book of records - Kansas State University

Book of Records 7.07
2. ALPHA THETA CHI FRATERNITY
(1917-1920)
Throughout the entire period covered by the preceding chapter, the existence of R. T. C. had been tempestuous
in at least one respect. Several of the best men were lost at various times by being pledged to fraternities. This state of
affairs was very unacceptable to some of the members of R. T. C. and for at least two years the organization of a
fraternity was agitated. But such action was opposed by some of the members and nothing was done. However, when
the bunch returned to school in the fall of 1917, one of the men was pledged by a fraternity during the first week and the
argument for a fraternity was clinched. During the preceding year, J. B. Angle had some correspondence with an uncle
of his, Dr. E. J. Angle, and a cousin, Guy Reed, both of whom were members of Nebraska Gamma Theta Chapter,
concerning the merits of Alpha Tau Omega and also the possibilities of establishing an ΑΤΩ chapter at K. S. A. C.
Angle had also written to George B. Drake of Denver, who was at that time the Chief of what was then Province III. He
talked his idea over with the bunch and they decided to form a local fraternity for the purpose of petitioning for a chapter
of Alpha Tau Omega.
The men who were the most active in the formation of the local fraternity were J. B. (Tubby) Angle, Clarence
(Shy) Seeber and A. W. (Pa) Foster. The constitution and creed were written by Angle and Foster. The organization was
quickly perfected. A motto and a pin and crest were adopted. The name chosen was Alpha Theta Chi. These letters
were not selected for any special significance. They were selected merely because they sounded well together, as it was
not expected to retain them long. It was later discovered that there is a local fraternity of long standing with the same
name at the University of Nebraska. This fraternity wrote, demanding what was meant by using their name, but nothing
was ever done about the affair. The date of the formal announcement of Alpha Theta Chi was October 15, 1917.
In 1919, Alpha Theta Chi added a song to its fraternity lore. It was written by Ray B. Watson:
AI am an Alpha Theta Chi
And will be so until I die
For ATC means brotherhood
And all that=s true and high.
ASo here=s to dear old ATC
And the spirit of fraternity
We=ll loyal be forever
To Alpha Theta Chi.@
Recognition by the college and by the other fraternities was quickly and easily gained. The local always was on
friendly terms with all the other fraternities and it has ever been the aim of the chapter over the years to maintain that
friendly relationship. In order to further strengthen the organization with the school, two faculty members were taken in
even before the organization was announced. These were Porter J. Newman, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and Levi
J. Horlacher, Fellow in Animal Husbandry.
The initiation ceremony used by Alpha Theta Chi varied throughout its period of existence, depending on the
men who were in charge of the initiation ceremonies at the particular time. It was never deemed necessary to adopt a
definite ritual or ceremony because it was thought it would not be needed for long. It was attempted to make the
ceremony as much like that of a national fraternity as was possible under the circumstances.
The first house occupied by Alpha Theta Chi is located at 1404 Fairchild Avenue. It was kept for one year.
Meals were served in this house, this being the first time since its beginning that the organization had eaten its meals
together. In the fall of 1918, the chapter returned to 1408 Laramie Street and remained there during the next two years.
Mrs. Lair was again the House Mother. Mrs. Magee had chaperoned at 1404 Fairchild.