Vol. CXIll, No. IV Phi Gamma Delta. DePauw University. Greencastle. Indiana June I. 1969 THE 'DUTCHESS' REIGNS AGAIN At the beginning of this school year (68-69) Lambda chapter was in dire need of a house mother. Because of the immediarte necessity for a "mom" during rush, Mrs. Louise Dirks kindly assumed the post on a temporary basis. As Mrs. Dirks is over 65, the age limit for house mothers, she agreed to stay until that time when Lambda could find a suitable replacement. As it turned out, she ended up "holding down the fort" all year, and the men of Phi Garn could not have possibly been any happier with her decision to remain. Mom once remarked, "It wasn't like I was coming into a new place. I've been very familiar with the Fiji house for years." Married to the late Dean Dirks in 1938, three of her sons wecr:e Phi Garns of this chaipter, one being Puriple L egionnaire George Dirks. In addition, two grandsons were also Lambda Fijis, thus supplementing Mom Dirks' knowledge of the house throughout the years. Mom was born and raised in Greencas tle, spending most of her life here, exce~t for twenty-one years away, most of the time spent teaching. In 1935, she became house mother of the Sigma Chis at DePauw, which she remembers as a most enjoyable and memorable job. One cannot walk more than twenty feet anywhere in Greencastle with this amiable lady without having to stop every so often while she chats with friends and acquaintances. Mom possesses the extraordinary ability of never forgetting a name or a face, and, needless to say, she set such a charming ·e xample of Fiji hospitality during weekends when Lambda was playing host to numerous visitors that the brothers were consequently that much more inspired to show their guests the best time possible. Many a Fiji family that attended either Dad's or Mom's weekend has commented on how lucky we are to have Mrs. Dirks. Mrs. Louise Dirks. 1968-69 Lambda housemother The brothers themselves, often fairly reserved about such matters, have repeatedly expressed their delight abc'.lt Mrs. Dirks during the year. She has never once even given an indication of bing angry with anyone, (though the situation presented itself on occasion), but whenever Mom had an announcement to make a.t mealtime, she was afforded more attention than anyone in the house could have accumul'ated. Exclamations of "She's the greatest!" "She's the best!", and "What a beaut!" are the most typical examples of the brothers' appreciation of a house m other who is both witty and good-humored, responsible and tolerant, and concerned ;md aware of the hang-ups bothering all young people of today. The fres!.men should probably be most grat ful to Mrs. Dirks, as her door was al ,vays open for coun·s el and advice thrct only a house mother is qualified t