book of records - Kansas State University

Book of Records 7.13
4. THE INSTALLATION OF KANSAS DELTA THETA CHAPTER OF ALPHA TAU OMEGA
(1920)
The dates which will always be marked in red letters on the calendar of Delta Theta are October 22 and 23,
1920, these being the two days on which the installation ceremonies were held. The ceremony took place at the new
Chapter House at 1642 Fairchild Avenue, which the fraternity had purchased the preceding spring. The corporate charter
of Kansas Delta Theta of Alpha Tau Omega consists of an amendment to the corporate charter of Alpha Theta Chi
fraternity, dated February 24, 1920, on which the following men are named as the Founders of the Delta Theta Chapter:
Elmer D. McCollum
Walter W. Rodewald
Walter R. Horlacher
Carl F. Mershon
N. Dale Lund
Walter J. Rogers is also considered a Founder for his fine work at Congress. The corporate charter is signed by L. J.
Pettijohn, Secretary of State of the State of Kansas and D. O. McCray, Assistant Secretary of State. The amendment to
the corporate charter is dated February 23, 1921, and is signed by the same men. Delta Theta later received the official
Alpha Tau Omega Charter signed by Thomas Arkle Clark, Worthy Grand Chief, and Paul R. Hickok, Chairman of
the High Council.
The installation ceremonies were in charge of Brother Ralph E. Weaverling, Chief of Province III. A team
was sent over from Gamma Mu at the University of Kansas in charge of Brother Arlie W. Estes to assist in the
ceremonies. Other Alpha Tau brothers besides the two mentioned who were present were: Nimon Slane, Gamma Mu;
Donald B. Calhoun, Gamma Mu; Kenneth Keck, Gamma Mu; E. Floyd Stalcup, Gamma Mu; Gilmore S. Wann, Gamma
Mu; H. W. Spink, Minnesota Gamma Nu; Phil W. Dodderidge, Gamma Mu; Judd Benson, Gamma Mu; and Guy E.
Reed, Nebraska Gamma Theta. The first work was put on by these men, but as the ceremony proceeded the new initiates
were given every opportunity to exercise their abilities, and before the installation was over they were doing nearly all
the work under the supervision of the installing team. The installation started at 11:00 A.M. on the 22nd and was over at
2:30 P.M. on the 23rd. A total of thirty-three men were initiated, which included the actives of Alpha Theta Chi and
some of the chapter=s alumni. Delta Theta became the 106th chapter of Alpha Tau Omega to be installed and the 73rd
chapter of the fraternity in existence at that time.
No elaborate social function accompanied the installation. A smoker was held at the Chapter House on the
night of the twenty-second. On the evening of the twenty-third, a four-course banquet was served to the new chapter, its
pledges and the installation team at the Gillett Hotel. At this banquet, toasts were given by the following brothers:
Ralph E. Weaverling, Toastmaster; H. W. Spink; Arlie W. Estes; E. R. Stalcup; Elmer D. McCollum and Guy E. Reed.
After the banquet, the first formal meeting of the new chapter was held. The first officers of Delta Theta, who served
through the remainder of the year, were:
Worthy Master
Worthy Chaplain
Worthy Keeper of Exchequer
Worthy Keeper of Annals
Worthy Scribe
Worthy Usher
Worthy Sentinel
Elmer D. McCollum
Walter J. Rogers
Carl F. Mershon
Robert S. Love
E. Leo Bebb
Charles Nitcher
Philip R. Woodbury