for the establishment of a chapter at the Pennsylvania State College
December 2 , 1918

BELIEVING that affiliation with a well established and well reputed National Fraternity would be most desirous, and believing The Theta Chi Fraternity to possess these qualities, we, the members of The Phi Tau Alpha Fraternity of the Pennsylvania State College, do hereby respectfully petition for consideration as a Chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity.

For the Fraternity.
George Chapman
President

Anthony V. Pickard
Secretary

Phi Tau Alpha House

HISTORY OF PHI TAU ALPHA

In the spring of 1925,a group of young men who were members of the Philadelphia Northeast High School Club of the Pennsylvania State College met with serious purpose of forming an organization which would perpetuate certain ideals and high standards of manhood which these students possessed. Arrangements were made to secure a new house which was then in the course of construction at the corner of Foster Avenue and Allen Street.

At the opening of the college year in 1915, the Northeast Club was established on a local fraternity basis. New members were selected with the greatest care and they were of the highest type. By the fall of 1917 the Club was well established and strong bonds of friendship existed among its members. Fully realizing that greater advantages could be gained by closer association with fraternities of State College, action was taken to change the character of the organization to that of a Local Fraternity.

On February 23, 1918, permission was granted by the Fraternity Committee of the General Faculty, and the Northeast Club became The Phi Tau Alpha Fraternity. On April 6, 1918, the change was formally announced to the other Fraternities by a smoker and reception at the Chapter House. Shortly after this function, Phi Tau Alpha was admitted to the Intramural Council; this making the final step in the official recognition by the Fraternities of The Pennsylvania State College.

The Chapter House is well located for fraternity purposes, being especially constructed for the same. There are fourteen rooms affording accommodations for eighteen men. Although the house is ample for the present, a fund has already been instituted to build a new house for Phi Tau Alpha.

High scholastic standards have always been maintained and many of the Phi Tau Alpha graduate members have been elected to Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, and similar honorary societies. It has been well represented on the college publications, in the musical organizations, and on the athletic field. Like other Fraternities, the membership of Phi Tau Alpha has been decreased by the call to the colors and many of its men are now wearing the bars of commissioned officers.

The men are selected from all the departments of the College and Phi Tau Alpha has maintained a careful and consistent policy in the selection of its members, desiring only those men who will conform to, and further the ideals of the Fraternity and the Alma Mater.

Office of the President

November 18, 1918

The organization of students of The Pennsylvania State College known as the Phi Tau Alpha Fraternity is worthy of recognition. Their members have furnished a considerable portion of officers in the United States Army. Their academic standing I believe to be above the average of the college. Their house so far as I can learn has been conducted in an orderly manner. I recommend them for membership in the Theta Chi National Fraternity.

Edwin E. Sparks

School of Engineering
Dean’s Office November 22, 1918
Secretary, Theta Chi Fraternity,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Mr. E. B. Cassel advises me that a Club, formerly known as the Northeast Club and later as the Phi Tau Alpha, is applying for a charter as a chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity.

I know Mr. Cassel personally and can assure you of his high character and exceptional standing as a student.
Two of the juniors, named Chapman and Frederickson, are in the Department of Civil Engineering and have made satisfactory records. So far as these students are concerned, I can vouch for their quality.

I believe that in general the fraternity has a good reputation for scholarship and character

Yours Truly,

R. L. Sackett
Dean
School of Engineering

Office of Dean and Director
November 15, 1918

Mr. Frederick Ladue,
Secretary, Theta Chi Fraternity,
Washington, D.C.

My Dear Sir:
I have been advised that the Phi Tau Alpha Fraternity of the Pennsylvania State College, which is a local Chapter, has applied for admission to the Theta Chi Fraternity, of which I understand you are Secretary.

I have known several members of this Fraternity since its organization at State College and it is a pleasure to say that we hold the members, as well as the organization, which they represent, in high esteem and recommend the Chapter for admission to your National Fraternity. The men have high standing in the institution and we believe they will be a credit to your fraternity.

Yours Very Truly,
H. L. Watts
Dean and Director

Note: All of the Members are enlisted wither in the Students’ Army Training Corps or in the Naval Unit, except three who are ineligible because of age or course of study.

GRADUATE MEMBERS