LAMBDA NU TODAY PHI GAMMA DELTA University of Nebraska Winter, 1959 "Special Feature" Issue Vol. 12, No. 2 ISTORY OF LAMBDA NU'S "FIJI OWL" Cardroom Painting Has Inspiring Past Editor's notes: Does the picture to the left look familiar? It is a repro- duction of the painting that was sent to us by Major Walter H. Cronk, '28, now Lt. Colonel. We are presenting the story of the painting for the firsttime to all Fijis, since few have ever read the history of it, or realize the important signifi- cance of it. Brother Cronk's recent letter said that regardless of how vast the difference is between the jet and missile world from the war in Europe in 1944-5, that the principles of "individual liberty, dignity and justice for which weare keeping pre - pared today are the same. The challenge throughout the world is greater and more insidious now than in 1944! The battle for men's minds through clever subversion results in countries like Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, East Germany and others being dominated completely by ruthless tyranny. 11 The Fiji Owl painting "should re- mind us constantly that wisdom is acquired only when the individual is free to think and have unrestricted communication with others, 11 con- tinued Brother Cronk in a recent letter. "It is worth fighting for, I'm sure you will agree." 11 We sincerely express our appreci- ation to Brother Cronk who has been more than cooperative with us in the preparation of this issue. We hope that you will enjoy this story, as well as the rest of this, our Christmas issue. Now for the complete story, turn to page two and read the letter of March 14, 1948, from Walter Cronk. Now is the time for all good Fijis to start looking for top rushees. Lambda Nu Today Page 2 HISTORY OF FIJI OWL March 14, 1948 LAMBDA NU TODAY Dear Mrs. Minier, University of Nebraska as to Lincoln, Nebraska the Owl painting in the spring of 1945 (March), I was with headquarters 3rd Army signal Editor Don Ferguson, '62 section with an assignment to rehabilitate civilian Reporters and Contributors: telephone communications. At the time Koblenz fell, Dick Altrock, '62 I went up to Cologne (First Army area) to check up on Harold Ehlers, '62 linking the two cities by telephone communications. Bob Kirkendall, '60 Cologne is mainly on the west bank of the Rhine and (Art work) was under heavy fire from German forces on the east Special recognition: bank when I entered the city. The first friendly face I Lt. Col. W. H. Cronk, '28 found in Cologne, near the famous cathedral, was that OTHERS identified with story. of the Fiji Owl hanging on the wall of a building which Alumni News "Mom" Minier had been badly shot up. It really seemed out of place in those surroundings with everything else destroyed, SO I felt a brother Fiji had to be liberated under such circumstances. TG's Oddly enough, in the next block was a church which had been completely Column demolished except for a huge Carrara Marble figure of Christ which was unharmed. The entire roof had fallen in, and the walls had fallen away, but the Christ was left standing as if to remind us all of His teachings. Perhaps other Fijis noticed this phenomenon; I know many GI's commented As the yuletide season approaches, about it. The huge cathedral was undamaged also, although buildings all the Fijis at 1425 R extend their around it were in ruins. I guess what the owl represents, and what the warmest holiday greetings to all of Christus statue represents cannot be destroyed by bombs and gun fire. you. Since Christmas is also a time Perhaps you heard the Easter service which was broadcast Easter Sunday, of exchanging gifts, we hope to have 1945, from the Cologne Cathedral a few days later with heavy shell fire several gifts to present to you-- taking the place of organ music. I was there. When we ran the court yard although they will be somewhat to set up a broadcast inside the Cathedral, we were really under fire. belated: the initiation of a large Oh yes, here is another interesting Fiji sidelight. When Heidelberg was number of worthy men who sincerely liberated, the city was left intact. Seventh Army had no reason to harm desire to become Fijis and the rais- the city as there was no resistance to speak of, and, except for a couple of ing of Lambda Nu's scholarship rank- bridges, it had not been bombed. Another officer and myself who had heard ing. We hope that your gift will be of the good old Heidelberg beer, decided to try a sample at the campus Red your continued interest in the chapter. Ox Inn. (A couple of pictures of this Red Ox Inn recently appeared in Life. ) If all of us feel that our fraternity has been even partially influential in While we were waiting to be served we inspected the old school trophies- our intellectual, social and spiritual beer steins, pictures, paddles, dueling sabres, etc. A waiter brought me growth and has been rewarding to us a huge leather guest book which I casually looked through. I was astounded in many intangible and indescribable to find on one full page an exact replica of the Fiji Crest in color, owl and ways, then loyal support of our fra- all!! Underneath a Fiji had written a phrase as near as can recall "May ternity should come quite naturally. all Phi Gamma Delta brothers find peace and contentment here!" It was Lambda Nu and Phi Gamma Delta dated 1934. Some vandal Nazi with a heavy black drawing pencil had obliter- apparently have done an outstanding ated a portion of it with a single swastika. I thought I'd leave the story job because the support and interest intact for future Fijis to see. I added the "delete" sign used by printers of many of its graduate members has everywhere with the phrase printed in the margin- 'Removed permanently been outstanding and gratifying to us by the United States Army, Major Walter H. Cronk, Nebraska, '28 Lambda all. Nu April, 1945. I hope other Fijis will get a kick out of it too. Just as Brother Cronk and other You might pass this story on to show that Lambda Nu watches out for its Fijis were able to recall their owl whether in Cologne, Germany, or in Heidelberg. I'd sure like the pleasant memories of Phi Gamma original artist who drew the Crest in that guest book to know happened Delta under seemingly unusual to his work of art. circumstances, SO must this Christ- mas issue remind us of the many Sincerely, warm friendships that have resulted from our past and present associa- Walter H. Cronk tions within our fraternity. Our thoughts turn back in retrospect to our many fond memories of our brothers in Phi Gamma Delta. As we It's Never Too Early To Start sit down together to our traditional Christmas dinner, all of us feel First, the chapter wishes to thank Alone, Neal could and would do a fortunate in having the blessings of all of you for the wonderful support great job. But, he will be sking fraternal association. you gave the rush chairman and the We look forward to seeing many of for your cooperation and support to house last school year and summer. you our spring initiation in Omaha. make next year a big success. Without it our rush machinery would NOW IS THE TIME TO START. It Our warmest wishes to you and your have broken down. families for a pleasant and merry is never too early to build up a rushee The rush chairmanship has passed list and funds for a successful cam- Christmas. from the able hands of Larry Aspegren paign in an increasingly competitive into the very capable hands of Neal Fraternally, business---rushing Westphal. Tom Gilliland Please look over the boys in your Neal has one of the highest averages for the Fiji undergrads high schools and drop Neal a line. in the house and will be a senior next We're counting on you once again. year. Let's Rush Perge!