Temple University - Templar Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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President, Percy Eben Wjlmot, '07 C. Treasurer, Marie P. J. Voll, '07 C. (now Mrs. Brede). Pice-President, Ida L. K. Miller, ’07 C. Secretary, E. M. Van Busk irk. 09 C. The Staff and Managers of The Owl were the following for this year: THE STAFF. Albert Hall Marion, ’07 C., Editor-in-Chief. Frederick J. Deane, ’07 P., Managing Editor. Percy Eben Wilmot, 07 C., Business Manager. ASSOCIATE EDITORS. Ida L. K. Miller, '07 C, Literary. James L. Jenkins, '07 P. T., Athletics. Geo. S. Young, '07 C., College Notes. Gertrude Whilldin, ’07 K., Exchanges. Melsom Tuttle, ’07 P.. Announcements. Wm. J. H. Cotton, ’06 C., Alumni. Edith Creveung. ’04 Fi., Alumni. By November several changes had been made. Mr. Wilmot was made General Business Manager” and Albert C. Norton. '09 C., was added as “Night Business Manager.” The Phi Alphans gave their formal reception early in October, and on November 2nd occurred the famous Hallowe’en party in the College library. This, of course, was actually an initiation party. Such a function, of course, was free from all formality; merriment and jollity were r ainpant Even the dignified Seniors condescended to come down from their “high horses” and enjoy the fun with the most frivolous Freshie. Everybody sang until throats were hoarse, Mr. Young joining in the choruses with stentorian voice. Then Mr. Marion read a paper on Hallowe'en, its history and customs, after which, with his usual dignity he led the procession of serene Phi Alphans and hungry applicants for membership to the banquet hall. Alas! Not yet was the feast to be eaten. With due solemnity the new members were initiated. These are ceremonies which can not be told, as the fraternity is a secret one. Suffice it to say they did not climb a greased pole nor ride a donkey. First they were eliminated from the library, then one after the other was led in blindfolded before the fraternity in solemn conclave assembled. Each one was put through the proper ceremonies: Crawling on all fours, singing songs, threading the magic maze. After each applicant had been rigidly examined as to his (or her) age. the number of his shoes and many other equally important matters, the magic potion—a spoonful of flour—was then admisistcred and, well the rest is secret and may not be told. The ceremonies completed, the new members partook of turnip sandwiches, a truly delectable dainty composed of bread crusts and turnip parings. Now the feast was in full sway. New members showed remarkable appetites; indeed, their appreciation of the excellence of the veterans was very noticeable. Really, Miss Manchester bade fair to he a creditable Phi Alphan. 20

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The Sophomore Year of the Class of 1909, along with the rest of the University and College grades, was formally opened on September 17th, 1906, at the Broad and Brown Sts. Building, president Conwcll presided, and after a forceful speech, introduced Dean Francis Chapman, of the Law School. Mr. Chapman made a learned address on “The University Idea.” He traced the idea from ancient Babylon, Phoenicia, Greece and Rome through the period of the renaissance and down to the present time. Dr. McKinley spoke for the College Department, and pointed out that the two aims of a College course were the training of the mind and the giving of a wider outlook on life. In the first number The Owi. for this year (i.e., October. 1906), the Freshics were given some rules to be observed by them. Among these rules were the following: t. Never fail to greet your superiors, the Sophomores. Juniors, and especially the Seniors, with a very courteous bow. 2. If you are privileged, through the kindness of the faculty, to talk any subject with your superiors, never try to answer any question which they may not feel inclined (at the moment) to answer. 3. If a distinguished Senior—and they are all distinguished—should enter the library, and all the chairs be occupied, show your servility by arising at once and giving up your seat, whether the person be lady or gentleman. 4. Never “butt in when the Seniors arc engaged in any conversation, for you are only Freshics, and may use language unbecoming that learned and august hotly of students. 5. Speak only when spoken to. 6. If you meet a Senior outside of the College building, never dare to converse with him. but simply greet him with a salutation due to such a respected person. 7. Always let a Sophomore precede you in the College, on the street, or whcrc-cvcr you may be fortunate to meet him, for he is better able to guide the unsteady Freshman. 8. Never be caught talking to a Senior co-Fd, or playing tennis with her on the College “campus.” The Phi Alpha, which has done so much to foster College spirit and by whose members these rules were promulgated, also announced its officers chosen at the last meeting in June. They are: 19

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As she sat opposite Mr. Wilinot, her feelings quite overcame her, and in heartfelt accents she exclaimed: “Ah! not often do 1 have so goodly a man to look upon.” It was with reluctance that the party separated. New members were preparing to depart when they found themselves forcibly detained, and told that they must wash the dishes. They submitted with what grace they might, and now rejoice as fullfledgcd Phi Alphans. A Freshman having successfully passed through the ordeal thus soliloquizes: “Rah! Rah! for the Phi Alpha; We'll voice the cheer with ease. Though the turnips did taste hot, And the Flour Duck made us sneeze. When we are noble Seniors And arc stocked with wisdom galore. We'll remember the magic potion And being led creeping 'round the floor.” Mr. Seel can probably give the best record of personal experience during this initiation. The Fraternity took a trip to Horticultural Hall on Friday afternoon, November 23rd. to see the evcr-wel-come Chrysanthemum Show. On Monday. December 17th. 1906. there appeared in the Philadelphia Press an article telling of the proposed merging of Temple College, the Philadelphia Dental College and the Garretson Hospital, with Dr. Comvcll as President. The name of the new institution was not yet decided upon. None of the institutions affected were to lose their identity and they were to be conducted under practically the same management and faculties. The Phi Alpha children and their little guests enjoyed a delightful Christmas tree party December 22nd, 1906. given in the afternoon so as not to interfere with the little folks’ bedtime. The bright, smiling faces of the “children” as they greeted Santa Claus would have served as models for Della Robbia’s friezes of happy, innocent childhood. The kindly old saint stripped the tree of its treasures and soon Laura was busy with her ball, Nicholas with his Dutch wind-mill, while delighted Frankie played with his choo-choo” cars. Samniie ein fieisiges Kind,” was soon happily turning over the leaves of his Gentian picture book. We prophesy that before many years, this promising lad may be reading musty German philosophy! But no one enjoyed his present so 21