June 1931 Omegaphone

Below are excepts from the June 1931 Omegaphone, to read the entire issue, please download the pdf to the right

President’s Message

Whenever a man is elected to an office, he should have certain aims and ideals which he wishes to create and develop before his term of office expires. So, how, speaking for the newly elected officers, I wish to say that we have many of these new ideas which we wish to install into the life Omega Chapter.

We hope that Omega may develop into an ideal chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity and also that out chapter can attain a high peak of rating so that it will be used as an example of what a model fraternity should be like. We wish to place more emphasis on a closer contact relation between the alumni and the active chapter. If we secure the cooperation of our alumni, and can hold together the strong binds of fraternal relationship in the active chapter as it has been, I’m sure we can make one more step in our advancement.

We wish to take this time to congratulate the retiring officers, and especially Brother Decker, our retiring president, on the fine work that they have done and the steps in advancement of our fraternity that they have taken. They have cooperated wonderfully and have given Omega Chapter a good start on what we wish to continue.

Edgar C. Newcomer

What We Know About The Traveling Secretary

Brother Fishell, the traveling secretary of the Theta Chi Fraternity, arrived rather unexpectedly at our chapter house, about noon on the twelfth of May to pay his annual three-day visit. His visit to Omega Chapter lasted until the evening of May the seventeenth. His time was spent investigating the fraternal relations of Omega Chapter. After he had been with us for several days we found out that he was quite interested in golf, both on a large scale and miniature, movies and ping-pong. Since he was here over Junior Prom week-end, he had a chance to listen to Guy Lombardo’s melodies of harmony and also the rhythm of Ace Bridode.

Considering his visit as a whole, I think that he has helped our chapter to a great extent, and I’n sure that we will take advantage of his constructive criticism.

Mother’s Day

After ling anticipation, Mother’s Day finally arrived and we entertained twenty-two mothers and almost an equal number of fathers, over the week-end. The weather was perfect and we can only hope that our parents had a good a time as we had.

On Friday evening, a mystery thriller, “The Donovan Affair”, was presented for the mothers by the Penn State Players/ This was followed on Saturday by Scholarship Day exercises at which many awards were made, and Saturday evening was made more enjoyable by a Glee Club concert.

After dinner Saturday the annual meeting of our Mother’s Club was held and the following officers were nominated: President, Mrs. Greiner; Secretary, Mrs. Hammond; and treasurer, Mrs. Rodgers. The club immediately began to function by donating more than fifty dollars to be used in the purchase of shrubbery for the house. Incidentally, this shrubbery has not only been procured but has been plated, improving the appearance of the house and lawn immeasurably. We are certainly indebted to the mothers for their contribution.

Chapel on Mother’s Day was presided over by Dr. Ralph W. Sockman of New York, who made a very inspiring talk and this was followed by an excellent dinner which brought the all-too-short week-end to a close.

Interfraternity Sports

Theta Chi, Omega Chapter has again played a large part in the college athletic activities when they entered teams in three different Inter-Fraternity tournaments this spring.

Out Tennis Team got off to a poor start as they were eliminated in their first match at the hands of Pi Kappa Alpha, the score being 1 to 5 against us.

Our baseball team faced a little better, advancing to the second round of their tournament by the way of a victory over Kappa Delta Rho to the tune of a 28-13 score. However, our aspirations were soon squelched by the Alpha Phi Delts to whom we lost a hard-fought game 8-1.

Our disappointment about the results of the games in the first two tournaments was soon forgotten as our enthusiasm became aroused over the rapidly increasing victories of the soccer team. We met and easily defeated Phi Epsilon Pi in our initial start by the son0sided score 10-0 and Phi Sigma Kappa was quickly disposed on in the same fashion, 9-0. As the number of undated teams was rapidly diminishing, the results of the contests became closer and the games were much harder fought. However, the winning stream of the Theta aChi entry was not served as they took Sigma Phi Alpha and Delta Theta Sigma into their fold by respective scores of 2-0 and 3-0. These victories placed us in the finals with Phi Gamma Delta who had drawn a bye in the semi-final found as out opponent in the championship game. After several postponements because of bad weather the game was finally played. The Phi Gams won the toss and elected to defend the east goal. From the starting whistle unbolt the close of the first quarter them team battle bitterly with the semblance of a score. However, before the second quarter became very old the Theta Chis pushed in the only tally of the contest on a play involving every member of the team; Girard to Young, to Skillen to Wilby to Fugate who shot it past the goal tender. From that time until the blast of the final whistle the sturdy defense of the victors successfully replaced the determined attacks of the vanquished thereby going the much-desired trophy.

Probably the most unique feature prevalent on the acquisition of the award was the fact that the Theta Chis scored 25 goals to their opener’s ), which proves the superiority of the victors in all of their games.

As only one member will be lost to the team by graduation, the chances of repeating our successful season again next year look very promising.

E. Wilby

Last Trip Up and Down the Halls During Study Hours

Henceforth this blot on the Omegaphone’s escutcheon will be in the hands of Brother Fugate - he got so much practice in going up and down the halls during the last week-end.

Girard has asked me to announce that he wilt be responsible for his acts in anyone inquires again as to whether his latest inamorata speaks English all the time.. Hazard, our sterling young marshal, utters dire threats relative to the freshmen’s participation in the pajama parade — and adds that he won’t be watching the side door.., Osgood, the model freshman, says he has too much work to think of such tomfoolery… Joe Scholarship Keene holds the bridge or fire two, if you want to be literal.. six near-graduates make hopeful dashes for the mailbox for answers to applications, and mutter things about the fundamental soundness of business… Anderson tears his spares hair at the sight of Spence Clinger’s police dog… It has been absolutely ascertained that to date Gilmer has not spent one minute on the lawn - possibly saving himself for something or someone…Extract from minutes “Pledge Cooper is recuperating”… The little man on the new soccer cup reports that he has a cramp in his right leg…Has anyone seen Brother Valentine’s car?

Founder’s Day Banquet April 10

The Founder’s Day Banquet was held on April 10th at 6:30 P.M. at the Chapter House. Jack Carson was our most able “Master of Ceremonies”. Harry Girard have his report on the advance (?) in scholarship of the chapter during the year. “Gus” Frey spoke of the goals that were set by the chapter, athletically. “Abe” Doan, our alumni advisor, refreshed our memories by telling us some of the difficulties the early chapters experienced, how they coped with them, and how we could use them as good examples when the going got tough. The evening was voted a huge success even if “Be” Decker did arrive in his light grey sport suit instead of his best “Bib and tucker”.

Alumni Notes

Junior Prom only brought new faces to ye Theta Chi manse, but some of those old familiar voices of persons we call alumni were also yelling up and down the halls.

Johnny Irwin and his wife together with Norm Horner and his wife played the part of chaperones and still has a good time.

Tommy Thompson with a young maid from Kenneth Square barged northward. Whilst the promising doctor, more other than our Carl Valentine, blew in from Pittsburgh and immediately hit the mountain tracks for Lewistown where he met a fair one.

Speed Altman, who hasn’t changed one bit and who has a great job in Pittsburgh as the head man of a branch advertising agency, was here for a day and a half.

Phil McWilliams stopped over for just a minute or two. Jack Seyman stayed for a day and had some great bull sessions.

This is what we like to write. Give us the privilege of doing it more next year and we’ll make this a real alumni rag.

Omega’s Elections

Our annual election of officers took place April 13, 1931. The newly installed officers have many problems to face and their job is not as easy one. Although they have been in office for only one month, their accomplishments to date have proved their worth.

the results of the elections are as follows:

  • President, C. Edgar Newcomer, ’32, Steelton, Pennsylvania

  • Vice-Pres., John L. Carson, ’32, St Davids, Pennsylvania

  • Secretary, Benjamin J. Conard, ’32, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Treas., John Q. Rodgers, ’33, Germanytown, Pennsylvania

  • Assistant Treas., William M. Dunlap, ’34, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Chaplin, Robert P. Fugate, ’32, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Librarian, Harry D. Greiner, ’33. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Historian, George H, Decker, ’34, Johnsonsberg, Pennsylvania

  • First Guard, Robert H. Young, ’33, Imperial, Pennsylvania

  • Second Guard, Ernest D. Wilby, ’34, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Sr. Inter-Fraternity Council Rep., Charles P. Swenk, ’32, Swenksville, Pennsylvania

  • Jr. Inter-Fraternity Council Rep., Samuel D. Kaufman, ’33, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Ratel Correspondent, John L. Carson, ’33, St. Davids, Pennsylvania

  • Convention Del. C. Edgar Newcomer, ’32, Steelton, Pennsylvania

  • Alternate Convention Del. John L. Carson, ’32, St. Davids, Pennsylvania

Lookout the Last Sheet of the “Omegaphone”

Once again we say “Hearken, Alumni!” This time, however, we are not going to ask you to send us books, or “Keep in touch”, but we wish to call your attention to the fact that on our return in September a new “Rushing” season begins. Surely you have in mind some worthy freshman-to-be on whom you wish to confer the honor of becoming a Theta Chi!

Due to various reasons, Omega must pledge a rather large class in the fall. Therefore, brothers, we would appreciate your sending us recommendations and names of boys who will attend State next September. Perhaps it would not be amiss to whisper words of wisdom in these yet-unformed minds concerning fraternities in general and Theta Chi in particular. How about it?

Spring House Party

Although the merriment of the recent Junior Prom held on May 15 still lingers in the minds of many, (Well it should), the last traces will soon fade away when finals begin on June 1.

And than what is our reward for our scholastic diligence during examinations? — Many spring House Party dances are going to be held, starting formally on June 5, the ending formally on June 8 when the Seniors will give their last and best, at the Graduation Dance held in the Recreation Hall.

Although Omega Chapter is not giving a house dance, at least half the Brothers are taking part in they Bug June Week-end. Alumni! Come back for this frolic.

Spring Activities

Theta Chi has been especially fortunate this spring in campus elections. The boys have worked hard to obtain the various positions which they now hold.

Did you know that Jack Carson was elected President of Alpha Beta Sigma honorary journalism fraternity; that Roy Maize is the secretary-treasurer of the Skull and Bones; that Ken Page was honored by being elected Treasurer of Theta Alpha Phi, national honorary dramatics fraternity, secretary of Scabbard and Blade, and Vice President of The Penn State Players, (not bad for one boy); as its President and that Walt Keene is President of Sigma Gamma Epsilon national honorary mineral industries fraternity?

Many of the boys from the house have been initiated into honorers this spring. Sher Booth in now Pi Delta Epsilon, Jack Carson Alpha Beta Sigma, Ben Conard Theta Alpha Phi, Paul Fugate Penn State Players, Charles Hammond and Al Gilmer Scabbard and Blade, Quent Rodgers Delta Sigma Pi.

Charles Hammond and Roy Maize were both taken into Skull and Bones. Of course you knew that Roy is captaining Penn State’s wrestling team next year. In the class elections held a few weeks ago Charlie Hammond was elected to the post of treasurer of the senior class. Walt Keene was elected President of the Honor Society Council. Theta Chi is looking forward to 1931-32 as a brilliant year in college affairs fro our fraternity.

They Make the Final Plunge

Bev Decker, of recent lacrosse fame, has decided to end it all and pull out of these sacred halls. Let it be known to all those present that he will seek fame and fortune as an official representative of the School of Education of this institution.

Harry V. Girard, runner up in the senior class for the best chiseler, has reached the end of his rope and will end it all June 9. As a Commerce and Finance exponent he will probably enter the engineering department of the Bell Telephone System, etc. Believe it or not!

Ross Gladden Miller, known to all football candidates as Puss, likes the Boro so well that he will run the house during summer school, after which as on of Penn State’s leading columnists he will enter into the advertising game and ruin this depression. You know the slogan, “It pays to advertise.”

Herb Anderson, the erstwhile soccer player, will enter the usual pursuits of a civil engineer and lay those narrow while ribbons the Republican Party promised us. Before the depression breaks, Bud may be working for his Pater.

Floyd Foster seems to have the edge on all the boys. From what he tells us it seems that he will be chief announcer for the Olympics over the N.B.C. network.No fooling men, the lad has a job with that well-known broadcasting station.

Lawn Dope

Charlie Schwenk, our efficient house manager (question mark), was told to give the Alumni a hundred works of good clean news about Theta Chi’s new lawn and shrubbery (the latter was bought from money received from out Mother’s Club), but upon awakening this morning ye ed. found that his reported had hit the trail for home with no story for this rag.

All joking aside, the boys from the senior class down have worked hard for weeks to get the lawn in shape. To make their efforts seem all the more worthwhile it was reported that the Phi Sigs are jealous over the greensward which we turned out in two months while they have been talking four years. Yes sir, the Theta Chis are a big bunch of Ags!

Not only the grass but the scrubs and trees are growing great and are sending their earthly buds northward!

Now you know only had about our lawn!

Library Report

At the close of the Library Drive we find the library with good books! This was due to the exceptionally fine cooperation of the actives and alumni. The library will be enlarged in the fall, so there will be plenty of room for more books


Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.

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