The Wi ALPHA'S NEWSLETTER Washington, Penna., April, 1931 Vol. XX. No. 3 STUDENT BODY REVOLTS minor detail in the petition, and the non After listening attentively to an address made by the guest speaker, AV. R. Farmer, of the Western Theological Seminary, the student body of Washington and Jefferson College marched out of chapel Wednesday morning, March 18th. and untrue. The students of the college have a genuine grievance, and it is their desire that a satisfactory conclusion will sense on the manner of dress was childish The strike came as a protest against the be reached. JUNIOR PROM TO BE HELD APRIL 24 administration of Dr. Simon Strousse Baker Joe Haymes and his fi fteen Missourians will provide the music for the Junior Prom in the ballroom of the George Washington Hotel, on Friday night, April 24. Dancing will begin at 9 o'clock and will continue as president of the institution. It was claim ed tliat "autocratic" dealings with students, student activities and the faculty members made such a move necessary. Fol'owing tlie action of the students, classes were not resumed until Friday morning when over seventy-five per cent of the student body made their appearance in classes. It was a voluntary return on the part of the under graduates, and its object was to prove to the public that no hoiiday was desired, great but that the students were serious in their success objections to a continuance of Dr. Baker's regime. A petition protesting against Dr. Baker's continuance as itresident was circulated the evening previous to the strike, and was signed by approximately 350 of the 412 vocal work of the Personality Boys, a unit of Mr. Haymes' band which formerly was a part of the nationally popular Ted Weems Orchestra. These Personality Boys, the three McMichael Brothers, will come to AA'^ashington with Mr. Haymes and will be an added students enrol'ed. Later the petition was formally revised and submitted to the Board of Trustees who met in Pittsburgh, Wednes, day, March 25th. until 1. This orchestra for the past several months has been a popular daily broadcast feature by radio station WLAV from the Florentine room of the Hotel Gibson in Cincinnati. measure in of the Cincinnati dance is A organization's attributed to the attraction at the Prom. Judge James I. Brownson, president of the Board, appointed Marcus W. Acheson, With the arrival of the dance favors early this week and the sale of them in fraternity houses, the Prom committee is rapidly com pleting plans for the dance, the biggest an nual social event on the AA'^ashington and Jr., W. A. H. Mcllvaine, W. H. Davis, Lee Jefferson calendar. i D. Hemingway and John McCartney Ken Alpha Chapter cordially invites all or any nedy as members of the investigatng com of the a'umni to return for the Prom. mittee. It was assured to both the faculty and the students that whatever evidence has been customary in the past, the Fijis are to hold a house party, the guests arriv ing on Friday afternoon and vacating the house on the following Sunday. On Satur day night the lights will be dinimed at the Uniontown Country Club while we hold they might produce against Dr. Baker would in no way jeopardize the standing of that member of the faculty or student body who presented the charge. The committee above named is now thoroughly investigating the situation, and it is sincerely hoped that the ^vuth will out. It was quite unfortunate that such pub licity had to be given to the affair, and that the newspapers printed so many arti■^es that were in no way authentic. The athletic program of the college was a very . 1 As forth with our usual informal dinner and dance. An orchestra from Uniontown has been secured for this occasion and accord ing to reports we are assured an interesting evening. A.ny alumni who wish to attend will kindly notify the social committee, chairnianed by Bro. Tomlin, immediately. \r\nyou spent in school. The Wiji Fiji The Pig Dinner was almost a failure due to the lack of interest Published four times during the school year by Alpha Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, at Washington and Jefferson College. on the part of the alumni, and it is hard to believe that after leaving college one will Editor domestic affairs that they cannot give one day a year to the fraternity that aided greatly in their success. This is the last issue of the Wiji Fiji in become R. L. STEENROD '31 Assistants W. B. BEESON "32 absorbed with business and which the present senior class will be in DAVID H. ANDERSON '33 any way connected. Det us again entreat you to enliven yourselves with the spirit of the fraternity, to return more often, and to send whatever aid that is within your power for the betterment of Alpha of Phi CARD R. JOHNSON '33 A SENIOR'S LAMENT Four short years ago the present senior class of Alpha Chapter entered Washington and Jefferson College filled with childish illusions and the desire to succeeed. so Gamma Delta. R. D. S. For tunately we were pledged to THE fraternity on the campus, and it is with the deepest misgivings that we graduate this spring. We have watched Alpha grow, and have given our mightiest efforts that she might rank among the leading fraternities on the campus. In many ways we are satisfied, and yet we, the students, cannot do every thing. It is for the alumni to at least give us their moral support, and if possible help us materially and financially. Alpha is most fortunate in having a few brothers in INITIATION On Saturday, March 14, Alpha took into her folds fourteen men whom we consider to be some of the outstanding men of the freshman class at Washington and Jeffer son. Those initiated were: Dick Dalrymple, Bill Abbott, Null Lawrence, Bob Wilson, Bob Dittle, E'mer Reed, Joe Dunbar, Jim Murphy, Chuck Walters, Bobo Baxter, Jim Hunter, Ed Smith, and Aussie Feucht- wanger. For the first time in the history of the present classes every man in the house is initiated. who are in constant touch Under the able supervision of the sopho mores, Hell Week was run off with nothing left undone. Initiation was exceptionally with the fraternity, and without whom we would be lost. They have given their time, of the officers and the care with which every Washington money and advice for the betterment of the oldest chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, and we sincerely are indebted to them, and yet they represent a very minor part Of what should noteworthy on account of the hard work thing was handled. For the fourteen ini tiates it was an occasion which they will not forget. Immediate'y after the initiation the Pig Dinner was held. The initiates, actives, and some fifteen alumni who returned for be our active alumni. Pledging cannot be carried on with suc cess without the support of the alumni brothers, and in that respect there is a decided and disappointing amount of co operation. Dong ago a movement for a new house was begun but that has seemingly the occasion enjoyed the whole affair very much. Speeches were short, pig was plentiful, and the songs were snappy, but the dinner especially was dulled by the lack of alumni. No doubt the large number that came back for last year's festival made us notice how small the crowd was this year. disappeared. Alumni do not return to the house, as we would like to have them. In many ways it seems that you are all dead on your feet as far as the fraternity Brother Potter, '94, acted as toastmaster for the evening. We deeply regretted that Brother Dom, '96, con'd not be with us. He is one of our habitna! returners, but this is concerned. For goodness sake come back to college once in a while, forget your illness. Brother Potter ably handled the situation and we are deeply indebted to age and live over again the four years that him. year he could not rc-is back on account of [2] \r\nSPRING GRID If the introductory appearance of the Wag-Jag is a success, the staff proposes to publish six issues next year. Only one issue will be published this year. WTiitehead solicits from the student body any PRACTICES POINT TO GOOD TEAM Despite the loss of nine valuable perform ers from the 1930 eleven, prospects for a top-notch Wash-Jeff football team next fall are exceedingly bright. The addition of several promising men from the freshman team has gladdened the hearts of Bill Amos and Pete Henry. The boys are working out daily at College Field, learning the fundamental points of next season's plans. contributions of humor or humorous art. The magazine will be a twenty-four page edition, similar to most college magazines and will be as close a modern replica of the old Wag-Jag as the staff can make it. The magazine has not been published since June, 1921. Duiing its former ex istence the Wag-Jag was one of the most popular humor editions of any college in No scrimmages will be held until probably the last week of training so tliat the attend ance may be maintained throughout the training grind. The bi.g gaps to be filled are found at the tackles and guards. With l.evine, Lipman and Pollack fi nished with their tackle posts, the Prexy mentors will have to choose an America. The new staff is headed by Whitehead. The business manager is Brother P. H. Tomlin, and the art editor is Brother R. A. May. effective combination from one or two hold overs and several freshmen. The guard position presents the same problem, with Cochrane. Menegas and Newby gone. The guard and tackle posts will be filled from the following group, most of them rangy, heavy boys: Kelly, Seyen.ga, Demas. Heck. Fife, Rhodes, Melenyzer, Bubenheim, Dalryinple, Goutoutas, Massock, Armstrong and FOUNDERS DAY On Friday, May 1, the committee in charge has promised us an exceptionally fine F"ounders Day celebration. The events this year ttill be held at the Wildwood Country Chib with an inviting program in store for those who choose to go. The day starts ttith golf in the afternoon and continues through the banquet that night. It has been promised that no speak Wheil. There is little worry about center, as the capable Pat Rigney is available. He has two good understudies in Beaton and ers will be heard but that a floor show has been arranged to take their place. The assessment will be $4.50 and all brothers wanting first class entertainment for the evening will attend. Kistler. Two veteran ends, McNeil and Johnson, will likely start the season, with several other boys pushing them hard for the as signments. The terminal prospects include Barkell. Updegraff, Miko, Headley, Bob Fife and SENIORS IN Gardner. Amos and Henry have so many back field men on hand it will be difficult for them to choose a quartet next season. Stew Wilson W|iT probably make a name for himself at fullback with his punting, passing and ball- toting next fall. How the rest of the back field will shape up is a problem to be left unsolved until the campaign is almost under way. Just look at this bunch of balltoters and see how many effective combina tions are available: Quarterbacks—Butler, Port, Shaffer and Lieber; fullbacks—Kais er, Deac'e and Demedowitz; halfbacks— Armstrong, Zagray, Rometo, Furjanic. Cook, Pirrung, Rosso, Way, Flart and Pierson. UNIQUE COSTUME A number of grave and reverend seniors have been seen on the campus wearing pure white overalls, and a white jacket with a red "W. & J." over the breast pocket. These are tlie much discussed "beer suits" which the seniors will wear this year in order to distinguish themselves from the humble juniors. Already thirty-four of the senior class have purchased these suits and are proudly displaying them on the campus. The committee on senior class suits expects to send another order in soon and have the rest of the class in fuR dress before long. The "beer suit" is an institution at Prince ton, Penn State and other well known schools, and the senior class hopes to in NEW WAG-JAG SCHEDULED TO APPEAR MAY 15 itiate the custom into Washington and Jef ferson College, which has always had some sort of distinguishing article of dress for The first issue of the Wag-.Iag, recently revived Washington and Jefferson College humor magazine, will probably appear on the seniors. High silk hats and canes, the campus May 15, Editor J. F. AVhitehead derbies, white felt hats, all sorts of raiment have adorned the seniors heretofore. Now it is the "beer suit", which has met with announces. popular approval. [3 J y .1 \r\nmanager of the company and vice president since March 20, 1918. He is also a director in several other public utility companies. FREDERICK H. HILL, CLASS OF 1900, HONORED Frederic H. Hill, vice president and gen eral manager of the Elmira Water, Light and Railroad Company, was elected presi dent at a meeting of the board of directors Thursday, January 16, to succeeed the late E. G. Connette. In addition to his local duties, Bro. Hill is general manager of the Southwestern New York group of the Associated Gas and Electric System. Bro. Hill is president of the Wisner Park Corporation, owners of the Mark Twain Hotel, and treasurer of the Elmira Hotel Operating Corp., which operates the hotel. Bro. Hill was one of those largely respon sible for the success of this community en terprise. He is a former president of the board of trustees of the Y. W. C. A. and a trustee and former director of the Y. M. C. A. He is a trustee of the Lake Street Presbyterian Church, a director of the Children's Recon struction Home, and prominent in local Masonic organizations. Bro. Hill has for many years taken a leading part in the work of the Association of Commerce. He served as president one year, and as chairman of the industrial committee for several years. Bro. Hill had a large part in the securing for Elmira the Morrison Machine Products REV. MacGOWAN TO SPEAK SENIOR DAY Dr. Robert MacGowan, popular pastor of the Bellefield Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg and for many years Senior Day speaker at Washington and Jefferson, has accepted the offer to appear again this year. Thursday, May 21, is the date for Senior Day. ilie class presidents have not as yet chosen the speakers to represent their re spective groups. Senior Day marks the opening of commencement activities and is always received with much enthusiasm. The Washington County Alumni Associa tion is working diligently to make the entire commencement program as attractive as possible. Dr. and Mrs. Baker are holding an alumni reception this year on Monday, June 8, in the lobby of Old Main. Class reunions are held on that day and many alumni will be present to join in the happy reminiscences. Dr. Baker states that the local alumni may hold an informal dance in the gymna sium following the reception. The reju venated building offers an attractive spot for the occasion, and should prove popular with students and alumni. iCompany and the Key Bolt Appliance Co., two of Elmira's prospering industries. He is vice president of these companies. He is the president of the Elmira Airport Corporation; director of the Chemung Canal Trust Co.; director and vice president of the Latta Brook Sand & Gravel Corp. He is a National Councilor on the United States Chamber of Commerce, and director of the Elmira Community Chest. ALPHA NAMES NEW OFFICERS Last week Alpha installed its new execu tive committee for the remainder of this semester and the first part of the ensuing year. Brother Beeson was elected to the office of president, filling Bro. Dom's chair. For several years Bro. Hill has taken active interest in the affairs of the com Bro, Riddle became the new treasurer, and Will succeed Bro. Campbell, who has so ably managed the financial affairs of the fra ternity for the past year. Bro. Moorehead was chosen as recording secretary. He fol munity. He is a leader in civic activities lows and organizations, as well as in several of the leading Elmira industries. The Community Service, Inc., since its establishment in Elmira, has claimed much of Bro. Hill's attention and he is an active member of the board of directors. He also was active in various campaigns during the Sheets were elected to the positions of cor- ! past several years, serving as chairman in the drive for the Y. W. C. A. and the Salva tion Army, as well as a division leader in others. He has worked for the Y. M. C. A., the Amot-Ogden Hospital and Community Service campaigns also. Coming to Elmira May 12, 1913, as chief Bro. Shaw. Bro. Tomlin and Bro. responding secretary and historian to fill the chairs of Bros. Steenrod and Grier, who graduate this spring. Bro. Tuttle was se lected to fill the office of board of advisors. All of the newly elected officers are thor oughly capable of handing the affairs of the fraternity, and the senior class congratu lates and wishes them the most successful of years for Alpha Chapter. Brother "Bunny" Miller, our Purple Legionaire, has returned from a sojourn in engineer of the E. W., L. & R. R. Company, Florida with Mr. Walter Baker, of Wash ington. "Bunny" looks to be in the pink of he has rapidly risen in the utility field. Since July 1, 1913, he has been general condition and is sporting a fine coat of tan which we all envy. [4] i f;