THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

T l me mmw Q L iiLei- 2

iPR lW G , 1956

The IfflT A IR o f

T H E T A T A I l

SPRUNG, 1®5®

VOLUME XXV N U M B E R 2 Tketa I au Fraternity Founded at the University of Minnesota October5, 1904 1 FOUNDERS Erich J. Schrader Isaac B. Hanks W . Murray Lewis Elvin L. V inal

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL H . H. Hopkins , Beta ' 0 8 Grand Regent 1724 W. Fulton St., Chicago, 111. Prop. J. M. D aniels , N u Hon. ’2 2 ...... Grand Vice-Regent Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, Pa. Erich J. Schrader , Alpha ’0 5 ...... Grand Scribe Box 244, Reno, Nevada Prof. J amison V awter , Zeta ’1 6 ...... Grand Treasurer 307 Engineering Hall, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois Prof. D onald D. C urtis, Omicron '1 9 Grand Marshal Clemson College, South Carolina R ussell G. G lass , Sigma ’2 4 ...... Grand Inner Guard 23401 Chardon Road, Euclid, Ohio R. \V. N ussf.r ...... Grand Outer Guard 5011 S. Benton, Kansas City, Mo. DELEGATE AT LARGE Fred C offm a n , Lambda ’1 5 ...... Past Grand Regent P. O. Box 1204, Raleigh, N . C.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS Central Ohio— Emmett E. Knorr, 60! j W. Northwood Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Chicago—Dick Van Gorp, Room 700, 910 South Michigan Blvd., Chicago, 111. Cleveland— R. G. Glass, 23401 Chardon Road, Euclid, Ohio. Intermountain— A. H. Sorensen, 407 Templeton Bldg., Salt Lake City, Utah. Kansas City— R. W . Nusser, 5011 S. Benton, Kansas City, Mo. Soutlnvestern—W. A. Steenbergen, Agricultural Eng. Dept., College of Agri­ culture, U.o f Ariz., Tucson, Ariz. St. Louis— H . R. Kilpatrick, 216 Elm Ave., Glendale, Mo. (c/o Kirkwood P. O.) Tw in City—Frederick C. Teske, Jr., 4254 24th Avc. S., Minneapolis Minn.

MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSIONAL INTERFRATERNITY CONFERENCE ARCHITECTURE, Alpha Rho Chi, Scarab. CHEMISTRY, Alpha Chi Sigma. COMMERCE. Alpha Kappa Psi, Delta Sigma Pi. DENTISTRY, Delta Sigma Delta. Psi Omega. Xi Psi Phi. EDU­ CATION, Kappa Phi Kappa. Phi Delta Kappa. Phi Epsilon Kappa, Phi Sigma Pi. ENGINEERING. Theta Tau, Sigma Phi Delta. LAW. Gamma Eta Gamma, Delta Theta Phi, Phi Beta Gamma, Sigma Nu Phi, Sigma Delta Kappa. MEDICINE, Alpha Kappa Kappa, Nu Sigma Nu. Phi Beta Pi1 Phi Chi, Phi Delta Epsilon, Phi Rho Sigma, Theta Kappa Psi. PHARMACY, Kappa Psi. Chapters A lp h a , Founded October 15, 1904 - - - - University of Minnesota (Chapter house) 324 W alnut St., S. E., Minneapolis, Minn. B eta, Established March 26, 1906 - Michigan College of Mining and Tech. (Chapter house) 233 College Ave., Houghton, Mich. Gam m a, Established November S, 1907 - - Colorado School of Mines c /o Prof. B. B. Boatright, Colo. School of Mines, Golden, Colorado D e l ta , Established May 23, 1911 - - Case School of Applied Science Theta Tau Box, Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland, Ohio E psilon, Established May 4, 1911 - - - - University of California Box, Hearst Mining Bldg., University of California, Berkeley, Calif. Z e ta , Established April 17, 1912 ------University of Kansas (Chapter house) 1409 Tennessee Street, Lawrence, Kansas T h e t a , Established May 26, 1914 ------Columbia University c/o Prof. A. D. Hinckley, Eng. Bldg., Columbia University, New York City Io ta , Established February I, 1916 - - - - Missouri School of Mines Theta Tau Box, Missouri School of Mines & Metallurgy, Rolla, Mo. Kappa, Established March 25, 1916 - - - - University of Illinois c/o Prof. Jamison Vawter, 307 Eng. Hall, Urbana1 111. Lam bda, Established A pril 29, 1920 ----- University of Utah Theta Tau Fraternity, Union Building, Salt Lake City, Utah M u, Established January 3, 1922 - - University of Alabama c /o Prof. Fred R. Maxwell, College of Eng., University, Alabama N u 1 Established January I, 1922 - - Carnegie Institute of Technology P. O. Box 114, Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, Pa. O m icro n , Established February 3, 1923 - - - - University of Iowa (Chapter house) 804 North Dubuque Street, Iowa City, Iowa Pi, Established May 26, 1923 ------University of Virginia (Chapter house) R. F. D. No. 3, Charlottesville, Virginia R h o , Established February 16, 1924 - N. C. State College of Ag. and Eng. P. O. Box 5325, State College Station, Raleigh, N . C. Sigma, Established November 29, 1924 - - - Ohio State University (Chapter house) 1965 Indianola Ave., Columbus, Ohio T a u , Established December 12, 1923 - - - - - Syracuse University c/o Prof. E. F. Berry, College of Applied Science, Syracuse, New York U p silo n , Established April 7, 192S - - - - University of Arkansas 216 Eng. Bldg., U. of A rk., Fayetteville, Arkansas Phi, Established A pril 21, 192 S ...... Purdue University (Chapter house) 416 N. Main St., West Lafayette, Ind. C hi, Established A pril 23, 1930 ------University of Arizona Theta Tau Box, Engineering Bldg., University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. Psi, Established May 7, 1932 ------Montana School of Mines T heta Tau Fraternity, Care of Montana School of Mines, Butte, Montana Omega, Established March 26, 1932 - - - - S. Dakota School of Mines (Chapter house) 1117 St. Joe St., Rapid City, South Dakota Gamma Beta, Established March 16, 1933 - George Washington University c /o Dean of School of Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, D. C. THE JAMISON VAWTER OR TWELFTH BIENNIAL CO N V ENTIO N Tk e (Jamison XTwter or Twelftk Biennial Convention

K ansas C ity, AAissouri,December 28=30, 1935

Precedent was broken when Theta supposedly safe distance from the Tau for the first time gave a name down town district to insure adequate attention to fraternity business. This as well as a number to a biennial con­ precaution proved unnecessary, how­ vention. In recognition of Jamison ever, since the delegates showed a dis­ Vawter’s long and honorable service position to discharge their fraternal to Theta Tau, the 12th Biennial Con­ duties efficiently and to discover the vention was named for him because of pleasure spots as well. its proximity to his alma mater, and Delegates began arriving on the because its host, the Kansas City 27th, and by the middle of the eve­ Alumni Club, is composed mainly ofning (midnight) most of the chap­ members of his own Zeta Chapter. ters were represented. The Credentials The Executive Council again dis­ Committee began its work early, even played its sagacity and foresight in examining some of the delegates en- selecting convention dates during the route from Chicago to Kansas City. only period of mild weather which The good work was continued as the interrupted a winter of record-break­ delegates appeared and was practically ing severity in the middle west. The completed by the time the smoker be­ convention was comfortably housed ingan. Many Kansas City Alumni at­ the Newbern Hotel, situated at a tended the smoker, and acquaintances 6 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

ripened rapidly as the brothers identi- Grand Regent Coffman began the fied each other by their name tags and business of the convention by appoint- exchanged the grip. ing members to the numerous work- At 11:00 A. M. December 28, ing committees. Robert’s Rules of Brother Link, as representative of the Order were adopted for the conven- youngcst chapter, called the conven- tion, and Brothers Vawter and Link tion to order and presented the I tive Council in the proper riti form. The Grand Marshal then to interruptions, and the rr vouched for the following officers and service for deceased brothers ' delegates: pressively conducted by the

afternoon se itials Committee g

per cent dH te JekL

inder of the afternoon w reports from the Exec

together, d Scribe Schrader then read his A summary of membership for the biennium showed the i of 560 Theta Taus during inium (full summary on page

mni Association— manual, and UuL7ks“ t- A,Ph> '52 which found their way into subse- Erich J. Schrader, Alpha '05 quent legislation. "H^H^Hopkin! Beta '08 The report of Grand Treasurer ini Association— Vawter revealed a healthy condition Assoctation-?lMS’ S'8ma 24 t ^e National Treasury. Although Claude H. Wall, Sigma '20 revenues dropped about one thousand THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 7

dollars due to decrease in chapter circulation had jumped 81% during membership, the comparatively inex­ the biennium. In spite of this in­ pensive convention at Chicago enabled crease, publication costs had been held the treasury to show a thousand dollar profit for the biennium. In the evening the Executive Coun­ Grand Marshal Curtis reported on cil conferred with many of the dele­ the business of his office and pre­ gates individually upon the problems sented several suggestions to chapters of their chapters. These conferences which would tend to minimize mis­ were held early in order to permit at­ takes in the fraternity records. tendance at the dance arranged by The reports of the Grand Inner and the Kansas C ity Alumni Club. For O uter Guards, Brothers Daniels and this event, delegates descended en Glass, dealt w ith their chapter visits masse upon the Pla Mor Ball Room, and suggestions for the benefit of the accompanied by Kansas City’s fairest,

fraternity. Brother Glass’ suggestion all of whom had been selected by that for regional meetings seemed particu­ discriminating (and only recently larly good and was later authorized married) alumnus of Zeta Chapter, Brother Paul Dwyer. A fter a period T h e G ear report summarized the of hours, the delegates began strag­ changes made in the magazine since gling in w ith nothing but praise for the eleventh convention and presented the arrangements of the Alumni Club. a summary of the operations of the The second day was given over life subscription plan for the first five largely to reports of the alumni as­ years. Although based upon estimates sociations and the standing commit­ made in the rosy days of 1929, the tees. First to report was the A udit­ life subscription fund was 23' i larger ing Committee which found the books than expected after five years. More of the Grand Treasurer and The than 77% of the eligible subscribers G ear Editors in order. The alumni were receiving T h e G ear , and total association reports indicated that a 8 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU fine spirit of cooperation existed be­ some modification, the resolutions tween the Twin City A. A. and Alpha were adopted. Chapter, and between Central Ohio Regional meetings, suggested by A. A. and Sigma Chapter. Brother Glass of Cleveland A. A., The prolonged economic depression were referred to the Executive Coun­ was reflected in the report of the Ex­ cil. Following the report of the In­ tension Committee which, for the signia Committee, Brother Coffman first time in the history of the frater­ recommended the adoption of a recog­ nity, had no petitions to present to nition button similar to the present a convention. The Ritual Committee pledge button but w ith dimensions reported the adoption of the opening reduced one-half. The recommenda­ ceremony for conventions and made tion carried. no new recommendations or revisions. The Publications Committee made Discussion from the floor resulted inrecommendations to the Executive

Epsilon

the passing of a motion that robes or Council in regard to the Efficiency formal attire be worn by all officers Contest proposed at the last conven­ in presenting the ritual of initiation. tion. It also favored the publication Upon the recommendation of the of the fraternity Sweetheart song. Constitution Committee, dues for ac­These recommendations received un ­ tive members were increased one animous acceptance. dollar subject to discount of the same At this point Grand Regent Coff­ amount when paid promptly. This man gave his biennium report which legislation has the effect of applying a contained a recommendation for the penalty on delinquent dues, but notmost im portant legislation enacted by of increasing the dues of those who the convention. Reviewing the finan­ remit at the proper time. The Con­ cial policies of the fraternity, he stitution Committee also offered a showed the need for greater income, resolution broadening the powers of and at the same time the undesirability the chapter adviser, especially in re­ of increasing the dues of the under­ gard to financial problems. W ith graduate members. He felt that more THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 9 frequent visits to the chapters, regu­ a life subscription which marked his lar publication of a directory, and return to the status of "private citi­ even the establishment of a national zen” in the fraternity. Very appro­ headquarters were services which the priately, the second day's business fraternity should give to its members, but which are out of the question so T hat evening the delegates and long as all income comes from the many Kansas City alumni had the undergraduates. He felt, also, that pleasure of seeing the Executive Coun­ thousands of loyal and established cil conduct the ritual of initiation for alumni would welcome the opportun­a Zeta pledge, Murrell Finton. Fol­ ity to do their fraternity a practical lowing the ceremony more than one service. He then moved that he be hundred Theta Taus sat down to an authorized to solicit voluntary alumniexcellent banquet. When the food

The X-C relaxed for a minute: Glass, Coffman Curtis, Schrader, Daniels These more frequently: Hubbard, Mercer, Ryshanek, Hubbard, Christmann. Freyberg, Wagner, Smith. Gilcrist, Perry Moreland, Townsend, Houston, Jones, Howe dues of one dollar per year to be used had been vanquished, Brother Brother- in increasing the service of the frater­ son, Zeta '24, took charge of the nity to its members. He generouslyspeaking program and gave a masterly offered to defray the considerable cost demonstration of the gentle art of of circularizing some 6000 alumni Toast Mastering. Brothers Schrader, from his own pocket, should the Vawter, Coffman, and Hopkins were alumni fail to respond. The conven­ called upon for short talks, and each tion gave Brother Coffman’s motion responded so adequately that all re­ enthusiastic approval. As he con­ garded the occasion as the high point cluded his report, Brother Coffman of the convention. Brother Wahl- stepped down from the chair and gave stedt, Zeta ’21, lived up to his ad­ T h e G ear Editors fifteen dollars for vance press notice in T h e G ear and 10 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

sang an excellent tenor which brought Russell G. Glass, Sigma '24, Grand wild applause from his audience. Inner Guard On the third morning the conven­ Ralph W. Nusser, Zeta ’28, Grand tion came to a close with the adop­ Outer Guard tion of resolutions and the election of officers. The election placed in office: As the meeting drew to a close, H . H. Hopkins, Beta ’08, Grand Re­ Brother Link. Gamma Beta, asked that gent the youngest chapter be permitted to J. M. Daniels, N u Hon., Grand Vicc- present the gavel used at the conven­ tion to the retiring Grand Regent, Erich J. Schrader, Alpha '05, Grand Fred Coffman, and to buy a new one Scribe (Re-elected) for the fraternity. The suggestion Jamison Vawter, Zeta ’16, Grand was given unanimous approval. Treasurer (Re-elected) A t this point the new officers were Donald D. Curtis, Omicron Hon. '19, installed, and the tw elfth convention Grand Marshal (Re-elected)

Afembership Increase 'During Past Bienniums

One effect of the late depression is revealed by the following member­ ship statistics. An increasing rate of growth occurred up to the end of 1929. Then came a gradual decline in membership additions which reached a minimum in 1935. Present indica­ tions are that this will be the low point in the fraternity growth rate. Chapter rolls are even now snapping back to pre-depression totals. The growth of individual chapters during the past two lean years is shown in the second part of the table. The Executive Council Grand Regent HI. H . Hopkins O or newly elected Grand Regent, H. He corresponds with many personal H . Hopkins, "H op” to his friends, is friends, mostly engineers, in countries very unassuming. He says, "Neverscattered all over the world. Being realized until now how little I’ve done, at the crossroads of transportation he mostly sitting at has kept in close t h e 'crossroads’ contact w ith these men as they pass of Theta Tau and through Chicago. Michigan Tech." Such meetings keep Others realize, him interested in however, that and familiar with when a busy ex­ life and conditions ecutive will take time to make such "Naturally,” he contacts, he has says, "I enjoy something the fra- Brother Hopkins Born in Chicago, takes a man’s us­ he has camped ual delight in there most of the hunting, fishing, time since. The and particularly Michigan College camping; but such of Mines gave him social athletics as the degree of Min­ golf and tennis find ing Engineer in 190.8, but his ca­ participant. reer in Theta Tau began shortly after To his initiative we owe the first Beta’s installation at Tech. in 1906, magazine of the fraternity. He sug­ when he was initiated as an alumnus gested to Beta Chapter that the three of the Rhombohedron Club. chapters, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, The death of his father shortly after publish a list of members and a news graduation obliged him to look after letter. He made out the mailing list details of the family business which and wrote the Beta Chapter letter with has since been his principal occupa- Brother Roy Earling’s assistance in an editorial capacity. They proposed At the time of the formation of the that each man in Beta Chapter pay one first Executive Council, Brother Hop­dollar for a copy. The chapter was to kins was elected Grand Scribe, serving guarantee the additional outlay up to as such until 1919. In 1931 he was twenty-five dollars, and the two "pub­ appointed acting grand vice-regent to lishers” were to stand any expense over serve as assistant to Brother Hubert that. The venture broke even, and H. Hall, upon whose death he became Brother Hopkins still possesses a copy grand vice-regent, his office until the of this original edition ofT h e G ear . past election. 12 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

G rand Vice=Resent J . A t. Daniels

G rand V ice-R egent D aniels has Laboratory where he has conducted served on the Executive Council of commercial research experiments for Theta Tau since the Tenth 3iennial a lengthy list of companies, a few of Convention at which he was elected which are: the American Bridge Grand Outer Company, National Guard. Safety Council, Brother Daniels Stone & Webster, began capturing Bell Telephone honors as a high Company, West- school student. His inghouse Electric high school record and Manufacturing rewarded him with Company, and a scholarship to Curtiss - W right the Kiskiminetas Flying Service. Springs School During his col­ Saltsburg, Penn., lege days Brother which ushered Daniels won his letter on both base­ ball and basketball squads. He still takes quite an ac- competed for the University of Penn­ sports. During the sylvania’s fall he leads the scholarship, precarious life of a referee, tooting the a one year course, and bagged the whistle in high school football games; prize. However, when the United and one doesn’t become a member of States entered the W ar he enrolled in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Ath­ the Naval Reserve force and was sta­ letic Association, secretary-treasurer tioned in the Naval Unit at the Uni­ of Certified Football Officials Associa­ versity of Pittsburgh. His scholar­ tion of W estern Pennsylvania, and ship was then transferred to this Athletic Council representative of the school, and 1922 saw him a graduate general faculty at Tech. merely by with a B. S. in Civil Engineering. reading the scores in the sport sec- Since then he has been patiently explaining stresses and strains as an Besides Theta Tau, Brother Dan­ associate professor of civil engineering iels is a member of Phi Delta Theta at Carnegie Tech. N u Chapter at and Sigma Xi, as well as being a 32nd Tech. added him to Theta Tau’s roll degree Mason. as an honorary member. This account illustrates the truth Much of his professional work has of the adage, " If you want a thing been done at the Materials Testing done well, find a busy man.” THE GEAR OF THETA TAU IJ

Grand ScriU Erick J. SchraJe

Brother Erich Schrader’s devoted the fraternity members and affairs. service to Theta Tau is so closely in­Since undertaking the highly impor­ terwoven with the fraternity historyta n t duties of Grand Scribe, he has th at Thcta Tau and E rich Schrader corresponded w ith hundreds of mem­ have become almost syn­ bers and written many onymous. thousands of letters. No Brother Schrader was other man in the frater­ born in Bremen, Ger­ nity is acquainted with as many and received his many members as he, for early education in the he knows personally more private schools of Ger­ than 2000 Theta Taus. many and the public Brother Schrader’s ser­ schools of St. Paul and vice is particularly re­ Minneapolis. As students markable when we real- at the University of Min­ nesota, he and Brothers ful consulting mining H anks, Lewis, and Vinal engineer whose time is organized on October 15, largely absorbed by three 1904, as the Hammer or four industrial clients. and Tongs fraternity. It Aside from his profes­ was a year after his sional and fraternity graduation in 1905 that duties he has used his a second chapter was established. leisure (!) to become a contributor From 1905 until 1919, Brother to the Technical Press and to secure Schrader was Grand Regent, seeing data on various mines for publication. the fraternity grow chapter by chap­ When he so desires, Brother Schrader ter until, with his retirement from can organize a class in "H ow to this office, Theta Tau numbered ten Live on Twenty-four Hours a chapters. His judicious guidance in Day.” the selection and establishment of In Brother Schrader we find the these chapters has provided such a embodiment and personification of the solid, substantial basis for subsequent ideals which he has given the frater­ growth that we now feel Theta nity he founded, and the opportunity Tau will endure as long as there are to instill these ideals into the younger fraternities. At the Fourth Conven­ members gives Theta Tau its real tion of Theta Tau in 1919, Brother significance. I t may be truthfully Schrader retired as Grand Regent and said that Brother Erich Schrader is became Grand Scribe, feeling that in first, not only in number, but also this position he could be of more ser­ in service to Theta Tau. vice and keep in closer touch with 14 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

G rand Treasurer Jamison V a w fe r

Brother J amison V awter has been C. Shedd in writing the book, Theory on the Executive Council for fourteenof Simple Structures. Brother Vawter years, two as Grand O uter Guard, and is married and has two children, both twelve in the highly im portant post girls; therefore, no second generation of Grand Treas- is due in the fra­ ternity. Aftcr interrup­ ''My favorite tions and three s p o r t,” Brother years of railroad Vawter mentions, work, Brother "used to be fishing, Vawter graduated but I have had no from the Univer­ time for that since sity of Kansas in being Grand Treas­ 1916 with a bach­ urer, except fish­ elor’s degree in ing for funds.” civil engineering. Brother Vawter Since graduation has affiliations with he has concerned a number of hon­ himself mainly orary societies; Tau w ith teaching, his Beta Pi, Chi Ep­ professional work silon, Tau N u Tau, outside the field of Sigma Xi, and Scabbard and ing of about six Blade. He is also years’ work with a member of A. S. the Santa Fe Rail­ C . E., A. R. E. A., way in capacities ranging from chain- and S. P. E. E., and of the Masonic man to assistant engineer. Order and Shrine. Since its establish­ Brother Vawter served in the army ment in 1928 he has represented Theta for a little over two years during the Tau on the council of the Professional War, first as a lieutenant, and later as Interfraternity Conference, serving as a captain in the Engineer Corps. He president of the Conference from 1931 took part in the St. Mihiel and Meuse- to 1933. To honor Brother Vawter Argonne battles and was present in the for his devoted service to the frater­ occupation of two defensive sectors. nity the last convention was desig­ He was also in Germany w ith the nated as the Jamison Vawter or Army of Occupation. T w elfth Biennial Convention of He was on the staff of the Univer­ Theta Tau. sity of Kansas for two years, and has To the office of Grand Treasurer been at the University of Illinois since he brings a blending of the authority 1922 as Assistant Professor and Asso­ of the officer, the accuracy of the ciate Professor of Civil Engineering. designer, and the common sense of He collaborated with Brother Thomas the practicing engineer. THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

G rand M arshal Donald D- Curtis To the actives, Brother Donald D. ary member. In December of that Curtis is best known as the man who year he became active in Theta Tau sent their shingles, but alumni may work and was appointed editor of T he remember him as a former editor of G ear . In this capacity he compiled T h e G ear . and published the Brother Curtis Fourteenth General started out in life Directory of Theta on an Iowa farm, Tau. It was the attended country first one in five schools until he years, and because was 13 years old, no files or records and g r a d u a t e d were available, this from Greene High gigantic task School in 1914. started from T hat fall he en­ tered the Univer­ A t the Eighth sity of Iowa. In Biennial Conven­ five busy years at tion in Chicago, the University he Brother Curtis was received a B. S. in elected Grand Mar­ Civil Engineering, shal in addition to and earned nearly enough additional of T h e Gear. credit for a B. A. degree. His outside W hen in 1929 he accepted the posi­ activities included membership in a tion he still holds as professor of writers’ club, participation in student Mechanics and Hydraulics at Clem- government affairs, and working to son College, South Carolina, he re­ help pay his expenses. signed from the latter office leaving Following graduation Brother Cur­behind an excellent record of editorial tis worked a year for the Big Four accomplishment. Railway in the division office in Brother Curtis attended the gradu­ Springfield, Ohio; then w ith the Can­ ate school at the University of field Engineering Company, structural Washington, Seattle, but secured his engineers, in Des Moines, Iowa. D ur­ M. S. degree at the University of ing the years 1921 to 1929 he was an Iowa. instructor in Mechanics and Hydrau­ The interests of Brother Curtis are lics at the University of Iowa. his son, ten years old, reading, golf, Brother Curtis was well acquainted music, and his home work shop. He with the local which became Omicron is a member of A. S. C. E., S. I’. E. E., Chapter, and in April, 192S, he was Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, and the initiated as Omicron’s second honor­ Masonic Order. THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

GronJInner GuaJRmJg. CL,,

W h e n reviewing the records of daughter, and a future Theta Tau younger Theta Tau alumni in 1933, theshould keep the average individual Eleventh Biennial Convention liked busy. However, Brother Glass takes that of Brother Russell G. Glass so part as well in Masonic Lodge work well that he was elevated to the Executive Council Euclid Kiwanis Club. as Grand Outer Guard. Professionally, Brother Again in 193 5 the last Glass sits behind a door convention considered reading, "Manager, Sto­ him its best choice for ker Division, Pocohontas Grand Inner Guard. Fuel Co.” Although ex- "Russ” has a fine rec­ the mysteries of ord in Theta Tau. While Civil Engineering in col­ attending Ohio State lege, he somehow strayed University and working from the fold and has toward his Civil Engi­ since been designing neering degree he became mechanical "tru an t of­ a member of the Engi­ ficers” for B. T . U.’s. neers’ Club. As a mem­ This shift from civil to ber of this group he mechanical engineering helped prepare entailed the burning of ground for iffiliation considerable midnight w ith Theta Tau, and oil, as many older alumni when the Sigma charter was granted can testify from their own experience. he was initiated as one of the founders I t emphasized still more strongly his of that chapter. While in school he loyalty to Theta Tau in devoting also became a member of Sigma Phi time to alumni affairs. Sigma. His college experience was Personally, "Russ” classifies as a thus unusually broad in fraternitygood sport w ith a level head and a problems. lot of enthusiasm. His visits to chap­ Unlike many graduates he did not ters as a representative of the Execu­ lose contact w ith the fraternity as tive Council have proved extremely an alumnus. He promptly affiliated successful in stimulating chapter ac­ with the Central Ohio and the Cleve­ tivities. His recommendation for land Alumni Associations. For many regional meetings among adjacent years he has acted as secretary of the chapters which was presented at the Cleveland Association and has been last convention is further evidence of largely responsible for its functioning.the thought he gives to fraternity This devotion to the fraternity work. In his leisure time he likes a seems all the more remarkable when rod or a canoe, and frequently takes the fact that he leads a normally busy his family to Canada where there is life, in addition, is considered. Being abundant opportunity for fishing and married and providing for a wife, a THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 17

grand Outer Guard Ralph W . Nusser

Brother R alph W . N usser’s elec­ way Department. In 1930 he worked tion to the office of Grand Outer in the Building Material Division of Guard makes him the youngest mem­ the Berger Manufacturing Company, ber on the Executive Council, both in Kansas City, Missouri, and during 1931-32 the Kan­ as a grand officer; sas C ity Division but judging by his of the T ruscon successful handling Steel Company em­ of the last conven­ ployed him. To tion, he is certain divert the wolf to be a valuable from his door he addition to the spent 1933-34 with Council. the A. P. Nichols This future Theta Investment Com­ Tau made his ap­ pany, doing prop­ pearance in 1905 in erty management St. Joseph, Mis­ and maintenance souri. Having work. In 1935 he spent as much time went to the Shef­ in Kansas as in field Steel Corpora­ Missouri, he claims tion, a Kansas City to be a native of mill, and at present both. His public is in the Reinforc­ school education ing Steel division was obtained in of that company. Kansas City, Mis­ "My hobby, if souri, but he chose the University ofany,” he says, "is Masonry.” He is a Kansas for his engineering instruction. line officer in Ivanhoe Lodge No. 446, Here Zeta Chapter initiated him in A. F. and A. M., Kansas City, which February, 1925; in 1928 he gradu­ is the largest Masonic Lodge in the ated w ith a B. S. in Civil Engineering. world. He is also a member of Kansas In 1929 he married an Alpha Chi C ity Chapter 28, Royal Arch Masons. Omega from Baker University, and Brother Nusscr’s favorite sports are after seven years of double harness, baseball and ice hockey. And we will finds himself w ith two fine children, all agree with him when he confesses, Barbara Ann, 5 years, and Robert, 2 "My favorite aversions are mowing the — scarcely an immediate prospect for lawn and going to the barber shop.” the rushing committees. H e is interested in tropical fish and Brother Nusser’s first professional writing. Concerning these he writes, work was with the Chicago Bridge and "M y success w ith the fish has been Iron Works, Chicago. N ext he was marked at times, bu t not as much :mployed by the Kansas State H igh­ can be said of my writing.” 18 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

Delegate at Lar$e FreJ C ofU

Like Brother Schrader, Brother Fred five of the largest buildings of Duke Coffman, Past Grand Regent, is char­ University at Durham, and as a mark acterized by his intense interest and of esteem for his service on the pro­ active participation in Theta Tau. ject the seal of Stanford v The generous spir­ it in which he has undertaken th e project of solicit- field engineer for proof of his loy­ the W. P. A. of alty. N orth Carolina. Born in Utah on "Fraternities” are Easter Sunday, his chief hobby. He 1894, he has been has helped install id egg ev Rho, Sigma, and He adm Gamma Beta Chap­ ters of Theta Tau. of his western birth He was initiated than Mae W est is into Phi Sigma of her figure, and Kappa at the Uni­ says he is a typical versity of Monta­ example of the old na. Utah Alpha of adage, "You can Tau Beta Pi has take the boy out of extended a bid to the country, but him, and he plans you can’t take the to be initiated at country out of the boy.” What the he University of North Carolina on means by "country”, however, othershis next birthday. recognize as a wholesome, democratic Sports also interest Brother Coff­ sincerity which wins friends wherever man. He was a miler on the Univer­ sity of Utah track team, and prob­ After attending the University of ably holds the record for football at­ U tah for three years Brother Coffman tendance— 13 games in one year. But passed the next five as assistant con­ rivaling this interest are the moving struction engineer for the Utah-Idaho pictures— he often sees three in one Sugar Co. His senior year was spent day, and admits he "adores” them. at Leland Stanford where, in 1922, he Although he has been privileged at was graduated W ith Distinction a various times to use many titles, en­ month early so that he could sail forgineering and otherwise, he still pre­ Alaska as chief draftsman for the Pi­ fers to sign his name above the phrase, oneer Gold Dredging Co. Later he "No. 32, Lambda Chapter of Theta was associated with a firm of consult­ Tau.” Theta Taus are glad that Bro­ ing engineers in Charlotte, N. C. In ther Coffman can continue his frater­ 1928 he became resident engineer on nal contacts as delegate at large. O f f the Record

The keynote of the convention was one agreed w ith Brother Wagner from sounded by Grand Regent Coffman Delta Chapter that supervision of the early in the first session when he purchase of "bathroom stationery” pointed out that "Procrastination is was going a bit further than is re- the thief of time.” Suffice it to say that at least so far as we Brother Coffman paid a pretty high were concerned, and so far as we could ob­ many fine Past Grand Regents, and serve, very little time also to the many out of the three days to come, when he of the convention was stolen for claimed to be the sleep. But how we did revel in shut- worst Grand Re­ eye when we got home! gent we will ever have. W e think Brother Fred Some hitherto unsuspected histori­Coffman has done cal notes on the fraternity came to a bang-up job in light during the examination of dele­ the office, and know that all agree that few others have been more im­ bued w ith real love for the fraternity than has he.

The daily appearance of a fresh Jacqueminot rose decorating the of­ ficers’ table in the convention hall was a pleasing innovation. These roses were presented by the Lambda delegate in honor of Grand Regent gates. For instance, we learned that Coffman, Lambda ’15. It is hoped Venus was one of our founders. Per­that this will start a tradition for our haps that accounts for the rapid future conventions, whereby the dele­ growth of membership in our earlygate from the chapter of the presid­ ing officer will similarly honor the Grand Regent and the fraternity at An extension of the powers and re­ each of the sessions. sponsibilities of our faculty advisers O ur official flower was also much seemed to meet w ith approval on all in evidence at the Banquet where one sides. On the question of how far was used to adorn the lapel of each the extension should go there was of the national officers andG ear edi- m uch debate, but in general, every­ 20 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

The highlight of the "extra-curri­ Dwyer rose to the occasion and pre­ cular” activities of the Jamison Vaw- sented the boys with as smooth an ter or 12th Biennial Convention was assortment of dates as they had ever undoubtedly the Delegates Dance at witnessed. W hat a man! Kansas City's Pla Mor. Suggested by Brother Schrader, sponsored by our During the wee small hours after hosts, staged by Brother Dwyer, and midnight, when committee work attended by nearly all of the active could be forgotten, the enterprising delegates and alternates, this was night clubs of really a successful event. Kansas City were The dazzling array of feminine pul­ investigated. Slop­ chritude rounded up by Brother py Joe’s Place, the Dwyer and parcelled out to the G reen Lantern, brothers would have done credit to Mike’s Back Yard, Flo Ziegfield in his palmiest days. t h e Chesterfield Thetas from Missouri U., Kappas from Club, and the Reno Kansas, beautiful Club seemed to be favorites. Our platinum blondes, demon reporters accompanied by a quiet demure bru­ Don Juan of their own choosing nettes, z e s t f ul, visited one of the quieter (?) estab­ vivacious titians, lishments to get the low-down—and and so on and so it was pretty low,, too— on the ac­ on. No, there was tivities so alluring to the playboys of nary a complaint the convention. on dancing partners. A suspicion lurks that this dance had much to do with several seniors’ inquiries concern­ ing opportunities in engineering fields for employment in Kansas City about next June. Brother Dwyer’s success as a dat­ ing agency for worthy Theta Tau boys is not entirely new. During his days at Kansas U. he frequently served in this capacity for his more un­ fortunate brothers in We wonder what it could have been Zeta chapter. I t is that Brother Jones said to a certain reported that, as a hostess to which she took umbrage— senior, he offered to as Sidney Marine would say. O ur secure dates for a guess is that the Jones boy said, "N o.” party in Kansas City if any of the boys We wondered whether Brother needed them. The chapter complotted Wagner’s wording was premeditated against him and asked for dates for or accidental when he reread the reso­ its entire membership, but Brother lution honoring our Grand Treasurer THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 21

and said that Brother Vawter had boys told us they don’t wear shoes given "unstingy-ngly” of his time. Ifin Alabama! this was sarcasm, Brother Schrader evened the count when he asked that Potpourri the report be filed w ith him, saying Brother Wall’s lost pen "which "I can read it.” gives forth green ink”— the difficulty some of the delegates experienced in Brother Coffman claimed the dis- saying "Brother Hubbard”—the hot i of being Theta Tau’s first and bothered appearance of the dele­ A l l - American gates at the credentials session in con­ Grand Regent trast to the zero weather outside— when he appeared the inability of the western cowboys the banquet to cope w ith the heavy beverages of Kansas City— the comment that Bro­ Colorado, ther Daniel of Mu "h it the nail on underwear from his head”— the round corner on the N orth Caroli from Tennessee, Newbern Hotel which made it easy and shoes from Alabama, to distinguish regardless of one’s con­ believe all but the last. Some of the dition.

Versaw-Iility

Brother Ray Versaw, newly elected regent of Omega Chapter, during his four years at the South Dakota School of Mines, not only has been outstand­ ing in athletics and studies, but has also been a leader in many phases of school and fraternity activities. Be­ cause of his many achievements he was chosen by the faculty as one of three men to represent S. D. S. M. in the 193 5-36 "W ho’s W ho Among Students.” Brother Versaw has earned four let­ ters in football, three in track, one in basketball, and was football captain for the 1935 season. He acted as treasurer of the Junior Class and was elected to Sigma Tau in 1934-35, tary, and was Omega’s official dele­ serving Tau Chapter of this organiza­ gate to the Jamison Vawter Convcn- tion as president. Previous to his election to the re­ Brother Versaw intends to continue gency, Brother Versaw has served for a fifth year at the School of Mines Theta Tau in the capacity of treasurer,and receive degrees in both civil and vice-regent, and corresponding secre­ electrical engineering in 1937. A s it Looked to the [delegates

L. S. Campbell — Beta Jug? Reports say he was labeled "Liquid, This Side Up” when put on The T w elfth Biennial Convention the train for good old Arizona. will long remain one of my most pleasant memories. Pleasant in that 6. I only hope that someone will the fellowship and acquaintances that remember to have a pair of boxing were made there are something to look gloves at the next convention to be back on with pleasure, and pleasant in used by Brothers Vawter and Coffman. the memory of work accomplished and As long as they insist on putting on well done. a show, why not add a little sport to It is only natural that some of theit? Just a couple of love birds at moments of pleasure derived from the convention should be found outside 7. I haven’t figured out as yet the of the convention proper. One out­purpose of the beds in each of the standing in m y mind is the thought rooms. As far as I know, not many of Brothers W agner and Link trying of them were used. W hat a place, to affect nonchalance while being Kansas City! "made a fuss over” by the very ma­ ternal army officer’s wife. I only hope to meet some of the Sturgeon— Epsilon brothers I met at the convention at Our chapter here on the Pacific Coast is more or less isolated from the other chapters and also from the main John J. Christmann— Gamma centers of fraternity activity. The My impressions: convention for us, therefore, has in­ 1. The perfection w ith which creased importance as a means of keep­ Brother Nusser and the Kansas City ing up relations with the fraternity Alumni Association put on the con-as a whole. In this respect, which of course is its main purpose, the con­ 2. The perfect string of females vention to me was unusually success­ that Brother Dwyer has, and a ful. married man at that! Does his wife It was a great pleasure to be able to meet and exchange ideas w ith the 3. The dramatic entrance of our men who guide our national organiza­ outstanding delegate, "Bruthuh Jones, tion. Most of them, heretofore, have Oopsilon, Arkansas Univusity.” been known to us only as names in 4. O ur delegate from Alabama T h e G ear . was the first I ever saw from that Brother Vawter stated that this con­ state that could wear shoes just like vention showed more unity and con­ he was used to it. And they fit sideration for the fraternity as a Brother Coffman, too. whole than previous ones. However 5. W hat is this we hear about the the comparison be, the spirit was cer­ departure of our notorious Arizonatainly one of combined effort for the THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 23 good of the fraternity, and I believe Besides the brand new experience of the legislation enacted is substantially riding a train sleeper, also of riding the observation car, and all the little details which make traveling enjoy­ W . Fleming Scofield— Zeta able, I got a big kick out of meeting so many fellows from so many differ­ I t was an unusual sensation to w it­ent parts of the country. Our hosts ness the initiation of a Zeta man by were hosts gallant, especially Brother the Grand Council with the oldest Nusser. And what little I .saw of member of Theta Tau presiding. To Kansas City, I ate up. me, this is representative of that A party consisting of Brothers Link, strange feeling persisting between Ryshanek, Hubbard, Freyberg, an­ Theta Taus, a feeling of the eldest other whose name escapes me, and my­ imparting to the youngest the tradi­ self did get out to see the TW A plant. tions and customs of the fraternity. After touring the plant, watching the The four candle sticks, so graciously planes land and take off, some of the granted to Zeta Chapter by the Grand boys took a ride over the smoke and Council, will keep this eventful eve­ haze. Wc then decided we had to ning alive, not only in m y memory, set foot in Kansas. Into a taxi we but also in the memory of Zeta men piled (called by means of the street of the future. telephone, another novelty), directed While I was impressed by the co­ the driver to take us across the operation and fraternal spirit of the bridge, piled out of the taxi directly delegates from the various schools, I we had arrived in Kansas, paid the think that the most valuable concept driver, dismissed him, set our feet on I obtained at the convention was the Kansas soil, walked across the street, significance of Theta Tau to the men hailed the same driver much to his who have long since become profes­ astonishment and perplexity, and sional engineers. It is not difficult calmly drove back to Missouri, quite for me to realize a college man’s en­ contented and with a little of the thusiasm for his fraternity; nor does spirit that Caesar must have had when it appear strange to me that profes­ he pronounced his immortal “ Veni, sors, w ith their close relationship with vidi, vici”— for most of us it was a students and student activities, should new state conquered. Silly? Yes. hold a profound interest in this But we had lots of fun, and the brotherhood; but to know that driver’s bewilderment was worth it. alumni who are practicing their pro­ The main contribution which the fession in all parts of the world, far convention trip made to my little and near, still hold enthusiasm for store of experience happened on the Theta Tau, makes me realize the power way home. On January 1st at the and value of this fraternity. hour of midnight, I boarded the train in Chicago entirely unaware of what A. J. Smith— Tbcta fate was casting my way. On the Several things in connection with platform of the car I overheard a the convention gave me a big thrill. cute French accent explaining in a 24 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU sorrowful tone how her beautifuland myself have just finished an hotel police dog was being separated from engagement in Chicago.” her for the night—he was put in an­ Yes, her husband! I might have other section, poor thing! O f course,known . . . So I listened half­ always mindful of the superiority ofheartedly to her life’s story. Man over Beast, I felt that I would Soon an Englishman and a New not be spurned as fit company for the Yorker across the way joined the con­ evening. (Yes, she was pretty!) Hence fab. Immediately she sprang the I betook myself to the club car and question, "Have you ever seen the awaited happenings. Folies Bergeres?” The Englishman had. Sure enough, in she came and began "Do you remember me? I was the to order a ham sandwich and a glass adagio dancer,” thereby giving him of beer. Now, it is a peculiar fact more information than she had given that the words "ham sandwich,” when me. He gave her a careful once­ pronounced by French lips and re­ over and came back with, "No, I’m sounding in darky ears, seem to lose sorry, I don’t remember you. All I all manner of intelligibility. In the remember was the Bubble Dancer.” melee that followed, I hastily recalled "H E H ! H E H !” she gurgled, m y high school French and sailed into "THAT’S ME! ! ! !” the fray with adventure in my heart. (Was my face red.) Here indeed, opportunity wouldn’t I think I’ve said enough . . . but have to knock twice. . . before I "cheerio” I want to tell of She sat there, contentedly munch­ two real "moments” I experienced at ing the morsels, w ith me on the op­ the convention. I call them "m o­ posite side of the table, hemming and ments” for lack of a better word; hawing in a jargon of French, Spanish I mean by that, those little experi­ and English. But she spoke heavily ences in life which we enjoy from time accented English to a sufficient ex­ to time, which only last for fleeting tent, so we got along. It was all seconds, but in that instant bring joy smooth sailing till she popped the and warmth to our hearts question, "Have you ever seen themoments we cherish which have lived Folies Bergeres?” no longer than the flare of a match. One was the opening ceremony . . . "N o,” I answered innocently, "do where prayer was offered for those you mean the ones who were playing who had passed to the Eternal Chapter. at the French Casino in New York?” "Oui, Oui,” she replied, "they were The other was the moment when there, and then they toured the Brother Link presented the gavel to country and finally broke up. Someretiring Grand Regent Coffman. of the acts are still going— like ours.

Maurice N. McKendrick— Lambda Well, you can imagine the state I was in. If this wasn’t a story to As I think back, my first thought bring home to the boys—coming home of the convention is the short time w ith a girl from the French Casino! in which real friendships were formed "Yes, my HUSBAND, my partner among the delegates. The sincerity THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 25 and honest interest of the national a convention and have the fact driven officers in the fraternity is without into his soul that he is a member of doubt the real reason, in my mind, such an important organization as for such a splendid feeling of co­ Theta Tau. Only then can one truly operation as was shown by all the appreciate its greatness. I believe we delegates present. I appreciated the all enjoyed the convention and came fact th a t the delegates did not con­ home with the purpose of making sider their own chapters before think­ Theta Tau better. ing of the whole fraternity. The opportunity I had of present­ ing the convention with Jacqueminot Henry Ryshanek— N u roses in behalf of Lambda Chapter The delegate was impressed by the was greatly appreciated by our chap­ high calibre of the men in the frater­ ter. Since Brother Coffman is a mem­ nity. The entire Kansas City group ber from Lambda it was particularly seem to take their technical training fitting that the delegate from the most seriously, and, although extra same chapter as the Grand Regent activities are desirable, the fact re­ should present the roses, thus estab­ mained outstandingly clear that the lishing a new custom. It will be very men prominent in Theta Tau activi­ worth while to continue this customties were so only because of their at future conventions. proven ability in their chosen fields. The Kansas City alumni and es­ Service, honor, and truth. The pecially Brother Nusser certainly did varied mental impressions, at first everything in their power to make mixed and not clear, gradually crystal­ the convention a real success. The lized and formed a definite conception actives from Zeta are also to be of the purpose of Theta Tau. Al­ thanked for the big part they had. though cognizant of the fact that Theta Tau is a national professional engineering fraternity, it was imposs­ Kenneth Daniel— Mn ible for me to see beyond my own Have any of you brothers ever gonegroup and visualize the possibilities af­ anywhere expecting to catch "merry forded by the national scope of the hell,” knowing you deserved it? And fraternity. Not until actually at the have things turned out just opposite?convention and in contact with the I shall never forget my feeling as I fine young men and students from went into the meeting of the Execu­ all parts of the country, the older tive Council. Brothers, let me tell members on the Executive Council, you all right now— no finer, moreand the delegates from the Alumni helpful group of men has ever been Associations, did I fully realize the assembled than the one guiding our importance of the organization. Then, fraternity. I found a group of of­too, I became fully aware of the re­ ficers and delegates w ith a single pur­ sponsibility given to the chapters in pose— that of making Theta Tau bet­ allowing them to pick the men desir­ ter because they have been in it. I able to have in the group who will wish that every member could attend later be the life-blood of the frater­ THE GEAR OF THETA TAU nity. Since the convention, those prison to another. The stories and three characteristics continually assert experiences that he related in the three themselves as the criteria not only for hours that we talked gave me a deeper successful membership in Theta Tau, and clearer conception of prison life b u t also in life; namely, honor and and activity than all the sociology, truth in all circumstances, and un ­ psychology, pathology, or any other stinting service to the best of one’s ology that can be taught in college. ability. To quote Professor Vawter, Some one made an error in m y geo­ "Service brings its own reward . . . graphy. Kansas City should have honors sought after are worthless when been flat. My taxi went straight up­ acquired.” hill from the station to the hotel. I thought I was in the wrong place, especially when the driver asked me Thomas O. Smith— Kho where the street was. Last December when I was elected The first question that greeted me as the delegate from Rho to the con­ at the hotel was: Southerner, how do vention, it was with some misgiving you like this cold weather? T o tell that I accepted the position. In the the truth, Kansas City was the warm­ first place, I had been troubled all year est town I had struck in weeks, and with an uneasy stomach. However, m y reply that there was six inches of this, I know, pleased Brother Vawter snow in Raleigh when I left, seemed since I wasn’t able to run up the food to upset my interrogator quite a little. bill that I otherwise would have. The The thing that was outstanding other thing that bothered me was the during the entire convention was the condition of our chapter, and I may feeling of good will and the atmos­ as well confess th a t I thought that phere of comradeship that pervaded I was in for a riding. Brother Coff­ the whole group. The contact with man allayed m y fears, and as I had Erich Schrader alone was w orth the heard of Missouri weather, I donned trip out. Brother Vawter’s personal­ my long underwear and set out toity and wit added much to the con­ Kansas City. vention. For the first time I realized The very first thing that struck what Thcta Tau really was, how it me was the fact that the further carried on its work, and what it south I went, the more I appreciated meant for me to be a member. I that long underwear. By the time I think that many of my brothers had reached Birmingham, I was too numb the same feeling. to feel the cold. I was much impressed by the man­ Perhaps the most interesting occur­ ner w ith which our hosts went about rence of the trip was this: I had been entertaining us. Brother Nusser de­ gazing out of the window at the un­serves much credit and praise for the folding panorama of the Mississippi splendid work he did in that line. countryside, when a fellow traveler The constant difference of opinion asked me for a match. We began to between our Grand Regent and Bro­ talk, as travelers will, and imagine ther Vawter heartily pleased my some­ m y surprise to find that he was a what argumentative spirit. I wish all convict being transferred from one accounts that I have gone over had THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 27 been as easily checked as those of The opportunity that every dele­ "War-horse” Vawter. gate has to see the Executive Council Brother Ryshanek and I have cor­ in action is something one can never responded frequently since the con­ forget. There is nothing personal in vention, and I have listened with much their debate, however intense it may pleasure to his brother’s orchestra be. One has the feeling that they are broadcasting from KDKA in Pitts- all striving for the good of the frater­ nity. From these men I have learned On the return trip, Brother Coff­ the real meaning of SERVICE W IT H ­ man and I visited the University of OUT PRESSURE. Alabama. Brother Curtis was with us as far as Birmingham. I am look­ Richard H. Freyberg— T an ing forward to a trip to Clemson Col­ lege on April 18 when I shall see him Impressions of t h e C onvention again. I In closing, may I wave a red flag Meeting Al Smith of Theta in in the faces of my western brothers? Grand Central Terminal Upper Level I saw quite a few of the girls out in New York. there, but I still prefer the girls from Never having seen each other. dear old Tarheeliar. N o difficulty in finding him! Both proud that Theta and Tau J. F. Sullivan— Sigma w ent together. The Jamison Vawter or 12th Bi­ II ennial Convention came to an end far At Dearborn Station in Chicago. too soon for me. I shall never cease Hearing someone call "Dick”. to wonder at the hospitality of Zeta Turned around to see Russ Glass Chapter and the Kansas City Alumni coming across the lobby. Association. The dance held on Satur­ Parlor car to Kansas City— meet­ day night was unique in that I have ing Brothers Vawter, Hopkins, Schra­ never seen so many blind dates turn der, Daniels, and some delegates from out so well. G etting acquainted on the train al­ delegate should have a very strong most asked Brother Daniels for his constitution. Each morning one was credentials to examine me, but not sure to be torn between the desire for quite enough nerve. sleep and the fact that when Grand Disappointed w ith the Mississippi on Regent Fred Coffman said 9 A. M. first sight. he didn't mean 9:30 A. M. (A t least It didn’t look much like the Father that is what he said.) of Waters, all frozen over. Brother C. B. Smith, Sigma Alter­ nate, always had a reputation for be­ III ing a very nice young man. How­ Then our greeting at the station by ever, the father of the girl he had at the Kansas C ity Alumni Club. the dance had his own ideas about Asked by so many if I weren’t when daughter should be in. Scandinavian. 28 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

Too bad I’m German. Bob W agner on the floor five min­ Impressed by the station and Liberty utes before the ritual w ith Red Daniel Memorial w ith its lighting effects. trying to persuade him to get going. Pleasant impressions continued by Surprised that the ritual was read. apartments assigned to us at the New- Glad to receive the candles and bern. sticks used in the ceremonies. Disappointed that m y room mate The boys of Tau Chapter are duly Brother Sayre of Omicron couldn’tappreciative. VI Brother Coffman seemed glad to welcome me as Tau’s delegate. Banquet a peach. A pleasure for me. More song from the Sweetheart of Get acquainted smoker a success. Theta Tau and also Brother Wahl- I.ooks like a fine time. Discovery that Brother McKendrick IV is also a social fraternity Brother. Getting down to business Saturday Noticed that three delegates were morning. from New York State. Many good pointers from the re­ The largest active delegate repre­ ports of delegates. sentation from any one state. Swapping experiences w ith Tex Impressed by Brother Coffman’s in­ Jones, Red Daniel, Houston and the ability to say all he wanted to. rest as we worked. Made me realize what Theta Tau A bit down in the mouth that Tau means to the men who have grown up had but one committee on which to

Should have liked to take on more VII but too timid to ask. The last session. Glad to find friendly cooperation Everyone be sure to read the Reso­ from the X-C rather than the bawl­ lutions Committee’s report. ing out I had expected for the chapter. W inding up the business. Wished I’d had more time with Fine gesture of Brother Link’s to them, but Kansas C ity’s fairest awaited present Theta Tau’s first gavel to Brother Coffman. Bouquets to Paul Dwyer and Ralph VIII Nusser for the cream of the city for dates Saturday night. My first airplane ride. Flying over Kansas C ity from the V Municipal Airport. Down to discussion of policy at Wonder if I could have put that last w ith the reports of officers and on the expense account. Inspection of TWA’s midwestern Had hoped to dress for the model base hangar. ritual at night, but somehow you Dismissing cab on one side of the can’t leave a good game in good com­ street in Kansas City, Kansas, and re­ pany. hiring it on the other. THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 29

Walking through downtown with of Sunday evening. Our national of­ the gang. ficers put on a ceremony that was H unting souvenirs. speedy and precise, demonstrating that W onder if Ryshanek’s girl was satis­ a thorough knowledge of the ritual fied. goes a long way toward impressing Then into the south of the city toboth the initiates and the active mem- see the Nichol real estate develop­ ment with Tex, Arizona, and Russ I sha’n ’t forget the very effective Glass. manner in which Brother Vawter of­ Stopping for a last short one at the ten used that pipe, or at other times Ratskeller before entraining for a cigar, to bring out his point. Chicago. Brothers Fryberg, Link, Hubbard, Opal seemed to take so much of Buus and myself took an airplane ride Al Smith’s time. just before leaving Kansas City. Each I wondered whether he’d make the of us paid $1.10 to find out that you train w ith us. can’t see the city from the air be­ cause of the heavy layer of smoke IX which hangs over it. Link and Hub­ So Long to Kansas City. bard should be able to find jobs as As fine a gang as I have ever met. professional mourners. They gave a Came with a half-feeling of strange­ good demonstration of mourning for ness and left w ith the conception of three supposedly lost brothers as Fry­ true brotherhood. berg, Buus, and I were about to take off from terra firma in that old crate of an airplane. Raymond Versaw— Omega J. Harold Link, Gamma Beta Always it seems that my most last­ ing impression is that the meeting was The smoker held on the night of just one big chapter meeting, very our arrival in Kansas C ity was a similar to the ordinary meetings that wringing success. I wrung so many Omega Chapter holds, except for the hands that my fingers were numb dur­ scope of the problems and business ing the entire convention. So numb, discussed. in fact, that had I not been the last Throughout, I was impressed by the to render my report, it would have fact that the Executive Council is been necessary for someone to hold composed of men who are very like it while I read. any of the boys. The spirit of friend­ The convention was conducted very liness and cooperation among a group well, and everything seemed to run of fellows who had never before been off without mishap. O f course, "tossed together” was remarkable. In Brother Coffman had kittens when no spite of some slight procrastination, one paid any attention to his orders the meeting moved on speedily and to convene at such-and-such an hour w ith "nary a bauble.” or else. But Brother Coffman, you The high-light of the meeting was must remember the spirits are strong the initiation preceding the banquet and the flesh so weak. 30 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

Brother Schrader, Theta Tau’s oldest name would I member. He is not old in years, but that is anothe he is very old in point of service, and The midnij when I say service, I mean service. on the Sante seemed to be very well distributed. until we were Christmann, Houston, and Jones is rumored tl (Oopsilon, to you) took care of most W agner to bet of the action of the night hours, man trains are while Brother Vawter walked a ru t Seeing Chi with Ryshanek in the floor during the sessions of the wound up the convention. How many miles did you gate from Ga say it was. Brother Vawter? battle in the McKendrick did a fine piece of Everything Wi work as flower girl for the conven-

Sn JHtmodam THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 31 The GEAR of THETA TAU OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FRATERNITY

P. L. Mercer, Omicron "21 and J. W. Howe, Omicron '24 Editor, 211 ENGINEERING HALL IOWA CITY, IOWA

Subscription $1.00 a Year Life Subscription $15.00

VOLUME XXV SPRING, 1936 NUMBER 2

"LITTLE DROPS OF WATER . unteer, a regular directory would be assured. Probably no action of the twelfth Alumni, you have an opportunity convention has greater possibilities to do a fine thing for your fraternity. than the authorization of voluntary Although your individual contribu­ alumni dues. Certainly no one has tions are small, their aggregate can be made a more unselfish gesture than large. Your fraternity can be a has retiring Grand Regent Coffman powerful and more vital force in the in offering to circularize the frater­ nity at his own expense should the engineering world if you give the plan prove unworkable. As we go to press, encouraging word It is not hard to visualize the bene­ comes from Brother Coffman in fits of a substantial addition to the national income. Present income Raleigh. Four chapters have been (from undergraduates) makes pos­ circularized, and better than 16 per sible biennial conventions, occasional cent of the men answered practically chapter visits, and the publishing of by return mail. The coming weeks will increase this percentage several T h e G ear , in addition to routine fraternity business. Under present fold as Theta Taus all over the world conditions a central office, a regular stand by the ship. directory, frequent chapter visits, and REGIONAL MEETINGS quarterly publication ofT h e G ear are merely pleasant dreams. The decision at the Jamison Vawter The advent of alumni dues can Convention to experiment with re­ easily make realities of some of these gional meetings of chapters seems to dreams. There are about 6000 Theta us both timely and wise. Wise be­ Taus. Some 650 of them are in col­ cause of the benefits certain to result lege, and probably several hundred are from these meetings, and timely, not "lost.” Several hundred more have only because the general, though mod­ passed away. Conservatively, there est, improvement in economic condi­ should be some 4000 living, well situ­ tions permits a certain expanding of ated alumni. Should they all be loyalactivities, b u t also because the growth enough to volunteer a dollar each year,of the fraternity has now reached a most of Theta Tau’s dreams could point where in many districts chap­ come true. Should half of them vol­ters are geographically located near THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 33 enough to each other to insure goodship more readily than would other­ attendance at such meetings without wise be the case. too great strain on finances and time. Reports in this office indicate that A great deal can be accomplished in this year’s crop of initiates is an ex­ these group gatherings to strengthen ceptionally good one. If this is true, the chapters represented by discussing it is because the older actives have common problems and interests. They been far-sighted enough to select with also offer great possibilities of a new care. For the sake of those men now competitive interest between the chap­ about to pass into the ranks of the ters represented, surely one of the best alumni, for your own interests, and known methods of building up any for the interests of those who will organization. follow you, won’t you newly initiated We await reports of the first re­ men jum p in, put your shoulder to the gional meetings w ith the greatest of wheel, and help maintain the frater­ interest and w ith all confidence in nity as a worth-while and meaningful their success. brotherhood for all of us?

THIS ISSUE NEW INITIATES Because a biennial convention plays The fraternity of Theta Tau oper­such an im portant role in our frater­ ates somewhat differently from most nity history this issue T ofh e G ear other fraternities because of the fact has been devoted mainly to the last that most of our initiates are upperconvention and related subjects. Read­ classmen. Few men are even pledged ing the delegates’ impressions shows as freshmen, and in many chapters clearly the powerful welding influence only juniors and seniors are initiated. Accordingly, in many cases, a man is An idea voiced frequently by the associated w ith an active chapter as delegates was that the ExecutiveCoun- pledge and active member for only cil had been merely a group of names until contact at the convention showed N aturally this condition producesthem to be real beings and mighty a rapid turnover in chapter member­ interesting ones at that. W ith this ship and in chapter leadership. It comment in mind we are presenting therefore behooves each of you newlya picture and brief history of each of initiated members to take a responsi­ the Executive Council so that all of ble part in the affairs of your chapter our readers may feel better acquainted immediately. Coming in as upper­ with those entrusted with the frater­ classmen, you have the advantage of nity’s future. a certain maturity of judgment and Another desire of the delegates was probably of previous organization ex­to see the Theta Tau Sweetheart Song perience as well. These qualities are which was approved by the Eleventh counted on to compensate the frater­ Biennial Convention at Arkansas. Al­ nity for delayed pledging. I t is ex­ though necessarily reduced to the size pected that you will fit into the spirit of T h e G ear page, it is legible at of our organization more quickly andreading distance, as may be seen by can accept the obligations of leader­ turning the page. SWEETHEART OF THETA TAU Quarlet Arrangement

Words and Music Ruil1 LamUrIus TcSigma CUplcr M o d e ra to

Thru the maze o f mem-o-ries.In those carecol-lege free days, A

r I Q i « r — £------Ir r Jt r.r r t 1 F - E f f

H J ix i * -- i = A n H 4 thou sand faces gleam and smile. But there's one th at remains always Oh i [Ag j - f p t f f r 1 1> e \ p ^ c H [ f 4

Sweet-heart of Thefa Tau I love you, Inall my dreams your dear face shines fhru,

You aretheoneftiatladore My The-ta Tau girl for-ev-er more. get It Off Your Chest

have found another 36 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

, Lambda, ti with such

One of the outstanding seniors in Beta Chapter is Bruce J. Nekervis, who will soon graduate from the Michigan College of Mining and Technology w ith a B. S. in Chemical

:11 as in the fraternity itself.

e member of the varsity am. And though few ath-

he has the highest scholastic THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 37 average in the class and has been a of the student funds as chairman of member of Tau Beta Pi for two years.the Student Council Finance Com­ One of the most difficult assign­ mittee is another venture deserving ments that can be given any student commendation. Brother Nekervis is is the chairmanship of the annual also a member of Blue Key, Chi Ep­ W inter Carnival, but Bruce took this silon Chi, local chemical group, and bull by the horns and made a "roar­ was formerly advertising manager of ing” success of it. His management the Michigan Tech Lode.

Pr. R. W . Drkr Authority M eta llu rg y stant touch w ith education. Between jobs he managed to sandwich in school­ ing at Cass Technical High School, Detroit, and the University of St. Louis. Returning to M. C. M. in 1923, he accumulated in the next five years the degrees of B. S., E. M., E. Met., and M. S. Since then he has done graduate work at the University of Illinois, the University of Chicago, and the University of Michigan. Brother Drier’s main interests in re­ search have been in the field of cop­ per, and in the application of X-rays to the study of metallurgy. His re­ searches have been published in such authoritative journals as the A. I. M. E. Transactions, Industrial and Engi­ neering Chemistry, Physical Review, and the Philosophical Magazine, as well as Compton’s Encyclopedia. The R. W. Drier broadness of his interests may be ' Pleys with X-rays gleaned from a partial list of honorary Dr. Roy Ward Drier, Beta '26, is and professional fraternities of which one of the outstanding younger grad­he is a member. Besides Tau Beta Pi uates of the Michigan College of Min­ and Theta Tau, engineering fraterni­ ing and Technology. He has been a ties, he is a member of Sigma Xi, re­ regular member of the faculty at M. search; Mu Pi Sigma, literary; lllini I C. M. and T. since 1930, where he is (U. of Illinois), music; and Alpha Associate Professor of Metallurgy inSigma Mu, metallurgy. charge of Roentgenology. Although a member of the army, Since he le ft the army in 1919 to S. A. T. C. Division, in 1918, the enter the Michigan College of Mines, Navy now claims Brother Drier as one Brother Drier has been in almost con- of its sons. Lieutenant Commander THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

Drier serves the United States Naval special inducements to these. The Reserve as an Ordinance Specialist, scenery is especially fine for photog­ and during the Pacific maneuvers of a raphy, and there arc also evidences of year ago he was granted leave of ab­ prehistoric copper mines and miners sence to cruise w ith the fleet in order which are particularly interesting to that Uncle Sam might make use of his services as an expert in the fields archeologist. of research and metallurgy. In spite of these many activities Besides cruising w ith the Navy, Brother Drier has always found time archeology and photography are hob­to help out his brothers in Beta Chap­ b ies of this versatile scientist, for the ter, and is now vice-president of the upper peninsula of Michigan offersTheta Tau House Corporation.

Brother M oats A4ales History on G W . . H - C am pus

restrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institute of Washington, attended the Emer­ son Preparatory School for a year, then entered the engineering school of George Washington University. Having attained the scholastic require­ ments, he was initiated into Sigma Tau, honorary engineering fraternity. In the spring of 1933, Paul was elected president of Phi Theta Xi1 the old local fraternity. During his term in office. Phi Theta Xi’s petition was presented to Theta Tau, and credit for its acceptance is largely due to his enthusiastic and untiring efforts. For several years he has been a dele­ gate to the Engineers’ Council and Student Council. In addition he was an honor student for two years and When diplomas are passed around is still in the upper third of his class. on June 10th,Finis will be w ritten Gamma Beta is particularly proud to the scholastic career of one of of Brother Moats because of the posi­ Gamma Beta’s most prominent mem­ tion he holds as president of the Senior bers, charter member Paul L. Moats. Class of 1936. Never before in the Paul’s record is of such outstandinghistory of the University had an en­ brilliance that it seems fitting to sum­ gineer held this office until Paul marize briefly his many achievements. brought honor upon both Theta Tau Coming to Washington, he secured and the School of Engineering by his a position at the Department of Ter­ achievement. ADetters Irom the Chapters

1\eorganization at 11. of A/i. important to Alpha

mcn« whlhT»vlCT»ken' %CrC/l"ion'lT^ “^3^.11 and B£ “ ? 3 " S “ “i l l ’I

T Lee Paul was

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Betas Are !Developing a DAohhy H H i i T a rz arts / ill , a t Dyiamma

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' V s s S f S s 1 ** - 1 te^aT or^. s MKuasAftUKas THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 41

Epsilon H as Complete Set of “Brain I r

BERKELEY CALIF. \ Zeta c / i lumni SDon 't Forget

T h eta is NOT Superstitious THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

CK api

■HISS'S riiirrciS iV si: ESLS: S IlsiXtJ ixr,r“".r

'dambda Appeals to Alumni in Hicliny

S«“ ' ' ' " ' 0i i ' hj i '^ C l C rT C ^ 'L ■ ’C ? i BrotL. Lrrmt

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/Vu tJe/5the Pace—Twenty-two Pledges! [531^h § Cmicron OHas a ^en for the ICittenhall Cup SECOND I L. T. E. M. 46 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

FRONT ROW—Harold Hosea, Frank Trask, Jr., Robert La ston, Walter Parkcn, Walter Dykcrs, Davidson Piper

Omesa Triee “The Witchin3 H e

------E S Mui, n r )Z £ s Z * 4 S S THE GEAR OF THETA TAU . lnho wih osmd ot f h W epc t etran ie uss t our at guests entertain five to expect We faculty. and luncheon the consumed which a Tau of most a. Theta of Club Alumni Capitol tional i S i rTjTjTij i T j T j T sr -i£ Engineering, student both School of the of Na- the with meeting anniversary byfirst '"S- Mirch,,i =S=SS S-SSSS*= ISS=S SSSI=S SS SSSI embership M to s n itio d /ld o m m m jJf£ :L c™...... 'StriiS=I" - “ ■ - %££ t.r- r . t I £ £ % - ■' “ - " I = S i i r t S ' ER F T TAU ETA H T OF GEAR E H T : : "is-ixx™ ™ x x i - s i " x ::C X: z J r J z x J THETA S- j j r S T o Lie Sufscrifers ife L U A To SS SSHSssiS* =SS=S

lP p S iP i G u t In the Cruel W o rld

ALPHA THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 53 54 THE GEAR OF THETA TAU THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 55

THETA G?r« hT1-A1hSS-^,ibi&rz Chaklei M. Bklnkekhoef . 'Li, H A«in. in N<»Y h K C„ v. Sr.

THE GEAR OF THETA TAU 57

OMICRON THE GEAR OF THETA TAU

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