PHI KAPPA PSI IN CHICAGO. I am asked to prepare a brief history of the origin and develop- ment of the Chicago Alumni Association, and, if the brothers will forego the usual formal apologies incident to such an undertaking, T will proceed as follows: Alumni Association is an outgrowth of that progress- iveness so characteristic of our fraternity and of a longing among our resident brothers for a revival and perpetuation of the spirit of social good-fellowship. Phi Psis are pre-eminently social, go it can be said that this organization is the cropping out of the social nature of our members here, coupled with a sincere desire on their part to enlarge and cement acquaintanceships. Although this spirit prevailed in the heart of every Phi Psi in this great city, it had grown somewhat dor- mant, and the brothers had become scattered and unknown to each other. Yet among some this spirit was dominant, and these brothers were the real founders of our association. ‘The advisability of an organization was discussed by several brothers who chanced to be thrown together socially or in a business ‘way, and it was decided to call a meeting, effect an organization, and adopt means of getting the unknown brothers into the fold. This first meeting was held at the Grand Pacific hotel, and sensibly began with a little spread. Somehow, when a venture is planned, either to borrow ‘money, propose marriage or get your friends into a stock company, o even organize a social club, to make it a success, the business must be preluded with a feast. There was a local feeling connected with this event too strong to be resisted, a sort of genius of the occasion which could not fail to inspire us. So we started right, and on the evening of March 30th, 1888, at the hour of 11 p.m. the Chicago Alumni Asso- ciation was born. The officers elected were Bro. J. R. Custer, Pa. Ep- silon, ’64, president; W. H. Paulsen, Wisconsin Beta, vice-president, and Lincoln M. Coy, Tlinois Beta, secretary. The question of locating the Phi Psis throughout the city, apprising them of our alumni organ- ization and inviting their co-operation was discussed. ‘The brothers declared for expansion, and, by a hospitable sweeping motion all mem- bers of the fraternity resident in Chicago were admitted as charter members. It is gratifying to relate that scores of our men instinctively learned of the organization, commended the movement, and joined at the first opportunity. Another interesting transaction of this first meeting was a resolu- tion “that the sense of the meeting be that ‘The Shield’ should come toPHI KAPPA PSI IN CHICAGO. a ind that we have an editor ready and willing to take this pub- ication”. This resolution was not calenlated as a reflection on the management of this journal, but a manifestation of our willingness to bear any burden that would redound to the general good of our beloved fraternity. It was the beginning of the movement that resulted in bringing “The Shield” to Chicago, and installed Bro. G. Fred Rush as editor. At 8 o'clock a. m. on this eventful morning of March 30th all felt our association had planted its first mile post, and we adjourned to meet at call of president, each-one feeling that the fraternal spirit of Phi Kappa Psi did not die when he graduated from his home chapter. ‘We were organized, and who could wish that our existence had otherwise begun. The interval between the date of our organization ‘and our second annual meeting, April 4th, 1889, was fruitful in sev- eral respects. It was noticed that the true spirit of Phi Kappa Psi was practical as applied to social and business life. ‘The boys felt the bond that bound them together as brothers, and a true ideal fraternity spirit was engendered. Inquiry for each other’s welfare and dates for social and business engagements followed. Casual meetings upon the street insured a cordial exchange of courtesies—and the grip. In short, when the date came for our second annual meeting and banquet, the whereabouts of the Chicago Phi Psis were known, all had become acquainted, and among them a good fellowship prevailed. ‘The second biennial banquet of the Fourth District Couneil took place at the Grand Pacific hotel April 4th, 1889, and the association held its banquet in conjunction with the visiting brothers. ‘The affair was a delightful one, and brought back to all present old college days, the songs being inspiring, the speeches spirited, and the edibles pal- atable. Bro. Robins 8. Mott, IIL. Beta, who will be remembered as the pre- siding officer of the Cincinnati G. A. C. of 1892, was elected to sue- ‘ceed Bro. Custer as president, and Bro. Coy was retained as our secre- tary. The Grand Arch Council being scheduled for Chicago in April, 1890, it was decided to hold the next banquet in connection with that of our guests, and the association also began planning the entertain- ment of the G. A.C. The year was a busy one, meetings being held and committees appointed to take charge of the several branches of the work. Money was provided, hotel accommodations, railroad rates, en- tortainments, banquets, ete., were arranged by the committees, and the completeness of the task is best attested by the success of that council ‘The G. A. C. was a great stimulus to the Chicago Alumni Associa- tion, as indeed it is to any loeal organization. Most of us had never seen the fraternity outside our home chapters, and had read only of the G. A. ©, but there was an opportunity to see and mingle with ‘rothers from all chapters, sections and directions. One saw Phi Psi in its dignity and authority and completeness. He could strike his av-22 PHI KAPPA PSI IN CHICAGO. erage. He had attended the G. A.C. Our members were enthusiastic, some were married, and our credit among each other inereased in pro- portion to our enthusiasm. ‘The fourth annual meeting of the association, which was held February 26, 1801, at the Metropolitan Block, resulted in the election of Bro, A. R. Townsend, N. ¥. Alpha, president. During this admin- istration an extra “round up” occurred at the Vendome hotel March 24. A number of the older members were present and mingled rem- iniscences with punch and cigars. A notable social event of the year was a reception given by Bros. Geo. W. and Thos. J. Dixon to the Phi Pais and their ladies at their palatial residence, 8131 Michigan av- enue. . ‘The fifth president of our association was Bro. E. C. Moderwell, Pa. Alpha, ’S5. This year Bro. Goo. C. Nimmons of Ohio Gamma pre- pared a catalogue of Chicago Phi Psis, and at the annual banquet pre- sented each brother a copy. Up to this time lawyers had held the pres~ idency almost continually, and the ministers began to feel themselves worthy of something more than an annual invocation. So in 1803 Rev. Frank N. Gregg, Pa. Beta, ’55, was made our president, and he made a good one, too, None had teken greater interest in our associa- tion than he, and his genial manner, fraternal spirit, softened by his admirable character, together with his kindly offices, contributed Jangely to the pleasures he planned. Bro. Edmund Burke, Ill. Alpha, judge of the cireuit court of Cook county, and always an active member of our association so far as his business permitted, was unanimotisly selected president for the year 1894. When it is remembered that a large number of our members are lawyers, and have frequent occasion to appear before Judge Burke on the bench, the propriety of his election will become apparent. In spite of the demands of his judicial duties upon his time Bro. Burke found time to attend to the wants of our association. He arranged the ban- quets, did what ho could to increase the membership, and certainly stimulated a closer fraternity among the brothers. So pleased were all with Judge Burke that he was forcibly installed as president for 1895. In 1896 our ministerial brethren again took up the ery “anti-im- perialism”, and the lawyers were forced to step aside for Bro. Ernest ‘M. Stires, Va. Alpha, the young end popular rector of St. James Epis- copal church. Banquets and social gatherings marked his rule. He was indeed a shepherd, and was just the person to strengthen our or- ganization.. He served as delegate to the G. A. C. at Cleveland in 1896, and was honored by being made toastmaster at tho banquet, and came home full, at least, of enthusiasm. In short his success and strong ‘personality assured his re-election. In 1898 Bro. G. Fred’ Rush took the reins of office. Bro. Rush new more of the details and business of our association than any other snember. He had served as treasurer, editor of “The Shield”, andPHI KAPPA PSI iN CHICAGO. 3 compiler of a new directory of our members. No brother here has done more real bard work for the fraternity at largo as well as in Chicago ‘than this brother, and he made a good officer as a matter of course. The last banquet at the Grand Pacific hotel February 22nd last, was ar- ranged »y him, and was a great success. Bro. Rush was succeeded by Bro. Waltor 8. Holden, our present chief executive. This brother by reason of his official position in the G. A. C. is well known, and his judgment on questions of fraternity policy axe high authority. That he is making a good president goes without saying. He is even now sending notices that our annual dues ate coveted, which portends a business administration, This briefly is the history of the O. A. A., and a few of its leading spirits. Among-othor prominent members of the association are Ex- ‘Congressman Allan C. Durborow, Ind. Beta; John O. Garver, O. Beta, judge of the cireuit court; Chas. P. Abbey, Tl, Alpha; Win. HL Alsip, IL Beta; Rev. John P. Brushingham, Ill. Alpha; Dr. Archibald Church, Wis. Alpha; Wm. K. Fellows, N. Y. Gamma; Jas. Frake, Il Alpha; Chas. K. Offield, Il. Beta; Malcolm D. Owen, Ind. Beta; Rev. Wm. W. Painter, Pa. Beta; Chas. E. Piper, Ill. Alpha; Dr. Robert B. Preble, ‘Mich. Alpha; Wm. H. Tattle, TI. Alpha; Thomas R. Weddell, Tl. Beta, all of whom have done as much for the promotion of our associa- tion as the officers. The brothers of the local chapters Illinois Alpha and Beta, are to be credited with much assistance, for they always re- spond to our invitations, reinforeo the attendance at our banquets, and in turn plan many pleasant social events for us at their fraternity houses. Tt is sometimes remarked that after men leave college, after they engage in business, get to seoking office, or get married and have frats (ome of the fellows say “brats”) at home, that they take no interest in their old fraternity. This is disproved by the history of our associa- tion, which is mainly supported by men who have been ont of college at least twenty years, and each of our total membership of over three hundred members measures his interest and duty by his advantages. ‘Shut now the volume of our history and tell me npon what princi- ple, other than the principle of fraternity, could have gone forth a progress 60 steady, a reality so gratifying, so promising an earnest of victories yet to be. The column we erected March 30, 1888, has been a pledge and emblem of perpetual fraternal union. Brothers, the shield is the central star of a thickly clustered constellation of sentiments which unite man to his God, and if followed cannot fail to teach us on duty to each other. This is the light we are trying to shed which has its foundation in fraternity, and which ean be supplied from its fullness by the aid of these meetings, which ought and can be made to increase, #:" ending wide and passing rapidly from heart to heart, and from chapter to chapter, till every brother shall respond, each adding ‘the note of his sympathy to the universal chord of fraternal harmony. WM. M. BUTTERWORTH.