December 1924 Omegaphone
Below are excepts from the March 1930 Omegaphone, to read the entire issue, please download the pdf to the right
THE OMEGAPHONE
Published three times each year by Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity
State College, Pennsylvania
EDITING AND MANAGING BOARD W. H. IRONS '25 M. M. DRAKE '26
Vol. II - DECEMBER, 1924 - No. 1
EDITORIAL
The Omegaphone. an almost forgot-ten memory since its first appearance in 1920, has again come to life in quite a different physical form, yet still imbued with the spirit that has made this Chapter and our Fraternity stand of the highest things in fraternity life.
The purpose of this publication is in all probability the same as that of. cm former issue, but for the sake of emphasis it might be well to repeat. Realizing the importance and prestige that our alumni brothers carry in the outside world, it is only natural at we should have an .intense desire to keep in touch with them always. Statistics show that in the college !fraternity only fifteen per cent of graduates keep up an active interest in the affairs and doings of their fraternity after they get out. This seems to be, and is, a very small percentage, Did although most fraternities hate to admit the condition of their alumni body, the truth will come out and the admission will have to be made. This a problem that merits careful consideration. Just whether it is the fault of the fraternity, in that the connecting link between the fraternity and the alumni is weak, or whether it is a lack of interest, on the part of the alumni, has as never been definitely decided in favor of one or the other. It is the conviction however, of authorities in this matter, that the fault is about equally divided between the two. To make this link stronger then is a very big factor towards solution.
The Omegaphone is the most favorable means for the accomplishment of this end, and through the medium o.f. cooperation we hope in the near future to have a strong tacital impression with each and every one of them. Another reason, and in no way of secondary importance, is our ambition to be in closer touch with our sister chapters. We have enjoyed all the publications received from our other chapters, and this fact alone has none much towards the restoration of the Omegaphone. We realize that we have been unwontedly negiligent in keeping in touch with both our alumni and our sister chapters, and we sincerely hope that this will in some way help to make up for our undue negligence.
TRAVELING SECRETARY
On October 21, 212, 23 we had the pleasure of having Brother McIlhany, of the Grand Chapter, as our guest This visit was the most enjoyable to us that we have experienced in the past year. His suggestions have helped us to a very great extent and we wish to express our appreciation for them at this time. The policy of the Grand Chapter in sending a delegate yearly to each chapter is an excellent one, and the results obtained from these visits, in this chapter at least, are very noticeable to even the most casual observer. And as for Brother McIlhany being the man for the position, we challenge the Grand Chapter to get a better one. Our only regret is that we do not have a closer connection with the Grand Chapter than we do.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Omega Chapter sends a hearty greeting to her alumni and her sister chapters in this, our second Omegaphone. Several years ago this paper was started, but died a painful death after one Issue. Thanks to the efforts of brothers Irons and Drake it is being revived this year and we hope to make it a regular publication in the future.
The active chapter is looking forward to a very successful year. We made a splendid start by pledging eleven good Freshmen in September, thus bringing the roll of the Chapter to thirty-five men including pledges. Everyone Is working hard, and we have every reason to look forward to the rest of the year with high hopes.
There are however several problem that confront us. The first of these is the matter of a new chapter house. Those of the Alumni who were back here for Alumni Homecoming on October 25 will remember the discussion we had at that time. Since then we have investigated several propositions, of which shows promise of developing into something real. At present it is not definite enough to furnish any cause for rejoicing, but it looks better than anything we have found before. Should it materialize, the chapter will have a new home for next year, and one that would not lay a burden on the members that they could carry only with great difficulty. But we will have more definite information on this matter a little later.
Our other big problem is the strength-\ing of the chapter internally, and on the campus. We stand well socially and scholastically, but we realize that we are weak in activities. Last year we ranked fifth scholastically among fifty-one fraternities, and we are proud of that record. Our main weakness, activities, is one that can be remedied only by the hard individual work of the members in whatever line of campus endeavor they choose to enter. Its up to the underclassmen, and they must come through. We know that they will.
Financially, the house is in better shape now than at any other time within our knowledge, but there is still room for improvement. This improvement is sure to come through the constant efforts of Brothers Norton and Drake, our caterer and treasurer respectively. Norton's main method is beans than more beans; while Drake makes an insistent collector by combining a soft, persuasive voice with a strong arm.
There are some other lesser tasks that we have set for ourselves this year. One of these is getting our neglected chapter history into shape. This is a difficult proposition, and we certainly would appreciate any information that the Alumni could give us about the 'old days." Another is the gradual improvements of minor details about the House. We feel that we must live up to our new hardwood floors and our new wall-paper, and with Brother Gifford leading the House Committee, we are certainly getting results.
Altogether the outlook for the chapter is very bright. The spirit of the men was never better, and with that spirit and hard work we feel we can do almost anything. We wish to keep in closer touch with the Alumni from now on, and we will welcome letters from them at any time on any subject. Let us all work together so that next September we will not only have a new chapter house to enter, but a bigger, stronger chapter to instal in it.
W. B. Morgan
President of Omega
PLANS FOR NEW HOUSE
The problem of a new house is one of the greatest and most Vital that has confronted Omega for some time. With the chapter expanding as much as it is, it becomes absolutely imperative that the members find a larger and better home, in order that the fraternity work here can be carried on in the true spirit of our organization.
For the benefit of those who have not been able to get back to our gatherings, we wish to impart to you some of the recent happenings along this line. In the spring of 1924, the Alumni, especially those diving around and near Philadelphia, were incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania into an organization styled "The Alumni Corporation of Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity." Debenture bonds were issued by them, and quite a number were sold. This was the first step towards our objective. Plans for the hew house were drawn up by Brothers Cressley and Cassel, and the building should have been started last spring. But have is inadequate, and that no other due to the fact that the lot we already lot was available, the matter was carried over until this year. Now it is safe to say that several propositions look very fruitful.
Another thing done along the line of the new home was the formation last Father's Day of a Dad's Club. Those fathers who were here at the time became charter members, the other members being enlisted by means of a circular letter explaining the club. The object of this organization was primarily for advice, to show the conditions of the chapter, and to create an interest in the fraternity among the fathers. These are the main steps that have been taken towards securing a new home for the chapter.
At the present time the chapter owns a lot that was bought some time ago, with the view in end of some day building upon it. This lot is at the present quite unsuitable for our purpose. The size is the main objection, as it is only 85 feet in width. The value of the lot today is about $2200 and we feel quite sure that it can be sold for that amount.
Another matter that seems to be rather vague to some of our alumni the matter of house pledges. By those are meant the pledges that were signed by each and every brother for the payment of fifty dollars—five year Installment—ten dollars payable each year beginning with the first year he has graduated or left school. The chapter has turned these over to the alumni corporation and they are payable to and collectable by them. The matter of paying these should be uppermost in the minds of the alumni if they would like to see the chapter in a new home in the near future. We also hope, that all alumni who are not thoroughly acquainted with the progress towards a new home, this article• being insufficient, will feel free to write to the chapter or the alumni association for any information whatsoever.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Omega always has had a reputation for throwing good dances and House Parties and from the way things. are shaping up this year it looks as if it would be better than ever.
We started off with a bang on the night of October the twelfth. Everyone of the brothers had someone to "crawl" with and with music by Brother Stoner's Orchestra, which by the way is the best one around the school this year, the party was nothing less than red hot.
Then on the seventh and eighth of November we held forth once more in the famous Pennsylvania Day House Party. There were plenty of girls, in fact so many, we thought of putting hooks on the doors to hang them on. By earnest prayers and pleadings two good chaperones were obtained. After losing several night of good sleep the whole first floor was decorated in the fraternity and college colors. In short, with the chaperones, decorations, lighting effects, orchestra and last but not least the "basement excavators" the party was perfect and deemed a great success.
Our next big party to look forward to is new to us and to the college. It is called Senior Week. The plans for this function are as follows: on April thirtieth, Thursday night, the college will hold the Junior Prom. Then on Friday and Saturday nights there will be House Dances; the whole thing really developing into another House Party. This plan was brought up before the I.F.C. and accepted.
Over Commencement Week there will be another party for Upper classmen only. No tentative dates have been set for this as yet, but this is what is expected to happen on Friday and Saturday night there will be House Dances and on Monday night, will be held the Senior Ball.
There is no doubt about it, Omega is about to have a successful social year and we heartily wish that all the brothers could have the chance to go thru thru parties with us.
L. H. Clouiser '25
SENIOR CLASS
The Seniors, true to traditions, have borne the burden of the chapter so far this year. They present a well rounded class and can be relied upon to do their work in the chapter.
Boyce Morgan, the President of the Chapter is our mainstay on the campus. Honorary societies flock to "Fuller" as girls do to our House Parties. Not only is he a student, having captured four scholarship medals, but also the original wise crack of the college, being Editor-in-Chief of the Froth. He is a member of "Skull and Bones" upper class campus society, Theta Alpha Phi Dramatic Society, Pi Delta Epsilon Journalistic Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Scholastic Society. "Fuller" also holds the office of Treasurer of the Penn State Players, the best dramatic club in the school. "Fuller" is a Pre-legal but we hesitate to predict a future for him in this field, owing to his exceptional journalistic ability.
"Bob" Irons, Vice-president of the Chapter, has worked faithfully from the start of the year. As the head of the "Rushing" Committee he has done a masterful bit of work in securing eleven of the best boys who entered college this fall. Bob being a Commerce and Finance student with plenty of time to spare, has been elected our Senior I.F.C. representative.
"Hap" 'Clouser is secretary of the Chapter and Chairman of our Social Committee. "Hap" sure is a wonder at throwing snappy parties, which are deemed by everyone as the best in college. Altho taking Sanitary Engineering he has found time to play La Crosse, and we are expecting him to "shine" during the coming season. He is now busily engaged in coaching the Sophomore Class Team.
"Snorts" Norton is enrolled in the Mining School. We think Snorts as Caterer gets some of the menus which he springs upon us unfortunates from some miners camp. As Manager of the Soccer Team he has so far seen it pass thru its sixth season undefeated, a record to be envied by any team.
"Marty" Allen, who is a member of the Electrical Engineering School spends most of his time chasing down trouble in the House wiring. Marty runs a dating agency for the new men secures Co-eds for our dances and parties.
"Poco" Stoner, our Senior Forester has gained quite a reputation the college, not as a Forester, but as a musician. Poco pounds a mean piano, and his orchestra this year has surpassed all others in college. "Boots" LeBoutillier holds the honor of being the only married man in the Chapter. Boots is seldom seen around the House due to the new duties he has taken upon himself.
C. M. Allen '25
JUNIOR CLASS
The sages say "In the babe there are possibilities:" they forgot to add, "In the Juniors there dare accomplishments."
For the cynic we enumerate:
"Marsh" Drake, 'Treasurer of the Chapter, is enrolled as a Pre-Legal in the Liberal Arts School. Marsh is an efficient treasurer and a good man to have around the House when work is to be done. This spring Marsh is going to make a bid for a berth on the La Crosse team and we all wish him success and hope to see him wielding a stick when the season starts.
"Johnny" Wallace, our shambling shiek, who can mix his "Stuff" with his studies in the Mining School, has thoughts of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, honorary mining fraternity. Johnny thinks it can be done.
"Bill" Goebbels, quiet, conservative and unassuming has crawled out of his shell and into a pair of boxing gloves. Thereupon Bill loses the crawl and flashes some real form. Bill is strutting his stuff on the drill field as a second Lieutenant.
"Mufty" Smith, the boy with the geranium, has come through in fine style. Mufty by hard work was elected first assistant baseball manager and as a consequence was initiated into Blue Key; the Junior honorary society. Mufty is well known and well liked on the campus and we hope to see him baseball manager in '26.
"Bob" McWilliams, a typical Commerce and Finance student—one girl no work—is actively engaged each evening in caring for the wants of the soccer team. Bob is a first assistant and has every chance in the world of being manager next year.
"Fairy" Ricker, student, bridge shark and general nuisance is taking the Teachers Training Course in the Liberal Arts School. Fairy has taken an active interest in dramatics, especially "Dream Daddy" parts. His work along this line shows good form, and it would not surprise us if he was wearing a Player's Key in a few months.
Another silent star is our "Bromo" Seltzer. Bromo plays a good hard game of soccer and won his numerals last year in that sport. Bromo also shines in social manner. The Co-eds know that he is no fizzle as his name might imply. During his more serious moments he is kept busy with his course in Civil Engineering.
Glenn Gifford our only Agriculturist spends most of his with the pigskin each day on the varsity squad. “Giff'' has a hard working spirit that is indicative of success. He is chairman of the House Committee and is to be recommended for the good work that he has done in this capacity this year.
"Red" Maize is our soldier boy. Red besides being a second Lieutenant in the Cadet Corps is going to make a try for a position on the wrestling team and unless his work as a Civil Engineer becomes too burdensome we feel that he will be successful.
Among our literary talent is numbered Norman Frick. "Norm" is Junior Assistant Editor of the "Penn State Engineer." His greatest ambition is to lift engineering to literary importance. He has aspirations .
"Say" Seymour who enrolled as a metallurgist is not an assistant as most of the other Juniors. "Say" is the real thing at "Mac" Hall—(a local joke) and is a hard worker with plenty of spirit. As Chaplain he is an inspiration not at all inconsistent with his office.
B. F. Ricker '26
SOPHOMORE CLASS
The class of '27 'has returned 'to school with tales of a well spent summer, and are now capable of living up to the reputation of "hard boiled" sophomores. Three of our number however failed to put in appearance when school opened. Hugh Conley has forsaken old State for Georgia Tech and his mellow Southern voice is now echoing through the halls of Alpha Nu."Sammy" Reed, the champion solitaire player of the East stayed home in Scottsdale. Sammy paid us a visit during November House Party and it sure wars good to see him again. "Don' Linton, who was forced to leave school last spring on account of illness could not get back this fall. We expect however to have Don with us next semester.
Those who are back are up and doing, working hard for the glory of Penn State and Theta Chi.
"Dutch" Yanisch, idol of Quakertown, after a summer spent in rescuing beautiful debutantes from the surf at Cape May, has returned to school full of all the ambitions that only such beauties could inspire. At present he is working hard as second assistant basketball manager, with every prospect of success before him. Dutch at the same time manages to make an active bid for the Penn State Players. He also hopes to ruin a few Freshmen by going out for the Sophomore boxing team.
"Soggie" Sagerholm, our fair haired devil from the soft coal region of Uniontown, has sufficiently recovered from House Party to don his snappy basketball uniform and make the varsity squad in that sport. Before the season is over we expect to see him tossing the ball around in some of our big games.
"'Charlie" Way, who made the Freshman squad in the three major sports last year has been handicapped this year by a stiff course and could not get out for the teams he would have liked to. After playing all season at halfback with the Freshman last year and getting into some of the biggest games Charlie was expected to get somewhere with the varsity this year. Studies forced him to drop football but now that he has gotten a good start this semester he expects to use his ready fists and iron jaw in some of the varsity boxing bouts.
Earl Maize started in to build up his activity list as soon as school opened. He has worked hard and faithfully as second assistant football manager, which is one of the hardest jobs on the campus, and when the season is over we expect him to come home with a coveted first managership. After the last touchdown has been made Earl is going to devote his attention to boxing in an effort to obtain the managership of that sport.
Walter Lord, alias "Monk," the hardboiled sophomore from Germantown is not out for any activity as his time is all taken up between studies and marathon letter writing, of which he is the champion. Walter has a winning smile which is the envy of all the Brothers, especially at dances; but 'the fair beauties are out of luck as "Monk" has eyes for only one. Nuf sed.
"Boo" Windle who managed to follow a soccer ball around last year until he received his numerals is a hard working (?) Commerce and Finance student. This spring "Boo" is going to make an earnest effort, to land the job of first assistant baseball manager and we are right sure that he will be successful.
Walter Lord '27
FRESHMAN CLASS
Omega Chapter started rushing season with a bang. Everyone was back early ready to nab the Freshmen as they arrived. Due to the earnest efforts of the brothers we think we have the pick of the class. The first pledge was Robert F. Hope who comes from Pittsburgh. Bob is typical Pittsburgh boy, and has a terrible "line" for a Freshman.. He received his prepatory training at Westinghouse High School, and was active in newspaper work, being the school's sports writer for the Gazette Times.
Bob is making a noble attempt to conquer Arts and Letters. He has decided to continue his journalistic work trying for a berth on the "Collegian" Staff. We wish him success.
Robert L. Kerr then took the button Bob is a Philadelphia boy and received his preparatory work at Germantown High School. He has decided to take Mechanical Engineering at "State." He was a valuable man on the "High" football squad. "Bob" has decided not to play football here, but is going out for basketball manager.
Oak Lane gave us our next pledge in the person of Otto P. Meyer. Otto graduated from Frankford High and held down a position on the famous Frankford Soccer team. Besides taking Mining Engineering Otto has found time to go out for soccer, and is quite sure of making his numerals.
This year we pledged one of Scottsdale’s best athletes in the person of Ernest R. White. Ernie coming from the High School of the same name, gained quite a name for himself there. Ernie has already secured his numerals in La Crosse and is trying to rate a position on the basketball team. He also blows a mean trombone and hopes to make the college band. During his working hours he spends his time in the Mechanical Engineering School.
Phillip A. McWilliams was also drawn from the ranks of Scottdale High School. Phil was very active during his four year stay in High School and has decided to act in a like manner here. He is taking the Pre-Legal Course and has already made a favorable showing on the Yearling Debating Team. He expects to go out for Cheer-Leader tin the near future.
J. Francis Yahres was our selection from Sharon High School. He is enrolled in the Arts and Letters course here and looks promising as a student. He is quite a debator and expects to devote some of his time to this. In the spring he is going out for Soccer Manager.
Philadelphia seems to hold the winning hand in representation and with it came James O. Marshall from Lansdowne. Jim prepared at Landsdowne High and was Captain of their football team. Not having the time to devote to football here since he is taking Mining Engineering, Jim is using his spare time on Froth. He is also striving for a place on the Freshman La Crosse team.
Logan, of North Philadelphia, is represented by Fredrick P. Greiner, who prep'd at Germantown High. Basketball was Fred's chief activity in High School and he hopes to crowd some of his classmates for a berth on the Freshman squad. He is another one of those Pre-Legal Students.
The pledge with a voice is Frank T. Bonsall of Coatesville High School. Ted is only a little fellow but he has no mean voice. We expect him Ito duplicate his High School work and secure a permanent place on the Varsity Glee Club. With only Commerce and Finance to think about he should have plenty of time to practice.
Alex A. Dow, who was very active in athletics at Grove City High School, has come to State to take Metallurgy. God help him. Al is a student and also quite interested in activities. At the present he is making a try for the golf team, rifle team, and the business staff of Froth. He is also going out for boxing and baseball. We congratulate him upon his selection and hope that he will be justly rewarded for his efforts.
A. Scott Calhoun, who is enrolled in the Ag School as a Horticulturist comes to us from Aspinwal High School. At High School Scotty was prominent in athletics, playing football and baseball. He is, at present, spending his spare time trying out for the business staff of the Froth and with the opening of the baseball season he is going to make a strong bid for a berth on the Freshman nine.
John Wallace '26
HOUSE NOTES
The problem of getting the house into shape after the Summer School teachers have ravaged it is one of no mean dimension's. However this year it was better than ever and by the cooperation of the brothers we have a home that approaches respectability. There is still room for improvement and we are continually striving with this end in view.
It is only natural that our Alumni Brothers would like to hear of some of the new improvements on our home both externally and internally. Allen Street was widened and paved, and street lamps have been put on every corner. The house was painted in a pleasing shade of brown, while the shrubbery and lawn has been rejuvenated. Our major improvements have been within the house, a few of which may startle the Alumni. There has been a new hardwood floor laid thruout the house. It was in fine shape for House Party and we only wish that more of our Alumni could have been back to enjoy it. To facilitate the work of Mother Thompson a new range was bought, and also new linoleum and sundry other things that make the kitchen more home-like. A number of new rugs were bought for the clubroom and study rooms, and last, but not least, every study room was repapered.
Such improvements as these, coupled a strong arm and plenty of water added much to the appearance of our home, and the impetus it has given the Freshmen towards wanting to work is remarkable.
O. G. Gifford '26.
TO KAPPA AND ALPHA BETA
The members of Omega Chapter wish to voice their appreciation of the very hospitable treatment that they received while at Kappa and Alpha Beta during the State-Penn and State-Pitt football games.
LOST ADDRESSES
The addresses of the following men have been lost or are no longer correct. Any information along this line will be appreciated.
R. S. Brinkworth
J. E. Rittenhouse
H. O. Wilson
I. G. Brown
R. M. Hislop
ALUMNI NOTES
We ask our Alumni to cooperate in the publication of this paper by sending us personal items and notes of interest and to advise us of any change of address which may take place, so that we may keep our Roster Book up to date. Criticisms from the Alumni for the improvement of this paper are always welcome.
"Bob" Ockford, '22, is with the Bell Telephone Company, in Philadelphia as Manager of the Germantown office. The "Bell" seems to attract many of our graduates, among whom are "Les' Longhurst '24, "Bish" Shaw '22, and "Bill" Gillen '24.
"Bill" 'Sowden '22, who started out with the Bell Telephone Company has changed his activities to the ice business, and is now Sec. and Treas. of the Union Ice Company located in Philadelphia.
"Ed" Oermann '23, is back do Philadelphia again and is now with the Lupton Steel Sash Company. Besides learning the business Ed is also learning several mongrel languages that are spoken around the plant.
"Johnny" McWilliams '23, is still with the Scottdale Motor Company and is doing much to firmly establish the Buick in that locality.
"Lew" Mechling '24, is spending his time drawing up plans for an architect in Uniontown. The Chapter wishes to take this opportunity to congratulate Lew upon his recent marriage to Miss Grace Davis of Uniontown, Pa.
Stacy Brinkworth '23, is located in Philadelphia and is engaged as a chemist with the Atlantic Refining Company. "Brink" is spending his evenings taking a special course at Drexel.