Western teams.89
Illinois Delta hosted the Fourth District Conference on April 6 and 7, 1911.
The Beardsley Hotel was the site of business sessions and a banquet. Those who
arrived on Wednesday night prior to the start of the meeting were guests at an
informal smoker at the chapter house. Delegates from 11 Chapters and four Alumni
Associations were present. Thursday’s business meeting was adjourned at 3:30
p.m. to take in the baseball game between the Illinois team and the Chicago Cubs.
At the Friday night banquet, Swannell served as toastmaster.90
After the success of the first homecoming celebration in 1910, another was
planned for November 24-26, 1911. Accounts of the first homecoming at Illinois
86
88 Ibid.
90 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1910-11 (v. 31), pp. 248, 458.
87
were carried in the fraternity and sorority magazines and may have helped spread
the word about the event as well as encouraging other campuses to give it a try.91
The February 1912 Shield contained a report that a Panhellenic finally had
been formed (today it is known as the Interfraternity Council or IFC). Its first edict
was that no freshman be initiated into a fraternity until passing grades were
received in at least 11 hours of work.
Music and athletics continued to be important to Illinois Deltans during the
early 1910s. Among the class and intercollegiate sports played by its members
were varsity football, basketball, track, gymnastics, and wrestling. A Phi Psi was
once again President of the Athletic Association. Two members were heading out
with the Glee Club for two weeks during which time six concerts would be given.
Two other members were singing in the chorus of the student opera.92
There were 27 Illinois Delta members at the 1912 G.A.C. meeting in Chicago.
Swannell, running unopposed, was reelected as the Fraternity’s Treasurer.93
The 1912-13 academic year began on September 16. However, the first two
days were taken up with registration. At the start of the semester there were less
than 20 men in the chapter. The new ruling that a student pass 11 hours work
before initiation was enacted to help eliminate “short-term men” who were not at
the university very long due to poor grades.94 The next chapter report boasted that
the chapter pledged 13 men who would likely be initiated in February 1913.95 The
91
92
third Homecoming celebration was scheduled for November 15-16, the weekend of
the University of Chicago-Illini football game. A spring 1913 Shield chapter report
noted that 10 of the 13 had been initiated and a joint Founders’ Day and initiation
banquet was held on February 22 with Swannell again doing the toastmaster
duties.96 The school year ended in mid-June. According to the chapter report, “We
have made and enforced new by-laws, organized an efficient financial system with
the generous aid of Brother Dan Swannell, improved the system of freshman
supervision and have kept together a freshman class which promises to be one of
the strongest classes in the history of the chapter.”97 Only two men, T.D. Meserve98
and H.C. Hay, were graduating and due to the small size of the graduating class
there was no house party planned for graduation week. The Delta Tau Deltas
invited the Phi Psis to their house party.
Ralph D. "Slouie" Chapman, captain of the Illini football team, was chosen by
Walter Camp as an All-American guard. Chapman was the first Illinois man to
receive this honor. The House Association met in early January 1914; furnishing the
new addition was one of the issues discussed. The classes of 1910 and 1911 were
each undertaking the furnishing of a room and other classes were encouraged to do
the same.99 Homecoming became a tradition and the alumni who returned in
November of 1914 must have been proud to see the new $15,000 addition to the
house.100 The chapter boasted of the usual athletes and members chosen for special
96
98 Theodore Meserve served as Archon in 1907.
99 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1914-15 (v. 35), p. 231. His nickname was also spelled “Slooie.”
97
honors including: Ma-Wan-Da, the honorary senior society; Helmet, the honorary
interfraternity sophomore society; and Ku Klux, the junior honorary society.101
When the 1915-16 academic year began, the chapter was missing its 1915
graduates, “It was the strongest that we have had in some years and we have a
serious problem in filling the gaps they have left both in and outside the house.”102
The chapter had 23 men back that fall and eight pledges. Minnesota and Illinois
played to a 6-6 tie on Homecoming weekend. The chapter had 35 alumni visit
during the weekend and several left “substantial donations to the house fund.”103
Franklin “Bart” Macomber followed in Chapman’s footsteps. At the end of the
1915 football season, he was elected captain for the following year. He was named
to Walter Camp’s first All-American team as half-back.104
When college started on September 18, 1916, there were 21 men in the
chapter.105 Among the 11 pledges that semester was Burton A. Ingwersen, who
became a three sport athlete at Illinois and spent a good part of his coaching career
at his Alma Mater. E.S. Nichols served as business manager of The Daily Illini. It
was said he was a “popular brother as he carries a book of passes to all the shows
in town.”106
On March 3, 1917, the chapter celebrated its first Fathers' Day event. The
fathers of 14 active members attended the festivities. The men “found this a capital
101
Ibid. It was also known as Ku Klux Klan and because of its name, it was a short-lived honorary.
102
way to get our fathers in touch with the fraternity and the chapter, we intend to
make it an annual affair.”107 The Phi Psis and their dads attended the annual relay
carnival and the University Military Band concert, under direction of alumnus
Harding.108
On April 6, 1917, the United States entered World War I. Out of 32 chapter
members, only seven were at the University at the end of the spring 1917
semester. The meal program at the chapter house was shut down and the men ate
with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon men.109
According to the chapter report in the October 1917 Shield, “Illinois Delta
contributed liberally to our country in the great crisis. Fay entered West Point, W.
Van Cleave, B. Van Cleave, Bosworth and Goodwillie received commissions as
second lieutenants at Ft. Sheridan. Ken Smith landed a captaincy. Miller is
instructing aviators at the new school of aeronautics here in Champaign. Colton
enlisted in the signal corps; Craft and Egbert are at Rockford. Of the freshmen,
Bass and Taylor now are in service in France; Peterson is in the ambulance corps at
Ft. Sheridan. Of the alumni of whom we know anything, Chapman, Meserve and
Williams received commissions at Ft. Sheridan and have been detailed to France.
Illinois Delta has done her first ‘bit’ well. In spite of losing all these men the chapter
will be in fair condition. Prospects are bright for the return of 10 or 12 men. The old
pep is still in evidence with an added seriousness. All efforts this year will be
directed toward internal organization and the fostering of a closer fraternal spirit.
107
Ibid.
108
We remaining brothers shall do our bit at the chapter house until we enter the
greater service.”110
The 15 men who returned in the fall of 1917 managed to pledge 12
freshmen. A small number of alumni attended the Homecoming game.111 At one
point in 1917, Illinois Delta was second behind California Gamma at the University
of California-Berkeley in the amount of chapter members and alumni in the service.
The California chapter had 57 in the service, Illinois Delta had 50.112 By the next
issue of The Shield, the number had increased by four and the chapter reported
that it had been visited by numerous Phi Psis from across the country who were
stationed at the aviation school at the university. The chapter was also trying to put
together a complete record and photograph of the Illinois Deltans in war service.113
During the spring of 1917, an outbreak of mumps hit the chapter house; it
“changed our house more or less into a hospital and we have discovered that
mumps has no respect for athletes. Besides Hansen and Mooney, ‘Van’ Ingwersen
woke up yesterday with his face about twice the right size. The three patients
occupy the third floor but we hope they will soon be able to come down and eat
with us.”114 By the end of the spring 1918 semester, the chapter had 70 of its
members in the service and 19 men had finished the spring semester.115
The 1917-18 academic year was interrupted by a plan the federal
government had to train 5,000 men. It was named the Student Army Training
110
111
Corps (S.A.T.C.). The plan called for the government to take over all the fraternity
residences in order to house the trainees. The Shield correspondent who stated that
10 men were expected back in the fall also said, “If our house is taken over before
registration, we plan on renting an apartment and in this way we can carry on
rushing as usual.”116
Donald J. Miller, who was initiated on December 5, 1917, died in a
Champaign hospital on October 12, 1918. An enlistee in the S.A.T.C, he was
stricken with influenza and it quickly developed into pneumonia.117 Lieutenant
Charles P. Anderson, New Hampshire Alpha 1915, was “supposed to have lost his
life in France in October when his airplane went down in flames back of the German
lines. He enlisted originally in the ambulance corps, but was transferred to aviation.
He was a member of Illinois Delta two years previous to transferring to
Dartmouth.”118
Lieutenant Lloyd Garrison Williams died three days before the armistice was
signed. He was the brother of Clarence F. “Dab” Williams and Howard “Army”
Williams, who would both go on to serve the fraternity in national roles. His death
in a French hospital was due to bronchial pneumonia and cerebral meningitis. His
parents received a letter from an army nurse, dated November 1918, telling them
that their son was in the hospital. The family could get no other information. In late
January, they received word of his death two months before. He had been
practicing law prior to his war service.119
116
117
A report written on January 12, 1919 by The Shield Correspondent noted
“Conditions at Illinois Delta are gradually becoming normal again. Since the
demobilization of the S.A.T.C. we have been back in our house again and things are
beginning to look as they did before the war.”120
Death also took two charter members in less than two months. William Healy
and Wilfred Lewis died on December 22, 1918, and February 10, 1919,
respectively. Both died of pneumonia, Healy in Rochelle, Illinois, and Lewis in
Bellaire, France, where he was serving as a captain in the U.S. Army. Both men had
been associated with the Wisconsin Gamma chapter at Beloit College. Healy was
initiated into Wisconsin Gamma; Lewis was a pledge of that chapter.121
“Slouie” Chapman was thought to have been killed in the war and several
news articles were printed with that headline. The Shield correspondent wrote on
March 13, 1919, “Many false reports have been floating around about ‘Slouie’
Chapman, and we are glad that we can at last give some definite report about him.
‘Slouie’ was in the thick of the fight and was severely wounded. He is now in a
hospital in Washington, D.C., is doing well and expects to get out very soon.”122
Things were getting back to normal on campus and the chapter members
seemed quite busy, “Howe is chairman of the senior ball committee, while Hunter
and Norman were placed on the senior smoker and senior memorial committees.
Ingwersen is helping to run the junior prom, while Mooney is on the sophomore
120
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1918-19 (v. 39), pp. 141, 155. On November 19, 1916, Wilfred Lewis’
older brother, Major John S. Lewis, Illinois Beta 1893, was the first Phi Psi killed in World War I while
fighting with the 87th Canadian regiment
121
mixer committee. Goble and McEldowney have been pledged to Alpha Kappa Psi,
honorary commercial, while Ingwersen made Theta Tau, honorary engineering.
Goble was elected to Ku Klux, junior interfraternity society, and Fay and Bell to
Skull and Crescent, sophomore society. McEldowney, present Archon of the district,
is back with us again after six months’ service in the navy.”123
The February 20, 1919 edition of The Daily Illini, reported on an addition that
was planned for the Phi Psi house. The work was to be done over the summer and
would increase the house capacity from 19 to 27. The addition was to the
northwestern part of the house with a dining room in the basement, a living room
on the ground floor and four study rooms above it. The arrangement of rooms on
the first floor would be changed a bit and hardwood floors were to be installed.124
On April 19, 1919, the pledges were initiated. It was a “wonderful success,
and certainly served to bring back memories of our real initiations before the war.”
Swannell served again as toastmaster at the ten-course banquet where “a number
of real old Phi Psi speeches were given.”125
The first post-war Homecoming on the weekend of November 1, 1919 “was
the best in many years.”126 Among the men who came back was “Slouie” Chapman,
the one who had been presumed dead.
123
Ibid. W. Earle McEldowney served a partial term as Archon, 1917-19. His term followed that of C.
Randall Bear, Illinois Delta, who also served a partial term in 1917. War service was the reason behind
the partial terms.
124 The Daily Illini, February 20, 1919, p. 1.
In three years at the university, Burt Ingwersen had earned eight “I”s and
Collier's Weekly named him an all-western tackle. He was expected to get his ninth
“I” at the end of the 1919 baseball season.
127
The Phi Psi freshmen relay team won the 1920 interfraternity relay. Classes
were cancelled on April 24, 1920 and 176 trees were planted for the 176 Illinois
students and alumni heroes who were killed in the war. The Phi Psis planted six
trees in memory of its deceased members.128
Another rule having to do with initiation was enacted, “In order to initiate this
semester or pledge next semester, each fraternity must reach the average of the
student body.”129 The chapter was hopeful that it could initiate its 13 pledges on
February 19 in conjunction with the Founders’ Day banquet. There was talk on
campus of a campaign to fund a stadium since the stadium was becoming too small
for the usual sell-out crowds. The students voted for the campaign to build a new
stadium. The chapter member’s fathers were entertained at the Ohio-Illinois game.
In addition to the 18 dads who attended, the entire Ohio Delta chapter visited the
chapter house.130
When the plan for a new stadium was introduced, it was a $1,500,000
memorial to the Illinois heroes; it soon became a $2,000,000 one. Two Illinois
Deltans, William Lockwood and Harold Walker, were on the stadium committee.131
In addition to the individual subscriptions of chapter members, the chapter gave a
127
128
$1,000 column dedicated to the six brothers, Charles P. Anderson, Jay I. Carpenter,
Wilfred Lewis, Lloyd W. Williams, Alfred E. James, and Henry A. Colton, who lost
their lives in the war effort. While Donald J. Miller does not have a pillar, his name is
included on the plaque on the Phi Kappa Psi pillar.132
The early 1920s seemed to be a prosperous time for the chapter. Members
held many campus offices and the chapter was well represented in athletic events.
On September 24, 1920, Dean Clark addressed more than 300 freshman males who
attended the Phi Kappa Psi smoker. All fraternity pledges were invited to become
acquainted with one another. Doughnuts and apple cider were served and
Donahue’s Orchestra provided music.133During the summer of 1922, the house was redecorated. According to the
chapter correspondent, “the house is now in better condition than it has been for
many years.”134 The initiation of pledges and Founders’ Day were often celebrated
together.
Memorial stadium opened on November 3, 1923. It was Homecoming. Illinois
defeated the University of Chicago, 7-0. The stadium was dedicated officially on
October 18, 1924. On that Homecoming day, Illinois defeated Michigan, 39-14.135
132
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1920-21 (v. 41), p. 324. My thanks to Todd Salen who visited the
Stadium to get this information first-hand.
133 The Daily Illini, September 25, 1920, p. 1.
135 http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/2015/3/24/memorialstadium.aspx.
New rules about pledging were being made. For the fall of 1924, there was to
be no pledging previous to arrival at college and if a pledge was released he would
not be eligible for pledging for an additional six months.136
The chapter’s grade point average might have been less than stellar. The
Shield correspondent reported that the chapter was “emphasizing scholarship more
than ever this year by means of closer supervision of the new men’s work and more
concentrated effort on the part of the old men, and we hope to show a marked
improvement over the last semester.”137
The spring 1924 semester’s activities included the Sachem sing. Bill Donohue
was leading the chapter in song and it was said that some harmony was being
developed. The evening following the Sachem sing was the interscholastic circus.
The chapter’s stunt, The Kentucky Derby, was written by Hall Adams.138
The 1924-25 year opened with a chapter report in The Shield emphasizing
the need for improvement in grades, “The house has been rather low scholastically
for the past couple of years and we are trying to bring her out of this old rut. The
averages of the upper classes look promising and, if the freshmen come through
the way they should, with the incentive to get initiated, we should have a
pronounced improvement in our house average.”139
The chapter was successful in raising its GPA and received a pleasant
surprise. Illinois Delta “hopped out among the first ten fraternities in scholastic
136
137
standing on the campus - the best average we have made in the last five years.
The chapter was surprised to find that their effort also won them a $100 prize.” An
anonymous donor gave Dean Clark $100 to be used as a surprise award. The
winner, who didn’t know a contest was even happening, would be the fraternity
among the 53 fraternities at Illinois that made the greatest improvement in
scholarship for the first semester of the college year. Illinois Delta jumped from 40th
place to 3rd place, “This record is all the more commendable when it is understood
that the chapter did not know any prize was at stake, until Dean Clark handed its
representative the money.”140
The University of Illinois community was saddened by the June 17, 1925
death of President Emeritus James, an initiate of the Northwestern University
chapter of Phi Kappa Psi. His tenure at Illinois began at about the same time as
Illinois Delta was founded and he spoke at the installation banquet. The chapter
was proud of his affiliation, as was he. His death must have been felt keenly within
the ranks of Illinois Delta active chapter members and alumni.141
In late October 1925, Fred Van Ness was stricken with a bout of scarlet
fever. The entire fraternity was placed on quarantine. The eleven members “who
showed receptive capacity to the disease were required to report every morning
before class. Those individuals who had had scarlet fever and others who showed
sufficient resistance to the disease were allowed to come and go as they pleased.”
140
141
The quarantine was expected to be lifted on November 6, 1925, according to the
headline in The Daily Illini.142
The annual Christmas dance was held on December 22, 1925, at the chapter
house. Illinois Deltan Bill Donahue, along with his Famous College Hall Orchestra,
provided the music and that “alone would be ample reason for establishing the
dance on the record books as one of the best ever held at 911.”143
Hazing was a part of pledgeship in the 1920s as evidenced by this report in
The Shield, “Following shortly after the three days of ‘hell week,’ the initiation and
Founders’ Day banquet was held on the afternoon and evening, respectively, of
February 28th, at which time seven pledges were presented the badge as signifying
their metamorphoses into brothers.”144
Tim O’Connell, co-captain of the tennis team, along with Illinois Deltan
doubles partner Eddie Shoaff, were the luminaries of the championship tennis team.
O’Connell was undefeated in singles play and won the Western Conference singles
championship. O’Connell and Shoaff won the doubles title and every Big Ten
match.145 O’Connell also served as Archon from 1927-29.
The Chicago Alumni Association sponsored a rushing dinner to help the
midwestern chapters identify potential members. The event was the idea of Illinois
Deltan Donald S. Egbert. It became a reality with the backing of the Chicago Alumni
Association. A dinner at the University Club of Chicago took place on September 8,
142
The Daily Illini, November 6, 1925, p. 2.
143
1926. Although the event was originally conceived as a way for Illinois Delta to
meet Chicago men who would be coming to Champaign-Urbana, the Chicago
Alumni Association expanded upon the idea. More than 200 men attended. Judge
Fred Rush, Michigan Alpha 1886, spoke about Phi Psi’s history. There was also
some musical selections played by an orchestra made up of Wisconsin Alpha
alumni. University of Chicago coach Nels Norgren, Illinois Beta 1911, gave a short
talk about “sportsmanship in the Big Ten Conference.” The dinner “from a
standpoint of available rushing material was above exaggerated expectations, as
seventy rushees were banqueted. The middle west universities received the
majority of benefit, but the association feels that all chapters derived their share.
Rushees from Chicago, suburban and nearby high schools and academies were
invited, regardless of what university they were to attend. In this way, the
association believed it would be the instigator of a universal Phi Psi association of
helpfulness, for all active chapters.”146
Yet another rushing rule changed the chapter’s usual routine, “So we are
going to congregate at ‘old 911’ about September 13th and commence the annual
task of putting the house in shape to entertain the largest number of rushees in the
history of Illinois Delta. According to the new rules passed by the university, which
will take effect this year, all freshmen will register September 17-18, and the
upperclassmen will enroll September 20-21. This means we must have ten or more
pledges in the fold by the 17th, so hope us luck,” wrote The Shield
correspondent.147 They must have been successful for on February 19, 1927, 10
146
147
men became brothers, “Immediately after ceremonies, the annual Founders’ Day
banquet took place, and the food, cigars, and speeches were all greatly enjoyed.
Not a roll was burned; not a talk lasted more than ten minutes, and each was just
serious enough.”148
In addition to the usual listing of athletes, it was noted that, “Ellsworth and
Wells (J.A.) recently set a new cup on the mantel, and it was for winning the
doubles stunts in the post-exam jubilee. What they did was sing, and dance, and
make funny faces, and recite the Gettysburg Address, and they are still doing it we can’t stop them. They have been requested to give their act in Danville, and
they are even going to do that.”149
Two Phi Psis of prominence stopped by the chapter house. Elliott Nugent, a
classmate, chapter brother, and friend of a more noted Phi Psi, James Thurber, was
appearing in a play he had written with his father; The Poor Nut was a story of
college life. Nugent, along with several other members of the cast, “took dinner
with us on the evening of April 2nd, and gave an exceptionally fine performance that
night.” Kenneth Barnard, editor of Phi Psi’s Catalog, “who was working on a case
being tried in Urbana” also visited the chapter.150
On Homecoming weekend, October 29, 1927, a second mortgage bond issue
was launched. The funds were being used to remodel and refurbish the chapter
house. “Slouie” Chapman served as toastmaster of the banquet at the UrbanaLincoln Hotel. The banquet honored “Army” Williams. According to a report, ”After
148
Ibid.
149
the food had been done away with and the pledges were coughing over their cigars,
the bond issue was explained in detail by Brother Chapman, and subscriptions
began to flow in faster than he and Brother ‘Dutch’ (Bear) could write them down.
‘Old 911,’ as the alumni refer to it, has been getting a little too old lately; next year
we hope to be able to call it ‘New 911.’”151
The joint initiation and Founders' Day banquet took place on February 18,
1928 at the chapter house. Three of the new initiates were elected to Phi Eta
Sigma, the national freshman scholastic honorary. Another newly pledged member
had also been elected to the honorary. It was “an unusual record on the
campus.”152 In addition, an older brother Bennett has been elected to Phi Beta
Kappa, “an honor that has not often come to a member of Illinois Delta.”153
The 1928-29 academic year began in a refurnished house and according to
reports, it looked like a new place. The work was done by alumni including,
Chapman and Bear.154 Just before Thanksgiving, the chapter gave a dinner in honor
of Bear, for supervising the remodeling of the chapter house. The chapter
presented him with a watch.155
The Illinois baseball team took a trip to Japan. The coach, Carl Lundgren, and
his wife, along with 15 players including Phi Psis Eddie Shaw and “Punch” Boling,
the team manager left town on Sunday July 29, 1928 and were gone for two
months. They played 13 games on the way to the west coast. On the long ocean
151
153 Ibid.
152
voyage they practiced on the top deck and ran around the deck, nine laps to the
mile. In Japan, they played 11 games against four teams. The teams were from the
Universities of Keio, Meiji, Wasedaun and the Daimai newspapermen. The Illini’s
record in Japan was 8 wins – 2 losses – 1 tie.
156
It was noted that the chapter “showed up well in the shuffle of the past
semester examinations. It is unofficially said that we shall rank among the first ten
of all social fraternities, which is a long jump from our standing the semester
previous.”157 When the fall 1928 grades were tallied, the chapter ranked third in
scholarship among the 68 national fraternities at Illinois.158
Mom’s Day Weekend at that time was called Mother’s Weekend. It had
become part of the student culture at Illinois and “quite a few of the mothers
visited us on May 12th. Before leaving, they made us a promise of a radio, which we
could easily use and for which we shall be very grateful.”159
A 1930 Shield contained an article about one of the chapter’s charter
members. The author of the article, James H. Greene, could remember “way back
when Albert Austin Harding, Ill. Delta '04, leader of the crack University of Illinois
Band, was an engineering student. Why he took municipal trained bassoons and
sanitary engineering has always remained a mystery. As I think of it now, the only
logical explanation is that there seems to be some physical resemblance between a
sewer pipe and a tuba. Student bands in those days were purely student affairs
with a modest moral and financial support from the institution. Harding, probably
156
The Daily Illini, December 10, 1953, p. 14.
157
more than anyone else, is responsible for the present enviable position that college
bands hold in academic as well as student circles. I have always suspected that in
those pioneer times he had not subjugated the entire range of fearful and
wonderful instruments with which the modern band is equipped. I remember he
used to bring some strange instruments to the chapter house….As I look back on
those days I can appreciate how much work Brother Harding did to make the band
a real part of the life of the university. It was never too hot, cold or wet for the
band to take its part in some college activity. The band never refused to play an
encore. I can well imagine that in those pre-jazz band days, it was no small job to
unearth and develop talent. Many a small town silver cornet band performer has
graduated to the Paul Whiteman or Sousa class by the Harding route. How many of
these cases there are, only Director Harding himself could tell and I suspect he is
still too modest to do so. Of course, he had to come to a parting of the ways. He
had to be an engineering student or a band master and finally the band won. No
one will know how great an engineer was lost to the profession but - who cares
about that?” 160
In April 1930, Julian Knipp, a junior majoring in physics and accounting, was
elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He was one of eight Phi Psis honored nationwide.161 The
first membership directory produced by the chapter was mailed to members in June
1930. It was edited by John Detrich, Jr.162
160
162 The Illinois Delta Bazute, June 1930, p. 2.
161
After 18 years of service as a trustee of the Endowment Fund of Phi Kappa
Psi, Dan G. Swannell resigned the position. It was Swannell who presented the idea
at the 1912 G.A.C. in Chicago and became a founding trustee in 1914. The
Endowment Fund proceeds were used to provide members with financial assistance
to continue in college when there were no means to otherwise finish a degree and
to help with the financing of chapter house building and remodeling.163 Swannell
served as Treasurer of the Fraternity from 1910-18 when he was elected VicePresident; he served in that capacity until he became President at the 1920 Victory
G.A.C. in Minneapolis. He served until 1922.164
Also resigning from his position as a trustee of the Endowment Fund was
Howard C. “Army” Williams who had been appointed to the position after the death
of John W. Webster in 1928. Williams started his Phi Psi life as an initiate of the
New Hampshire Alpha chapter. Two years later, he became a charter member of
Illinois Delta. He served seven years as National Secretary beginning in 1914. In
1924, he was elected Vice-President and four years later was elected President.
Both Swannell and Williams were S.C.'ers, those Phi Psis who had attended at least
seven G.A.C.s.165
A new trophy was on the mantelpiece, courtesy of the 1931 house rifle team.
The Shield correspondent noted, “At the recent interfraternity contest the house
nimrods far outdistanced all competition to win the coveted trophy. This is the first
time that rifle competition has been added to the list of intramural sports.”166 For
163
165 Ibid.
164
the 1930-31 year, the chapter was 16th out of 68 fraternities, academically. For the
first semester of the 1931-32 year the chapter fell to 54th out of 66 and managed to
get up to 18th out of 66 fraternities for the spring 1932 semester. For the fall 1932
semester the chapter was 11th out of 66.167
In late November 1932, Clarence F. “Dab” Williams 1910, editor of The
Shield was elected President of the College Fraternity Editors Association. The
Editors Association held its annual meeting at the same time as the National
Interfraternity Conference meeting in New York City.168
The Depression hit the campus, and “in order to cut costs and still enjoy a
chapter house dance, the radio has been called into service, and dancing to some of
the best bands in the country has been enjoyed this semester.”169 A Depression
themed informal party was held on March 18, 1933. The April 1934 issue of The
Bazute noted that “a valuable and most useful addition to the chapter furnishings
has been the purchase of a new combination of radio and Victrola. The need for this
splendid instrument was felt to be more pressing than that of holding the annual
spring formal this year, and the purchase was financed by using the money
ordinarily spent for the annual spring dance.”170 A radio dance utilizing the new
Victrola was held on March 24, 1934.171 The chapter could also hear brothers Nat
Cohen and Huck Well doing comedy skits on station WILL during the “Campus
Hour” program. 172
167
The Illinois Delta Bazute, February 1933, p. 1.
171 Ibid.
168
In the fall of 1934, the chapter came back to a newly redecorated house. The
outside woodwork and the inside walls were painted again and the house was given
a thorough cleaning. The chapter had 17 pledges.173
The chapter’s pledges won the annual pajama race, and endured a few days
of quarantine when Fred Van Ness was stricken with scarlet fever. He was finally
sent to his home after spending a month in McKinley Hospital.174
The beginning of 1936 saw the chapter trying to conform to new rushing
rules. The correspondent noted that the chapter was “in the midst of mid-year
rushing. We find it rather difficult to carry on impressive rushing while attempting
to put pledges through the humiliating trials of a reformed Hell Week. The
University of Illinois has taken steps through the interfraternity council to make this
pre-initiation period humane and constructive, leaving the Fraternity little to do but
conform to rules. We feel it a worthy and necessary step towards prohibiting much
of the unnecessary torture and discomfiture that had formerly characterized the
period. The rules are just and leave enough power to the individual fraternity to
have a reasonable amount of fun while following the regulations.”175
Craig Ruby, the Illinois Basketball Coach, an initiate of the Phi Kappa Psi
chapter at the University of Missouri, was leaving his position at Illinois. The
chapter hosted a banquet to honor him and presented him with a ring, “as a token
173
174
of our appreciation for his help to the house. We are very sorry to lose so loyal a
friend, a genuine credit to the Fraternity.”176
Along with introducing the fall 1936 pledges in The Shield, the Correspondent
could not “neglect to mention our newly acquired canine mascot ‘Puddles.’ The
name is appropriate.” 177 A live-in advisor, Phi Beta Kappa John Krenkle, an
instructor in the history department, was hired as an advisor to the freshmen; he
supervised the chapter’s freshman study hall, a new innovation. To avoid
interruptions, the freshmen were confined to the dining room during study hours.178
On December 30, 1937, the Chicago Alumni Association hosted a gettogether among the undergraduates of the chapter and alumni at the Interfraternity
Club in Chicago. “Dab” Williams and Archon Joe Riley of the Fifth District were in
attendance, too.179
Dr. Francis “Fran” Ronalds, 1922, the chapter’s faculty advisor, accepted a
position as the National Park Historian. The chapter was happy for his new job but
were sad that he would no longer be in the area. A spring reunion was set for
Friday, May 21-23, 1938. A stag get-together, golf tournament, and banquet were
among the planned events.180 It must have been a success for another one was
planned for April 22-23, 1938.181
176
177
The chapter was quite proud that it “received extensive and favorable
newspaper comment early this year when it became the first fraternity on the
campus at the University of Illinois to eliminate the paddle entirely and to abolish
all forms of Hell Week, Joe College and high school ‘frat’ practices, regarded as
ridiculous by all, except sophomoric sadists.”182 The February 1935 Bazute boasted
that the Interfraternity Alumni Association of which Paul Bresee was Phi Psi’s
representative, was instrumental in having the name “Hell Week” changed to
“Preparatory Week.”183 Although the men were clearly proud of the effort, hazing
reared its ugly head again within a few years, according to various reports.
Alfred R. “Bud” Mueller served as Archon from 1938-41. The 53 Illinois
Deltans who attended the 1938 G.A.C. at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago
helped make it the largest in Phi Psi history. The chapter had the third largest
attendance behind the Northwestern and University of Chicago chapters who had
82 and 60, respectively.184 Swannell, who was attending his seventeenth G.A.C.,
was drafted to head the Committee on the Dispatch of Business.185
Homecoming 1938 saw house decorations as part of the weekend’s
festivities, “This feature will be handled by a crew of five architects, who will soon
start burning the early morning oil to work out their transformation.”186 In June
182
The Illinois Delta Bazute, February 1935, p. 3. According to chapter advisor Todd Salen, hazing, in
one form or another, was still around until the 2000s.
183
1938, “Slouie” Chapman, a Phi Kappa Psi Permanent Fund Trustee, was elected as
President of the University of Illinois Foundation.187
On April 11, 1939, Swannell died and it marked the end of an epoch at
Illinois Delta. Although Swannell was a Michigan Alpha by initiation, he was the
“Father of Illinois Delta” and it was through his multi-year effort that the chapter
was chartered. He died at age 64 of a heart attack. He “conceived and perfected
the Endowment Fund, who early recommended further expansion on the Pacific
Coast, and who kept his fingers on the pulse of the Fraternity he loved so well down
through the years. He always was ready to muster his strength to defend the
traditions, ideals and principles of his Fraternity.” He was elected Treasurer in 1910,
taking the position “when the financial structure of our organization seriously was
threatened. In characteristic manner he worked hard and faithfully and succeeded
in establishing the fiscal affairs of the Fraternity on a sound basis.” He was, it was
said, a “giant in stature. Brother Swannell’s personality was dynamic. He had the
courage of his convictions. Frequently he vigorously opposed the proposals of his
most intimate friends. He placed the welfare of Phi Kappa Psi above personal
friendship, and he was admired and respected for his fortitude.” There was also the
Endowment Fund “which will endure as an everlasting memorial to his fidelity and
loyalty to the Fraternity. Shortly after becoming Treasurer in 1910, he began to
give thought and attention to the creation of a fund that would assist in the building
or financing of fraternity house properties and offer a means of relief to worthy
undergraduate members, unable to continue or complete their college educations
because of lack of funds.” At the 1912 Chicago G.A.C., he outlined the plans for the
187
creation of an Endowment Fund. It was established two years later and he wrote its
constitution and by-laws. Swannell served as the Endowment Fund’s secretarytreasurer from 1914-30. He attended the installations of Illinois Delta, Pennsylvania
Lambda, Iowa Beta, Oklahoma Alpha, Oregon Alpha, California Delta and California
Epsilon. He visited the California Epsilon chapter at UCLA six days before his death
and spoke to the chapter. On his casket was a blanket of Phi Psi’s Jacqueminot
roses.
The chapter house was full in the fall of 1939 due to the pledging of 16 men
and the return of 29. The reception room and the card room were redecorated over
the summer as was the coat room.188 The Mother’s Club contributions made the
redecoration of the coat room possible.189 In the Chalmers Street Pajama Race, the
freshmen were nosed out in the last lap and took second place. When the pledges
of 25 fraternities competed in the Skull and Crescent Pajama Race, the Phi Psis
placed third. Although it was held a week earlier than usual, the annual AlumniThanksgiving banquet helped celebrate the 35th anniversary of the chapter.190
The University was building a men’s dormitory and there was concern that
this situation would greatly affect the fraternities.191 A spring Alumni Reunion took
place at the chapter house from April 12-14. There were 50 alumni in attendance.
In addition to a get-together at the Champaign Country Club and a banquet at the
chapter house, the alumni who returned were asked to supply the chapter with the
names of young men going to the University of Illinois who might be good additions
188
The Illinois Delta Bazute, October 1939, p. 2.
191 The Illinois Delta Bazute February 1940, p. 2.
189
to the chapter. This was a yearly request and personal references were greatly
encouraged.192
During the spring semester of 1939, Frank Trobough was elected to Phi Beta
Kappa. The chapter also won the interfraternity bridge tournament.193 The Illinois
Delta Sweetheart Song was written in the 1920s by John Soller, Jr., and the music
was available to the entire fraternity in the Tily-Givens Song Book for the price of
$2.50.194
Near the end of 1940, The Shield correspondent reported, “Christmas is
rapidly approaching and three of the brothers have already received presents in the
form of draft notices. They are: Gilt Twist, Bob Rote, and Fred Collins.”195 Red
Elders, a letterman in track, was initiated into the Tribe of Illini, the honorary
letterman’s club.196
The chapter’s big news during the spring 1941 semester was the construction
of a recreation room in the basement of the chapter house. Three small rooms, one
which had been known as the trunk room, were transformed into a recreation
room.197 It was the idea of Bill Garver and it was designed by Bob Rote, a senior
architectural student. All the work was done by chapter members, who also
financed the project. The room could double as a study room for freshmen and as a
sitting room during dances. When it was completed, the Mother’s Club purchased
192
The Illinois Delta Bazute, May 1940, p. 2.
196 Ibid.
197 The Illinois Delta Bazute, March 1946, p. 4.
193
“modernistic tubular steel furniture” for the room.198 Social events for that semester
included the annual spring dance and picnic, three days of fun starting with a picnic
on Friday, the formal dance on Saturday, and a dinner on Sunday. The annual
spring reunion of alumni with chapter members was scheduled for the weekend of
April 26. Radio dances were also on the docket for spring.199 John R. Harman
served a partial term as Archon.
The May 1941 Bazute noted, “With the emphasis on the national defense
program right now, Dick Telander, John Harman and Bud Dodge are looking
forward to their work in the R.O.T.C. Advanced Corps next year. Dick and Bud are
in the cavalry and Harman is in the field artillery. Telander is also a member of the
Black Hawk Troop.”200 Norm Johnson was also in the R.O.T.C. Advanced Corp.201 Ev
Herman received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis,
Maryland, after winning second place in the All-University R.O.T.C. Gold Medal
Competition.202 Of the five men who graduated in 1941, four were headed to
governmental service. Former Chapter President Ward Fickie was on his way to
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to work for the U.S. government. Red Elders was off to
Seattle, Washington, for a national defense job. Giltner Twist, who was in the U. S.
Army Radio Corps, was stationed at Belleville, Illinois. Bob Rote was awaiting
further draft instructions.203 Captain Rollin J. Cowles, Jr., 1916, was a World War I
veteran, who after his discharge from the Army in 1919, remained active with the
198
The Illinois Delta Bazute, February 1941 p. 3; The Illinois Delta Bazute, October 1941, p. 1.
200 The Illinois Delta Bazute, May 1941, p. 1.
201 The Illinois Delta Bazute, February 1941, p. 4.
199
National Guard of Iowa and was Captain of Troop K, 113th Calvary (mechanized).
He died on July 24, 1941, at the Camp Bowie base hospital in Brownwood, Texas,
while on active duty with his regiment. His son had recently been initiated at the
Iowa State Phi Psi chapter. While Captain Cowles was not a World War II casualty
per se, his death foreshadowed what was to come in the next few years.204
Apparently all the strategies which had been employed to keep academics on
the forefront for the chapter were not as successful as intended. For the 1940-41
year the chapter ranked 46th out of 48 chapters.205 The October 1941 Bazute noted,
“Extensive plans are already in progress to raise the chapter’s scholarship low level.
Chapter study rules are strictly enforced and stern disciplinary action will be taken
for offenders. A plan for junior and senior members to lend a hand to
underclassmen in particular subjects is being worked out so that we can better our
position among campus Greek-letter groups.”206
At the end of the 1941 football season, Robert “Bob” Zuppke, the football
coach for 29 years, resigned his duties. It was said that of the “twelve most
outstanding players during the Zuppke regime, three were Phi Psis, Slouie
Chapman, Zuppke’s first All-America, Bart Macomber, and Burt Ingwersen, now line
coach at Northwestern.”207 The chapter’s freshman relay team won the Chalmers
Street Pajama Race, a feat that had not happened since 1935.208
204
206 The Illinois Delta Bazute, October 1941, p. 2.
208 Ibid.
205
December 7, 1941, a “day that will live in infamy,” took place three days
before The Shield correspondent wrote his report. He stated, “As the semester goes
into the last lap, a great furor has arisen on the Chambana Campus, due to the
recently declared war with Japan. Many Illinois Deltans, who had previously been
deferred, are now anticipating immediate induction into the army.”209 The new year
began and the university was “offering many new subjects on defense and wartime
topics.” Moreover, due to the declaration of war, the chapter lost Bob Johnson and
Jack Moskewitz to the Air Corps. The roster of chapter members and alumni in the
service was expanding quickly.210
The spring reunion was not held for the first time in seven years. It was
replaced by an informal weekend on April 24-25, 1942.211
In early September 1942, 25 brothers returned to campus and 28 men were
pledged. There was, according to The Shield correspondent, “more emphasis on
military than ever before. Phil Mitchell, Charles Tobermann, and Fritz Wright have
received appointments to the Advanced Field Artillery Corps, and Lowell Roberts,
Dick Erskine, and Gordon Leitner have received appointments to the Cavalry, Coast
Artillery, and the Engineering Corps, respectively. Mitchell, Tobermann, and Wright
are members of Caisson Club and Plateau and Drum. Erskine was initiated into
Scabbard and Blade.”212 The annual pledge dance took place on October 3, 1942; it
was a radio dance. The money saved by not hiring an orchestra was donated to the
United Service Organizations (USO).
209
Ibid.
210
During the fall 1942 semester, 13 men headed off to the service. The
initiation of 17 men took place on Sunday, January 17, 1943. Three seniors
graduated in February due to the accelerated program. Freshman Carl Bontemps
was playing forward on the freshman basketball team.213
Although men were quickly leaving the chapter and campus, Illinois Delta
remained “one of the strongest houses on campus. Dale Davidson, Luke Harp, and
Willie Barker went with the first call of the Air Corps, and Lowell Richmond, Bob
Messer, Jim W. Roberts, Howie Wallin, Don Erskine, Jim A. Roberts, Tom Dempsey,
and Pledge brothers Paul Erley and Dewitt Housel entered the ground forces when
their country called. Much of our strength at the present time can be traced to the
fact that a number of our men are in the advanced corps of the ROTC and the Naval
and Marine Reserves. John Harman, Phil Mitchell, Charles Tobermann, Fritz Wright,
and Frank Whiting are all cadet officers in the Field Artillery, Bill Cole and Dick
Erskine in the Coast Artillery, Lowell Roberts in the Cavalry, and Gordon Leitner in
the Engineers. Our future Ensigns are John Lundin, Robert Billiom, Gene Erwin,
Walt Erley, and Tom Landise. Embryo marines are John Hallpert, Bob Watson, Jim
Reeder, and Steve Himter. Though most of these men expect to leave in June or
thereabouts, we will still have a nucleus of non-draftable men large enough to carry
the Phi Psi flag on the campus. In this respect, we are very fortunate, for most
houses will have to close completely in June or before.”214
Another radio dance took place on February 27, 1943. It had a Daisy MaeLittle Abner theme and “everyone dressed in mountain clothes, and the decorations
213
214
were patterned after the famous comic strip. However, no one had enough nerve to
attempt a square dance.”215
The May 1942 Bazute was on glossy paper and typeset. The October 1943
issue was typewritten on a stencil and mimeographed. The headline was “The
Illinois Delta Bazute goes to war.”216
Over the summer of 1943, the Phi Kappa Psi chapter house was turned over
to the Army Specialized Training Program (A.S.T.P.). On June 16 the house became
Barracks 27.217 The House Corporation received $425 per month on a 12-month
basis.218 The few Phi Psis on campus were living in a house at 508 East Green
Street in Champaign. The chapter was allowed to rush potential members.219 Illinois
Delta was still operating as “an organized unit. The situation looked serious when
the month of June 1943 rolled around and all of the advance R.O.T.C. boys, the
nucleus of our chapter, left for parts unknown. The chapter’s strength at that time
was reduced to three, G. P. Warren Olson, Carl Bontemps, and Tom Dempsey. Real
encouragement came about July 1st when a Navy V-12 unit was established on
campus and included in this group were three Illinois Deltans, Walter Erley, John
Lundin, and Gene Erwin. A little simple arithmetic shows that the chapter's strength
had doubled. Chapter meetings were started at that time. Another former Illini,
Lowell Richmond, was discovered wandering around campus with a medical
discharge from the Army. With the advent of the fall semester the R.O.T.C. started
215
Ibid.
216
returning in small driblets. Thus far, Gordy Leitner, Phil Mitchell, Joel Ware, Chuck
Toberman, and Lowell Roberts, have arrived.”220
Illinois Delta was one of the few fraternities still active during the war,
according to the January 1944 Bazute. The chapter rented from the University the
Scheib residence at 1002 South Lincoln. It was an all-brick house, with an
expansive first floor; it accommodated 19 men and it reminded the men of “911.”
The house was run on a quasi co-op basis so living costs were kept to a
minimum.221 About the “only thing lacking is our meat-hound, Damit, but we see
him every once in a while about the campus. We can’t lure him away from the old
house.”222 The chapter’s numbers were increased by a number of advanced
R.O.T.C. men who were waiting on admittance to Officer Candidate’s School.
Alumnus Paul Bresee, who was managing and overseeing the rental of the property
at 911 South Fourth reported that it was in “excellent shape. The rooms are clean,
house in excellent repair, and the army sees that the house is kept in the best
possible condition. Indications are that the ASTP program will be continued for the
duration, in spite of adverse reports.”223
John B. White, Jr., 1937, was reported missing in action after he failed to
return from his 28th mission over enemy territory. He was a winner of the
Distinguished Flying Cross. His father, an Illinois Delta alumnus, was John B. White,
Sr., 1909.
220
Ibid.
223 The Illinois Delta Bazute, January 1944, p. 1.
221
The “duration” house was also the scene of a few parties. At the start of the
1943 semester, for the chapter’s second party, the members, “threw their ideas
together, and the result was little short of amazing. The general theme lay
somewhere between an outdoor picnic and a barn dance, thus nearly everyone
wore overalls or other suitable attire. Half of the living room floor was covered with
blankets, giving the picnic touch for the group in front of the fire. An ingenious hay
wagon occupied one corner, while there was dancing in the other half.
Refreshments disappeared rapidly in the kitchen where one had to dodge players at
card tables.”224
Those on campus adopted a policy of continuous rushing, “believing that the
only way to remain strong on campus. We have a house because we are strong,
and we want to keep it.”225 The members also tried to keep a record of where the
alumni and chapter members were stationed.
The A.S.T.P.-R.O.T.C. disbanded in March 1944. Illinois Delta was notified
that the house would be returned to the chapter on June 20, 1944. However, the
number of men in town, less than 10 when the situation was decided, was not
sufficient to operate the house at the level of income needed to make it profitable.
Instead, the House Corporation rented the house to Mrs. Mensendick to use as a
rooming and boarding house for women.226 A house at 310 Chalmers Street, next
door to “911” was the site of another “duration” house for the 1944-45 year.227 It
was the Phi Kappa Theta chapter house, and the Phi Psis were living with the Phi
224
Ibid.
226 The Illinois Delta Bazute, August 1944, p. 1.
225
Kaps, Phi Gamma Deltas, Sigma Nus, and a Tau Kappa Epsilon and a Delta Phi. The
house was run on a cooperative basis with pledges from each of the fraternities
under the same pledge rules.228
That fall, the ratio women to men on campus was five women to every man,
according to the report of The Shield correspondent. Fifteen Phi Psis returned to
campus.229 They received the news that on October 1, 1944, Capt. Raymond Roy
Polk, 1931, a leader with General Patton’s 3rd Army, was killed in action near Metz,
France. He had been practicing law until he enlisted in 1942. He was the father of
an almost four-year-old son. Another Illinois Deltan, Robert J. Tittle 1937, a
Chapter President who had been transfer from Wittenberg College, was killed in a
crash at Chamberlain Field, in Mendota, Minnesota. He was instructing a naval
cadet at the time. He, too, was the father of a young son.230 It was reported in the
December 1945 Bazute that Lt. James A. Roberts, 1946, was reported missing in
action in Formosa as of February 18, 1945.
Despite the very small number of men in the active chapter, two Illinois Delta
members, Vic Bubas and Carl Bontemps, were playing basketball for the Illini. Ernie
Frasier was on the swim team and Val Pouts was wrestling.231
The chapter returned to “911” for the start of the 1945-46 academic year. A
call for donations appeared in the October 1945 Bazute, “However, 2.5 years of
occupancy by other than the chapter has taken its toll on the house and
furnishings. Much repair work must be done and new equipment purchased.
228
Ibid.
229
Therefore, though, THE NEED IS STILL GREAT for alumni to co-operate 100 per
cent in the present campaign now underway to provide sufficient funds for
rehabilitation.”232 “Slouie” Chapman and George K. Richmond were co-chairman of
the effort.
The April 1946 issue of The Bazute was no longer typewritten. It was typeset
on non-glossy paper. A spring reunion on May 25, 1946 was advertised in that
issue. The July 1946 Bazute had a picture of the event and told that “Dab” Williams
served as toastmaster and nearly 50 alumni attended. At a meeting of the alumni
came the plan to redecorate and modernize the chapter room as a memorial to the
war dead of Illinois Delta.233
During the summer of 1946, chapter member Luke Harp’s name and picture
“flashed across the press wires of the nation on Saturday, Aug. 31, when he won
fifth place in the first postwar Bendix trophy air race….Luke received a tidy $1,500.”
Harp flew a P-38 army fighter plane.234
The 1946-47 year began and the house was filled to capacity. Bessie, the
cook, was back preparing meals for 71 men. More than 90% of the chapter
members were veterans – 72 out of 78. Those who were unable to live in the
chapter house found room “in the stadium, the ice rink, or in accommodations
offered in private homes.”235 During the war, the chapter won some trophies to
impress the returning veterans. These included “All-University Sachem Sing,
Chalmers Street Pajama Race, All-University Pajama Race, and the intramural track
232
The Illinois Delta Bazute, July 1946, p. 4.
233
meet trophies.”236 Rushing netted 21 men “in spite of over-crowding, a helterskelter rush week, room shortages, food shortages, and what have you.”237
October 13, 1946 was Homecoming and it was planned to be the “first real
peaceful Homecoming since World War II.” The captain of the football team was
Mac Wenskunas and he, along with Ray Florek, were on the field that day.238 There
was a new trophy on the mantle, the famed Chalmers Street Pajama Race new
travelling trophy which was sitting near the old one which was now in permanent
possession of the chapter. The same team of pledges took the trophy for the Skull
and Crescent All-University Pajama Race the following week.239 The social life of the
chapter was returning to normal, too. “The pledge dance was a capital success in
the Hallowe’en theme. This was followed by a chapter hayride which was probably
the longest, most riotous, and most enjoyable that Illinois Delta has had for a long
while. With a beer party interspersed every now and then to keep our hand in the
whirl, the coming event is the Christmas formal, December 6th. In harmony with
one of the better campus bands, the brothers will break out tails and tuxedos in
contrast to the recent years of navy blue and O.D.”240
John Barthel won a $5,000 prize for study in Europe, the Lloyd Warren
architectural scholarship. It was one of the most competitive architectural
scholarships and he chose to study in Paris.241
236
Ibid.
238 Ibid.
240 Ibid.
241 The Illinois Delta Bazute, June 1947, p. 1.
237
Led by Illinois Deltan Mac Wenskunas, the Illini won the 1947 Rose Bowl. He
was made Honorary Captain of the mythical all Phi Psi Team. Alumnus Burt
Ingwersen, line coach at Illinois, was made the Honorary Coach of that Phi Psi
team.242
When the chapter members arrived to begin the 1947-48 year, the chapter
house had undergone a face lift. It had been painted and thanks to the Mother’s
Club, the first floor and mezzanine sported new drapes and Venetian blinds. The
halls, recreation room and most of the study rooms were redecorated. The chapter
numbered 62 initiated members and 22 pledges. Only 49 men were able to live in
the house.243 Frank S. Whiting, Jr. served a partial term as Archon during 1947-49.
On March 13, 1948, the annual Jeff Duo dance with the Phi Gamma Deltas
took place in the Garden Room of the Urbana-Lincoln Hotel. More than 100 couples
attended. Both organizations were founded at the same college, Jefferson College
(now Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania). Lt. Everett
Winfield Herman, who had left Illinois after winning an appointment to the U.S.
Naval Academy, was killed in a routine flight training mission on June 21, 1948.244
During the fall of 1948, William Hensold was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. The
chapter was represented on the varsity football, basketball, track, and wrestling
teams.245 The Daily Illini reported that the Phi Delta Theta pledges had broken the
six-year winning streak of Phi Kappa Psi in the Chalmers Street Pajama Race.246
242
246 The Daily Illini, October 22, 1948, p. 1.
243
On January 26, 1949, a first meeting of Illinois Deltans in the Chicagoland
area was held in Frank S. Whiting Jr.’s recreation room in his home in Winnetka.
About 25 Illinois Deltans and their guests attended.247 When the Illini played in the
N.C.A.A. basketball tournament it was Illinois Deltan Wally “Ox” Osterkorn who was
the star center.248 He was also elected President of the Tribe of Illini.249
The chapter lost 20 members to graduation in 1949, and a pledge class of 23
was acquired through hard work. Ian C.C. Graham, a 30-year-old Scotsman who
was doing graduate work in history, was living at the house. The match was made
by faculty advisor, Dean “Quint” Hamilton.250 Graham had served seven years in
the British Army. The Illinois Delta men believed that “through their association
with Ian, they will have a first-class lesson in international understanding.”251
In a candid assessment of the chapter, Brooks Senn, Editor of The Bazute
wrote in an editorial in the May 1950 issue. “The members of Illinois Delta of Phi
Kappa Psi are, to some extent, resting on our past laurels. From a post-war height
in 1945, we are slowly slipping to a position on campus that is unworthy of this
chapter and of this fraternity. We take pleasure in assuring ourselves that we are
on an equal level with the other ‘Big’ houses on the campus when, in reality, we are
in no position to have such delusions. We are beginning to sink deep in the slime of
mediocrity, and we can only extract ourselves by extraordinary efforts. We can no
longer sit back and hope that things will be better next year; at that rate, next year
247
249 The Illinois Delta Bazute, November 1949, p. 2.
248
will never come. A concrete plan of action must be formulated by which the
standards of Illinois Delta can be raised to a place that is not embarrassing, but
note-worthy.”252
Harry Combes, the head coach of the Illini basketball team called Osterkorn,
“the best center in the country, bar none.” Osterkorn played on the varsity team for
four years and broke the Illini all-time scoring record.253 When members came back
to begin the 1950-51 year, the football team had four Phi Psis on it - Bill Vohaska,
Al Tate, Joe Vemasco, and Dan Peterson. They were instrumental in the first win of
the season over Ohio University. Vohaska was the team’s captain.254 After the
season’s end, Vohaska and Tate made a number of All-American teams.255
The chapter hosted the Fourth District Council meeting in April 1951; it was
an event that happened at a different site each year. Representatives from the 12
chapters in the district along with those from two of the alumni associations met.
The business sessions and a dance took place at the chapter house. A smoker and
banquet were held at the Inman Hotel where most of the attendees were staying.
Ralph Chester Otis from Beloit College, gave the invocation after which Illinois
Deltan Donald Foster asked visitors to cooperate in keeping alcoholic beverages out
of the chapter house as the chapter would be in deep trouble if alcohol was brought
into the house.256
252
The Illinois Delta Bazute, May 1950, p. 2.
256 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1951-52 (v. 72), p 15.
253
During the summer of 1951, the exterior of the house was repainted.257 The
members learned of the death in Korea of Lt. Phillip Carter Mitchell, Jr., 1941. He
was killed September 21, 1951 with the 23rd Infantry Regiment on Heartbreak
Ridge.258 He served more than three years during World War II and was a member
of the U.S. Army inactive reserve. He was called to active duty again in November
1950.259
The Christmas formal was held at the Urbana-Lincoln Hotel on December 8,
1951. Preceding the dance was a candle-light sweetheart dinner in the chapter
house; it was held in conjunction with the Phi Kappa Sigma chapter. The Jeff Duo
dance with the Phi Gamma Delta chapter in February 1952 also took place in the
same hotel.260
February 19, 1952 marked 100 years from Phi Kappa Psi’s founding. Illinois
Delta was celebrating by initiating its pledges on that date. On February 10, many
of the chapter members and pledges joined with the Chicago Alumni Association at
a celebration at the University Club in Chicago. Other spring social events included
joining the Phi Gamma Delta chapter for the Jeff Duo dance at the Urbana-Lincoln
hotel, the spring reunion for alumni, the Indiana Beta exchange weekend in
Bloomington, Mother’s Day, the spring formal, and the University’s Spring Carnival.
The chapter was paired with the Alpha Gamma Delta chapter for the later event and
257
The Illinois Delta Bazute, March 1952, p. 4.
260 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1951-52 (v. 72), p.139.
258
it was hoping to get its “second consecutive win in the charity benefit” which they
did.261
Illinois Deltan Wayne Woltman, The Daily Illini editor, had a three-hour
interview with General Dwight David Eisenhower on the general's special train, and
another interview with Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson. Both men were running
for the Presidency of the United States.262 The 1952 Christmas formal was held with
the Kappa Sigmas at the Urbana-Lincoln Hotel, “It was a perfect dance, banquet in
the basement, refreshments upstairs. At the last moment the chaperones phoned
and said they wouldn’t be able to attend because their child was having an
appendectomy. Brother Smythe, a faculty member, stepped to the timely rescue,
and secured two replacements.”263
The chapter was still publishing The Bazute, a four-page chapter newsletter,
but it was noted in The Shield that “this may be the last year. At present The
Bazute's finances are in the red, a situation which will not endure. Unless more
subscriptions come in, The Bazute will collapse.”264
With two first-place efforts in the movie division of the Spring Carnival, a
campus fund-raising effort, Illinois Delta was psyched for a third win. In 1953, the
chapter was paired with the Alpha Chi Omega chapter and they produced a color
film, Jeanie Never Knew, about a frustrated engineering student. Their joint effort
won. “Dab” Williams visited the chapter house after the District Conference in
261
264 Ibid.
262
Evanston, “It is always an honor and pleasure to see Dab, who to us is ‘Mr. Phi
Psi.’”265
Fundraising for other organizations was starting to become a part of chapter
life. A headline in the March 1953 Bazute read, “Red Cross Collection Substituted
for Hell Week.” It went on to discuss some of the changes that were being made to
the pledge program. Hell Week would be “different in form from those of the past.
The pledges this year will spend part of the time soliciting funds for the American
Red Cross…will spend a couple of days working on the house, where repair is
needed. The old traditions of the scavenger hunt and fun night, sometimes
designated as the ‘Phi Psi Olympics’ will continue this year. The chapter has decided
to do away with the practice of having the pledges tear up bundles of paper for the
‘snow storm’ because we felt the time could be spent on something from which the
house could benefit while leaving the pledges with a remembrance of having done
something worthwhile.”266 Again, this appears to have been a short-lived attempt to
downplay hazing.
At the start of the 1953-54 year, the chapter roll stood at 47 actives and 17
pledges.267 John Kerr was the captain of the Illini basketball team and during the
December 8, 1953 game against Butler College, he set a new all-time individual
scoring record. It was also noted that, “After a few years of dormancy, singing at
the Phi Psi house is coming to life. Under the baton of Brian Voth, the Brothers have
resumed serenading, and talk of entering Sachem Sing is in the air.”268
265
266
In March 1954, the chapter was hit with a one-year social probation. The
Bazute gave this account, “The University Senate subcommittee on student
discipline placed Phi Kappa Psi on one-year social probation in March for violation of
an Interfraternity Council rule against taking informal initiation out of the house.
The decision grew out of the alleged ‘near shooting’ of pledge Dave Griffins by an
Urbana police officer during a Hell Week stunt. Dave was sent out on ‘fun night’ in
search of bottle caps representing 10 brands of beer and told not to speak to
anyone until he returned with the booty. His venture took him down an Urbana
alley where he was approached by a police car. Instead of telling the officer his
name, he reached into his coat pocket for a pencil and paper on which to write it.
The officer said the suspicious action led him at first to believe that Griffins was
reaching for a gun. The officer credited his 20 years on the force as the only reason
he did not shoot first and ask questions later. Dave spent the night in jail and was
brought before Police Magistrate James Mautz the next morning. The case was
immediately dismissed and records turned over to the University Security Office.”
269
The June 3, 1954 Daily Illini reported that the Senate subcommittee on student
discipline had refused to remove the chapter from social probation.270 Social
probation did not affect the spring reunion or participation in the Spring Carnival
but it prohibited chapter dances and dessert exchanges with the sororities.271
However, the chapter managed to find a way to hold a formal. An alumnus
recounted that the entire chapter went to the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago
and had a formal there. He explicitly recalled it because he proposed to his wife
269
The Illinois Delta Bazute, April 1954, p. 1.
The Daily Illini, June 3, 1954, p. 2.
271 The Daily Illini, March 10, 1954 p. 1.
270
there.272 The chapter report in The Shield noted that there were “numerous
entourages to Lake-of-the-Woods,” a forest preserve near Mahomet, Illinois.273
There seemed to be some discord in the chapter. One member had a pet
monkey living in the house, bridge games could go on for days, with pledges being
ordered to provide a fourth. A quick inspection of the minute books for this time
period show a good deal of fining and picayune bickering within the chapter. In
addition to the social probation, the chapter was having financial problems with
delinquent accounts. At the March 8, 1954, chapter meeting, during the section
reserved for remarks for the good of the order, “Brother Peterson gave a short talk
on chapter room decorum and the general attitude of the brothers.”274
The chapter, partnered with Delta Gamma, won its fourth consecutive first
place in the Spring Carnival. Its movie entry, Seemore in ’84, was a “satire on the
‘totalitarian’ administration of the university.” According to The Shield report, “It is
the general consensus of all the Brothers that the whole thing was definitely worth
the time, effort and expense, and we are all looking forward to win number five
next year.”275
When the chapter returned at the start of fall 1954, “an unusually large
number of last year's chapter were, for one reason or the draft, unable to return to
school.”276 On November 12-13, 1954, “Dab” Williams and his wife returned for
Homecoming to be honored guests of the University of Illinois. ABC sportscaster,
272
Personal Communication, Paul L. Addy to Todd Salen.
274 March 8, 1954 Meeting, Minute books of Illinois Delta, Phi Kappa Psi HQ, Indianapolis, IN.
276 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1954-55 (v. 75), p.68.
273
Phi Psi Bob Finnegan, Illinois Beta (University of Chicago), 1946, introduced
Williams as a speaker at the pre-game pep rally. Williams appeared on television
and on radio. A lunch for Illini dignitaries was given in his honor by the
University.277 The chapter, paired with Alpha Xi Delta, took second-place in the
Homecoming Stunt Show.
Due to the social probation, the semester’s social calendar, “with the
exception of a few informal parties, was confined to a fabulous Thanksgiving party
graciously given by Dan Simpson at his home in Elmwood Park.”278 After the yearlong probation was over, the chapter celebrated with the Jeff Duo dance and a
Liberation Ball. Founders’ Day was commemorated with the alumni in Chicago.279
The men won an unprecedented fifth straight first place in the movie division of the
Spring Carnival. For that effort, they worked with the Tri Delta chapter.280
In these cryptic sentences one can surmise that there were some financial
issues going on, perhaps overspending or delinquent accounts, or a combination of
both, “Our alumni have once more proven to us their invaluable worth. Through
their help, the chapter house has been redecorated and our financial burden erased
from the books. Our sincere gratitude is given for their assistance.”281
At the 1955 Homecoming Stunt Show, Illinois Delta, along with the Pi Beta
Phi chapter, took second place with the original musical, East of Sweden. On
277
280 The Illinois Delta Bazute, July 1955, p. 1.
278
December 2, the chapter held its Christmas formal along with the Sigma Pi chapter.
The event took place at the Urbana-Lincoln Hotel.282
Over the summer of 1956 several improvements were made to the chapter
house. Smooth red concrete was poured where the “sagging, half-century-old brick
walk and patio” had been. Another improvement was a “completely new shower
stall, and entryway in the white room which is so attractive that many of the
Brothers prefer it to their study rooms. The new white room fixtures were topped
off by Jack Fix, ‘29, who donated a sparkling water fountain to replace ‘old face full’
which was rendered inoperative by Clark O’Halloran's monkey in ‘51.” The dining
tables were replaced as were the old casement-type windows.283 The chapter had
16 pledges by the time rush week was over, “excellent results considering that only
55 per cent of the vacancies in all of the fraternities on campus were filled due to a
shortage of rushees.”284
While the chapter was in the bottom half of Illinois fraternities grade-wise,
there were a few shining stars. The Shield correspondent noted, “Bob Mast will
probably graduate first in his class in the school of architecture. In addition to his
scholastic achievements. Bob is also an ex-GP, designer of our powder room, and
designer of many homecoming and spring carnival structures.”285
The big news at the start of the 1957-58 year was about an alumnus, Mac
Wenskunas, star football player and captain of the team that won the 1947 Rose
282
284 Ibid.
285 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1956-57 (v. 77), p. 258. Mast went on to work in pressed concrete and
designed the cone shaped top of Space Mountain at Walt Disney World among other buildings.
http://www.abam.com/news/newsletter-article/252.
283
Bowl. He and his wife, along with three others, were killed in a two-car collision on
August 3, 1957. Illinois football coach Ray Eliot established a fund for the
Wenskunases’ orphaned children, aged 11, 8, 6, and 3.286
More home improvements had taken place over the summer including a
landscaping of the front of the house. Again there were fewer rushees, but the
chapter managed to sign 12 men. In order to help with the middling chapter GPA,
two Phi Psi graduate students, James Lomont, Indiana Alpha (DePauw University),
and Harry Sill, Mississippi Alpha (University of Mississippi), were serving as study
proctors.287
The pledge pajama race team took second place in the Skull and Crescent
Pajama Race, in a field of 28 fraternities. On December 13, at the winter formal,
the members were “waltzing their dates to the mellow strains of a rock-and-roll
number.”288 On March 3, 1958, Howard C. “Army” Williams, a charter member who
had served as National President from 1926-28, passed away in Cleveland, Ohio.289
The first mention of a spring break trip to Florida came in a spring 1958
Shield report. The Jeff Duo party was not held in a hotel that year; it took place at
the Moose Club.290 When the grade report came in for the 1956-57 year, the
chapter ranked 50th of 51 fraternities.291
286
287
In 1957, David Dodds Henry, President of the University of Illinois, was
initiated by the Illinois Delta chapter on behalf of the Pennsylvania Lambda
(Pennsylvania State University) chapter. President Henry often visited the chapter
and participated in Phi Psi events.292
Four members of the 1958 football team, Dave Ash, Bob Hickey, Rich
Kreitling, and Jim Brown, were members of the chapter. Kreitling was the nation’s
leading receiver in total yardage and the second highest in Illinois and Big Ten
history.293 At the pre-game pep rally where Paul Bresee was the emcee, “Dab”
Williams, Burt Ingwersen, Rich Kreitling and Bob Hickey spoke.294 On December 3,
1958, A.A. Harding, Illinois Delta charter member and retired Director of Band
activities, died.295
Philanthropic endeavors were becoming more common place in the late
1950s when the existence of fraternities and sororities was being questioned on
campuses all over the country. On December 7, 1958, the chapter was joined by
the Chi Omega chapter. Together they had a Christmas party for a group of
underprivileged children. There were carols, games, refreshments, and, of course,
Santa, made an appearance to give gifts to the children.296
Over the Christmas break, there was a near calamity at the chapter house.
The boiler which provided steam for the heating system, burned. Given that it was
the middle of winter and the problem needed to be dealt with immediately, the only
292
294 Ibid.
296 The Illinois Delta Bazute, January 1959, p. 1.
293
viable option for the House Corporation was to replace it with a coal-fired
furnace.297
In the January 1959 Bazute, the alumni were told of a situation which could
have had more serious ramifications for the chapter. A group of six or seven
undergraduates “finishing up the tag ends of a cocktail party in the chapter house”
were discovered and apprehended. Fortunately, an understanding was reached with
the Dean of Men;; the chapter was able to continue without serious penalty.
However, the alumni supervisory committee, which had been appointed by the
national office and had been operating for eight months would continue doing
meeting and working with the chapter.298
In that issue of The Bazute, the Chapter President told about some of the
actions put forth by the administration. He reported, “What has the university done
this semester to improve or injure the fraternity system at large? In our opinion
they are trying to kill us. They want us to pass a bill that requires so many cubic
feet per person for study and sleeping areas. That is fine, but few fraternities can
match these requirements and we happen to be one that cannot furnish this desired
area. That will, of course, affect our rush program and the number of men able to
live in the house. Another bomb shell that might injure the fraternity system would
be a bill passed by the Senate abolishing discrimination on campus. This will,
without a doubt, be injurious to six or seven top fraternities on our campus,
although not ours in particular. The result would be removal of their individual
297
298
Ibid.
Ibid.
house charters because these houses have restrictive clauses in their constitution.
The scene does not look too bright for the Greek system.”299
The Jeff-Duo event with the Phi Gamma Deltas was on the social calendar.
The Phi Gams were “recently off probation, so the night promises to be a wild one
at the local Moose Club.”300
A letter from the Chapter President in the March 1959 Bazute gives a window
into what may have been going on in the chapter. “For the first time in three years,
Illinois Delta has the prime requisite to go places on campus. That requisite is
numbers. For the past few years, we have been struggling along with a few
brothers spreading themselves thin, and handling everything from I.M.s to Stunt
Show to our summer rush program. Now that situation has changed. We have 40
undergraduates and 12 pledges – enough men to achieve a degree of concertation
in most aspects of fraternity life without over burdening anyone. I am not saying
we have reached a point where we can relax and stop working. We have just
started. A membership of 52 doesn’t compare too favorably with the Phi Gam’s 87
or the Sig’s 83, but it does compare favorably with the number that Phi Psi has had
for the past three years.”301
It was also announced in The Bazute that Hell Week was gone once again
from the chapter, “Informal initiation took a change for the good. Some 20 pledges,
mops, pails and brushes in hand eagerly undertook an archeological expedition into
the cellars of Phi Psi. Although the traditional Hell Week took a back seat, the new
299
The Illinois Delta Bazute, January 1959, p. 3.
301 The Illinois Delta Bazute, March 1959, p. 3.
300
Help Week uncovered some interesting items of historical significance…We
members of the undergraduate chapter cannot help but think that we have made a
step toward revamping the pledging system.”302
Twelve pledges were initiated on March 1, 1959. William (Red) Lockwood,
1921, pinned the badge on his son Stuart. It was also announced in The Shield that
the chapter had two men named Al Swanson and two named Bill Johnson. The
chapter’s GPA for the fall semester had risen considerably and the chapter was 16th
of the fraternities and “with the new scholarship program worked out by Larry
Tribbey and Harvey McCray, Missouri Alpha (University of Missouri) '58, we intend
to keep going up!”303
The 1959 Phi Psi Sweetheart was Charlotte Gallati, Delta Gamma, the pin girl
of Alex Jankowski. She was the second recipient of the Sweetheart trophy
purchased by the Mother’s Club.304
For the 1959 Homecoming Stunt Show, the chapter was paired Delta Phi
Epsilon. “Ski Lodge” was the theme of the winter formal. It was held in the chapter
house, “Everyone was impressed by the house decorations, and our thanks go to
Bob Telleen, chairman of the decorations committee.”305 At the start of the second
semester, “Most of the chapter has finally realized that we’re going to have to really
get down and work to make our grades acceptable. Bob Telleen, new scholarship
chairman, has a working program to which we are giving our full support, and with
302
Ibid.
303
the new attitude around the house, we’re counting on improvement.”306 In 2003, in
preparation for the chapter’s centennial, Tellen wrote Todd Salen, 1977, with some
memories of his time in the chapter, “If there were illegal drugs in the chapter
house by 1961, I was not aware of it. Alcohol was the dragon which took too many
brothers down…and Bridge, the card game. Although I had played Bridge for years,
I quickly pretended to know nothing about the game when I saw fellow pledges
ordered to fill in as a fourth with actives…games went on for hours, days at a time.
I saw actives begin playing Bridge after Monday night Chapter meeting, play all the
way through the night, skip classes the next day, still playing, and play into
Tuesday night/Wednesday morning before falling exhausted into bed, then miss
their Wed. classes. Needless to say, a number of them were on academic probation
or flunked out the next semester.”307
The 1960 spring reunion featured a bowling match between alumni and
chapter members, a banquet at the Champaign Country Club and a breakfast at the
chapter house Sunday morning. The chapter enjoyed a visit from Archon Kent
Christopher Owen, “His advice, in addition to his wealth of stories, were heartily
received.”308 The Jeff Duo took place on February 18 at the Moose Club, and
another Technicolor film with a sound track, A-Lad ‘n A-Lass, was made for
Sheequon, the annual spring event; the chapter was paired with Alpha Omicron
Pi.309 In 1957, Sheequon replaced the Spring Carnival which had been in existence
since 1945. On May 4, 1960, the Student Senate put an end to Sheequon as an
306
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1959-60 v. 80), p. 199.
Personal Communication, Robert Tellen to Todd Salen, June 25, 2003.
307
annual springtime event. The reason for this action was that Sheequon “had
followed the trend of such spring events in the past. It had just become too big. In
the Senate motion to delete Sheequon, the event was called a tremendous waste of
time, and money. In 1960, it was cited, the cost was approximately $500 per
booth, with 26 booths. The $13,000 expenditure, it was charged, did not warrant a
return of $4,000 for charity purposes.”310
Stuart Lockwood, the legacy whose father pinned the Phi Kappa Psi pin on
him in 1959, served as Chapter President. In response to a solicitation for chapter
memories he wrote, “If memory serves me correctly we had about 42 individuals
living in the house, several of whom did not pay a house bill. Our overall grade
point was consistently in the bottom quartile of the Greek system and suffered from
repeated occurrences where an individual simply stopped going to classes about
midsemester leaving the house with 15 to 18 hours of 1.0 to absorb. Participation
in intramurals was spotty because we had nether the personnel not the chapter
spirit to field a team. Due to a series of embarrassing incidents or exchanges, no
reputable sorority would participate with us in campus events. Our rush program
was a shambles, and about the only serious topic on the agenda of the Board was
how soon the Alums would have to close the house.”311
“Dab” Williams, the co-founder of Homecoming, was honored at the Illini’s
50th Homecoming on October 5, 1960. Williams was wined, dined and feted at the
Golden Anniversary Homecoming. He was also given a plaque.312
310
The Daily Illini, August 20, 1960, p. 1.
Personal Communication, Stuart Lockwood to Todd Salen, September 3, 1979.
311
Twenty men were pledged during rush week, “Much of the credit for our
success during rush week must go to rush chairman, Alex Jankowsky. Not only did
Alex do a fine job in coordinating our rush campaign, but he was victorious in the
elections for GP.”313 Jankowsky was likely the only fencer to be Chapter President
(GP) of Illinois Delta. He was a member of the fencing team, and would be its
captain in his senior year, but had never fenced before his freshman year.314 Archon
Kent Christopher Owen was present for the initiation ceremonies.
When the chapter returned from Christmas break, it was shocked to find out
that Jerry Williams, a 1960 graduate who had served as Chapter President during
his senior year, was killed in an automobile accident while returning to his home in
Paducah, Kentucky, from Pensacola, Florida, where he was stationed. He was an
ensign in the Navy and had received the Solon Summerville Award during his senior
year.315
The chapter enjoyed watching Illinois Deltan Jerry Colangelo on the
basketball court. He was averaging about 15 points per game.316 At the end of the
season, he was voted as a captain of team for the following year.317
On May 26, 1961, the spring formal was once again held in the chapter
house. The 1961 winter formal was held in conjunction with the men of Zeta Beta
Tau.318 The January 1962 Bazute told of a change that had taken place on campus
during fall, “Champaign-Urbana and University policies are rigidly enforcing the 21-
313
314
year old limit for drinking following a recent change in University policy. A new
state law has also raised female drinking age to 21 years. Traditional campus pubs,
for many years the site of student party activity, are now all but vacant as police
regularly patrol aisles, checking I.D. cards. If the crackdown continues, local
students may be witnessing the end of an era at Illinois.”319
According to reports in The Shield, the chapter’s membership was low, the
number of pledges initiates was under ten and the chapter’s GPA was near the
bottom of the barrel.320
During the fall 1961 semester the chapter climbed 24 places in the fraternity
scholarship standing. Joseph P. LaCava, a transfer who was the scholarship
chairman, had “worked endlessly and unselfishly for the benefit of Phi Kappa Psi.”321
The spring formal in 1962 sounded like a party which would become a
campus tradition decades later, “Arrangements are being made for an elaborate
underwater theme which will include such decorations as the flooding of the front
porch with a variety of sea species swimming throughout the first floor.”322
House Corporation member Frank S. Whiting, Jr., 1945, provided an update
to the alumni in the April 1962 Bazute, “All indications point to a definite
improvement in the scholastic standing of the chapter. The house has not been at
full strength and this caused social and financial problems. Nevertheless, I feel that
319
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1961-62 (v. 82), pp. 247, 248, 255.
322 Ibid.
320
the chapter’s determination to improve itself is beginning to pay-off and that Phi Psi
will be most successful in the spring semester and throughout summer rushing.”323
During the summer of 1962, an apartment for the house manager, Nancy
Caldwell, was created using the waiter’s dining room and the powder room.324 To
heat the house, a gas unit replaced the coal-fired unit.325 In June, the Chicago Illini
Alumni Association sponsored a “Burt Ingwersen Day” to honor the Phi Psi who won
nine varsity letters during his time at Illinois.326 He was only one of five Illini to
have done that up until that time.327
At the spring 1963 meeting of the House Corporation, the “undergraduate
representative convinced the Board of the need for an annex. A suitable house was
found near the chapter and the Board made an offer to buy it. By Labor Day the
negotiations were bogged down.”328 Meanwhile, at the chapter house, an
independent electrical fire alarm system was installed and smoke screening doors
were planned for the second and third floor stairs in order to comply with the
Champaign Fire Code.”329
The first chapter report for the fall of 1963 noted that the chapter had taken
part in the last final formal rush, because the campus was doing away with formal
fraternity rush.330 Whiting chided the alumni in the November issue of The Bazute,
“Set a good example for the boys – two rather recent alumni put on a very poor
323
329 Ibid.
324
display after the Northwestern game. Drinking openly in the Mez, slopping up the
carpets, and ordering the pledges around is not the conduct that we want from the
alumni. Please remember that the undergraduates with the University rules cannot
drink in the chapter house. Help him to abide by the rules and stay in school.”331
Attendees to that 1963 Homecoming saw a billboard on the side of the Co-Ed
Theater on Wright Street. It read, “60 Successful years at U of I - chapter house at
991 So. 4th Champaign - Phi Kappa Psi” with a drawing of the house. Roger Russell,
1965 entered a contest and won a billboard and decided to make use of it to greet
the alumni.332 The chapter also won second place in the Homecoming decorations.
The Illini made it to the Rose Bowl. Two band members and five chapter members
traveled to Pasadena, along with the red bell. The bell was “about two feet across
at the bottom, the bell has been used after every home victory. Our victory at
Pasadena gave it plenty of use.”333
Phi Kappa Psi established a Dab Williams Prize for an outstanding essay of
less than 1,500 words written by an undergraduate. The entries “should serve to
enrich understanding of and inspire loyalty to Phi Kappa Psi.” There was a prize of
$50 and an undergraduate could win only once. The judges were Ralph Haney,
Walter Lee Sheppard Jr., Historian, and Kent Christopher Owen, Director of
Fraternity Education.334
During the 1964 spring semester, the chapter was discussing the necessity to
rush men over the spring and summer since there was no formal rush week
331
The Illinois Delta Bazute, November 1963, p. 3.
The Illinois Delta Bazute, November 1963, p. 4.
332
planned for the fall.335 The House Corporation also voted to rent an annex for the
chapter.336
The fall of 1964 saw the largest pledge class the chapter had ever had, 30
men. Four Illinois Deltans, composed of Dale Olson, Bob Chisolm, J. P. Davis, and
Frank Pytko, formed a house combo.337 By January 1965, the number of pledges
was 34. Their pledge dance, Irma la Douce, was “a real hit, as the house combo
played until all hours. They have been a real hit on campus this year, with more job
offers than they can possibly handle.”338 The chapter was scheduling a visit from
the University’s President, David D. Henry. The chapter had initiated him in 1957,
on behalf of the chapter at Penn State. His visit was somewhat of a tradition.339
Homecoming 1965 was abuzz with the talk of an addition to the chapter
house. Renderings and floor plans were available for the returning alumni to
inspect. Warren Olson headed the building committee, along with Chuck
Tobermann, Harry Lindahl and Bob Rote.340
The winter 1966 chapter report in The Shield had this information about the
chapter house addition, “Construction is to begin in early January. Costing
$150,000, the project also includes refurbishing the existing structure. Needless to
say, the men are all enthused about this great event in the life of our chapter.”341
The house combo, now named the Klansmen, were heard at many spots on
335
339 Ibid.
336
campus. Two of the three varsity football players, Willis Fields and Dave Tomasula,
earned letters. Jim Marinangel was out the season with an injured knee. Twelve
men were imitated, with 11 more in the wings. Nancy Caldwell, the house manager,
and Art Simpson, the porter, were each starting their twenty-sixth year with the
chapter.342
The March 1966 Bazute boasted that bids were opened for the addition
project and that the low bid was accepted. The rationale behind building an addition
at a time when Greek-letter organizations were starting to go through one of the
most challenging times in their history was presented, “Our property was built in
1906 and it needs renovation. The capacity of the house is too small to enable our
chapter to compete on the campus. We need enough men to turn out for a sorority
exchange or to field more than one IM team at the same time to bring in enough
income to cover the higher overhead without a high house bill. The addition will
increase our capacity by 24 men in two and three man rooms. It will add an alumni
room where the records and memories of Phi Kappa Psi will be preserved. Here you
will find the old scrapbooks, the trophies, the composite pictures of upper
classmen…The addition will increase our dormitory space and add a powder
room.”343 The Shield offered a similar report. The chapter, it was noted, was
“entering the largest stage of growth in the history of the chapter. A 22-man
addition to the house will be started in May, which will bring its capacity to around
342
343
Ibid.
The Illinois Delta Bazute, March 1966 Bazute p. 2
61 members. It will be air conditioned, have a library, and, of course, a sun roof.
The chapter is looking forward to its completion sometime in late fall.”344
The alumni were informed in the November 1966 Bazute that the “building
program at 911 took a slightly different direction over the summer. At the time of
conception, the Board of Directors had a firm bid from a reputable local contractor
of $128,000 to build the proposed addition to the chapter house. Faced with a
deadline for accepting the bid, the situation of increasingly tight money, the
fundraising campaign that was slow in showing results and a disappointing spring
rush, the directors did not accept the contractor’s bid. Instead a resolution was
passed that when the treasurer had $40,000 in the bank earmarked for the
addition, we would again seek bids and start the building.”345
Although the chapter thought a new addition to the chapter house would be
done by fall, it did not happen. The report in the fall Shield thanked the alumni for
the repairs and improvements which had been made over the summer. The first
place intramural softball championship which the chapter won in the spring was
also mentioned; it had been a perfect season with no losses. Among the ten
pledges was a third generation Phi Psi, Mike Twist. The chapter also boasted that
the chapter had jumped 18 places from the fall to spring, grade-point wise. The
Klansmen, the band members were now Dale Olson, lead guitar; Joe Ream, organ;
Frank Pytko, drums; and Darrell Bolin, the only non-Phi Psi, on bass guitar.346
344
The Illinois Delta Bazute, Nov 1966, p. 2.
345
The Pledge Dance was held December 9, 1966, and it “turned out to be the
social blast of the semester.” “We Remember High School” was the theme, and a
“completely ridiculous skit presented by the pledge class topped off this enjoyable
dance.”347
James R. Marinangel pledged in 1965. Decades later, he wrote, “until 1967
female students were required to be in their dorms or sorority houses by 1 a.m. on
Saturdays and earlier mid-week.…I’m not proud to say that in 1965 Phi Kappa Psi
was at best a very average house. It did not get exchanges with top sororities, did
poor athletically, spawned ordinary grades and was occupied by a number of
members who were pretty much out for themselves. Around 1966 it was reduced to
turning an exchange with Zeta Tau Alpha into a Pig Party, where the objective was
to bring the least attractive girl (unknowingly) before a ‘judge’ in hopes that she
would turn out to be the ugliest. I did not participate in the contest and I was not
particularly proud to be a Phi Psi back then. I never hung out with the houses ‘in
crowd’ and I am sure they had little regard for me as well.” In 1967, Marinangel
gave his Phi Psi pin to an Alpha Gamma Delta, another brother pinned a Tri Delt.
The sororities, “because they had sisters who were pinned to men in Illinois Delta
(pinning was considered being ‘engaged to be engaged’) their sororities were
obligated to give priority to Phi Kappa Psi for exchanges.” At an Alpha Gam
exchange before Halloween, Marinangel’s last minute idea to decorate a haunted
house in the basement was a big hit. A group of brothers got together to learn the
“Sweetheart Song” and sang it in three part harmony to the Alpha Gams and Tri
347
Deltas and that helped raise the social standing of the chapter within the
sororities.348
While the 1960s began on a hopeful note for the Illinois Deltans with the
largest pledge class in its history, there were obviously problems within the chapter
and the commitment which the members had to the ideals of Phi Kappa Psi.
In the April 1967 Bazute, House Corporation member Frank S. Whiting, Jr.
wrote, “The undergraduates chapter had a pretty stiff jolt when the house bill was
raised substantially between semesters. This was done to put the income in balance
with the expense of operating. A sizeable number of brothers did not return to
school and this fact, coupled with a lack of rushing success, had resulted in a
woefully understrength chapter. It appears that all of the boys are now aware of
the problem and are working to rebuild their strength. An indication will be the
results of formal rushing in May….An alumni committee of Jim Acheson, Paul
Bresee, Terry O’Neill and John Dodson are meeting with the chapter every two
weeks and one of them will attend each chapter meeting. We hope this close
cooperation will be the answer to many of our problems.”349
On March 18, 1967, the chapter, along with the Kappa Kappa Gamma
chapter, helped spruce up the grounds of the Champaign County Nursing Home.350
On June 2, 1967, Fred G. O’Malley who had pledged Illinois Delta two years
previously, was killed in Vietnam.351
Personal Communication, James R. Marinangel to Todd Salen.
348
349
The spring 1967 semester was a great one academically. The chapter ranked
4th out of 57 fraternities, academically. The chapter average was 3.868/5.0; it was
the highest cumulative grade point average in the chapter’s history. The chapter
won the fraternity scholarship improvement award and the University of Illinois
Scholarship Improvement Award.352
Ten Illinois Deltans lived in the chapter house during the summer, while
attending summer school. They instituted a unique summer rushing program.
Whenever a prospective rushee visited campus to register for classes or to take
placement exams, “he would be invited to visit the chapter house or even spend
the night. The combination of home rushing and rushing at the chapter house
proved very effective for those rushees who were wary of pledging a fraternity to
which they had never been formally introduced.”353 For the first time, the parents of
the new initiates were invited to witness the pre-induction ceremony and “all
involved felt that this added more significance to the ceremony itself.”354
At the 1967 Homecoming, which celebrated the Centennial of the University,
a picture was taken of four Phi Psis who met on the field at halftime. They were:
Paul K. Bresee, 1934, University of Illinois Alumni Association President; Clarence F.
“Dab” Williams, 1906, co-founder of Homecoming; J. Lynn Johnson, 1966, Illinois
Delta Chapter President; and Dr. David Dodds Henry, Pennsylvania Lambda (Penn
State) 1957, University of Illinois President.355 Williams also spoke to the InterFraternity Council, at a banquet in “Old 911,” and at a chapter meeting. On the way
352
Ibid.
354 Ibid.
353
home to Cleveland, he also stopped by and visited the Phi Psi chapters at Purdue,
Wabash, and DePauw.356
It appeared that the chapter house addition was financed under the
leadership of local businessman Jim Acheson. According to an article in a 2005
Shield, highlighting the chapter’s centennial, it was noted that Acheson and the
House Corporation, “did the unthinkable. It built an addition to its chapter house
and reinvented itself to weather the turbulent times. Like many chapters, Illinois
Delta later encountered a ‘me’ generation that seemed to want everything done for
it. Unlike many groups at Illinois during that period, again Illinois Delta persevered.
It overcame Inter-Fraternity Council hearings. Board of Fraternity Affairs meetings,
Supervisory Committees and Deans of Students, both friend and foe.”357
On Monday, February 26, 1968, ground was broken for a $132,000 wing on
“Old 911.” President Henry turned the first shovel full of ground. Facilities for 24
additional men would be included in the addition. The wing would also have its own
heating and cooling system. Additional parking spaces were included in the project;
it was a need mandated by the city as well as by the increasing number of students
who had cars. The addition was expected to be completed for the start of the 196869 school year.
The Board of Fraternity Affairs reviewed a student’s alleged incident of racial
discrimination in another fraternity during the spring of 1967 and the issue was
356
357
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 2005-06 (v. 126) p. 12.
again being discussed in IFC. Previously, in 1962, all the fraternities had to promise
that their chapters did not discriminate.358
The addition to the chapter house was finished when the 1968-69 academic
year began. There were nine additional study and sleep-in rooms, a sleeping
dormitory and new restroom facilities for both men and women. Housing capacity
was increased from 40 to 65.359 The House Corporation requested help from the Phi
Psi Endowment Fund and on December 2, 1968, the Phi Kappa Psi Executive
Council approved a $5,000 loan to the University of Illinois Association of Phi Kappa
Psi, the legal name of the House Corporation, to help with the financing of the new
wing.360
The late 1960s, when the new addition was completed, were likely the worst
of times for the American college fraternity system. “Sex, drugs, and rock and roll”
was the rallying cry on campuses. All across the country, fraternity membership
was down and chapters were closing. There were “Rumors circulated that the
Alumni Board had thoughts of re-colonizing because of the apathy among the
undergraduate members, and this nearly became reality when formal rush netted
Illinois Delta only two pledges in 1966 and six pledges in 1967 while other
fraternities similar in size to Illinois Delta averaged 15 men. But most of the
undergraduates were not concerned. The Brothers who had assumed the
responsibility for the occupancy of the new addition were graduated; the ‘facemen,’ those men pledged to raise house membership and perpetuate the Fraternity,
358
359
were unwilling either to rush or to accept responsibility for the addition. Interest in
the Chapter was a thing of the past. Fortunately, while the House Corporation
faithfully absorbed loss after loss, while most men at Illinois Delta skipped classes
and soaked up the sun to the tune of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,’ a
handful of men with foresight and initiative, and one young man in particular,
stumbled into Illinois Delta.”361
One of the new initiates for the 1968-69 academic year, Tom Lepperd, had a
5.0 GPA and that helped the 16 men who were pledged reach a 3.85 GPA.362
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the creation of little sister programs in
the fraternities. At the March 10, 1969 meeting, it was noted that a “committee had
been formed to organize a Little Sisters program.”363 Two weeks later, it was
announced that a “Little Sisters program will be started next semester.”364
However, the minutes included several items that are innocuous in and of
themselves, but together they gave a peak into a chapter that was having some
issues. At the March 24, 1969 meeting it was moved that the “rule of wearing a
coat and tie to chapter be suspended for the duration of the semester. Collared
shirts and long pants will be the appropriate dress.”365 At the April 14, 1969
meeting, the following motions were carried: “GP be given power to fine anyone
throwing water out windows, etc….Drinking confined to house/basement behind
361
363 March 10, 1969 Meeting, Minute books, Student Life Archives, Urbana, IL.
364 March 24, 1969, Meeting, Minute books, Student Life Archives, Urbana, IL.
365 Ibid.
362
closed doors….Any person caught smoking marijuana in the house be moved
out.”366
At the April 28, 1969 chapter meeting, the members were informed that Art,
the porter, had retired. Members were to clean up after themselves and pledges
would have extra clean up duties.367
On September 21, 1969, 27 more men were pledged.368 According to the
December 1969 Bazute, “This year should see us turn a corner with the operation
of the chapter. The addition has been completed, the boys have had a good spring
rush and if they have worked during the summer, they should have a full house this
fall.”369 An article in a 1973 issue of The Shield gave credit for the transformation of
the chapter to Leppard. It was said that he “understood the meaning of obligation,
responsibility and fraternity. He was a leader, and rallied around him those who
understood the difference between a member of Phi Kappa Psi and a ‘club’ member
who is satisfied to feel that he belongs to a comfortable group which has an
enviable status with social addicts, for whom matters of involvement and
participation are optional. Tom Lepperd was criticized for his concern with the yard,
the cleanliness of the house, his constant address to the demands placed upon the
house. But he worked. He gathered around him a handful of men, rushed like mad,
armed with a new rush program designed by Tom and injected with his own special
brand of enthusiasm. And they filled the house with men who understood their
obligation to work for the success of the chapter. Tom Lepperd and his less
366
April 14, 1969 Meeting, Minute books, Student Life Archives, Urbana, IL.
Minutes, April 28, 1969.
367
heralded co-workers are gone now, but Illinois Delta remains at Fourth and
Chalmers because to them she was not ‘just a headache.’”370
On February 8, 1970, Mike Seng was Illinois Delta’s 1,000th initiate. The
chapter joined the 1,000 Club, the 28 chapters which had initiated 1,000 to 1,500
men.371
The Illinois Deltans created a Little Sister program and they called them Phi
Psirens. According to an article in The Bazute, the women who sought to be Phi
Psirens were subjected to a hell week. Nonetheless, it was noted that the Phi
Psirens program continued to be strong. The chapter held rush for the girls early in
the semester. Those that were chosen went through a special week during which
“they obtained the name and major of everybody in the house to better acquaint
themselves with the brother and they wore Phi Psi jackets around campus for the
week. Initiation was held for them the following Sunday.”372
The fall 1970 pledges took a pledge trip to the Phi Psi chapter at Indiana
University. The chapter had a new pledge policy, “one of the most progressive and
yet successful” on campus.373
Another epoch was over on March 13, 1971 when Clarence F. “Dab” Williams
died. He “was known and loved throughout the length and breadth of Phi Psi's
broad domain, and in interfraternity circles.”374
370
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1973-74 (v. 94), p. 5. Thomas Lepperd has been involved in professional
baseball since 1975. He started as an umpire as in now in Umpire Administration.
372 The Illinois Delta Bazute, February 1971, p. 3.
373 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1970-71 (v. 91), pp. 36, 94.
At age 82, Nancy Caldwell had worked for the Illinois Delta chapter for 30
years. She was a housemother, house director, and cook. The Champaign-Urbana
News-Gazette had an article about “Nance,” as she was called by the late 1960s
chapter members.375
During the spring of 1971, Illinois Delta was one of three fraternity and
sorority chapters to host a Congressman for the IFC-sponsored “Meet Your
Congressman” program. Representative Abner Mikva (Democrat, Chicago) was
escorted by Michael Koch. They attended classes and informal seminars throughout
the afternoon and the early evening. Later they returned to the Phi Psi house and
held an informal discussion with the chapter and their friends.376
The spring 1971 pledge class was the largest one on campus. Co-chairmen
Tom Davies and Tom Lepperd led the chapter in obtaining 30 pledges. The chapter
also sponsored a free street dance.377
Phi Kappa Psi's 120th birthday was celebrated with a steak dinner prepared
with Nancy Caldwell’s help. Lepperd, who served his chapter so well, was elected to
Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Bronze Tablet with grade point average among
the top three percent of his class.378
The Phi Psi Sirens numbered 35 in the spring of 1972. They represented
seven sororities, eight dormitories, and four independent houses. Their duties
375
Ibid.
378 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1971-72 (v. 92), p. 110. Little Sister organizations were short-lived due to
Title IX restrictions and opposition from the National Panhellenic Conference, the umbrella organization of
the 26 women’s fraternities/sororities in the form of one of its Unanimous Agreements.
376
included teaching the undergraduates “to behave like gentlemen and keep the
‘lonely hearts’ company.” They also helped promote the chapter and were allowed
to assist in rush. Before Easter, they dressed as pink rabbits and gave out candy all
over campus.379
On May 19-21, 1972, the first annual Phi Kappa Psi Spring Alumni Reunion
took place. It really wasn’t the first time the chapter had hosted a spring reunion
for the alumni, but most of the alumni in the area would not have recalled the first
effort. The weekend began with an informal social at the Century 21 hotelrestaurant. The first annual Phi Psi spring golf classic took place at the Lincolnshire
Country Club on Saturday morning. At the tenth tee, alumnus James Acheson
provided the golfers and guests with an "oasis" in his motor home. A banquet took
place at Century 21. Paul Bresee was the master of ceremonies. Bresee presented
Alumni Board President James Acheson with the Alumnus of the Year award. On
Sunday morning an alumni library at the chapter house was dedicated. “Dutch”
Bear cut the ribbon. Plans were already in motion for the second annual spring
Alumni Reunion to be held the following May.
At the 1973 Alumni Reunion, the chapter dedicated the addition in honor of
Nancy Caldwell’s 33 years with the chapter. The Illinois Delta chapter house on
South Fourth Street in Champaign was “all but swallowed-up by high-rise
dormitories. This view will startle those alumni who have not returned to Old 911
for some years,” wrote The Shield correspondent.380
379
380
The Illinois Delta Bazute, 1972, p. 1.
The fall of 1973 saw 67 brothers back to campus, including Greg Knapp, a
transfer from Rhode Island Alpha (Brown University). The members were involved
in campus activities. Knapp earned “a spot on the Illini rugby team and the dubious
honor of being an Illini CHEERLEADER! Offensive tackle Marc Bracken spends his
Saturday afternoons on the gridiron, and Freshman Bill Sakas promises to be on
the golf team in time to square off against his brother (Northwestern) in Big Ten
Competition. Mario Stefanini, Wayne Tylka, and Brian Carter are itching for the
hockey season to begin, and freshman Matt Klein is eager for his first collegiate
wrestling match. Ed Woodbury and Don Mann spend most of their time in ‘high
water’; they are members of the university’s swimming and diving teams,
respectively.”381
On September 7, 1974, the first Samoa Party took place. The chapter house
was turned into an island paradise with waterfalls and a tropical theme. A week
later, on September 14, an Alumni Reunion took place. “Punch” Bohling, 1924,
travelled from New Orleans to attend. He was a member of the baseball team which
travelled to Japan in 1928. Those who attended the reunion saw the redecorated
card room and foyer. The chapter GPA was 3.97/5.0, higher than the all-University
men’s average and all-fraternity average.382
Homecoming 1974 featured a university-wide bonfire and pep rally, planned
by Illinois Deltans Jeff Huard and Al Bauman. The chapter, in conjunction with
Alpha Phi, took third place in the two-dimensional house decorations competition
381
382
with their “Sting the Wolverines” poster. Former housemother Nancy Caldwell
passed away during the fall semester.383
During the spring, the chapter participated in the Atius-Sachem Sing, a
variety show sponsored by the Atius and Sachem honor societies, which took place
during Mom’s Day Weekend. The chapter, along with partner Alpha Chi Omega,
won Best Production from among the ten fraternity-sorority pairs competing.384
The second annual Samoa Party took place on September 6, 1975.385
Homecoming 1975 had the Phi Psis and the Pi Beta Phis working together on a
Homecoming Deck. The Alumni Reunion took place during Homecoming. Warren
Olson, 1944, was named Alumnus of the Year. The chapter along with Kappa Kappa
Gamma, held a Christmas party for a group of mentally handicapped children from
the Champaign-Urbana area.386 There were 91 members in the chapter.387 Robert
W. “Bob” Dudley began a term as Archon, beginning in 1975. In 1977, when his
term was over, he was followed by David J. Brown.
On January 21, 1977, the fall pledge class was initiated; the ceremony took
place at a local church. Three dads, James Acheson, James Lyons, and Robert
Mihm, themselves Illinois Deltans, attended to see their sons initiated. Among the
initiates was Todd Salen, who would go on to serve for decades as a chapter
advisor, both for Michigan Alpha, the chapter of Illinois Delta’s driving force Dan G.
Swannell, and for his own chapter. Mystagogue Kent Christopher Owen attended
383
384
and participated in the ceremony. He also spoke and “shared with us his feelings as
Mystagogue on the meaning of being a Phi Psi.”388
The Samoa party became a tradition; in 1977, the chapter house was
transformed into a “South Seas tropical paradise complete with waterfalls, tiki gods,
palm trees, grass skirts, fresh fruit, and a moat. A beautiful Labor Day weekend
made the party a tremendous success.” Over the summer, the mezzanine was
recarpeted and the floors of all the public areas were refinished. In addition, the
pool table was resurfaced.389 The chapter coordinated the first annual Phi Psi 500, a
tricycle race. All the sororities participated.390
Illinois Delta sponsored the first annual World Hunger Day in ChampaignUrbana. It took place on February 27, 1978. Singer/songwriter Harry Chapin
performed at two concerts and all the proceeds went to World Hunger Year (WHY),
an organization focusing on educational and research materials dealing with world
hunger and malnutrition. The event was a year in the making and was coordinated
by Todd Salen. Art Kappleman, Chapter President, said of the day’s events, "It is an
effort like this that upholds the true spirit of Phi Kappa Psi.”391 The day started with
Chapin receiving the keys to Champaign and Urbana and a goodwill
ambassadorship. He then went on to promotional stops at local stores. Chapin then
had dinner at the Pi Beta Phi chapter house on Wright Street. The Pi Phis won the
drawing among the sororities to host Chapin. Chapin and his band then performed
twice before visiting the Phi Psi house after his last performance. More than
388
390
391
389
$12,000 was raised. Phi Kappa Psi National President J. Kenneth Potter was in town
for the event.392
In 1978, the chapter won two national awards, the Ralph R. Haney Financial
Excellence Award and an honorable mention for the Outstanding Chapter Service
Award.393
On September 14-16, 1979, the alumni and chapter celebrated the 75th
anniversary of Illinois Delta. It began with a meeting of the undergraduates and
alumni chapter at a Board of Directors meeting. Reunion chairmen Todd Salen and
Pat O’Keefe planned a full weekend. Among the dignitaries in attendance were
Ralph “Dud” Daniel, Executive Director Emeritus, Gary Angstadt, Executive Director
and Robert W. “Sandy” Chamberlain, Fraternity President. Greg Proteau was named
Outstanding Alumnus. Jim Acheson was honored for dedication and service and Dud
Daniel was honored for his service to the Fraternity and Illinois Delta. Also in
attendance was the chapter sweetheart, Kappa Kappa Gamma Kathy McGee. The
third annual Phi Psi 500 tricycle race took place that weekend. The festivities took
place on the Quad and every sorority was represented.394
Steve Nieslawski, the chapter’s External Vice-President, organized a faculty
banquet which was held at the chapter house. Officers from neighboring fraternities
were invited for dinner. The first annual Phi Kappa Psi Water Polo Tournament took
392
394
393
place and the Illinois Deltans took second place.395 For 1979-80, Illinois Delta was
among the three biggest chapters with 110 members.396
In the fall of 1980, the Phi Psi 500 took place again; 23 sororities entered.
The Class of 1955 had a 25-year reunion at Homecoming.397 The revamped Alumni
Reunion took place along with the “Dab” Williams Scholarship Banquet. More than
150 Illinois Deltans attended the tailgate before the football game. Also in
attendance were former University of Illinois President David D. Henry and Paul
Bresee. Chapter members achieving at least a 4.0/5.0 scale received certificates
and cash awards; 33 men were honored. The foundation named to honor “Dab”
Williams was created by James Neckopulos, 1974, a Certified Public Accountant,
and Kent Yowell, a lawyer and University of Colorado Phi Psi.398
That night, the Foundation also gave out another award. It was the first
award given in memory of Stephen Walter Acheson.399 The son of long-time advisor
Jim Acheson, and brother of chapter member Bill, Stephen died in an auto accident
in Dalton, Georgia. The accident happened on March 27, 1980, at 3 a.m. when the
12 passenger van carrying Illinois Delta members careened off the highway,
overturned and slid about 60 feet before stopping.400 He had been initiated eight
weeks before the accident. The Acheson family requested memorials to be made to
the “Dab” Williams Foundation. More than $5,000 was received in a matter of
weeks. With the blessing of the Acheson family, the Foundation established the
395
400 The Pantagraph, March 28, 1980, p. A-2.
396
Stephen Walter Acheson Award. The winner was to be selected by the chapter
members by secret, sealed ballot. The recipient was to the member who best
demonstrated the ideals of Phi Kappa Psi and the University of Illinois. The winner
of the first Stephen Walter Acheson Award was Steve Nieslawski. He received a
$300 check and his name was placed upon a plaque that was placed in the chapter
house.401 Nieslawski would go on to serve as the National President from 2000-02.
The chapter made it past the 1,300 member mark. The social events
included being “Iranian Hostages with Phi Mu’s, International spies with Alpha Chi
Omega, and The Love Boat crew with Alpha Delta Pi. Our last exchange is with
Alpha Gamma Delta…We finished last semester with a pseudo-barn dance in
exciting Philo, IL; and our 1984 Pledge Class had their pledge dance ‘Middle
Earth’...This semester we had our infamous PJ party with Jimmy Jones killer punch
and a new twist, a champagne breakfast.”402 The Illini basketball team, with Kevin
Bontemps, who followed in his father’s and uncle’s footsteps as a college player,
made it to the NCAA tournament.403
Over the 1981 Labor Day holiday, the chapter hosted its “Give Me Samoa”
party with swimming pools, waterfalls, moats and food fit for a tropical locale. The
Phi Psi 500 took place again and 23 sororities were cycling tricycles on the quad. In
October, the chapter won the Dooley’s Softball Tournament.404 For the 1982 Atius
Sachem Mom’s Day Sing, the Illinois Deltans were paired with the Pi Beta Phis
401
404 Ibid.
402
under the direction of Eric Avram. The chapter also planned in April 1982 its first
annual campus-wide Bike Race.405
For the spring 1983 semester, there were five sorority exchanges, a Pajama
Party, the Spring Campout, the annual Penthouse party, and a formal at the
Hamilton Hotel near Chicago.406 The House Corporation was contemplating a
remodeling project with a $250,000 price tag.407 James Derry won the Ben King
Scholarship given by the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation to an engineering student.408
The 10th annual Samoa Party took place on Labor Day weekend 1983. It had
become “one of the leading social events on campus.”409 Illinois Delta’s intramural
softball team took first place in the fall tournament besting 67 other teams.
Fundraising was being conducted by the House Corporation in order to fund a
kitchen renovation.410 A new spring philanthropy was planned, it was a basketball
tournament benefiting the University of Illinois Rehabilitation Center.411 The second
annual Illini Bike Classic in which area bike riders competed in 10 and 30 mile races
was planned for March 29.412 Shawn P. Fojtik served as Archon from 1983-85.
In 1984, the chapter and its alumni won several awards. The House
Corporation won an award for Continued Excellence. Frank S. Whiting, Jr., 1943
won an award for Outstanding Area Director. Steven E. Nieslawski, 1979, was
405
410 Ibid.
406
named for Honorable Mention in the same category. The chapter also won the Phi
Psi “Big Brother” Award.413
The annual Pork Day celebration in fall 1984 was coordinated by Rob Hauck.
It included “a pork roast for the entire campus, a country band for entertainment,
and even a group of skydivers to add to the spectacle.”414 The chapter celebrated
its 80th birthday during the homecoming reunion.415 In the spring Mom’s Day
Weekend activities included taking in a performance of Grease starring chapter
member Bernard Gizzi. The spring formal was set for St. Louis and the Illini Bike
Classic was on the schedule, too.416 Harry K. Rubey, the last of the living Illinois
Delta founders died in July 1985 at the age of 99.417
Two rented hot tubs added to the atmosphere at 1985’s 12th annual Give Me
Samoa party. In addition, the party included two bands, a four-foot pool, a moat
constructed on the porch, and waterfalls from the roof.”418 Formal Rush was a
“huge success as Illinois Delta had the most rushees come through of all fifty-five
fraternities on campus. Of the 314 men to come through, eight were taken to round
out a fall pledge class of nineteen.”419
Spring 1986 philanthropies were a Red Cross blood drive, the Basketball
Tournament, and the Phi Psi Bike Classic Race; the race’s proceeds were directed to
the United Way. The chapter members were planning on refereeing the basketball
413
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1984-85 (v. 105), p 71.
415 Ibid.
419 Ibid.
414
tournament to save on ref fees and donate more to charity. The spring formal took
place at the Abbey in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.420 Scott Cummins was the 1986
recipient of the Mary Pickford Rogers Scholarship; it was established by Charles E.
"Buddy" Rogers, Kansas 1923, in memory of his wife.421 The chapter also won the
Ralph D. Daniel Award for Excellence in Chapter Management.422
Risk management was becoming an issue, due, in part, to a raise in the legal
drinking age from 18 to 21. The Shield correspondent reported, “All parties are now
carefully controlled, with food and alternative beverages always available. The
university is said to be ‘very impressed’ with our achievements.”423
The 1986-87 year saw the Illini Bike Classic bring in money for the United
Way. In addition, a spring Blood Drive and the Phi Psi Basketball Tournament
helped the chapter perform philanthropic service.424 The chapter was Phi Psi
fifteenth largest chapter with 1,469 initiates.425
In the fall of 1987, the chapter held its first annual chapter conclave. It was
coordinated by the House Corporation and alumni. The chapter retreat featured
guest speakers and it provided the chapter with the opportunity for “deep insightful
conversation and debate.”426 M. Thaddeus Murphy served as Archon from 1983-85.
The Give Me Samoa party was still going strong. Ron Provenzano won a seat
on the Homecoming Court. The chapter’s Homecoming float won the most creative
420
421
award.427 The chapter’s grade point average of 3.99/5.0 put it among the top ten
on campus. Mark Filip was serving as President of the National Student Government
Association.
428
James Cole, Jr., in addition to leading the Student Government
Association, was President of Phi Beta Lambda national business fraternity, an
organization with 20,000+ members.429
The basketball tournament took place in April, 1988. The Phi Psi 500, which
was held on May 7, was again a success. The spring formal dance was in St. Louis.
The Penthouse cocktail party was attended by many top University officials.430 The
chapter finally made it to the 1,500 club, Phi Psi chapters with 1,500-1999
initiates.431
Despite the updated risk management policies and adherence to alcohol rules
and regulations, the 1988 Give Me Samoa party took place. The chapter was still
taking part in Pork Day, Homecoming and “an elaborate evening with the ladies of
Alpha Chi Omega at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts” was planned.432
427
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1987-88 (v. 108), p. 55. Filip graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi
and Bronze Tablet, and was named his university's outstanding senior. He graduated summa cum laude
with a 4.95/5.0 GPA. In addition to serving as President of the American Association of University
Students, he was on University of Illinois Board of Trustees as the Student Trustee, co-captain of the
Illinois lacrosse team and President of the statewide Illinois Student Association. From 1995-99, Filip was
an Assistant United States Attorney in Chicago. In April 2003, he was nominated by President G.W. Bush
to be a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. In March 2004, he was sworn
in to that office. Filip was sworn in as Deputy Attorney General on March 10, 2008 and he was asked to
assume the position of Acting Attorney General by then President-elect Obama. His tenure was over
when Eric Holder was sworn in on February 3, 2009. He recently finished a term as President of the
University of Illinois Alumni Association.
428
Mark Filip won the $2,000 Louis D. Corson Founders Fellowship. Ronald C.
Provenzano won the $2,000 Charles P.T. Moore Fellowship. In addition to serving
Illinois Delta as Chapter President and Treasurer, he was inducted into Phi Kappa
Phi, Beta Alpha Psi, MaWanDa and Sachem.433
The chapter house had a little facelift. The entire old portion of the house
was decked in new carpeting and there was a new parquet floor in the mezzanine.
Many of the older windows were also replaced. The Phi Psi Bike Race was in its
eighth year. The dormitory contract regulations had been revised and therefore,
“Phi Psi is undertaking its most aggressive rushing semester in years.”434
In the fall of 1989, the chapter participated in the cleanup at the Beckwith
Living Center for the handicapped. The proceeds of the Phi Psi 500 Bike Race, more
than $1,500, went to Multiple Sclerosis and the chapter had a food drive for the
Humane Society.435
Over the years, the men sometimes had formal rush and sometimes it was
put aside for a few years. The fall 1990 pledge class “was the first pledge class to
come in to Illinois Delta since the University abandoned formal rush this year. All
rushing is now done during informal events and at dinner.”436
On January 17, 1991, Major Thomas F. Koritz, 1972, was one of the first men
to be killed during the Persian Gulf War. He was an Air Force pilot and flight
surgeon. Koritz was attached to the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Seymour
433
434
Johnson Air Force Base. During a bombing mission in the Persian Gulf, his F-15E
aircraft was shot down on a bombing mission in the Persian Gulf.437
The fall 1992 semester began with another day-long chapter conclave
retreat. The afternoon saw the initiation of 14 new members.438 Paul K. Bresee, a
local alumnus who had been a loyal supporter of both the University and chapter,
died on April 21, 1992.439 Over the summer, the House Corporation, of which
Bresee had been a loyal contributor, arranged for “new window fixtures and
bookshelves, renovation to much of the interior woodwork, improvements to the
Alumni Room, and also new felt for the billiards table. These enhancements, along
with plans for new landscaping, not only make the chapter house appealing for
brothers but also for parents and alumni.”440
Mike Gill, a lacrosse player, scored seven goals in one game and broke the
Big Ten single game scoring record. On Mom’s Day Weekend, the chapter with the
women of Alpha Chi Omega, sponsored a 5K Run. Dave Buetow, a former Chapter
President, Rush Committee Chair, and Scholarship Committee Chair won the
prestigious Bronze Tablet honor.441
The Century Project was announced in the April 1993 Shield. It was
scheduled to begin in the summer. Among the projects was bring the chapter house
up to all of the new fire codes and restrictions. Fire doors and sprinklers were to be
437
439 The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 1991-92 (v. 112), p. 67. Bresee served Alpha Gamma Rho as National
President, having joined the organization when it was a professional agricultural honor society, before it
became a general fraternity.
438
added, too. In addition, the wood floors in the foyer and cardroom were to be
replaced as well as the wood banister on the main staircase442 Pete Streit was the
goalie on the hockey team and he led the team into the national tournament and a
number six national rating.443
During the 1993-94 academic year, philanthropic efforts seemed to be a
major focus. The chapter entertained at a home for the elderly, and they lent their
muscle to help relocate the local Salvation Army store. The chapter coordinated the
Phi Psi 5 on 5 basketball tournament and, along with the Alpha Chi Omega chapter,
Illinois Delta sponsored a Mom’s Day 5K Run/Walk.444
Gregory C. Knapp, 1972 (Brown University, 1971) was elected Phi Psi’s VicePresident at the 1994 G.A.C. He was also helping with the capital campaign to raise
$3.5 million for the chapter.445
In October 1994, early 1940s initiates gathered to celebrate 50 years of
membership. Their gift to the chapter was a statue of the Chief Illiniwek. It was
sculpted by Robin Faulkner, daughter of Chuck Faulkner.446 The chapter initiated 25
men, one of the biggest pledge classes of the 47 chapters. Service was again the
theme of the year’s activities. Illinois Delta members volunteered at the McKinley
Homeless Shelter, the Salvation Army, and the Champaign Nursing Home. There
442
Ibid.
443
was a Christmas party for the Matthew House Orphanage and a 5K run on Mom’s
Day Weekend; proceeds of the race went to Easter Seals.447
Phi Psi’s President Greg Knapp made a visit to his alma mater and assisted in
its fall 1996 initiation. The ceremony took place at the First Baptist Church.448 The
chapter was also benefiting from a new Tudor-in-Residence (TIR) program
sponsored by the Endowment Fund. Dan Swannell, the “Father of Illinois Delta,”
had helped institute the Endowment Fund more than 75 years before and now
Illinois Delta was one of the first chapters to benefit from the Tudor-in-Residence
program. Josh Mistier, Kansas Alpha (University of Kansas) 1990, had served two
years travelling for Phi Psi as an Educational Leadership Consultant. He was in law
school at Illinois while serving as the TIR.449
From 1995-97, Steven M. Casper served as District III Archon. A March 1996
pledge walkout to the University of Mississippi found the chapter in some serious
trouble for stealing items from Ole Miss Fraternities. A letter was written by Chapter
President Matt Woltman to Thomas J. Reardon, Associate Dean of Students at the
University of Mississippi; it was an apology for the conduct of Illinois Delta brothers.
The culprits were assigned 30 hours of community service and as well as assisting
with projects around the chapter house.450
At the 1998 G.A.C., Steven E. Nieslawski, 1979, served as Parliamentarian. It
was his third time in that position. He left the G.A.C. as Vice-President of the
447
450 Personal Correspondence, March 1999, Matt Woltman to Todd Salen.
448
Fraternity.451 Nieslawski was also present when nearly 70 Illinois Deltans met for an
evening of dining and fellowship on March 25, 1999. The place was D’Alessandro’s
Ristorante in Palatine, Illinois. Joe D’Alessandro, who had been Commissar of the
chapter during his time as an active, served a six-course regional Italian meal. The
turnout was augmented by a concerted e-mail networking effort to contact as many
alumni as possible.452
Nine members were suspended after a September 22, 1999 Board of
Fraternity Affairs hearing. The infraction had to do with a “damp” clause that the
chapter had adopted in an unofficial set of bylaws.453
During the spring of 1999, the chapter attended a Cubs game with the
women of Kappa Delta. Founders’ Day was celebrated at the Round Barn Steak
House and the chapter hosted their mothers on Mom’s Day Weekend. The chapter
also obtained a grant to help put Ethernet connections in the chapter house. The
idea of hosting a Phi Psi 500 was being explored and there was an “embarrassing
and painful incident that began the semester.”454
The spring 2000 semester saw the chapter ranked fourth among the
fraternities in grade point average.455 In an August 2000 letter from the Executive
Board, it was noted that “the morale of the house is quite high. Much bad blood
that occurred in the last year has passed. The members who remain in the house
451
453 Personal Correspondence, 1999, Todd Salen’s files.
452
seem determined to get new members and put an emphasis on unity within the
chapter house.”456
Illinois Delta members attending the 2000 G.A.C. saw Steven E. Nieslawski,
1979, installed as the Fraternity’s President. At the time of his installation, he had
served on Illinois Delta’s House Corporation for 14 years, with 10 of those years as
chairman, in addition to serving the Fraternity in many other ways.457
In the fall of 2001, the chapter held Dad’s Day Weekend activities and a
Homecoming event, complete with an alumni golf outing and pig roast. The chapter
built a Homecoming float partnering with FarmHouse and the ladies of Kappa Delta
and Alpha Gamma Delta. There was new furniture in the common rooms, a new
pool table, and a new floor in the foyer. A state of the art study room was being
constructed. The pledge class numbered 29 men.458 At the 2002 G.A.C., the chapter
received Honorable Mention for the Most Improved Chapter Award. The House
Corporation won the House Corporation Achievement Award.459 Thomas A. Butts,
2000, was awarded the Ben King Scholarship for engineering majors.460
In the late 1990s, the Fraternity began piloting a chapter accreditation
process. In the winter 2003 Shield, it was noted that the chapter was accredited.
Moreover, it took 34 pledges, the largest pledge class on campus.461 The chapter
took part in Phi Psi’s National Day of Service event which was coordinated on the
Personal Correspondence, August 2000, Todd Salen’s files.
456
457
national level by alumnus and chapter adviser, Todd Salen.462 The chapter ended
the 2002-03 year with 40 new members and more than 500 community service
hours performed by the chapter.463
“Old 911” was to have some renovations over the summer of 2003 to
prepare for the occupancy of 60 men, an “increase of more than 10 brothers living
in as compared to the numbers from the last few years. The chapter was at a
membership high of 115 men.464 A 50-inch television and entertainment center for
the mezzanine was purchased with funds from the chapter members and Dad’s Day
Weekend contributions. A new Illinois Delta website, www.phipsiuiuc.com, was
designed by Alan Reiner. It was “still a work in progress, but will make an excellent
new resource for communications between the chapter and our alumni.”465
The big event in the fall of 2004 was the centennial celebration from
September 24-26, 2004. The chapter had weathered 100 years as a fraternity on
the University of Illinois campus, almost all of it spent at “Old 911.” The celebration
began with a round of golf followed by a welcoming reception at the chapter
house.466 Nearly 250 members and guests joined in the celebration. Food at the
reception was spread throughout the house and was prepared by John Chiodo,
1980, and Joe D'Alessandro, 1986. Historical items were on display, too. Halfway
through the reception, the Illinois Delta Hall of Honors was dedicated. The project
was headed by Todd Salen, 1977, and it honored some of Illinois Delta’s most
462
463
prominent alumni. The eleven men who were honored in the inaugural class were
Howard Chandler Williams, 1904 (New Hampshire Alpha 1902), charter member of
Illinois Delta and 20th President of Phi Kappa Psi; C.F. "Dab" Williams, 1906, first
Executive Director of the Fraternity and co-founder of the Homecoming tradition;
Burton Ingwersen, 1917, two-time football All-American, member of the Illinois AllCentury Team, and former University of Iowa coach; Frank S. Whiting, Jr., 1943,
District Archon, Area Director, and longtime Secretary Treasurer of the Order of the
S.C; Albert Tate, 1948, football All-American, College All-Star and Blue Grey AllStar player; Prentice H. Marshal, 1948, United State District Court Judge; John
"Red" Kerr, 1951, basketball All-American, Chicago Bills Head Coach and
broadcaster; Rudolf Frasca,467 1954, Aviation Hall of Fame member, founder of
Frasca Aviation; Gerald Colangelo,468 1959, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of
Fame honoree, Arizona Diamondbacks founder and Phoenix Suns President;
Gregory C. Knapp, 1973 (Rhode Island Alpha 1972), 55th President of Phi Kappa
Psi; and Steven E. Nieslawski, 1979 57th President of Phi Kappa Psi and Attorney
General of Phi Kappa Psi. Each honoree had a plaque which was placed on
permanent display the cardroom. Each was given a marble paperweight. Frasca,
Knapp and Nieslawski were present at the event.469 Over the years, other Illinois
Delta members were honored. These included James S. Acheson, Roy M. “Bud”
Strom, and Albert Austin Harding.
467
Frasca Aviation was founded in Champaign in 1958 by Rudy Frasca. Frasca flight simulators are used
in all segments of the aviation industry and college aviation training programs.
468 Gerald “Jerry” Colangelo was the youngest General Manager in the NBA when he was hired by the
Phoenix Suns in 1968. He is currently the Chairman of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers.
He was owner of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Sandsharks, Arizona Rattlers, and Arizona
Diamondbacks.
Greetings from the Letterman family were read by Seth Letterman Ellis,
Lambda Chi Alpha, a student at the University of Illinois, and a descendent of Phi
Kappa Psi founder, William Henry Letterman. The crowd then headed to the White
Horse Inn. The following morning there was a traditional tailgate. Purdue beat the
Illini but the celebration continued after the game. Some headed back to the
chapter house and others stayed in Memorial Stadium for a post-game marching
band performance, a shout-out to the legacy of A.A. Harding, one of Illinois Delta’s
charter members. The Saturday night banquet took place at the Illini Union. The
event was planned with the assistance of Jill Acheson, Phi Psi wife and mother. Cochairs, Todd Salen and Steve Nieslawski shared Symposiarch duties for the
evening. There was singing of Phi Psi songs and proclamations from city officials.470
A PowerPoint slide show showcasing 100 years of history played during dinner. Kent
Christopher Owen, Indiana Beta 1958, Phi Kappa Psi’s Mystagogue spoke about the
Creed and Idea of Phi Kappa Psi. He presented signed copies of the texts to the
Chapter. After more gift presentations and an update on chapter activities, closing
remarks were followed by the singing of “Amici.” An after-party was held at
Kam’s.471
A celebration also took place on November 18, 2004, the exact celebration of
100 years.472 Owen was also present for that celebration, too. In the winter 2006
Shield, the chapter boasted about the new brick porch and landscaping.473
470
471
The chapter won the Fundraising Professionals Award for 2006. The Illinois
Delta members had done 1200 hours of community service. Among the activities in
which the chapter took part were the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival “cooking,
buttering, and serving thousands of ears of corn. Moving freshman into the dorms,
volunteering at Carle Hospital, and building a local park.” The chapter participated
in the Illinois Summer Opportunity Organization’s rock, paper, scissor tournament
which raised funds to send Champaign Country underprivileged children to summer
camp. The men also helped out weekly at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club.
474
The spring 2007 Bazute reported that 85 men had been initiated over the past two
years and the chapter had a 3.15/4.0 grade point average.475
On January 27, 2007 Home Away From Home premiered in Chicago. The film
was the brainchild of Rob Federighi, 1991. Phi Psis invested in the film and many
were in the audience that night.476
The winter 2008 issue of The Shield noted that Illinois Delta was now in the
2,000 member club. The chapter, along with seven others, had initiated more than
2,000 men. Long-time advisor Todd Salen won the University’s Fred H. Turner
Outstanding Advisor Award.477 He also took the Phi Psi honors in the same category
at the 2008 G.A.C.478
At the start of the 2008-09 year, the chapter, along with Sigma Alpha Mu
and Alpha Gamma Delta, raised funds to send area young people to camp.479 The
474
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 2005-06 (v. 126), p.25.
The Illinois Delta Bazute, spring 2007, p. 1.
477 http://odos.illinois.edu/greek/resources/awards/turnerAward.asp
479The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 2008-09 (v. 129), p. 30.
475
cover of the spring 2009 Shield honored the memory of John “Red” Kerr, 1950, who
had recently died. Several pages were devoted to stories about him written by his
Illinois Delta brothers.480
The 3-on-3 basketball tournament was held a second year, with proceeds
going to Coaches Against Cancer. It was hoped that the chapter could double the
$1,000 proceeds from the first year.481 For the 2009-10 academic year, the Battle
of the Bands served as one of the chapter’s philanthropic events.482 The
Canonsburg Corporation, Phi Psi’s “National Housing Corporation,” supplied a loan
to help install a sprinkler system, which was mandated by Illinois law.483
During the fall of 2010, the chapter ranked third in membership among Phi
Psi chapters with 123, behind the University of Arizona chapter’s 143 and the
Indiana University chapter’s 129 members.484 The chapter also opened the year
with a Samoa party, harkening back to a past event which was put on hiatus for a
number of years. There was a slip and slide, hot tubs and a live dee jay. It was also
the 100th celebration of Homecoming, a college tradition started by an Illinois
Deltan, C.F. “Dab” Williams and an Acacia friend. Eighty Illinois Deltans attended
the event.485
480
481
Readers of the fall 2011 Shield, saw Robert W. “Bob” Dudley, 1974, featured
in a “Profiles in Leadership” article.486 A few years later, he would be honored by
having his name placed in the University of Illinois Fraternity and Sorority Alumni
Hall of Fame. He was also co-chair of the capital campaign.487 A $1.2 million capital
campaign was begun to help renovate the century old house.488
The fall 2012 Shield offered more information on the capital campaign in a
spread titled “Honoring our past, securing our future at Illinois Delta.” The
campaign’s goal was $3.5 million to rebuild the chapter house. It was noted that
the project was elaborate and aggressive, “but necessary to build a home for the
undergraduate members that provides a hub for academics, character and
leadership development. The project’s main focuses will be safety, compliance,
value and tradition.”489 The rebuilt structure would resemble the old and
incorporated the house’s iconic elements in modern framework and infrastructure.
Capacity would be increased from 58 to 74. Heading up the Capital Campaign were
Co-Chairs: Chris Perry, a Partner in CIVC Partners, a Chicago-based private equity
firm; Bob Dudley, Group Chief Executive for BP; Jon Groesbeck, Managing Director
of Redwood Trust; and Patrick O'Keefe, Mazer Telecom Advisors Vice-President.490
The chapter raised $12,000 for the Arthritis Foundation. The chapter ranked
number one in size among Phi Psi chapters with 163 members during the fall 2012
486
The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi, 2011-12 (v. 132), p. 20. Dudley served as Archon from 1975-77. He
became CEO of BP in 2010. He joined the Amoco Corporation in 1979 and worked for Amoco until the
merger between Amoco and BP.
487 University of Illinois Fraternities and Sororities Facebook page, May 7, 2015.
490 http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2014-07-14/partial-demolition-renovation-underwayfraternity-house.html
semester.491 The first Samoan games philanthropy was held and the funds raised
supported the local Boys and Girls Club.492
For the 2013-14, the members logged 2,448 community service hours. The
members were preparing for the following year when the chapter would not be
living in “Old 911” due to the massive rebuilding project.493
At the 2014 G.A.C., the chapter received the Alumni Corporation
Achievement Award.494 Although the chapter was not living in its home, Illinois
Delta was one of five chapters out of the 50 IFC fraternities on the Illinois campus
honored for 2014-15 as an “Exceptional Chapter.” The criteria, the IFC’s Illinois
Greek Initiative (IGI) program evaluated the chapters on academics, philanthropic
service, risk management, and new member education.495 Without a chapter house
to use in rushing men, the men had to get creative. According to the monthy online chapter newsletter, “Different, unique strategies were utilized in order to make
sure our chapter ended up with another great group of new members. Another new
technique we implemented this fall was a names list, which was also incredibly
useful. Over 125 names were on our list before the end of the summer, which
helped us get a good head start. Summer recruitment events were also held for the
first time in several years, in order to ensure that prospective members had Phi
Kappa Psi on their minds before they even got to campus. Brother involvement in
recruitment is always important to a successful campaign, but this fall, brother
491
494 University Of Illinois Phi Kappa Psi - Illinois Delta Chapter Facebook page, July 10, 2014.
495 University of Illinois Fraternities and Sororities Facebook page, February 24, 1915.
492
involvement was vital. Fortunately, brothers, both active and graduated,
collaborated in order to organize successful recruitment events. This was evident in
the number of brothers who volunteered their apartments/houses for recruitment
events (e.g. barbecues, Bears game viewing parties.”496
The third annual Samoan games took place in fall 2014. A few changes were
made to the event, “First, a jello obstacle course featuring a series of toughmudder like events that ends in a small pool of jello. The idea behind adding this
event is to add a very distinguishable and defining event that will help to give the
participants something to talk about. A second addition to the games is a
redesigned scoring system so a clear winner can be determined at each stage to
add more competition to the games. Also, a gift card of $75 will be given to the
winning team to further promote competition. Finally, a gofundme.com account has
been set up for the Samoan Games in order to raise more money for the event to
donate to the Boys & Girls club of Champaign. Already this gofundme account has
raised $456.00 in a little over 2 weeks, which is more than what we raised in the
first year of this event.”497
Also in the September 2014 newsletter was a mention of the chapter house
demolition. Although more than a month had passed since the demolition of most
of the house, “not much has changed on the work site. Because of the construction
methods selected for this project, namely pre-fabricating some parts of the framing
496
497
Phi Kappa Psi electronic newsletter, September 2014, p. 2.
offsite, not much visible change will occur in the early stages. However, when the
pre-fabricated parts arrive in the coming weeks it will be full speed ahead.”498
Rodney Reid and Charles Reifsteck of Gorski Reifsteck Architects in
Champaign did the architectural design for the new house. Reid is President of the
National Society for the Preservation of Greek Housing, which is based in
Champaign.499
The capital campaign literature described what was to be done to the chapter
house. Plans were to combine, “the provenance of the original 1908 structure with
a state-of-the-art new addition framing the original Chapter House along its South
and West walls. The original House was reconfigured and increased by 2,780 square
feet to total 24,842 square feet. The West wing of the addition on the back of the
House was elevated a full story to allow for parking spaces that the fraternity has
been lacking while maintaining the large front lawn. Front and back there will be 18
parking spaces total, including handicapped parking. The South wing of the
addition, including the new dining room, looks out upon the preserved Oak Tree.
Roofs and exterior walls were designed with energy efficiency and longevity in
mind. All of the additions harmonize with the original building’s Tudor style. Many
traditional elements of the original building were preserved or recreated, including
maintaining the front porch patio and yard, tuck pointing the original brick and
masonry, carefully matching the new brick, repairing and reinforcing the crown
front, restoring the windows back to their original look and recreating the interior
498
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2014-07-14/partial-demolition-renovation-underwayfraternity-house.html
499
ambiance of the original building on the first floor. One of the original doorways
from the Cardroom to what was once a side porch has been opened-up to provide
access from the existing first floor public areas to the space that is now the new
dining room with its modern, fully equipped and health and safety-rated kitchen.
Shared amenities include a large media room in the newly excavated basement
beneath the dining room addition, plus reconfigured and re-excavated old basement
space to provide better functionality and more head-room, including in the chapter
room, as well as dedicated storage areas, new mechanical systems, increased
electrical service, WIFI, easy access to all floors with an elevator and a new dining
room with a striking arched window and an arched doorway to access the front
porch. The foyer now boasts a dramatic two story atrium with a newly designed and
historically consistent stairway to the second floor. Two massive floating stairways
have been added at the north and south ends of the additions providing top to
bottom access. Each residential floor has its own laundry room and the entire
Chapter House is air conditioned and fire-safety sprinkled as well. The yards and
planting beds will be freshly landscaped upon completion.”500
The renovated structure would house 72 members in suites, each with its
own bathroom, study space and sleeping rooms. The configuration was to be five
singles, 23 doubles and seven triples. The 15 bathrooms were designed with
compartmentalized features for privacy and flexibility. In addition, a house
director’s suite with its own sitting area and kitchenette, was planned. Public men’s
and women’s guest restrooms were to be on the first floor.501 The house is
500
501
Capital Campaign Brochure, Todd Salen’s files.
Ibid.
scheduled to open in March 2016. There is reason to believe that the chapter house
was the first chapter house to be built on the campus. Prior to that, as well as in
many instances after the original construction, chapter houses were adapted from a
previously existing structure. Todd Salen, chapter advisor, in a newspaper article,
stated “It was the first house on campus to be built specifically for a fraternity, and
it was the first fraternity house on the west side of Fourth Street.”502
The chapter recently was named a Chapter of Excellence, one of the top four
chapters on the University of Illinois campus, through the Illinois Greek Initiative.
Steven Nieslawski won the Fred H. Turner Outstanding Advisor Award. At the 2015
Woodrow Wilson Leadership School, the chapter took the award for the top chapter
in District III.
“Possibly no single chapter has had a larger impact on the Fraternity as a
whole than Illinois Delta,” reads a quote on the contents page of the winter 2005
edition of The Shield of Phi Kappa Psi.503 That chapter is Illinois Delta, a chapter
that has weathered more than 111 years on the University of Illinois campus.
502
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2014-07-14/partial-demolition-renovation-underwayfraternity-house.html.

Illinois Delta of Phi Kappa Psi - 1904

Transcription

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