• The Founding of The Delta Chi Fraternity
• The Name of the Fraternity and Badge
• The Ritual
• The Emblem
• Expansion
• Delta Chi Goes Single Membership
• Shall we become a general fraternity?
• 1922-Present
• Modern Developments

• Introduction
• The Beginning of Delta Chi at The University of Texas
• Shaping of a Chapter
• Fraternity Life: Pre-WWII
• The End of an Era
• A New Hope
• Founding Fathers

National History 

This list has not always been the accepted one. Even those on the list had differing opinions as to who deserved such recognition. To more fully understand the confusion, let us go back to the school year of 1889-90 and "set the stage" for the inception of the second law fraternity at Cornell. The school year of 1889-90 began with conversations of starting a new law fraternity, but, as school work increased, the idea was put off until the spring semester. Two incidents have been credited with providing the impetus for renewed interest in the founding of what was to become Delta Chi. One was the election of a Phi Delta Phi as the Law School Editor of the Cornell Daily Sun (the student newspaper) and the second was the election of the law school junior class president. in the case of the class presidency, Alphonse Derwin Stillman had done some campaigning for a student named Irving G. Hubbard and was unaware of any effort being made in anyone else's behalf. When the voting results were in, Charles Frenkel, a Phi Delta Phi, was declared the winner. That caused Stillman to start "asking around." It appears that what he found was a law school which was dominated by one small, closely knit group -- Phi Delta Phi.

The question of who first conceived the idea of a new fraternity will probably never be answered. According to Frederick Moore Whitney there were probably two or three groups working on the idea that spring.

Monroe Marsh Sweetland (who was also a member of Delta Tau Delta from Cornell) claimed the idea was his alone; Myron McKee Crandall claimed the fraternity was started in his and Frank Edward Thomas's apartment at 126 E. Seneca Street; Stillman remembered being approached by "one of the boys" after the class election but couldn't remember who.

In any case, there were meetings held in Crandall's apartment as well as in Sweetland's law office on Wilgus Street. It is not clear how these two groups came together, or even in which month, though there seems to have been some individuals who had attended both groups. Crandall did remember approaching Sweetland about the concept of the new fraternity and how excited he was, and how he had joined right in. Sweetland said he always had considered the founding of Delta Chi to date back to when he had unfolded the whole idea to Crandall.

While the class officer elections and the Law School Editorship incidents may have provided the initial incentives for organization, it soon became clear that those involved were looking for much more. Realizing a common desire for fellowship and intellectual association, they sought to enrich their college experiences by creating among themselves a common bond; a bond that would materially assist each in the acquisition of a sound education; a bond that would provide each enduring value. As with any important commitment, there must be time for contemplation and planning.

Over the summer, many of the details of the organization were worked out by Crandall, who had stayed in Ithaca until after school opened. There was additional work accomplished by Sweetland, John Milton Gorham and Stillman.

In the fall of 1890 the names of Fred Kingsbury Stephens, Martin Joseph Flannery and Frank Edward Thomas appeared on the agreement to share the cost of purchasing a sample badge for the fraternity, and the signatures of both Flannery and Stephens appeared on the pledge "... to form a Greek letter fraternity...." Since both Flannery and Stephens dropped out of the organization early, they have not been included as Founders.

Click on the image for a larger version.

Click here to view a copy of the Original Constitution.

In the same letter, Whitney recommended that Peter Schermerhorn Johnson not be recognized as a Founder since he wasn't initiated until December 1890 or March 1891. Johnson was, however, responsible for a large portion of the secrets of the Fraternity, writing "Foven's Mater" and drawing the first emblem for Delta Chi.

There seems to be no doubt that Barnes obtained the first badge (which he lost at a class reunion 25 years later) and that the second badge was made for Whitney but purchased by Sweetland.

In an article published in Volume 5 Number 1 of the Quarterly, Barnes stated that he had in his possession at that time, 1907, "... no less than seventeen designs ..." for the badge. Barnes also claimed to be the chairman of a committee on designing the badge. The badge that Barnes owned had gold letters and a diamond in the center. This badge was worn by the Founders and frequently borrowed by the other members for special occasions, and while having their pictures taken.

The first departure from this, according to Johnson, came when Richard Lonergan, Cornell '92, had his made retaining the diamond in the center, but had the Delta mounted in black enamel. An early description of the badge stated that the Delta was jeweled or enameled to suit the owner with a diamond usually surmounting the center. The Chi was jeweled with one garnet on each arm.

Shown here is a replica of the original badge worn by the Founders

We have placed that ancient emblem on the banner that we love,
Golden key of golden promise, with the open hand above:
Aid our Masters strength, my brother, that our own fraternity:
In the coming years yet distant, have the hand that grasps the key.

The owl, interlocking Delta and Chi, and the oil lamp, which appears on some of the early charters, may have been the work of the committee on charters which was formed in the spring of 1891.

It wasn't until the Easter vacation of 1899 that Fraser Brown and Roy V. Rhodes decided to design a coat of arms for the young fraternity. The design they developed involved the "marriage" or union of two "families": that of Sir Edward Coke, one of the towering figures in the establishment of law as the instrument of justice, and that of the knight-errant, the feudal Delta Chi predecessor of law in enforcing justice, as symbolized by his weapons. In regards to the alterations made on their original design, Roy V. Rhodes had this to say:

The coat of arms involves the "marriage" or union of two "families";
that of Sir Edward Coke and that of the knight-errant.

On April 14, 1891, John Francis Tucker, of New York University, went to Ithaca and earned the confidence and regard of the Cornell Chapter. He was initiated into Delta Chi that night and was sent back to prepare his associates for induction.

Although Stillman remembers Tucker (who was a member of Delta Upsilon) coming to find out about Delta Chi, Wilkinson tells the story with more confidence:

Wilkinson's contention that the general fraternity wasn't formed until later seems, at least in part, to be verified by the minutes of the April 15, and May 23, 1891, meetings. At the April 15, 1891 meeting, the constitution and ritual were adopted as read, the committee on charters was appointed, and the men traditionally considered the first set of officers ("AA" Owen Lincoln Potter, "BB" John Mil ton Gorham, "CC" George A. Nall, and "DD" Albert T. Wilkinson) were elected. It is interesting to note, in light of Wilkinson's statement about "a hurry call for a meeting to organize a body to which he (Tucker) could apply" is the fact that this April 15 meeting occurred the night after Tucker's initiation. At tha may 23 meeting, the motto, grip, challenge, and the colors were adopted by the fraternity.

One solution to the confusion is the possibility that Delta Chi was originally founded as a national fraternity, but with the pressures of school work and the chapter at Cornell to keep them busy, the Founders allowed the national organization to take a back seat. When Tucker appeared the next spring, the national organization had to be reorganized in order to accommodate the applicant from N.Y.U.

As it turned out, Tucker played a significant role in the development of the Fraternity. In a letter to Johnson dated February 22, 1892, he stated:

The debt which Delta Chi owes Tucker would appear to be larger than previously recognized. In 1892 four more chapters were established, three of which exist today (the fourth -- Albany Law School -- had its charter transferred in 1901 to Union College; the Union Chapter existed until 1994). Twelve chapters were founded within the first decade and on February 13, 1897, Delta Chi became an international fraternity with the installation of the Osgoode Hall Chapter in Toronto, Canada. Delta Chi's first convention was held in 1894 at the Michigan Chapter. By the turn of the century, Delta Chi had grown to ten chapters. The initial years of the new century saw conservative growth and the 1902 Convention (where the White Carnation was selected as the fraternity's flower) authorized the Delta Chi Quarterly. The convention had misgivings. Everybody wanted it, some thought it was an unwarranted risk; no one had the slightest idea how to go about it. Harold White, Chicago-Kent '01 became the first editor and Edward Nettles, Chicago-Kent '00 was the first business manager. In an article in the May 1929 Quarterly, White had this to say:

April, 1903 saw the first issue of the Delta Chi Quarterly published for a fraternity of fourteen chapters and fewer than 3,000 alumni.

Artwork used on early chapters

Founded as a professional law fraternity, Delta Chi was initiating members of Delta Tau Delta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Alpha Tau Omega and the other general fraternities. As time passed, several chapters which had voluntarily refrained from initiating members of other fraternities began pushing for a change in the Constitution to prevent dual memberships.

Delta Chi stood out as a law fraternity, not an honorary or club, but yet something special. As the Fraternity expanded, a divergent policy grew, contoured by the different chapters. The metropolitan law school chapters wanted to continue the practice of initiating members from the general fraternities. The campus chapters which had voluntarily refrained from such practice, though it was then still allowable, were agitating for a change in the constitution to prevent future initiation of such men. For some years, the single standard men had been slightly in the majority but were not numerically strong enough to change the constitution.

The limelight focused on the issue as early as 1903 and was personified by the man elected as "CC" that year. Floyd Carlisle, Cornell '03, was awarded that office while still an undergraduate. The election is indicative of the impression this man made on a group. He was class president in both his sophomore and senior years at Cornell. Determined to resolve the question in favor of the single membership standard, he championed a change in the Fraternity's form of government. Up to that point, with only five executive officers to be elected by the convention, the older, more experienced and attractive personalities of the graduate double-fraternity men (who were usually the alumni delegates from the metropolitan law chapters) held the stage and the attention of the delegates during the two or three days of convention acquaintance. As a result, they almost always succeeded in being elected. Carlisle planned to break up this habit. By proposing the election of a fifteen-man "XX" (which then elected its own officers: "AA", "CC" and "DD"), the eighteen chapters of the day would concentrate on trying to get one of their own elected to the governing board. By combining their votes against a double fraternity candidate, the single membership chapters were able to elect an overwhelmingly predominate single-standard "XX". This principal question of dual membership was debated for about five years. The arguments of "a man can be both a good Mason and a good Elk" and "no man can serve two masters" were heard time and time again. Finally, after unseating four "dual membership" chapters on alleged violations, the 1909 Cornell Convention adopted an amendment to the constitution prohibiting dual membership. he "guilty" chapters were then reseated. The issue and ultimate decision cost the Fraternity the New York Law (1905), West Virginia (1908), Northwestern (1909) and Washington University (in St. Louis)(1909) Chapters. All were dual membership chapters. But the tide of change had only begun to engulf Delta Chi. During the next dozen years, another undertow would build to turn the fraternal ship.

Although the debate over whether Delta Chi should be a law or a general fraternity had received some press as early as 1916, notice was served in the May, 1919 issue of the Quarterly in the editorial "Shall We Go On a General Fraternity?" that a torchbearer had taken up the cause of Delta Chi becoming a general fraternity. The editor, Roger Steffan, Ohio State '13, claimed a majority of the chapters were "no longer even predominantly legal in their membership."

As editor of the fraternity Roger Steffan, Ohio State '13 was certainly a major force behind the general membership movement. A Phi Beta Kappa student, Steffan assumed the editorship of the Quarterly in 1916. In the May 1929 issue of the Quarterly, he recalled his May 1919 editorial effort:

In short order, the Fraternity's magazine became filled with comments from all interested, each expressing their exact and often colorful opinions on the subject.

The "general" supporters felt that Delta Chi had long ceased to be strictly a law fraternity. The first step toward this was the 1909 decision to bar members of other fraternities. In order to compete successfully, given the requirements now needed for entry to law schools, there had to be a wider field from which to choose members. So the fraternity began allowing the initiation of men who "intended" to study law. A number of these men eventually failed to study law thus giving Delta Chi more of a general character. Several chapters then claimed that it was becoming increasingly difficult to identify exactly which men were eligible for recruitment (those who intended to study law) soon enough to effectively compete with the general fraternities. Besides being hard to identify, the number of eligible men was further being reduced by the increasing requirements for law school admission as well as the increasing interest in the new and popular Colleges of Business Administration.

As with any battle, there are men who seem to stand out on both sides. On the side of remaining a law fraternity was John J. Kuhn, "AA", Cornell '98. He and others felt that Steffan's reports of chapters being already general in character were erroneous and that any move toward making Delta Chi a general fraternity would destroy the alumni strength that currently existed. The law advocates pointed out that the legal qualifications gave the chapters an added feature in rush and the fraternity had a definite purpose, and this attracted the type of freshmen who did things in college and made the "all around man." Appearing in Quarterly articles by the law advocates were such statements as: "...Delta Chi cannot hope to compete as strongly in the old fraternity world as a general fraternity. She would be lost in the shuffle."

With the issues clearly stated, the Fraternity held its first convention in four years. For the larger part of four days, delegates to the 1919 Minneapolis Convention grappled with the problem. Discussion began after Brother Steffan introduced a motion to repeal restrictions in the constitution limiting membership to law students or pre-law students. A. Frank John, Dickinson '00, who had attended every convention since 1898, declared the debate to be the finest ever heard at any convention. After

nearly six hours of debate, a vote was taken on the resolution favoring Delta Chi becoming a straight-out general fraternity. The result was 35 votes against the resolution and 26 for it, thus the resolution was lost.

In order to get a test of strength on the other side of the matter, whether Delta Chi should retain its law membership and instruct the "XX" to enforce this in the chapters, a resolution to that effect was voted upon and likewise defeated.

With both sides of the matter going to defeat, Billie Bride urged the convention to accept a compromise position. Several compromise proposals ultimately met with defeat with the pro-law men feeling they changed the character of the fraternity and the general advocates claiming they offered no real relief for the conditions faced by a number of chapters.

The only amendment agreed upon in Minneapolis made brothers and sons of Delta Chis, regardless of course of study, eligible for membership. This was agreed on without opposition from either side. The Fraternity left Minneapolis without resolving the membership question.

As expected, the discussion of becoming a general fraternity continued. Chapters reported recruiting problems, Steffan's editorial comments appeared in each Quarterly issue, and John Kuhn told the chapters to believe in their product and sell it.

In an effort to enforce the constitutional requirements of the Fraternity, John Kuhn suspend the Ohio State Chapter for openly admitting to initiating men who never intended to study law. A majority of the "XX" voted against the suspension.

The "XX" was tireless in working to solve the membership question. Two separate attempts to change the constitution by mail balloting proved unsuccessful. By the summer of 1920 the general advocates were pushing for a special convention to once and for all solve the membership issue. The generalists pointed to the great expansion that was going on in the fraternity world and leaving Delta Chi without a single new chapter since the chartering of Kentucky in 1914. However, slow communication prevented a special convention from becoming a reality.

The "CC", Billie Bride, stood squarely between the pro-law advocates and the generalists. He was certain that a compromise could be reached. Bride wrote: "We have a serious issue before us and it will settle itself if we don't tear our hair and lose our tempers. We are all Delta Chi whatever may be our views on the question of our becoming a general fraternity. With a little give and take, the right side will win."

To assure everyone the generalists were firm on their commitment, Roger Steffan made his views on a compromise solution clear in this editorial comment:

In 1921, no closer to a solution, the fraternity representatives met once again hoping to solve the controversy. Only two proposals were submitted with the pro law advocates deciding to support a more liberal compromise instead of the straight law stand. The second proposal submitted for vote was the straight general amendment.

After lengthy debate of both positions, voting began. After six ballots the general amendment had obtained 47 of the 53 1/4 votes necessary for adoption. The phrase "General 47, Compromise 25" was heard until 2:00 a.m. Thursday morning, looking as if no end was in sight.

Balloting began again Friday morning with both sides trying feverishly to sway votes or to bring arguments to bear that would change the result. The generalists secured as many as 51 votes before the tide turned against their effort. Somewhere around midnight on the forty-second ballot, the compromise vote actually exceeded the general vote. For the second straight night, no solution seemed in sight. Finally, Billie Bride proposed "that a committee of five, consisting of two from the general side, two from the compromise side, and the Stanford delegate, be appointed to prepare a proposition solving the membership question to report at 9:30 a.m. Saturday." The motion carried and the committee met from 2 until 5:30: Saturday morning struggling to find common ground. Again, with neither side willing to accept compromise, the neutral, Harry Wadsworth, Stanford '20, wrote out the amendment which was to carry the Convention. Wadsworth presented the following amendment with the two general representatives on the committee voting in favor:

Voting was once again resumed. After 52 ballots, the representative of the Buffalo alumni changed his vote giving the Wadsworth amendment victory.

In the months following the convention, it became evident many chapters were finding it impossible to live up to the provisions of the constitution. It was also clear that administering the membership eligibility requirements would be extremely difficult. Finally, at their April 29 and 30, 1922, meeting in Chicago, the "XX" adopted and submitted to the chapters for ratification, a constitutional change that would allow any white male student registered at a college or university where there was a chapter of Delta Chi to be eligible for membership. Citing conditions in the chapters and in the expansion work, "AA" Henry V. McGurren said: "I am convinced that it not only is desirable at this time to adopt the general fraternity amendment without delay, but that it is absolutely necessary for the unity and welfare of Delta Chi." And so it stood, Delta Chi had become completely "general ."

There were other internal improvements during the period between the World Wars. The position of Executive Secretary was created in 1923 and provision made for a permanent central office which was finally established in 1929. The position of Director of Scholarship came into being in 1925 to lead the drive for general scholastic excellence. In 1927, one full-time Field Secretary was placed in direct contact with the chapters and, in 1935 a second one was added to the staff. By 1930, Delta Chi had grown to 36 chapters and, in 1934, the Headquarters began publishing the Quarterly.

During this era Delta Chi made two noteworthy contributions to the Greek letter fraternity world. The first of these was the Tutorial Advisor Plan--members of the faculty (preferably not members of the Fraternity) living in the house where they acted as tutors, advisors, and counselors.

In yet another way Delta Chi took the lead among Greek letter organizations. At the 1929, Estes Park Convention, Delta Chi unanimously voted to abolish "Hell Week." (The following day another national organization, meet-ing in convention, also abolished hazing.)

The position of "EE" was also abolished at the 1929 convention and, at the 1935 convention, the Executive Board was increased to nine. Without realizing the full significance of what it was starting, the Pennsylvania State Chapter in 1937 invited six chapters in neighboring states to meet with them. Dean C. M. Thompson, who was then the "AA", saw the great potential of such gatherings and promptly asked the Indiana Chapter to be host for the first Midwest Regional Conference. After that the Regional Conference plan blossomed. But with World War II and the temporary suspension of many chapter operations, much about the mechanics of the Regional Conferences was forgotten. But the need, desire, and concept were not forgotten. After the war, Delta Chi saw its conference program expand and become more purposeful.

Today the Regional Conferences play an important role in the affairs of the fraternity. The conferences are the vehicle for the election of each Regent for a two-year term. More important, each conference is designed to accomplish specific purposes, including the development of new approaches to the solution of Fraternity problems; fostering a better understanding of the operation of the various programs of the general Fraternity and the Headquarters; promoting good will in university-fraternity relations; and bringing together large numbers of Delta Chis for information, inspiration, and plain good fun.

After the Great Depression and on the verge of the United States entering World War II, the Fraternity celebrated its 50th Anniversary with 35 chapters. Once again our young men went off to war and many of the chapter houses were taken over by the military as was done during the first world war. It was the alumni dues program, started in 1935, that provided the main source of revenue to the Fraternity while the chapters were not in operation.

The war ended and the chapters resumed normal operations. By 1950, Delta Chi had 39 chapters. 1951 saw the retirement of O.K. Patton from the position of Executive Secretary which, while he was a professor of Law at Iowa, he had held part-time since 1929 on an official basis. Prior to that time he had effectively operated the central office since his election as "CC".

Prior to 1929, the membership records of the fraternity would follow the election of the "CC" and the financiall records would follow the election of the "dd". When O. K. Patton was elected "CC" in 1923 he put the records in one room of a downtown Iowa City building and hired one part-time secretary. After the "general" membership question was resolved, Delta Chi grew from 21 to 36 chapters in four 1929 and the records and related activities had expanded to four rooms and four secretaries. Effectively after the fact, Delta Chi established its Headquarters in Iowa City where it has stayed.

To help secure funds, the Foundation gained recognition as a charitable and educational organization from the I.R.S. in 1958. In 1988, the Foundation took over the general fraternity's fundraising activities and now supports many of Delta Chi Fraternity's educational and leadership programming.

A further change was made in the Fraternity's Executive Board in 1958 when the size was increased to include the "AA", "CC", "DD", the immediate past "AA", and Regional Representatives. More important than the increased size was the method to be employed in selecting its members. As before, the "AA", "CC", and "DD" were chosen by the convention. Included in the change was the adoption of a plan whereby regions were established and a Board member selected from each region. Prior to the adoption of this plan, every member of the Board could possibly have come from the same community or geographical area. The new plan made this impossible; the entire Board benefits from the geographical diversity.

In 1960, the Fraternity employed its first, full-time executive, Harold "Buc" Buchanan, Wisconsin '35. Up to this time the Fraternity was run by volunteers or part-time employees. At the 1960 Convention, a "Building Loan Fund" was created. The original level of assessment proved too low and, in 1962, the Delta Chi Housing Fund was established to assume the function of the "Building Loan Fund." Today, the Housing Fund has loans outstanding to chapters and colonies across the country.

Also at the 1962 Convention, the Regional Representatives were re-designated as Regents and the Executive Board was renamed the Board of Regents.

In 1969, the Fraternity moved out of rented space into its first permanent facility. The property is wholly owned by Delta Chi and houses the archives of the Fraternity and a staff of three directors, five traveling consultants and three clerical employees.

At the 1975 Chicago Convention, the Order of the White Carnation was created to honor alumni who give outstanding service to the Fraternity in a meritorious but inconspicuous way. The first inductee into the Order was Victor T. Johnson, Purdue '32. In 1983, Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson, Washington '34 was selected as the first Delta Chi of the Year in honor of his achievements in his chosen profession.

While there have been a variety of changes that have strengthened Delta Chi within the last decade, the 80s will most probably be remembered for the growth in chapters. Starting with 78 chapters and colonies in 1980, the Fraternity celebrated at its Centennial Convention with 120 chapters and colonies on the rolls.

The Delta Chi Headquarters office established in 1969 at:
314 Church Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52244.
Is the first permanent facility owned by the Fraternity.

Texas Chapter History

In the early months of 1907, a relatively small group of men at U.T Austin came together to form what would be a great tradition: the Texas Chapter of the Delta Chi Fraternity.  While it might be considered small compared to today’s one hundred man chapters, the chapter has always been a close group of men and a driving force on campus.  Delta chi has had many traditions that accumulated over the course of its rich history at the University of Texas.  In the twenties, only a decade after the chapter’s inception, Texas Delta Chi had many leaders throughout the University, only a few of which are mentioned.  However, the Texas D-Chi’s have excelled throughout their history.  Some have been presidents of their Drama club or German club, while others have been tennis tam captains, track team captains, basketball team captains, glee club members, band members, “Longhorn” magazine reporters, and student government representatives, just to name a few.  These leaders created a legacy that exists today and they are brothers whose accomplishments we all honor.  These same men, while advancing personally, have helped Delta Chi become what it is today.

However, times have not all been good.  The original chapter struggled with membership recruiting problems in the late sixties, in a time when the college campus held many anti-organizational sentiments due to the Vietnam War.  At the end of the 1969-70 school year, the chapter closed for the benefit of its members and all concerned.

Fortunately, that is not the end of the story.  In fact, the years 1970-1989 are considered by many to be only “inactive years,” not a period when Delta Chi was not at Texas.  Thanks to the dreams of a few alumni, a new colony was incarnated in the late 1980’s, and it began with an equally strong core of good men.  Breaking a new group into such a large system was not an easy task, but they succeeded.  As a new chapter, it continues into the future with the same Delta Chi spirit its predecessors left behind, and the legacy of the original chapter lives on in the new.

The first part of Texas Delta Chi history lasted for 63 years, from 1907 to 1970.  It survived two world wars, a national economic depression and six decades.  From the beginnings of the international fraternity through its 75^th anniversary, Texas Delta Chi was a leader at its University, on par with chapters with strong national standings that still exist today.

The Birth of a Chapter

On April 13^th, 1907, a relatively small group of men began a legacy and the sixteenth chapter of the Delta Chi Fraternity was formed at the University of Texas at Austin.  Its known founders are those pictured.

Charter Members and Founding Fathers

Baylor Lewis Agerton, Jay Marion Jones, Holland Edward Bell, Charles Francis O’Donnell, James Ralph Bell, Alexander Pope, Felix M. Bransford, John Nelson Renfro, Joseph M. Burford, Gustave Adolf Schaef, Enoch Gilbert Callaway, Henry R. Schenker, Thompson Theodore Garrard, Hubert Anthony Shands, Ireland Graves, Otto Taub, Robert Haynie, Bruce Walton Teagarden.

Little is presently known about the charter members or the circumstances under which the chapter was founded; only those details mentioned above.  Marion Jones played for Texas Baseball, Alex Pope was 1903 Editor of the Daily Texan and in Theta Nu Epsilon, Bruce Teagarden was Secretary of the Law School and member of Theta Nu Epsilon, and Otto Taub held the positions of President of the Law school and Secretary of the Students’ Association.

The charter was originally given to the chapter at the University of Texas Law School, since Delta Chi was strictly a law fraternity at the time.  Even as it evolved into a social organization the charter’s roots remained and the charter was never reissued.  Today, the Texas Law School continues to be a prestigious institution and members who enter the school carry a special pride, locally and nationally.

About the Charter

The actual charter certificate, issued to the chapter at the Texas Law School, was almost entirely written by hand.  The artwork is unique to the charters of only a few of the early charters.  In the top center, is a shield on which has the letter “Delta” interlocked with the letter “Chi,” surrounded by leaves engraved on it.  An owl is perched on top and an oil lamp is dangling from it.  It is mentioned in the Cornerstone as rare to a handful of chapters.

In 1907, Texas was part of a small family.  Those chapters in the small DX family were only a handful:

The list is certainly a prestigious one, though not all 15 chapters are in existence today.  The chapter was set in on the virtual ground level of the national organization, being the first chapter in the entire South below Virginia.

Although there is no concrete history until 1919, all evidence indicates a smooth beginning for the Texas chapter, and subsequent years suggest it was gifted with a relatively easy transition into the organization.  World War I from 1914-1918 undoubtedly had an effect upon the chapter, but it is unclear.  The chapter began the fall of 1919 with twenty members, not necessarily small for the time.  By this time, the chapter had obtained a house located at 2308 Rio Grande, in which to meet.

The First House

This first known chapter house was centrally located, on the corner of Rio Grande and 24^th streets at 2308 Rio Grande.  A two story (later three story) frame building with fifteen rooms (later seventeen rooms), it housed twenty men.  The property’s value was estimated as 30,000.00, including lot, house and furnishings.  Yearly rent was $1380.00 (a fraction of a month’s rent for many of today’s houses).  With a modern street car line and many sororities within a few blocks, it was considered a premiere spot.  Rio Grande was the first major street to make the west campus area a fraternity district.

During the twenties, the chapter built up a fund to use in the purchase and construction of a new house.  However, due to the subsequent economic depression, the idea was postponed indefinitely.  Although the house was later torn down, an apartment building called the Cornerstone Apts. Was put in its place (an unknowing tribute to Delta Chi’s own history manual, The Cornerstone).

Other Achievements

On March 31, 1920, the first issue of the Texas Delt (called the Texdelt or The Owl during chapter history) was published as an alumni and chapter newsletter.  It was pronounced a success and subsequent issues followed, sometimes once per term and other times once per month, pending available finances.  In the early twenties concrete big brother and scholarship programs were instated, the associate member program was developed and many traditions were established. 

The Move to “General” 

The Texas chapter was a major factor in the formation of the present national fraternity.  It was one of just over 20 chapters involved in some very important decisions.

In 1921 Texas was well into a new pressing issue.  One fact became clear: the brothers strongly advocated becoming a general fraternity.  There is no evidence that supports that they were initiating non-law students.  In fact it was quite the contrary.  Still, the Texas D-Chi’s were very anxious to create expansion through this change.

From the beginning, the chapter wanted to “go general.”  To set the stage, a note was entered in the chapter minutes from the first meeting of the 1920-21 school year: “We want a general fraternity.  Please give us a prompt decision.”  On Oct. 6, 1920, the chapter voted unanimously on an amendment that led indirectly to the change.  It allowed special national conventions, (like the one in April, 1922) to be called at any time deemed necessary by Nationals.  This action was followed by a series of debates and discussions between the Texas chapter and her sister chapters.  Telegrams were sent to other groups to see what their opinions were.

The richness of its history, however, does not end there.  There is also a local legacy to consider.

In the twenties and early thirties, Delta Chi was on top.  Although it was still not fully formed, it was considered socially superior and scholastically equal to almost all of the 21 other chapters on campus.  Membership was strong and many members were involved in extracurricular activities.  Many men were involved with Law school leadership, Students’ Association leadership, Varsity football and most notably, University publications.  Every year a D-Chi held either an editor’s job or some other high position on the Daily Texan, and this lasted well into the period before WWII.  In sports, brother Gover “Ox” Emerson became U.T. Football Team captain, an All Conference and an All American who turned pro in 1932.  “Ox” went on to serve the chapter for many years after, becoming chapter president and IFC president.  When he returned to coach the Texas Football team as an assistant, he served for many years on the Alumni Board of Trustees and later on the newly resurrected chapter’s Board as well.  Texas alumni of all ages are grateful for his service.

Another notable Texas D-Chi, Chauncey “Tex” Cook, emerged during this time.  He served as chapter “A” and went on to serve the University after graduation, becoming a powerful, respected man in the corporate world, which included a position as Chairman of the Board of General Foods.

Traditions 

A great tradition that emerged during his time was the Annual Delta Chi Picnic at the “Blue Hole” in Wimberley, Texas.  Located forty miles southwest of Austin, the town is known for its natural springs, the blue hole being one of them.  The picnic began sometime between 1910 and 15 and continued for over 35 years.  Wimberley was the location for almost all of those picnics.  An all day frolic, it included food, drink, fun, swimming and general merriment.  Members and their dates would throw down blankets and drop their picnic baskets and head for the blue hole in their bathing suits.  By the end of this all day affair, every attendant’s desire for fun was fulfilled.

Some other Texas traditions that started around this time were the Delta Chi Barn Dance, when the house was turned into a virtual farm, excluding the animals.  Hay rolls were not uncommon here.  The D-Chi’s were always contenders in the big U.T. Roundup house decoration and parade as well as the Varsity Carnival skits.  Between their annual chapter dances (usually held at the Austin country club) and Founder’s Day banquets (held in hotels like the Driskill) and other activities, the Delta Chi’s enjoyed an extensive social schedule right from the start.

The chapter received visits from many different alumni like Brother Martin Allday, Brother Judge Wilfred Embry and founding father T.T. Garrard.  In 1919, national officers, Brothers McGarren and Bush, the “BB” and “EE,” visited the chapter and were treated to a regular thrashing of the Texas A&M football team by the Longhorns during the annual Thanksgiving grudge match.

At one point, the chapter was fortunate enough to be visited by a famous 1930’s entertainer.  Sally Rand, a famous bubble dancer of the time, came by for dinner and enthralled the brothers to no end.  She was known as quite a “looker.”

Times were not always happy, though.  The Great Depression took its toll on finances and membership, but the chapter kept a strong core of good men until World War II.

World War Hits Hard

The war hurt all fraternities.  The draft was enacted and it looked as though the chapter would close.  In the 1942-43 school year, membership dropped drastically to eight and eventually four.  There was an attempt to move all pledges into the house, but the attempt was futile and the lease on Rio Grande was lost.  Minutes of the July 20, 1943 meeting sadly read: “the former chapter house has been sublet and most of the furniture sold.  For the present, meetings are being held at the apartment of Brother Bennett, “BB” at 2706 Nueces...  In spite of the tough road that lay ahead, the remaining handful of men did not give up.  The four or five kept the chapter going out of the apartment until after the war.  Rebuilding was slow.  Postwar meetings were held in the Texas Union Bldg., but eventually, membership increased to 20 and a new house was procured in the summer of 1948, at 1609 Brazos.  The house was obtained due in great part to alumni.  Judge Gordon Simpson, generous alumnus, helped to publish the alumni newsletter.  Another brother, alumnus and English professor Edgar Frederick Bennett, whose apartment had been used for meetings during the war, continued to give invaluable aid to the chapter.  A dedication in the 1948 Delta Chi Roundup thanks him—“...who, in addition to serving faithfully for many years at the “BB” of Texas Chapter, won the undying gratitude of the group for his tireless effort in the acquisition and refurbishment of the first postwar chapter house...”

The sixties led to a twist of fate for Texas Delta Chi.  The chapter seemed to be on a upward swing early on with plans for a new house.  In waiting, it moved from 1704 West Ave. on Feb. 15, 1960, and later in mid decade, to 1709 N. Congress Ave., and to 3313 Bowman Dr.  Strong Texas alumni support including that of Brother Chauncey Cook, (newly elected chairman of the General Foods Corporation) and slowly growing numbers led to distinct architectural and financial plans for the new house.  Membership seemed positive and plans were moving steadily forward.

However, the new house never materialized.  The group moved into its last house in the late sixties, at 2400 Pearl Street and began the process of purchasing it.  They occupied it until August 6, 1968, when it was “cleared out.”  Chapter finances and a lack of organization slowly eroded chapter spirit.  Historical events hurt the chapter as well.  The Vietnam War led to strong anti organizational sentiment, especially on college campuses and the number of rushees decreased.  This in itself forced other Texas fraternities to close.  The combined factors were enough to force the closing of a chapter that had been in consistent existence since the beginning of the century.  A letter, dated March 11, 1970, explains the situation in the final days to the 1970 spring semester.  Written by former “A” (and later “BB”) Robert Meisel, it read:

“Current membership is seven...The members are currently occupied with plans to coincide depletion of the chapter treasury...[and] they have lowered monthly dues to five dollars...you may wonder why they are doing these things.  Obviously, it is with an eye to folding the chapter at the end of May.  I don’t think Mr. Kaufman, “BB,” is aware of this situation...I refuse to become involved in any way with the current membership...As you may know, I was president of the chapter for some time; I resigned the position because I found myself moving in two separate groups, one composed of fraternity brothers, the other of friends...Rush is not the answer since current members are...incapable of running an effective program.

If you come up with some method of reversing the situation, I would be happy to hear about it and to help implement it...

Yours truly,
Robert C. Meisel
Texas ’71

Fortunately, the story does not end in 1970.  In a package sent to nationals, containing almost 60 years of the minutes of chapter meetings, the sender wrote “I have a dream of seeing Delta Chi back at U.T.”  Without knowing it, his dream was realized a few years later.

In September of 1986, a new group of men was assembled, some of who would have the honor and privilege to become part of the Texas Colony of Delta Chi.  By that time, Texas had become one of the most powerful Greek campuses in the nation.  It is doubtful that the eager new group of young men foresaw the many obstacles that lay ahead.

First, the National Headquarters sent representatives Dave Serber and John Shelby to Austin for the express purpose of reviving Delta Chi at U.T.  They first sent a mail out and put up posters to make University of Texas men aware of their quest.  From this initial effort, an associate member class of 56 men was obtained.  Their first meetings were held at the hotel where Brothers Serber and Shelby were staying, until a suitable organization was established.  Once officers were elected and dues were set at $100 per month, the wheels began to turn.  The first officers were:

A-Blair Garner
B-Blake Latson
C-David Mayfield
D-Bruce Milam
E-Jeff Farrell
F-Jun Wan Choi

Without diminishing this honor, it should be noted that the group had just been formed and the leadership characteristics of many others were overlooked.  However, half of these men went on to become true founding fathers.

That first semester in the fall of ’86 was far from easy.  The national representatives had left business in their hands and the inexperienced men were dealing with a system whose rules they did not know.  The first weekly meetings were held in a classroom at the Graduate School of Business located on campus.  They were held on Tuesday nights and were the only real time the chapter was able to meet and discuss chapter affairs.  This, coupled with the lack of a chapter house led to some disenchantment.  Between this and financial obligation, the group lost 23 men.  When Brother John Shelby returned, he initiated 33 men, on December 3, 1986.  Nineteen days later, on December 24^th, the Texas Colony was officially established.  The new initiates were proud, and those remaining were to become the first of the founding fathers (the “AA” class).

The following semester brought new business to attend to and the colony began their first rush efforts.  They posted notices and held interviews at the Student Union Building.  At the end of rush, a class of seven men comprised of friends of fraternity members.  This group was the Alpha class.

The first Associate member Program had limited discipline.  Cornerstone tests and occasional study hours composed the only real structure.  Nevertheless, all seven were initiated that spring.  One change that spring included a move in meeting time to Monday nights at seven o’clock, a time when many other fraternities met.  An attempt to expand the social program was made as well.  The first semi-formal, Cupid’s Arrow (now a Valentine’s Day tradition) was held at a nearby hotel, and happy hours meetings were held at different restaurants around campus.  The semester ended on a good note, but due to “Founding Father Burnout,” the colony ended up with 28 men.

The fall of 1987 brought many successes, the biggest of which was the new chapter house.  Although, the brothers had looked before this time, prospects were limited.  Fortunately, the president at the time was contacted by a gentleman who was attempting to lease a suitable house.  The offer was exceptional.  The lot was located on the West Campus bus route (in the Greek community) and the house had been named an official Austin landmark by the historical commission.  The rent was within budget and the colony accepted by signing a two year lease.  The address of that house was: 2104 Nueces, Austin, Texas, 78705 

Rush efforts during this time were also very successful.  A mail out, smokers at hotels and many activities at the new house yielded a list of interested men.  From this list the Beta class was created.  These eight men were of high quality and brought a much needed eagerness and excitement to the colony.  Their involvement brought the organization into an upward swing.  

Rough Waters 

Then, a problem arose.  The new visions created by the excitement brought disharmony previously unseen by the colony.  Some members defended the small fraternity image while others had dreams of seeing the fraternity grow into one of the top chapters on campus.  The tension among members grew and things became worse after a few estranging incidents.  Members were arguing among themselves and a general dissension brought affairs to a stand still.  Finally, the strain became unbearable and the Alumni Board of Trustees stepped in to help deal with the situation.  The worst possible development for any fraternity had occurred.  The group was clearly divided into separate factions intent on taking the fraternity in different directions.  Many men quit the ranks of Texas Delta Chi instead of choosing to work together with their brothers.  This forced the remaining members to make a decision as to their future.  It was made.  The colony would strive to gain their charter, gain a reputation as gentlemen and become one of the top houses on campus.  The remaining numbers, though only 19 in number took heart.  They were still together and the colony had faced its most difficult challenge.

When the new semester rolled around, the colony made a brave decision to forego rush efforts.  They realized that they were not as unified as they should be for the long struggle ahead.  In response, the brothers worked together to know each other individually and tried to gain an identity as a group.  Many functions were scheduled throughout the semester just for membership and the situation within the fraternity brightened.  While only sixteen men remained, they were quality men.

As the semester ran on, the second annual Cupid’s Arrow was held along with a few sorority mixers.  Some men were able to visit other D-Chi chapters nearby to gain a better experience of chapter life.  In the end, the tiny group came out with a strong sense of dedication that would lead to a new hope for gaining their charter.  The goal of brotherhood, although learned after a painful lesson, had been achieved beyond all expectation.

In spite of the closeness of the group, the remaining members numbered less than sixteen and they knew that a choice must be made.  In the last meeting of the 1987-88 school year, in May, a meeting was held.  It was decided that they would either have to close down once again or fight an uphill battle.  The decision was unanimously in favor of staying.  A $50 assessment was needed just to keep their house.

Summer began with intense rush efforts consisting of mostly rush dates.  In mid July, they picked up two new associate members in Austin.  Assistance was given by National “AA Emeritus” at the time, Fred Hammert, who helped to pin these two men.  After gaining one more man, things became stagnant for a while.  Towards the end of the summer, a state rush party was held in Dallas with their A&M brothers, who were new as well.  The party was a success and three more men were gained.  Finally, during the official rush week in the first week of school, rush exploded, and in the end, the new pledge class, Gamma, consisted of 14 men.

Due to the effort and 100% involvement in that rush, many Gamma’s would later remark that they were convinced the membership was much larger.  They were now larger and had almost doubled their size.

Many other things came together that semester.  More sorority mixers were held and post-game football parties were held.  A Halloween party brought party go-ers in droves.  It was arguably the best semester the colony ever had.

During that time, the fraternity tried an experiment: a little sister program.  Choices were made by group recommendation and the chosen were invited into the group.  While they enhanced the entire situation and pampered their little brothers in the Gamma pledge class, their days were numbered.  When the Gamma’s were initiated, the group could not decide which direction to take the program.  To avoid disagreement like those that had almost ruined the colony, the program was dropped.  While it wasn’t the easiest thing to do, it was the safest alternative.

In spite of that setback, things were looking very good.  Eleven men were initiated and the excitement was still there.

The 1989 spring semester yielded those men who would be the last to have a chance to become charter members and founding fathers of the soon-to-be Texas Chapter.  Rushing for the Delta pledge class was a formidable task and many obstacles were in their way.  Hoping for a big “pledge class,” they were optimistic, but the result was a smaller group.  At the end of rush, seven men had been obtained.  Of these seven, five men were initiated.  Although the group was smaller, it topped off the charter members in unique fashion.  The brotherhood that had been building throughout colonization had peaked.  The Delta men were arguably the closest group of “pledge brothers” to have been initiated.  Their pride and excitement was equal to their Beta brothers.

That semester also marked the first float to be built for the annual “Roundup” parade.  The Spooks, a spirit organization, participated with the Delta Chi’s and the first float was a Bevo/Sphinx/King Tut.  While it didn’t win any awards, it was the result of a good time.

The organization was now a well rounded group of men from many different backgrounds and viewpoints.  The involvement and attrition rate surpassed that of many other chapters on campus.  The simple fact was that everyone cared about their fraternity and each other.  Their brotherhood was the best ever.

During the summer and rush week, the Epsilon class was created of eight men.  At the end of that semester, those remaining would become the first pledge class of the Texas Chapter.

In order to become a chapter of Delta Chi, a colony must submit a Petition of Chartering to the Board of Regents.  It must consist of a chapter history, explanations of all areas of chapter operations and signatures of the men petitioning.  This petition, was a result of the work of every member through those three years.  “AA” class members John McElwain, Bruce Milam and Wayne Hardin were in charge and compiled it in late October.  The long colonization gave the Texas D-Chi’s more than they had ever expected in the way of hardship, good times and brotherhood.  The “AA”’s remembered how naive they had been when they were initiated and jokingly wondered that if they had known what a task it would be, if they would still have done it.  Now, all they could do was hope, leaving the final decision to Nationals.

The answer came back and the reply was “yes.”  

Each of these men deserves his rightful place in history as one who helped shape and found the Texas Chapter of Delta Chi.

On December 3, 1989, a chartering ball was held to celebrate the culmination of three years of hard work.  Almost everyone involved with the new chapter attended.  Speakers included: Fred Hammert “AA Emeritus,” Glen Weiss, Region III regent, Robert Meisel, chapter “BB” and previous Texas D-Chi alumni, Bruce Milam “A” and John McElwain “B.”  In attendance was Gover “Ox” Emerson, a 1930’s Delta Chi who had known 50 years of Texas D-Chi.

Chartering officers were:
A-Bruce Milam
B-John McElwain
C-Travis Waid
D-Bill Garza
E-Mark Brandon
F-Kurt Opella