trJ lte OF ■ B i

iDonald k D. Curtis , Grand Regent ^filing, 1951 Volume XL Number 2

The Iwir A IR of T H E T A T A I I

§PRnrw, i®5 1

VOLUME XL N U M B E R 2 I

Tketa I GU Fraternity Founded at the October 5, 1 /904 FOUNDERS Erich J. Schrader Isaac B. Hanks W. M urray L ewis Elw in L. V inal EXECUTIVE COUNCIL D. D. C urtis, Omicron Honorary ' 1 9 ...... Grand Regent Clemson, A. D. Hinckley, Theta ' 2 7 ...... Grand Vice Regent 90 Morningside Dr., 27, N. Y. Erich J. Schrader , Alpha ' 0 5 ...... Grand Scribe Box 244, Reno, Nevada Paul Mercer, Omicron ’2 1 Grand Treasurer 1415 Grand Ave., Keokuk, Iowa J. M. D aniels, Nu Honorary ’2 2 ...... Grand Marshal Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, Pa. Frank W. Edwards , Omicron ’2 8 ...... Grand Inner Guard 10648 South Wood St., 43, 111. T. C. Brown , R ho' 3 1 ...... GrandOuterGuard M.E. Dept., State College, Raleigh, N. C. DELEGATE AT LARGE N. B. Ames, Gamma Beta ' 1 7 ...... Past Grand Regent 8 Westwood Dr., Washington 16, D. C. THE GEAR OF THETA TAU P. L. Mercer, Omicron '21 and J. W. Howe, Omicron ’24 . . . Editors Engineering Building, Iowa City, Iowa ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS AN D CLUBS Central Ohio— James W. Smelker, 392 E. Buchwald Blvd., Columbus 2, Ohio X Chicago— Nick Trbovich, 4225 Ivy Street, East Chicago, Ind. _ — , j Cleveland— James R. McKinney, 715 Union Bldg., Cleveland 15, Ohio /J7 £ u t //Q Tfiitcrnnmntain —J. W. Jenkins, P. O. Box 403, Salt Lake City, Utah Kansas City — Donald L. Flanders, 5007 Wyandotte, Kansas City 2, Mo. Los Angeles— Ben E. Gumpertz, 5715 Sunnyslope, Van Nuys, Calif. 'R ational Capitol— Charles F. Myers, 106 N . George Mason Dr., Arlington, Va. Northwestern— Geo. T. Hanson, 706 Locust St.. Anaconda, Mont. \T w in City— Remus N. Bretoi, 324 Walnut St., S.E., Minneapolis 14, Minn. VSouthwestern— Robert L. Houston, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. Louisville Alumni Club— c/o Theta Tau1 2022 S. First St., Louisville, Ky. \F o rt Wayne Alumni Club— Robt. J. Winner, 163 5 Broadway, Fort Wayne 2, Ind.

ARCHITECTURE. , Alpha Zeta. CHEMISTRY, . COMMERCE. Alpha Kappa Psi1 . DENTISTRY, . Phi lambda Kaooa. Pii Omeea. . E^iyCATION. I

Theta Phi. , Phi I .. MEDICINE. Alpha Kappa Kapp: i. PHARMACY. I Chapters

A lpha , Founiteil October 15, 1904 - - - - University of Minnesota (Chapter house) 324 Walnut St., S. E., Minneapolis, Minn. Beta, Established March 26, 1906 - Michigan College of Mining and Tech. (Chapter house) 1405 College Ave., Houghton, Michigan Gamma , Established Noiem ber 8, 1907 - - - Colorado School of Mines c /o Dr. Leslie W. LeRoy, Colo. School of Mines, Golden, Colo. D elta , Established May 23, 1 9 1 1...... Case Institute of Technology Theta Tau Box, Case Institute of Technology, Cleveland, Ohio Epsilon, Established Maj' 4, 1 9 1 1...... - - University of Theta Tau Box, Hearst Mining Bldg., Univ. of Calif., Berkeley, Calif. Z eta, Established April 17, 1 9 1 2...... (Chapter house) 1602 Louisiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas T h eta , Established May 26, 1914 ------ c/o Prof. Nelson S. Fisk, Col. of Eng., Columbia University, New York City Iota , Established February 5, 1916 ------Missouri School of Mines c /o Prof. J. B. Butler, MissouriSchool of Mines, Rolla, Mo. Lambda , Established April 29, 1920 ...... University ofUtah c/o George W. Carter, College of Engineering, Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City Mu, Established January ), 1922 ------University of Alabama P. O. Box 2043, University Alabama Xi, Established January I), 1 9 2 ) ...... University of Wisconsin c /o Dr. G. A. Rohlich, 9 Hydraulics Laboratory, Univ. of Wis., Madison, Wis. O micron , Established February ), 1923 - - - - State University of Iowa Box 44, Iowa Memorial Union, Iowa City, Iowa Pl1 Established May 26, 1923 - ...... c /o Prof. H. L. Kinnier, Col. of Engr., University of Virginia, University, Va. R ho, Established February 16, 1924 - N. C. State College of Ag. and Eng. c /o Prof. T. C. Brown. M.E. Dept., N. C. State College, Raleigh, N. C. Sigma , Established November 29, 1924...... (Chapter House) 47 East 16th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio T au , Established December 12, 1 9 2 )...... - - c o Prof. Bart J. Conta, Col. of Applied Science, Syracuse Univ., Syracuse, N. Y. Upsii.on, Established April 7, 1928 (Chapter House) 612 Storrer St., Fayetteville, Arkansas Phi, Established April 21, 1928 Purdue University (Chapter house) 416 North Chauncey, West Lafayette, Indiana C hi, Established April 23, JflJO...... University of Arizona Theta Tau Box1Engineering Bldg., University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. Psi, Established May 7, 19)2 ------Montana School of Mines Theta Tau Fraternity, Care of Montana School of Mines, Butte, Montana Omega , Established March 26, 1 9 ) 2...... S. Dakota School of Mines (Chapter house) 107 Kansas City St., Rapid City, S. Dak. Gamma Beta , Established March 16, 19)) - George Washington University Student Union Office Bldg., George Washington Univ., Washington, D. C. Delta Beta, Established May 20, 19)9 - - - - University of Louisville (Chapter house) 2022 S. First St., Louisville, Ky.

The Ralph Nusser [lighteenth Biennial Convention I [eld In Kansas City The Eighteenth Biennial Convention ing and 16 file drawers of Theta Tau gathered momentum slowly. AU records were about 50 percent de- through Wednesday, December 27, the Executive Council and delegates ar­ When all delegates had been checked rived by plane, train, and car. The by the Credentials Committee the offi­ Grand Regents' suite on the IOth floor cial list was prepared. These men were of the President Hotel became busier the legislators for the biennium and hour by hour as national officers ar­ accepted their responsibility in all seri­ rived and began checking delegates’ ousness. credentials. By nightfall a goodly THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Norman B. Ames, Gamma Beta 17. Grand group of delegates with clammy hands Regent were gathered in the room awaiting Donald D. Curtis, Hon. Omicron. Grand Vice their turn with the Credentials Com­ Regent Erich J. Schrader. Alpha '01, Grand Scribe mittee. Talk turned to war and mili­ tary service or to entertainment after John M. Daniels. Hon. Nu, Grand Marshal the Committee had worked them over. Guard

Erich Schrader was full of stories T. C. Brown, Hon. Rho. Grand Outer Guard DELEGATE AT LARGE about the Reno flood. Forty years of Ralph W. Nusser. Zeta '28, Past Grand Regent Theta Tau records had been soaked PAST GRAND REGENTS and in many instances ruined in that Russell G. Glass. Sigma '24 disaster. Brother Schrader’s office THE GEAR OF THETA TAU J. Vi'. Howe. Omicron '24, and Paul Mercer, stood SI inches deep with muddy Omicron ’21 water which rose quickly due to a flash CHAPTER DELEGATES flood in the middle of the night and Beta: Lionel Larson, 'JI then quickly receded. Everything in Gamma: Harry Don Adams. '12 the office but the steel desk was float­ Delta: Eugene Skerl, 'SI THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

the highest Zeta, Lambi Gamma Bet.

due to the untiring efforts of Grand Regent Ames who spent the night THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 7

(until 5:30 a.m.) laying out the work. "God give me the fortitude to endure The Convention then received re­ the things I can not change, the cour­ ports from the members of the Execu­ age to change those I can change, and tive Council. The Grand Regent led the wisdom to discern the one from off with an excellent report on his the other.” activities during the biennium. He re­ Grand Vice Regent Curtis followed counted his contacts with the adminis­ with a short report. Brother Curtis tration at Carnegie Tech which re­ completed 21 years as Grand Marshal mained adamant in its resolution to at the beginning of the biennium and dictate membership requirements to the duties of the Vice Regent seemed professional fraternities. This makes it mild in comparison. He had however impossible for Theta Tau to maintain assisted in a Regional meeting at Nu chapter. The appointment of John Washington and in judging the Daniels to fill the vacancy occasioned Schrader Award contest. by the resignation of George Carter At this point a recess was called

as Grand Marshal and the appointment during which the memorial service for of Erich Schrader to the newly created those brothers who had died during office of Executive Secretary were the biennium was conducted and the executive actions taken by the Grand Convention photograph was taken. Regent early in the biennium. Two Grand Vice Regent Curtis presided prospective chapters were mentioned, over the afternoon session which one of them being quite acceptible. started with the report of the Grand The growth of the fraternity’s mem- Scribe. Brother Schrader gave the ership to more than 12,000 with assets exact membership figure as 12,153, an in excess of $66,000 was noted and the increase of 1087 during the biennium. four regional conferences described. In this period the Grand Scribe had The Grand Regent’s report closed with written a total of 2,734 letters on Fra­ several recommendations which, if fol­ ternity business! He specifically cau­ lowed, would produce strong chapters tioned the chapters against the initia­ and in his conclusion he asked the dele­ tion of seniors who would be in the gates to remember the simple prayer: chapter too short a time to learn any­ THE GEAR OF THETA TAU thing about the fraternity. He re­ ance remained positive. The old timers minded the delegates that they should his last report on the table. In his remember that Theta Taus are brothers quarter-century of service he has been in all they do and that all legislation were sorry to sec Jamison Vawter lay should be so carried out that no chap­ a pillar of strength in Fraternity af­ ter is adversely affected. fairs and his fine stewardship has Grand Treasurer Vawter completed played an important part in the de­ 25 years in office when he read his re­ velopment of the organization. port. In his usual thorough fashion he Next came Grand Marshal Daniels reeled off financial statistics by the who outlined the problems of his of­ dozen— Disbursements, $27,000; Re­ fice and explained his role as a pinch ceipts, $45,000; Balance on Hand, hitter following the resignation early $21,000; Gear Endowment Fund, in the biennium of Brother Carter. $40,000; etc. Although Brother Vaw- The Grand Marshal, in addition to his ter had handled the funds only through regular duty of issuing shingles has part of the biennium he nevertheless also been responsible for providing the combined both his own and Brother chapters with pledge manuals and Schrader’s figures into a comprehensive chapter officers’ manuals. report. He went into a detailed ex­ Grand Inner Guard Edwards re­ planation of the operation of the Gear ported on his service to the Executive Endowment Fund since some appre­ Council at the Professional Interfra­ hension existed as to its future in view ternity Council meeting and in con­ of increased printing bills. Although nection with the work of the Exten­ $5 of the initiation fee and $2 per year sion Committee. of the dues are allocated to the Fund, Grand Outer Guard Brown reported it was never intended that all such his chief activity his work with Brother moneys were to be invested. Only Carter on Professional Development after current expenses had been met and stressed the importance of these would the excess funds be invested. programs in the chapters. In the beginning the fund grew rapid­ The Gear Editors’ report showed ly with the result that its earnings that 4 5 ', of the eligible life sub­ now arc quite large and are available scribers are receiving the magazine and for operating expenses of the Gear. 3 5 '/< of the living members are on the During the biennium the total receipts mailing list. Both figures are high as of the Fund, including its earnings, alumni relations go. Also indicated was were $13,360 while the total disburse­ the not surprising fact that the cost ments amounted to but $8,970, leav­ of producing the magazine doubled ing the sum of $4,390 as the gain for during the last decade; however, the the period. He recommended no number of subscribers increased 75% change in the fees as long as the bal­ in the same period so that the cost per THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 9

copy remains approximately the same. Sigma of Wayne University in Detroit, The remainder of the first day was and Brothers Edwards and Glass given over to reports from the in- recommended that a charter be dividual chapter s. These contained granted. The delegates inspected the many interesting ideas and comments. It wotild be well worth while for all chapter officers I:o scan the Conven- tion Minutes to S'ee the variety of de- vices which chapters have perfected to enhance their v alue to the members. The Conventio in Committees went into ai:tion that night and struggled Left to right: Mutchler, Shelburne end SloviU. with tlie recommt:ndations and data in their files, bonie completed their Epsilon Sigma petition and then ap­ assignrnents before the I:JO curfew proved the installation of this local and sallied forth to sec a bright light as Epsilon Beta of Theta Tau. or two. Others retired to informal ses­ The Constitution Committee recom­ sions in the hotel; no one, including mended no change in the so called the National officers, did much sleep- "discriminatory clause", taking the ing. mature view that the fraternity is a Despite this nocturnal program, the brotherhood rather than a professional Friday mornin session began promptly. society and that all members should be Two chapter and four alumni asso­ so chosen that they would be welcome ciation reports were heard, as well as a in any chapter in the country. This report from Past Grand Regent Glass committee also considered the addition on the work of the Professional Inter- of agricultural engineering to the fratcrnity Conference. elegibility list. After a long discussion Committee reports were then taken it appeared that this curriculum was up, the first being the Ritual Com­ too variable over the country to merit mittee report by Brother Wunderlich of Alpha. In view of the fact that a In an intermission Grand Treasurer new printing of the ritual is needed, Vawter started passing out expense certain revisions and indexing were checks to delegates. After the first two suggested. However, there was no dis­ he stopped his efforts and announced position to change the ritual on the in a loud voice "— and when you get part of the delegates, and the report your check Please don’t touch me!" went back to committee to emerge The air was dry and the rugs were finally as a recommendation that an deep and the delegates were pouring index be incorporated in the reprinting. thick blue sparks half an inch long Committees on Dues Sc Fees. Resolu­ into Brother Vawter's high capacity tions, Regional Meetings, and Scholar­ bulk! ships presented routine reports which Brother Knoxon of the Professional involved lively discussions, but which Leadership and Development Commit­ resulted in no legislation of unusual tee presented a thoughful summary of chapter activities pertinent to such The Extension Committee reported programs which should be read by all favorably upon the pecition of Epsilon chapter officers. THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

Friday afternoon began with the The Schrader award was given to presentation of a buget by Brother Upsilon Chapter and Brother Glass Vawter. The projected budget of displayed the tentative design of the $16,000.00 compared well with esti­ plaque which will be given to the win­ mated revenues of $19,000.00 at cur­ ners of this honor. rent enrollments. The budget did not The publications committee report include publication costs of a directory recommended the publication of a fra-

or of a manual since the cost of these ternity directory if the action taken by items should be spread over several the present congress is such as to per- years and could be met from accumu- mit the chapters to maintain their Iated funds. membership to normal levels, the can- THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 11

cellation of the last Convention’s di­ Washington Chapter to receive this rective regarding the mailing of the honor. After the banquet the hall was Gear to all non-life subscribers, and prepared for an initiation which was the reprinting of the Pledge Manual. put on by delegates Webber (Zeta)1 AU of these recommendations were ap- Stinson (Zeta), Mutchler (Gamma Beta), Miller (Omega), Mays (Lamb­ Friday evening brought a double da), Olson (Omicron), Wunderlich

header in the form of an excellent (Alpha) and Reed (Sigma). These banquet followed by an initiation. men did a beautiful job of handling Lewis Brotherson repeated his role of the ritual and their work was high­ fifteen years previous in the toast­ lighted by the reading given by Erich master's chair. His suave handling of Schrader as he gave the grip to Nor­ the program and his pertinent stories man Lee Carroll and Lester Allen, paved the way for interesting short talks from Edward Bruzelius, Zeta ’34, Saturday morning saw the comple­ David Weber, Zeta '52, Founder Erich tion of several items of business from J. Schrader, and Grand Regent Nor­ the previous sessions and the adoption man B. Ames. The appearance of of the remaining committee reports. Brother John Wahlstedt and his 50- In connection with a discussion of time member Shrine Chanters was an out­ of meeting Brother Adams, Gamma, standing feature of the evening. An­ made the revealing statement that "if nouncement of the designation of you miss four or five days of classes, Thomas E. Mutchler, Jr., Gamma Beta, you’ve just been had!” Another in­ as outstanding delegate marked the teresting development was Grand second time in succession for the Treasurer Vawter’s act of taking 12 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

Grand Regent Ames to task for inad­ Inasmuch as three of these were vertently referring to the Grand honorary members there was unani­ Treasurer as "Brother Schrader” sev­ mous consent to amend the Constitu­ eral times. With a perfectly straight tion for the coming biennum only to face Brother Vawter strode to the permit more than two honorary mem­ front of the room and delivered him- bers on the Executive Council. The Convention closed with the in­ identity, then turned and strode back stallation of the newly elected officers, down the isle with a broad grin on his all of whom were present as Brother face which the Grand Regent couldn’t Ames surrendered the gavel to the in­ see as he proferred his abject apologies. coming Grand Regent, Don Curtis. The deck was rapidly cleared so that In addition to the members of the

the nominating committee could pre­ Executive Council much credit for sent its report. The following slate was hard work must go to the Kansas City elected following some spirited nomi­ men who made the local plans and ar­ nating speeches from the delegates. Grand Regent— Donald D. Curtis ranged entertainment for the delegates. Grand Vice Regent— A. Dexter Under the general chairmanship of Ed Hinchley Bruzelius, Brothers Ralph Nusser, John Grand Scribe— Erich J. Schrader Wahlsledt, Paul Dwyer, Ed Washburn, Grand Treasurer— Paul L. Mercer Frank Baxter, Don Flanders, Lewis Grand Marshal— John M. Daniels Brotherson, and Dick Rumpf collabor­ Grand Inner Guard— Theodore C. ated with several members of Zeta Chapter to do the preliminary work Grand Outer Guard—Frank W. which made the Convention roll Edwards smoothly from beginning to end. G ra n d I\e$ent s A fessage Greetings to the chapters. I hope R. L. Noxon, 174 East Maynard all of you are having a successful Ave., Columbus 2, Ohio season. In case you have not sent the Chapter House information requested in my form Russell G. Glass, 2J401 Chardon letter of February 22, please do so at Road, Euclid, Ohio P. L. Mercer, P. O. Box 513, Keo­ If you have not already received kuk, Iowa notice from the Grand Scribe, calling Jamison Vawter, 307 Engineering for your Annual Report, you will. I Hall, Urbana, III. ask that you be prompt about return­ George Feil, 4207 W. 69th, Mission, ing this and that you be thorough with it. We regard this report as of great Public Relations importance. J. W. Howe, Engineering Hall, I hope your chapter considered the Iowa City, Iowa Theta Tau Scholarship. The Council R. G. Glass, 23401 Chardon Road, feels that this should bring forth a Euclid, Ohio good many deserving applicants. E. M. Bruzelius, 715 N. River I want to call your attention to the Blvd., Independence, Mo. Erich J. Schrader Award Contest. Erich ]. Schrader Award Plaque Every chapter should enter this com­ Frank W. Edwards, 10648 South petition. Personally, I feel that the Wood St., Chicago 43, 111. real value of it lies in the opportunity Herman H. Hopkins, 1724 West for self-appraisal which it affords Fulton St., Chicago, 111. every group. The progress of our fra­ Paul L. Mercer, P. O. Box 513, ternity, of course, depends upon the Keokuk, Iowa progress and improvement of the in­ Theta Tau Scholarship Award dividual chapters, and this is one John M. Daniels, Carnegie Institute activity which gives a direct oppor­ of Technology, Pittsburgh, Pa. tunity for realization of the factors In M. I. Signer, Dean, Colorado School your own chapter which can be of Mines, Golden, Colo. strengthened. J. R. Bissett, University of Arkan­ Below a number of our important sas, Fayetteville, Ark. committees are announced. Some are Constitution not yet completed as to personnel and Erich J. Schrader, P. O. Box 244, probably will be noted to you in a Reno, Nevada special letter later. At the Convention Herman H. Hopkins, 1724 West some chapters urged the appointment Fulton St., Chicago, 111. of a special committee from whom Russell G. Glass, 23401 Cliardon they could seek advice on chapter Road, Euclid, Ohio houses. I call your attention to the Fiftieth Anniversary Chapter House Committee listed be- R. J. Russell, Louisiana State Uni- versary, Baton Rouge, La. Profesisunal Leadership and Develop- J. Sidney Marine, Popham Hall, Scarsdale, N. Y. T. C. Brown, N. C. State College, Erich J. Schrader, P. O. Box 244, Raleigh, N. C. Reno, Nevada H. H. Hopkins, 1724 West Fulton J. W. Howe, Engineering Hall, St., Chicago, 111. Iowa City, la. G. W. Carter, University o f Utah, Herman H. Hopkins, 1724 West Salt Lake City, Utah Fulton St., Chicago, 111. I lie Executive Council

FfiumLnail SLetcfies of Present National Officers

DonalJ D. Curtis,CranJ Rtgtni years of practice was invited to join the Engineering College faculty at the Grand Regent Donald D. Curtis, University of Iowa as an instructor in like many another prominent man, mechanics. A year later he took unto began life on a farm. Born in 1896 himself a wife who four years later near Greene, Iowa, he had his early presented him with a son. He advanced in the country school and to an Assistant Professorship at Iowa later attended high school in Gn where he earned the respect and affec­ tion of the junior editor into whose skull he beat the principles of me­ chanics, and then, in 1929, went to Clemson College, South Carolina, as professor and head of Mechanics and Hydraulics, the position he now holds. He continued studying during his summers and secured a Master’s degree in Hydraulic Engineering from the University of Iowa in 1931. Don was initiated as an Honorary member of Omicron Chapter in 1925 and within a year accepted the editor­ ship of the GEAR. In the next three years he put the publication on a regular basis for the first time in its history. In 1927 he became Grand ; his father’s death in his Marshal. When he moved to Clemson year his family moved to in 1929 he turned the GEAR over to 0 that Don could enter the the present editors but retained the y of Iowa in 1914. While in Grand Marshal’s position in which he demonstrated such pro- served with outstanding competence 1 English that he earned until 1948 when he was elected Grand ding themes for three years, Vice Regent. When he became Grand t also led him into the cdi- Regent in 1951 he therefore n the Engineering College ) offici with ; quar ntury t TRAr Sum: fraternity experience behind hitr t productively with engineer- Don Curtis has always lived with great zest. He likes students and i in the Student Army Train- people generally. He likes activity and as an enlisted reserve. In has travelled extensively over this mpleted the five-year arts country indulging his hobby of photo­ graphy. He likes his work shop too, THE GEAR OF THETA TAU including the exacting pastime of gun- capacities until 1944. His continued smithing. Naturally, he is a good shot interest in the fraternity resulted in his and keeps in practice with target election as Grand Outer Guard, shooting. December 1941 to December 1946, Professionally the Grand Regent is a and as Grand Inner Guard until De­ member of Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, Phi cember 1948. During the past bien­ Kappa Phi, Am. Soc. of Civil Engrs., nium he served as Chairman of the Am. Geophysical Union, Am. Soc. for Committee which laid plans for four Engr. Education, and the S.C. Soc. of successful Regional Conferences. Engrs. He finds time also for the Clemson Fellowship Club, the Ameri­ can Legion, the Masons, and the Methodist Church.

A lIrJ Dexter Hinkley, Grand Vice ReSent "Dex” Hinckley is an incorrigible New Yorker— born near the Dodger’s outfield December 9, 1902. A gradu­ ate of Manual Training High School in 1920, he entered the combined col­ lege and engineering course at Colum­ bia University after a brief but lasting lesson in the school of hard knocks. En route to his B.A. in 192 5 and the E.E. in 1927, Brother Hinckley added to his six years of studies a full program of

part-time and summer jobs, and had enough left to convince his lady-love During his years of E.E. instruction to marry him. She did May 2 5, 192 5 at Columbia "Dex” became interested and since then takes occasion to recall in illuminating engineering and began when she worked bis way through to take an active part in the New York Section and national work of the Brother Hinckley celebrates his sil­ Illuminating Engineering Society. His ver anniversary of membership in wide range of experience in that So­ Theta Chapter this year dating from ciety together with the administrative his initiation in 1926. Returning to talents developed in the Engineering Columbia in 1928, he was closely asso­ Dean’s office, made him a natural for ciated with the Chapter, becoming its the job of Executive Secreary of Il­ adviser in 1935 at the time of the re­ luminating Engineering Society to tirement of Prof. T. H. Harrington. which he was called June I, 1944. He also succeeded Prof. Harrington as Since 1944 he has worked with staff Assistant to the Dean, serving the and officers in an expansion which has School of Engineering in numerous seen the Society membership doubled. THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

budget and headquarters staff tripled. ally walking is congenial and the One of Brother Hinckley's principal family springer enjoys his famous activities through the years has been Hinckley "short cuts” (deer trails in the Engineering Alumni Association etc.) , more than the family does. He of his alma mater. He followed in enjoys music (not too deep), theatre Prof. Harrington’s footsteps as the (any depth), foreign movies, and is an association's Executive Secretary in avid reader of Time Magazine. Feels 1935. Since 1944 he has been an active pretty good about his above average committee member, serving as a Man­ ager and Secretary and since July I, Theta Tau will be well served by this 1940 as President. He is helping organ­ busy, dynamic engineer. ize alumni effort toward Columbia University’s Development Plan for Ericl J . Schroder, GrondScrihe the building of the Columbia Engi­ The founder of the Fraternity was neering Center. born in Bremen, Germany in 1881. From 1928 his wife, Elizabeth, took Four years later his parents immigrated turn about and let him help work her way through college (Barnard) A.B. '32, Columbia Medical School M.D. '36, followed by two years of inter­ ship. Dr. Elizabeth has continued the Hinckley tradition of a full life with an occupying practice as a pediatrician (kids not feet), also serving as an attending physician at two hospitals. By way of keeping all hands occupied the junior member of the family ar­ rived November 2, 1931 and with no urging at all Dex will tell you all about baby carriages, croup, homework, problems of the adolescent, etc. Young A. (AIden) Dexter, not to be confused with the bald A. (Alfred) Dexter, is now a sophomore at Harvard, favor­ ing his mother’s career, with a major in biology. to this country and Erich grew up in Brother Hinckley is a member of the American environment. When he Alpha Chi Rho, Am. Soc. of Engr. reached college age he attended the Education and Am. Inst, of Elect. University of Minnesota, receiving a Engrs. and up to 1944 took an active degree in mining engineering in 1905. part in the New York Section program As all Theta Taus know, it was during of the latter. Believe it or not, he con­ this time that he conceived of a mining siders ballroom dancing too too, some­ engineering fraternity which was des­ thing to dream with. He prefers the tined to develop into a major pro­ Hambo, Polka, Mazurka, or almost any fessional fraternity. folk dance,— square dances too. Natur­ Following graduation he began a THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 17

long span of mining activity in the where he settled down in Iowa City United States and Mexico. By 1912 and attended high school and college. he had become General Manager of the His collegiate activity was confined to Rockland Mine in Nevada. He con­ the period 1917 to 1921 so that two tinued to manage and superintend years of it were spent under the disci­ mines in various parts of Nevada until pline of the Student Army Training 1932 when he set up a consulting Corps, a fact which Paul has always office in Reno. blamed for that "C” he got in Cal­ He has had professional recognition culus. During this period he was con­ in the form of published articles, fined to the hospital with Don Curtis, membership on the Nevada State Min­ for a bout with influenza, which led ing Advisory Board, and the Chair­ to a life long friendship with the manship of the Nevada Delegation to Grand Regent. The last years were the Western Conference of State Min­ normal, however, and he emerged with ing Boards in 1944. a Tau Beta Pi key and a B.E. in Civil Through all these years he has held important offices in Theta Tau. From 1906 to 1911 he was National Chair­ man of the Fraternity and from 1911 to 1919 its first Grand Regent. Upon his retirement from the Grand Re­ gency he became Grand Scribe, a posi­ tion he has held ever since. Following the 17th Biennial Convention he also undertook the newly created position of Executive Secretary of the Fra-

Erich Schrader is famous for his prodigious memory of Theta Taus. He can call thousands by name and can recall hundreds of experiences involv­ ing members of the Fraternity. In fact, his chief hobby is tracing "lost" members and restoring them to the Gear mailing list. And he has his pet aversion too— that is Theta Taus who Engineering in 1921. A newly formed are allergic to answering letters! program in Hydraulic Engineering took his eye and he remained for an­ other year and received the first M.S. Paul L. Mercer. G rand Treasurerin Hydraulic Engineering given by Paul Lyman Mercer was born a Iowa University. Hoosier, first seeing the light of day Shortly after leaving college he and in Indianapolis in the last year one his bride went to Keokuk where Paul could write an 8 in the second figure began working in the Engineering De­ of his birth year— 1899. While still a partment of the Mississippi River small boy, he persuaded his parents to Power Co. He continued with this take him to the fertile plains of Iowa company through the years and THE GEAR OF THETA TAU through changes of management until second in 1922 and his Ph.D. in Educa­ he finally became convinced that he tion from the latter in 1948. was in a rut. At the time he first Two years after graduation from reached this conclusion he didn’t college he persuaded a Pennsylvania realize that the rut led straight to the top of the company but the passage of time shortly revealed this to be the case. He became Plant Manager in 1940 and later Manager of the Iowa Division of the Union Electric Power Company, the position he now holds. Brother Mercer was a "Phi Gam” in college and later joined the Masons. He is a member of the Iowa Engineering Society as well as various social and service clubs. In 1929 Brothers Mercer and Howe were persuaded to take over the editorship of the Gear when Brother Curtis left Iowa City and they have been in this rut for the last twenty- three years. In addition, Brother Mer­ cer served as Grand Inner Guard from girl to marry him and like most Ameri­ 1943-1946 and had a son, Robert, who cans they had a boy and a girl to round was a member of Omicron Chapter. out the family circle. These circumstances, together with the Aside from work with the Pennsyl­ fact that he was in a large part re­ vania Railroad during his college years, sponsible for the establishment of Brother Daniels has followed an aca­ Omicron Chapter, indicate the con­ demic career from the start. Beginning tinuing interest which Brother Mercer has had in Theta Tau for the past at Carnegie Tech he became an assist­ thirty years. ant professor and in 1938 was made If any man can fill the shoes of Past Chairman of Admissions. In turn, he Grand Treasurer Vawter, Paul Mercer became acting Director of the Division is the man! of Student Personnel and Welfare, and, in 1944, Acting Dean of Students. He has served on the National Board on College Entrance Examinations, as J o L Al. Daniels. CJranJ AIarsLlSecretary-Treasurer and President of John Daniels is a Pennsylvania pro­ the Middle States Association of Col­ duct from beginning to end. He was lege Registrars and on several local born at Blairsville Intersection, Pa., in scholarship committees. 1897, educated at the Kiski Prepara­ Brother Daniels began his Executive tory School graduating in 1917, and at Council service when he was elected the universities of Pennsylvania, Pitts­ Grand Outer Guard in 1931. He held, burgh, and Duquesnc, receiving his successively, the offices of Grand B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Inner Guard, Grand Vice Regent, and, THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 19

in 1937, Grand Regent. He continued the Utilities Power and Light Corp. at as Delegate at Large until 1946 when Dubuque, with the U. S. Engineers at his continuous service to the fraternity the U. S. Waterways Experiment Sta­ of 15 years terminated. Pressed into tion in Vicksburg, Miss., with the service in 1949 to fill the uncxpired Muskingum Flood Control project in term of Brother George Carter as Ohio, with the Los Angeles flood con­ Grand Marshal, he was elected to that trol project in California, with the position by the 18th Biennial Con- U. S. Engineers in New Orleans, with the Panama Canal Zone as Chief of Brother Daniels has joined a number Design for the third locks, and with of organizations. Among them are the the U. S. Engineers on military camps Am. Soc. of Engr. Education, Board of Trustees of the Kiskiminetas Springs School, Phi Kappa Phi, , , Masons, Coudersport Consistory; Syria Temple Shrine, and the Edgewood Club. When he isn't working or attending meetings he likes sports and books. Certain members of the Executive Council will also admit that he plays a good hand of bridge! Thus, a man who has shown a natural proclivity for keeping records finds himself doing much the same thing for Theta Tau to the fraternity’s great advantage.

Frank W . EJwaJs, and airfields at Wilmington, N. C. SranJInnerGuarJ Having gained a fund of fine experi­ Frank Edwards has packed a great ence and being still a young man, variety of experiences into a fairly Frank "took the veil” and became a short time. He is a native Iowan born College Professor in 1944 becoming in Williamsburg in 1905. He took his first an Assistant Professor and then engineering degree from the Univer­ Associate Professor at the Pennsylvania sity of Iowa in 1928 and continued State College. However, the opening of for a Master’s degree in Hydraulic the Missouri River work called him Engineering in 1930. While in college back to the U. S. Engineers and he be­ he joined Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, and came Chief of Design in the Omaha A.F.I. (now Omicron Delta Kappa) Office. In 1944 he secured the C.E. and later Chi Epsilon. Immediately degree from Iowa University. After after his final degree he married and two years he again succumbed to the then started on a long chain of excel­ academic urge and became Professor of lent engineering positions which gave Civil Engineering at Carnegie Institute him a good lesson in U. S. Geography. of Technology in 1946. He resigned He served as a hydraulic engineer with this position in 1948 to become Di­ 20 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

rector of the Department of Civil continued to teach and carry on a con­ Engineering at the Institute of sulting practice in the fields of me­ Technology in Chicago, his present chanical equipment, heating, ventilat­ position. ing, and plumbing design. He has pub­ Brothei Edwards has been active in his profession. He belongs to the Am. Soc. of Civil Engrs. (V. Pres., 111. Sec.; Ed., 111. Sec. News, Chm., Advisory Com. on Centennial Exhibits), the Am. Soc. of Mech. Engrs., the Am. Soc. for Engr. Ed., the National Soc. of Prof. Engrs., the 111. Soc. of Prof. Engrs. (Bd. of Dir., Vice Pres.), the Am. Geophysical Union, and is secre­ tary of the National Conference on Industrial Hydraulics. Along with this activity he has had serve two years ( 1948-50) on the Ex­ ecutive Council as Grand Inner Guard, the position to which he has now been reelected. Thus Frank Edwards, like the others on the Council, brings ex­ perience and good judgment to the ad­ ministration of fraternity affairs.

lished two bulletins in the Department of Engineering Research. Theodore C. Browl,. Brother Brown is well domesticated. Crand Outer Guard He has a wile and two boys and has affiliated with the Am. Soc. of Me­ Born in Paintsville, Kentucky, in chanical Engrs., the Am. Soc. of Heat­ 1907, Theodore C. Brown remained a ing and Ventilating Engrs., the N. C. Kentuckian until he reached maturity. Soc. of Engrs., Raleigh Engrs. Club, His elementary schooling was secured Professional Engrs. of N. C. of which at Ashland, his B.S. in mechanical en­ he is treasurer, the Masonic Order, Pi gineering from the University of Tau Sigma, Sigma Chi, Tau Beta Pi, Kentucky in 1931, and his M.E. from and Golden Chain. the same school in 1936. Rho chapter has profited a great deal After a year with the U. S. Engi­ from its association with Brother neer Dept, in 1931 he became engineer Brown as its chapter adviser. He has in charge of construction and in­ aided the national fraternity in its Pro­ structor in drafting for the Ashland fessional Leadership and Development High School. In 1937, he left Ken­ program as well as assisting in regional tucky to become a member of the Me­ meetings. Because of his experience chanical Engineering faculty of North and interest his value to the Executive Carolina State College where he has Council is great. THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

Lute If. Parkinson Receives Distinguished Achievement Award Lute J. Parkinson, Gamma ’23, was accepted work in South Africa and presented with the Colorado School of spent twenty years in that country, Mines Distinguished Achievement his last position being Assistant General Award on December 15, 1950 at a Manager, DeBeers Consolidated Mines, luncheon meeting of the University Ltd. For the past five years he has been Club in Denver. Brother Parkinson a mining consultant for the Anglo- flew to Denver especially to receive Chilean Nitrate corporation and the the medal which was presented to him Lautaro Nitrate Co., Ltd., of Anto­ by Brother L. C. Thomas, Gamma '12, fagasta, Chile. His address is Casilla Board of Trustees President. 808, Antofagasta. Upon his graduation from Mines he Mines Magazine

Two Iota Alea ArvarJeJ USc a r ,!, John F. Winters, Iota ’SI, a senior Co. to promote interest in the mineral in Metallurgical Engineering and industry, carry a stipend of $500 each. Richard E. Zumsteg, Iota ’51, a senior Both boys have outstanding grade in Mining Engineering, have both been records at the School of Mines and both awarded the American Smelting and have been leaders in student activities. Refining Co. Scholarships at the School Brother Winters is a member of Tau of Mines and Metallurgy for this year. Beta Pi and has served as Secretary and These scholarships, made available by Treasurer of the Tech Club, the American Smelting and Refining operative boarding house. 22 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

Brother Zumstcg transferred to the Executive Officer of , School of Mines from Quincy College a military organization. He served for as a sophomore. He is also a member two years in the Army before coming of Tau Beta Pi and of Kappa Alpha. to Rolla. He has served as State Treasurer of the Missouri Academy of Science and as Missouri School of Mines Aluninus

Donald McLaughlin N am ed to California Board ol Regents Announcement was made in January Harvard. He served with the army of the appointment of internationally during World War I and was employed famous mining geologist Donald H. by various mining companies in the McLaughlin, Epsilon '14, to the Uni­ U.S. and South America until 192 5 versity Board of Regents by Governor when he began service on the Harvard Earl Warren. His term on the Board faculty which continued until 1941. In that year, he returned to the Univer­ sity as dean of the College of Mining. He left the University in 1943 and became vice president of Cerro de Pasco Copper Corp. and was general manager of the firm in Peru during 1944 and 1945. He holds directorships in the Cerro de Pasco Corp., Empire Trust Co., Triumph Mining Co., American Trust Co., International Nickel Co. in Cana­ da and the Bunker Hill and Sullivan Mining and Concentrating Co. He has been chairman of the Ad­ visory committee on raw materials of the Atomic Energy commission since 1947 and is a member of the National Minerals Advisory council of the De­ of Regents will extend to March I, partment of Interior. 1966. This year, he was awarded honorary Brother McLaughlin has been active­ degrees in engineering from Michigan ly associated with the University as a College of Mining and Technology, student, faculty member and alumnus. Montana School of Mines and the After graduation from the University South Dakota School of Mines. he received his Ph.D. degree from California Monthly

Jerome Peterson Invents N ew Bahy Si W. Jerome Peterson, Nu '37, is the adds a new twist to the wrist of baby, inventor and manufacturer of a baby This spoon is made on an entirely new feeding spoon with a new twist that idea, with the bowl turned so that the THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 23

spoon automatically goes to the mouth A hobby at first, this has grown to when baby grabs the handle. quite a lucrative business for Brother Brother Peterson, in trying to make Peterson who has patented his idea and life from the very start easier for his now makes shipments even to far-off youngster, Craig Merrill, now three Honolulu. Known as the "Craig Merrill years old, hit upon the ingenious idea Spoon” it is manufactured in sterling of merely turning the bowl of the silver by the Craig Merrill Co. spoon. Craig at 11 months learned to Brother Peterson is an experimental handle the spoon in a day. Another engineer for Curtiss-Wright at Calf- unique feature of the spoon is a handle well, N. J. where he has been asso­ raised above the table top so baby ciated for the past eight years. may pick it up easily. Carnegie Alumnus

E F. Merrill HecJr MiJ-VaIley Pipe Lin Election of Brother Edward F. Mor­ rill, Delta ’29, as president of the Mid- Valley Pipeline Co., St. Louis, Mo. was announced last fall. A vice president of the Mid-Valley since the organiza­ tion of the company in August, 1949, Morrill succeeds W. C. Kinsolving as president. Plans are being carried out to trans­ fer the company’s headquarters from St. Louis to Longview, Texas. Brother Morrill has had wide experience in pipe line operations. After graduation he was employed for three years by the Ohio Bell Telephone Co. and then joined the Standard Oil Co. Starting ‘as a service station employee, he later joined the transportation engineering division and ultimately became assis­ tant manager of transportation opera-

R . R . Aforse, Shell O il Director, Retires Brother Roy R. Morse, Epsilon ’13, the leading geologists in the country, regional director of exploration for Brother Morse has long been "Mr. Shell Oil Co., at Houston, has retired Exploration” to Shell people in the after 26 years of service with the Texas, Gulf and Mid Continent Areas, company. Widely regarded as one of He joined Shell in California in Janu- 24 THE GEAR OE THETA TAU ary 1925 and was transferred to the in 1913 and a Ph.D. from the same Houston office in 193 5 as exploration university in 1923. While at school manager. In 1944 he was named mana­ he majored in geology. ger of the Texas-Gulf area, with re­ Before joining Shell, he held a va­ sponsibility for general planning and riety of jobs which took him to the co-ordination of the exploration pro­ far corners of the world. He served duction and land departments. In No­ as a sugar chemist in Hawaii, as a vember 1946, he became director of geologist for Standard Oil Co. of New exploration for the company’s East-of- York making field surveys in China the-Rockies region, a post he held and the Philippines, and as a mining until his retirement. expert investigating manganese and Brother Morse, received a B.S. de­ chrome deposits for the U. S. "War gree from the University of California Minerals Investigation” project.

Lt. Col. Vi^. C. Parrish Stationed in Puerto Rico

Lt. Colonel Wm. C. Parrish, Rho ’29, of 830 Battlefield Dr., Nashville, Tenn., has been assigned to Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico, it has been announced. Col. Parrish leaves his former post as assistant director of installations at Headquarters of Air Training Com­ mand, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He has been at Scott since July 1949. He served in three theatres during World War II, including Europe and Iceland. His first assignment after the war was with the Air Installations Division of Headquarters of the Air Force with his duties being in Cincin­ nati, Ohio.

N orth Carolina State College News

E. D- Remhle A/ew ALanager at general Electric Promotion of Brother Edward D. announced recently. He was formerly Kemble, Delta '28, as manager of plant manager of the automatic heat- manufacturing of the General Electric ing equipment plant. Company’s Air Conditioning Depart- In his new capacity. Brother Kemble ment at Bloomfield, New Jersey, was will be responsible for manufacturing THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 25 operations at the department's auto- ing Corp. in Wallington, N.J. He has matic heating equipment and air con- also been manager of the Cleveland ditioning plants in Bloomfield and its Automatic Machine Co. and plant refrigeration machine equipment plant manager of the Anchor Cap and Clo- in F°*-t Wayne, Ind. sure Corp. of Long Island City, N.Y. Before joining G.E., he was plant In earlier years he was with Armstrong manager of the Clark Equipment Com- Cork Co. as chief industrial engineer pany’s Battle Creek, Mich, lift truck and Delco Remy division of General plant and during World War II was Motors. general manager of the Tube Reduc- Case Alumnus

J. R. Van P'lt NcmeJ PreeiJent of SeLcl JM in Brother J. R. Van Pelt, Beta '22, Rosenwald Industrial Museum in Chi­ mining engineer and research execu­ cago, now known as the Museum of tive of Columbia, Ohio, has been Science and Industry. For two years named president of the Montana he headed the division of geology, min­ School of Mines at Butte, Gov. J. W. Bonner announced recently. Brother Van Pelt will take office about the first of April. Brother Van Pelt has been identified with engineering education and re­ search, especially in geology and min­ ing, since his graduation from the Michigan College of Mines in 1922. Before that, he did a brief hitch in the field artillery during World War I. Still earlier, he studied geology at Cor­ nell of Iowa. In addition to his AB from Cornell, he holds both the BS and EM degrees from Michigan Col­ lege of Mines. He also studied econo­ mic geology for two years as a gradu­ ate student in the University of Chi­ cago. In 1942, Cornell of Iowa con­ ferred the ScD degree on him "for distinguished leadership in advancing public understanding of science and industry.” He is a member of three ing and metallurgy. He was then made honorary societies— Kappa assistant director and in 1940 technical from Cornell, Tau Beta Pi from the director in charge of all scientific and Michigan College of Mines, Sigma Xi technical divisions. from Chicago. In 1945 he was invited to join the In 1928 Brother Van Pelt joined staff of Battelle Memorial Institute of the staff of the newly established Columbus, Ohio, the world’s largest 26 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

independent research institute. Start­ more than 10 years he has been active ing originally in fuels and metallurgi­ in the American branch of the New­ cal research, Battelle now covers comen Society. practically all branches of industrial He is a member of the committee research. He organized and operated on technical personnel of the National the institute's in-service training pro­ Research Council, and of a committee gram and a system of fellowships for of the Engineering College Research the training of scientists and engineers Council dealing with relations between for careers in industrial research. His engineering schools and military re­ lectures and articles on training for search agencies. In World War II he research gained him a wide reputation served in the War Department as a in this field. consultant on technical personnel. Brother Van Pelt has long been From 193 S to 1943 he served two active in professional circles. He is a terms as a member of the Washington life member of the American Institute Award Commission. of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, In 1937 Brother Van Pelt organ­ serving as director from 1941 to 1947 ized a career advisory service in Chi­ and also as vice president from 1944 cago for high school students interested to 1947. In 1936 he was elected presi­ in engineering. This work was handled dent of the Western Society of Engi­ by a committee under the sponsorship neers, Chicago. He is a member of the of the Engineers' Council for Pro­ council of the American Association fessional Development. He remained for the Advancement of Science, and as president of the group for the first has served as chairman of the Mining three years of its operations. Technology Division of the American Society for Engineering Education. For Montana Standard

Letters To the TJitors However, and I shall call no names, there 210 Engineering Hall are chapters of Theta Tau that operate on a basis chat is in direct competition with social fraternities. I believe that the Founders of Please find enclosed my latest address to bring your files up to date on my whereabouts. they founded our fraternity. Baird's Manual states most specifically that professional fra­ cle entitled ''Terminology" by R. H. Nagel of ternities may initiate members of the social Tau Beta Pi, in the fall issue of The Gear. I college fraternities. would strongly urge every member of Theta Upsilon Chapter, of which I am a member, operates strictly within its bounds, choosing members from the allocated fields, regardless In particular. I refer to the quote from of whether a man is a member of a social fraternity or an honor society. And you may If you remember at the Seventeenth Biennial remember that Upsilon Chapter has, more than Convention in December, 1948, in Chicago, a once, been cited as one of the outstanding chapters of Theta Tau. I am proud, very status of some chapters of Theta Tau that were proud, to be a member of Theta Tau, and of Upsilon Chapter in particular. The point in question, at that time, was the Perhaps, through The Gear, attention can distinction between Professional Fraternities be called to this definition of professional fra- THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 27

Thanks for ents Brother I Sn Jflemortam 28 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 29

The GEAR of THETA T^U OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FRATERNITY s* X O P. L. Mercer, Omicron '21 S

210 ENGINEERING HALL IOWA CITY. IOWA

Subscription ) 1.00 a Year Life Subscription $15.00

Vol. XL Spring, 1951 Number 2

THE CONVENTION friendship made or renewed will per­ Reminiscent of our 1941 conclave haps be the things we will longest re­ the 18 th Biennial Convention in Kan­ member of this and of other Theta Tau sas City met under the heavy overcast Conventions. After all, such a result of a desperately serious world situa­ is in keeping with the central theme tion. The "enlist or be drafted” and main purpose underlying all fra­ hysteria was reaching its crescendo at ternities— fellowship and understand­ about that time and the future looked ing and the promotion of harmonious dark indeed for all active Chapters. relations among all men of good will. While the world picture is still a deep To the Kansas City Alumni Club indigo, the threat of full military and the Zcta actives we say thanks a service for all men of college age has milion; you did a grand job of plan­ eased a bit and we now have reason to ning and of handling the many de­ hope for near normal chapter opera­ tails of this, our 18th Biennial Con- tions during the immediate future. In spite of the undercurrent of un­ P. L. M. rest, the business of the Convention moved along as always, with efficiency INITIATION RITUAL and dispatch. To those of us who live The beauty and meaningfulness of away from a college campus, it was our initiation ritual have seldom been most heartening to see the competent, better presented than was done by the sure and rapidly maturing men who special Convention team following the composed the active delegates go about Banquet. Each member handled his their business. The spirit with which part so well that only a well versed and they accepted and carried out their close observer could detect any flaws. committee assignments was typical of The constructive criticism period Theta Tau conventioners over the the next morning was undoubtedly of years. Again, we regret to say the social real value and it is to be hoped that it delights which Kansas City affords will result in better ritualistic work were all but lost as the brothers con­ throughout the chapters. Nevertheless centrated on Fraternity problems. it is a fact worth noting that the The legislation accomplished, the occasional deviation from perfection plans made and the election of officers did not detract from the presentation to carry on the work of the present so far as the candidates or the most of biennium were high lights, of course. the brethren were concerned. The But the stimulating contacts, and the quiet unhurried presentation with all THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

parts given with fine expression was failed to make the dead line. Founder most impressive to this observer. Erich Schrader has commented at sev­ P. L. M. eral of the Biennial Conventions that he some day hoped to pick up a copy AT LONG LAST of the Gear containing a letter from For many, many years no issue of each chapter. Well, here it is Erich! the Gear has contained a letter from With no more than the usual effort on every chapter. Always one or two our part all chapters came through. chapters—seldom the same ones— Nice going, all of you! J. W. H.

T h e I ngineer Verily, I say unto you, marry not an but only to measure the friction, and engineer for the engineer is a strange kisses but to test viscosity. For his eyes being possessed of many devils; yea, shineth a far-away look which is he speakeath eternally in parables, neither love nor longing— but a vain which he calleth "formulas," and he attempt to recall a formula. wieldeth a big stick which he calleth a There is but one key dear to his heart slide rule, and he hath but one Bible— and that is the Tau Beta Pi key; and a handbook. one love letter for which he yearneth, He talketh always of stresses and and that an "A”, and when to his strains, and without end of Thermody­ damsel he writeth of love and signeth namics. He showeth always a serious with crosses, mistake not these symbols aspect and seemeth not to know how for kisses but rather for unknown to smile; and he picketh his seat in the quantities. car by the springs therein and not by Even as a young boy he pul Ieth a the damsel beside him; neither does he girl’s hair to test its elasticity, but as know a waterfall except for its power, a man he discovers different devices; nor the sunset except for her specific for he would count the vibrations of her heart strings and reckon her Always he carried his books with strength of materials; for he seeketh him, and he entertaineth his maiden ever to pursue the scientific investiga­ with steam tables. Verily, though his tions, and inscribeth his passion in a damsel expecteth chocolates, when he formula; and his marriage is a simul­ calleth he openeth the packages to dis­ taneous equation involving two un­ close samples of iron. knowns and yielding diverse answers. Yea, he holdeth his damsel's hand, Council Bulctlin

FRESHMAN DEFINITIONS like animal Carbon— a storage place for street cars Flask— a measuring vessel carried on Barium— what you do to dead people the hip and graduated in fingers Boron— a person of low mentality Electrolyte— a thing which when it is Mole— a subterranean fur-bearing animal dark you turn on and it gets light Catalyst— a western ranch owner Nitrate— a special price on telegrams Centimeter— a hundred-legged worm­ and telephone calls after dark I I m I5235SSS SI==Sl I S 1=15 S= i i bership a^Vlem to s n itio U /lc O SSSSS=Ss S SS SsSSS S Si = = = ; SSSS SiSsS H GA O TEA TAU THETA OF GEAR THE !Letters from the Ckapten A lp h a M a s Strenuous S o c ia l '£?ife THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

38 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

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Road, NW., Washington, D. C. Bannick, Francis Robert, '48,is with West- Erickson , Geo. M., '4J, Lt. (jg) USN, is inghousc Electric Corp. in Minneapolis, officer in charge of engineering U.S.S. Minn., 230J NE Kennedy, and lives at Minos (A-R-I.-14) c/o Fleet P.O. Norfolk, 7609 Blaisdell. Virginia. Wilmarth, Verl R., '48, gets mail at 619 S. Jukkola , Edward , '45, is at the U. S. Bureau Alcott, Denver, Colo. of Mines station in Laramie, Wyoming. Furstenau , Douglas , '49, received his M.S. I.ammers , Gerald , '44, is now located in at the Montana Schol of Mines in June and Denver, Colo, for Texas Power 8t Light Co. is now at M.I.T. working for his Ph.D. in of Dallas, His address is U. S. Bureau of metallurgy. Hanson, Glenn, '49,is with the U. S. Bureau of Pittsburgh. Pa. Moriarty, Kenneth, '49.is with the Kirk Johnson , Walter M., '4f. is field engineer Power Plant at Homestake Mine and lives for Allis Chalmers Mfg. Co., in Si. Louis, at 820 West Summit, Lead, S. D. Mo., 1201 Olive St. Schmidt, Albert, '49,is testing engineer for Strom, Elwood, '41, is the proud father of Northwestern Public Service Co. in Mitchell, a baby girl born Just a few weeks ago. The Stroms live at 116 W, Fourth Si. in Ana- Flow, Ralph, '10, is a shift boss with Cerro de Pasco Copper Co., Cerro de Pasco, Peru, Panerio, Alueno. '46, resides at 1091\/x 66th South America. St., Oakland, Calif. Jurrens , Elmer, '10. is with Western Electric Trompetcr , Richard , '47, Lt. (jg) USN, is Co. in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. now serving as Asst. P.W.O. at U. S. Ulvog , Carl , TO, lives at 1116 S. Terrell St., Ammunition Depot, Crane, Indiana.

GAMMA BETA V artia , Karl O., '37, is with the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Box 8

DELTA BETA

"Where did you absorb your fine Patron (to waitress)— "This is sup­ principles?” asked the interviewer. "At posed to be an oyster stew, but I your mather’s knee?” haven’t found a single oyster in it.” "No," replied the great industrialist. Waitress— "Well, if you had an Irish "Across my fathers knee." stew, would you insist that there be an Irishman in it?” A large organization hired several young college men for part-time work A bus driver was filling out a report and because of business pressure gave about a breakdown on the highway. each full responsibility for the collec­ When he came to the line "Disposition tion of several bad debts. One of the of Passengers” he wrote: "Mad as young men reported an amazing per­ hornets.” centage of collections, and when asked how he did it replied: "Why I just sent The weatherman has now been them this letter.” The letter read: blamed for everything. A Spokane, Dear Sir: If you do not pay your bill Wsahington woman told the cops her immediately, we will take steps that car was speeding because of a strong will astonish you.” following wind. THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 71

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210 Engineering Bldg. Iowa City, Iowa Your Kalfour Budge .% B cdulilul Symbol of Frioaaclsliip

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