HISTORY OF OMEGA CHAPTER, Reminiscences of Northwestern. A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY, AND A LIST OF THE MEMBERS OF OMEGA, ETC., ETC. " The men of this fraternity who have graduated from this insti- tution, are the men to ivhom ive point tuith pride as specimens?' President JOSEPH CUMMINGS in an address of welcome to the Sigma Chi delegates of the Fourteenth Convention on their visit to the North- western University. EDITED BY FRANK M. ELLIOT. CHICAGO: 1885. COPYRIGHT, FRANK M. ELLIOT. PRINTED AND BOUND BY DONOHUE * HENNEBERRY, CHICAGO. '/'(> all those who cherish college recollections, and especially to the members of Omega, whose words and deeds Jiare symbolized the motto of our m\stic broth- frliood, t/iis volume is affectionately dedicated. 2038872 PREFACE. IT is fifteen years since Omega was established. That she has a history no one will deny, and that it should be recorded in some substantial man- ner has also been granted. The task and the delay of compiling this history have been greatly in- creased by the interference of other business, and especially by the difficulty of acquiring reliable data. The record of the first five years of our existence is lost, and the information for that time has been obtained only through personal interviews and correspondence. The editor has been greatly assisted by Brother C. R. Paul, who has by his hearty sympathy with the work given valuable aid in the earlier portions of our history. He is also under obligations to Brothers Currier, E. W. Andrews, Bross, Merrick, and Wightman, and to many others in the chapter, for valuable and material suggestions. Articles contributed by members other than the editor appear over the writers' names. No attempt has been made to record all of the events that have transpired during our career, as this would require more space and labor than we have at our disposal. 6 PREFACE. In addition to the history of Omega there are included a historical sketch of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, a list of its conventions and the testi- mony of the worth of the fraternity by a few of the more prominent members of our order. Clus- tering around all these associations of the chap- ter, there have been many pleasant and impor- tant events to which Omega lays no particular claim, except in so far as her members have been interested in and identified with them. Some of these events are deemed of sufficient importance to be incorporated in this book. They may be considered in this connection, as they truly are, simply as college reminiscences at Northwestern. We have attempted to make this history relia- ble and interesting, and with this end in view, the usual dry statistical method has been avoided as much as possible in its form and composition. This book is the record of pleasant years, a col- lege farrago, of a few kindred minds. Members who have been individually identified with par- ticular events and with certain periods of our history have kindly given their assistance and contributions to the work. These fragments of our history, these pleasant memories, have been gathered up and condensed into a brief space, that nothing may be lost. If this book, sent forth as a tribute to Omega and Sigma Chi, shall have the effect of renewing and increasing the PREFACE. 7 affection and esteem for those "old college'days " and pleasant friends, the labor which it has cost and which has been freely given will have re- ceived all the recognition that could be desired. Fraternally yours, FRANK M. ELLIOT. EVAXSTON, ILL., January, 1885. CONTENTS. NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. Frontispiece. ClIAPlER I. PAGE A historical sketch of Sigma Chi. List of Chapters. ... 13 CHAPTER II. The Northwestern University 21 CHAPTER III. Omega A poem 28 CHAPTER IV. Early history of Omega 30 CHAPTER V. Omega reorganized; annual banquet, etc 38 CHAPTER VI. Omega's sleigh-rides 47 CHAPTER VII. The Psi Upsilon movement 51 CHAPTER VIII. The Boys of Sigma Chi A song 69 CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. PAGE Some comical events at Omega One of Knappen's stories 7 l CHAPTER X. Driftwood. Four college years, 1874-1878 78 CHAPTER XI. Fratres Caros Saluto A song 104 CHAPTER XII. Omega, 1878-1879 105 CHAPTER XIII. History of Omega from 1879 to 1884 108 CHAPTER XIV. The Fourteenth Biennial Convention 122 CHAPTER XV. The Northwestern District Convention of Sigma Chi. . . .128 CHAPTER XVI. Prize men of Omega. Speakers on Commencement, Class-day, Junior Exhibitions, Junior and Sophomore debates and declamations; Hinman essay and Fresh- men declamation contests. Also list of the men of Omega who have occupied honorary positions, either connected with the University or the Fra- ternity 133 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XVII. PAGE The Blanchard Prize 143 CHAPTER XVIII. Miscellany The Spade and Serpent. Life-saving crew. The famous baseball team of 1871. The Velvet- Tops. King Kalakua. Wooglin and his dorg. The Greeks at Northwestern 149 CHAPTER XIX. I. Fraternity Influence 156 II. Omega Chapter House 159 III. A matter of policy 161 CHAPTER XX. The Intercollegiate Literary Association 164 CHAPTER XXI. Building a gymnasium . .- 17 j. CHAPTER XXII. The bear story 182 CHAPTER XXIII. The conventions of Sigma Chi 201 CHAPTER XXIV. Sigma Chi Sentiments, by Linden Kent, Psi; W. W. Fos- dick, Lambda; Isaac M. Jordan, Old Alpha; John M. Hamilton, Alpha; E. L. Shuman, Omega; Ben. P. Runkle, Old Alpha: W. L. Fisher. Chi 203 12 CONTENTS. n PAGB Then as now. Gleanings from old letters J. Parks Caldwell, Alpha; T. C. Bell, Alpha; Frank H. Sco- bey, Alpha; John J. Piatt, George D. Prentice and Wallace Wood, Eta 210 Memento Mori A poem 216 CHAPTER XXV. Necrology. Biographical sketches of the lives of de- ceased brothers: I. Evarts Greene Boutell; II. Fenni- more Enz Hancock; III. Robert Marshall Humphrey; IV. Harry Putney Brown; V. Frederick William Ran- dolph; VI. John S. Hancock; VII. Ezra Benedict Parrish; VIII. Frank Edward Hesler 217 CHAPTKR XXVI. List of members, their occupation, addre3S, etc 255 Index of names and subjects 261 CHAPTER I. A HISTORICAL SKETCH OF SIGMA CHI. THE Sigma Chi Fraternity was founded June 28, 1855, at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Its founders were six Delta Kappa Epsilons, who re- fused to obey the dictates of a fraternity caucus. Since there were just twelve men in the Delta Kappa Epsilon chapter, the rebellious " Dekes " could not be expelled; so the caucus members ran away with the charter and the records, while the other six stood together and became the founders of Sigma Chi. Upon an honorable adherence to what they deemed to be principles of right and justice did Sigma Chi stake her raison d'etre. Springing from what was the most renowned and influential secret college society of the time, the founders of Sigma Chi brought to their work its tried and experienced methods and discipline. It is without doubt due to this fact of her auspicious parentage that Sigma Chi has owed much of her success. Minerva like, she sprang full-armed from the head of the frater- nity Jupiter. If, however, Delta Kappa Epsilon had proven herself in some respects to be nar- row and bigoted, Sigma Chi strove to broaden the principles she borrowed by embodying in 14 HISTORY OF OMEGA. them a wider justice and deeper social and friendly bonds of union. That she succeeded is attested by her thirty-eight active chapters in the best colleges of the central, western and southern states, having an average undergradu- ate membership of twelve, and counting a total membership roll of about 3,500 alumni members. The fraternity from its foundation had its exten- sion in view. The older institutions of the East being already overcrowded by Greek societies, she entrusted her destiny to the rising colleges of Virginia, Pennsylvania and the West, plant- ing her first chapter at Ohio Wesleyan Univer- sity, at Delaware, in the same year with her own foundation. This was called the Gamma chap- ter, and on the death of the parent chapter in 1858, it assumed the government of the order. The extension of the society has resulted in the following chapters: * Date of No. Foun- NAMH. INSTITUTION AND SITUATION. dation. 2. 1855, Gamma, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. 3. 1857, Eta, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Missis- sippi. * No account is here taken of the ante-bellum chapters chartered in the South and not revived at the end of hostilities. Epsilon was char- tered at the University of Nashville, in 1856; Pi at hrskine College, South Carolina, in 1860, and Sigma at Lagrange Col'ege, Tennessee, in the same year. Pi and Sigma continued till the outbieak of the Rebellion, when they were disbanded. The records of these chapters were lost or destroyed during the Rebellion. HISTORY OF SIGMA CHI. 15 Date of No. Foun- NAME. INSTITUTION AND SITI-ATION. dation . 4. 1858, Iota, Jefferson College [1871], Canonsburg, Penn- sylvania. 5. 1858, Lambda, Indiana State University, Bloomington, Indiana. 6. 1859, Xi, DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana. 7. 1859, Omicron, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsyl- vania. 8. 1859, Nu, Washington College [1865], Washington, Pennsylvania. 9. 1859, Psi, University of Virginia, Virginia. 10. 1863, Theta, Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Penn- sylvania. 11. 1864, Epsilon, Columbian University [1878], Washing- ton, District Columbia. 12. 1864, Kappa, University at Lewisburg.Lewisburg, Penn- sylvania. 13. 1865, Upsilon, Polytechnic College of the State of Penn- sylvania [1876], Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 14. 1866, Zeta, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia. 15. 1866, Rho, Butler University, Irvington, Indiana. 16. 1867, Phi, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania. 17. 1867, Mu, Denison University, Granville, Ohio. 18. 1869, Sigma, College of New Jersey [1882], Princeton, New Jersey. 19. 1869, Omega, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illi- nois. 20. 1871, Chi, Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana. 21. 1872, Delta, University of Georgia [1874], Athens, Georgia. -22. 1872, Nu, Cumberland University [1878], Lebanon, Tennessee. l6 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Date of No. Foun- NAME. INSTITUTION AND SITUATION. dation. 23. 1872, Pi, Howard College [1885], Marion, Alabama. 24. 1872, Tau, Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia. 25. 1872, Sigma Sigma, Hampden-Sidney College, Virginia. 26. 1873, Beta, Wooster University, Wooster, Ohio. 27. 1873, Theta Theta, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 28. 1874, Beta Beta, .Mississippi College [1877], Clinton, Mississippi. 29. 1874, Gamma Gamma, Randolph-Macon College, Ash- land, Virginia. 30. 1874, Delta Delta, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indi- ana. 31. 1874, Epsilon Epsilon, Monmouth College [1878], Mon- mouth, Illinois. 32. 1875, Phi Phi, University of Pennsylvania, Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania. 33. 1876, Zeta Zeta, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky. 34. 1876, Iota Iota, University of Alabama [1878], Tusca- loosa, Alabama. 35. 1879, Chi Chi, Southern University [1882], Greensboro, Alabama. 36. 1880, Alpha Beta, Richmond College [iSSi], Richmond, Virginia. 37. 1880, Delta Chi, Wabash College, Crawfordsville, In- diana. 38. 1881, Kappa Kappa, Illinois State University, Cham- paign, Illinois. 39. 1882, Zeta Psi, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. 40 1882, Alpha Gamma, Ohio State University, Columbus,. Ohio. 41. 1882, Alpha Zeta, Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin. HISTORY OF SK1MA CHI. 17 Date of No. Foun- NAME INSTITUTION AND SITUATION. dation. 42. 1882, Alpha Eta, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. 43. 1882, Alpha Theta, Massachusetts Institute of Technol- ogy, Boston, Massachusetts. 44. 1883, Alpha Delta, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey. 45. 1883, Alpha Epsilon, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska. 46. 1883, Alpha Iota, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloom- ington, Illinois. 47- 1883, Alpha Kappa, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Mich- igan. 48. 1884, Alpha Lambda, University of Wisconsin, Madi- son, Wisconsin. 49. 1884, Alpha Mu, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia. 50. 1884, Alpha Xi, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan. 51. 1884, Alpha Nu, University of Texas, Austin, Texas. In 1882, a charter was granted to certain alumni Sigma Chis in the Medical Department of the University of Louisiana to establish a chap- ter in that institution. After a careful investiga- tion of the prospect in the literary department, they decided that the then occasion was not favor- able for the establishment of the chapter, and the charter was returned. Such has been the territo- rial development of Sigma Chi a development winch, considering the high character of all the institutions entered, is without a parallel among " western " fraternities. Two of the chapters are 1 8 HISTORY OF OME<;A. sn/> rosa, Kappa Kappa, and Delta Delta. The latter was the means of bringing to judicial de- termination faculty opposition to fraternities. Its long and successful struggle with the college authorities carried up to the Indiana Supreme Court, is among the most interesting and impor- tant of Greek society annals. The living chap- ters are, as a whole, very prosperous. Of the defunct chapters, Delta, Beta Beta, Epsilon Epsi- lon, Iota Iota, and Sigma, after short but bril- liant careers, disbanded by reason of faculty opposition. Nu at Washington College united with Iota when Jefferson and Washington col- leges consolidated. Iota, Epsilon, Chi Chi, and Nu at Cumberland University preferred an hon- orable death to life with an inferior membership. Upsilon was weakened by the establishment of Phi Phi and died a natural death in the class of 1876. Sigma was first chartered in 1869 and re-char- tered in 1875. The chapter at the University of Michigan was first chartered as Psi Psi in 1873 and again chartered in i877asTheta Theta. Phi Phi died in 1878, but was revived in 1884. There are alumni chapters at Chicago, Cincinnati; Indianap- olis and Lafayette, Indiana. These hold annual and semi-annual meetings and banquets, and have the privilege of sending representatives to the biennial sessions of the Grand Chapter. To Henry St. John Dixon, of Psi, the fraternity HISTORY OF SIGMA CHI. 19 system is indebted for a very unique episode. This was the organization of a chapter of Sigma Chi in the Confederate Army, known as the Con- siantine chapter. The chapter, whose membership, with one exception, consisted only of Sigma Chis, was established in Armstrong's brigade, of the Army of Tennessee, during the Atlanta cam- paign of '64. Most of the Southern colleges were closed during the war, and thus our Southern brothers sought to keep the order alive during the trying period. A touching story is told of a Sigma Chi badge manufactured from an old silver dollar with a gutta percha center and passed from one member of the chapter to another. The publications of the fraternity consist of two editions of the catalogue, the first issued in 1870 and the latter in 1876 ; the " Sigma Chi Song Book," edited by a committee from Beta chapter and published in. 1884 ; several pieces of sheet music, polkas and waltzes dedicated to the fra- ternity, together with various orations, addresses and poems, delivered at conventions and reunions. Perhaps, however, the pride and glory of Sigma Chi is in its magazine. For the first two years, from '80 to '82, it was conducted by the Theta chapter, since which time it has been under the editorship of Walter L. Fisher, of Chi chapter. It is truly representative, and in very many respects leads the fraternity press. A new and biograph- 20 HISTORY OF OMEGA. ical catalogue is in preparation under the charge of Omega. The government of the fraternity, up to the fourteenth biennial session of the Grand Chap- ter at Chicago in 1882, was wholly in the hands of the Gamma chapter. Her decision on peti- tions was almost always final, and whatever success the fraternity has enjoyed is largely due to the policy of the Gamma. Yet the develop- ment of the fraternity seemed to call for a stronger and more centralized government. This demand has been met by the last two conventions, the tendency of the reforms being in the direction of government by a judicial and legislative board of alumni members and the individual responsibility of each officer. The duties of each officer and the functions of earh branch of the government are clearly defined in the constitution, which is no longer secret, and can be obtained by any member of the fraternity. The Gamma chapter now occupies an honorable position as the mother of many flourishing daughters, who have grown so strong that they have been able to erect an independent governmental structure of magnifi- cent proportions. Gamma, after nearly thirty years of rule, finds protection again in the chap- ter sisterhood, and is entitled to an equal voice in all the affairs pertaining to the interest and welfare of the fraternity. C. A. WIGHTMAN. CHAPTER II. THE NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. THE Omega chapter derives its strength and support from the students at the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Cook county, Illinois. The village of Evanston is situated on the west shore of Lake Michigan, twelve miles north of Chicago. It is a village of homes, and the people who live in them are among the most advanced in social and literary circles in the West. This is so evident that the village is often called the Athens of the West. It has a popula- tion of about 7,500 people. The original settlement was called Ridgeland, and its first organized meeting was held on April 2, 1850. Like nearly every frontier town, it was composed of a drunken, immoral and villainous class of people. It was doubtless owing largely to this fact that the legal restriction in reference to the sale of intoxicating liquors within four miles of the uni- versity was incorporated in the charter. This charter was granted to the Northwestern Univer- sity by the legislature of 1851. In August, 1853, three hundred and eighty acres were purchased for $25,000 by the enterprising Methodists inter- ested in the establishment of the University. 22 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Messrs. H. B. Kurd, F. H. Benson and A. J. Brown, the owners of adjoining property west of that purchased by the University, joined heartily with the founders of Northwestern and laid out the site fora town. On February 3, 1854, it was named Evanston, in honor of Hon. John Evans, one of the original and most enthusiastic pro- moters of this enterprise. Evanston possesses many advantages aside from its educational attractions. In the first place, it is healthy. The modern improved sys- tem of sewerage, pure lake water, and fresh in- vigorating air are its chief advantages. Then it is a moral village. It has none of those places within its borders which tempt a young man to deviate from the line of duty and of virtue. No saloons are permitted, and as for public billiard rooms and theaters, public sentiment is against them, and they cannot exist. All the moral and social surroundings are such as to form efficient and practical safeguards so essential in a univer- sity town. Chicago, that wonderful city of en- terprise and thrift, where the product of the best thought, art, business and civilization exists, is available to all those who desire pleasant and instructive recreation. Evanston owes its creation to the religious zeal of certain leading members of the Methodist church. Its origin and the growth which has NORTHWESTERN UMVKRSITV. 23 been made largely by sincere labor and devotion have been guided by the kind of inspiration that presages success. What splendid foresight was exhibited in selecting this location, when we consider what educational and social advantages there are now and what possibilities there are yet open to the Northwestern University ! The founders expected (and their expectations have been largely realized) to build an institution that \vould supply the higher and better educational wants of Chicago and of this great center. The University was not founded, as many sup- pose, as a strictly sectarian institution, nor was it intended to advance one department of learning more than another. It was to be a " Christian University." The supreme design was to create a university which, if it did not teach all knowl- edge, would at least teach a number of the most desirable branches of learning. For this reason there have been added, from time to time, special departments, so that special instruction may be obtained in science, medicine, law, and music. This right of adding new departments to the University was granted to it by virtue of article seven of its charter. When the University was opened there were only two departments, the Collegiate and Preparatory. In 1869, the Chicago Medical College was made the medical depart- ment of the University. In 1873, the Evanston \ i 24 HISTORY OF OMEGA. College for Ladies was purchased, and co-educa- tion was introduced. The Law department was also added this year, and in 1874 the Conserva- tory of Music was founded. All six of these de- partments are under the control and direction of the trustees of the University. The first president, Rev. Clark T. Hinman, D.D., was elected June 23, 1853; died in 1854. Rev. R. S. Foster, D.D., LL.D., was elected president June 5, 1856 ; he resigned in 1860. Rev. E. O. Haven, D.D., LL.D., was elected pres- ident June 23, 1869; resigned in the fall of 1872. Rev. Charles H. Fowler, D.D., LL.D., was elected president October 23, 1872; resigned in 1876. Acting presidents elected by the board of trustees. Henry Sanborn Noyes, A.M., 1860 to 1866. Oli- ver Marcy, LL.D., 1876 to 1881. Rev. Joseph Cummings, D.D., LL.D., was elected president July, 1881. Three of the presidents, Foster, Haven and Fowler, were subsequently elected bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The situation of the University is most admira- ble. It is on a slight elevation of ground in the midst of a large grove. The college campus is composed of about thirty-five acres. The trees in it are fine large specimens of oak, and are the pride and admiration of the institution. That part of the campus set aside for athletic sports is unquestionably as fine as any in this NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. 25 country, and with the expenditure of a small amount of money on it would be unexcelled. There are few colleges whose surroundings are equal to those of Northwestern. Bordering on the lake, with its pebbled beach and broad expanse beyond, these grounds become the favorite resort for all lovers of nature, whose delight is in the "forest primeval." The college building is constructed of Joliet stone, and is of a rich Gothic style of architec- ture. Its tall and graceful spire can be seen from long distances in every direction. The building is well arranged for all the needs of the college, and is in keeping with all the great enterprises of the University. It was finished in 1869 at an expense of $120,000. The classical, scientific and elective courses were the first to be adopted, and since then the different branches of science and philosophy have been added to the curriculum. Diplomas are issued to those persons who have successfully passed the examinations in the studies in the four-year- course required. The University was formally opened on November 5, 1855, with ten freshmen, and the first class was graduated in June, 1859, with five men. There have been about 450 persons who have graduated and gone out from the University. The total number of students in attendance during 1883-1884 in all the differ- 26 HISTORY OF OMEGA. ent departments was 753. The value of the property owned by the University is estimated at $1,500,000. A large part of this is unimproved, but the real estate being exempt from taxation, there is not the immediate and urgent necessity of selling it, especially as the property is constantly advancing in value. With the exception of the half block on which the Grand Pacific stands and a few lots on the West side in Chicago, all of the property is in Evanston. In addition to the 325 acres originally purchased, the " Billings farm " of about thirty-five acres adjoining the above tract was purchased by the University. An erroneous idea prevails that the Garret! Biblical Institute belongs to the University. As a matter of fact the Institute was opened before the University, and was known as the Biblical In- stitute. In 1855 Mrs. Eliza Garrett bequeathed a large amount of property to the Institute, valued to-day at about $300,000. In honor of this munificent gift the name of Garrett Biblical Institute was substituted for the one originally given. A separate and distinct charter was ob- tained and the government of the Institute is under the control of an entirely different board of trustees from that of the Northwestern Univer- sity. All the connection there is between the two institutions arises from a lease of about 500 feet of ground in the campus on which the NORTHWESTERN rMYKKSlTY. 27 buildings of the Institute stand. The North- western University should therefore be consid- ered as entirely separate and distinct, as an educational institution, from the Garrett Biblical Institute. The interests of one ought not to encroach upon the right or interests of the other, and any attempt to make them conflict or to unite them in a common household on a common basis is contrary to the prudent and wise design of their founders. CHAPTER III. OMEGA. SIGMA CHI has many daughters Scattered broad throughout the land, But Omega is the fairest Of the captivating band. Just fifteen is young Omega, Young, but oh, how wondrous wise ! Brim-full is her head of knowledge, Brim-full to her very eyes. She can talk in Greek and Latin, She can measure stars and steeps, She can "cut you up" correctly, She can lay down law in "heaps." She is wise, but not too learned; She with all her heart doth dote On her quadruped companion, On her jolly, bunting goat. And we love her for this mixture Of her wisdom and her mirth; And we'll love her till the ending Of our lives upon this earth. OMF.GA. 29 Aye, we'll love her long as heaven Grants to us her cross to bear, And we'll love her still up yonder Where the crown immortals wear. A. S. E. CHAPTER IV. EARLY HISTORY OF OMECiA. OMEGA owes its origin mainly to Hon. L. C. Collins, Jr., who brought to Northwestern Uni- versity the fraternity spirit he had thoroughly imbibed while preparing for college at Delaware, Ohio, and infused that spirit into the band of chosen comrades who subsequently aided him to found and maintain the chapter. It was at Del- aware, too, that Bro. Collins learned to appreciate the merits of Sigma Chi, as compared with other fraternities, so that Omega actually, though in the indirect way indicated, derived its existence from the parent chapter. When Bro. Collins entered the Northwestern University as a fresh- man, he found but two fraternities at the institu- tion Phi Kappa Psi and Phi Gamma Delta and but little genuine fraternity spirit. These two chapters had things their own way, and picked out what material they wanted at their leisure, neither finding it necessary to interfere with the other. But neither of them suited a young man who wanted to be a Sigma Chi, and Bro. Collins soon determined to organize a chapter of that fraternity at Evanston, if possible. In those days it was a tedious process to ob- KARI.Y KYKNTS. 31 tain the necessary consent of the different chap- ters, and it \vas not certain that their action would be favorable. In the meantime the other fraternities were lavishing all their blandishments upon several members of the little band which Hro. Collins had gathered around him and in- spired with his own ambition to be a Sigma Chi. In this emergency an opportunity was offered to establish a chapter of a new fraternity, the Kappa Phi Lambda, and advantage was taken of this as a temporary expedient for keeping the ranks of the faithful intact. The charter offered was ac- cordingly accepted, the boys were initiated with- out any ceremony, and the brethren at Mon- mouth, Illinois, kindly loaned their badges so that the existence of the new chapter might be made known to the college world in fitting style. Meanwhile, the correspondence with Sigma Chi acquaintances and chapters was steadily maintained, and the desired charter was finally granted, being dated June 23, 1869. This long- looked for parchment bore the names of the founders of Omega as follows : LORIN C. COLLINS, JR., ALBERT D. LANGXVORTHY. ELLERY H. BF.AL, MERRITT C. BRAGDON, CI.ARKNCK R. PAUL, WM. H. SPARI.INC, J. FRANK ROBINSON, GEORGE LrxT. All of these brothers, except George Lunt were present on the eventful evening when the 32 HISTORY OF OMEGA. new chapter came into being. The parent chap- ter had commissioned a worthy brother from Xi chapter at Greencastle, Indiana, then the nearest neighbor of Omega, to reveal to those expectant barbarians the mysteries of Sigma Chi. This brother was Edgar L. Wakeman, who had even then in his college acquired a reputation as a poet, who has since become widely known as a journalist, and is now even more favorably known as the publisher of the most ambitious literary venture of the day, The Current. At that early day Evanston did not afford the advantages for holding fraternity meetings that the coilegians of the present period enjoy. But the founders of Omega, animated by the spirit of the pioneer, felt free to go where they pleased, and finally settled upon the basement of the Bap- tist church as the most available place for coming ceremonies. Owing doubtless to the excitement naturally attending so important an event, the boys forgot to ask the trustees for the use of the church, which then stood on the corner of Hin- man avenue and Church street. Possibly, how- ever, they obtained permission of Bros. Paul and Robinson, who acted as librarians of the Baptist Sunday school, and probably carried a key to the basement. In fact, this is probably the man- ner in which the church came to be used for the occasion, for college tradition has it that some EARLY KVKXTS. 33 member of '72 usually had a key to any building or place about the University or about town that the students ever wanted to visit or use. It was agreed by common consent that Bro. Collins should be the Grand Mogul, or whatever the official title of the High Priest of the new chapter might be, and he was accordingly initiated first by Bro. Wakeman, while the rest of the boys sat in the dark and wondered what they would have to go through. Bro. Bragdon was next called into the inner sanctum, and when he had been properly qualified, the rest followed, one at a time. Collins and Bragdon took to this new business so zealously that, with the able assist- ance rendered by Bro. Wakeman, they were able to make the ceremony quite interesting by the time they reached those unfortunates who were near the end of the list. The new chapter flourished during the follow- ing year and was recognized by students and townspeople as the leading Greek organization of the institution. Additions were occasionally made to its numbers, but the greatest possible care was always exercised in their selection and the most perfect harmony invariably prevailed. The chapter was what it was intended to be, a band of brothers united by the strongest ties of affection, finding in each other the most conge- 3 34 HISTORY OF OMEGA. nial companionship, and ever anxious to advance the good name of Sigma Chi. During the first year of its existence Omega had no settled home, and many amusing stories might be told of the devices resorted to for meetings and initiations. At that time Univer- sity Hall had not been fully finished, and several meetings were held in the tower, where the boys could climb by means of ladders and feel per- fectly secure against being overheard, even if they did not find roosting on the rafters in the dark very safe or comfortable. Residences in out-of-the-way places, which happened to be temporarily vacant, were often the scenes of mysterious gatherings and still more mysterious proceedings. Gowns and cowls were procured early in the history of the chapter and used with great effect on all these occasions, while the boys exhausted their ingenuity in making each initia- tion more interesting than any that had pre- ceded it. During the second year a hall was secured by renting a room in the old frame building on Davis street, in which Jno. Goebel's drug store was then located, and the chapter has since had some kind of a habitation almost without interruption. At one time the meetings were held regularly in the handsome rooms of Hesler's Gallery, then in the Haskin Block, and for some time a room in EARLY EVENTS. 35 the Union Hall building was occupied. This answered well enough until initiations were in order, and then the blanket act was worked with great success either on the roof or in Union Hall. It was about this period that an aged and historical animal, known to the small boy of the village as "Jim Daly's goat," was pressed into service and occasionally assisted with becoming solemnity for a very reasonable compensation. The chapter continued to flourish until in '70 its rivals fell into decay, and it was practically without opposition. The result of this was un- fortunate. At the close of the college year, how- ever, in June, '71, a rousing old-fashioned meet- ing was held, and the boys separated for their homes with the best of feeling prevailing. On reassembling after the long summer vacation a meeting was not called immediately, the inten- tion being to take ample time for the selection of new members, as both the rival chapters had ceased to exist. When a meeting was finally held, neither the charter nor the book containing the records of all the meetings that had been held by the chapter since its organization could be found. It had been a custom to leave them in custody with the proper officer, or of any- other member who happened to have better facil- ities for their safe keeping, and it was seldom that more than two or three members knew 36 HISTORY OF OMEGA. exactly where they were. Such valuable papers were supposed to be perfectly safe in the charge of any brother, and the others held him respon- sible without giving the matter any further thought. So long a time had elapsed between the time of the loss and the preceding meeting, that the boys could not agree as to who had last been seen with the charter and records, and the exact manner or method of their disappearance was never learned or satisfactorily ascertained. It was firmly believed, however, by most of the brothers, that the charter and record book had been made away with by a member who was supposed to be anxious to go into a scheme then being agitated to get another fraternity at Evan- ston, and who on that account wanted to break up the chapter. Whether this supposition was true or false, the brother was expelled. The chapter was not it- self afterwards, and its interests and influence languished when the large membership of '72, which had been its mainstay for several years, graduated. But, although quiescent for several months, and thought by many to be dead, Omega awoke from her long slumber on the appearance of a foe. The manner of its revival is worthy of notice, as it not only illustrates the remarkable vitality that has always characterized the chapter, but also the faculty it possessed of KAKI.V EVENTS. 37 finding the right kind of material for member- ship. During the interregnum the chapter of Phi Kappa Psi had been resuscitated, and a large membership had been gathered in; and in the winter of '72 and '73 the chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma was established with a large membership. During all this time the local Alumni had been urging the reorganization of Omega, but did not succeed in having the attempt made until after both of these new chapters had taken in all the members they could find room for. It was sup- posed that there was no available material left, but the result simply proved the other fraternities to be very poor judges of good material. A num- ber of the men picked up during that gloomy period of reconstruction, after the institution had been thoroughly plowed over by the two frater- nities named, have been bright and shining lights in the chapter ever since, and are still as zealous in the cause as the most ardent novitiate. C. R. PAUL. CHAPTER V. OMEGA REORGANIZED. IT was in the early part of February, 1873, that a meeting was called to reorganize the Omega chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity. There were present Bros. L. C. Collins, G. E. Bragdon, F. E. Hesler, C. R. Paul, L. D. Bradley and W. E. Haskin. The only member who was then attending the University was Bro. Bradley, of the class of '74. Bros. Collins, Paul and Brag- don had received their degrees in '72, and Bros. Hesler and Haskin were engaged in mercantile pursuits in the village of Evanston. This was the company which was to arouse the sleeping spirit of Omega and send it on its joyous mission of fraternal love and friendship. Poor Omega had lately suffered much. She not only had lost her members by graduation, and had neither hall, skull or gavel as the tangible evidence of her existence, but she had also been dealt with treacherously. Her charter, the basis of organization, that which was in form her life and guide, had been purloined by one of her trusted but traitorous members and given into the hands of the enemy. The records, which contained valuable minutes of the meetings ever OMEGA REORGANIZED. 39 since the organization of the chapter in 1869, were also stolen, and have never been recovered. The condition of affairs at that time was most humiliating and desperate. Nothing has ever occurred in the history of Omega which for a time so depressed her members and stopped the wheels of her progress so suddenly and effectually as this act of robbery. The rival fraternities were filled with the wildest exultation. The thing which was a secret was now known to all. It required something of heroism for this small company to submit to this humiliation, bear the scoffs of the opposition fraternities, and not lose that spirit of fidelity, of loyalty and fraternal enthusiasm, which has so marked and character- ized the work of Omega. It was a noble and courageous company, linked together with strong ties of friendship and love, which no pilfering and no indiscretion of one of its members and all of its enemies could sever or destroy. Some- thing more than a college feud was required to divide it. The spirit of the charter remained. That could not be stolen. Animated by the highest regard for the existence and permanency of the chapter, it was now resolved by these faithful brothers to reorganize and receive, if possible, another charter from Alpha. After a vexatious delay this charter was received. A meeting was held in Hesler's gallery, lo- 40 HISTORY OF OMEGA. cated on the second floor of the building on the southwest corner of Davis street and Sherman avenue. The officers elected were " C.," L. C. Collins ; " P.," G. E. Bragdon ; " A.," F. E. Hes- ler ; "Q.," L. D. Bradley; "T.," C. R. Paul; Gustos, W. E. Haskin. Just enough men to fill all of the offices. It was now determined to commence a vigorous campaign. That material could be had from the upper classes, could hardly be expected, inasmuch as the rival fraternities were supposed to have taken all the best men. But our brothers were imbued with such zeal and such realization of their need, that in a very short time members were received from all of the classes in the University, and their selection showed they had been wiser than their rivals. The third-year class in the Preparatory furnished an ample field for the selection of men, and many of us are very grateful for the privilege of thus becoming identified so early with the brethren of Omega. The term of our active membership lasted five years instead of four, as is usually the case. It was through the kindness and gener- osity of Bro. F. E. Hesler that we were permit- ted to use the gallery during this winter term and until May. It was an excellent place for these meetings. The audience-room was large and well furnished ; the walls were covered with pictures and paintings, and everything partook OMKC1A REORGANIZED. 41 of an air of ease and refinement quite exhilara- ting to the student mind. There were plenty of rooms and hallways, and sufficient fodder for the goat. The operating-room supplied the para- phernalia so necessary to the quiet and subduing effect of the initiation, and the sinuous stairway leading to the roof resounded to the uncertain step of many a victim. The chapter has never been in such luxurious rooms, and has never been so thoroughly equipped for business, as at that period. It might be added that Omega never made such progress, and was never filled with more enthusiasm than was made and received in that photographer's gallery. What was at first a weak chapter, weak from the fact of having virtually no active men in college, filled only with alumni and business men, became, before the year passed, a wide-awake, progressive and withal a healthy organization. Those were the clays when active membership embraced all who belonged to the chapter. There were twelve men added to the chapter during the college year of '73. The date and order of entrance to full membership was as follows : February 14, Henry A. Cooper, '74; February 16, Isaac E. Lambert, '75; February 24, Daniel C. Reihl, '74; Charles P. Wheeler, '76; March 10, Charles A. Ilgenfritz, '75; March 12, Frank M. Elliot, '77; Albert D. Early, '77; March 17, Morrison M. 42 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Gillet, '77; April 21, Alanson S. Appleton, '76; May 19, Frank A. Early, '77; June 2, Ezra B. Parish, '77; June n, William G. Evans, '77. The last three members received only the Chi degree upon admission, but the Sigma Chi degree was conferred on each on June 16, '73. The first of May it became necessary to pro- cure another place for holding our meetings. It was a matter of no little importance: there were very few places available, and for the purposes of a secret society something more than an ordinary room was needed. A room was finally secured over the Postoffice. It was in an old frame build- ing occupying the site now used for the Post- office. It was convenient, and that was about all the merit it possessed. No initiation could be held there, the ceilings being too low for the blanket act. Such places as Hamlin's barn and the cellar of a new house on Chicago avenue, north of the big ditch, were utilized for these oc- casions. But for the ordinary literary and busi- ness meetings this room answered the purpose till something better could be had. New furni- ture throughout was necessary. The expenses were quite heavy, for these were all borne now by the members in college. The alumni were never called upon to contribute to the necessary ex- penditures, but they were often present and were very generous, and provided the chapter with OMK<;A REORGANIZED. 43 many a substantial and pleasant extra. It was here that the custom was inaugurated of having peanuts, doughnuts and cider after the regular meetings. Sometimes oysters were served. These simple, happy occasions were more to us then than one can now imagine. They were the scenes of fervent, ioyful outbursts of feeling known only to kindred spirits. The flow of wit, the hearty laugh, the eloquent words, all found a pleas- ant abode within these halls. It was just such fun as a student free from all care and trouble can have, and make himself and others glad. A pure recreation, stimulated by boundless hopes and magnificent possibilities. Those happy days have never been renewed by those who gathered around that festive board. How often we have longed for them and have looked forward to sea- sons of joy as innocent and simple as these, but they have not returned, and probably never will- The chapter continued to grow, and the mem- bers were firmly united. The meetings were held every two weeks, and they were attended by all the members. It was only extremely urgent business, or sickness, which could prevent a brother from being present; and even then the worthy "C" would be notified of the necessity of his being absent. This was a commendable spirit, and one which long continued to be man- ifested in the chapter. 44 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Again it became necessary to procure other quarters. We had outgrown our present hall, and the method required in conducting the meetings in a whisper in order that the secrets of our order might not be heard by those per- sons who might be outside, was alike most in- convenient and somewhat oppressive to the gen- eral interest of the meetings. Rooms were se- cured on the third floor in Brown's Building, on Davis street. There were two rooms, one a large assembly room and the other a smaller one, used as the " reflectory " and "armory." It was in the early part of June, '75, I believe, when we moved into them. The dedication was post- poned until the 22d, when Omega had a grand reunion and banquet. It was in many respects the largest and most enthusiastic banquet the chapter ever had. There were several honorary members taken in just prior to the banquet, to enable them to participate in it; they were H. A. Pearson, F. C. Winslow and E. J. Harrison. Preparations for the banquet were very elabo- rate, and everything was done to make the occa- sion noted and to arouse public enthusiasm for Sigma Chi. This it did most successfully. The chapter hall was placed in as perfect condition as possible; fine oil paintings graced the walls; flowers and smilax deftly encircled the cross of Sigma Chi; an upright piano was secured for the OMKdA REORGANIZED. 45 occasion. This room was used for the reception. Here the ladies were introduced to the mystic signs and symbols and to the traditional goat. The large hall on the second floor was cleared for dancing, Johnny Hand, with a fine orchestra, fur- nishing the music. Thus were made glad the hearts and nimble the feet of the fair sons and daughters of Eve who were present. There were only twenty numbers on the programme, and every one was participated in by all who knew how to trip the light fantastic toe. Refreshments were served at a seasonable hour by a caterer from Chicago. There must have been at least sixty people present. Everything passed off de- lightfully and the fair name of Omega grew fairer and brighter from this joyful and pleasant occasion. Only one thing occurred that tended to mar the completeness of this banquet. It was a trifle, a little thing; but because it was the only thing, and because it was small, it be- came prominent and noticeable. One of the guests, a lady, afterward engaged to a Beta Theta Pi, went to the banquet wearing the badge of the Beta Theta Pis. She wore it con- spicuously and called attention to it. It was exceedingly poor taste, not to say decidedly improper, to flourish the pin of a rival fraternity at a reception given in honor of Sigma Chi. It 46 HISTORY OF OMEGA. was a firebrand of the enemy. Had our mem- bers not been perfect gentlemen, she might have spoiled for a partner to dance with, or expired for want of a dish of ice cream; as it was, she re- ceived the homage and generous treatment of true gentlemen, who sought by kindness and quiet dignity to turn the shafts of our rivals upon themselves. It was quite late, or rather quite early, when the last note of sweet music was heard and this happy company dispersed. The gray rnist of the early morn was rising from the lake, the moon and stars were growing dim, the chanticleer had just finished his morning greeting, when we "turned in " to dream of the gentle words " Good-night ! Good night ! Bless you, Sigma Chi !" CHAPTER VI. OMEGA'S SLEIGH RIDK>. IF there was one thing more than another which distinguished the years 1874 and 1875 in the history of Omega, it was the unusual number of its social gatherings. The last annual banquet had captivated the young ladies, and they were enthusiastic in their expressions of praise and admiration. The white cross was often worn by them and the general current of social thought and action was centered in Sigma Chi. The snow was unusually deep during the winter term, and the frequent days of mild tem- perature offered many occasions for sleigh rides. These were readily and eagerly taken. Powers and Schwall had a large double sleigh which would accommodate thirty people, and this at- tached to four spirited horses was the convey- ance often used. It was glorious fun. The whole chapter would turn out and secure ladies, and take a ride through the town and adjoining sub- urbs, singing college songs and relating college pranks, which onl) r college-bred men and women can fully appreciate. The clear moonlight gave an increased charm to these delightful occasions. Sometimes a supper would be given and some- 47 48 HISTORY OF OMEGA. times an impromptu dance would follow, and sometimes it was quite late before the fair ones were distributed among their homes or let through the back windows of the Seminary. Sleigh-riding became such a fashion that it was useless to suggest or try to have a different kind of amusement. All went well until one night in February, when Bros. Hamline, Early and others " bethought themselves " that such a night was fit for the gods to enjoy. It was seven o'clock, and no prepa- rations had been made. The scheme was de- veloped in one moment and undertaken in the next. The sleigh was procured and all the boys gathered into it. " Driver ! " shouted the coming judge, " make for the Fern. Sem.," and without further ceremony the party went whirling around the corner and soon darted into the yard of that attractive place. A committee was selected to wait upon the Dean to get her permission to allow the young ladies to go. It was such a dig- nified and diplomatic committee that it might easily have assumed the task of determining more weighty questions than the simple assent of the Dean. Its mission was successful all in particulars, the only injunction being, "Do not stay out late, but return by ten o'clock." It was then discovered that the young ladies were not in the building. They had gone to prayer meeting. OMEGAS SI. HIGH RIDES. 49 This ji'tjs a predicament, but, nothing daunted, "Andy," the driver, was instructed to drive to the University, where the protracted meetings were being held. Fortunately the young ladies were overtaken. The question did not arise, " What would you rather do than go fishing;" but when they heard the generous invitation to "jump in," such a shout of joy went up that old Billy, with his cyclopean phiz, came around the corner of the University building to see what all this "rumpus" was about. "All right, Andy," and the party was off. "Which way, boys," he asked. " South Chicago! " shouted a trio of voices, and away they went. Everything was lovely as could be (the ladies included, of course) until near Sunny Side a sudden stop was made. Andy got out and examined the horses and har- ness, and discovered, so he said, that one of the traces w T as broken. "You will have to get out, boys, and wait till I can mend my harness," and so they did, and the young ladies, too. Nothing would be so enjoyable now as a supper. The young ladies looked at the clock. It was nearly ten o'clock. " No, they would not take supper;" "they must go right home." "The Dean would never forgive them." But Andy was not ready, and he said it would take an hour. The boys were terribly hungry, and not a little nervous. An oyster supper was given and a waltz followed. 50 HISTORY OF O.MKGA. The time passed rapidly, and a happier crowd never existed. It was eleven o'clock when the party started on its return, and it was twelve be- fore the fair maidens were safely behind the bolted doors of the Seminary. The next day the sky was overhung with a dark hue. A storm was brewing. The Dean looked thunder and light- ning. The boys quaked and the girls trembled. The day of judgment was not far off. The edict went forth, " No more sleigh rides ; no Sigma Chi would be permitted to call again at the Sem- inary." "The Sigma Chis were no gentlemen." So said the edict, and so said some of the young ladies, who feared the scorn of authority more than they loved the friendship of Sigma Chi. This sleigh ride was the college talk for some time, and the subject was brought into the faculty meetings, but for sufficient reasons nothing more was done about it. It has always been a ques- tion whether the traces really broke or not, and whether the driver or the Sigma Chis concocted this plan for obtaining a supper and a longer ride. The reader must decide. CHAPTER VII. THE PSI UPSILON MOVEMENT. THE numerous attempts to establish a chapter of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity at the Northwestern University have affected the cause of Sigma Chi as much as the combined opposition of all the ^stab- lished fraternities. At certain times the influence of Psi Upsilon has been most effectual in ab- sorbing the interest and good will of our frater- nity. It is pleasant for us now to look back over these struggles and contemplate what cer- tain members of the college tried to do, and see how fortunately their plans miscarried. We do not attempt any apology for their attitude in this matter, but we are willing to present the case and leave it to the unprejudiced to determine whether the motives of these men had the correct ring to them or not. There were reasons, and justifiable ones, for the Psi Upsilon Fraternity to establish a chapter at Northwestern. It can be safely affirmed, beyond the question of a doubt, that any other chapter, whether in the Sigma Chi Fraternity or not, placed in the same circum- stances, subject to the same conditions and envi- ronment, and animated by the same high motives, would have seriously considered the tempting 52 HISTORY OF O.MKGA. scheme that was concocted here by the Psi Up- silon men. There are times when the greatest good to the greatest number can be accomplished only by the dissolution of the most sacred ties. At one time such a step appeared necessary to a number of the members of the different fraternities at the Northwestern University, but their course was not sanctioned by the power which acts su- premely in such matters, and the Psi Upsilon movement collapsed. No resurrection has yet occurred, and we hope none ever will. It is the history of this period, so pregnant with fraternity spirit, and especially of Psi Upsilonism, that now claims our attention. This experience in the midst of great excitement and trials will assist us, no doubt, in the future to guard better and more sacredly the honor of the cross which glistens on the breast of each Sigma Chi. The Psi Upsilon Fraternity is justly regarded as one of the foremost in the United States. It is noted for its conservatism and for the ability displayed in certain directions, which has marked the work of the executive council and inspired the order. There are only about sixteen chapters, and these are located principally in the best col- leges in the East. Its membership is large, and is principally composed of men of high culture and distinction. There are a number of its mem- THK 1'SI ri'SII.ON MOYF.MF.XT. 53 bers in this vicinity. In our University there are two professors who belong to it, Robert L. Cum- nock and Henry S. Carhart. It has long been the desire of the local Psi Upsilons to have a chapter established here. They appreciate more than their eastern brothers possibly can, the in- fluence and future of our institution. In every attempt to locate a Psi Upsilon chapter here, the members to compose it have been selected from other fraternities; they being the picked men of the college. The first attempt was made in 1872. The Phi chapter of the Phi Gamma Delta Fra- ternity was established in 1869, about the same time as the organization of Omega. It was com- posed of good men, and but for this Psi Upsilon movement it would have continued and been our strongest opponent. The matter of having Psi Upsilon represented here was laid before Phi chapter in a very tempting manner. The com- parison of the two fraternities brought Psi Upsi- lon out in strong relief, while in their minds the Phi Gamma Delta suffered a total eclipse. This comparison, together with the florid eloquence of the declamatory professor, secured their support to the movement. As individuals, and as a chap- ter, they pledged themselves to Psi Upsilon. This took place at the time of the national con- vention of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternitv 54 HISTORY OK OMEGA. at Philadelphia. Mr. James H. Raymond, '71, was a Phi delegate, and he became the grand presiding officer of the convention. More than this, it was expected that William Cullen Bry- ant, an honorary member of their fraternity, would deliver an address, but he was unable to do so, and at the last moment Mr. Raymond was persuaded to fill the position. This he did with a two hours' speech, and " reflected much credit on his chapter and the University. When he returned with his grip-sack full of new constitutions, forms of initiation, pass-words and grips, his honors being easy, he found his chapter soul and body in this Psi Upsilon craze. With all the glory and honor acquired for him- self and his chapter, his brother members pre- ferred Psi Upsilon still. Before ascertaining whether the executive council of Psi Upsilon would grant them a char- ter, they severed all connection with the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. They returned their charter to the home chapter with the significant note that they had found a better fraternity, and had no further use of the friendship or fraternal association of the Phi Gamma Deltas. One can imagine the reception of this bit of news after all that had recently transpired. Their petition to Psi Upsilon was then pre- sented, acted upon promptly, and rejected. It THK PSI Ul'SlLOX MUVKMENT. 55 was a great disappointment, and one which has continued to this day. Its twenty members found little comfort in the solitude which sepa- rated them, not only from their old order, but from all the Greek fraternities. They felt the loss keenly, and especially since they were so "cordially hated" by the Phi Gamma Deltas for their ingratitude. The bond of good fellowship; which attains its highest perfection in a college secret society, was forfeited by this act, and, worse than all, has been denied to them forever. In the spring of the year 1875 the movement for a Psi Upsilon chapter received a fresh and vigorous impulse. Under the expensive inspira- tion of the president, Charles H. Fowler, D.D., LL.D., the University was advertised and pushed forward at a glorious pace. A ponderous cata- logue was issued, which astonished even the students when they found through it what a great institution they were attending. It pro- claimed to the world that here was "a Univer- sity which teaches all knowledge." This cata- logue was on much the same plan as the gorgeous posters of the "greatest show on earth." There was a failure to play the bill advertised. It soon passed into history as a by-word, and is now cur- rently known as "Fowler's $2,000 catalogue." This is only one instance of what was done under the new administration to make this University 56 HISTORY OF OMEGA. if possible to the West what Harvard and Yale are at the East. And, strange as it may appear, these cunning Psi Upsilons thought that the es- tablishment of one of their chapters here would give the University a higher social standing, and bring more of the better class of students, such as were interested in this movement, and whose presence would be a flattering testimonial for any institution to acquire. The president was as enthusiastic in this scheme as the Psi Upsilon professors, because he thought he saw in it another means of advancing the interests of the University in the line of progress which he had so grandly formed in his mind. A regular campaign was laid out and it was determined that nothing should be left undone to secure the coveted prize. The best cards must be played in order to win. That no enthusiasm might be lost it was necessary to act promptly and zealously. While in point of fact it was carefully planned beforehand by the Psi Upsilon men, this whole movement assumed the attitude of a spontaneous impulse. Everyone interested was to be eager to have it carried out, and that, too, in a hurry. It was a new business for a Uni- versity faculty to be engaged in. It was a new and original idea for it to promulgate, that the establishment of a certain secret fraternity here would bring renown to the University, and give THE 1'Sl I PS1I.ON MOVEMENT, 57 substantial assistance in its advancement. It was an adroit move, and Psi Upsilon deserves credit for it. It threw these boys clear off of their guard. Nothing could seem more unselfish, and nothing could appeal more strongly to college patriotism. In fact, Psi Upsilon, it was claimed, could do wondrous things for the University. The first move was to interest the Sigma Chis. Extracts from published papers were exhibited giving accounts of brilliant receptions of Psi Upsilon, and of the prominent places occupied by her members. The high standard of the fra- ternity was voiced by everyone conversant with Greek fraternities. We were told how our pro- fessor in elocution was received in the different chapters where he had recently made visits. The gorgeous halls, filled with choice works of art, how they were arranged, with libraries, pianos; and a stage, where amateur theatricals were fre- quently given for the delectation of the mem- bers of the fraternity. Hospitality was one of the cardinal virtues of the society; and if per- chance we should become Psi Upsilons in good and regular standing, and should ever visit the East, we would be received in a royal manner and feasted on the best the land could produce. The Psi Upsilon Fraternity men must be mag- nificent entertainers, and to mingle with them in 58 HISTORY OF OMK<;A. their elegant ways and apartments must be high honor indeed. Furthermore, we had promises of a substantial character from some of the wealthy Psi Upsilons. It was proposed to have a hall of our own, and they would see that the money would be given to pay for it. In the meantime a large room was engaged over Suhr's grocery store, which was to answer our purposes till the proposed Psi Upsilon building was completed It was evident to the student mind that to be hand and glove with the professors in the same fraternity would be of the greatest benefit. All of these questions were carefully weighed by our men; but even these would not have been considered if the rela- tions of Omega with her sister chapters had been of a nature to draw forth a greater amount of fraternal spirit. There was no Sigma Chi magazine published at that time, and the frater- nity had not fully recovered from the effects of the war and reconstruction. There was scarcely any visiting done between the different chapters, and the government of the fraternity by one chapter was far from satisfactory. We were the only chapter of the fraternity in the state, and were, to many intents and purposes, isolated, so that our allegiance to our own fraternity was easily shaken by these glowing prospects held up before us. 'It is true a correspondence was THE PSI UPSILON MOVEMENT. 59 kept up with a few of the chapters, but it was meager and quite unsatisfactory. There seemed to be nothing outside of our chapter to arouse a cordial discussion of the methods of conducting a fraternity, or to enlist a hearty interchange of ideas. We were, in fact, surrounded only by the ties of our own brotherhood. The sum and sub- stance of the whole affair was, the Sigma Chi Fraternity did not appear to offer the full measure of present good and future greatness which the glorified vision of Psi Upsilon did, and we con- sented to become Psi Upsilons, if we were prop- erly solicited, and if we could sever our connec- tion with Sigma Chi in a fair and honorable manner, but the solicitation was to come first. Very suddenly, and in a mysterious manner, Professor Carhart went to New York to present the matter before the executive council, and have a committee appointed to come here and investigate and report on the feasibility of the es- tablishment of a chapter. The mission was more than successful, and forthwith a committee of two was appointed, one member of it a graduate of Yale, and the other of Amherst. The profes- sor returned filled with high hopes of the success of the scheme. It was determined to start off with a good large chapter. One of the condi- tions required by our brothers who were inter- ested in this movement, if it proved successful, 60 HISTORY OF OMEGA. was that all of the members of Omega should be adopted into the Psi Upsilon Fraternity. The active men would not consent to be separated from those who were nearer to them than broth- ers or sisters. There was no objection to this, as all of our men were considered good enough material for Psi Upsilon. But the members of the other fraternities were regarded with less favor. They had some choice men, but they also had a great many quite undesirable, if not objec- tionable, persons. Those who were selected and who were in happy accord with the whole project were J. A. J. Whipple, Lucius L. Coleman, and William L. Martin, of the Phi Kappa Sigma, and John Jacob Crist and Thomas C. Warrington, of the Beta Theta Pi. There were altogether about twenty five students and graduates inter- ested in this movement. They were all, as Judge Tourgee said of the Revolutionary P'athers, "bang-up good men," and would have made an exceptionally strong chapter. The committee from New York, upon its arrival in Chicago, was taken to the Grand Pacific hotel and was quartered in the princely rooms gen- erally used by the presidents, lords, and distin- guished persons, when stopping there. It was quietly and modestly stated that the North- western UniveVsity owned the land on which this palatial hotel was built, and that the rental in THE 1'SI UPSILON MOVEMENT. 6 1 1890 would be something fabulous. The com- mittee spent a number of days in looking over the city, examining the merits and possibilities of the University, and testing the social qualities of the prospective members of their fraternity. The president of the University treated the project with unusual good grace, and extended to the committee a cordial hospitality. He entertained the committee with a private and elaborate din- ner, at which a number of the most active per- sons interested in the scheme were present. The night previous to the committee's departure a grand banquet was given at the old Lakeside hall. There were present all the Psi Upsilon men who could be found within a radius of twenty miles of the village. Our crafty president was there to manipulate the train of thought and to entertain the company with his famous stories. Distinguished Psi Upsilons paid glowing tributes to their fraternity, and with becoming grace spoke pleasantly of the men whom they hoped to call brothers. It was a brilliant affair, and the feel- ing displayed on the subject of Psi Upsilon was noticed to be particularly harmonious. Toasts were given, college glees were sung, and the whole evening was consumed in a most convivial manner. The reception of the committee and all the attending negotiations were thus far satis- factory. The committee expressed the highest 62 HISTORY OV OMEGA. admiration for the men whom it had met, and for the geneious and delightful entertain- ment provided for it. It was filled with the highest praises in our favor. In its estimation the University was good enough for Psi Upsilon. It really thought our men. would be an honor, a great acquisition, to its fraternity. This was all very nice. It was pleasant to be considered worthy of such high honor. Let no one, however, imagine that the com- mittee escaped a searching examination con- cerning the merits and demerits of the fraternity it represented. It was essential for our men, especially, to obtain and verify all the informa- tion possible of that fraternity before they would take the final step of withdrawing from the Sigma Chi Fraternity. The committee was asked what report would be made in the matter. Its reply was very favorable, everything that could be asked. In fact, it desired the report to be as strong a document in our favor as possible. It was suggested that Professors Carhart and Cum- nock should write the report. The case could not be made too strong, and the committee would adopt it. With this masterly document, the combined effort and free gift of our learned professors, the committee departed. The im- pression it left was, that there was no question of the final success of the movement. THE PSI UPSILON MOVEMENT. 63 Preparations were to be made for going to Ann Arbor, where there was a large and efficient chap- ter of Psi Upsilon, to have the mystic initiation performed. Hon. Perry H. Smith, of Chicago, tendered the use of his private car for conveying the party when the time should arrive. The last of June, after commencement, was the time set for the grand pilgrimage. The committee re- ported to the executive council, and then it be- came necessary to have the affirmative vote of every chapter. The report of the vote of each chapter as it came in was sent here at once. Everything looked hopeful. The affirmative vote was received from twelve chapters, then came three negative votes, the only opposition made, in the fraternity. A special report was prepared and sent to each of the three chapters voting no, asking for a reconsideration of their votes. This was done by two chapters, which then voted affirmatively. One chapter still voted no. It was, let it be known, Iota Chapter, at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. All the pressure and influence, outside of a moneyed consideration, was brought to bear on this chapter, but it was of no avail. Its action had every appearance of being a clear and decided case of obstinacy and spite. The chapter was unquestionably the most insignificant in the fraternity. It was nearly dead, and, in fact, did die within a year from that time. 64 HISTORY OF OMEGA. It would be difficult to express the indignation felt over this provoking defeat. Dr. Fovv lei- wanted the most wicked man in town employed to swear for him. The air assumed a sulphurous hue whenever the affair was mentioned. The Psi Upsilon men here had been treated shabbily, and they did not hesitate to show the depth of their indignation and chagrin. It was some time before the affair could be talked of in a simple, philosophical manner, and looked at in its proper light. The deed was done and there was no remedy. The feelings of Omega's members were mildly lacerated. They were not filled, however, with the same depth of disappointment and pro- fane anger that stirred the other interested par- ties. The enthusiasm for Psi Upsilon soon van- ished. A reaction took place, and there were many things said that plainly showed that her faults had been fully noticed. Interest in Sigma Chi increased, and it seemed better adapted to the wants and purposes of our chapter than ever before. Through this intense excitement and disap- pointment there came wisdom to Omega. She realized what was never fully appreciated before, the moral hazard in attempting this change. The oaths taken in Sigma Chi are obligatory for all time; and as we now regard the matter, nothing can be more difficult than to effect a change from THK PSI UPSILON MOVEMENT. 65 Sigma Chi to another fraternity. If our vows are of any force whatever, this cannot be done, unless, perchance, one is expelled. A Sigma Chi cannot join another fraternity without commit- ting moral perjury. The whole question rests on the quality of this moral obligation. Our fidelity to the fraternity is required through adversity as well as through prosperity, through trials and disappointments, youth and old age. This question of fidelity, which was guaranteed by solemn oaths, would have been presented when the time came for separation, and on this rock the chapter would have gone in pieces. In the enthusiasm and zeal for the new movement, the question did not arise, but the chapter would have had to meet it and determine the value of these oaths. It is fortunate the matter did not take this issue. It was fortunate, too, for Omega and Sigma Chi that the Psi Upsilon movement failed just when it did. No one here was to blame. There were no dissensions within or without the chapter. Finally the conditions of invitation presented to the men here to enter the Psi Upsi- lon fraternity were never completed, and they withdrew from the compact, without loss of honor, and without causing their fraternities to suffer at the hands of their Greek opponents. As we contemplate the two fraternities to-day, \ve are not sorrv one whit that the movement 66 HISTORY OF OMEGA. failed. The Psi Upsilon fraternity is, as has been said, conservative conservative to the ex- tent of being aristocratic. Like all aristocracies, wealth is the sum and substance of its existence. This movement is an example of how one chap- ter may defeat the combined wish of all the other chapters, no matter how wise or how prudent the cause may be. It is a serious defect in her form of government, but she is so conservative that she would never think of modifying or liberaliz- ing it. Then Psi Upsilon is an Eastern frater- nity. No great crime, we admit, but to Western young men, whose lives have been cradled in this great West, and who expect to remain here and grow up with the people and the great enter- prises centered here, a Western fraternity is far preferable for them to join. They will find many more men of the Western fraternities than they will of those belonging to an Eastern fraternity like Psi Upsilon. The benefits and emoluments derived from fraternities are not restricted to college halls; we find their influence in all the walks of life, and they have become a power for good and a means of success to many a graduate in his after-college career. In all this Western empire these young men will find through the influence of the Western fraternity easy access to social and professional advancement. One of the honored disciples of Psi Upsilon boasts of the THE PSI UPSILON MOVEMENT. 67 fact " that nothing is known of his fraternity." We quote from the official magazine of the Psi Upsilon fraternity, which exhibits its peculiar conservative policy in another form: "We an- nounce as an established policy of the Diamond, not to exchange with any fraternity journal. * * * Psi Upsilon has formed her policy inde- pendent of any fraternity for fifty years, and will continue the same course fifty years longer, as far as the Diamond is concerned. Exchanging is one of the first stages of panhellenism, with which we have no sympathy whatever." It is seldom one finds a fraternity which courts oblivion in this way. In comparison with the progressive Greeks, it must be candidly admitted that Psi Upsilon has relatively lost ground. On the other hand, Sigma Chi has won steadily by her strict regard for principle, and by culti- vating the higher and nobler qualities of the heart and mind. She is now under the most unique form of government known in the history of fraternities. She has shown remarkable. en- ergy and discretion in the management of her affairs, and in this way she has acquired an hon- orable position among the leading Greek frater- nities of the United States. Being so strongly represented in the West and South, she com- mends herself most favorably to the young men of these sections of the country. The Sigma 68 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Chi, the official magazine of the fraternity, is not only recognized by our members as being of in- calculable value to them, but is regarded with the highest favor by its cotemporaries. It stands in the first rank of the Greek society pub- lications, and is a worthy index of the progres- sive and high-standard policy of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Sigma Chi has enlarged her field of operation by establishing chapters in colleges where there are men qualified to honor and strengthen the fraternity. Her history for the past decade has been one of wonderful achievements, and we may safely hope, without doubt of its fulfillment, for greater and better results to come during the next ten years. CHAPTER VIII. THE BOYS OF SIGMA CHI. Tune "Last Cigar." COME, gather now, my brothers all, And raise your voices high, Till all around repeats the sound, Hurrah for Sigma Chi ! What though life's storms may buffet us ? Their fury we defy ; For here's a band will by us stand, The boys of Sigma Chi. Chorus: The boys of Sigma Chi, the boys of Sigma'Chi, For here's a band will by us stand. The boys of Sigma Chi. Though all that glitters is not gold, And fickle friends may fly, We find no dross where shines the cross Of glorious Sigma Chi. When doubt and danger gather round. With trust we will rely Upon the breast whereon doth rest The cross of Sigma Chi. Chorus: The cross of Sigma Chi! we ever will rely Upon the breast whereon doth rest The cross of Sigma Chi. 69 70 HISTORY OF OMEGA. And now we pledge our lady friends, Whose smiles are our delight; Their voices clear enchant the ear, Their faces charm the sight. With joy we haste those friends to meet, The parting costs a sigh; May fortune rare attend the fair, The friends of Sigma Chi. Chorus: The friends of Sigma Chi, fair friends of Sigma Chi; May fortune rare attend the fair, The friends of Sigma Chi. Our future life may sever us, Our paths be far apart, Yet mem'ries dear will draw us near, In union of the heart. And though our future cares and ills We'll meet with courage high, Our hearts will pine for Auld Lang Syne, And glorious Sigma Chi. Chorus: For glorious Sigma Chi, for glorious Sigma Chi ; Our hearts will pine for Auld Lang Syne, And glorious Sigma Chi. w. M. BOOTH, '78. CHAPTER IX. SOME COMICAL EVENTS AT OMEGA. There have occurred some humorous and laugh- able events In the history of Omega. Brief men- tion may be made of a few. One evening, when Bro. Gillet was being made familiar with the antics of the goat, it was determined that no boisterousness should be allowed. Everything must be done in a quiet manner, and if possible at a certain time a studied and death-pervading silence must be produced. At this particular time Bro. Cooper, who was a splendid musician, and who could play a tune on almost everything, from a piano to a piece of stovepipe, undertook to play on a glass funnel which was used in the gal- lery for filtering nitric silver. He succeeded in finishing his pet tune amid the bursts of laughter of his brothers. The acid, however, had not been entirely removed from the funnel, and some of it got on his lips and face. The joke devel- oped the next morning in the blazing sun, when he found a beautiful black ring around his mouth and black spots here and there on his face. These he carried several days, to the amusement of all his friends who knew the cause thereof. 72 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Whenever anything new in the way of amuse- ments was found, it was always brought to the society hall to be tested. The roller skates were coming into fashion, and it happened that A. D. Early was there that night. He tried them, and tried hard, but somehow or other he could not manage them. He cut all the fancy figures, and runs too. Those who saw him will never forget it. It seems as if there was more side-splitting laughter then than ever before or since in the society. Policeman Carney was a terror to the students in former years. One night, when several of the Sigma Chi boys were taking a walk near the Lighthouse, one of them shouted to C. T. Drake, who was lagging behind, that Carney was com- ing. Well, if you could have seen him ! He literally plowed the ground for three blocks. He must have tumbled down half-a-dozen times in his attempted flight from the grim clutches of the constabulary. First he went down in a ditch, then over a fence, then he bit the silent earth, and finally, from sheer exhaustion, he landed prostrate in a patch of mullein stalks. It will always excite a laugh from all those who remem- ber the scene. The funny part of it all was, that Carney was not within a mile of the place. C. W. Draper was very fond of horses, and always seemed to enjoy the nice appointments of SOME COMICAL EVENTS AT OMEGA. 73 a good stable. Bro. Hamline had a barn, in which he had a stud of horses to be proud of. The "hatchway" was particularly useful, and the manner of feeding the horses was so unique that Mr. Draper was given a private exhibition of the many features of this excellent stable. He said afterwards that the " fodder act " was the best he had ever seen. Omega has had some wonderful men, but with- out exhibiting any preferences we may be excused for mentioning the astounding feat that Frank E. Knappen once performed. I think it was the first time he was in the hall. In order to bring out the qualities and excellencies of strangers, the boys used to have them do some little thing, as climb a door, or walk down a ladder head foremost, or dance a jig in a stretched blanket. These are all very pleasant parlor amusements, and it is surprising they have not been found outside of college precincts. But Mr. Knappen had artistic aspirations. He wanted to fresco the ceiling of the hall with his feet; and when one remembers his unusual length, the act does not seem at all preposterous. But even his lengthy legs were unable to do him the service he so earnestly desired, and it was necessary to call in the aid of his friends. The contrivance used was a blanket. They laid Mr. Knappen out in this and, with brush in one hand and his pallet of 74 HISTORY OF OMEGA. colors in the other, he prepared himself for the novel expedition to the ceiling. The boys gath- ered around and tossed him up a number of times, and every time he shot up, with the most accelerated movements he was able to paint a perfect picture. He gave a scriptural name to every picture he made, and it was remarkable what a fund of names and subjects he produced. These frescoes, by the process of age, have be- come imbedded in the ceiling, and are only par- tially visible to-day. In matters of ceremony, Bro. A. D. Early has probably never had an equal in our chapter. He had a commanding presence, and his utterances were marked with an emphasis and an originality that have left their impressions to this day. He was a custos at one time, an officer of dignity and honor. He was doing his interrogatories in a very satisfactory manner, when some one sprang a college joke, or " chestnut," on him. He had started, " Is he a worthy," etc., but at that point he could not restrain from laughing, and he had the merriest and heartiest laugh, too. Out it came, a bursting, bubbling shout. "Is he a worthy boo, who, who?" Then everyone else boo, who, whoed, and made the welkin ring. This boo, who, who business was immediately adopted, and has supplied its portion to the fund of mirth ever since. M)MK COMICAL EVENTS AT OMEGA. 75 ONE OF KNAPPEN'S STORIES. Greek Lexicons "came high " in 1873 and 1874, when the class of '77, at the Northwestern Uni- versity were needing the services of the same in college, and I have no doubt they do now, for that matter. I had a chum in those days named J. D. Andrews, of the same class, who was called " Deck " for short. We needed a complete, full and unabridged lexicon for use as above indi- cated, and we both tried to purchase second- hand ones if they were in fairly good condi- tion, and save the large amount necessary to become the sole proprietors of a bran-new one from the bookstore. The price of them new was $5.40. I hunted some time, made numerous and vain inquiries, and finally bought a new one for the price stated. One day "Deck," who did not know exactly the price of them when new, but only knew they were expensive, came home with a smile all over his face, and so pleased about something that he did not know how to begin to express himself. I said: " Deck, what's the matter?" He said: "I have made a bargain that t's a bargain," and throwing a large bundle upon the bed, said: "Look at that." I took the bundle up, took off the wrapper, and saw it was a second-hand Greek lexicon. It was not as good as new, be- cause the cover on one side was off, the leaves 76 HISTORY OF" OMEGA. torn out without any apparent plan or system, and those that were left were covered with fly specks so generally that many words were en- tirely illegible, and others seemed to be made up of a succession of i's. I looked it over, and said: "Deck, where did you find it?" "Find it! " said he, " Hades, I bought it, and got it cheap, too. That saves paying full price when one takes time to look around a little." The lexicon had tags on the margin, at the beginning of each letter, to assist one in finding and turning to the words readily. New ones did not have these tags. Some of the tags had, however, outlived their usefulness and "gone hence." I looked at it again, and while examining it, it slipped out of my hands and about forty-eight leaves came out, the back of the book being weak and somewhat exhausted. I gathered the ruins up and laid them on the bed, and said I: "Deck, how much did you give for the the the bundle?" "Why," said Deck, "I only gave $6.25 for it!" "Why," said I, " new ones cost only $5.40! " Deck looked me in the face and, driven by the extremities of the situation to some justification for an appar- ent foolish purchase, blurted out: "Well, great Scott, don't you see them tags?" His profanity was undoubtedly induced, and perhaps partially excused, by Deck's feelings of chagrin and dis- appointment. He heard the story told before SOME COMICAL EVENTS AT O.MKC.A. J' t his course in college was finished, if I remember right, 1,639 times. It is but fair to say that others enjoyed it even more than Deck did, as it was invariably told in his presence. Deck is now a physician, if I am correctly informed, and as he stood first-class as a student, I am sure he ranks high in his profession. While I have told this story before, yet I am sadly conscious that I have omitted many interesting and material details connected therewith, and if no one else will, I am absolutely certain that " Deck" will forgive me for leaving them out. Deck also denied that he was guilty of the use of the euphonious but ungrammatical expression, "them tags," but it was told so often that it seems now as if I could hear Deck speak the very words themselves, but it may be from frequent repetition of the story. CHAPTER X. DRIFTWOOD FOUR COLLEGE YEARS, 1874-1878. MY thoughts run back in a day-dream of almost forgotten events. The driftwood goes floating by, scattered and shifting and fragment- ary, leaving its stranded recollections. The picture must be incomplete and full of errors, but it is fixed in my mind; I cannot alter it now. i SIGMA CHI, 1874-75. The college year of 1874-75 opened auspi- ciously for Omega. The Northwestern University was reaping, in a large attendance, the fruits of Fowler's energetic management. A far-sighted person might even then have suspected that a collapse was imminent, but no sign of the com- ing reaction as yet appeared upon the surface of events. There was a feeling of buoyancy in all minds, and a sense of rising importance with a vague expectation of greater progress yet in prospect. It was the genius of the commanding general which inspired all this. A few years later, when Fowler's policy had proven a Moscow cam- paign of defeat and disaster, the ambitious leader had already gone to new fields, and other hands 78 FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 79 had to bear the labor and discouragements of a retreat to safer ground. But in the fall of 1874 there were twelve hun- dred students in the various departments. The newly founded college of technology was in mo- tion with good professors of chemistry and civil engineering, and bona fide engineering, and tech- nological students in abundance. The scientific and modern language courses were also veritable separate departments, and were well officered and well attended. Of Professors Allyn, Metcalf and Cooley, the genial trio of talented young men who managed the engineering course, the mem- ory has almost passed away in the college halls. Prof. Cooley is now editor and part owner of the Chicago American Engineer. Prof. D. H. Wheeler taught English literature. His son, Chas. P. Wheeler, was a junior and a member of Omega when the writer^of this was a freshman novitiate into Sigma Chi. This is remembered chiefly because it was through him that badges were se- cured on payment of suitable ducats, and thus the consuming ambition of the new member was satisfied, and he became an object of admira- tion to himself and a Sig in full uniform. Charles P. Wheeler, '76, was not so formidable a Tribune as his cynical bearing had led some younger members to suppose. He was as genial as any, when well acquainted. At that time he was with 80 HISTORY OF OMKC1A. Krantz, '76, editor and proprietor of the Tripod^ and had among his classmates a high reputation as a writer, but not as a speaker. It was believed that he wielded the pen with more than common talent, and that literary or editorial work would be his ultimate career. He is now a successful business man in Chicago. In New York he as- sisted his father in conducting the Methodist, a religious paper, but never engaged in journalism as a profession. Pari passu, with the prosperity of Northwest- ern University rose and fell the fortunes of our chapter of Sigma Chi. At this time both were at the highest point of prosperity ever reached. Omega then had eighteen members pretty evenly distributed in the classes. Early in the term Harris, Booth and E. W. Andrews were initiated from the freshman class, and no other members of '78 were subsequently admitted. In the junior year, Demorest, formerly with '77, joined this class, and with them took his degree. Sigma Chi held the supremacy in social mat- ters, as it always has done, from the fact that so many of her active and alumni members reside in Evanston. The year of which we are writing owed most of its festivities to the management of our various members. Innumerable recep- tions, weddings, sleigh rides, and amateur dra- matic entertainments, public lectures and con- FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 8l certs flourished under Sigma Chi patronage. All this could not have transpired through the exer- tions of the eighteen active members, who were at the same time winning a lion's share of college honors. It was the result of the joint action of the alumni and all our lady allies of Evanston. The memorable sleigh ride mentioned on another page was among the writer's first experiences of the spirit of daring which pervaded all our ac- tions. It cost us rather dear in one respect. Our names were put upon the black list at the Woman's College, and we were not permitted to call. The wedding of Bro. B. F. Martin, of Alpha, to Miss Creighton, of Evanston, was hailed by the chapter as a fitting occasion to in- dicate both our esteem for the young lady and her family, and to entertain our visiting brother. Our formal appearance as a chapter, with the family at the Methodist church, where the public ceremony was performed, and at the marriage reception later, was long remembered by us with pleasure. Out of this happy event grew another in the form of a reception to the chapter and our lady friends, tendered by Mrs. Butler, with whom we had been associated in the wedding arrange- ments of Bro. Martin. A reception to our friends in town was that year given in Sigma Chi hall, which was especially decorated for the event. Certain unsightly paraphernalia was carefully 82 HISTORY OF OMEGA. stowed and locked up out of sight in one of our small rooms, and the rest of our quarters thrown open. One of the waggish sophomores had pro- cured a goat from a well-known source. The animal was actually kept on an upper landing, in plain sight, all the evening, and was naturally the cause of much curiosity and merriment. Our hall was well furnished, but upon this evening its walls were also beautified with pictures, loaned from private residences. It has never since quite equaled that night in splendor; in fact, it has never since been thrown open, although several larger and more elaborate receptions have been given by the chapter. New members from nearly all the classes were that year added to our roll, including Taylor, '76, and Henry Frank, a Jew by birth, but later a member of the Methodist church and an elo- quent minister. Both were phenomenally brill- iant students, and took all the prizes within reach. Taylor subsequently conferred honor upon the University, as well as the Sigma Chi Fraternity, by taking two prizes at the inter-col- legiate contest at New York. It was thought remarkable that Western colleges should hold their own in competition with the older institu- tions of the East; and, as we alone among fresh- water colleges attempted this, general attention was drawn to the Northwestern University. It FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 83 is proper here to mention that we received four prizes at the Eastern contests, Miss Lizzie Hunt and Frank Hills taking one each for essays. Henry Frank spent his sophomore year at Har- vard, taking a valuable prize while there, but sub- sequently rejoined his class. He was married to a classmate, Miss Cleveland, before leaving Evans- ton for his field of duty. We freshmen saw with regret the last of '75, including Hamline, who had taken the Hurd prize, and was a contestant for the Blanchard prize. Frank M. Harris, and James B. Norris, Draper, Webster, Ilgenfritz and Lambert, also of '75, did not finish their college course at the Northwestern University. Another familiar face which we did not again see was that of Daniel C. Riehl, '74, who as an alumnus had still taken a most active interest in, our affairs and attended all our meetings. When we returned in the fall, another member was also absent, this time from the active mem- bership. Robert M. Humphrey, '77, died before the fall term opened. Knappen, '77, was also made a member during this year. He was afterwards one of our most active workers and a marked character. Like Evans, of the same class, he was fond of ath- letics, and especially baseball, and always was expected to be a member of the nine sent out to 84 HISTORY OF OMEGA. struggle for the "silver ball " of the inter-col- legiate contests. Knappen was a rare mimic and vocalist. He was the only successful " warbler" then in college. We believe there are never more than one or two in any college, and they are always in demand. We considered Bro. K. the equal of the "warblers" of the Yale or Amherst glee clubs, which sang in Chicago. The Grand Chapter or biennial convention of '74 was attended by Bro. Dan. Riehl, who acted as Omega's delegate. His verbal reports were full and interesting, but somewhat in contrast with those we now obtain through our enterpris- ing journal, The Sigma Chi, and our efficient gen- eral secretaries. n SIGMA CHI '75-6. The opening of the next year saw many new members added to our roll. From the class of "79 N. S. Davis, Jr., D. P. Donelson and E. Mc- Williams were at once initiated. During this year also our new hall, which had been arranged with deadened walls, etc., for our use was occu- pied. The change was in reality not beneficial, since our new headquarters were not so central in location, and therefore not so convenient as a place of resort. The new rooms were in Shaw's block, near the station, while the old ones were in Union Hall block. This latter large hall FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 85 occupied so much of the building that we were almost the only tenants, and used to monopolize everything above the ground floor, even taking possession of the auditorium when we chose. The same may be said of the roof of the build- ing, which had a parapet waist high on the side toward the street. As the structure was three stories above the sidewalk, we felt safe from eavesdroppers. It was an ideal building for initiations, with its great empty hall, its long stairs to an alley, and its ladder and scuttle to the roof. We had complete control of the latter, as they were on our private landing. What scenes were enacted in that building by some, who are now grave teachers, legislators and pro- fessional men, no living being outside of our order ever knew except Jim Daly's goat. This useful and- once celebrated member is now dead, it is reported. May he rest in peace! On one occasion, when James McWilliams, '80, had ridden him home after a hard night's work, he neglected to settle promptly for his hire, and early the next day the owner started to collect his customary fee. Accosting certain members of the Phi Kappa Sigma, he demanded his pay for the goat which "You fellers had up there last night!" and named the gentleman with whom he had negotiated. To say that these rivals were jubilant at having made this discovery is putting 00 HISTORY OF OMEGA. it very mildly. Thinking that they had scored a point, they published it widely. Our members took it coolly, however, and, in reality, rather enjoyed the notoriety thus obtained, although vexed at first. We were in most matters on terms of good fellowship with the Phi Kappa Sigma. Their membership was good, but small, on account of the youth of the chapter. During this year they increased the membership to twenty or more, making it rather heterogeneous. Their large, fine hall adjoined the single small room used by the Beta Theta Pi. The Phi Kappa Sigma hall wab lighted only from the top, and was surrounded by closets, so as to give it double walls. From one side the plastering was cut away in the closet and very minute holes were made into the plas- tering of the Beta Theta Pi's room, so that all the proceedings could be seen and heard. All regular meetings were thus regularly witnessed, and when initiations were in order, some other fraternity men were occasionally invited to see the fun. A few Sigs saw the initiation of John Bannister and one other. The members of both Sigma Chi and Phi Kappa Sigma agreed that the "ceremony" was the most inane and disgusting show ever witnessed; utterly devoid of humor or play of true wit such as enlivens most college pranks, that otherwise would appear coarse. The performance, which lasted but a short time, FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 87 was more characteristic of the heavy fun of a country barroom than of the atmosphere of cul- ture which men of education create. It was not even on a par with a third-rate Masonic or Odd Fellows' initiation. No wonder that Eastern college men occasionally get a poor opinion of Western standards of mind and training! A movement to erect and equip a gymnasium was one of the results of Sigma Chi energy during this year. This was not a fraternity affair, but a general one. Its three promoters, Taylor, Lunt and Evans, were Sigs, however. The latter two gentlemen gave several hundred dollars apiece to ensure success. Through the enormous personal effort of Taylor $3,000 were finally raised among the students, and the pres- ent building put up and furnished. It was at first a stock company and governed by directors. Subsequently the charge of it was given to the trustees of the University. TJie bowling alley was the gift of the Omega chapter, as is now testified by the marble slab. The alley cost $250. In the Preparatory we saw unusual opportun- ities for securing good material from the third-year class, and departed from our usual custom so far as to admit Bros. W. L. Brown, J. W. Bennett, James E. Deering, John E. Lipps and Frank Dale before the end of the year. This was a move we never regretted, as it gave us an un- 55 HISTORY OF OMEGA. questioned hold upon '80, which we never lost. From this class we soon after secured Jessup, Foulkes, C. D. Etnyre, J. W. McWilliams and H. A. Smith, making ten members in all. The year closed prosperously with college prizes in all classes. Our outgoing seniors, Taylor, Matthew and Appleton, took three out of five of the Kurd prizes, for best essays, and the two former di- vided the oratorical one-hundred-dollar prize. These honors, with those already mentioned, gave Taylor an enormous reputation as a " bright " man. He is now a professor at Albion College, Michigan. Hilton and Matthew, of the same class, are filling Methodist pulpits. Al. Appleton is a Chicago journalist, and C. P. Wheeler is a coal dealer in the same city. Besides the gym- nasium enterprise, which has been mentioned as essentially a project of Omega's members, two rather amusing escapades occurred during this year, one of which has always been unjustly laid at the doors of Sigma Chi. It was in fact an im- promptu affair, in which a few of the college men were engaged with a number of the town boys. The first of these, which occurred January 17, 1876, was a somewhat irregular and unexpected recep- tion tendered to the Hon. Schuyler Colfax, who had delivered a lecture in the village. The re- ception he received must have forcibly reminded the dignified vice-president that he was in the FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 89 wild, harum-scarum West, unless perhaps, recol- lections of his own college days tempered his judgment. The Beta magazine for February, 1876, discoursed as follows: " The Hon. Schuyler Colfax, who is a whole- souled Beta, lectured in Evanston, 111., and after the lecture he was invited by the members of the Alpha Rho chapter to attend a chapter meet- ing and partake of the 'canine' with them. Schuyler never refuses an invitation of this kind, and he accordingly met with the boys. Imme- diately upon his arrival at the chapter room, a mob, consisting of members of the Sigma Chi and Phi Kappa Sigma fraternities, assembled in the outer halls, howling, singing and conducting themselves more like fiends than like students ' having a high sense of honor.' This was kept 'up throughout the meeting, and when, at its close, Mr. Colfax, attended by the members of Alpha Rho, started for his lodging place, the front doors of the building were found to be tied. The party, however, made their exit by the back door [italics our own]. Arrived at the out- side, Bro. Colfax delivered an extemporaneous lecture to the mob, which, for point and pun- gency, excelled even his brilliant platform efforts. The rioters disclaimed any intent to insult Bro. Colfax, but said they meant to ' go for the Beta chapter.' " 90 HISTORY OF OMEGA. This is a moderately truthful account of what occurred, from a Beta standpoint. The crowd had assembled mainly from curiosity to see the noted visitor. A number of persons in it were lodgers in the building (Hoag's) in which was the small Beta room upon the top floor. The locality was so central that a crowd could not but collect at a moment's notice. Although a few afterward made apologies to Mr. Colfax for having participated in this affair, it is obvi- ously impossible that more than a small fraction of a crowd of a hundred or more could have been of the opposition fraternities, whose combined membership was not over thirty-five. The nervousness and silly behavior of two or three officious Betas were the only causes of what little disturbance took place. One hare-brained young man in particular, whose conceit and gen- eral immaturity had made him the subject of a mock-programme joke, was seen repeatedly to rush to the landing above and threaten ven- geance upon the crowd below, probably to the disgust of his more sensible companions. See- ing that one or two were "losing their heads" without good reason, the disposition to "guy" them could not be restrained. Good-natured chaffing went on for a time, and a large crowd gathered in the hallways, stairs and on the sidewalks. In reply to any particularly FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 9! abusive language from above, complimentary offerings of one sort or another were from time to time seen to fly upward toward the top land- ing. No one ventured near their door or even upon the same floor, although they had a perfect right to do so in a public building. In fact, no one would have dreamt of molesting the meet- ing, had not one or two self-important fellows precipitated a row by rushing out to insult those who had not yet done anything to give real offense. A leading Beta acknowledged this af- terward. When it was desired to withdraw to their homes the members found the crowd so great, and reported so hostile, that they sneaked out the back door, as their own account states. Herein they made an almost incredible mis- take for supposed men of honor. Had they taken it for granted that their manhood would be respected, and walked boldly into the crowd and through it as they had a right, not a hand would have been raised to molest them, nor a word of disrespect been heard by their guest. It is safe to say that no fifteen or twenty Sigma Chis, gathered together, would be stopped by any crowd or mob from going where they felt they had a right to go, unless the said mob was prepared for a bloody fight, instanter, on the spot. 92 HISTORY OF OMEGA. It was an indignity to Mr. Colfax to sneak out with him like a criminal among the cobwebs and ashpits of the back area. He must have left Evanston with an utter contempt for the pusil- lanimity of the Betas, for he has never since visited them. Arrived at last upon the sidewalk from this roundabout trip, Mr. Colfax did as quoted, "de- liver an extemporaneous lecture." "Young man ! " "Sir?" replied a gigantic sophomore, Simon Peter Douthart, who towered head and shoul- ders above the great politician. " When you grow up you will live to regret this, sir ! " Next morning Mr. Colfax shook the dust of Evanston forever from his sandals. The " bear scrape," so-called, was another event participated in by some members of Omega in common with many others. It was a more dangerous matter, involving no less serious an offense than the larceny of a live bear, and his subsequent killing and eating, a full account of which is given in another chapter. Ill SIGMA CHI, 1876-77. It is not too much to say that the class of '77 contained the most energetic and zealous work- ers we ever had in the chapter. It had four- FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 93 teen members, the largest number from any one class in Omega's history. During this year the example of Bro. Frank M. Elliot, and his businesslike attention to the chapter's interests, inspired all our actions. His spirit of loyalty and devotion, in dark times as well as bright, has saved the chapter when disasters came upon us, and the struggle seemed desperate. Such a splendid morale, which disappointments cannot impair, is in no sense natural or sponta- neous. It is the outgrowth of discipline and moral training the moral training which Omega gives her children in the code of honor of Sigma Chi. No other bond can unite students into so compact and coherent a body. When Greek meets Non-Greek in college life it is like the impact of veteran soldiers with the rabble. Numbers count for nothing against discipline, courage and devo- tion to the flag. The training which college fra- ternities thus give their members is of priceless value in afterlife. It gives them powers of or- ganization, the ability to sway men and events. It teaches them the value of fidelity and practical trustworthiness, without which a large part of the world's business could not be done. It teaches the value of tact, courage and boldness. Of the fourteen Sigs of '77, only Evans, Elliot, Early and Knappen graduated in that year. De- morest joined '78; he is now in the ministry. 94 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Moss is an architect in Chicago. Baker gradua- ted at Ann Arbor as a civil engineer. Martin L. Anderson, of this class, was shortly after gradua- tion made a Sig; he became an instructor in the Lake View High School, and is now engaged in the cattle business in the West. W. G. Evans, the oldest son of Gov. Evans, one of the founders of Evanston, and of the Northwestern Univer- sity, was an ardent promoter of public enter- prises in the school, not only with his energy and business enterprise, but often with more than his share of money donated outright. Mention has been made of his name in connection with the gymnasium. He probably did more than any other student at the college to develop all athletic sports, and particularly baseball. He held the position of captain of the strongest nine the University ever had, and it was through long and careful gymnasium and out-door training under his rigid discipline that it became superior, prob- ably, to any western amateur nine, certainly to the Elgin club, which was really half profes- sional. The senior lecture and concert course, under Bro. Evans' management, was eminently successful that year, and the entertainments given were of a high order. Of Albert D. Early, whom his intimate friends delighted to call Gee, the memory is lasting and pleasant. He is known to most of the later FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 95 members, having kept up his old interest in Omega. Like the two men we have mentioned, he was hearty, whole-souled and generous, the man above all others whom a brother could trust and fall back on in case of trouble. We have already spoken of Frank E. Knappen. Like Evans, he was much addicted to baseball and athletics. An exploit of his was the cause of some difficulty with the faculty at one time. This was a desperate "Graeco-Roman" wrestling match, which took place in the Adelphic Society hall, before a select audience. Care was taken by the college authorities that such a desecra- tion did not occur in these premises again. Evans is now in business in Denver, Colorado. Knappen and Early are lawyers in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Rockford, Illinois, respectively. Elliot conducts a real estate business in Chicago. He now holds the position of Grand Annotator of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and is one of the Triumvirs. Ezra B. Parrish, whose recent death is chronicled elsewhere, was a resident of Michi- gan. Earle Martin, another member of '77, who was absent during this year, is now in business in Chicago, a partner in Coffin, Devoe & Co. Morrison M. Gillet is a commercial traveler, with headquarters at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. IV SIGMA CHI '77-78. Omega, in the fall of '77, had four seniors, 96 HISTORY OF OMEGA. including Demorest, who had joined the class from '77. There was among all the fraternity men of the class the most cordial feeling and great unity of purpose, growing out of the fact that the anti- fraternity forces had combined and antagonized all members of secret fraternities from the very beginning. Whatever cliques had been formed in college elections outside of the class, the Greeks of '78 had never been guilty of any par- tisan work in class matters, and they felt indig- nant that they should be intrigued against as if they had done so. They resolved that, since they were so dis- criminated against in class elections, they would show their mettle in all competition for honors, where merit alone decided. The first struggle was for the Hurd prizes. Five were to be .chosen from the class, the test being essays on a certain subject, handed in un- der an assumed name, so that merit alone should decide. The five best essays received prizes and their writers became the Kirk prize contestants. Of these five honors Sigma Chi obtained three and Beta Theta Pi two. The fortunate men were Harris, Booth, Andrews, Ackerman and Kinman. Thus every Sig had a place, except Demorest, who made no effort. Substantially the same state of affairs resulted FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 97 in the competition for places on commencement day. It became evident in the class meetings that the anti-fraternity members, who had stead- ily excluded fraternity men from elective places, were not well pleased with the latter's triumphs in these contests. A numerical majority of "bibs" and female students could outvote the society men, but could not compete with them on a basis of merit. The determination they arrived at, as we soon became aware, was to put none but non-frats. in any of the positions to be chosen, viz.: classday speakers, class officers and important committees. The principle avowed was that these places should be filled by those who had not already obtained other honors, in order to "give everyone a chance." In other words, the possession of one appointment was to deprive a member of his equal chance of obtaining another. As about fifteen were in this position, classday places had to be filled from the remainder, and we knew what that would mean a representa- tion we would be ashamed of on class day. We resolved simply to bolt with our camp fol- lowers, resign our membership in the class organization and refuse to appear on classday with its members so represented. At the appointed time the election came off, and resulted even worse than we had feared. The po HISTORY OF OMEGA. most notoriously unfit persons were elected as historian, orator and poet ; persons who on previous public occasions had made the class a laughing-stock. We at once offered our resigna- tions and withdrew, constituting ourselves the " Solid Six," and took with us a few hangers-on of non-fraternity men. The " Solid Six' really numbered seven, namely, Harris, Booth, Andrews, of Sigma Chi ; Haney, Hoag, Johnson, of Phi Kappa Sigma ; Kinman, of Beta Theta Pi. Small as were our num- bers, our influence was really great. We made no effort to injure the class organization after that, but calmly waited for them to hold their classday exercises, when we should be unable to attend on account of a private recep- tion to our friends of Evanston held at the same hour. The faculty was much disturbed over this quarrel, and proposed a "compromise," which was, that classday should be given up altogether. This was exactly the kind of a compromise we wanted, and we did not dissent. There was no classday in '78. Our triumph in this case was not an example of "rule or ruin" disposition. We were simply determined not to remain in a class publicly represented by its worst members, but were per- fectly willing that they should go on without us FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 99 if they chose. When we found that the faculty was unwilling that there should be a classday unless we joined in it, we felt flattered by their esteem. The "Solid Six" gave, on what would have been classday, a large reception to their numerous Evanston friends. The Social Club rooms were filled with light-hearted dancers until a late hour, and a keen pleasure was felt in being able to repay, in even a small degree, the generous hos- pitality of Evanston homes which had so added to the happiness of a four years' college course. Another anti-fraternity struggle of some bitter- ness occurred that year in connection with the Tripod, the old college organ. This paper was owned and controlled by the Tripod Association, a joint meeting of the three literary societies, and was by them awarded to an editor-in-chief, who usually made a few hundred dollars in a year from it. Canvassing for the position of editor-in- chief was sometimes brisk, and this year Messrs. Haney and Andrews entered the field and were defeated by Ladd and Warrington for the editor- ship. The former had the backing of all the fraternity men, the latter of all the Biblical students, and much partisan feeling resulted. It was finally determined by the two fraternity men not to rest under defeat, but to start a new periodical distinctively under the patronage of 100 HISTORY OF OMEGA. secret societies, and with one editor from each. Accordingly, Isaac E. Adams, of Beta Theta Pi; Conrad Haney, of Phi Kappa Sigma, and E. W. Andrews, of Sigma Chi, became the editors. They soon sent out circulars announcing that the Vidette would be issued semi-monthly, instead of monthly, as was its slow rival. Remarkable suc- cess attended the efforts to gain advertisements. Eight hundred dollars' worth were contracted for before the first issue. By prompt action we " scooped " the Tripod completely, using the unanswerable argument that the "crowd" we represented were the students who spent all the money for the " bibs " bought little or nothing except groceries for their clubs. No one cared to advertise books, jewelry, cigars or fine clothing in their paper, and these were the kind of advertisements which paid best. Another cause of trouble was the fact that they took their paper out of town to be printed, which set many local tradespeople against them. The first issue of the Tripod demonstrated that it was in incompetent hands. Instead of being improved by competition it was a perfect botch, in fact, the poorest for years, and full of typographical errors and misspelled words, be- ing perfectly characteristic of its editor Ladd, who was a hard student but an awful bungler with the English language. All this helped the FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. IOI Vidette, which was modeled after the better East- ern journals and was moderately successful from a literary standpoint. Its chief ambition, how- ever, was to become a mirror of student life and news, and in this respect its local editor, I. E. Adams, made it bright and interesting. Subsequently the Tripod and Vidette were merged under the name Northwestern. The new paper became semi-monthly and adopted a head- ing and make-up almost a counterpart of those used in the Vidette. The latter may be said to have revolutionized college journalism at N. W. U. W. H. Harris, a son of Bishop Harris, of the M. E. Church, was with '78 four years. He was awarded one half of the Kirk prize for best oration, and several other prizes in previous years. Subsequently he attended Columbia Law School, and after graduation there, entered upon the practice of law in New York city, where he is now successfully engaged. W. M. Booth likewise has followed the law. He was noted in college for his brilliancy in lan- guages, especially Greek, which he mastered with great ease. For excellence in Greek he re- ceived a prize and also other honors, including the Hurd essay prize. Bro. Booth has always been a working Sigma Chi, and has helped to bear many of its burdens. As a member of the ex- 102 HISTORY OF OMEGA. ecutive committee, which entertained the Grand Chapter at Chicago in 1882, he had to handle and disburse about $800, and, with Bros. Lunt and F. T. Andrews, bear a large amount of unre- quited work. The success and eclat of that con- vention is largely due to his industry and ability. At present Bro. Booth is a member of the Grand Council and Triumvirs, being the Grand Quaestor of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, with headquarters at Chicago. E. W. Andrews, after graduating, became a medical student and subsequently a surgeon. He is now living in Chicago. At the meeting of the Grand Chapter, in 1884, Bro. Andrews was elected Grand Praetor of the Fifth Province, and by virtue of his location in Chicago, wat. ap- pointed one of the Triumvirs who perform the routine work for the Grand Council in govern- ing the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Therefore we see three members of Omega, Bro. Elliot, of '77, and Bros. Booth and Andrews, of '78, in im- portant positions in our new central government. This is a high compliment to the chapter, which is so much younger and less deserving than many others. The location of its numer- ous alumni in the great metropolis, whither all eyes turn, is probably the true cause of the chapter having so much influence in the frater- nity at large. The holding of the Grand Chap- FOUR COLLEGE YEARS. 103 ter at Chicago, in 1882, was also the means of making Omega widely known, and praised, per- haps, beyond her deserts. This event reacted most favorably upon the chapter by exciting in the members new zeal and new energy, as well as a better appreciation of the greatness and high standing of the fraternity as a whole. E. WYLLYS ANDREWS. CHAPTER XI. FRATRES CARDS SALUTO. Tune ' 'Lauriger Horatius. " Fratres caros saluto Vos, in aula nostra ; Crucem bene tuere, "In hoc signo vinces." Chorus Fratres voces tollite, Laudibus sonoris, Colentes pectoribus Sigma Chi aeterno. Sunt beati juvenes, Qui advenant aram Amatam a Sigma Chi, Cum amore vero. Chorus Fratres voces tollite, etc. Unitate spargimur, Fratres, et "Sic esto;" Ranaculus saluit Crocodili in tergum. Chorus Fratres voces tollite, etc. D. E. CROZIER. CHAPTER XII. OMEGA 1878-1879. WITH the opening of the college year of 1878 and 1879 Omega found but seven names on her chapter-roll. The " Four Wills," Messrs. Booth, Andrews, Harris and Demorest, who had grad- uated in the June preceding, were sadly missed in the fall campaign. Two of the famous quar- tette, it is true, were often seen in their wonted haunts dropping words of wisdom which cheered the chapter in its loneliness. Perhaps it was a relief from severer studies to gather often round the council-board, for Andrews had entered the field of ^Esculapius, and Booth, to use the very homely expression of Dr. Johnson, was " digging the bowels out of Blackstone." Another attrac- tion grew out of a certain post-graduate compact entered into by these brothers, by which they were never allowed the luxury of a cigar save within the sacred shadow of their Alma Mater. But whatever the cause which drew them so fre- quently to Evanston, there was much rejoicing at their presence. So it came about that the weakness of the chapter at this time was not apparent, though it was really the beginning of that period of de- 106 HISTORY OF OMEGA. pression experienced in the years following. With the active interest of recent alumni, and a chapter not strong, perhaps, but numbering some of the best men in college, the necessity for new members was forgotten. A cause which lay even deeper was depression in the University itself. The proportion of young men attending college was materially decreased by the hard times, and the institution laboring under a heavy debt, offered to students fewer attractions than in former years. The material from which to draw new members for the chapter lessened rap- idly with this contraction in all departments of the University, and Omega felt that to lower her standard of requirement would be to accept defeat. Inanition was better than disgrace. In the two years following, this policy resulted in something of a struggle, but it was never re- gretted, for, with the general revival under the new regime, came an added life and energy. Bros. Hesler and Otven were quietly initiated during the fall term and their names alone were added to the lists throughout the year. On No- vember 19, at Indianapolis, convened the Tenth Biennial Session of the Grand Chapter, where Omega was represented by Bro. E. L. Stewart. Our chapter gained much through her admirable ambassador, in contemporary fraternity politics, and in her reputation throughout the order. OMEGA 1878-1879. 107 So the year came and went, and, if it be true that the annals of prosperity are short, this was a period of marked success. Though the depres- sion of the next two years was soon to follow, no such result could be seen by the contemporary observer of events. The membership was suited to the best of social intercourse, and in size the chapter was well fitted for its object. The men composing it were of ability and standing. Five years have widely scattered those nine names. Lipps is a silk manufacturer in the south of France; Jessup is practicing medicine in New York; Andrews, Davis and Foulks follow the same profession in Chicago; Owen is seeking for- tune in the Northwest; Donelson is connected with the Deering Machine Company; Stewart is a lawyer in Chicago; and Hesler is surgeon of the Flag Ship on the Atlantic Squadron. CHAPTER XIII. HISTORY OF OMEGA FROM SEPTEMBER, 1879, To JUNE, 1884. THE glory of Omega had been gradually cul- minating since her reorganization until, during the years '77, '78 and '79, her preeminent supe- riority among the Greeks at Northwestern was admitted and recognized by all. With the return to college in the fall of '79 the brethren con- sidered the prospects of the fraternity bright, and were happy and content to rest upon their laurels. We believe a more auspicious opening for a suc- cessful year has not been known in the history of the chapter. It is true that such men as were thought suitable for members of the Sigma Chi were more scarce than they had been heretofore. Yet there were some good men, and we secured all that were wanted. The names of Bross and Elliot, of '83, were soon added to our chapter roll, and, with this valuable acquisition of men who were greatly desired by the other fraternities, Omega prospered, and the spirit of satisfaction pervaded her halls. During the year little work was done relative to the fraternity at large, and no minutes, un- fortunately, of the regular meetings of the 108 SEPTEMBER, 1879, TO JUNE, 1884. IOQ chapter were preserved. Yet it was a noticeable fact that the most zealous fraternity spirit existed among the brethren, and before the close of the year Kampf, '85 ; Tunnicliff, '84 ; De Groff, 81 ; Brown, '83, and Randolph, '81, were admitted into the mystic circle. The history of the chapter during this year is strongly characterized by the good fellowship which existed among the mem- bers. Being satisfied with our past record and the high reputation of our active members, we became to a certain degree indifferent to others and to the future, which were to supply the strength of the chapter when the present members should leave these classic shades for other fields of labor. Thus the collegiate year rolled on to the close, and four men from Sigma Chi grad- uated. This class was the first to complete its entire college course under the administration of Dr. Marcy, who was at that time the acting presi- dent. The class was certainly a credit to the institution, and well may the old doctor feel proud of it. As it had been found impossible to relieve the University of its financial embarrassments, and owing to the necessary curtailment of expenses in advertising, and reducing the number of profes- sors, the former reputation of the college before the public was not now fully sustained. Under these circumstances the opening of college in the I TO HISTORY OF OMEGA. fall of '80 found Omega Chapter with six men, Bros. Andrews, De Groff and Randolph, of '81 ; Elliot and Brown, of '83, and Tunnicliff, of '84. The freshman class was much smaller than any had been for many years, yet there was much good material in the class. The larger part of its members were quickly taken by the fraternities, many of whom joined or pledged themselves to secret societies before matriculating at the college. On the evening of October 5, '80, Messrs. Geo. P. Merrick and A. D. Currier, both of '84, were ushered into the mystic circle of Sigma Chi. This being the first initiation of the year, a large number of the alumni brothers were pres- ent to give inspiration to the occasion, and to partake of the sumptuous "spread" to which they were invited. This event is particularly mentioned because on this occasion the first real action was taken toward establishing a chapter house for the use of Omega. The subject had long been considered by the active members of previous years, and it was now decided to lay the matter before our alumni. The result of this action was the appointment of a committee to take the matter in charge, and report as to the financial support of the enterprise. The subject was presented to all our members, soliciting their aid. In the meantime measures were taken to SEPTEMBER, 1879, TO JUNE, 1884. Ill rent a building for our use until we should be able to establish one of our own. Thus, with bright hopes before us, we started out for a brill- iant year. During the fall term H. L. Peck, '85, was initiated ; so, with nine congenial souls Omega was prosperous and happy. Bro. F. W. Randolph, '81, was the leading spirit this year in the chapter. He was a man of decided ability in literary and artistic pursuits, and a most loyal "Sig." He was untiring in his labors for the chapter, and the earnestness which he exhibited greatly inspired all his brothers. This being the year for the Thirteenth Bien- nial Convention of Sigma Chi, Bro. R. V. De- Groff, '81, was chosen to represent Omega in the Grand Chapter, which was to meet at Washing- ton, D. C. He was accompanied on his mis- sion by Bro. F. T. Andrews, "81, and to the in- fluence of these brothers is due many impor- tant measures which were then adopted; one of them being the decision to hold the next ses- sion of the Grand Chapter, in 1882, at Chicago, under the auspices of Omega chapter. The compilation of the fraternity history was also given to Omega. We were much pleased with the honor thus shown us by the fraternity, and we immediately began to lay our plans to exe- cute the work before us. The winter term came and found us still in our old hall, the walls of 112 HISTORY OF OMEGA. which were profusely decorated with relics. Our own experiences were from time to time recorded by the artistic sketches of Bro. Ran- dolph. Many were the "spreads" and jolly meet- ings, one of which was occasioned by the cap- ture of the Beta Theta Pi turkey "Hyslops." Having several fine musicians, we never lacked that inspiration which good music always brings. During every meeting the old hall rang with jolly songs, and we venture to say that not one of the nine brothers can look back upon those good old times without the feeling of their being the brightest spots of life. Before the close of the year five of our brothers were obliged to leave the college on account of ill health. Bros. Andrews and DeGroff graduated this year. Bro. Randolph, who had been taking a course in the law school in connection with his regular col- legiate studies, graduated with honors from the law department, and was only prevented from securing his diploma in the University by the technical interpretation of the rules by the faculty. The annual banquet was held at the Tremont House, and was one of the pleasantest occasions of the year. At the opening of the college, in the fall of '81, Omega counted noses, and there were only two, Merrick and Currier. Bros. Randolph and Andrews retained their active membership SEPTEMBER, 1879, TO JUNE, 1884. 113 and helped us in many substantial ways. The freshman class was greatly reduced, and only a few men were considered worthy of invitation to our chapter. These few men had been so filled with disparaging reports of the weak con- dition of our chapter, by our rival "frats," that they were loath to give a decision in our favor. Yet one did, Mr. Harry Lathrop, and he proved a most enthusiastic worker. Mr. F. M. Brewer also came in. In November, assisted by the local alumni breth- ren, Omega gave a reception at the Avenue House. By this means our alumni were awakened to a more lively interest in the chapter, and our social standing was greatly increased. In fact, this reception was considered by all the greatest soci- ety event of the season. Thus our hopes increased. We improved our hall and everything was progressing smoothly. Before the close of the fall term, Bro. Randolph left for his new home at Lake Benton, Minn., where he was to practice law. Mr. H. C. Eddy, '86, was made a member, but he soon went to the Illinois Wes- leyan University, at Bloomington, to finish his course, and there he was influential in having the present chapter of Sigma Chi established. In the winter term of '81 and '82 we had only four men. The chapter-house scheme was abandoned for a time, and the compilation of the 114 HISTORY OF OMEGA. fraternity history was about all that engaged our attention. It was necessary, however, to have the co-operation of the various chapters in this matter, but they seemed to take no interest in it, and the result was we had no history to present at the next meeting of the Grand Chapter. Omega kept up her standing in college and society, receiving more honors than any of our rival "frats," though constantly reviled and per- secuted by some of them. They seemed to gloat over our reduced condition. In December the sad news came that Bro. Harry P. Brown was dead. He was greatly beloved by all for his manly char- acter and his bright social qualities. A few months later there came another shock, which caused the deepest grief throughout the chapter. On the nth day of March, '82, Bro. F. W. Ran- dolph, who had recently left us with such bright hopes for the future, died and went to that better land above. This sudden death of one who was near and dear to us, and whose future promised to crown him with success and eminence, seemed to the chapter a cruel and crushing blow. Appro- priate resolutions were passed, and the badge of mourning, which had scarcely been removed for Bro. Brown, was replaced. The Upsilon Chapter of the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity sent Omega a warm sympathetic letter of condolence. Their SEPTEMBER, 1879, TO JUNE, 1884. 115 expressed sympathy at this most trying time \vas particularly grateful to us. Bro. Lathrop left us to engage in business, and our active membership was reduced to three. Renewed efforts added W. T. Prime, '87, to our list, but he, too, soon left us. Bro. Merrick, in his felicitous chapter report to the Thirteenth Bien- nial Convention, aptly expressed our condition when he said, " the Omega chapter still continues to promenade down to the college halls under one umbrella." When it was known at the annual banquet that Bro. Bross, who had already remained in the college a year simply on behalf of the chapter, and Bro. Merrick did not expect to return the coming year, the outlook seemed dubious. Yet the one member who was to return to represent Sigma Chi in Northwestern was greatly encour- aged by the promised support of our resident alumni, who now understood the true condition of the chapter. Too much cannot be said in praise of the valiant efforts of these warm-hearted brethren, and especially are we indebted to Broth- ers Elliot, Hamline, Bross, Booth, F. T. and E. W. Andrews. Nothing can so inspire an under- graduate with loyal pride and love for his fra- ternity as the cheerful and active assistance of an alumnus. The hall was still retained by the sin- gle active member. All the offices were at his Il6 HISTORY OF OMEGA. command. He could vote any measure up or down, and we have no doubt that this short and singular interregnum was entirely harmonious and peaceful. The new men in college were thoroughly can- vassed, and September 21, 1882, witnessed the first acquisition of a member. On top of this came the joyful news of Bro. Merrick's return. Our friends increased while our enemies grew more heartless. It was up-hill work, but victory at last perched upon our banner. On October 12, 1882, two of the men whom we desired cast their lot with Sigma Chi, much to the discomfort of our rivals; they were C. A. Wightman, '85, and Sidney Watson, '85; the former is the Grand Historian of the fraternity, and he has already honored us and himself by his able research into our past history, and collecting new material for its publication. On October 31, Frank B. Park- hurst, '87, joined our increasing and enthusiastic number. In a short time another sophomore, who has since proved a great prize for Sigma Chi, was induced to join our ranks Mr. Charles S. Slichter became a member November 6. The following day was the opening of the Thirteenth Biennial Convention, which took place at the Grand Pacific Hotel, at Chicago. Our brothers were all enthusiastic over this conven- tion and zealously aided in making it one of the SEPTEMBER, 1879, TO JUNE, 1884. 117 most successful in the history of the fraternity. Nothing gave Omega so much joy as to be able to report to that convention a chapter roll of seven men. The convention was not only a great benefit to our chapter, but it was the means of spreading the importance of the University more extensively. On the last day of the convention Omega made a signal victory. Hon. William Springer, a member of Beta Theta Pi, had sent his son, Ruter W. Springer, to Northwestern. No sooner was the fact known than the stalwarts of Omega cast their nets, and forthwith Mr. Ruter W. Springer became a Sigma Chi. The day following the convention right proudly did we lead a delegation of one hundred visiting Sigma Chis, together with our alumni and active members, to the college building. Here we were all received most cordially by President Cum- mings, who volunteered the statement that the alumni of Sigma Chi in Northwestern were the men to whom the faculty pointed with pride as specimens of graduates of this institution. Being so boldly recognized and praised by the presi- dent, we naturally felt greatly encouraged. The utmost harmony existed in the chapter. Good literary work was done, and to increase our efforts in this direction a cash prize of ten dollars was offered by Bros. Bross, Andrews and Booth for the best written essay. This prize was won by Bro. Il8 HISTORY OF OMF.GA. Wightman. On February 2, 1883, our circle was increased by the admission of Mr. D. E. Crozier, whom we were proud to welcome in our midst, not only because of his wide reputation in musical circles, but because of his genial qualities as a true gentleman. Many improvements were made on our hall, making it the most attractive one in the village. The work accomplished in the first two terms of the collegiate year was enormous, and the results were gained by the united and persistent efforts of our brothers. Much is due to the assembly of the Grand Chapter, to the practical aid of our alumni, and not least of all, to two of the most loyal lady friends of Sigma Chi, Mrs. F. M. Elliot and Mrs. J. H. Hamline. Their efforts in our behalf were most hospitable and generous, and cannot be too highly appreci- ated. Our next initiate was F. N. Clark, '87. Noth- ing further of importance occurred during the re- mainder of the collegiate year, except the estab- lishment of Alpha Iota chapter at Bloomington, Illinois, through the agency of Omega. The annual banquet was held at the Union League rooms, and was largely attended. Among the alumni present was Bro. Frank E. Hesler; he was on his way home to seek and regain his health. His speech on the reminiscences of Omega will always be remembered; it was about the last ut- SEPTEMBER, 1879, TO JUNE, 1884. IIQ terance on fraternity matters he made. It was full of bright things, and carried us away with delightful and happy memories. On January i, 1884, after a painful and lingering disease, he passed from this earth to his last sleep. Omega had seven men at the opening of the college year, '83. She was strongly antagonized by all the other fraternities, but we succeeded in obtaining the prize man of the freshman class, Edwin L. Shuman, who was initiated October 25. In the winter term, Omega originated and carried out the scheme of holding a local convention of the Western chapters. The purpose was to dis- cuss matters of general fraternal interest, and to become better acquainted with one another. The convention was held January 25 and 26, and dele- gates from eight chapters were represented. It was a grand success. The last evening of the convention was devoted to the Omega essay con- test for the Elliot prize. All the active men con- tested except Bros. Watson and Crozier. The prize was awarded to Bro. Shuman. After the convention a banquet was given at the Avenue House. The delegates departed with the kind- est of feeling, and looked hopefully to the time when they might meet again under as pleasant circumstances. One of the indirect results of this district convention was the establishment of a chapter at the University of Wisconsin at 120 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Madison. This was worked up and perfected by an active member of Omega. The chapter was duly organized. The charter men went to Beloit, where Sigma Chi had a live and strong chapter, and received the necessary introduction to the goat. Bros. Elliot, Early and F. T. An- drews assisted materially in the formation of this chapter. On March 21, '84, Chas. Clapp became a member. The usual jolly time at such occa- sions brought out a large number. The end of the collegiate year drew to a close, bringing with it the graduation of Bros. Currier and Merrick. They were the first men of Omega who had graduated since '81. Com- mencement week was the most important and brilliant that Northwestern has known. She celebrated her twenty-fifth anniversary. There was a large number of graduates present, and the alumni association was greatly strengthened. On the morning of alumni day a business meet- ing was held. The cause of the decline in the attendance to the University was warmly dis- cussed. Bro. E. W. Andrews made himself famous by his bold stand in the defense of the University against the zealots of the Woman's College. In the afternoon a public entertain- ment was given. Bro. George L. Yaple, '72, was the orator. He was a member of the House of Representatives, being the first graduate from SEPTEMBER, 1879, TO JUNE, 1884. 121 Northwestern who had achieved that distin- guished honor. His oration was scholarly, and delivered extempore in a clear and pleasant man- ner. The effort was justly considered one of the finest ever delivered at the institution. In the evening a grand banquet was given, in which the professors, trustees and alumni participated. Excellent music, a varied, well-cooked dinner, toasts and glees made up a fitting ending of the first twenty-five years' history of the North- western University. A. D. CURRIER. CHAPTER XIV. THE FOURTEENTH BIENNIAL CONVENTION ENTER- TAINED BY OMEGA. THAT it was the determination of the members of Omega Chapter to make the meeting of the Grand Chapter in November, 1882, a memorable and important one is illustrated by the following characteristic sentence in her chapter letter in the Sigma Chi of June, '82: "The legislation of this next convention will determine in a very marked degree what is to be the result of our present transition state, and where Sigma Chi is to take her stand among the great brotherhoods of America." The previous convention at Washing- ton, D. C., in November, '80, while it partook of the general character of Sigma Chi conven- tions in maintaining an elaborate and meritorious literary program, together with profuse and de- lightful social entertainment and good fellowship, did also something else it established the Sigwa Chi. The foundation of this magazine marked the beginning of a change from one of the most conservative to one of the most progressive of American college fraternities, from one of the tnost secret to one of the most ready to let its light shine. It had been the work of this journal FOURTEENTH BIENNIAL CONVENTION. 123 to prepare the order for the coming convention. It aroused the' dormant energies. It refreshed and quickened every part. It gave a new unity and singleness of aim. It pointed out defects and demanded their remedy. Thus the delegates came to the Fourteenth Convention, as never before, fully acquainted with the necessities of the society and with the high purpose and cour- age to meet them. The work done by the con- vention consummated, in fact, a revolution in the entire policy of the fraternity. The government was radically changed from the unsteady and frequently inconsistent rule of a "parent" chap- ter to the firm and conservative control of an ex- perienced body of responsible alumni. Sigma Chi has never enjoyed such wide-spread prosperity as since the adoption of her new form of govern- ment. To tarry over measures which have brought such glory to Sigma Chi would indeed be pleasing, but we are to record the means pursued by Omega to make possible such brilliant results. Bros. Geo. Lunt, W. H. Booth and F. T. Andrews, all alumni, were selected by Omega as her committee of arrangements. Early in May of '82 the committee met and drew up circulars calling on all Illinois Sigma Chis for the necessary funds to carry on the w r ork. The response was both speedy and liberal, and 124 HISTORY OF OMEGA. nearly $800 were raised. To acquaint Sigma Chis everywhere with the fact of the convention, and to earnestly request their attendance, was the next step. Two thousand invitations, of tasty design, giving the names of the orator, poet and reception committee, were engraved and distrib- uted. The Hon. John M. Hamilton, governor of Illinois, was chosen orator, and Hon. J. J. Piatt, poet. The palatial Grand Pacific Hotel was secured for the sessions of the Grand Chapter. The time for the meeting now drew on apace. Visitors and delegates began to arrive. On the evening of the yth of November a party of about thirty visited the Grand Opera House and listened to " Patience." The delegates in a body occupied seats in the three rows just in front of the orches- tra. A very pleasant surprise to all was the ren- dition on the part of the troupe of a very pretty improvised Sigma Chi song, which was, to be sure, right loyally applauded. Chicago never saw a jollier or merrier spectacle than when, on the next morning, about eighty of the brethren, mounted on the Tally-Ho coach, or seated in the six accom- panying carriages, crossed over the river to the North side on a tour of inspection of Lincoln park and the elegant residences passed on the way. On the afternoon of the eighth the con- vention settled down to business in earnest, and FOURTEENTH IUKNNIAL CONVENTION. 125 did not rise from its labors till the business was fully completed, on the very eve of the banquet. Thus many little diversions planned by the committee had to be foregone. The literary exercises of the Fourteenth Session of the Grand Chapter consisted in the masterly oration by Gov. Hamilton, and the poem of Bro. Piatt, which, in the latter's absence, was read by proxy. Imme- diately after occurred the banquet in the Ladies' Ordinary. There were about one hundred good and loyal Sigma Chis in attendance. Chaste and beautiful floral designs bearing the names of all the chapters represented were laid upon the plate of each delegate. The pleasure which these floral tokens seemed to inspire is one of the most pleasing remembrances of the committee. After the ban- quet came the toasts, with Hon. L. C. Collins as toastmaster. Witty, wise and beautiful were the responses. It was a late hour when, in reply to the last of the toasts, " the word which makes us linger," Bro. Merrick, '84, took his seat amidst a chorus of applause. The banquet and exer- cises were very agreeably interspersed with music by Freiberg's orchestra, which very acceptably rendered two Sigma Chi waltzes (by Bros. A. S. Kemp and Carl Merz, respectively), and a Sigma Chi Polka Mazurka (by E. H. Swen.) So ended the formal session of the Fourteenth Grand Chapter of Sigma Chi the most reformative, 126 HISTORY OF OMEGA. the most improving and successful convention she has ever held. Still many of the delegates remained, and numerous were the pleasure excur- sions which followed the convention. Pullman, the most wonderful of industrial paradoxes, was visited. The stock-yards, packing-houses, and the engine-rooms of the Cable Car Company were inspected. The fire patrol gave an exhibi- tion for their special benefit of its wonderful celerity in reaching a fire. Others embarked on the waters of Lake Michigan. On the morning of this last day of the Greeks' visit, seventy-five Sigma Chis took the cars for Evanston, and visited the Northwestern University, where they were very cordially received by the president, Joseph Cummings. His words in regard to the good influence of fraternities, and to the stand- ing of Omega, are worthy of lasting preservation. We quote them entire : " I have great pleasure in welcoming you this morning. I simply wish to say that as a college officer for many years at Middletown and other institutions, I have never entertained any of the feeling that sometimes exists with reference to fraternal organizations of this character. My associations with them have not been unprofit- able. " I have never found any difficulty arising there- from; on the other hand, I have great pleasure in FOURTEENTH BIENNIAL CONVENTION. 127 testifying that their influence is good. My own opinion is, that these associations maintain and intensify the sentiments of friendship and brotherly love. Most gentlemen who seek college education are men of high social character; the very influence you have in this association tends to strengthen this character, help the weak and foster the deserving. I have very favorable opinions of your fraternity. We are trying in this institution to do noble work; we are trying to make good and honorable men, as the name Illinois signifies, I believe. / have great pleasure in saying that the men of this fraternity who have graduated from this institution are the men to whom we point with pride as specimens. We shall always be happy if the men who go forth in the future are as good as these." C. A. WIGHTMAN. CHAPTER XV. THE NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT CONVENTION OF SIGMA CHI. ONE of the features of the college year of '83~'84, in fraternity circles, at Northwestern University, was the coming together, on January 25, '84, of the northwestern chapters of Sigma Chi in a district convention, for the twofold purpose of discussing fraternity work and plans and prospects and of extending and cementing friendly and fraternal intercourse among the chapters in the vicinity of Chicago. The idea was a new one and something in the nature of an innovation. Prior to this date there had been no meetings of the chapters of Sigma Chi, except at the regular biennial sessions of the Grand Chapter, and the meeting at Evanston was planned and called for the purpose of ascer- taining the standing of the chapters in the Northwest, their views upon the various ques- tions of fraternity policy, their attitudes concern- ing proposed plans, and, of no less importance, the creating of a more intimate relationship among contiguous chapters. It is not definitely known whose fertile brain it was that suggested the convention, but there are very strong sus- 128 NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT CONVENTION. 129 picions that the honor lies between the well- known member of the general fraternity whose intelligence is recognized as among the best on fraternity matters, and the reserved and studious compiler of fraternity statistics and erstwhile ad- mirer of his compeer " the magazine editor." But be that as it may, the convention was held, and all the Greeks wondered. Indiana was fully and ably represented by a goodly number of "typi- cal Indiana Sigs," viz.: McMahon and Collins, of Xi; Fisher and Wiggam, of Chi, and Bro. C. W. Dawson, of Fort Wayne, an old veteran Sig from Theta. Iowa sent from across the Mississippi Bro. Parker Holbrook, of Alpha Eta, and in him suffered nothing in influence, since his engaging manner and quiet, manly presence gained him attention, respect and consideration. Alpha Zeta, being at that time the only chapter in Wisconsin, sent as her delegates Bros. Bliss and Cleveland, the one taking the role of raconteur cclebre, the other the difficult task of attracting the attention of the "chair." Of course Illinois was on hand. To say nothing of Evanston and Chicago, Heath of Kappa Kappa, and Ader, "Adipose Ader," and Stahl from Alpha Iota, at Bloomington, contributed not a little to confirm the prevalent but nevertheless mistaken impres- sion that Illinois men are very wont to occupy the floor. 130 HISTORY OF OMEGA. It will not be questioned, I take it, that the old halls of Omega never contained so many brill- iant ideas all ready to blossom forth as at that time, and it is also a fact beyond all possibility of dispute that the aforesaid ideas found elo- quent though not always uninterrupted expres- sion. The latter adjective is imperative here, because of the numerous points of order raised by Omega's astute parliamentarian and true son of his father. Despite the warnings of the now deposed grand councilman that the convention was en- croaching upon the exclusive rights of the emi- nent board of which he formed a part, and con- stant reminders from the same source that " we should not transgress our authority," the conven- tion progressed swimmingly. The magazine was subjected to a close examination; fraternity ex- tension was lauded by one and berated by another; the song-book was laughed at, prayed for and wept over; rival fraternities were not neglected by any means, though by general consent deemed unworthy of serious attention. As a result the convention after two days and two nights' session made a lengthy and detailed report, recommend- ing the Grand Chapter to take action upon many propositions, which were, in fact, adopted at the convention in the following August. It is perhaps not essential here to give a digest NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT CONVENTION. 131 of the report, as it was made only in the form of a recommendation, but suffice it to say that the discussions and the action taken at that time had very much to do in improving the mode of fra- ternity government, which was made a promi- nent feature at the convention in Cincinnati. At one of the evening sessions the Omega un- dergraduates read essays in competition for the Elliot prize a prize given by Bro. Frank M. Elliot, of Omega, and established by him. The evening was pleasantly and no doubt profitably spent, the essays being written upon a fraternity topic and of interest to all Sigma Chis. Much to the surprise of all, the best essay was the pro- duction of the " infant " member and a freshman, though seniors, juniors and sophomores com- peted. Bro. Edward L. Shuman was awarded the prize and received the deserved congratula- tions of his auditors. The convention closed its session on the after- noon of the 26th of January, and in the evening a supper was given by Omega to the "visiting statesmen." After an attenuated discussion of the dishes for which the Avenue House is noted, Dr. Andrews, of Omega, delivered an address of welcome, and proposed the following toasts: The Local Convention . . Parker Holbrook, Alpha Eta. Our Magazine . W. L. Fisher, Chi. The Iron Clad Oath . . . W. A. Heath, Kappa Kappa, 132 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Ye Old Sigs . . . C. M. Dawson, Theta. Our Rivals . . . . F. D. Ader, Alpha Iota. The Goat C. M. Bliss, Alpha Zeta. "Indiana Sigs" . . . E. W. McMahon, Xi. Chicago Alumni . . . F. M. Elliot, Omega. All of the toasts were happily responded to and much merriment and good feeling prevailed. At a late hour the fraternal company dispersed, voting the district convention a grand success and, in the terse vocabulary of Oliver Twist, call- ing for " more." G. P.. MERRICK. CHAPTER XVI. PRIZE MEX OF OMEGA. LORIN C. COLLINS, '72; Day prize for best essay in competition for place on Blanchard contest. George Lunt, '72; Day prize for best essay in competition for place on Blanchard contest. Edwin J. Harrison, '72; Day prize for best essay in competition for place on Blanchard contest. Merritt C. Bragdon, '71; Adelphic Declamation contest, second prize. Clarence R. Paul, '72; Lunt prize for best dis- sertation on classical and English philosophy. Henry Allen Cooper, '73; Junior prize, June 7, '72. Debate prize between junior and sophomore classes. Hurd prize for best essay in competition for place on Blanchard contest. Blanchard prize, one-half prize, for best oration. William M. Knox, '74; Lunt prize for best English essay. Hurd prize for best essay on sci- entific subject. John Henry Hamline, '75; Hurd prize for best essay in competition for place on Blanchard con- test. Frank Mitchell Harris, '75; prize in Descrip- tive Geometry. Fred M. Taylor, '76; Sophomore Debate prize 134 HISTORY OF OMEGA. for best debate between junior and sophomore classes, June 19, '74. Hurd prize in competi- tion for place on Easter contest. Easter prize, one-half, for writing and pronouncing the best English oration. Intercollegiate prize for best English essay in contest at New York, '76. Intercollegiate prize, second prize, for excellence in mental philosophy, in contest at New York, 1876. Winfield Scott Mathew, '76; Preparatory dec- lamation prize, June 10, '70. Kedzie prize, second prize, for best freshman declamation, March 6, '73. Hurd prize for best essay in competition for place on Easter contest. Easter prize, one-half, for writing and pronouncing the best English oration. Theophilus B. Hilton, '76; Gage prize for ex- cellence in debate, March 19, '75. Charles P. Wheeler, '76; silver-mounted rose- wood base-ball bat for highest average batting during season '76. Frank E. Knappen, '77; Sophomore contest prize for best declamation between junior and sophomore classes, February 9, '75. Gage prize for excellence in debate, January 18, '76. Henry Frank, '77; Kedzie prize for best fresh- man declamation, March 9, '74. Frank M. Elliot, '77; Hurd prize for best essay in competition for place on Easter contest. PRIZE MEN OF OMEGA. 135 William H. Harris, '78 ; Phillips prize for excellence in English composition, 1875. Rock River Seminary prize for excellence in Latin scholarship during sophomore year, 1876. Deer- ing prize for best essay in competition for place on Kirk contest. Kirk prize, one-half, for writing and pronouncing best English oration. William M. Booth, '78 ; Kedzie prize for ex- cellence in Greek scholarship. Deering prize for best essay in competition for place on Kirk contest. Edward Wyllys Andrews, '78; Deering prize for best essay in competition for place on Kirk contest Valedictorian class, '81, Chicago Medical College. Nathan S. Davis, Jr., '80; Hinman prize for best English essay, 1878. Edwards prize for best scholarship record in College of Medicine (under- graduate), 1882. Faculty prize for thesis repre- senting the best original investigation, 1883. Alumni prize for best scholarship record, 1883, all classes competing in College of Medicine. George Peck Merrick, '84; Gage prize, second prize, for excellence in debate, 1882. Deering prize for best essay in competition for place on Kirk contest. , Charles A. Wightman, '85 ; Omega Alumni essay prize, 1883. Edwin L. Shuman, '87; Scholarship at North- 136 HISTORY OF OMEGA. western University for entire course, for highest grade in examinations at entering college, 1883. Elliot prize for best English essay, 1884. Total prize men, twenty-three; total prizes, forty-four. Omega Speakers on Commencement. F. C. Winslow, 1870. A. D. Langworthy, 1870. M. C. Bragdon, 1870. George L. Yaple, 1871. Hamilton S. Wicks, 1871. Lorin C. Collins, 1872. James G. Burke, 1872. Eltinge Elmore, 1872. E. H. Beal, 1872. George E. Bragdon, 1872. Edwin J. Harrison, 1872. Frederick D. Raymond, 1872. C. R. Paul (excused), 1872. J. Frank Robinson, 1872. Henry A. Cooper, 1873. Theophilus B. Hilton, 1876. Winfield Scott Mathew, 1876. William G. Evans, 1877. Frank E. Knappen, 1877. William M. Booth, 1878. W. L. Demorest, 1878. William H. Harris, 1878. PRIZE MEN OF OMEGA. 137 Dexter P. Donelson, 1879. C. A. Foulks, 1880. Robert B. Jessup, 1880. Nathan S. Davis, Jr., 1880. Mason Bross, 1884, law college. Albert D. Currier, 1884. Total, twenty-eight. Omega Class -Day Orators. Hamilton S. Wicks, 1871. Henry A. Cooper, 1873. Winfield Scott Mathew, 1876. Albert D. Currier, 1884. Washington's Birthday Orators. George L. Yaple, 1871. James S. Norris, 1875. Lincoln s Birthday Orators. Winfield Scott Mathew, 1875. Fred M. Taylor, 1875. Omega Orators Before the Alumni Association. Hamilton S. Wicks, 1875. George L. Yaple, 1884. Men of Omega who appeared on Junior Class Exhibitions. F. C. Winslow, March 23, 1869. A. D. Langworthy, March 23, 1869. 138 HISTORY OF OMEGA. M C. Bragdon, March 23, i86g. J. F. Robinson, March 28, 1871. C. R. Paul, March 28, 1871. George Lunt, March 28, 1871. J. G. Burke, March 28, 1871. George E. Bragdon, March 28, 1871. E. H. Beal, March 28, 1871. Henry A. Cooper, May 3, 1872. John H. Hamline, March 26, 1874. Fred M. Taylor, March 24, 1875. A. S. Appleton, March 24, 1875. W. S. Mathew, March 24, 1875. Frank E. Knappen, March 23, 1876. E. W. Andrews, March 19, 1877. W. M. Booth, March 19, 1877. W. H. Harris, March 19, 1877. These exhibitions were discontinued by the faculty after this date. The first exhibition took place April 6, 1859. Men of Omega who appeared on Hinman Essay Contests. William M. Knox, February 9, 1874. John H. Hamline, March 12, 1875. J. S. Norris, March 12, 1875. Frank E. Knappen, May 4, 1877. W. H. Harris, May 16, 1878. E. W. Andrews, May 16, 1878. Nathan S. Davis, Jr., May 9, 1879. Prize. PRIZE MEN OF OMEGA. 139 Raymond V. De Groff, May 20, 1881. George P. Merrick, April 20, 1883. Men of Omega ivho appeared on Jtinior and Sophomore Declamation Contests. Daniel C. Riehl, May 20, 1873. John H. Hamline, May 19, 1874. A. S. Appleton, May 19, 1874. Frank E. Knappen, February 9, 1875. F. M. Taylor, February 9, 1875. W. L. Demorest, January 13, 1876. W. M. Booth, January 13, 1876. George P. Merrick, April 7, 1882. Men of Omega who appeared on Junior and Sophomore Debate Contests. Henry A. Cooper, June 7, 1872. Prize. Fred M. Taylor, June 19, 1874. Prize. T. B. Hilton, Jr., March 19, 1875. Prize. Frank E. Knappen, January 18, 1876. Prize. George P. Merrick, April 6, 1882. Second prize. Albert D. Currier, April 6, 1883. Charles A. Wightman, March 24, 1884. Omega as Represented on Freshman Declamation Contests. I. E. Lambert, March 8, 1872. F. M. Taylor, March 6, 1873. W. S. Mathew, March 6, 1873. Second prize. W. L. Demorest, March 9, 1874. 140 HISTORY OF OMEGA. F. E. Knappen, March 9, 1874. A. D. Early, March 9, 1874. Henry Frank, March 9, 1874. First prize. F. A. Early, March 9, 1874. These contests were discontinued after this latter date by the faculty. Men of Omega who have appeared on Contests and Public Entertainments, or occupied honorable po- sitions not mentioned elsewhere in these annals. Henry A. Pearson, trustee of N.W. U., 1882- 1885. George L. Yaple, poet of his class, 1871. Eltinge Elmore, president of class, 1872. James G. Burke, historian of class, 1872. F. D. Raymond, memorialist of class, 1872. C. R. Paul, ivy orator of class, 1872. L. C. Collins, captain life-boat of class, 1872. F. M. Taylor, chorister of class, 1876; debater friendly contest of literary societies, November 6, 1874. T. B. Hilton, jr., orator burning books, 1876; debater friendly contest of literary societies, November 6, 1874. W. S. Mathew, ivy orator, 1876. F. E. Knappen, declamation, March 21, 1873, joint session literary societies. F. A. Early, editor, March 21, 1873, joint ses- sion literary societies. PRIZE MEN OF OMEGA. 141 F. M. Harris,, thesis; college of technology. James E. Deering, speaker Euphronian anni- versary, February 18, 1876. Henry Frank, speaker friendly contest, Tri Kappa and Hinman, October i, 1873; prize at Harvard College. John W. Bennett, speaker Preparatory anni- versary, June 17, 1876. W. M. Knox, orator literary entertainment, February 26, 1874; orator friendly contest of Tri Kappa and Hinman, at Chicago, December n, 1873; subject, 12 to i.. J. S. Norris, declamation literary entertain- ment, February 26, 1874; orator friendly contest literary societies, November 6, 1874. F. W. Randolph, essayist Public School, June 26, 1874; prophet class, 1881; prize oration Union College of Law, 1881. M. M. Gillet, debater entertainment Decem- ber 13, 1872. E. B. Parrish, debater entertainment December 13, 1872. W. G. Evans, president, class 1877. Frank M. Elliot, secretary and treasurer Alum- ni Association, 1883-1884; President Alumni Asso- ciation, 1884-1885; Grand Aannotator Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1884-1886. W. H. Harris, declamation joint session liter- 142 HISTORY OF OMEGA. ary societies, December 15, 1876; editor join} ses- sion literary societies, winter 1878. George P. Merrick, orator joint session liter- ary societies, February 16, 1883; Grand Quaestor Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1882-1884. E. W. Andrews, responsive address on behalf of class '81, Chicago Medical College; Grand Proetor fifth province Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1884-1886. W. M. Booth, Grand Quaestor Sigma Chi Fra- ternity, 1884-1886. Booth, Andrews, Elliot, Grand Triumvirs Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1884-1886. A. D. Currier, orator open session Hinman, October 14, 1882. R. V. Jessup, Jr., president class, 1880. Charles S. Slichter, president class, 1885. C. A. Wightman, essayist open session Hin- man, November 9, 1883; Grand Historian Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1884-1886. It will be observed, from an examination of these several lists, that over one half of the men of Omega are represented in them. It is well to bear in mind, in this connection, that a num- ber of the members did not graduate, and had, therefore, no opportunity of appearing on con- tests and public programmes. CHAPTER XVII. THE BLANCHARD PRIZE. ONE of the oldest and most important prizes offered for competition in the University is the Blanchard. The honor of establishing this meri- torious prize is due to Mr. R. P. Blanchard, of the class of '70. It was his intention to endow it with the sum of one thousand dollars, the inter- est of which would aggregate one hundred dol- lars, and this was to constitute an annual prize. This, however, was not done, and Mr. Blanchard paid, instead, the hundred dollars each year until 1876, when financial difficulties overcame him. The prize known as " The Blanchard " ceased at that time. One of the generous citizens of Evanston, Mrs. J. D. Easter, then donated the required amount, and the prize was known as " The Eas- ter." In 1878 another change took place, and the money for the prize was kindly given by Mrs. James S. Kirk. Since this latter change the prize has been called "The Kirk." The prize, as already stated, is one hundred dollars, and is given to that member of the senior class who shall write and deliver the best English oration. In order to compete for this prize the contestant must be free from conditions. The 144 HISTORY OF OMEGA. number of competitors is five, and they are selected by the faculty after examining their essays. The subjects for the essays are given out by the faculty about a year before the oratorical contest takes place. The essays are sent in to compete for a prize established as the " Day " prize, and which was changed in '73 to the " Hurd " prize. It was again changed in '78 to " The Deering " essay prize. The five persons who write the best essays receive ten dollars each and are entitled to appear in the oratorical con- test. Instead of dividing the Hurd prize, it was given entirely to the one who wrote the best essay. The oratorical prize is looked forward to by a large number of students with anxious eyes, as the most desirable thing to obtain while in college. A diploma is of little consequence in comparison with this honor. To win the Blanchard, the Eas- ter, or the Kirk, is worth all the other gifts of the institution put together. It is considered a high privilege to compete for this prize, and the goal of the student's ambition in college is reached when he has won it. The Blanchard was inaugurated by the class of '71, and the first contest took place June 23 of that year. The managers of the prize adopted a new feature for commencement exer- cises, and introduced the custom of charging an THE BLANCHARD PRIZE. 145 admittance fee. The reasons set forth by the con- testants for adopting this course sound strange enough to this later generation, but were no doubt valid and sufficient for that time. They were as follows: " First, To debar the little boys who invariably disturb the exercises. Second, Without some distinction of this kind we cannot provide for seating comfortably those who would like to attend for the purpose of hearing the speeches and music. Third, By the additional help of twenty-five cents from each spectator we shall be able to provide y?/^/-class music. Fourth. It will scarcely be expected that four individuals could afford to expend $80 or $100 in the way of Jirsf-class music, programs, hall rent, elocu- tionary drill, etc., for the public, when only one can possibly receive any financial remuneration in return; besides, at other colleges it is custom- ary to have one entertainment the proceeds of which are applied to help defray necessary ex- penses." The expenses of this contest are now paid by the University. The first contest was presided over by Dr. E. O. Haven, then president of the University. The following is a complete list of the con- testants for the different years, the names of the prize winners, and their subjects: 1871. J. H. Raymond, E. R. Shrader, R. D. Russell, H. W. Woodruff, C. W. Pearson, excused. 146 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Prize divided between Raymond, whose subject was, " The Permanence of Our National Institu- tions," and Shrader, whose subject was "Edwin M. Stanton." 1872. Lorin C. Collins, George Lunt, R. B. Edwards, E. J. Harrison, W. O. Peet, A. L. Smith. Prize given to Smith; subject, "Cavour and Italy." The judges found the essays so even in merit that six men were allowed to appear on the contest. 1873. Henry A. Cooper, E. C. Arnold, F. W. Cleveland, J. R. Leslie, Henry Green. Prize di- vided. Cooper; subject, "The Third Napoleon and the Lessons of His Career." Arnold; sub- ject, "Unification of Mankind." 1874. William M. Knox, W. L. McGarry, Eli McClish, R. G. Hobbs, M. S. Kaufman. Prize divided. McClish; subject, "The Jew." Arnold; subject, " Charles Sumner." 1875 John H. Hamline, F. M. Warrington, J. J. Crist, J. F. Stout, F. A. Hills. Prize given to Crist; subject, "Oliver Cromwell." 1876 Easter Prize: F. M. Taylor, F. H. Scott, W. S. Mathew, S. S. Bradford, S. C. McPherrin. Prize divided. Taylor; subject, "Napoleon Bona- parte." Mathew; subject, "Lincoln and Slavery." 1877 C. H. Morgan, E. J. Bickell, H. R. Antes, Elizabeth R. Hunt, Frank M. Elliot. Prize given to Morgan; subject, "The Moral Element THE BLANCHARD PRIZE. 147 in Human Progress"; honorable mention, Miss Hunt. 1878 W. M. Booth, E. W. Andrews, W. H. Harris, E. M. Kinman, W. M. Ackerman. Prize divided. Harris; subject, "The Duty of the Scholar in American Politics." Ackerman; sub- ject, "The Search for Truth." 1879 T. H. Hood, W. A. Hamilton, J. T. Mus- grove, Jessie Moore, Ella S. Prindle. Prize given to Miss Moore; subject, "The Wesleyan Refor- mation." 1880 F A. Wood, W. B. Norton, Helen L. Miller, Cassie M. Scott, Julia D. Watson. Prize won by Miss Watson; subject, "The Scottish Covenanters." 1 88 1 George A. Foster, P. H. Swift, W. H. Huston, J. P. Brushingham, J. A. Matlack. Prize given to Foster; subject, "The Epic Period of American History." 1882 F. H. Sheets, Frank M. Merrill, H. H. Miller, Emily Hatfield, Emma Prindle. Prize given to Miss Prindle; subject, " Edmund Burke." 1883 J. C. Bannister, M. M. Gridley, H. H. Denman, J. T. Hatfield, W. E. Wilkinson. Prize given to Bannister; subject, "Hildebrande." 1884 George P. Merrick, C. S. Raddin, W. F. Atchison, W. H. Crawford, Charles Horswell. Prize giv-en to Crawford; subject, "William the Silent." 148 HISTORY OF OMEGA. There have been thirteen Sigma Chis on these contests during the period of fourteen years. She has won one-half of four prizes. Ten of the subjects of the winners were biographical; four, historical; three, abstract-religious, and two, ab- stract-political. CHAPTER XVIII. MISCELLANY THE SPADE AND SERPENT. To the class of '75 is due the credit of estab- lishing a class secret society, modeled after those at Harvard and Yale. The object was to create a higher scholarship and bring into closer rela- tions members of the same class, who had previ- ously been held apart by membership in the ordinary secret societies. The plan was to select not more than fifteen men from the incoming senior class who were recognized as being more than ordinary students, and to make the society so attractive and select that from the freshmen to the senior year the student would prepare him- self to become entitled to membership in it. The society was organized in the spring of 1875, and was called the Spade and Serpent. It adopted a badge in the form and appearance of a miniature coffin, made of gold and black enamel, bearing on its face, in gold relief, a spade, around which was entwined a serpent. It started with fifteen men, the principal movers being J. H. Hamline, L. C. Coleman, F. M. Warrington, J. J. Crist, and A. R. Robinson. During commencement of 1875 the society elected from the incoming class A. S. Appleton, 150 HISTORY OF OMEGA. F. M. Taylor, J. W. Dickson, T. B. Hilton, Jr., J. A. J. Whipple, W. S. Mathew, F. H. Scott, C. P. Wheeler, C. A. Gardner and A. W. McPher- son. The society offered a junior prize of $25, to be given to that member of the junior class who should attain the highest scholarship. The faculty, however, refused to award it, as it did not wish in this public manner to recognize secret societies. Although the society was of great benefit to the class of '75 in bringing into closer relations the members who had formerly been somewhat noted for their lack of interest in one another, still it did not possess the vitality necessary for a long existence. The Spade and Serpent Society did not live long, but before its final dissolution it very properly gave and bequeathed the $25 re- fused by the faculty to the alumni association. THE LIFE-SAVING CREW. After the wreck of the Lady Elgin, in August, 1860, and the terrible loss of life by that noted disaster, the government authorities at Washing- ton were solicited to establish a life-saving station here. The matter rested for a long time, until October i, 1871, when a life-saving boat was pre- sented to the University by the government. The crew which manned this boat was taken from the students in college, and generally from the MISCELLANY. 151 senior class. It became a custom on class-day to present the boat to the incoming senior class. The first crew consisted of L. C. Collins, cox- swain; George Lunt, stroke; E. J. Harrison, bow; Eltinge Elmore, George Bragdon, F. Roys and M. D. Kimball. It was largely through the efforts of the class of '72 that the life-boat was secured, and it is from this beginning that has grown the artistic and useful building which adorns our campus on the lake shore. It is considered one of the most important and best equipped government stations on the Great Lakes. THE FAMOUS NINE OF l8yi. One of the most famous baseball nines ever in the University played during the season of 1871. It was the time when high scores were made, and when the contests were most spirited. The nine was composed of the following men: Kimball, c.; Langworthy, s.s. ; Collins, p.; Gains, ib. ; Lunt, 2b.; Drake, 3b. ; Beaty, r.f. ; Elmore, c.f. ; Cooper, l.f.; Simmons, scorer. During the season the nine played thirteen games and lost only two. It defeated the famous White Stocking Club, of Chicago, on June 3, 1871, by a score of 18 to 12. The usual scores made were enormous. The lowest was n and the highest 68. There was one of 57, one of 43, 152 HISTORY OF OMEGA. another 39 and one 35. Six of the nine were Sigma Chis. THE VELVET-TOPS. A club called the Velvet-Tops was organized with the object in view of having meals properly selected and cooked at a reasonable price. Simon Peter Douthart was the steward, and he did his part in a satisfactory manner. It started in January, 1877, and continued for several months, until the price of membership became so high that it was necessary to disband it. The Velvet-Tops were not delicate eaters, by any means; they consumed four hundred pounds of beef in the last two weeks of the club's existence, to say nothing of the other items on the bill of fare. Nearly all of the active Sigma Chis were members of this famous club. KING KALAKUA. When King Kalakua, of the Sandwich Islands, was visiting this country in 1875, it occurred to some of our missionary brothers that it would be a good idea to make him an honorary member of the fraternity. It was said that when Prince Albert was in the country on a visit, he was made a member of a college fraternity at Cornell, and he was so pleased and gratified by the distin- guished honor conferred upon him, that upon his MISCELLANY. 153 return to his home he purchased an elegant library of one thousand volumes and sent it to the chapter which had made him a member. Whether this was the motive for attempting to make King Kalakua a Sigma Chi is not known; at any rate, a profound document was issued, with all the pomposity of the Knights of the Crusades, and sent to his excellency at Chicago. It in- formed his royal highness that he had been made a member of our mystical association, and owing to his high and honorable career as a statesman and a philanthropist, the form of initiation would be modified in his case, and that all that would be required of him would be to pay the custom- ary initiation fee of $500. This distinguished nabob, the king of the Cannibal Islanders, was not civilized enough to even acknowledge the receipt of this communication, but passed us by and went to Milwaukee, when he had the thirty- third degree of the masonic order conferred upon him, and for which he afterward set up the beer. WOOGLIN AND HIS DORG. In the fall of 1875 Mr. David Cavan, the genial and accomplished editor of the Index, was short of copy for his paper. He mentioned the fact to a student friend, whereupon the friend said that he had a story at home which he thought would do credit to his paper and be of especial interest 154 HISTORY OF OMEGA. to the students. " Just the thing," replied Mr. Cavan, "bring it in, by all means, and I will pub- lish it." The following issue of the Index con- tained the story. It was read with decided relish by all the students, except the Beta Theta Pi members. They regarded it as extremely un- fortunate, and could express their high dudgeon in no stronger terms than "scorning " those who were supposed to have been instrumental in having it published. The story was a statement of the secret tenets of their fraternity, giving a full and accurate account of Wooglin and his Dorg. For a long time after the " eye of Woog- lin " was of a deep vermilion hue, indicating, it was believed, intense disgust and anger. The " dorg " departed from its mythical nature and assumed the attitude of its prototype when its feelings are hurt, and has since appeared with its tail more or less crooked between its legs. THE GREEKS AT NORTHWESTERN. PHI KAPPA Psi. Alpha chapter, of Illinois, founded in 1864. The chapter was suspended in 1870, and remained in this condition until reor- ganized, May 25, 1878. Total membership, 101. SIGMA CHI. Omega chapter was established in June, 1869. Its total membership to date, no. PHI KAPPA SIGMA. Upsilon chapter was founded in 1872. Total membership, 75. MISCELLANY. 155 BETA THETA Pi. Rho chapter was established in July, 1873. Total membership, 69. DELTA UPSILON (non-secret). Northwestern chapter was established February 18, 1880. Total membership, 42. CHAPTER XIX. I FRATERNITY INFLUENCE. COLLEGE secret societies are no longer an ex- periment. They have been thoroughly tried, and their success and progress have been marked as popular and beneficent. It is a fact now believed by the foremost educators in the United States that, properly managed, and inspired by correct principles, they are an immense power for good. The influence of a fraternity is second to none in the experience of a student's college life. The time of entering college is the receptive period. During the four years the student will receive more than he will give out, and the things re- ceived, the discipline of the mind, and the culti- vation of the heart, will abide longer and be more potent in the formation of character than impressions received during any other similar period. The mastery of the curriculum of a col- lege is the present and absorbing object, the ulterior object being a happy and successful pro- gress through life, usefulness to mankind and a consciousness of having done well. Very closely allied to this mental progress should be, and is to a large extent, the social progress, or the cultivation of the heart. And 156 FRATERNITY INFLUENCE. 157 just here the college fraternity steps in and claims the honor of promoting this heart culture, which binds its members with those ties of friendship and love which are more lasting than any other outside of the family circle. To be in a class for four years does not hold or cement friendships as does the influence of a college fraternity. How to extract roots and formulate equations is what the Professors insist we shall know, and what they hope we shall remember to our dying day. But how soon are all these forgotten! Quite different are the things connected with a fraternity. How we delight in calling to mind the pleasures which its associations have given us, and how earnest its members are in promot- ing the general welfare of the fraternity! Too much stress cannot be laid on the influ- ence of a college fraternity. It has in its power the destiny of young men. Its influence may be of the greatest benefit, or, if not properly di- rected, it may become very pernicious. On this account too much care cannot be exercised in admitting only proper members. The conduct of the men should be recognized as pure and upright, whether in college, in the chapter hall, or in the business world. Everything that is of good report should be around the chapter, and everything should be done to make it as enduring as the University itself. 158 HISTORY OF OMEGA. The Northwestern University has passed its first twenty-five years. Its trials are mostly over. Its pioneer work is finished. Its future is great, and there is every reason to believe that it will continue down the ages of time as the leading institution of learning in this great cen- ter. Its immense land interests and endowments, so prudently and wisely secured, prevent it from ever being overthrown by the whims of trade or by the convulsions of a panic. Nothing but a foreign invasion, or the act of God, will be able to unseat the Northwestern University. In view of these facts, nothing can be more important for Omega than to lay firm her foundations. With the prestige of fifteen years of a ripe and vigor- ous organization; a time filled with many suc- cesses and cherished honors; with the strength of its members men who are fast reaping the rewards of a good and courageous life; with a character sustained by noble principles, and a wise policy pervading its government, there is little more now to be done to give Omega the rich and deserving legacy of a thousand years' life. Her principles are those which will live as long as truth and virtue exist; and her member- ship is sufficiently large and important to honor her in name, and to excite the highest aspira- tions among her younger members. CHAPTER HOME. 159 II OMEGA CHAPTER HOUSE. It has been pleasant for a number of our brothers to think of Omega for a long time as domiciled in a home of her own. These friends, whose faith in this enterprise is fortified with substantial backing, have organized The Omega Chapter Home Association under the laws of Illi- nois. The members of the board of directors are: MerrittC. Bragdon, Henry A. Pearson, John H. Hamline, James E. Deering and Frank M. Elliot. A house is desired which will contain all the attractions of a well regulated home. There should be, it is thought by these brothers, an open, recognized attraction in it, such as a large, well-lighted reading room with all the current literature on its tables literature which shall embrace all the available secret-society publica- tions, the best recognized scientific, educational and religious magazines, and the best daily, weekly and illustrated papers the nucleus of a chapter library, to be increased, and to com- prise a large, well assorted, miscellaneous class of books suitable for students, to be used as text and reference books, and such other works that will stimulate their minds and make the chapter house a pleasant and inviting retreat from the idle and promiscuous throng outside. This being a distinctive feature, the .other acces- l6o HISTORY OF OMEGA. sories of a secret-society hall could be easily added and arranged. A chapter house would do the fraternity much good, and would give Omega a permanency that would resist the ordinary mutations of a chap- ter life. When one considers the influence for good by such a simple method as this, no time should be lost to establish a chapter house. Omega has an important mission to perform. She has, and will have, young men intrusted to her care who will appreciate the increased facili- ties of literary and social surroundings. It is believed a chapter house would help in this good work more than anything else at present. The work of the literary societies in the Uni- versity is now transferred to the secret fraterni- ties. Every week meetings are held, and they are literary as well as social in their character. What is now being done in this way by Omega is a valuable auxiliary for educating and perfect- ing young men. The work accomplished has been excellent, and is fully recognized and es- teemed by professors and students alike. No better testimony could be given of the worth and importance of our chapter work than that of our esteemed brother, W. Scott Mathew, '76, who says: " Among the most delightful and profitable associations in my life, thus far, I count A MATTER OF POLICY. l6l those in Sigma Chi. May she lift up her stand- ard for a thousand years." There is abundant reason to be proud of the record of Omega. A house dedicated to her honor would give her a prestige over rival fraternities, and would increase and make more brilliant her splendid achievements. It would be a home for all Sigma Chis who return to these classical shades, or for the pilgrims of the white cross whose wanderings bring them in this direction. The Omega chapter house will soon be an assured fact. The pleasant dream of a house of our own will, it is sincerely hoped, be realized in the near future. Ill A MATTER OF POLICY. The studied policy which Omega has main- tained all through her history, in soliciting men to become her members, has been fruitful of good results. This policy has been combated by the opposition fraternities in a spirit border- ing on ferocity, and with misrepresentations as malignant as they have been unjust. Omega has been accused of all manner of deceitfulness and corruption by her contemporaries in order to prejudice students against her. In all this tirade against her character, she has not so much as lifted her voice, as she could have done, to sound the demerits, shallowness and vice of her 162 HISTORY OF OMEGA. opponents. Her policy has been simply that rule which is termed golden, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." No one will question the wisdom of this broad and humanitarian policy, which is stamped as the best in all civilized and enlightened nations. It may seem a new idea for a fraternity to adopt> especially when the strife for men becomes fierce and desperate; but we earnestly believe it is the only true and manly way of conducting a fra- ternity. It can do no possible good for one to abuse the character of the men of another fra- ternity, or to attach a stigma of vice or corruption to one member with the view of bringing dis- grace and defeat to his brotherhood. We hold it to be a truth, that a fraternity which has not enough principle, morality and intelligence to base its merits upon, without decrying its oppo- nents and attempting to belittle them, is not the fraternity for a man to join. Competition is necessary, but honorable and fair competition is the only true method of conducting a fraternity composed of gentlemen. We are not claiming for Omega or Sigma Chi that all her members have been the truest and best men in the uni- verse: nor do we imagine for a moment that our contemporary Greeks would claim as much for their men. It would be absurd. We possess* however, a high ideal as to what a brother in our A MATTER OF POLICY. 163 order should be, but if that ideal is not attained, the individual, not the fraternity, is at fault. We do know that a large majority of our brothers approach very nearly to the high mark of char- acter desired; and it is our object to make them better, and the fraternity stronger, by exhibiting the merits of our order, rather than by tearing down the character of our opponents, and thus by comparison making ourselves greater. We prefer a campaign of merits to the pernicious doctrine of sounding demerits. No fault can be laid at the door of this fraternity on that ac- count. If the teachings and discipline of the Sigma Chi Fraternity -were fully learned and heeded, no one, not the most hot-headed objector to secret societies, could find fault or say aught against it. Let our opponents say what they will, but let Omega maintain her dignified, cour- ageous and Christian policy of good will to all men, and in the end the wise and righteous cause of Sigma Chi will prevail. Our contem- poraries cannot fail to see ere long the wisdom of our course, and respect and honor us for it. CHAPTER XX. THE INTERCOLLEGIATE LITERARY ASSOCIATION. THIS association was first suggested by Col. T. W. Higginson, in Scribner's Monthly for Jan- uary, 1873. The subject was discussed by stu- dents, professors and literary men in the news- papers and magazines until February, 1874. At that time the idea crystallized into a visible form. The students at Princeton College opened a cor- respondence on the subject with those of Williams. This correspondence resulted in a call being issued and sent to the leading colleges of the United States. It invited each of the colleges to send three delegates to an Intercollegiate Literary Convention to be held at Hartford, Conn., February 19, 1874. The object of the convention was briefly this: It had long been a subject of reproach that students from different institutions never met as contestants, except to display their physical powers, and it was thought that contests in scholarships, essay writing and oratory might be both pleasant and profitable. It was believed that they would increase public interest and individual devotion to literature and science; that the effi- ciency of our colleges would be greatly increased, INTERCOLLEGIATE ASSOCIATION. 165 and that they would give an incentive for better results, both among students and pro- fessors. If successful, they would prove a salu- tary and efficient antidote to boating and other sporting predilections evinced by many of the colleges, and would no doubt recall the students to their books by stimulating the powers of the mind and by firing their ambition for a higher and better culture. Fourteen colleges responded to the call, and the association was duly organized. The first prize contest was in 1875. The prizes and other expenses were paid by the contribution of wealthy people of New York. The manage- ment of the association was in the hands of un- dergraduates, and it bade fair to grow in strength and importance, and become a potent factor in the education of college men. The Northwestern University was not repre- sented until January, 1876, when she was ad- mitted and sent competitors to the different departments. In April, 1875, a meeting of the students was held, and after adopting the consti- tution and by-laws of the Intercollegiate Liter- ary Association, a plan was devised for the selec- tion of representatives. It was decided to hold a preliminary oratorical contest in September; citizens of the village to be the judges; the one taking the first prize to go to New l66 HISTORY OF OMEGA. York, and the second to Jacksonville, where the Interstate oratorical contest would be held. The orators elected were \V. Scott Mathew, J. F. Stout, F. M. Taylor, T. B. Hilton, Jr., F. M. Bristol and John Krantz. On September 30 the preliminary contest was held in the Congregational Church, and all the con- testants appeared except Mr. Stout. The first prize was awarded to Frank M. Bristol, and the second to W. Scott Mathew. This contest was a remarkable one, inasmuch as every oration was finely written and well delivered, but no one at that time could deliver an oration like Mr. Bristol, or put heart and soul into it as he could. On January 4, 1876, the second oratorical con- test took place in New York city. There were eleven colleges represented. Cornell, Hamilton, Princeton, Williams, Lafayette, College of the City of New York, Syracuse, St. John's, Uni- versity of the City of New York, Rutgers and Northwestern University. Julian M. Elliot, of Hamilton, received the first prize in ora- tory. His subject was, " The Heroic Element in Modern Life." J. D. Tompkins, of Cornell, took the second prize. The subject of Mr. Bristol's oration was, "Hunger," and the reports in the papers spoke very highly of his effort. The judges were William Cullen Bryant, Whitelaw Reid and Geo. W. Curtis. On the subject for INTERCOLLEGIATE ASSOCIATION. 167 essay, " Dickens and Thackeray Compared," Cor- nell took first and Williams the second prize. The prize for the best essay, on "The Advantages and Disadvantages of Universal Suffrage," was divided between N. S. Spencer, of the College of New York, and Frank A. Hills, of the North- western University. Frank M. Harris, '75, con- tested for the prize in mathematics. The next day the Intercollegiate Convention was held, and John H. Hamline was chosen secretary. Mr. C. P. Wheeler represented N. W. U. at this conven- tion. The election of men for these contests was always spirited. The different candidates had their enthusiastic friends and admirers, and plans were generally carefully laid a long time before the day of election. The feeling between the different fraternities ran very high sometimes in the effort to elect their particular candidates. Sometimes the tricky and questionable methods of the ward politician were adopted in order to secure the majority of votes, but as a rule the contests were honest and manly. It was a great honor to go to New York and represent the Uni- versity at these contests. Ours was the only Western institution belonging to the association. It was justly considered much more important than to be on the program for any of the local contests. The men going there were brought l68 HISTORY OF OMEGA. in contact with the best class of college men. Their ideas were broadened, their aspirations were stimulated, and they returned with a keener and better relish for hard, studious work. An excellent opportunity was afforded to study the methods and results of Eastern-bred men. In the Fall of 1876 the contest for selecting dele- gates was perhaps the fiercest. Eight men had been elected in May, 1876, to compete for the privi- lege of going to New York as the orator, but only two prepared for the contest, and the decision, after all, was left to the students. It was generally conceded in the college that F. M. Taylor was entitled by his preeminent ability to repre- sent us in mental science, and he was elected both for this department and as essayist without opposition. The real contest was for the orator. Sigma Chi had her representative in the person of W. S. Mathew, and Beta Theta Pi had F. H. Scott. Mathew had had considerable practical experi- ence and had made an excellent impression as an orator. Mr. Scott, his opponent, was quite young, and had appeared in public only a few times. He was naturally bright and active, and at this time was working hard. His ambitious friends were no doubt more determined than he was, and adopted methods not exactly fair or just. Sigma Chi was represented as selfish and politi- INTERCOLLEGIATE ASSOCIATION. 169 cal; rumors calculated to do her injury were set in motion, and the contest virtually was between Beta Theta Pi and the field against Sigma Chi. Anything to beat Sigma Chi. The merits of the men cut no figure in the contest. Mr. Scott was finally chosen the orator. He went to New York and delivered his oration, but he was nearly sick at the time and failed to secure the prize. The contestant in mental science was Fred. M. Taylor, and he secured the second prize. The contestants for essay prizes were Fred. M. Taylor and C. H. Morgan. Mr. Taylor took the first prize in essay, making $250 prize money se- cured by one man, not to mention the honor and distinction. Mr. Taylor took for his subject "The Position of Hawthorne in Amer- ican Literature." The news of Taylor having taken two prizes was received with the greatest enthusiasm. It was a great day for the Univer- sity, for Sigma Chi and for Taylor. When he returned a large crowd met him at the station and gave him a grand welcome. The familiar yell, " Rah, Rah, N. W. U. OO O, O!" was given with an energy and spirit worthy of the cause. On January 14 the Omega chapter gave Bro. Taylor an elaborate banquet, and filled him with such evidence of good will as would cheer his heart and comfort his soul as long as memory lasts. 170 HISTORY OF OMK.GA. There were no contestants in mathematics or Greek. A. W. McPherson was chosen for the contestant in Latin. Our representative to the contest in January, 1878, was Conrad Haney. He started for New York in high glee. Having been the recipient of a new beaver hat and an extra brand of imported cigars, he had his picture taken and was sent on his way rejoicing. He had a good oration and made a favorable impression on the audience. Miss Elizabeth R. Hunt, '77, was the essayist and was awarded the prize, but unfortunately she received only one quarter of it. New men of recent college graduation, with little experience, had managed the association badly. They put forth large promises without any means of fulfilling them. Prizes amounting to nearly $2,000 were offered, with only $500 in the treasury; and, worse than all, no effort was made to obtain more. The prize-winners of '78 received only 25 per cent, and this was taken from the amount remaining in the treasury from the pre- vious year. This had a very depressing effect on the whole association, and in'79 there was a decided lack of interest manifested. Our University that year was represented in the Oratorical and Latin departments. Mr. W. H. Harris, '78, was the orator, and took for his subject, "The Duty of the American Scholar in Politics." Bro. Harris' INTERCOLLEGIATE ASSOCIATION. 171 effort was unexceptionably well received. W. H. Wait, '79, contested for the prize in Latin. This was the last contest of the association. The de- plorable action of the managers alienated the interest once felt toward the association by New York citizens, and the prodigal use of the fees and receipts weakened the confidence originally placed in it by the colleges. It is to be re- gretted that the failure of the association was brought about in this manner. The object was of supreme importance to college men, and if the association could have continued it would have exerted a marked and substantial influence, not alone on the students, but on the different institutions of learning represented in it. A plan was originated and set forth in 1879, in a pamphlet by the trustees of the association, to make the prizes consist of scholarships instead of money. It did not meet, 'however, with any encouragement. In speaking of the contests and of the colleges represented, they paid -our University the high compliment of being "that courageous, far-off University in the Northwest, whose success in winning prizes in this associa- tion has been marked, and is to be praised." The effect of these contests on the North- western University was very noticeable. It was the means of presenting it to the attention of the college world in a light it had never before re- 172 HISTORY OF OMEGA. ceived. A university which could send repre- sentatives to the contests and win prizes was considered worthy of the first rank. The success of our contestants gained considerable reputation for the University. In the brief period of our connection with the association we had taken three essay prizes, and divided the honors for mental science with Princeton, which is consid- ered among the foremost colleges in the United States in this particular branch of learning. STATE ORATORICAL ASSOCIATION. Another and very commendable society to which the students at Northwestern belonged was the State College Oratorical Association. It was designed to offer liberal prizes for oratorical efforts, to be given to contestants representing the different colleges in the State of Illinois. A meeting was held at Bloomington, February 7, 1874, and Northwestern was represented by M. S. Kaufman, '74, and \V. L. Martin, of the same class, as delegates. The colleges repre- sented were Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Knox College, Monmouth College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois Industrial University and Shurtleff College. Aside from organizing such an association for this state, it was the plan of the promoters of this scheme to have similar associations in Ohio, Indiana, Mich- STATE ORATORICAL ASSOCIATION. 173 igan, Iowa and Wisconsin. This was accom- plished in a short time. The prizes offered were $75 for a first and $50 for the second prize, and in addition to this the winner of the first prize had the honor of representing the state at the Inter-State oratorical contests. The first contest took place at Bloomington, Illinois, November 20, 1874; J. F. Stout, '75, was the orator from Northwestern and was the win- ner of the second prize. The second contest was at Jacksonville, Illinois, October 28, 1875. We were represented by W. S. Mathew as the orator. The third contest was held at Evanston, October 5, 1876; Frank M. Bristol was the orator. The fourth contest was at Monmouth, October 18, 1877; George E. Ackerman was the orator from Northwestern, and he received the second prize. This was the last contest in which Northwestern appeared. Much dissatisfaction arose from the substitution of medals for cash prizes. Al- terations and changes were made in the constitu- tion particularly objectionable to our students. It was for these reasons that Northwestern with- drew from the association in October, 1878. Since then she has made no effort to enter the association, although cash prizes were afterward restored. CHAPTER XXI. BUILDING A GYMNASIUM. IT is not our purpose to unduly emphasize the importance and influence of the members of Omega. It seems just and right, however, to give them the full credit, which I believe has never been denied to them, for the part they have taken in the affairs which have marked the progress of the University. It can be truly said that the men of Omega have left their individual impress upon nearly every event of any import- ance which has occurred during the first fourteen years of our history. There were enterprises both new and important. The men of Omega were always at the front in maintaining the ora- torical contests, lecture courses, the base-ball association, the boat-club crews, in procuring specimens for the museum, and in supplying amusements and recreation for the students. Such men as Collins, Lunt, Paul, Bragdon, Ham- line, Taylor, Mathew, Evans, Early, Andrews and Booth were the principal leaders in every enterprise during these eventful years. They gave a wonderful impulse to everything under- taken, and success was the reward of their efforts. The citizens of Evanston and friends of the BUILDING A GYMNASIUM. 175 University are greatly indebted to these men for the many pleasant and enjoyable entertainments which they were instrumental in providing. One of the most important and noteworthy -enterprises ever undertaken by the students of Northwestern University was the construction of a gymnasium. The policy of the University was of such a close and stringent character financially as to preclude the chances of building a gymnasium for many years to come. The possibility of having such a building had been discussed in the Tripod at different times, but it remained for Dr. C. H. Fowler, then president of the University, to give the idea currency, which he did in many substantial ways. He seemed to possess a wonderful faculty of getting other people interested, so that they would invest their money. His success as a debt-lifter in his denomination was notorious, and it was common talk that his election to the presidency of the University was largely due to this gift, which he was expected to exercise in removing the heavy debt then resting on the institution. He could get persons to purchase and donate gifts to the University where others would fail. It was through his efforts that the class of '78 bought the huge skeleton of a whale at an expense of four or five hundred dollars, to be placed in the museum as its gift. He tried to have the class 176 HISTORY OF OMEGA. of '77 buy it, but no one but the poor "bibs" were in favor of it. He was as enthusiastic over this whale business as a small boy is over a red wagon. He carried this same enthusiasm into the building of a gymnasium. The students were as a rule poor, and could hardty expect to do more than pay their ordinary expenses, but he managed to excite their hopes by telling them that they possessed wonderful abilities, and that the possibilities of young men were unlimited, and thus he got them fully interested in this scheme. The simple use of the will, he claimed, was suffi- cient to accomplish all things. Oneness of aim was his doctrine in life, and he carried it, body and soul into this enterprise. In the early part of October, 1875, a circular letter was issued by W. G. Evans and Frank M. Elliot, setting forth the project of building a gymnasium, and soliciting aid from the friends and graduates of the institution. It was decided to organize under the laws of the state and to issue shares of stock. A statement was filed with the Secretary of State October 28, 1875, an d soon after a license was issued to W. G. Evans, F. M. Taylor, F. M. Bristol, A. W. McPherson, F. M. Elliot, and J. A. J. Whipple as commissioners. The name given was the Northwestern Univer- sity Gymnasium Association, and its object was to establish and provide for the management of BUILDING A GYMNASIUM. 177 a gymnasium: The capital stock was $4,000, with shares of $10 each, and its duration was for 99 years. At the first meeting of the stock- holders, November 30, the following directors were elected: George Lunt, Jas. E. Deering, W. M. Booth, F. M. Bristol, J. A. J. Whipple, E. S. Monroe and G. W. Hewett. There were 129 sub- scribers of stock. Fourteen hundred dollars were raised by the sale of stock, which was almost exclusively taken by the students. Work was commenced immediately. A site was procured from the University authorities in the campus on the lake shore, and a contract was let for the construction of a building. Its dimensions were 40x80 feet, with brick basement and frame superstructure, which was to be veneered with brick. This was not done, how- ever, until 1882. A large part of the money was in hand, and the students were full of enthusiasm over this success. John Krantz, of '76, a genial, happy soul, said when the project was started: "Gymnasium aedificandum est/' and it did seem as if it had hardly been started before it was built and ready for use. On February i, 1876, the gymnasium was formally opened. W. S. Mathew presided. A statement of the financial condition of the asso- ciation was made by F. M. Taylor. Following this the Rev. W. H. Daniels delivered a very 178 HISTORY OF OMEGA. interesting and effective speech, dedicating the building as the muscle-giving temple. There was an indebtedness of $500, which was then reduced to $200, and this latter sum was paid in a short time. Then followed a very fine exhibition of athletic sports under the leadership of Prof. Charles Duplessis. No one did more toward completing this great undertaking than Fred M. Taylor. He put his whole soul into it, and under his vigorous leader- ship the students lent their hearty co-operation. His valuable services will always be appreciated, for it was through hib efforts that a large part of the money was raised. Sigma Chi did her full share in this work. If the other fraternities had done half as well, the gymnasium would have been more complete. An effort was made to have each secret society donate some apparatus. The Phi Kappa Sigma Society agreed to give a health-lift, which agree- ment was never kept, and Sigma Chi a bowling alley. There was no delay as far as Sigma Chi was concerned, and forthwith it was put in. It was about the first piece of apparatus ready for use, and it has helped more to stimulate an interest and keep the gymnasium running than anything else connected with it. It was built in the most workmanlike manner, with all the latest improvements. A marble slab is now inserted in BUILDING A GYMNASIUM. 179 the west wall, covered with glass and surrounded by a neat frame, with this inscription: 1' X THESE ALLEYS WERE BUILT AND DONATED BY THE SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY. 1876. The general effect of the gymnasium was good. It brought the students together as they had never been before. They had a com- mon interest and ownership in it, and all were intenj upon the success of the gymnasium. It had a very marked effect on the general health of the students, and also in the increased import- ance of athletic sports. Its popularity grew and continued until '78 and '79. The receipts were small, and, as it was run on an economical basis, it did not more than pay the ordinary running expenses. The original stockholders now were scattered all over the country, and their interest had ceased. The new generation of students did not or could not raise money to veneer the building to protect it, and repair the worn-out apparatus. It was necessary to do something l8o HISTORY OF OMEGA. now before all would be lost or ruined. It was finally decided to have the University take the property and maintain it as a gymnasium, as it ought to have done from the very beginning. On April 24, 1880, the board of directors ap- pointed a committee to obtain the stock from the students and transfer it to the University trustees. This transfer was to be made upon the condition that the University should com- plete the building and furnish it with necessary working apparatus, assume all the liabilities of the association, and to keep and maintain forever the building and apparatus in good repair for gymnasium purposes only. This committee was composed of Geo. Lunt, '72, Geo. W. Muir and E. J. Lipps, '80. The task of getting the stock certificates tried the patience and good nature of Mr. Lunt for a long time. Through his indefati- gable efforts a majority of the stock was secured, and the transfer was finally made in the spring of 1881. From the first to the last, through its success and triumph in the midst of its trials and gradual disintegration, Geo. Lunt was ever the constant friend of the gymnasium. He may not have received his reward as yet for this splendid devotion, but his name will go down in history as the chief friend of and mourner for the defunct Gymnasium Association. Dr. Joseph Cummings was elected president in BUILDING A GYMNASIUM. l8l July, 1881. One of the important things he did in 1882 was to have the gymnasium put in order. He induced the trustees to spend money and ful- fill their agreement with the gymnasium stock- holders for veneering the building, and thus pre- serve it against the ravages of time. The inside of the building was also finished. In this the good doctor and the students lent a helping hand. They did all the work of casing the inside, while the University authorities simply furnished the lumber and nails. It was a busy and interesting scene to find student and presi- dent of a great University doing the common work of carpenters. New apparatus was put in,, and the gymnasium is now as complete and as well equipped as the most fastidious athletic student could desire. The gymnasium was formally inaugurated under its present man- agement February 20, 1883, with a public enter- tainment, in which the students and some professional athletes participated. CHAPTER XXII. THE BEAR STORY. IT was in November, a few days after Thanks- giving. The ground was frozen hard and the roads were very rough; here and there were small icy places. It had rained a few days before, and then the weather turned cold and froze everything up tight. The wind, as it whistled through the trees, broke the ice that had formed on them, and everywhere it was heard cracking and falling. It was just the night for some deep villainy, although the story we are to relate con- tains no villain or villainy. The sky was covered with a heavy mass of clouds and portended a severe storm. The moon at long intervals seemed to burn its way through the clouded vault, spread its mellow light for a moment or two, and then disappear. Seated in a room were three students. The stove was filled with blazing red coals, which could be seen through the isinglass. On the table was a student lamp and around it the three companions were seated. They were absorbed in their work. One was rocking back and forth reading a novel; one was busy writing, getting his report ready for the weekly paper, and the THE BEAR STORY. 183 other was studying Lieber's Civil Liberty. The odor of tobacco was very perceptible, two having finished their after-supper pipes, and the other was still pulling away at his silver-mounted, deeply- colored meerschaum. Presently there was aloud rap on the side door. " Come in ! " all three shouted, in a tone that might well startle a stranger. The door opened, a gust of the Nor'easter preceded the person, who walked in slowly, as if uncertain of his reception at this time of night. He was large, well proportioned and athletic; his coat was buttoned up tight, with the collar rolled up. He had on a black slouch hat, and as he stood just inside the door with his hands run into his coat pockets he was not at first recognized. " Why, hello, Billy ! " Dudley shouted, as soon as he discovered his old friend; "What in the world is up to-night ?" Stepping forward and taking a seat near the stove, Billy in his modest way returned the inquir)*-, " Boys, what are you celebrating?" Dudley, acting as spokesman, replied, that Bruiser was feeding his courage on a love story, while Mac was writing up an account of his latest struggle with Bruiser. "It was such a good joke." said Dudley. "These two chums of mine pro- vide me with any quantity of amusement. I simply stand by and quietly nudge one or the other, and very soon they will be in the 184 HISTORY OF OMEGA. midst of a heated discussion, or will be wrestling with one another to test the superiority of strength. You see, I am the audience, and at proper intervals I do the applauding. Mac, here, was all dressed up one night with all his fine togs and was going to make a call or take his girl out to an entertainment. Bruiser, more courageous than usual, put some soot on Mac's face, and, without intending it, got some of it on his rising-sun shirt front. Quick as thought Mac had Bruiser under his arm, ' in chancery,' as Baldy would say, and was scouring his face with the blacking brush. Well, if they did not cut a pretty figure, I am a goat. I thought I would split with laughter. There were daubs of black on each of their faces, a necktie missing, and their collars just hung on behind. Then they saw the ridiculousness of it all, and although they were blowing hard after the tussle, they could not help joining in the laugh. The joke became somewhat complicated when Mac discov- ered that he did not have another clean shirt." Billy laughed heartily, and without further delay he proceeded to business, for there was business that night that would require nerve and good management. "You see," commenced Billy, "that bear has not been eaten yet. The boys who had charge of him did not take him to the right place." "What THE BEAR STORY. 185 bear are you talking about? I've heard nothing about this," interrupted Mac. " Well, you beat me," said Billy. "I didn't suppose there was a college scrape six hours old you did not know all about. The facts in the case are these : Last Thursday, being Thanksgiving, a Mr. Jack Piedmon invited the faculty to dinner to help him eat a bear. It seems he had a young cub which he had been fattening in anticipation of this dinner. I think it was Pixney who heard of this, and he, with several other students, went down one night to the barn where the bear was kept and put it in the cellar of the old University Hall. The next morning the bear was to have been killed and prepared for the Thanks- giving feast. But the butcher, on going to the barn on his mission of slaughter, found that bruin had disappeared. This was a very sorry predicament for Mr. Piedmon, who could do nothing now but send word to the faculty that, owing to circumstances which he could not con- trol, the dinner would be postponed. It appears that most of the members of the faculty had re- ceived other invitations for dinner on that day; but, having this previous engagement and a keen appetite for bear, they had refused them. It was certainly a great disappointment to some of them; but, by going to hotels in the city, they managed to get good dinners. The bear is now l86 HISTORY OF OMEGA. concealed in that cellar, and we have a plan to take it over in the big woods to-night and have a barbecue. We are all going to meet in room on Orrington avenue at ten o'clock, and then we will make the final arrangements. Now, no time is to be lost. Will you all go ? You can bet on a square meal, and bear roasted on a stick over the fire is something fine. I've tried it in the mountains, and it is 'away up,' I can tell you." It did not take long for the three to decide that they could be counted in on any little game of that kind. The time was near at hand to be at the rendezvous. At the suggestion of Billy, the boys put on their oldest clothing. "I have a big knife," said Bruiser. "Take it along," replied Billy. " I have," he continued, " a blunderbuss here to blow out bruin's brains when we get to a place where it can be done without disturbing any one. In matters of this kind I dislike to disturb any one's sleep." The blunderbuss was exhibited, and proved to be a large navy six- shooter. "Why didn't you get a gatling-gun while you were about it, instead of taking this toy affair?" said Mac. "Dudley has a double- barrel shot-gun under the bed, and any quantity of ammunition. Perhaps you would like that?" "Oh, no," said Billy, "this will do the business," and he quietly put the revolver in his hip pocket. After shaking down the coal in the stove and THE BEAR STORY. 187 blowing out the light, the four friends departed. "Don't be afraid, Bruiser," said Dudley. " Keep near me. It's my opinion we ought to divide up and take different directions." So Dudley and Bruiser went in one direction, and Billy and Mac in another. The room where the boys met was small and on the second floor. Going in, one was surprised to find so many of the students interested in the barbecue. There were half-a-dozen or more seated on the bed, some down on the floor and a number were standing. In a few moments all the invited guests were present. More or less surprise was exhibited at the make-up of the crowd. Seeing a prominent theological student on the bed, Dudley approached him and expressed his surprise at seeing him, and said: " Bibs don't eat bear meat, do they?" "You just try them once," retorted the theologue. It was decided that Pixney and Waldrond should go out and see if the bear was all right, and if he was, then another committee should go with the wagon to a certain street corner, put the bear in the vehicle and then make for the big woods as fast as possible. Pixney and Waldrond went out and made a reconnoiter and soon re- turned with the amazing report that the bear had disappeared. This news struck the whole com- pany with dismay. It certainly had not been 1 88 HISTORY OF OMEGA. gone long, and in order to find him the company of sixteen was divided up into eight squads, each to follow certain streets and find out where the bear had been taken. This was a new element in the case, and all went out with bated breath and not a little anxious about the result. The cou- riers had not been out long before they had found the bear. He was being led back to the owner's barn by four big fat men, who undoubt- edly believed they were doing a generous deed, and would be invited to partake of the fatted cub when he should be nicely prepared for the privileged epicures. After seeing where the bear had been placed, the two students who had fol- lowed the rescuing quartette returned to the rendezvous to report. The next hour was spent in getting word to all the other fourteen students. When the last couple was safely behind the latched door, the crowd listened with much con- cern to the report of those who had witnessed the return of the bear to his manger. All con- versation had to be carried on in subdued tones in order not to arouse suspicion. It was finally decided that the bear must come out of his den that night, and one o'clock was the time set for the raid. Four of the pluckiest men were se- lected for this duty. The rest were to be scat- tered and be within, convenient distance in case of need. THE BEAR STORY. 189 While they were waiting in this little room, packed in so close that they could scarcely move without treading on one another's toes, a hat was passed over their heads for a contribution for cider and apples. When it had gone the rounds the amount was counted, and there were twenty-nine cents. " What do you fellers mean ?" shouted Simon, whose surname was Peter. " This hain't a Methodist congregation. Twenty-nine cents wouldn't buy enough cider for 'Nosey Pixney,' and he is the smallest cider drinker in the crowd. Now, boys, shell out ! Bear won't taste good anyhow unless you put in a good foundation of cider and apples." With this characteristic appeal the hat went round again. Nearly every one seemed to be "strapped," and as the hat went from one to another such expres- sions were made as: "Busted," "Put on my other vest when I came out to-night." "Dead broke! haven't heard from home for a month," <( Call again when I'm flush." This time there were sixty-three cents Simon smiled as he rattled the pennies into his capacious pocket, and remarked, "You are a wealthy set. You may eat me if you ever catch me in such a crowd of bloated bondholders again." "Oh, no, we wouldn't, Simon," shouted a voice, "we prefer bear." A delegation then went out and procured a jug 190 HISTORY OF OMEGA. of cider, some ginger snaps and apples. There was hardly enough for a taste, and it seemed only to- create an appetite for more cider and more deviltry. " Boys, we must have more cider," said one. " I have a scheme," said another. " What is it ?" cried a third. "I'll tell you. Leave in just enough cider in the jug to flavor the business; fill it up with water from this pitcher, and take it back and tell Mr. H - his cider is no good. Let him judge for himself and then demand your money back." A smile was visible on every face, and signs of approval were given to this bold move of a thirsty collegian. So the committee filled the jug and started out. The grocer thought it very strange, tasted the cider and said, "being a temperance man, I am only posted on beer and such like, but it strikes me that this cider is about as you say, 'no good;'" and without making further investigation he returned the money. The committee then went to another store and got another jug of cider, and returned to the little room feeling very jubilant over its success. "You are a brick," and simultaneously the com- mittee received an affectionate slap on the back from a number of the boys. They were now all laughing, telling stories and smoking, when some one looked at his watch, and in sepulchral tones shouted: " Boys, the dread hour has come. It is one o'clock." Without THE BEAR STORY. 19! further delay every one quieted down and made ready for the next venture. The wind continued to blow a stiff gale, and the same cracking of the ice was heard. The moon had moved a number of degrees to the west, and its subdued light was playing back and forth between the clouds like a small child at peek-a-boo. The four who were to get the bear started, and having given the final directions to the express- man, proceeded directly to the barn where young bruin was kept. There was no trouble in getting into the barn. The bear, however, did not like the idea of taking a walk at this time of night. He growled and snapped and rattled his chain so furiously that there was danger of his arousing his owner. He was finally pacified with some lumps of sugar, led into the alley and then taken down the street toward the lake. When they had gone several blocks they met the express wagon, and then they proceeded to give bruin a ride. There was a great deal of trouble in accomplishing this, but after numerous at- tempts he was finally landed in the wagon with a chain attached to his neck and tied to the seat. The wagon then started, closely followed by the chosen escort. Everything went smoothly until they reached a certain spot on Orrington avenue, north of the Woman's College. Here they were to join the 192 HISTORY OF OMEGA. rest of the party and then proceed together to the " Big Woods," where the barbecue was to take place. When the wagon stopped, the bear, unaccustomed to riding, gave a lunge forward and then backward. He came back with such force that he broke his chain and fell out over the tail- board head over heels. This stirred Mr. Bear up so much and made him so angry, that he made for the first man he saw and would have injured him but for a timely accident. Pixney was the man, and as he started to run he slipped on some ice in the middle of the road and fell. At the same time he threw his feet into the air and this so paralyzed the bear with fear that he immedi- ately started on a run for a tree. The time he made in running was remarkable, and the way he went up that tree was a caution. There he was, away up in its branches. The tree was just beside a dwelling-house, not ten feet away. What was to be done ? The boys were in a sad plight, if after all that had been accomplished, the bear was to defeat their purpose at this stage of the game. A consultation was held; it took about two minutes to decide. That blunderbuss of Billy was to be brought into requisition. The committee went to the foot of the tree and level- ing it at the bear blazed away. He did not come down, so the committee fired again, and again five times; still bruin did not budge. The firing THE BEAR STORY. 193 did just what Was expected. It aroused the whole neighborhood. A window went up and out popped a head. " Who are you killing?" shouted the man in the house near the tree. " Oh, no one," said Shorty; "only some of the college boys firing some crackers, that's all." Satisfied with this answer, the man pulled his head back and shut the window. In the meantime Billy ran to Dudley's room and said: "Give me that shot-gun, quick! That blasted bear is up a tree." Rushing into the bedroom, Bruiser was discovered undressing him- self preparatory to going to bed. ' For the love of Fowler, what are you doing?" asked Dudley. "Is Carney coming? I I I thought I'd go to bed if he was," said Bruiser, in a trembling voice. " Hades ! " thundered Dudley, in a deep base voice. "The best way to get out of Car- ney's clutches, is to get out of this room quick." It took some time, ages it seemed, to get the cartridges loaded. Everything outside had now quieted down. Men were picketed several blocks away to give the warning if policeman Carney should be coming. Every man was ready to fly in case of an attempted chase. Presently there was a loud boom, then a rustling in the branches, and down came the bear with a heavy thud. Without seeing if he was dead or alive, he was picked up and thrown into 194 HISTORY OF OMEGA. the wagon. The whole party then literally "skipped." "Where is Bruiser?" asked Dudley. "Didn't you see him," replied Shorty, "make for the Light house after that last shot? That was a corker. Both barrels. Sounded loud as seven claps of thunder. Enough to scare any man out of his boots. Didn't see Bruiser run? No? I never saw a man run so in all my born days. He was actually half way there inside of two minutes. He made a bee-line for that Light-house, and was going as if the devil was after him. Jingo! what a gait he struck. If I hadn't yelled at him to stop he would have been at Waukegan by this time." The party was now wending its way to the big woods west of the village. It w r as several miles,. and, after getting down beyond the Ridge, some of the boys thought they would take a ride,, among them "Shorty." Why he was called "Shorty" I do not know, for he was the tallest man in college. It was probably for the same reason that " Bruiser," " Gee " and " Stuffer " re- ceived their names, simply because " Bruiser " was quiet and demure, and "Gee" and "Stuffer" were good eaters and well kept. A number of the boys were seated on the edge of the wagon box, and "Shorty," finding no other place con- venient, sat down on the bear. They had not gone tar when the bear gave a tremendous THE BEAR STORY. 195 groan, probably his last death gasp. " Thunder and mud ! Boys, get out of the way!" screamed Shorty, as he jumped out of the wagon and vaulted a fence, scared nearly out of his wits. " Hold him down, boys/' he continued, somewhat indignant at this last exhibition of the bear, "till I get the gun and settle him." It was soon dis- covered, however, that the animal was perfectly safe and had breathed his last. Resuming his seat, Shorty soon dropped into his usual jolly mood. Taking hold of the bear's stubby tail he gave it a vigorous shake and addressed the bear as follows: "Oh, you plantigrade quadruped ! you carnivorous beast! you Ursus Americanus, why did you climb that tree, thinking you were mightier than the large-brained disciples of Prex. Fowler ? Why did you scare the life out of me, you naughty thing? We shall have to eat you, won't we, boys?" "Yes, yes," chimed a number of voices. " Do you hear that, you bob-tailed vegetarian ? we shall eat you." It was bitter cold. The early morning air was raw and penetrating. The first thing was to have a big fire built, as soon as the party had gone far enough into the woods. A blaze was quickly started, and in a short time the flames were sending their forked tongues into the dark space above. The process of skinning the bear was simple, and, after quartering him, some 196 HISTORY OF OMEGA. choice steaks were cut off. Then each man took a stick, sharpened it, and, thrusting it through the steak, held it up to the fire. A savory smelt soon began to rise. Some thoughtful one had brought salt and pepper, and soon the boys were smacking their lips in evident relish of their roasted bear. Then a story was told, and, after a good laugh, some college songs were sung. There never was a happier crowd of college boys. It was four o'clock in the morning; but what of that? It was Saturday; no recitations, and all day before them to sleep. Every one must have a relic of this latest adventure. So the claws were cut out and distributed, and then several took pieces of the skin. While all this good time was going on, some one went to see how the horses were getting along. To his sur- prise they could not be found. He came back and gave the alarm. The faces of the boys sud- denly, as if by magic, became long and filled with a fear that they had been watched and that the horses had been stolen. A thorough search was instituted, but no horses were found. The barbecue was ended, as far as they were con- cerned. It was time to go home. What a long,, weary walk that was. Among the many start- ling events which were impressed on the memory of that night of nights, none are more vivid than the memory of that walk. It will never be for- THE BEAR STORY. 197 gotten. It was fully six o'clock. The light over the lake was beginning to appear. Everything was as silent as a graveyard when those sixteen barbecuers were safely in their beds. Late that day some of the boys ventured out to hear the news. The news they were expect- ing was not as pleasant as they had anticipated. The owner of the bear, to say the least, was indignant. Private detectives were employed to discover who had taken the bear. The faculty^ it was understood, felt extremely sensitive on the subject, and would no doubt exercise a vig- orous discipline on anyone found connected with the matter. All these things came before any mention had been made of the barbecue, and just in time to put the boys on their guard. No doubt the boys were thoroughly frightened. The little trophies of the bear were buried or placed out of sight. Not a word was said be- tween these sixteen men. They hardly recog- nized one another, and not until a long time had passed did they venture to speak of it. There was a great mystery, too, about it all. Reports crept into the papers, and some remark- able explanations were set forth to explain how the bear might have escaped of his own accord. The Davis street sewer was being built at that time, and it was said that the bear had broken out of the barn, and in his perambulations had IQO HISTORY OF OMEGA. fallen into the ditch and was lost in the sewer. Another report was that the bear had been seen in the cemetery at Calvary. The bear had on a number of occasions really broken out of the barn. One evening one of Mr. Piedmon's neighbors, a large, portly man who keeps a stable, was going along the street, and up behind him came the bear. Thinking it was a dog, he spoke patroniz- ingly to it. The bear brushed up against his legs and gave a fierce growl. Mr. Neighbor jumped and said something in a very terrified and em- phatic manner. Probably no one received as much benefit from the mystery of this bear's disappearance as the parents of children who were in the habit of run- ning away. The simple statement that the bear would eat them up, or would catch them, was suffi- cient to maintain the required discipline over the children of the household. All these things were very amusing to the bar- becuers, especially as they were instrumental in having these wild rumors set in motion. They mystified the detectives, and caused them to make vain searches in other directions. An expressman was arrested and brought before a Justice, but the evidence was not enough to convict him in the matter, and he was discharged. Suffice it to say that no outsiders ever knew what became of the bear, or who took it away. THE BEAR STORY. 199 But the disappearance of that team that night was for years a mystery to those sixteen men. At this late date, however, it is partially explained. The night the owner with his friends recovered the bear, he was summoned to the door by a ring of the bell. On opening it he found no one there, but he saw a piece of paper on the steps. He picked it up and went into the house. It read as follows: "You will find your bear in the cellar of the old University building." Acting on this information, he immediately went with his friends and took the bear to his house. Now, who sent him that note ? Evidently some one who thought the joke had gone far enough. There were two distinct parties in this bear escapade. One party was satisfied with simply taking the bear and keep- ing it until after Thanksgiving, and then return- ing it to the owner. This party informed the owner where the bear was kept, and it was undoubtedly this wing of the bear party that took the horses and returned them, being particular to put them in their owner's barn. Everything was returned except a horse blanket, but the express- man was paid for that. The other party wanted the fun of eating the bear, and with this in view invited a number of friends to join them. This was done with the result as already related. This college experience is regarded by the stu- dents of N. W. U. as one of the most exciting 200 HISTORY OF OMEGA. and thrilling adventures in all the annals of the University. In later years it has been told a great many times, and many improbable incidents have been added to it. The account as here given is believed to be trustworthy. We are confident, however, that a great many interesting details of it yet remain unwritten, and we hope at some future day some one of the participants in it will do the subject full justice. CHAPTER XXIII. THE CONVENTIONS OF SIGMA CHI. First Biennial Convention, June 28, 1857, at Cin- cinnati, O. Second Biennial Convention, April 17-18, 1861, at Wheeling. W. Va. Third Biennial Convention, July 6, 1864, St. Charles Hotel, Pittsburgh, Pa. Fourth Biennial Convention, April n, 1865, Bur- net House, Cincinnati, O. Fifth Biennial Convention, December 27, 1865, St. Charles Hotel, Pittsburgh, Pa. Sixth Biennial Convention, December 27-28, 1866, Law Buildings, Columbian University, Washington, D. C. Seventh Biennial Convention, December 31, 1868, and January i, 1869, Odd Fellows Hall, Louis- ville, Ky. Eighth Biennial Convention, December 28-29, 1870, Upsilon Chapter Hall, Philadelphia, Pa.; J. Frank Robinson, Omega delegate. Ninth Biennial Convention, December 26-27, 18} 2, Neil House, Columbus, O. Tenth Biennial Convention, October 21, 22, 23, 1874, Exchange Hotel, Richmond, Va. ; Daniel C. Riehl, Omega delegate. 202 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Eleventh Biennial Convention, October u, 12, 13, 1876, Theater of the Amateur Drawing Rooms, on Seventeenth street, Philadelphia; Frank E. Knappen, Omega delegate. Twelfth Biennial Convention, November 19, 20, 21, 1878, Knights of Pythias Hall, Indianapolis, Ind.; Edward L. Stewart, Omega delegate. Thirteenth Biennial Convention, November 16, 17, 18, 1880, National Hotel, Washington, D. C.; R. V. DeGroff, Omega delegate. Fourteenth Biennial Convention, November 7, 8, 9, 1882, Grand Pacific Hotel, Chicago, 111.; George P. Merrick, Omega delegate. Fifteenth Biennial Convention, August 27, 28, 29, 1884, Burnet House, Cincinnati, O.; Charles S. Slichter, Omega delegate. At the third and fourth conventions there was no quorum, the former being attended exclu- sively by the Pennsylvania chapters and the lat- ter only by delegates from Alpha, Xi, Rho and Lambda. There was no convention in 1859. No delegate was present from Omega at the ninth convention. CHAPTER XXIV. SIGMA CHI SENTIMENTS. "YE brethren of the old Hellenic tie, The fair fraternity of Sigma Chi; What though your temple, gentle sons of peace, Rears not its altars 'mid the groves of Greece." W. W. FOSDICK, Lambda, 1861. From an address delivered before the Thirteenth Biennial Convention of the Sigma Chi Fraternity at Washington, D. C , November 18, 1880. You are gathered here from all part'o of the country each one identified with some institution of learning in the land, the prejudices of no sec- tion, however bitter, affect the catholic spirit of your order. It blooms with as much fragrance amid the cold winds of the North as it does under the warm rays of a Southern sun.' But stronger even than this tie is the bond that unites you as co -laborers in the same harvest field. You are gathering, it is true, in different parts of the field, but in the same field you are gathering the same harvest, and binding and storing the full, rich sheaves of learning and knowledge. You are bound together by the same sym- 204 HISTORY OF OMEGA. pathies of a common service, and soon, very soon, when the fullness of your preparation is come, and the master dismisses you with your Alma Mater's blessing, amid the tumult and the dazzle of the busy world, when the stern realities of life confront you, when the curtain is with- drawn and you are introduced on the great stage of the every-day, practical working world, with throbbing pulse, with apprehensions and mis- givings, it may be, yet inspired with the buoy- ancy and confidence of youthful enthusiasm, each one will be found asking himself the same pregnant question : "What part am I to play in the drama of life on this great stage?" LINDKX KKNT, Psi. To the world outside societies like ours mean but little; but to us who realize their benefits, who have enjoyed their pleasures, who associate them with everything that was agreeable in our college life, and who in them have found friend- ships that will last with life, they mean a great deal. We are Greeks, and we know how to ap- preciate them. I congratulate you upon the high standing of your society, and upon the bright prospect before it in the future. I feel the highest pleasure and satisfaction in being one of its founders; and I SIGMA CHI SENTIMENTS. 205 regard every member of it with sentiments of the warmest and most sincere friendship; and I trust the chain which unites us may never be broken. HON. I. M. JORDAN, OM Alpha, /cfj/. From an address delivered before the Fourteenth Bien- nial Convention, at Chicago, Nov. 9, 1882. Many years have placed themselves between my acquaintance with the active life of the fra- ternity and the present time many years of busy activities and the realities of life, until its formalities and its ritual had almost disappeared from my mind. But this occasion recalls many a pleasant memory of my college days, and what I regard as the most pleasant of my recollec- tions, when with ceaseless watch and toil we sought to found the structure of our future lives, when we enlivened with kindly mirth and fra- ternal communication the labors of our college days. These pleasing memories, as I meet you again in conclave here to-night, come back to me on wings of thought. ****** Let the principles of this fraternity be the cultivation of the social side of man's nature as well as his intellect, to teach him to measure himself and his fellow-men, so that by contact with those above him he may inquire into the 206 HISTORY OF OMEGA. most secret springs which move human action. Thus may he develop his character and make his education truly and properly complete. Let it be known that it is a principle of this organi- zation to cultivate the social graces, to stamp out the social vices. Let it be understood that, while we are looking forward to the training of the mental powers, while the cultivation of the intellect is a main purpose of Sigma Chi, the higher qualities of general culture and polish are of equal importance. One may have passed with honor through college halls, and yet be poorly equipped for the battle of life. The world cares little for standing in classes. Your success will be measured by your ability to estimate and gauge humanity; and you can only be skillful in your judgment of men by close communication and affiliation with men. Let these emblems of our fraternity, therefore, stand for these principles of culture and education, and hostility to us as an organization will cease. . . . Let the emblem of the White Cross of Sigma Chi be an emblem of our purity and devotion to the principles of honor and manhood, of unwavering devotion to humanity. Let it be your emblem, not only in college, but as you go out into the world let it be a decoration indicating that you have been tried in your early manhood by your fellow-men, and found true in your friendships anJ devotion SIGMA CHI SENTIMENTS. 207 to principle. In after life you will find many occasions in which this training of the fraternity may be of use to you. GOVERNOR JOHN M. HAMILTON, Alpha, 1868. The present tendency of the Greek world is toward concentration and centralization. Your Greek Press Association, your Pan-Hellenic councils, and the tone and spirit of frater- nity journalism, all declare, in language unmis- takable, that the day of the loose confeder- ation of heterogeneous chapters has passed away forever. The fraternity of the future is to be a federation of harmonious parts, each working for the interest of the whole. The progress which is visible in nearly every phase of fraternity life and work is progress upon lines which converge toward each other and meet in a universal pro- gress toward centralization. The day is coming when, more than ever before, the several chapters of every Greek order will stand or fall upon the merits of the entire fraternity. WALTER L. FISHER, Chi, 1883. Of all the secret societies I have known, none offer more attractions or advantages than ours to young men. Its aims and purposes are lofty and 208 HISTORY OF OMEGA. honorable in ail particulars. It ought to succeed; it has succeeded and it will succeed. If friend- ship among young men at college is of any value, if the companionship of the good and the gifted should be cultivated, if sympathy and assistance in the performance of duty are of any advan- tage, then, indeed, our society was not founded in vain, and it will grow and prosper, and the name of Sigma Chi will be everywhere a pass- port of honor and respectability. HON. ISAAC M. JORDAN, Old Alpha, No person should be admitted to membership who cannot promote the general welfare of the fraternity by bringing with him a clean charac- ter, lofty aims, and his due share of mental and moral stamina. And last, but not least, he should be a man who possesses the sterling quality of good fellowship who can be a true companion to his associates, who can at all times rise out of self and think and feel for others. Made up of such material, a fraternity cannot be otherwise than a constant source of benefit and pleasure to those who form it. EDWIN L. SHUMAN, Omega, 1887. I have been requested to say something touch- ing the influence of Greek Letter Societies upon SIGMA CHI SENTIMENTS. 209 students and student life. Little need be said; every sensible, practical man knows that social and literary clubs are as necessary to the student as tea parties to old maids, or whist clubs to old bachelors. " Man cannot live by bread alone," and no more can the live American student exist on a diet of Greek and Latin roots, spiced with diabolical mathematical conundrums and washed down with solemn moral homilies. In these soci- eties literary exercises go hand in hand with social recreation. The influence of these associ- ations cannot be other than healthful and bene- ficial. The friendship formed in these fraterni- ties, when men's hearts are pure and unselfish, endures through life, and the hours passed in these halls are the most fondly cherished memo- ries of our college days. As long as the Ameri- can student exists these fraternities will flourish, and those who make war upon them should remember that persecution is a wonderful stimu- lant to rapid growth. COL. BEX. P. RUNKLE, U. S. A., Old Alpha, 1857. I regard secret societies, such as ours, the law- ful and natural outgrowth of college life. Such societies have existed in most of our American colleges from a very early day, and they will con- tinue to exist as long as the institutions where 210 HISTORY OF OMEGA. they are situated. They do not exist by mere sufferance, but by right. They can be defended as well in the forum of law as of justice. HON. ISAAC M. JORDAN, Old Alpha, 1857. T HEN AS NOW GLEANINGS FROM SOME OLD LET- TERS. "We received a letter yesterday from Nash- ville. There is a branch of the J K E there and the petitioners wish to start an opposition. We have given them the necessary instructions, so our cause prospers." " We have adopted A as the name of our chap- ter, and as you do not wish to be called //, yours will beT." J. Parks Caldwell, A, to Charles Rey- nolds, of O. W. U., May 3, 1856. " Hon. G. A. Parker accepts membership and writes us a very fine letter. He expects to be with us next summer, and says it will give him great pleasure to meet us. Eev. Mr. Richardson, of Hamilton, has received the vote of this chap- ter for honorary membership, with the expecta- tion that he will act as chaplain at our conven- tion." " Our chapter is in a most flourishing condi- tion. We have twelve members: five seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and three freshmen. The J A E's, the objects of our eternal hostility. GLEANINGS FROM OLD LETTERS. 211 have dwindled down to one wretched, solitary member. The $ A 9's number four seniors and one freshmen. The A J $'s have internal com- motions and "cuss" each other like the inhabi- tants of Pandemonium, notwithstanding their members in the faculty and their consequent high grades. The Ji 9 //'s are very friendly and have some splendid fellows. The K s, S months and 12 days. Harry Putney Brown was born in Genoa, Illinois, March 26, 1859, and passed his boyhood at his father's home adjoining the village of Genoa. After an elementary training in his native village, he attended the Kane County Academy at Elgin, Illinois, until the fall of 1878, when he came to Evanston and entered the pre- paratory department of the Northwestern Univer- sity. After a year's preparation he entered the freshman class of the University with the class of '83. His aptitude for mathematics determined his plan of study, and he decided upon the scien- tific course. During his freshman and sophomore years he showed great ability in scientific sub- jects, particularly in mathematics and chemistry. During the winter term of his sophomore year, his health not being good, he returned to his home, but again resumed his college work at the opening of the spring term. But his health did M XROLOGY. 235 not improve, and on April 29 he left college and Evanston, and, as it proved, never to return. During the following summer he grew very much worse, and, though he struggled hard to regain his health, and was never discouraged, the in- sidious disease slowly but surely took possession of his weakened frame, and he died, after an illness of seven months, December 9, 1881.. Bro. Brown was an enthusiastic member of Omega chapter and thoroughly devoted to the fraternity he so dearly loved. His efforts in be- half of the chapter are kindly remembered by those who sat with him around the mystic circle, and they never will forget the cheerful face, kind looks and ever-active interest in all fraternity work so characteristic of Bro. Harry Brown. * * * v. FREDERICK WILLIAM RANDOLPH. DIED MARCH n, 1882. .-/;/ 2* Vi'iT's, 6 months and 2 days. Frederick William Randolph was born in the city of Chicago, September 7, 1859, and died at Lake Benton, in south-western Minnesota, March ii, 1882. The subject of this sketch began his educa- tional course in the public schools of Evanslor, 236 HISTORY OF OMKGA. and continued his studies in the Northwestern University, where he entered with the class of 'Si. He subsequently passed two years at the Pennsylvania Military Academy, at Chester, in the hope of securing the increased physical de- velopment which he greatly needed. Returning in the autumn of 1879, to rejoin his class at the University, and at the same time enter its Law de- partment, he became associated, in the following spring, with the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and re- mained an active member till his death. The col- lege rules forbidding simultaneous membership in two departments prevented his taking a degree at the University, though his classmates recognized his merit as a student by awarding him their class-prophecy. From the law school he gradu- ated with credit, taking one of the prize orations. At a very early age he had developed a decided preference for the legal profession, for the suc- cessful prosecution of which he seemed peculi- arly endowed by nature. Impatient of delay in entering upon his anticipated life work, and hav- ing a strong desire that his future professional career should rest upon foundations constructed by his own unaided efforts, he preferred to inau- gurate that career single-handed and among strangers. Leaving his home at South Evanston to take up his residence and begin the practice of law at Lake Benton, Minnesota, he was, by the NECROLOGY. 237 laws of that state, required to pass an examina- tion before its Supreme Court, which the presid- ing judge pronounced the most satisfactory he had ever known. The people of Lake Benton shortly appointed him village attorney, and the ordi- nances which govern that now thriving city are his work. On the evening of March 10, he retired as usual to his sleeping room adjoining and connect- ing with his business office. Failing to appear at both the morning and the mid-day meals of the nth, search was instituted at his rooms, where he was found lying as in a peaceful slumber, but with the last evidence of life extinct. The cause was but too apparent. On retiring to his room he had filled the magazine of his office coal-stove; neglecting properly to close it, however, the escaping coal-gas had silently performed its deadly work, and, all unconscious and without a struggle, he had breathed his life away. Fred Randolph might have succeeded admi- rably as a caricaturist, for he had rare humor with a delicate artistic sense. He possessed the kind of talent that made Nast so famous, and from him his work once received a warm commendation. But he chose to concentrate all effort in one channel. He used to quote sometimes from Earl Granville, especially that grand old sentence be- ginning, "Man doth not yield himself unto the 238 HISTORY OF OMEGA. angels, nor even unto death, utterly, save through the weakness of his own feeble will." It was the expression of his own earnestness and intense belief in the reality of life. Hence, though he had that rare ability which promised success in almost any direction, he worked with fixity of purpose. Fred Randolph was a student, of course, when we boys of Sigma Chi first knew him. He came among us at a time when strong character and individuality leave their most ready impress; so we shall like him best as we knew him in those college days, when we admired his marked ability as a student and his keen humor was a power throughout the school. Neither is such a memory unjust, for the guild of student life has much in common with the world outside, and while it may not be appropriate to speculate upon the success he might have won, we may truly say that, as he had qualities of leadership, so we believed him fated for noble things. On the sunny slope at the north end of Rose Hill, a stone bears the simple story of his twen- ty-two years. It seems but the record of a life begun; and yet, to those who knew and loved him well the memory has more of tenderness because the sketch, wherein the cardinal lines were so strong and true, was never finished. NECROLOGY. 2 39 VI. JOHN S. HANCOCK. DIED JANUARY 20, 1883. Aged 32 years, 8 months and 23 days. John S. Hancock was born April 27, 1850, at Platteville, Grant county, Wis. His mother was of Swiss descent. His father, John T. Hancock, was an American, and was at the head of the large wholesale grocery firm of John T. Hancock & Son, at Dubuque, Iowa, which was established in 1856. When a boy, John attended the public schools of that city, and later the high school. In 1866 he went to Delaware, Ohio, and became a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University. He was in the classical course and remained there three years. In the spring of 1869 he came to Evanston, and entered the University in the class of '72. Bro. Collins, who had also been at Delaware and had come to Northwestern, was undoubtedly instrumental in bringing Bro. Hancock here. He was taken into the Omega chapter in July, 1869, His interest in Sigma Chi was always cordial and sincere, and his experiences in the fraternity were among_ the pleasantest in his college life. He did not re- 240 HISTORY OF OMEGA. main here very long. On January 6, 1870, he was married to Miss Dora A. Stark, and in 1871 he entered the grocery business with his father. His connection with this business was maintained up to the time of his death. Bro. Hancock possessed fine business talent, and he was ever alert to promote the interests and to maintain and increase the high reputation of his firm. It was on account of overwork in this capacity that a change of climate be- came necessary to him. He traveled through New Mexico, California and Montana. While in New Mexico he became interested in the cattle business, and he determined to make his home there, hoping to regain his health and also to build up a profitable business. He settled in Mora county, about fifty miles from Las Vegas, and, with his accustomed energy, entered upon the duties and work before him. In April, 1882, he removed his family to Las Vegas. He had four children, three girls and one boy. The youngest, a girl, died when about nineteen months old. On New Year's Day. 1883, while engaged in his new and flourishing business, he caught a severe cold. It assumed an acute form, and in a few days it was found necessary for him to go to California, and he started upon the arrival of his father. He was taken to Los Angeles, the NECROLOGY. 241 Spanish City of Angels, one of earth's paradises, whither the well, the sick and the aged make pil- grimages. Here he spent the few remaining short days of life, and then passed to the unseen realms above, the eternal paradise. The many of us who never knew Bro. Hancock, but have followed his exceptionally prosperous career, can with deep emotion join in the heart- felt sympathy of his classmates and friends over his untimely death. No better testimony can be given than that of his friends, and it is with pride and profound respect that we close this notice of our departed brother with the eloquent and just tribute of one of them published in a Dubuque paper soon after his death: " Here where Mr. Hancock has been known from early boyhood to the present, he was as thorough- ly admired among business men, for his rare and ripe excellencies as for his tender heart and purity of life by his family and intimate friends. He was an ambitious man; not selfishly for his own gratification, but that he might increase the sum of human worth in the world. His theory of life was that no one filled the purpose of his birth unless the world was made the better by his ex- istence; and in order to exemplify the full meas- ure of this idea he employed every faculty of his being with all the vigor and intensity of his en- thusiastic nature. While his intellect was ever 242 HISTORY OF OMEGA. alert with lofty grasping after the highest busi- ness prizes, his conscience and moral sensibilities maintained a constant guardianship over his whole life. To say that John S. Hancock bore the esteem of every one who knew him is a truth which no qualifying words can emphasize. Charity never besought him in vain. By his fire- side he was peculiarly tender and loving as hus- band and father, while his devotion to his dear old father and mother was a beautiful illustra- tion of filial affection. His friendships were frank, cordial and enduring. In public life he was the friend of every important enterprise, and many of the thoughts which have been most fruitful for Dubuque's advancement had birth in his active mind. His character was the sun of his life. High minded and noble, we doubt if one ever heard a vulgar or impure word escape his lips. He was an honor alike to his parents, his family, his friends, and to society. He leaves the best of all possessions the legacy of a pure life and an unsullied character to the young men of Dubuque. May they emulate his example." The mortal remains of Bro. Hancock were placed in Linwood cemetery, at Dubuque, Iowa, in the same family lot where those of his brother Fennimore, who died in 1872, were placed, and who was also a member of Omega. M-'X'ROI.OGY. 243 VII. EZRA BENEDICT PARRISH. DIED MAY 21, 1883. Aged 35 years, 6 months and 22 days. Ezra Benedict Parrish was born at Royalton, Berrien county, Mich., on October 29, 1847. His parents were of English descent. His father, Gould Parrish, is a farmer by profession and lives at Stevensville, Mich. Ezra had three sis- ters and two brothers. Aside from the ordinary schools, he attended the South Bend Univer- sity, where he prepared for college. In the fall of 1872 he came to Evanston, and entered the Preparatory department with the class of '77. It was at this time that he became identified with Sigma Chi, and was initiated into the Omega chapter, June 2, 1873. Brother Parrish expected to go through the University with his class, but adverse circumstances prevented him, as it did many others at that time, from pursuing his studies farther. He was with the active chapter a short time, and had only a few weeks of the delightful experiences in the fraternity work. On March 31, 1875, he was married at St. Joseph, Mich., to Miss Ella Whipple. This happy union was blessed with four children, two 244 HISTORY OF OMEGA. boys and two girls. The oldest child, a daugh- ter, died in 1879. After his marriage Bro. Parrish, with his young bride, went to Iowa. There they taught in the country schools together for one year. While engaged in this work he was licensed to preach by the M. E. Church. The following year he became principal of the schools at Hastings, Iowa. He remained there two years. Finding a good opening at Malvern, Iowa, he moved his family and served as princi- pal of the schools there as long as his health per- mitted. His success as a teacher was especially noted, and he was sincerely respected and loved by all his pupils. He was earnest and conscien- tious in his work, and was always ready as a loyal citizen to do his part in promoting every good cause. During the winter of 1879 he as- sumed the editorship of the Malvern Leader, and soon thereafter he consolidated it with the Re- publican. The last of September, 1881, he gave up his editorial work, took his family to Iowa City and entered the law class of the State Uni- versity. He worked hard for one year, not heeding the great strain on his mind and body, and completed his course. He graduated June 20, 1882. While at that University he compiled, as class editor, the statistics of his class. There were 139 members of the class, and the document he published is a very creditable one indeed. \ii ROUH;Y. 245 Returning to Malvern, he entered into partner- ship with Hon. W. S. Lewis for the practice of law. He was soon elected mayor of that city, and served in that office until his departure for Dakota. Feeling that his health was failing, he decided to go farther west, hoping to receive some benefit from the change of climate. Hav- ing secured a homestead in Douglas county, Dak., he, in company with his brother James, left Malvern in the spring of 1883 with two teams and wagons. They were two weeks on the road. The labor of preparing a house for his family now commenced. There were many trials and discomforts, but through all he seemed hopeful. The climate, however, did not bring the relief expected, and each day he grew more weak. The little house was finished and the family soon joined him. Bro. Parrish had for many years been suffering from dyspepsia. He died very suddenly, and it is believed from congestion of the bowels. On Saturday he had ridden sixteen miles, and on Monday following his spirit had departed. He was laid at rest on his claim in Dakota. He leaves a widow and three small children, the oldest being not quite five years of age. Mrs. Parrish is now living at; Stevensville, Mich. Bro. Parrish united with the Methodist church February 22, 1857, being ten years old. During 246 HISTORY OF OMEGA. his life he was a faithful follower of the cross. His work for the Master was always sincere and effective, many times exerting himself beyond his strength. He was a republican, and, when prohibition assumed a prominent part in Iowa politics, he lent his efforts to the cause, and put his whole soul into it. In June, 1882, he deliv- ered a temperance lecture, in which he favored the adoption of the prohibitory amendment to the constitution in strong and forcible terms. He had a good command of language, and was considered a fine orator. As a temperance lec- turer he \vas not excelled in southwest Iowa. In all his life-work Bro. Parrish was a faithful, con- scientious man, striving to do right and helping those who were in need. He was kind and lov- ing in his family, and was a devoted husband and father. His work is finished, but the record of it is a glory to his family, his friends, and the Sigma Chi Fraternity. VIII. FRANK EDWARD HESLER. DIED JANUARY i, 1884. Aged 32 years, S months and 28 days. Frank Hesler was one of those people of whom it seems impossible to think as dead. Always full of life and spirit, ever the center of whatever NECROLOGY. 247 activity there was about him, one cannot imagine him silenced and resting forever from life's busy turmoil. He was born on the third day of April, 1851, at Galena, 111., being the eldest -;f eight children. His father, Alexander Hesler, was a photographer, and one of the oldest and best in Chicago. There is a curious little incident connected with his early years that is worth repeating. His father visited the falls of St. Anthony, in May, 1851, when a little hamlet was all that foreshadowed the com- ing metropolis on its banks, taking with him Frank, then a very little child. One day as they were looking up at the tumbling, rushing waters, Mr. Hesler, moved by an irresistible impulse, lifted the little fellow up under the beautiful spray, giving him a baptism in one of nature's grandest fonts. He little dreamed that beside this spot would spring up the city of Minneapolis, the great wonder of the Northwest, and that it would be the home of his son's future bride. While on this same visit Mr. Hesler took a daguerreotype view of the Falls of Minnehaha. From this picture Longfellow gained his idea of that beautiful sheet of falling water, which he soon after immortalized in the song of "Hia- watha." In the course of time the Hesler family came to live in Evanston. Frank commenced his stud- 248 HISTORY OF OMEGA. ies in the Preparatory department of the North- western University, and afterward entered the University in the classical course. A civil en- gineering course of study being afterward estab- lished, he was the first to register in it. In 1869, while in college, he became a member of Sigma Chi, and into Omega chapter he put his whole soul and enthusiasm. Frank was one of the most active in having the chapter reorganized in 1872. Although engaged in business, he found plenty of time to devote to the fraternity. The chapter did not have a suitable hall, and through his generosity the meetings of the fraternity were held in his father's art gallery. He in- vented new modes of initiation, putting all his ingenuity into exercise. He fired the whole chapter with his zeal and energy, and to the last day of his life he loved Sigma Chi with an af- fection that is rare in a man who has been out of college for many years. When the hand of disease was upon him, and the end not far off, he attended the annual banquet of Omega, at the Union League Club, and, throwing off the sadness that suffering had cast over him, spoke to the boys, with a return of his old fire and enthusiasm, words that they will not soon forget. When the time of our great Chicago fire came Frank was obliged to leave college with his M ( ROLOGY. 249 course of study uncompleted. During 1872 he was with the Chicago, Burlington and Ouincy Railroad, doing practical work as a civil engineer. Leaving this position, he wrote for a time in the County Clerk's Office in Chicago. Later, his father established his photograph gallery in Evanston, and Frank became associated with him in business. In the summer of 1873 he visited his old college chum Frank M. Elliot, in Minneapolis. While on this visit he had an opportunity of doing some journalistic work, which was always very congenial to him. He was connected at different times with the St. Paul Dispatch, the Minneapolis Erening Journal, the Pioneer Press and the A r eu< York Tribune, for which latter paper he reported the Guiteau trial. Finding Minneapolis a very delightful place, he soon became identified with the young people there. On December 15, 1874, he made his ties to the city still more binding by marrying Miss Ada V. Reid, the only daughter of Hon. A. M. Reid, a prominent and influential citizen. In the winter of 1874 a play, called the "Color Guard," was given at the Academy of Music, for the benefit of the G. A. R. Post, of Minneapolis. Frank Hesler took the leading part in this play, and covered himself with glory. The original intention had been to give only one performance, but its success was so great that it was repeated 250 HISTORY OF OMEGA. several nights. He was such a fine actor that he- was often urged to go upon the regular stage, where, no doubt, his talent would have made him a fortune. After his marriage he engaged in the drug business, and afterward in milling. From his early youth he had the desire to be a lawyer, feeling within him the powers for success in that profession. But not until 1881 did he see the way clear to carry out a course of legal study, which he had begun in private at home. He ac- cepted a position in the Fifth Auditor's Depart- ment at Washington, and took up the studies in the Columbian Law School, attending lectures morning and evening. His health becoming im- paired, he went West in September, 1883, to join the officers of the Canadian Pacific Railway in a trip over their road, sending back racy newspaper reports, as was his custom in all his travels. On his return from this journey his friends saw that the sadness and feebleness which had lately been noticed in him had increased, and soon there was no doubt that he was a victim of the terrible Bright's disease. Everything that could be done to save him was tried southern air, tender nursing, and the best of medical aid were given, but to no avail. At his Evanston home, as the new year of 1884 came in, he gently passed out of this life with a quiet resignation and trust that XKCKOI.OC.V. 251 were a blessing to those who were left behind. Me suffered greatly during his illness. Dr. Noyes very beautifully expressed the idea in his funeral remarks, that, however we might wonder why a young man should be taken off in the very prime of his life, we could not doubt that, as he had gone to a home where he would have no more suffering, but joy forever, the change was right and good for him. After the last services were over, his body was borne to the cars by his Sigma Chi brothers M. C. Bragdon, E. H. Web- ster, F. D. Raymond, and F. M. Elliot. He was interred in the family burying lot at Racine, \Vis. Mrs. Hesler received the following letter from Washington soon after his death: TREASURY DEPARTMENT, FIFTH j) AUDITOR'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D. C., January 5, 1884. ) MRS. F. E. HESLER My Dear Madam I cannot tell you how sad we have been made this morning by the announcement of your husband's death. It came so suddenly that it has shocked the whole office. I need not tell you that your husband was a great favorite with us his fund of humor, his genial manners, his close attention to busi- ness, and his readiness to help everybody, made him very dear to us all, and our hearts go 252 HISTORY OF CM KG A. out to you in this dark hour of bereavement But we are happy in the thought that you are not without support while traversing this valley darkened by the shadow of death. Aside from your faith in God, who never fails to sustain his children in times of trouble and sorrow, the memory of your husband's noble qualities will be of great comfort to you. He was associated with us less than two years, and yet I can say, without hesitation, that we who knew him best loved him, while all thoroughly respected him. As a slight token of our respect, the desk and chair which Frank occupied have been draped, and kind friends added a broken wreath of beau- tiful flowers, which will be forwarded to you by express. Around these evidences of our high regard the ladies and gentlemen of the office gathered at an early hour this afternoon, and in a formal man- ner requested that I extend their sympathy to the wife and family of their dead friend. As a further mark of respect, the office was closed for the remainder of the day. Sincerely your friend, D. S. ALEXANDER. The Evening Journal at Minneapolis, in an editorial, spoke of Bro. Hesler in these kind words: "The death of Frank E. Hesler, which NECROLOGY. 253 occurred on New Year's day, at the home of his father in Evanston, 111., will carry grief to the hearts of numerous friends in Minneapolis. Mr. Hesler was a young man of brilliant, natural gifts and kindly impulses. He was universally popular. We do not think he had an enemy in the world. At the time he was stricken down with the dread disease that carried him off, his life appeared full of happy promise. The Journal extends to the bereaved widow, parents, and other relatives and friends, its heartfelt sympathy in their affliction." Resolutions appropriate to the occasion were passed and recorded by Omega Chapter, and also by Khurum Lodge, No. 112, A. F. and A. M., at Minneapolis. To those who knew him, it will be impossible to say enough concerning his good qualities ; to those who have never seen him, it is impossible to give an idea of his kindly, manly, Christian character. He loved fun, and kept everyone about him in a happy frame of mind. He was unusually talented, and had unlimited resources within himself. Those who were with him in his college days will always look back with pleas- ure to the times when he was constantly evolving some new entertainment, for their benefit, from his fertile brain. His home was the scene of some of the most delightful gatherings the young 254 HISTORY OF OMEGA. people of those days ever knew. He was a won- derful mimic, and in the little theater which he improvised in his father's attic were given some bits of acting that would have done credit to any performer on a larger stage. Whatever he was doing he entered into with his whole might be it the planning of an initiation, the surveying of a railroad, or the editing of a paper, and those fortunate ones who were blessed with his friend- ship found that he was as hearty in that as in everything else. When quite young he became a member of the Presbyterian Church at Evanston, and through- out life he strove to be consistent with his Christian faith and his early professions. CHAPTER XXVI. LIST OF MEMBERS. THE address and occupation is given on the latest information known to us. The brothers are requested to send to the editor any correction of errors in this list, and report any change of address or occupation at any future time. 256 HISTORY OF OMEGA. Address. o S t/5 do do Ravenswood, 111. 118 Fifth Avenue, Chicago. 1415 Washington Ave., St. 5 rt O IS . o . Evanston, 111. . ! Pueblo, Col. Aberdeen, D. T. Melbourne, Australia. . Des Moines, Iowa. .1 550 Dearborn Ave., Chicago. Evanston, 111. \ do - . County Building, Chicago. V a o a 3 1 : bio - 11 Q*s u V V S U c = . . Wholesale Grocer. . . Lawyer . . Died May 21, 1870 . Lawyer Died Dec. 8, i88r.. . . Physician . . Student . Circuit Judge a OJ tac 18 S<5 : i^C -:::::: rK .J O 3* <<< u $ ffi ?<0 '*- C u Q. >' J3^ U Ot ;** ; - 1 : H| iJciJ 1 . D 2 K t^tO | 1 1 O 1 x '- ?. * * : = in :''.:::::: NAME. Andrews, Edward Wyl Andrews, Frank Taylor Anderson, Martin Luth Appleton, Alanson Stev Baker, Holland William Beal, Ellery Herbert... Bigelow, James Charles Booth, William Morris. Bragdon, Merritt Caldw i|i ; ^^ JdHlsElJ* i^-1'- rt^sogbou'as Cooper, Henry Allen... LIST OF MEMBERS. 257 ~ . ~ ~ =3 ." 3 & afij ^ j ' ' ' . w f : = :s 03 ^ xi 2, :QSScn^O o : . '2 I \ r-, G i Q 00 0000 0000 00 00 t^ f OVO N C r^do t^ X r~ r- X v_ a t- X 1 r^ r2 I :| : ; : 1 ! if l^ e : : -g ! ! ! !S i i i Hamline. John Henry Hancock, Fennimore, Hancock, John S Hesler, Frank Edward Harrison, Edwin John Haskin Walter E sT- ^ Si ^ X c !'IS?^i1 Ilgenfritz, Charles Alv Jessup, Robert Basil Knappen, Frank Edwa Kampf, Frederick B. Knox, William M Kline, Lee . u >' ^: C i/ J r/. o u a J C ^ JB O <, 'S LIST OF MEMBERS. 259 o . O rt = <" ff a o ^ So 3 U s = g u r U rt j; ^ iTribune Building, Chicago. [ Oskosh, Wis. Dwight, 111. Rock Island, 111, t VEvanston, 111. ^ - Moawequa, Shelby Co., 111. 120 Fifth Ave., Chicago. 1128 S. E. Fourth St., Minne- anolis. Minn. ! .n ...':::: fc* 2 :::::.: :s| u : : :^K*'S ' . M o w ^rt . . ... 1 i fe itfi! fei ; ||i g^l^ fc ! fe.2lS J = sUv fc-Qw uceo Died March n [ Minister ij*iN i; ;H^ sS'S^i^log : S3 ||!ll|r| ;| ;Jl Physician. . ijournalist . Lawyer. .. Student do .... :2 ~"~ ~'~ : i^r :S' -^Y~~ ' 'S jed : : : : : : : : S 'j ! : er ca :C J^*S Qc/i : x : :BQ ':::< < J-< ^r : : :. iJr t^ r^co c^ t^oo r^ i-^ i^. g r~ r. oo oo R 0000 00 00 g 1 I"XT "S^^ 00 00 5 Jg 00 S ; 01 - . . . u 00 ^ O b Jf rt " -j *j A X w > ' ' r.' a 4j o .; " S .E - M- 12 ^ > .J S" S~ "1 ' i '-> ~ ' ' '-J f\ r* C C Q t? r- Q. W 35 1 a o o X X fe, fcOXCO : 'b. U ^ . X ^U t/5 b u< < y.z If 'C coco t>. r^oo P- t*.oo r^. t-*oo t-* w r^ f> vc N 0000 00 0000 W do i^ 0000 2: . u j c .* : :ii bo ^ ^ i & >\ c ~ o U J t "o -c ^ c ^ 3 : .y : : i o * s >S rt : E | "iT ^r^rtT ^ Qa -^ J3 .0 . . *" U i> **^ ^ J Ift D Ej ^ T3 ^^ ^ i; t ^ f ^ c^ J | S ^ .^ .2 rt V 1 ^ .2! < ^^ h II 3- y- P r" c c ^^ c ^j cj ^-i ^ t '"" * ~ p C U3 f LJ W J^ TI rt rr; O -S : vi b-a O'BJ'Q & c ' s -n & 1 X * o ? M T3 ^.c . ' y u "** - "^ ^ H-!:rtH j=crjS : __ Outrt U : CC : : :< Q 3 r^. tx F*cb od - ) OO CO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO 00 CO 00 : * > ^-p* ^ w rt ^ QL *?.S r M ^ CU M > 60 60 r - B : : : S = ^"Htx " ,. 'C'CQ u -~- [t, i. T2 Crist, . I.. 1 iai, 119 Coleman, L. C tm, ii'.i Cahlwell, .). Parks 210 Delta Delta Chapter 18 Defunct Chapters 18 Dixon, Henry St. John 18 Delta Kappa Kpsilon 13 Depanw I'nivcrMty 15 Dickinson College 15 Dennison University 15 Drake, C.T 72, 15 1 Draper, C. L 83 Davis,N.S.,Jr.,81, Ui7, l:!5, 137, 138. Donelson, D. P 84, 107, 137 Deering, Jas. E. . .87, 141, 159, 177 Dale.J. Frank 87 Douthart, S. P 92, 152 261 262 INDEX. Demorest, W. L. .96, 105, 136, 139 De Groff, K. V., 109, 111, 112, 139, 202. Delta Chapter 18 Delta Upsilon 155 Dennis, W. J 214 Kvanstn 21 Evans, Gov. John 22 Erskiue College Early, A. I)., 41, 48, 72, 74, 93. 94, 95, 120, 140, 174, 232. Etnyre, O. D Elliot, Fran k M., 41, 93, 95, 1 15 120, 131, 132, 134, 141, 146, 159, 176, 249, 251. Evans, W. G., 42, 93, 94, 95, 136 141, 174, 176. Elliot, E. K : Eddy, H.C Elliot, Mrs Elliot Prize 119, Elraore, Eltinge 136, 140, Early, F. A 42, Epsilon, Epsilon Chapter Epsilon Chapter Fisher, W. L 19, 129, 207 Fowler, Rev. Charles H., 24, 55, 78, 175. Frank, Henry. .82, 83, 134, 140, 141 Foulkes, C. A 88, 107, 137 Fratres Caros Sal u to, a song:. 104 Fraternity Influence 156-158 Fosdick, W. W 2<3 Garrett Biblical Institute. 26, 27 Gillett, M. M 42. 71, 95, 141 Gymnasium, Building a., 87, 94, 174-181 Gamma, Chapter 14, 20 Gleanings from Old Letters 210-215. Hillsdale College 17 Hanover College 15 Howard College 16 Hampden-Sidney College 16 Hosier's Gallery.. . . 34, 39, 40 Hosier, Frank E., 38. 40; Last Speech, 118, 246-254 Hamline, J. H., 48, 83, 115, 133, 138, 139, 146, 149. 159, 167, 174 Harris, W. H., 80, 96, 98, 101, 105, 135, 136. 13S 141. 147, 170 Humphrey, K. M 83, 229-234 Harris, Frank M. 83, 133, 141, 167 Hilton, T. B., Jr. 88, 134, 136, 139, 140, 150, 166 Hosier, F. A 106,107 Hamline, Mrs. 118 Hamilton, Gov. J. M.... 124, 207 Harrison, E. J., 44, 133, 136, 146, 151 Haskin, W. E 38,40 Haven, Rev. E. O 24, 145 Hancock, Fennimore E., 220, 226-229, 242 Hancock. John S.. . . 227, 239-'-'42 Hamilton, W. A 230 Illinois Wesleyan University, 17, 113, 118, 172 Indiana State University.. . . 15 Illinois State University 16 Ilgcnlntz, C. A 41,83 Iota Iota Chapter IK Iota Chapter 18 Index, The 153, 154 Intercollegiate Literary As- sociation of New York, 164- 172 Jefferson College 15 Jessnp, H. B 88, 107, 137, 142 Jordan, Hon. Isaac M., 205, 208, 210 Kappa Kappa, Chapter 18,129,131 Kappa Phi Lambda 31 Kenyon College 63 Knappen, F. E. 73, 93, 95, 134, 136, 138, 139, 140, 202 ; as a Warbler, 83-8i; His Story, Kampf, F. B 109 Knox, W. M 133, 138, 141, 146 King Kalakua 152 Krantz, John, Jr 177 Kent, Linden 204 Lunt, Gco. 31, 102, 123, 133, 138, 146, 151, 174, 177, 180. Langworthy, A. D. 31, 136, 137,151,224. Lairrange i ollege 14, 214 Lafayette College 15 Lambert, I. E 41, si. 139 Lipps, John E 87, 107, 180 Lathrop, Harry 113 Lambda Chapter 202, 203 INDEX. 263 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 17 Maine University 13 Mississippi Colleg-e 16 Monmouth College 16, 172 McWilliams, E 84 Me Williams, .las. W 85, ss Mathew, \V. S. 88, 134, 1U6, 137, 13, 139, 140, 14, 150, 16u, Itis, 173, 174, 177. Moss, E. S 94 Martin, .1 . Karl< 95 Marcy, Dr. Oliver 24, 109 Men-irk, (ieo. P., 110, IK, 115, llii, 12(1, 125, 132, !*->, 139, 142. 147, 2(12. Martin, \V. L i;o Muir, Geo. W isn Memento Mori a poem 216 Northwestern University, 21- 27; 15, 51, 55, 57, ~S : Presi- dents, 24: Buildings, 25; Con- dition of, UKi, Kill; Property. 2(1: Departments, _:); Future of, 158; Represented in tin- Inter - Collegiate Literary Association, 1C>5-172. Northwestern, The 101 Northwestern Alumni Asso- ciation 120 Northwestern, The District Convention l;.'s -!:;.' Norris, Jas. B 83, 137, 13S, 141 Nu Chapter 18 Necrology 217-254 Omega, located, 21 ; Poem, 2S; Origin, 3u ; Bowling Alley, 87. ITS, 179; Chatter Members81;ChapterHouse 113, 159, Itil ; Early Events, 30-37; Total Membership of, 154; Reorganized, 38-4H; Banquet of '75, 44 ; iSlcigh- rides, 47-50 ; Four College Years, 1874-1878, 82-103 ; History of IS'.S-lsT'.i. 105- 107; History of 1879-1884, 108-121; Entertain Four- teenth Biennial Conven- tion, 122-127. Ohio Wealeyan University. 14, 288 Ohio State University 16 Owen, Charles 106, 107 Phi Kappa Psi 30, 37, 154 1'hi (lamina Delta :i. ::;. .V, Paul C. R., 81, 82, 87, 88,40,188, 13i, Us, 14 Springer, Rnter \v n; Shuman, Edwin L., 119, 131. l:$5. 208 Sigma Chapter 18 Spade and Serpent Society, 149, 150 264 INDEX. Scott, F. H 168 Scobey, Frank H 211, 213 Taylor, F. M., 82,87,88,133, 137, 138, 139, 140, 146, 150, 166, 168, 169, 174, 176, 177, 178 Tripod, The 98, 101, 175 Triumvirs, The 102 Tunnicliff, G. D 109 Theta Chapter 129. 132 Theta Theta Chapter 18 Tucker, Thos. E 214 University of Iowa 17 Nebraska 17 Wisconsin.. 17, 119 Kansas 17 Texas 17 Louisiana 17 Mississippi 14 Nashville 14 Virginia 15 Unive - sity at Lewisburg .... 15 University of Georgia 15 Michigan 16, 18 Pennsylvania.. 16 Alabama 16 Cincinnati 16 Upsilon Chapter 118 Virginia Military Institute.. 17 Vidette, The 101 Velvet Tops, The 152 Wightman, C. A., 20, lid, 118, 135, 139, 142. Wakeman, Edgar L 32, Washington College Washington and Lee Univer- sity Wooster University Wabash College Wheeler, C. P., 41, 79, 88, 134, 150, 167, 232. Webster, E. H S3, Watson, Sidney Winslow, F. C 44. 136. Wicks, H. S 136. Whipple, J. A. .7 60, 150, Warrington, T. C 60, Wooglin and his Dorg Whale, The Wood, Wallace XI. Chapter 32, 129, 132, 2t 2 Yaple, George L., 120, 121, 136, 137, 140. ERRATA. E. L. Wakeman, of Lambda Chapter, at, Bloomington, Indiana . . 32 Prize 1874. Should be Kauf- man in place of Arnold . . . 14i> T. M. Warrington 149