book of records - Kansas State University

Book of Records 7.21
7. THE THIRTIES: DEVELOPMENT DESPITE DEPRESSION
(1930-1939)
The 1930s brought the Great Depression to the United States, but to Delta Theta it brought times of success and
improvement. This is not to say that the chapter didn=t have some bad times because like everyone, they did. However,
the good events put in the background the tough part of the 1930s.
After spending their first ten years in the house at 1642 Fairchild, it became obvious that the chapter needed a
larger home, as the present one could not hold all the active members. In 1931, after selling the old house, the alumni
began renting a white frame house. The chapter moved into their new home at 1430 Fairchild on May 17, 1931.
The newly-acquired house was an improvement. It was originally built as a fraternity house and the location
was more convenient. It was a three story structure and could accommodate forty men. The chapter now had a
competitive Chapter House to help it grow.
In 1941, it was decided that it would be better to own the house. Under the direction of the Alumni Association
treasurer Steve Delladio, a drive was begun to raise the money. When the funds were secured, a down payment was
made and the chapter paid its rent to the alumni for the upkeep of the house. A ABuck of the Month Club@ was also
started under the direction of Fred Klemp to raise money to refurnish and remodel the house.
It was during the 1930s that an organization was started that has always been a tremendous help to the chapter.
The Mothers Club was organized on March 28, 1933 by the house mother, Mrs. Kinniburgh. The organization was
named AThe Virginia Calvert Key Smith Glazebrook Stars and Crescents Mothers Club@ after ΑΤΩ Founder Otis
Glazebrook=s first wife. It was so chosen because she had been an inspiration to early members of Alpha Tau Omega
around Richmond, Virginia and always had an open house for the men. The first officers were President Mrs. A. E.
White, Vice President Mrs. J. R. Mathews, Secretary-Treasurer Mrs. J. B. Owen. The Club helped the chapter
continually through the 1930s as the mothers of chapter members gave both time and money to keep the Chapter House
like a home.
The Mothers Club got started again after World War II and with various gifts helped make the newly-acquired
house a home again. The house mother, Mrs. L. E. Keefer, was prime organizer in getting the Mothers Club going again.
Mrs. Keefer was also the donor of one of the chapter=s most prized possessions: the lighted Badge in the Chapter
Room. Over the years, fathers would participate in the meetings and help with ideas and the work of the organization.
The name was changed to the Parents Club in 1985.
The 1930s produced not only some of the chapter=s best but also Kansas State=s best athletes. One of these
men, Hank Cronkite, is discussed later in this chapter. Cronkite was the University=s first All-American football player
in 1931. Two other football players who were All-Big Six during their careers are ADodging@ Dougal Russell in 1932
and 1933 and Howard Cleveland in 1937. Russell was also named as an honorable mention All-American. Bill Daniels
and Lee Morgan were also outstanding football players in the 1930s. Dale Duncan was captain of the wrestling team and
Clair Worthy was one of the fanciest tennis players of the era. There were many other Taus in athletics during this
period, this section can only cover a few of them.
The chapter members were in many activities. One of the best examples of this is Roger Crow, who later
became a general in the United States Air Force. While in school, he was high ranking in ROTC, played football, and
was a member of Sigma Tau and Blue Key Senior Men=s honorary. He still had time to give to the chapter as Worthy
Master. Brother Crow also brought prominence to the chapter for being well known on campus, as he was chosen ABig
Man on Campus@.
Lloyd Riggs is also an example of Delta Theta brothers being in important posts on campus. Brother Riggs was
Collegian Business Manager. These are just a couple of examples of the caliber of men who were active members of
Delta Theta in the 1930s.