The Wiji Fiji ALPHA'S NEWSLETTER WASHINGTON, PA., FEBRUARY 20, 193S Vol. xxvr No. 2 PHI GAM HOUSE FIRST IN SCHOLARSHIP Alpha's constant, striving toward the Cheney Cup during the past tew years was given a great upward boost recently when the results of the recent semester examina tions were made known. For the first time in some years. Phi Gamma Delta on the Washington and JeiTerson campus ranks above all other organizations in scholarship. The chapter has an average of 2.03, while the nearest competitor ranked 2.25. The freshman class in the house was like wise honored in placing second among all of the pledge classes. The probable reason for this was the stringent scholarship rule whereby a freshman had to make a three average to he eligible for initiation. Constant drumming to study harder from John Preston, chairman of the schclarship committee, undoubtedly had much to do with the general upward swing and the final results. NORRIS PIG DINNER ALPHA PLEDGES Immediately following Hell Day, Alpha on February 12, held its formal initiation and annual Norris Pig Dinner. The dinner was one of the largest yet held, and was well at tended by alumni both old and young. Alto gether, we had seventy-six present. Our toastmaster was Brother "Abe" An derson, '05, Alpha's Alumni Advisor,, who first introduced the new brothers, who in turn gave us a few words of greeting and appreciation. Brother "Abe" then intro duced the speaker of the evening. Brother "Bili" McNair, Gettysburg '07. former mayor of Pittsburgh. Brother McNair related a few incidents in regard to his political life, but the main portion of his speech was in relation to the qualities of the fraternity and the benefits derived from fraternity life. His inspirational address was peppered with his usual witticisms. The former mayor compared the spirit of Phi Gamma Delta to the blessing which he has received from Pope Pius XI in which he said; "I bless you in accordance with your inten tions." Brother McNair went on to em phasize to the new initiates that the rewards that they would receive from the fraternity Would be in accord with their unfaltering allegiance during their four years of college life. The speaker, due to his position as a member of the advisory council of the alumni Third Row—Perkins, Crow, McGregor, Dyle, Porsyth, Jackson. Second Row—Allison, Ciastetter, Shoop, McKnight, Smith. First Row—McClintock). Alexander, Thomp son, Sparks. chapter in Pittsburgh is in a position to realize these benefits many times over; and his talk was appreciated by all. The next speaker called upon was Brother Jim Potter, class of '94, who was the oldest member present and by this virtue was Continued on Page 2 \r\nALPHA'S NEWSLETTER The Wiii Fiji Published four times during the school year by Alpha Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta, at Washington and Jefferson College. Donald H. Shoop, '14; Everett Shoop. '18; Victor. 22; and Robert H. Shoop, '27. Everett, Victor and Robert were at the Norris Pig Dinner to see the last of the present generation of their tribe join the clan. Brother J. L. McKnight, '09, Hudson, Ohio, was also present to see Tom become his brother as Editor well as Sparks, who hails RAYMOND U. MBAD '38 his from son. "Buz" the deep south, Assistants "Mobile, Alabama, suh," is the son of the late Brother H. G. Sparks, '03, and the John P. Preston '38 Edward H. Schlaudt '39 James C. Branden '40 James A. Gault '40 nephew of Brothers T. B. Sweeney '95, J. B. B. Sweeney '9,6, J. M. Sweeney '99, and of Brothers Ralph Sparks and Will S'parks of OFFICERS OF THE HOUSE Charles C. Donaldson President Charles S. Wilder Treasurer Arch H. Logan Richard C. File Frank Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary E. Doak Historian NORRIS PIG DINNER Continued from Page 1 blessed with the honor of kissing the pig's snout, whose posterior extremity had already been kissed by Brother Bob McGregor, the youngest active present. Brother Potter's beautifully phrased address furnished ade quate food for thought not 'only for the freshmen to whom the talk was addressed, but for all of us present. Those who know him realize that there has never been a more loyal supporter of Phi Gamma Delta. The father of one of our newly initiated brothers. Brother J. L. McKnight, '09, of Hudson, Ohio, when next called upon adapted the story of the prodigal son to fraternity ste'wardship. The deep emotion and obvious sincerity of our speakers con vinced us of the deep and lasting loyalty to Phi Gamma Delta throughout the years. With the last strains of "When College Songs" the annual celebration of the Norris Pig Dinner was brought to a close. Zeta Chapter. "Punch" McDowell, '04, Sharon, Pa., a former chapter president, has sent "Punch, Jr.," to his Alma Mater, and now we may call both "Brothers." The other recent initiates who are not fortunate enough to have any Fiji ancestryi but who are, we hope, the first of a long lineage within Phi Gam precincts are: Dick Jack son, Erie, Pa.; Dave Smith, Greensburg, Pa.; Cal Thompson, Chicago, 111.; Hal Perkins, S'haron, Pa.; Bob Castetter, Cincinnati, O.; Bill Lyle, Miami, Fla,; Bob McGregor, Wash ington, Pa., and Bill Alexander, Lewistowi> Pa. Norm Allison, a junior from Washington, Pa., and Cy Crow, a senior from Uniontown, Pa., changed their pledge pins for badges in late November, and both have proven to be gi'eat assets to our chapter. KID'S PARTY On December 15thi. Alpha again held its annual Kid's Party. It was not, as the name seems to indicate, a party for the fraternity members who returned for the evening to childhood, but rather it was a Christmas Party given by the chapter for twenty-seven children from the local orphanage. It must be admitted, however, that the Fijis had as much fun giving the party as the kids had in coming to it. Following the usual plan, th© bids were given the free run of the house for several OUR NEW INITIATES The long months of freshman training, climaxed by a strenuous season of intensive activities commonly known as Hell Day, proved to the chapter that there were twelve men who were anxicus to be included in our fraternity. Because Bill McFarland and Lem Wilcox. of Wilkinsburg, Pa., were not hours, then fed as much as they could hold, and then herded into the sun porch to see Santa, as portrayed by "Hooty" Marshall, Santa was considerably vexed to discover that his costume included no whiskers. However, with the aid of some cotton and glue the missing apparel was supplied, and We must mention first Bill Shoop, Freeport, no youthful illusions were shattered. The general opinion of the house seems to be that for making a fellow happy all of the way through, there is nothing like watching a bunch of hungry kids eat to their heart's content, and then rip open a Christmas present which contains some long Pa., who is the fifth brother to become a member of Alpha. Preceding him were clothing. pledged until the first week in January, they will not be initiated until later in the spring. Among those who have been mad© mem bers are a number who have Fiji relatives. desired toy and a good looking article of \r\nT ALPHA'S NEWSLETTER ALUMNI NEWS Dr. A. H. Logan, '97. and sons George. '30, and John, '36, were in Washington for a short stay during January. John is located in Portland. Ore., the site of the for some time in St. Petersburg, Fla. He recently visited friends in Pittsburgh, re turning to Florida wth Richard Shaw, '31, as guest. flOth Ekklesia. John Donnan, '31, with Mrs. Donnan sailed Frederick H. Hill,' 00, vice president of the from New York January 15 on a business trip to Ecuador. Paging all stamp col Elmira, N. Y., Light, Heat and Power, is Alphas newest member to the board of col lectors! lege trustees. Eight of the thirty compos ing this board are graduates of this chapter, the other seven being Marcus W. Acheson, '94; Henry A. Riddle, '07; Albert C. Troutman, '98; Joseph R. Naylor, '98; Thomas L. On the Sunday following Christmas the engagement of Miss Jean Wilson, of Woodsdale, to Robert L. Sleenrod, '31, also of Pogue, '91; Walter B. Anderson, '05, and U. Grant Miller, '07. Wheeling, was announced. On January 21), Frederick Jussen, '33, for several years employed by the local plant of the River Raisin Paper Company, resigned his position to return to his home in Had- John "Brick" Fulton, '05, has recently ac cepted a position with the Pacific Talc Co. of the Los Angeles area; his new address is 1225 Ethel street, Glendale, Cal. Our presidents gavel was presented by Brother JTulton^and is made from original Mc-^ Millan log cabin wood. On January 25, Robert B. Rush, '25. was named president of the Wheeling Alumni Association at the same time relinquishing his post as secretary. Other presidents of alumni associations are: William B. Ricketts, '14, Chicago; John W. Brandon, '02, Butler; James Hemphill, '26, Johnstown; Oliver P. Brown, 03 New Castle; Harry B. McDowell. '04, Sharon; Walter B. Anderson, '05, Washing ton. Executives of the general association; Joseph R Naylor, '98, Wlieeling; Alexander P. Reed, '07, Pittsburgh; William T. Dom, '31, Greensburg. donfield. N. J. This chapter is sorry to re ceive this word and hopes "Pappy" will come back to visit with us often. James McKennan, '3S, became the third member of his class to tiT his hand at sell ing insurance when he enrolled this January in the training course of State Mutual Life Insurance Company. Henry Jonesi '36, employed in the group division of the Aetna Insurance Company, has been recently moved from Syracuse, N. Y,, to Grand Rapids, Mich. C. D. Williams, '36, in the employee of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, moved in December to Buffalo, N. Y., from Johnstown. He expects to remain there about a year. Warren Blanke, '36, and Mrs. Blanke stopped in for a few minutes shortly before Christmas for the beginning of a vacation in Florida. John Jordan, '28, has removed his law office from Pittsburgh to Bedford, Pa. Brother Blanke is to be re membered for that memorable spring day of 1934 when, by garnering five firsts and two places in the seven events entered, he him self earned two less points than did the Frank Rhodes, '29, at different times presi dent and treasurer of Alpha has been living second place fraternity to give Alpha the track cup for that year. \r\nALPHA'S NEWSLETTER was not more than an hour and a half late, ROBB'S VISIT One Sunday evening in January the quiet, scholastic atmosphere of Alpha was broken by loud booming voices, and our renowned field secretary, Brother William (B,) S. Robb, Pennsylvania, '34, rode in on the crest of a wave of his own making, Twas the week before finals, and all through the house, not a Brother was stir ring away from his desk. But then, one must be polite. There promptly ensued a good old fashion bull session which extended far into the night. We exchanged many a goodly story of the doings of this and other chapters. Through clever leading ques tions and skillful twists in the discussion. Brother Robb drew from us the story of every event of importance on the campus since his last visit. At length the conver sation turned again from discussion of brothers to stories of the Irish cop and bologna sandwiches, Monday, Brother Robb, spent in confer ence with our alumni adviser, Abe Ander son, '05, Dr. Hutchison, W, & J.'s presi dent, and Dr Thomas, her black moustached dean, about the affairs of this chapter. In formal meeting that night Brother Robb gave us many helpful suggestions and wished us the best of luck in our drive to win the Cheney Cup for Alpha this year. He also advised us that the national chapter is now willing to offer its ifinancial support in a campaign for a new house for Alpha when ever the alumni show themselves ready. It was also suggested that Alpha should begin thinking at this time of the great centennial celebration of the founding of Phi Gamma and the brothers, once more, settled down to a loutine life of preparation for exams. GREEK SWINGOUT Prom September until December the monks in confinement at W. & J, wait longingly for that time when they once more may clasp in their arms the lovely ladies who iiock to Alpha as guests of the Fijis at the Greek Swin.gout, the first foimal dance of the year. Preceding the dance the brothers and their dates were seated at the banquet tables at Alpha where all partook of the sumptious repast. Breaking witli tradition Alpha instead of purchasing favors adorned the shoulder of each Phi Gam sweetheart with orchids of Phi Gamma Delta's royal purple, Songmaster A. H, Logan led the chapter in a Fiji serenade. At length when the activities became too boisterous. Pappy Fritz Jussen, '33, and his wife, subdued our further advances. While opening strains of the third dance of Barney Rapp's melodious melodies mingled midst the milling multi tudes the punctual Phi Gams took over the dance. For the next three hours the misery and loneliness of monastic life were for gotten in the thrill and splendor of the great occasion. At one point Brother W, O', Ash, Cleveland, O,, '40, astounded all by "trucking" on down to fir«t apple in the contest of the evening. All too soon the last strains of "Good Night, My Love" faded into the stillness of the night, the brothers and their dates found their way to the vari ous night clubs of town i, e, Washington Lounge and Johnny Burr's, Thence at last each found his way back to Alpba chapter, and so to bed, to dream. Delta to be held here in Washington ten years from now. It was with great relief on the morrow that cur steward. Brother Atwell, '38, saw Bill Robb pile his bags on the front porch, and prepare for his departure, for the subject of inventory provisions had caused him great concern. The wind blew, and Brother Robb searched his pockets in vain for the keys of Pegasus which were, it was discovered, still reposing in the ignition. With one more of Alpha's meals tucked under his belt, our field secretary rolled on his way to an alumni luncheon in Pittsburgh to which he BROTHERS WILLIAMS AND ROWAND ARE IN ACCIDENT All during the winter fellows from the house have been going to Wheeling for sled riding and skiing. This one day early in December nine brother Figis were Wheel ing-bound for an afternoon of sport. Every thing was going along in great shape until Brothers Rowand, Williams, and Gault took their first ride down the hill on a toboggan. They were all right until they hit a dip at the bottom of a long hill. This caused them Continued on Page 4 \r\nALPHA'S BROTHERS WILLIAMS ARE IN AND NEWSLETTER HEAR YE! HEAR YE! ROWAND ACCIDENT The editor hereon makes a plea for any Continued from Page 3 to sail through the air for about thirty feet when they ended their air jaunt in a spill. Still dazed they were taken to a clinic in Wheeling. There it was discovered that Brother Rcwand had broken his collar bone, Brother Williams had crushed two verter- brae, and Brother Gault was lucky enough to escape with a very minor sprained back. Brother Rowand has been out of his cast and all recent activities of alumni, including especially changes of address, marriages and that which follows, and information concern ing other alumni. Following is a list of unknown addresses? Look it over; can you give the editor some information concerning them? Franklin D. Kerr, '70 Joseph r. Mitchell, '14 Harry E. Dawe, '18 for several weeks now and is almost back to his normal self again; however, Brother Williams is still in the hospital in Wheeling. Allen R. Highfield, ex-'19 The fellows have been going down to the hospital every week to see him and his at Phillip C. Collins, '24 tendants. On Valentine's Day we under stand he received a number of letters and cards from his friends to help relieve the monotony of his two and a half month so journ in the Ohio Valley General Hospital. After he is released from the hospital on approximately March 1st, he will take a trip with his mother before returning to school. He Is determined to re-enter school this semester, and we all hope that the day may come as soon as possible. CHRISTMAS CARDS Another feather has been added to the plume of the owl of Alpha of Phi Gamma Delta. Another ability has been discovered among the twelve initiates Basketball, swimming, football, volleyball, and scholas tic capability had been made apparent, l)ut not until the Christmas of 1937 did a fiiier artistic sense make itself known through the efforts of Hal Perkins, '41, Sharon, Pa. Christmas was approaching, and Alpjja was searching for a choice holiday greeting to send to its brothers. The greeting final ly decided upon was one designed by Perkins incorporating a picture of tpe original cabin of Washington and Jefferspn in the care of Phi Gamma Delta and a miniature -of each of the six founders. Upon thorough questioning, the modest freshman o-f fharon, admitted that he could Charles H. Guy, '19 Paul C. Richards, '20 Purple Legionaire, U. Grant Miller, '07, Mt. Lebanon, and Mrs. Miller, together with Mr. and Mrs. Smith N. Whitworth, of Wash ington, left the first of February for a "warm" vacation in Miami, Fla. "Bunny" just cant take it any more. Norbert S. Garbisch, '19, of Butler, has re cently started a new company at Ford City. Pa. The official business of the company will be carried on through the Butler office, and there also will be a new plant started in the vicinity of Detroit, Mich., in the veiy near future. News item; Brother Alf. M. Landon, Kansas, '08, the Republican party's last presidential candidate, has been appointed as a national trustee of Phi Gamma Delta to fill the vacancy created by the death of Newton D. Baker, Johns Hopkins, '92. Norman L Worcester, '23, has been work ing for the Standard Pulman Car Company, La Rochelle, Prance. He has recently re turned to Pennsylvania where he visited Alpha, and returned later to attend the Norris Pig Dinner. His present address is 26 Academy avenue, Mt. Lebanon, Pitts burgh, Pa. Alumni who knew Karl F. Overholt, Wooster, '97, will be sorry to hear of his draw a little. Diligently he set to worp, and the result was Alpha's ofRcial greetiijg death on January 29 at his home in Wooster, O. Brother Overholt was one of the lead ers of the Pittsburgh graduate chapter and card for 1937. a trustee of Wooster College. \r\nALPHA'S NEWSLETTER SIX OUT OF EIGHT FEUCHTWANGER'S DEATH With great sorrow the chapter learned of the death of Brother Austin Feuchtwanger, '34( in a plane crash on Ochober 26, 1937, near Cowlesville, N. Y. While in college, Aus was one of the best liked and most talented men in school. In his senior year he served as Alpha's president. It was at this time that l^e donated to the chapter a new pool table for the game room. After graduaticn. Brother Feuchtwanger spent several years in a world tour, during which time his letters back to the brothers were a great source of amusement and sound ad vice to the chapter. Upon his return he took up his duties in Buffalo as reporter on the "Courier" where he has since been em ployed. In fitting tribute and honorable memory of Brother Feuchtwanger, some of the brothers who knew him well have recondi tioned the po-ol table which was his gift to the chapter. The table has been rebraced and recovered, new leather pockets have been fitted in, and a new set of pool balls purchased. A plaque in memory of Brother Feuchtwanger will be hung on the wall above the table. Austin Feuchtwanger lived among us as a true brother, exemplifying xi'i .-.j 'fir- of-I'ltl--C-ma-a Bslt;% For the fourth straight year, and tor the sixth time out of the last eight years. Alpha came through to win (he W. & J. intramural swimming cup for '37 38. Since swimming has beecme a varsity sport only this college year-, membei-s of the varsity were allowed to compete in the intramurals. In conse quence, Alpha's team was led by Arch Logan, captain of the varsity squad> and Charles Moffat, varsity distance swimmer. However, the whole house turned out and gave Arch and Chuck a good team to back them up. In the semi-finals, the Fijis defeated the Kappa Sigs by the narr-owest of mar-gins— 26 to 24. Because of this, and because of the fact that Alpha was rneeting the norr- fi-aternity group, whose numbers boasted several varsity men, in the finals, no one on the campus except the Fijis gave Alpha a chance. More because of this than in spite of it. Alpha won 36 to 21 and left no doubts as to who was the best. The spirit of the whole house was well summed up by Arch, who vowed we would win even if it meant some new intramural records—and to back this up Arch set new coiua ill lire 4u y -. lU LiOUot s'milie ■aid know that we have lost a great friend axtt'i worthy member since he has joined those helped set a new one in the 160 yard relay. We're already getting set to make it five Fratres Qui Fuerunt Sed nunc Ad Astra. straight. After 5 Days' Return to Box 253, Washington, Pa. ' '"t ;'i »• \ " ' ' /-i . :