1964–65 Volume 89 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

316 THE SCROLL of Phi Delta Theta for MAY, 1965HISTORIAN George K. ShafiEer, Chicago '16, whopresented portraits to the Fraternity.prior to any brush strokes on canvas a vastamount of research was done by the Shaffer-Fulton team in an attempt to present to theFraternity portraits of the Founders which wereaccurate in the physical portrayals and whichalso caught something of the basic demeanorand spirit of each.In discussing the portraits. Brother Shaffersays: "Fulton worked hard at these portraits.Some of them he did over two or three times—atleast in part. This was because we were makinga pressing try to get the men to looking likejust the kind of personalities that our symposiumof old descriptions would have them."The oils are in dark tones and dark backgrounds,with faces somewhat shadowed in anattempt to have each "picture portray a Founderas he looked in * A 6's earliest days and toconvey an inipression of a likeness that looks asif it had been weathered and slightly grayed by100 years of survival," Shaffer explains.The basic descriptions given the artist ofeach of the Founders were ejjtracted largelyfrom the manuscript of Brother Shaffer's forthcomingHistory of Phi Delta Theta. Althoughspace will not permit the full scope of the notesprepared by Shaffer for each of the Founders,some guidance is used in this presentation ofthe oils to the Fraternity membership in orderthat each portrait may be appreciated to thefullest possible extent.Robert Morrison is described as of springy,thinnish build but extremely strong. In hisMiami days he was about 5' 91/4" with aweight of about 160. He had hard and sinewymuscles. His eyes reveal something of his intentnessand his uncontrived appearance of loftiness.It is said he always looked taller andmore dominating than his actual height.Historian Shaffer writes that "Morrison alwayshad the ability to impress other persons tohis purpose, so great was his dignity, and theinner forcefulness of his physical and mentalconfidence and his personal unselfishness."It is reported that Robert Morrison had highcheekbones, thinly hollowed cheeks, lipsstraight and forceful, and eyes that sometimesburned out from their recesses with the fire ofhis ideas, "an inward fire whose flame touchedthe minds and the energy of other men."By way of physical contrast, John McMillanWilson was of broad and stubby build, of uncommunicativeand retiring demeanor amongthose he did not know on close terms; but withgood friends, fond of jokes and pranks. He wasan introvert, careless in dress, a quiet-thinkertype always patient and charitable in dealingwith others. He was 5' 10", with gray blue eyes,somewhat small, and often with a questioninglook. He had light brown hair during Miamidays, slightly florid complexion, a round face, acompact body with weight of about 178.Wilson had the reputation of being close andwarm with all his brother Phis—he was liked immenselyand sincerely. Many of his brotherswere younger and affectionately called him"Old Dad" and "Pop."Brother Shaffer summarizes Wilson as "a manof intelligence, imagination, and sensitivity, buthis demeanor seemed so stolid that many escapedfinding out about his true talents andperfections, being misled by rumpled clothes, aheavy walk, and a glance that reflected uncertaintyabout how to meet and impress an acquaintance."A third cousin of Robert Morrison's (theirgrandmothers were sisters), John Wolfe Lindleyin 1848 was a gray eyed, 130-pound youngman of 22, with brown hair, bronzed and earnestfeatures; a young man characterized by hiscompanions as a "man of few words and muchcommon sense." He was said to be an accuratescholar and enjoyed bookish interests.Photos show Lindley's eyes recessed andsomewhat quizzical but almost always friendly.After a few years away from the chapter, he •resumed contacts with the younger generad^nsof Phis and became a great favorite with thechapters, individual members and the convention-goers.He was constantly being urged totell these younger Phis about the early days ofthe Fraternity.