Temple University - Templar Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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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

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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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much as enthusiastic little Albert. Indeed his rapturous toots of gratitude made old Santa wish he had given him a “Battle of Gettysburg’’ puzzle instead. The children’s friend listened with unfeigned delight as they recited the little pieces that their loving mothers had taught them. But nervous little Nicholas could only lisp in frightened voice, that he had forgotten his piece. Various other facts and fancies of Reuben's big brother and poor, little late Allie added to our enjoyment. On February 6th, 1907, the Phi Alpha Fraternity successfully produced a play “She Stoops to Conquer,” bringing another member of 1909 into the lime-light, Mr. F. B. Willis. Here again Mr. Seel starred. Founders’ Day, as usual, was by far the most satisfactory celebration ever held up to that time. The usual morning cheers and exercises were held, and in the evening Dean Penniman, of the University of Pennsylvania, honored us with an address on “Culture. Character and Citizenship.” The significant fact of observation was the presence of Provost Harrison, Dean Penniman and Dr. Witmcr. all from the University of Pennsylvania. The Phi Alphans gave a May party on the first of May at the Wissahickon, and on May 4th repeated their production of “She Stoops to Conquer.” On May 1 ith. at Hanscoms. was held the annual banquet. May 25th, the Senior Class gave a very unique and interesting Class Day exercise, of which the main feature was the following “Polyglot Melange”: Chinese ............................................................I .aura M. White. Hebrew ...............................................................John Meighan. Greek .............................................................Ida L. K. Miller. Latin ...........................................................Albert H. Marion. Russian .........................................................Emilya Goldberg. French ...........................................................Marie Voll Brcde. German ..............................................................John H. Snoke. Italian ....................................................................Nichola Spinelli. The Phi Alphans held their annual picnic on June 6th, and thus closed the second year of our wanderings This year also saw Miss Emily Robison of 1909 enter upon the domain of the College Library. Just as in ordinary life, so in College, the latter years of our course show many repetitions of former Therefore, my accounts of the Junior and Senior years will be less involved than those which have pre-Thc Junior year of our wanderings opened in September. 1907. The Owt. had again changed its offi-They were now: here. years. ceded. cers. 22