1930–31 Volume 55 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

Dickinson Phi Writes ofPhi Delta Theta Expedition //OB 'F INTEREST TO ScROLL readerseverywhere will be the book Roads toRoam, recently published by the PennPublishing Company of Philadelphia,and written by Hoffman Birney, Dickinson,'12. Deviating somewhat fromhis usual line of writing, the Phi authortakes his readers with him on asummer's outing in 1928 through severalwestern states.The travelogue is said by many to bethe best book Brother Birney has yetwritten, exceeding even his Vigilantes,which gained him so much popularity.Not only because the author himselfis a Phi, but because he tells very intimatelyof two other brothers whoaccompanied him on his trip, will thisvolume be of especial interest to thefraternity. Then laying aside thesetwo items, the book is one which anyonewould enjoy, since it is intenselyinteresting from "cover to cover."The charm of the volume lies in thefact that is was never written for publication.In the words of the editor,"It was originally prepared by Mr.Birney simply as a running narrativeto accompany several hundred photographsin the course of the trip. Underthe title 'Visible Forms,' it was circulatedamong a dozen of his friends,and it was in this very intimacy thattile chief charm of the book lay forthose whom it reached."One rides with the author from hishome in Tucson, Arizona, to the GrandCanyon, the Mojave Desert, Yosemite,through the Sierras and across Nevadainto Idaho and Montana; then returnsvia the Colorado Rockies, the NavajoReservation, and Rainbow Bridge.[333]By LAWSON SMITHArizona, '27It is on the last leg of the journey\\hich takes one to the famous RainbowBridge in Utah that Brother Birneyis accompanied by Sidney Stallings,Arizona, '29, and Ventress Wade,Arizona, '25. And it is this part of thetrip which Brother Birney suggestsshould have been called the "Phi DeltaTheta Expedition."Nothing of interest is overlooked bythe author. Sprinkled throughout thevolume are actual photographs takenby Brother Birney along the trip, andthey add greatly to the book. Two ofthese fine photographs were secured toaccompany this story in THE SCROLL,and from them one can gather someidea of the magnificence of the countrythe "Phi Delta Theta Expedition"traveled through.Brother Birney just recently returnedto his home in Tucson, after anabsence of about a year during whichtime he became the husband of a verycharming girl from Cleveland. Mr.and Mrs. Birney make their home atthe author's nest which he chooses tocall "Casa Descanso" (House of Rest).If any Phi is desirous of seeing allthat is to be seen in these \\'esternStates of ours, the writer would suggesthe communicate with BrotherBirney, and hire him as a guide. Noonecould do a better job of showinga newcomer the country.But to those who are unable to leavehome at this time on such a trip, securea copy of Road.^ to Roam, and whenyou have read it you will feel as ifyou have just returned from an extensivesummer's travel through theland of desert, cactus, and mountains.