August 1948 Omegaphone
Homecoming Weekend
Homecoming weekend this year will be on Oct. 23. We had a good time lest year and we want an even better one this year. We'd like to see you all down here, talking over the old days, singing close harmony, just having a good time. There is an alumni meeting scheduled which will be a very important one (you have been notified about it by George Chapman, president of the alumni association). There is a football game, Penn State vs. Mich. State, and the usual get together here at the house. The feature attraction of the house banquet, the pig kissing ceremony, will be hold as usual.
As you will remember, reserved seats for the game are worth your left arm and a date with your bust girl. Last year we got reserved seats in a block for brothers that asked for them in answer to questionaire cards that were sent out, Unfortunately, this year no student is allowed to buy more than one ticket. Your best chance will be to write to the College Alumni Association. That organization is planning to solve the housing and ticket problem with a special train - "The Homecoming Spacial". An itinerary and rate schedule have been prepared by the College Alumni Association. Ticket rates include all meals on the train, first class rail ticket, Pullman space (compartments or drawing rooms) and a reserved seat to the Michigan State game, It will arrive at 7:15 A.M. Saturday, complete with club car, and be parked on the campus siding. The special can be boarded on Fri., Oct, 22, in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Greensburg, or Pittsburgh. Write today to the College Alumni Association for full details, If you can't get tickets thru the A.A., please send us a check in the mail and we will try to get tickets and a room for you. As soon as you have made the arrangements, please let us know how many meals you will be eating at the house. This information is vital to Gifford, who is still turning out that wonderful food. Of course if you find out at the last minute that you can come and want to take a chance on a sack in the house, come right ahead, The more the merrier, and if we have more than we did last year it will really be merry.
In Memorium
We humbly dedicate this issue of the Omegaphone to Brother Robert Weaver, his service to Alma Mater and Theta Chi will never be forgotten.
Colley Memorial Trophy
The Colley Memorial Trophy, a cup symbolic of distinguished service, was presented to Omega Chapter in memory of the efforts of Robert L. Weaver, Omega, initiating the foundation of Gamma Zeta Chapter at Oklahoma A & M.
When Pop transferred from Penn State to Oklahoma A & M, he made acquaintances with a group of students interested in introducing into Oklahoma a fraternity that has so well served colleges and universities in other states. In a short time Gamma Zeta was formed under his leadership.
Orchestra
Omega now has its own dance orchestra composed entirely of brothers from the house. We are looking forward to their playing at dances here at the house. The members are Mex Kipfer, drums, Mike Horen, clarinet, Harry Bink, alto sax and clarinet, Joe Jackson, bass, and Jim Taylor, piano, Howard (Boogy) Bink, the main cog who held down the brass section all by himsef, directed the group and arranged the music. Boogy graduated and the Charter Music Society of South Allen Street is scrambling frantically for a successor. We have found, however, that Bob Ritz gives out on a vacuum cleaner extension in the manner of Clyde McCoy playing Sugar Blues and Chick Cialella supports the back beat with a smooth shuffle on a suitcase.
Alumni Fund
The Omega Alumni Fund drive whli! was launched last fall has had contributions totaling $151.50. The purpose of this fund is to repair and provide new furnishings for the first floor of the house. During the war years when the army occupied the house the furniture, rugs, lamps etc. all received extra hard wear, At the same time no provisions were made for their repair or replacement. This resulted in a rather difficult situation for the Chapter, as it cannot possibly refurnish the house by itself. It is hoped that through. the Alumni Fund the necessary work can be done and the Chapter will thereafter be in a position to maintain the house.
In accordance with the regulations which were set up when the fund was started, a committee composed of 3 local alumni members and two active Chapter members is responsible for the survey of needs and the disposition of the Fund. This committee, elected at the last Homecoming, is also in charge of making recommendations to the Alumni Corporation in regards to repairs for the physical plant.
The members of the committe are
Dr. Albert Buffington, Chm,
Mr. Elwood Cassel
Mr. Russell Lebo
The Actives are Jim Swab and Max Kipfer.
The committee has surveyed the house and submitted many recommendations on the physical plant. Many of the necessary repairs have been taken care of and the biggest improvement one notices is the new white paint on the house. Since these repairs were on the physical plant the Alumni Corporation paid for them.
A number of interior decorators have been approached for estimates on the refurnishing of the first floor. Brother Kipfer has all of the data on this and will present it at Homecoming. For those of you who won't be here ,we will keep you posted with the OMEGAPHONE. We sincerely hope to have the whole hear support of the Alumni in our effort to make Omega Chapter a finer place for those who will follow us.
New Officers
The newly elected officers for 1948-49 are:
Robert Bossler, President
Harold Frazier, Vice-Pres
Joseph Jackson, Secretary
James Craig, Treasurer
Bob is from Oil City and is an Industrial Engineer. He transferred to State from Allegheny College in 1946, after having spent 36 months in the Army.
Wartime Omegaphone
On Saturday Feb. 21, 1948, Brother F. J. "Abe" Doan presented the Chapter with a bound copy of the Wartime Omegaphone. Bound in a red cloth covering and lettered in gold the volume contains all of the issues sent out during the war years. The Chapter is extremely grateful to Brother "Abe" for his ser-vices and extends its, "Thanks for a job well done!"
Financial Report
The following report is of Oct. 1, 1948. There is now only $100 to be paid on the second mortgage. This is the result of one bond which cannot be located. There is however, sufficient money on deposit to cover this bond.
Original Investment
First Mortgage..... $ 30,000
Second Mortgage.... $20,000
Bonds....5,500
Total.... $55,000
Present Status
First Mortgage $ 29,000
For the past few years the house paid $5,200 per year, as rent to the Alumni Corporation. This year, however. we expect to pay a few hundred dollars less.
Thanks to Chaperones
We of Omega extend our gratitude to our fine chaperones of the past years - Dr. and Mrs. Buffington and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Blackwell. Their ever willing service at our dances and social functions is deeply appreciated.
Region III Assembly
Omega was host to the annual assembly of Region III on April 23, 24 and 25, 1948. The weekend was filled with the usual constructive clinics and was high-lighted by a dinner-dance at the Nittany Lion Inn. Penn State Coeds were furnished for the visiting brothers and a rousing time was had by all Jugs were presented to chapters for the most man-miles, for the greatest percentage of the chapter being present and for the best song or stunt. The man miles jug was won by Beta Eta of Washington College. Gamma Eta the new chapter at Bucknell won the other two jugs which is quite an accomplishment. George W. Chapman Sr. presented the highest award of region III in the form of the Alumni Award to Norman C. Horner who has devoted nearly thirty years of capable leadership to Omega Chapter and the Grand Chapter. At the present time Norm is serving as President of the Board of Trustees of Theta Chi Fraternity.
Bowery Brawl
Saturday night October 26 (house-party weekend) the second Annual Bowery Ball was held here at Penn State. As usual the male guests couldn't possibly have been as disreputable as their appearance. They were out-done by the women who looked capable of covering the Shanghai waterfront.
The band played in a crepe paper cover on the first floor which was reserved for dancing etc. etc. etc. The house itself bore a large sign announcing the metamorphasis of Theta Chi into the "Happy Harry Hooligans." The door to the dining roam was replaced by double swinging, old style bat-wing saloon doors, somewhat like those which you have seen in the movies. The dining room contained a large bar, a larger bartender, and a huge bouncer. There was also an enormous supply for those who were overcome by a terrible thirst that seems to grip people on a Saturday night, All male participants were given black handle-bar mustaches, The women were presented favors in the form of swords with chain keepers bearing the Crest of Theta Chi.
Alumni Corporation Treasurer
The Actave chapter wishes to extend its appreciation to Brother Norm Horner for his faithful service in all of the years that he served as treasurer of the Alumni Corporation. At times we have been very trying to Norm's patience, but as we look back on the years we know that the job could not have been done so efficiently if it weren't in such capable hands. Norm has retired the second mortgage and now as turned the job over to Brother Al Frey. Lets hope that at some future date we can burn the mortgage which has just been retired.
Sports
Omega was well represented in all interfraternity sports, though their winning record was not too prominent. With a little luck they will be back near the top this coming year.
The House installed a volleyball net and horse shoe boxes in the back yard this past year. The volleyball team is coming around fast led by Ralph Moyle and Dick Rogers.
The Basketball team will miss Whiz White and Cliff Woodward, two of the best. Bill Hanley is expected to fill in at one post but the other is a problem.
Paced by Les Strickler and Bob Nein the Theta Chi Keglers placed first in the IFC Bowling league last year.
Other members of the winning team were Merle Cox, Jim Swab, Bruce Blauch and captain Cliff Woodward. Great things are expected again this season.
The wrestling team bolstered by former 165 lb. champion, George Chapman, should do well. Bruce Blauch, a former varsity man is assisting George. Bruce is the big gun in the 128 lb. class.
Jim Taylor leads a strong aggregate in golf. Jim, a consistent high 70 man, assisted by Merle Cox, Fog Nein and the unusual Bob Ritx should mean a championship.
Hal Frazier is hopeful of a winning swimming team, Hal is a former star from Connelsville, Pa.
Thank you to all those brothers that shared their news.
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