The Official History of the Beta-Beta Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Vol. I

The Official History of the

Beta-Beta Chapter of the

Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Vol. I A History of Over One Hundred and Fifty Years

Researched and Compiled by

Paul Blom, Worthy Keeper of the Annals

February 2006 – February 2007

—

This complete document, when saved as one file, has a file size that is too large to host online.

For that reason, this document has been divided into two volumes.

For the reader’s convenience, the same appendices have been included with each volume.

This is Volume I. Please see Volume II to read the rest of this document.

Officially adopted by the Beta-Beta Chapter, February 2007

The Official History of the Beta-Beta Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Vol. I

Researched and Compiled by Paul Blom

2

Contents Preface............................................................................................................................................. 3

1856: The Founding of Southern University .................................................................................. 4

1865: The Founding of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity .............................................................. 5

Reconstruction: The Arrival of Fraternities to Southern University ............................................ 11

1868-1885: How ATO Spread from V.M.I. to Southern University ............................................ 13

1897: The Founding of North Alabama Conference College ....................................................... 14

A New Century: The Early Years of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity ....................................... 15

1906: National ATO Congress Held in Birmingham ................................................................... 19

1910-1915: Marching Toward ATO’s Fiftieth Anniversary ........................................................ 21

1918: Birmingham College and Southern University Become Birmingham-Southern College .. 25

World War One: The World Changes, As Does ATO and BSC .................................................. 28

The 1920’s: Roaring Parties and Great Depressions .................................................................... 32

The 1930’s: Countdown to ATO’s Seventy-fifth Anniversary ..................................................... 57

The 1940’s: World War II and Other Challenges ......................................................................... 87

The 1950’s: Continued Improvements ........................................................................................ 129

The 1960’s: ATO Celebrates its One Hundredth Anniversary ................................................... 200

Appendix A: Roll of Chapters Significant to Beta-Beta ............................................................. 277

Appendix B: Timeline................................................................................................................. 278

Appendix C: Major Sources Cited .............................................................................................. 280

For More Information ................................................................................................................. 281



3

Preface

History is a fiction. In order to attempt to communicate past events, one is forced to use

fragments of texts and photos, which are only able to represent without fully encapsulating the

events they reference. These fragments are passed down from the people who initially

experienced or observed such events, and they are inevitably filtered through the perspectives of

historian after historian. Instead of imposing my own interpretations upon the following

fragments, I have simply chosen to present them as they were discovered, be they notes from

chapter meetings, from meetings of the Executive Council, or IFC meetings; articles from

publications such as BSC yearbooks, The Hilltop, or Birmingham newspapers; files and records

from among fraternity archives; the National ATΩ website, www.ato.org; or first-hand accounts

and information from brothers, both students and alumni.

I would like to gratefully acknowledge those who assisted me in the compilation of these

materials to form the history of the Beta-Beta Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at

Birmingham-Southern College: current students, alumni, the ATΩ National Headquarters,

various BSC publications, the BSC administration, and anyone else who played a vital role in the

formation of this history, especially those brothers who formed the events of which this history is

a meager representation.

I can only hope that these fragments form the closest thing to a comprehensive and accurate

portrayal of our chapter’s history and that future brothers who hold this office will add to and

maintain this history in the spirit in which it was begun and in the spirit of our brotherhood. As

always, it is great to be here, loving my brothers.

Paul Blom

Pledge Class 2004 – 2005

ATO Junior Delegate to IFC, 2006

Public Relations/Alumni Relations Chair, 2006 – 2007

Worthy Keeper of the Annals, 2006 – 2007

February 2007



4

1856: The Founding of Southern University

“The General Assembly of Alabama passed an act on January 25th, 1856, incorporating the

Southern University. The charter was presented at the first meeting of the Board of Trustees on

March 17, 1856, by the Chairman, Col. John Erwin, of Greensboro…A site was purchased on the

eastern edge of Greensboro, and the main building was ready for use in 1859. The corner stone

had been laid on June 11, 1857, by Col. James M. Wiley, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of

Alabama Masons” (Perry 13-14). “The doors [of Southern University] were formally opened

October 3, 1859” (Perry 18).

Studies at Southern University included ancient languages, moral philosophy, mathematics,

biblical literature, modern languages, law, natural philosophy, elocution and composition, and

public speaking. The two earliest societies on the campus of Southern University were literary

societies: Belles Lettres, begun in 1859, and the Clariosophic Society, which was adopted as a

chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma Society in 1860 (Perry 15-17).

During the Civil War, the University suffered greatly. Athletics were suspended and replaced

with military drills. Most of the students and many faculty members ended up leaving the college

for war. “The college building became a hiding place for refugees and deserters. The

organization, however, was kept up. There were years when no formal opening could be made,

but there was no year when some students did not matriculate” (Perry 21).



5

1865: The Founding of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity

As is widely known throughout the history of ATΩ, Otis Allan Glazebrook founded the Alpha

Tau Omega Fraternity at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia with Erskine Mayo

Ross and Alfred Marshall on September 11, 1865. “Until July 5, 1870, it [the V.M.I. Chapter]

was the executive chapter of the Fraternity and was called ‘The Mother Society.’ Its charter was

withdrawn in 1881, because of a threatened antifraternity legislation. Members, 103” (Reno

241).

FOUNDER GLAZEBROOK FIFTY YEARS LATER JUDGE ROSS IN CALIFORNIA

At the time of his resignation as Chairman of the High He filled important judicial posts for nearly 50 years

Council in 1914, he had been a member of that supreme gave his opinions fearlessly and justly, helped found not

body of Alpha Tau Omega for 36 years. No other Found- only Alpha Tau Omega but also the great city of Glen-

er of a national college fraternity ever served so long or dale—both of which he loved and both of which honor

so brilliantly in a comparable position. his shining memory.

(Reno)

Within the first year of its founding, members of the V.M.I. Chapter, also known as Virginia

Alpha Chapter (A), founded a second chapter, the Virginia Beta Chapter (B), at Washington

College also in Lexington, now known as Washington and Lee University. The founding date

was November 30, 1865, and Alfred Marshall served as the Installing Officer. “Its charter was

surrendered on October 20, 1899, because of lack of material. The chapter was revived June 1,



6

1906, by the absorption of Chi Rho, a local. Charter surrendered and placed in escrow with High

Council, November 30, 1952. Members, 481” (Reno 241).

“After surrendering the Confederate forces under his command, General Robert E. Lee retired to

Lexington, site of the Virginia Military Institute and of the institution which now honors him in

its name, Washington and Lee University. He served the latter as president from 1865 to 1870.

During these years, and in this community, appeared the first chapters of Alpha Tau Omega,

Kappa Sigma Kappa, Sigma Nu, and the Kappa Alpha Order” (Johnson 37).

ALFRED MARSHALL, 1845 – 1870 THE FOUNDERS AS YOUNG MEN

This photograph, taken just before he left for his fatal Although the familiar pictures

Tour of duty with Mobile & Montgomery Railroad, of Glazebrook, Marshall and

Shows the personal charm and alert intelligence which Ross show them as much more

Destined Founder Marshall for future greatness. mature, at the time of the found-

ing of Alpha Tau Omega, Ross

(lower left) had just turned 20;

Cadet-Adjutant Glazebrook (up-

per left) and Cadet-Captain

Marshall (upper right) were both

19. All three were born in 1845;

Ross on June 30, Glazebrook on

October 13 and Marshall on

Christmas Day.

(Reno)



7

“In the beginning Glazebrook opposed formal ceremonial initiations. After his graduation, The

Mother Society adopted a formal ceremony which Bennett and Hayes had devised. The

ceremony, with the members hooded and gowned in white muslin, especially the climax where

the candidate was purified for the stainless Order he was to enter, was clearly borrowed from the

rites of medieval chivalry. Thereby initiates were impressed with the ideals of knighthood and

they called themselves ‘Knights of Malta’ and ‘Knights of the Maltese Cross,’ names that are

heard and written to this day. The Grand Seal, formerly the coat of arms, painted while this

ceremony was being used, symbolizes the ideals of chivalry when they pervaded the Fraternity’s

esoteric concepts” (Reno 46).

“Other national fraternities likewise established noncollegiate chapters. If now they do not freely

acknowledge their existence they may be moved by potent reasons. Although Alpha Tau Omega

eventually abolished its community chapters, it has never declared that they were a mistake and

has never disavowed them or attempted to conceal them in parietal diction. To the contrary,

Alpha Tau Omega rejoices in their existence, and is profoundly grateful for the contributions of

their members, many distinguished in honorable vocations for their unswerving faith in and

loyalty to the Fraternity” (Reno 47-48).

“In the fall of 1867 The Mother Society was seriously challenged by a group of cadets which,

organizing as the Legion of Honor, eventually became the Sigma Nu fraternity…[J. Frank]

Hopkins [who eventually became known as the ‘first founder’ of Sigma Nu] has indeed

witnessed the climax, the purification rite of initiation ceremony. The ‘black feet’ were shoes

protruding from the white gowns, and for that, not the color of their badge, Alpha Taus were

called ‘Blackfeet’ while Sigma Nus were called ‘Whitefeet’ for the color of their badge…Feeling

ran high. The Legion of Honor gathered 50 members and on January 1, 1869, publicly

announced its new Greek name and revealed its badge, the French Legion of Honor emblem in

the center of which was inscribed an awesome coiled serpent. Tardily recognizing that their

paradisiac days were gone, the Alpha Taus could only say mournfully, ‘Lexington was Eden

before the Serpent appeared there.’ Wily and preening Sigma Nus mysteriously whispered that

the serpent’s open mouth contained a miniature Alpha Tau Omega badge. Whether the serpent

was ingesting, regurgitating or choking was never revealed, but generations of credulous Alpha

Taus have examined the Sigma Nu emblem under powerful microscopes without discovering the

dubious compliment…To this day, a number of institutions where both are represented hold an

annual ‘V.M.I. Prom’ or ‘Blackfoot-Whitefoot Dance’ jointly” (Reno 49-50).

“‘CHAPTERISM’—THE PROBLEM: The dark side of his [1877 Senior Grand Chief

Anderson’s] picture exposed a painful but impressive lesson. The chapters which had admitted

members failed to remit to the general treasury its share of the initiation fees. Virginia, for

instance, had initiated 18 men without any payments to the general fund, and the others were

equally negligent. Here Anderson placed his finger upon the basic defect in the structure and

operation of the Fraternity’s government. The chapters were suffering and dying not so much

from inanition as from lack of a sense of cohesiveness, want of contact with each other and the

central authority. The evil was what Anderson called ‘Chapterism,’ narrow devotion to the unit

with only a sentimental attachment to the whole” (Reno 70).



8

“Incorporation of the Fraternity was authorized and Hayes, Hues, Green, Anderson, and Archer

applied for the Supreme Bench of Baltimore granter, January 10, 1879, a charter for ‘Alpha Tau

Omega Fraternity of Baltimore City.’ By appropriate proceedings the name was changed on

November 10, 1948, to ‘The Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Incorporated.’ Brooke’s coat of arms

became the Grand Seal of the corporation. Alpha Tau Omega was the first national fraternity to

be incorporated” (Reno 77).

Concerning Glazebrook’s devotional Ritual: “The ceremonies for opening and closing chapter

meetings, starting with fervent prayer and ended with a profound benediction, are simple but

solemn. The initiatory rite is a stately, vivid, spiritual drama, a ceremony inculcating the

religious ideals and the significance of the sacred symbols graven upon the badge. It aims to

make the inner world of the initiate’s life radiant, brotherly and reverent. Its central theme is

sacrificial living and loving service in imitation of Him who died upon the Cross depicted on the

badge. It teaches that the Cross is the most significant fact in man’s spiritual history, that Christ

is the Life and Light of Man, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. But let

Glazebrook tell the lesson of the ceremony. In one of his notable addresses he declared: ‘Alpha

Tau Omega holds before the young men of the country an ideal and something greater than a

mere intellectual ideal. Alpha Tau Omega stands for heart as well as head. It has given men a

true ideal of life. Recall the Altar. Bring to mind the Column. Fix your gaze upon the Cross.

Know you what they mean. Have you failed to catch the spirit of the teaching of Alpha Tau

Omega? Do you not know that those principles, graven not upon stone alone but upon the tablets

in the hearts of men, are the real basis of all true and exalted mortality? Do not forget the

teachings of the Cross, the magnificent lesson of sacrifice and self denial! To give ourselves

freely, fully, absolutely, and irrevocably for others—that, my dear young brothers, is the supreme

lesson of all life.’ The initiation’s ineffably beautiful message, clothed in tender, moving and

exquisite diction, truly a literary triumph, has inspired and invigorated myriads of young men,

sending them out into the world with high purpose and with blissful memories of a golden hour

which the years never completely efface. With only a few slight verbal changes in the Ritual

stands in the Fraternity’s arcana as Glazebrook wrote it” (Reno 79-80).



9

GRAND SEAL OF THE FRATERNITY

Adopted by the Second Congress of the Fraternity at

Nashville, it was the work of Richard N. Brooke, V.M.I.

THE PALM, official magazine of ATO, took its name from

the central panel. The tower that tops the present coat

of arms was suggested by the scene at the right.

(Reno)

Concerning the early years of the Fraternity: “The adolescents in the chapters were living their

halcyon days. Small chapters in small colleges in small, quiet towns met in private residences,

dormitories or in halls above the corner drug store or grocery stores. These were intimate circles

of radiant fellowship and sunny comradeship, where affectionate and enduring friendships were

formed in the springtime of life. With few of the distractions of the modern campus, the lessons

of the Ritual, earnestly studied, afforded a deeper understanding of life and its ultimate meaning,

and they were dedicated to the Fraternity’s paramount task: To make the inner world of men’s

lives beautiful, reverent and brotherly” (Reno 101).



10

“Meanwhile the Anderson-Lamar alumni project, endorsed by the 1880 Congress, flourished.

Lamar, while still an undergraduate, organized the first, the Alabama State Association, April 1,

1881…Subsequent legislation authorized regional, city and chapter alumni associations…The

associations are the outward expression of a precious sentiment firmly embedded in the

Fraternity’s laws: ‘Once an Alpha Tau, always an Alpha Tau.’ They perpetuate the ties of

undergraduate fellowship, manifesting the continuing loyalty of its members and their abiding

faith in its prime ideal of promoting enduring friendships. They give the members an opportunity

to advance the interests of Alpha Tau Omega; to practice its principles; to cherish its revered

traditions; to engage actively in formulating and promoting its policies; to keep fresh and

vitalizing the precious memories of undergraduate years; and generally, to make life membership

a real and enriching experience” (Reno 101).



11

Reconstruction: The Arrival of Fraternities to Southern University

Concerning Southern University during the period of Reconstruction: “These were dark days for

the institution. Debts had been incurred, which were secured by mortgages on the lands and the

buildings. Suits were brought to recover these debts. Practically everything was lost except the

main building. The faculty was unpaid. There was some danger for a time of losing the main

building itself. The people of Greensboro and even the members of the Board of Trustees

thought that the doors must close after the session of 1871-1872” (Perry 30).

“The crisis now under consideration was, without doubt, the most serious the institution

[Southern University] has ever been called on to face” (Perry 34).

William May Main hall of Southern University

Wightman, first

president of Southern

University

(Brown)

“Church attendance [at the Greensboro Church downtown] at the eleven o’clock service on

Sunday was required of every student. This requirement was easily enforced in a town the size of

Greensboro, about two thousand inhabitants, and in a school where the student body never

numbered more than two hundred and fifty” (Perry 36-38).

“It was during this period of the school’s life [1875-1918] that the Greek letter fraternities were

brought into it. These organizations form an important part of American college life, and without

an account of them the history of Southern University would not be complete. The first fraternity

to have a chapter at Southern University was Pi Kappa Alpha. A charter was granted to Delta

Chapter in 1871, the first year of Dr. Andrews’ first administration…. The second group of

‘Greeks’ at Southern University was Alabama Iota Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. It was

founded in 1878 by J.E.D. Shipp, who had been a member of Alpha Mu Chapter at the Alabama

Polytechnic Institute at Auburn, Ala…Sigma Alpha Epsilon was the only fraternity that ever



12

owned its Chapter house at Southern University…. In 1879 Chi Chi Chapter of Sigma Chi was

founded at Southern University…” (Perry 39-40)

Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha was founded in 1882. “The founder was Phares Coleman, who was

a resident of Greensboro at the time. He had received the secret work of the fraternity from a

member of the Chapter at the University of Georgia…In 1884 a local fraternity was organized at

Southern University by H.T. Strout, H. Graham Benners, and John W. Rollins. They secured a

charter from the State of Alabama, naming their order the Iota Phi fraternity. Their intention was

to establish chapters in other colleges, but after an existence of four years they disbanded, and

some of them joined other fraternities at the College” (Perry 41-42).

“In 1882 the charter was amended to make the College [Southern University] the joint property

of the Alabama Conference and the North Alabama Conference” (Perry 43).

ATO arrived to Southern University in 1885 when the Beta Beta Chapter was founded, but the

following section delineates those events.

“One other fraternity had a Chapter at Southern University. This was Phi Delta Theta. Alabama

Gamma Chapter of this order was chartered in 1887 and continued until 1896, when the charter

was withdrawn by the officers of the fraternity. The chapter was founded by W.F. Andrews. For

the nine years of its existence Phi Delta Theta held a prominent place among the fraternities of

the College” (Perry 43).

“The list of expenses [1892] was as follows: Tuition, $25 a semester; bookkeeping, $15 a

session; library fee, $2 a session; board, with lights and fuel, in private homes, $10 to $14 a

month; board in Hamilton Hall, the College dormitory, $7.50a month. Total expense for the year,

$190, with private board; $160, with board in Hamilton Hall” (Perry 45).

“Edwin Tutwiler, No. 10 [i.e., the 10th initiate at ATO’s first chapter, V.M.I.], became a mining

engineer, organized the Tutwiler Coal, Coke & Iron Company at Birmingham and made a

fortune. The Tutwiler Hotel in that city was a symbol of his success” (Reno 46).

“Southern University was established as a male school, but coeducation has gradually come until

now when a large number of the graduates are women. It is said that Miss Julia Tutwiler asked

for women the right of matriculation in 1868 and was refused. No data could be found as to the

actual beginning of coeducation, but the first young woman to secure the A.B. degree from the

institution was Miss Margaret Pickett in 1897. She was a niece of Miss Julia Tutwiler” (Perry

50).

“In 1897, the movement in the North Alabama Conference looking to the establishment of their

own Conference college culminated in their deeding back to the Alabama Conference all interest

in Southern University…The College continued to do good work, but the action taken in 1897 at

the North Alabama Conference resulted twenty years later in the transfer of all Methodist

interests in male education in Alabama to Birmingham [referring to the eventual consolidation of

the two schools into BSC]” (Perry 48-49).



13

1868-1885: How ATO Spread from V.M.I. to Southern University

The tenth chapter of ATΩ, Virginia Delta (Δ), was founded on November 25, 1868 at the

University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Its founders were William G. Bennett and

Frederick A. Berlin. “It has maintained continuous existence to date. Members, 725” (Reno 242).

Bennett was the sixth initiate of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at V.M.I. and the third outside

initiate, i.e., the third after the original three founders. Berlin was one of the charter members of

the second chapter of ATO, the Virginia Beta Chapter at Washington College. The Virginia Beta

Chapter had been founded by members from the V.M.I. Chapter (Reno 40-42). Berlin, in fact,

was actually the very first initiate of the Virginia Beta Chapter. (Reno 237).

On December 9, 1878, Peter F. Smith of the Virginia Delta Chapter founded the twenty-sixth

chapter of ATΩ, Georgia Alpha Beta (AB) at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.

“Members 974” (Reno 244).

Ignatius L. Candler of the Georgia Alpha Beta Chapter founded ATO’s twenty-eighth chapter,

Alabama Alpha Epsilon (AE). This chapter was founded in Auburn, Alabama at Alabama

Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, on December 18, 1879. “Members, 1,259” (Reno

244).

Alabama Beta Beta (BB) Chapter was the fifty-first chapter of ATO, founded at Southern

University in Greensboro, Alabama by Thomas R. McCarty of the Auburn Chapter on March 28,

1885. “This institution is now known as Birmingham-Southern College and is located in

Birmingham, Alabama. Members, 725” (Reno 246). According to this information, Beta Beta

Chapter was the second ATO chapter to be formed in the year 1885 as well as the second ATO

chapter to be formed in Alabama, the first being the Auburn Chapter.

“Eighteen hundred and eighty-five was the year of the establishment of Beta Beta Chapter of the

Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at Southern University. Mr. Thomas R. McCarty, a member of

Alpha Epsilon Chapter at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, was the founded. In an old

cemetery, on the north edge of the town, known as Stokes Graveyard, the charter members of the

Chapter were initiated. The first Chapter roll was as follows: T.K. Terrell, E.M. Craig, H.B.

Farish, O.C. Farish, John F. Gillis, Joseph E. Hutchinson, R.H. Long, W.H. Moore, Prof. F.M.

Peterson, W.C. Swanson, J.L. Moore, F.E. Porter, W.R. Porter, E.W. Ormond, W.B. Hendrick,

R.L. Stough, and L.L. Smith. The Chapter came to Birmingham when the college was removed

from Greensboro and is one of the strong Greek letter organizations at Birmingham-Southern

College” (Perry 42).

“The year 1885 saw the establishment of four [ATO] chapters, two in the South, one in New

England, and one in the Midwest. All four are thriving today, but while the Southern chapters

pursued uninterrupted careers, the two Northern chapters had their vicissitudes…To Southern

University, then located at Greensboro, Alabama, now Birmingham-Southern College in

Birmingham, came Thomas R. McCarty, Auburn, who had transferred to the Greensboro

institution and would win highest distinction as a Methodist divine. He established Alabama Beta

Beta there on March 28, 1885. It has enjoyed a continuous existence, having initiated members

every year since” (Reno 114).



14

1897: The Founding of North Alabama Conference College

“In the nineties [1890’s] Dr. Z.A Parker made a motion at one of the meetings of the

Birmingham Pastors’ Union that a Methodist paper be established in the North Alabama

Conference in Birmingham…The paper was established and was called the Birmingham

Methodist. It was primarily for the purpose of advocating the building of a college for the North

Alabama Conference…Persistence usually wins in the long run, and this fight for a male college

in North Alabama proved no exception…The committee met and proceeded to locate the college

at Owenton…There was, then, no such reason in the way of this committee to keep it from

locating the college at Owenton, which was so near Birmingham and destined soon to be a part

of that great city…He [Mr. Rose Wellington Owen, who offered the land for the building of the

college] had likewise dreamed of seeing the college on the hill at Owenton overlooking Jones

Valley from Bessemer to Birmingham. He thoroughly agreed with Dr. Anson West [a member of

the committee to build the college] when he said. ‘God created that hill for the site of a college’”

(Perry 52-54). The quotation is in reference to the hill on which Munger Hall now stands. This

hill was the site of the original building of the North Alabama Conference College.

“The College at Owenton was called North Alabama Conference College, or at least that was its

official name. It was commonly called ‘Owenton College’…He [Dr. Anson West, who became

the fourth President of the North Alabama Conference College], more that any other one man,

perhaps, was responsible for the establishment of the school. He was a strong man and held to

his opinions tenaciously, no matter what antagonisms he aroused. No doubt the present

institution under the auspices of the two Conferences [i.e., Birmingham-Southern College] owes

a great deal to his persistence and to his faithful service as President” (Perry 57).

“During these years [1900-1915] there arose one of the staunchest supporters the College [at

Owenton] ever had. This was Mr. R.S. Munger. He gave liberally of his money and of his time to

the support of the College, the name of which had been changed to Birmingham College in

1906” (Perry 58).

“[In 1916] it seemed that the school was beginning a new era of prosperity. America entered the

World War, however, in 1917, and the bright prospects of the College [Birmingham College]

were dimmed. The student body was greatly reduced by the volunteering of many of the young

men for the service” (Perry 59-60).



15

A New Century: The Early Years of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity

Lee C. Bradley, Birmingham-Southern, was elected as Worthy Grand Scribe in 1892 (Reno 256).

“Ferdinand E. Smith, Birmingham-Southern, entered Rose Polytechnic Institute, Terre Haute,

Indiana, and by initiating seven, established Gamma Gamma, November 15, 1893” (Reno 135).

“Alpha Tau Omega has always been a singing society. The meetings of the Lexington chapters

were invariably opened and closed with the devotional odes which were adopted by succeeding

chapters and eventually became a part of the Secret Work. Newly initiated Brothers who had

undergone the rather strenuous ceremony of that day were greeted by a noble song of welcome”

(Reno 148).

ATΩ FACES THE TWENTIET CENTURY THE THIRD CHAPTER ALPHABET

Third from left stands Founder Glazebrook in this portion of the Iowa BA, Simpson Ga. BN, Middle Georgia

traditional “Congress Picture” taken at Boston in December 1900. Ala. BB, Birmingham-Southern S.C. BH, Charleston

Thirty-seven chapters and ten alumni associations were represented. Mass. BΓ, M.I.T. Mich. BO, Albion

Now firmly established in the North, the Fraternity looked to the Ala. BΔ, U. of Alabama Tenn. BΠ, Vanderbilt

West for new fields to conquer. Chapters at California, Colorado, Kan- La. BE, Tulane Ohio BP, Marietta

sas, Washington, Missouri, and other strong universities beyond the Vt. BZ, U. of Vermont Va. BΣ, Hampden-Sidney

Mississippi were to follow in the next few years. Ohio BH, Ohio Wesleyan Me. BY, U. of Maine

N.Y. BΘ, Cornell S.C. BΦ, Wofford

Ga. BI, Georgia Tech Penn. BX, Haverford

Mich. BK, Hillsdale Calif. BΨ, Stanford

Mich. BA, U. of Michigan Ohio BΩ, Ohio State

Ohio BM, U. of Wooster Tenn. BT, Southwestern*

(Reno)



16

Concerning the Fraternity song “Our Jewels”: “A lovely college romance produced the song

which captured the Fraternity’s heart and through the years has remained for both actives and

alumni the prime favorite, ‘the song of songs.’” Helen Choate Streeter wrote a poetic tribute to

the badge of Alpha Tau Omega after being “pinned” by her boyfriend, Alpha Tau Linn Murdock

Huntington at a chapter in Nebraska in 1900. “It was first published in the February, 1903,

PALM under the title ‘The Azure and Gold.’ Harry A. Lyon, Cornell, a skilled musician and a

noted bandmaster, set Helen’s charming verses to sparkling music, and the melodious and

thrillingly beautiful song endeared itself to an appreciative Fraternity’s everlasting love. Its noble

refrain is truly ‘a good song ringing clear’:

Oh Alpha Tau Omega,

Our hearts are ever thine!

We set them as the jewels

In The Maltese Cross to shine.

To thee we pledge allegiance,

Our service true and bold,

And ever we’ll be loyal

To the azure and the gold” (Reno 148-49).

“Alpha Taus fought in the ranks of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders at San Juan Hill; with the Marines

they landed at Guantanamo Bay; and at the destruction of Cervervas’ Spanish fleet…To Alpha

Tau Omega the patriotic service of Founder Glazebrook, Confederate veteran, the cadet who had

manned the artillery at New Market, whose rhapsodic vision of a united nation had inspired him

to found the Fraternity, was most impressive and exemplary. He was a captain and the chaplain

of the Third New Jersey Infantry. In an illustrated history of the war an equestrian portrait of him

was printed under the caption ‘The Finest Horseman in the Service,’ (PALM, XIX, 12) a picture

the Fraternity has valued as a precious keepsake” (Reno 150-51).

“Division of the Fraternity into Provinces for better administration was a topic of debate [at the

1886 Atlanta Congress], but the Province system did not materialize until the turn of the century”

(Reno 117).

“Provinces consist of one or more states. [A footnote clarifies: ‘At the present time, some

Provinces contain only parts of one or more states, divisions being made on the basis of nearness

of chapters rather than state boundaries.]…From 1898 to 1901 Province I was composed of

chapters in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina and during that period Arthur W. McCord,

Birmingham-Southern, was Chief of the Province” (Reno 259).



17

AT THE GRAVE OF FOUNDER ROSS

Arthur McCord, Birmingham-Southern, kneels with a

wreath honoring Founder Erskine Mayo Ross. Stand-

ing, left to right, are former Province Chiefs Wesley

King and Chesters S. Van Brundt, and Sidney B. Fith-

ian, then Worthy Grand Chief. Brothers McCord and

Van Brundt were pioneers in the Westward expansion

of the Fraternity (see pages 158, 164, 172, 200).

(Reno)

“In the beginning there were six provinces; now there are 26. The first Chiefs and the states

included in their provinces follow: I. Arthur W. McCord, Birmingham-Southern: Alabama,

Georgia, South Carolina…It would be difficult to compile a roster of more notable Alpha Taus.

McCord, engaged in business, residing in Alabama when appointed, moved to Tennessee and

later to California; wherever he lived he was a dynamic force in promoting the Fraternity’s

welfare and served several terms as High Councillor” (Reno 154).

“‘Provincial Chiefs’ Arthur W. McCord, Birmingham-Southern, Thomas Ruffin, North Carolina,

and George W. Mitchell, Austin, were on hand [at the 1900 Boston Congress] to present their

reports on Provinces I, III, and VI. Thus for the first time a Congress received reports from

Province Chiefs, even though E.P. Lyon, II; Robert W. Bingham, IV; and Thaddeus M. Jones, V,

were unable to give theirs in person. Instead of bombastic, highly optimistic chapter reports the



18

Congress secured impartial and expert surveys of the actual conditions of all the chapters,

revealing their strengths and weaknesses, and counseling needed improvements. The Province

system had been tried and its extraordinary usefulness proved; the Congress unanimously voted a

Constitutional amendment which, ratified by the chapters, made the system a permanent feature

of the Fraternity’s government” (Reno 160-61).

“Arthur W. McCord, Birmingham-Southern, was a Province Chief and as often a High

Councillor. A champion of extension whose business took him to all sections of the Northwest,

he casually called on the President of the University of Washington, seeking information

concerning the fraternity situation on that campus…McCord enlisted the assistance of Chester S.

Van Brundt, Illinois, then residing in North Yakima, Washington, another expansionist who had

installed the Colorado chapter. Their joint efforts procured a charter with which they established

Washington Gamma Pi, January 20, 1906.” (Reno 172).

“[At the 1904 New York Congress] An application for the revival of the Arkansas Chapter was

rejected because, as Lamar [the current Worthy Grand Chief] explained, a statute of that state

prohibited fraternities at the University. ‘It was out of harmony with the principles of ATO to

violate or countenance the violation of any law, state or Federal,’ he said—a declaration that

became the Fraternity’s settled policy” (Reno 168).



19

1906: National ATO Congress Held in Birmingham

“[At the conclusion of the 1904 New York Congress] Birmingham, Alabama, was unanimously

chosen for the 1906 Congress. After the vote, Shives [who eventually became Worthy Grand

Chief] said he hoped that ‘the Steel City of the South’ would be followed by ‘the Steel City of

the North’ and that Pittsburgh would be the site of the Twenty-First Congress in 1908. He got his

wish” (Reno 169).

The Twentieth Congress of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity was held in Birmingham, Alabama

at the Hotel Hillman on December 26-29, 1906. The orator was Robert W. Bingham of the

Bingham Chapter, and the poet was Alfred S. Hartzel of the Muhlenberg Chapter. It was

declared the “Fortieth Anniversary Congress” (Reno 254).

“While the Fraternity was actually 41 years old when the delegates met in Birmingham,

Alabama, the day after Christmas, 1906, the gathering became known as the 40th Anniversary

Congress. And there were many present who could clearly recall the beginnings and early days

of Alpha Tau Omega. An aura of poignant sorrow enveloped the 20th Congress as it met in the

Hotel Hillman. Four days before, Founder Glazebrook’s wife, nee Virginia Calvert Key Smith,

had passed away. As has been told, she was the daughter of the Superintendent of V.M.I. at the

time the Fraternity was born. The loveliest of the charming bevy of Lexington girls, ‘The Alpha

Tau Sisters,’ her radiant friendship and gracious service had immeasurably enhanced the cause

and prestige of Alpha Tau Omega in its early days. Following her marriage to Otis Glazebrook in

1866, she had remained a staunch ‘Alpha Tau Girl,’ entertaining countless Brothers in her

hospitable home, accompanying the Founder to Congress and other Fraternity functions, and

acting as his secretary as Editor of THE PALM and Chairman of the High Council. She had lived

to see ‘the Glazebrook dream’ become a nation-wide reality, and her oldest son became Worthy

Grand Chief. She was buried in Richmond on Thursday, December 27, and the bereft Founder,

with ‘Young Larkin’ [Glazebrook’s son], arrived in Birmingham on Friday” (Reno 172-73).

“By far the most important action [of the 1906 Birmingham Congress] was the adoption of the

new Constitution…Copies of the new draft had been printed and distributed to the chapters…. on

the final day of Congress [the committee to examine and report on the proposed draft] presented

a new Constitution which was adopted unanimously” (Reno 173).

“‘FIRST’ AT BIRMINGHAM: The Twentieth Biennial Congress witnessed several innovations.

W.G.C. Lyon proposed that each year the chapters set aside September 11, or as soon after as

possible, to hold a special Founders Day meeting ‘at which the history of the Fraternity shall be

studied and exercises in honor of our Founders to be conducted.’ The Ways and Means

Committee made this recommendation, and it was approved. Over the years, because of the

conflict with rushing and college opening, March 15 has become the traditional Founders Day,

the exact date being left to the convenience of the group. It is often observed as a combined

chapter-alumni dinner” (Reno 178-79).

“After selecting Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the site of the 1908 Congress, the delegates

accepted the report of the Nominating Committee for officers for the ensuing two years…The

High Council included Dr. Otis A. Glazebrook, Chairman, Virginia Alpha; N. Wiley Thomas,



20

Pennsylvania; Hugh Martin, Bingham; Arthur W. McCord, Birmingham-Southern; and Frank G.

Wren, Tufts” (Reno 179-180).

Arthur W. McCord, Birmingham-Southern, was elected to the High Council for the period of

1906-08 (Reno 258).

Concerning The Palm Junior, which “originated at the Birmingham Congress in 1906, it was

revived by the Atlanta committee. A four-page, three-column daily, it contained announcements,

personal, editorials and even advertisements. Harvey Reno, assistant publisher of THE PALM,

and Robert Quin, Emory, did most of the work of producing three issues. The Palm Junior has

been making its appearance at almost every Congress since that time” (Reno 204).



21

1910-1915: Marching Toward ATO’s Fiftieth Anniversary

“For the most part, houses were rented in the early days, since the chapters rarely had the means

to build or buy. The membership was small and might fluctuate greatly; it was not uncommon

for only a handful of men to return after a summer vacation, making chapter house ownership

somewhat precarious. Then too, the chapters seldom had a large body of prosperous alumni to

call upon for a fund-raising program. In the first decade of the twentieth century rents were low.

One chapter recorded its annual house rent as $200. Others were paying up to that much per

month. To help ease the burden, at institutions which had summer courses attracting special

students, the chapter might rent out its rooms while the members were away on vacation. On

some friendly campuses, the college or university might put up a ‘fraternity row’ or ‘quadrangle’

and either rend or sell the houses to the Greeks on very favorable terms. By way of contrast,

more and more institutions were making it increasingly difficult for house-owning chapters to

keep all their rooms filled, by requiring students to live in a residence hall, at least during

freshman year” (Reno 189).

“On February 25, 1910, Oregon Gamma Phi was installed by Brother Crooks, assisted by F.S.

McCord, Birmingham-Southern, brother of Arthur W. McCord (co-founder with Chester Van

Brundt, Illinois, of the Washington chapter); Lewie Williams, Washington; Clyde H. Brand,

California, and Van Brundt” (Reno 200).

“The leaders of Alpha Tau Omega have from the beginning emphasized scholarship,

brotherhood, leadership, preparation for a career of useful service, as the fundamental purposes

of higher education” (Reno 200).

“The Congress [the 1910 Atlanta Congress] took a strong stand on scholarship, requesting the

faculties of ATΩ-represented colleges to adopt a rule forbidding initiation of freshmen by any

fraternity until they shall have satisfactorily completed their first semester’s work” (Reno 202).

“He [Hugh Martin, Bingham, interim Worthy Grand Chief in 1912] had aided in the

organizations of the New York, Texas, and Birmingham Alumni Associations, had been a

member of important committees at various Congresses, including a leading role at the 1906

Congress in his home town. Following this he had been elected a High Councillor for 1907-08,

and since 1909 had been Chief of Province I…He administered the affairs of high office most

capably during his brief regency, but the demands of his flourishing Birmingham architectural

business made it impossible for him to continue. He won lasting fame for his professional work,

which included many buildings at the University of Alabama [and later at Birmingham-Southern

College]” (Reno 209-10).

“[Quoting the author of the 1912 PALM] ‘It is no trite belief that the college fraternity moulds a

man’s character. The fraternity comes just about the time a young man is beginning to show the

traits that will predominate his life’” (Reno 212).

“By 1912, college fraternities had shown a definite maturing of outlook. Their systems of

government had been perfected and the era of constant revision and alterations of constitutions

had passed. They were so organized that they could effectually assert their will in the vital



22

problems of scholarship, of morality among active members, of methods for the systematic

transaction of business, of developing the latent powers for good inherent in every fraternity…In

Alpha Tau Omega, alumni participation grew in direct ratio to the strength of the national

administration. College authorities, to a far greater degree than heretofore, looked to fraternity

men to set the standards of leadership in all worth-while aspects of campus life” (Reno 212).

“‘It is not whether Alpha Tau Omega is ready for this century,’ he [Otis Allan Glazebrook at the

closing Banquet of the 1912 Louisville Congress] cried in his ringing voice. “Is this century

ready for Alpha Tau Omega? Are the young men of America ready to accept the principles for

which Alpha Tau Omega stands? If you want to be progressive in a true sense, in an influential

sense, to go on to grander heights of usefulness and blessedness; if you are ready for this, you are

ready for Alpha Tau Omega” (Reno 218).

Concerning the 1914 Nashville Congress: “Among the many actions of Congress, space permits

mentioning only a few:

The Worthy Grand Chief was authorized to appoint a special committee on scholarship to

devise more practical methods for encouraging high scholastic standards and grades by

undergraduates…

The serving of intoxicating liquors at all social functions within the control of Congress

was prohibited. This followed many acts of Congress with references to the use of liquors

in chapter houses. The Nashville Congress was ‘dry.’

The initiation of members of high school fraternities was prohibited after 1919, in accord

with the resolutions of the National Interfraternity Conference.

Chapters were instructed to eliminate all ‘horse play’ from initiation ceremonies or risk

annulment of their charters.

The Worthy Grand Chief was authorized to suspend the laws of the Fraternity when in

conflict with the rules of an institution. This applied particularly to college regulations

regarding rushing and initiation of members” (Reno 230-31).

Concerning the 1914 Nashville Congress: “The Worthy Grand Scribe, next on the program,

discussed our nationwide expansion, declaring: ‘Alpha Tau Omega became a national fraternity

because it deserved to be a national fraternity…. So on our fiftieth anniversary, when the cry of

all the world is for more fraternity, for a union of all men in the bonds of a universal brotherhood

of men under the eternal fatherhood of God, let us here consecrate ourselves to the cause to

which we are pledged and go forward to labor zealously for the ideals of Alpha Tau

Omega’…Past W.G.C. Van der Vries spoke on ‘The Nationalism of Alpha Tau Omega,’

emphasizing the variety of institutions where the Fraternity had chapters and the differences in

Brothers. ‘In spite of the malingers of the fraternity system,’ he said, ‘Alpha Tau Omega is

democratic to the core. Her membership is of all classes; wealth is not a prerequisite, nor is it a

bar. A son of the Revolution is just as welcome as the son of an immigrant. Whoever they are, or

wherever they may hail from, within the walls of her chapter hall all Alpha Taus are on a plane

of absolute equality’…Paul Hickok, Chairman of the High Council, took the Founder’s place in

responding to the final toast… ‘Be strong,’ he said. ‘We are not here to dream; to drift. We have

hard work to do and loads to lift. Shun not the struggle; face it. Alpha Tau Omega means that to

our Brotherhood. Alpha Tau Omega, to thee we pledge our love. Alpha Tau Omega, she leads us

on above’” (Reno 232-33).



23

Concerning the 1914 Nashville Congress: “The High Council…took an important step by

dividing Province I, which had been too large for one Chief’s supervision. The Florida and

Georgia chapters remained under able Ed Werner. Alabama, Auburn, Southern (Birmingham),

Tulane and the University of Texas became Province X, with Ralph Goeth, Texas, as Province

Chief” (Reno 233).

Beta Beta’s Province from 1898-1915: “[Province] I: States. 1898: Alabama, Georgia, South

Carolina; 1901: Alabama, Georgia; 1903: Alabama, Florida, Georgia; 1907: Alabama, Florida,

Georgia, Louisiana, Texas; 1915: Florida, Georgia. Chiefs. 1898: Arthur W. McCord,

Birmingham-Southern; 1901: Vassar L. Allen, Auburn; 1905: J. Samuel Slicer, Washington-Lee;

1907: Louis H. Putnam, Emory; 1909: Hugh Martin, Bingham; 1912: Edward A. Werner,

Georgia Tech” (Reno 259).

“[Province] X: States. 1915: Alabama, Louisiana, Texas. Chiefs. Ralph C. Goeth, Texas” (Reno

261).

“On September 11, 1915, when the Fraternity officially reached its fiftieth milestone, ATΩ had

grown from a single chapter at a small Virginia institution to a large national organization of 66

chapters in leading colleges of the North, South, East and West, numbering upon its roll of

initiates a total membership of 12,000 men. A ‘southern fraternity,’ so-called because it was

organized south of the historic Mason and Dixon line, it was among the first of that class to pass

from its sectional habitation. By the end of its fifth decade it had chapters distributed from the

Atlantic to the Pacific, with a sphere of influence as wide as the boundaries of the nation.

Founded for the purpose of promoting social intercourse among college men, to the end that the

men of the North and the men of the South, who had lately fought each other in the greatest

fratricidal war of the ages, should again be joined in the new bonds of a pure fraternal love, it

had lived to see its high ideals exemplified in the lives of thousands of members” (Reno 237).

From 1865-1915, 100 Chapters of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity were founded, and the Beta

Beta Chapter was the 51st. ATO, which has endured for over one hundred and forty years at the

time of this history’s compilation, was only 20 years old when the Chapter was founded (Reno

241-51).

“Alpha Tau Omega reached the half-century mark on September 11, 1915, with America at

peace but much of the world at war” (Bird, Gold 3).

The era around the year 1915 was a time when a war against fraternities was being waged

throughout college campuses across the United States (Bird, Gold 3). “Opposition to college

fraternities was actually a blessing in disguise. It kept the Greeks from getting smug. In

defending their system against attack, they were put on their mettle to live up to the ideals and

standards of their founders. Alpha Taus have always been taught such basic principles in their

pledge training” (Bird, Gold 6).



24

“Alpha Tau Omega was founded at the close of a terrible war. It was to complete its first half

century of existence with the nation on the verge of another bloody conflict, this one of world-

wide magnitude” (Reno 209).



25

1918: Birmingham College and Southern University Become Birmingham-Southern College

In the words of Donald Brown, author of Forward Ever, concerning Southern University at the

end of the 1800’s: “The stately campus withstood the Civil War, Reconstruction, depression, and

other hard times, only to face its death knell as a new century dawned.”

“The depression effects of the World War were felt by the College [Southern University]. The

same effects were being felt in Birmingham College, the institution maintained by the North

Alabama Conference. The leaders of Methodism in the State realized that a crisis was at hand.

They decided to put aside old animosities, local prejudices, and personal preference. The agreed

upon a plan for consolidating Methodist educational interests, and the two old institutions ceased

to exist as separate colleges and began a career together as Birmingham-Southern College”

(Perry 51).

“The final year of Birmingham College, 1917-1918, was a year of confusion and struggle. The

student body was small to start with, and as the year went on more and more of the students were

called into the service of their country. It soon became apparent to all concerned that, unless

something could be done, the College must close its doors. Southern University at Greensboro

was going through a very similar struggle. Many efforts had been made in the past to bring the

two Conferences together in support of one college by merging the institution at Greensboro with

the one at Owenton. Up to this time the opposition had been so strong on the part of the friends

of Southern University that all efforts looking to this end had failed. The War had forced

practically all of those in the opposition to see that the interests of Christian education were

demanding that personal feelings and sentiment be put aside. The North Alabama Conference

was almost unanimously in favor of the union and had been for a long time. An invitation to

unite was given by the North Alabama Conference, and a commission was appointed to make

arrangements looking to the proposed consolidation…The Commission met and drew up

conditions upon which the consolidation would be made. These conditions were that

Birmingham College should build an additional dormitory for the accommodation of the

increased patronage from the southern part of the State and secure endowment funds amounting

to one hundred thousand dollars. It was shown that the union of the two institutions would give

Birmingham a college with assets of five hundred thousand dollars and with an annual income of

thirty thousand dollars. It was determined to make an appeal to the citizens of Birmingham to

give one hundred and fifty thousand dollars needed for the consummation of the

consolidation…The Committee met with gratifying success in its canvass, and the money needed

was subscribed…The conditions having been met, the Commission took the final steps of the

union at a meeting in Montgomery the thirtieth day of May, 1918. A President and faculty were

chosen and a name selected for the new College. The President chosen was Dr. C.C. Daniel, a

graduate of Southern University and a member of the Alabama Conference. Dr. Daniel had been

President of the College at Greensboro for a \year. The faculties of the two institutions were

retained so far as it was possible. Several faculty members gave up the task of teaching and went

into war work. In selecting a name for the College, the Commission sought to preserve the

traditions of both institutions. At Greensboro the name Southern University had been retained in

spite of the fact that the institution had long ceased to be a university and had been conducted as

a liberal arts college. The Commission soon decided to keep the first part of the name, prefixing



26

to it the name of the College in Birmingham. Thus the new institution became known as

Birmingham-Southern College” (Perry 60-63).

“The year 1918 saw the opening of a new era in the history of Methodism in Alabama so far as

male education is concerned. For the first time since the days of Florence Wesleyan University,

all the forces of the Methodist Church in the State of Alabama were centered in one institution of

higher learning for young men. A recognition of and concern for the demands of the youth of the

State for education under Christian influences had triumphed over the animosities of a former

generation that had grown out of rivalries and personal preferences and local pride. The Church

was pledged now to look forward and to build a male college fully able to meet the demands of

the age that are made upon such an institution” (Perry 64).

“Birmingham-Southern College was opened in September, 1918, under the leadership of Dr.

C.C. Daniel, the recently elected President…An effort was made to preserve, as far as could be

done, the traditions of the two colleges, but in spite of this effort practically a new start had to be

made in this respect” (Perry 64-65).

“Another change in the student life, so far as Birmingham College was concerned, was the

bringing of the several chapters of Greek letter fraternities to Birmingham. The Alpha Tau

Omega, the Pi Kappa Alpha, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon were brought from Greensboro with

the uniting of the schools. The Kappa Alpha, which once had a chapter at Southern University

but had lost its charter, had the chapter restored at the new College. The new administration

thought these order were of great service to the management of the College in helping to

maintain discipline and in holding up the standards of scholarship” (Perry 65-66).

“Admission into the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools of the Southern States had

been sought for a long time, in order to make the College more efficient in service to its

students…The admission of the College to the Southern Association meant a great advance, for

graduates of Birmingham Southern could now enter universities anywhere in the United States

for graduate study without taking entrance examinations. The College is now on the approved

list of the Association of American Universities and is a member of the following, in addition to

the Southern Association: the Association of American Colleges, the Association of Urban

Universities, the Alabama College Association, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic

Association, the American Council on Education, and the American Association of University

Women” (Perry 71-73).

“It [Munger Memorial Hall] was erected on the site of the original building of Birmingham

College and occupies a commanding position, overlooking all of Jones Valley…Dr. West’s

saying that God made this hill to be a site for a college seems to be finding its fulfillment when

one looks upon this beautiful Munger Memorial Hall”(Perry 75).

“Since the days back in the seventies [1870’s] when Miss Julia Tutwiler practically forced the

admission of girls to Southern University, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of

‘coeds.’ The increase had been especially large since the opening of the combined College in

1918” (Perry 77).



27

“The two parent institutions, as well as Birmingham-Southern since the union, have turned out

graduates and nongraduates who have attained high positions in almost every field of human

endeavor…Thus we see that Birmingham-Southern College has made a rich contribution to State

and nation. With the support of a loyal constituency behind it, the institution promises greater

things yet for the future” (Perry 79-80).

(Southern Accent, 1970)



28

World War One: The World Changes, As Does ATO and BSC

“ATΩ Alumni Associations, first authorized by Congress in 1880, grew out of the old

community chapters but were at first limited to members living in the same city. Then state

associations were approved; they played an important role in some areas, particularly in

supporting Province conclaves...The main alumni group activities by 1916 and thereafter were

confined to the chapter association, which often took the form of a house corporation, and to the

city or regional alumni association, centering around a large metropolitan area. Among the latter

were Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Cleveland, District of Columbia,

Milwaukee, Atlanta, Birmingham, Dallas, Memphis, Omaha, San Antonio, Los Angeles, San

Francisco, Portland (Ore.), New York City and Philadelphia” (Bird, Gold 7).

“[In 1918] Under a ruling of the military commandment no fraternity was allowed to hold

installations or initiations. Following the armistice on November 11 this ban was lifted...The

reason Uncle Sam stopped all fraternity ceremonies that Fall of 1918 was to clear the way for a

new military experiment, the Students Army Training Corps. This was an abortive program

designed to produce an adequate supply of young officers from the ranks of college men...Units

were set up at hundreds of institutions, including every campus where ATΩ had a chapter. As we

have seen, all fraternity activities were taboo. Fraternity life came to a standstill; virtually every

fraternity house was taken over for barracks or officers’ quarters. Soon the older, more

aggressive student soldiers were being shipped off to Army camps” (Bird, Gold 28-29).

“To Alpha Tau Omega the war [World War One] brought confusion, tragedy, loss of the old

familiar college patterns, and above all the opportunity to rise to new heights. Thousands of its

members saw service. They would return to civilian status older, tougher, more serious. The

influx of veterans into the cloistered halls would work a profound change in the Fraternity. The

old days were gone; a new day was dawning” (Bird, Gold 30).

“By the fall of 1917 a great many Alpha Taus had gone to war; just how many, nobody knew”

(Bird, Gold 47).

“The desire to serve the country in time of need overrode all other considerations. For the first

time since the stirring days of ‘61[1861], the College campus became the scene of military drill.

The difference now was that the College itself was, in effect, an armed camp…At the same time

the students generally were in a state of unrest because of the fact that they were constantly

expecting to be called into the active service and be sent overseas” (Perry 66).



29

(La Revue, 1919)



30

(La Revue, 1919 cont.)



31


Herbert Belton Byars, A.B., A.T.Ω.

Hugh O’Neal Smith, B.S., A.T.Ω.



32

The 1920’s: Roaring Parties and Great Depressions

President Snavely [who became president in 1921, following the return of Dr. C.C. Daniel to his

pastoral work], in his inaugural address, stressed the obligation of a college such as Birmingham-

Southern to the community in which it is located. He emphasized the fact that the College is here

to serve the community and that the obligation rests upon it to furnish those opportunities for

education which seem to be demanded by the community” (Perry 70).

“[At the Omaha Congress in 1921] official observance of [ATO] Founders Day was shifted from

September 11, when virtually no chapters were open, to March 15 for maximum attendance”

(Bird, Gold 69).

“[In 1921] Sidney Fithian, Chief of Province X, temporarily withdrew from Fraternity work and

Reid Lawson, Birmingham-Southern, took his place, soon succeeded by C. Floyd Tillery,

Alabama” (Bird, Gold 76).

Worthy Grand Chief Emerson H. Packard, who took his position in 1923 following the

resignation of Dean Clark, toured the nation in 1924 and visited Birmingham among many other

chapters that year (Bird, Gold 93).

Otis Allan Glazebrook’s opening words to the Philadelphia Congress in 1924: “I wish you could

read on my heart the message that is indelibly inscribed there towards Alpha Tau Omega. It has a

worth all its own. We have a great society with no superior, I believe, in its personnel or in its

principles in the entire country” (Bird, Gold 99).

Otis Allan Glazebrook’s closing words at the Philadelphia Congress in 1924, his final words to

an ATO Congress: “My Brothers in Alpha Tau Omega, with all the seriousness I possess, in the

light of experience that has come to me in a long, active and varied life, let me impress upon you

that the world today needs, above all else, the help of a consecrated manhood. To this end you

will do well to exemplify in your lives the old principles of the Fraternity” (Bird, Gold 107).

Concerning a local fraternity begun on the campus of Occidental College in California: “Aided

by Hal Harding and Speed S. Fry, California, former High Councilor Arthur McCord

[Birmingham-Southern], and future Province Chiefs Alfred Mellinthin, Minnesota, and John

Mead, Western Reserve, the local won ready approval and was installed as California Delta Phi

on June 4, 1926. It was the first national on campus” (Bird, Gold 112). Arthur McCord was also

a guest speaker at the installation banquet (Bird, Gold 113).

“Perhaps the greatest recognition ever accorded to an ATO came in 1927 when Dr. Arthur Holly

Compton, Wooster, received the Nobel Prize in physics. Only 35 years old, the youngest of three

Alpha Tau brothers, he was then a professor at the University of Chicago. His discovery of the

‘Compton effect,’ which made him world famous, was one of the basic factors that led to the

atomic bomb ... [indicated to a footnote] Brother Compton demonstrated that the atom could be

‘split’ to release enormous power. He afterwards had a leading role in the development of the A-

bomb in World War II along with Brothers Vannevar Bush, Karl Compton and Kenneth

Bainbridge” (Bird, Gold 133).



33

“In 1928 Colonel Carl Ben Eielson, N. Dak., carried the ATO flag over the North Pole when he

flew with Sir Hubert Wilkins. Late in 1929 the ‘Flying Viking’ was lost on a rescue mission to

North Cape ... Yes, we have had our intrepid heroes. All honor to them and those who follow in

their footsteps, even into outer space.” Eielson, the ‘Flying Viking,’ is now considered ‘the father

of Alaska Aviation’ (Reno 109).

“[At the 1929 Los Angeles Ross Memorial Congress] Former High Councilor Arthur McCord

told how Judge Ross had given $1,000 to help rebuild the Berkeley chapter house when it was

destroyed by fire, and how pleased the Founder had been to learn that an ATO Congress was

coming to Los Angeles” (Bird, Gold 126).

“Arthur McCord, who had been the mainstay of the Los Angeles ATO Alumni Association since

its founding in 1907 and a Province Chief, High Councilor, leading figure in installing the

chapters at Washington, Occidental and U.C.L.A., was General Chairman [of the Ross Memorial

Congress in Los Angeles in 1929]” (Bird, Gold, 129).

“[At the Ross Memorial Congress in Los Angeles in 1929] Requirement for initiation was made

one semester with an average grade equivalent to that required for graduation” (Bird, Gold 130).

Concerning the Nominations in 1929: “George Drake, a High Councilor for nine years, was

selected as Worthy Grand Keeper of the Annals, Drake’s place on the High Council going to

Arthur McCord, as a salute to the West and to Art’s fine work as General Congress Chairman”

(Bird, Gold 131).

Concerning a compilation of all of the Alpha Taus who had appeared in Who’s Who in America

for the year 1929: “One of the smallest chapters, Sewanee, led in number of alumni listed, with

20; Auburn was second with 15; Adrian had 12; Vanderbilt and Birmingham-Southern were tied

with 10 each; Southwestern and Muhlenberg with nine apiece...Youngest to be listed was James

Saxon Childers, Birmingham-Southern, just 30 but already a writer of note.” (Bird, Gold 134-

35).

“There was little evidence of a depression during the scholastic year of 1929-30, in ATO

affairs...Few signs of economic stress were evident as the Fraternity gathered for its Thirty-

second Congress at the Hotel President in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 29, 1930” (Bird,

Gold 149-51).



34

(La Revue, 1922)



35




36




37


Robert Justin Rowe

Wilmer Dickens Webb



38

(La Revue, 1923)



39




40




41

(La Revue, 1924)



42




43




44


Orman Stanton Gandy, B.S.

Raymond Donald Hurlbert, B.S.



45

(La Revue, 1926)



46




47


John Robert Cole, A.B. Howard Ellington, B.S.

John Oscar Newton, B.S. J.E. Rawls, A.B.

Leon McCoy Stevenson, A.B.



48

(La Revue, 1927)



49




50


Spencer T. Kimbrough, A.B.

Frank Robinson Morris, A.B.

Guy Everett Snavely, Jr., A.B.



51

(La Revue, 1928)



52




53


Cecil Fain Hackney, A.B.

John Ralph Hackney, A.B.

Joseph Sheldon Morris, A.B.

George Hollin Wakefield, A.B.



54

(La Revue, 1929)



55




56


Cecil Fain Hackney, A.B.

Walter Patterson McNeill, A.B.



57

The 1930’s: Countdown to ATO’s Seventy-fifth Anniversary

“On May 24, 1930, with High Councilor McCord and the new Chief, Roy Milligan, as

InstallingOfficers, Arizona Epsilon Beta joined the Fraternity. That day 21 actives and 26 alumni

of the local [fraternity that eventually became an ATO chapter] were initiated” (Bird, Gold 150).

“[At the 1930 Kansas City Congress] An amendment was adopted requiring candidates for

initiation to have a passing grade in three-fourths of their work and to be in compliance with

eligibility requirements of the institution” (Bird, Gold 156).

Arthur W. McCord was on the Nominating Committee for the 1930 Congress in Kansas City.

“That [committee], by the way, was a distinguished group. With Oscar Touchstone as chairman

it included Arthur McCord, High Council; PALM Editor Frank Scott; Province Chiefs Ralph

Knight, Fred Huebenthal and Willard Benton; and five actives, one the All-American Calvert

‘Foots’ de Coligny, Tulane” (Bird, Gold 157-58).

Founder Otis Allan Glazebrook died on April 26, 1931. “The Worthy Grand Chief...appointed

May 26 as ‘Glazebrook Memorial Day,’ for holding memorial exercises” (Bird, Gold 168).

National Educational Adviser Dean Clark, reporting on the fraternity’s new emphasis on

scholarship in a spring issue of THE PALM in 1932: “Unless he [a rushee or potential new

member] has an interest in his studies, and an interest in his fraternity, he is a liability rather than

an asset” (Bird, Gold 173).

National Educational Adviser Dean Clark’s last words to his Brothers: “My theory is that the

undergraduate in college can do what he wants to do. If he really wants an education and has

force of character, he can overcome any handicap that is laid upon him” (Bird, Gold 175).

A breakdown Beta Beta’s Province from 1915-1933: “[Province] X. States. 1915: Alabama,

Louisiana, Texas; 1923: Alabama, Louisiana; 1927: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi. Chiefs.

1915: Ralph C. Goeth, Texas; 1917: James W. Rogers, Vanderbilt, Sidney B. Fithian, Illinois;

1921: Reid Lawson, Birmingham-Southern, C. Floyd Tillery, Alabama; 1924: A. Hull Withers,

Tennessee; 1925: William H. McAtee, Southwestern; 1931: George Janvier, Tulane; 1933: Roy

M. Watson, Tulane” (Bird, Gold 268).

“The depression had driven college enrollments down; of the fewer men who entered, a higher

percentage than normal had to earn their own way. Since wages were low, this meant longer

hours of work that often left no time or funds for joining a fraternity. The term ‘drop-out’ had not

yet come into wide usage but the act was prevalent” (Bird, Gold 185).

“Facing up to its shortcomings and striving constantly for improvement has always been a basic

principle of Alpha Tau Omega. Never had this been more forcefully demonstrated than during

the depression from which the Fraternity was rapidly emerging” (Bird, Gold 193).

“ ... AND TWO WESTWARD PIONEERS: That winter [of 1935] two more illustrious Taus

joined the Chapter Eternal [died]-Arthur McCord and John Van der Vries. Although their



58

services had begun many years before, both were not old: Van dying at 59, McCord at 60 ...

McCord, graduating from Birmingham-Southern, became the first Chief of Province I, 1898-

1901, then comprising all Southeastern states. Moving to the West Coast in 1903, he helped

found the University of Washington chapter. While visiting his former home in Alabama, he

attended the 1906 Birmingham Congress and was elected as the first representative of the West

Coast on the High Council. He launched the Los Angeles ATO Alumni Association in 1912 and

was, with Gus Wendt, a big factor in the establishment of the UCLA and Occidental chapters

there. Years later, at the 1929 Los Angeles Congress of which he was General Chairman, he

again became High Councilor, serving until 1933” (Bird, Gold, 203-204).

Arthur W. McCord, Birmingham-Southern, was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega national

High Council from 1929-1931 and again from 1931-1933 (Bird, Gold 264-65).

Concerning the National Officers Conference in 1938 to prepare for the 75th Anniversary of the

Fraternity, the “Diamond Jubilee”: “A memorial to be erected at Virginia Military Institute was

discussed and left in the hands of a special committee ... Past WGC Hugh Martin of Birmingham

[but not an alumni of the Birmingham-Southern chapter], a noted architect, was designing the

memorial, a handsome granite monolith with a drinking fountain, facing the V.M.I. parade

grounds and close to the site of the first ATO chapter” (Bird, Gold 231).

“Seventy-four years after its birth, Alpha Tau Omega returned to Richmond, Virginia for its

Diamond Jubilee” (Bird, Gold 239).

“S1, Paul’s Episcopal Church [in Lexington, Virginia], where Founder Glazebrook as a boy had

seen the Greek cross (Tau) subjoined by the letters Alpha and Omega in the monogram which

inspired the Fraternity’s name” (Bird, Gold 241).

“The Diamond Jubilee of Alpha Tau Omega, celebrated in June 1939, more than a year ahead of

the actual date, was a time of proud rejoicing for the Fraternity. Glazebrook’s youthful dream-a

fellowship of college men to help wipe out sectional hatred-had become a far-flung reality. From

the first historical meeting of the three Founders on September 11, 1865, it had taken over 15

years for ATO to breach the Northern barrier. Since then the Mason-Dixon Line had been

crossed and recrossed many times. By the 75th anniversary nearly 40,000 Brothers had taken

their solemn vows to accept and practice the ideals of Alpha Tau Omega. Chapters flourished on

some 93 campuses from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Canadian border to Texas” (Bird,

Centennial 3).

“World War I had dealt fraternities a body blow. The runaway prosperity of the Twenties

followed by the devastation of the depression had been a trial of strength even more savage.

Alpha Tau Omega survived both with courage, determination and self-discipline. It would have

to face a still deadlier challenge in the very near future: World War II...Within ten weeks after

the Richmond Congress [the Diamond Jubilee], war broke out in Europe and the world was

never again the same” (Bird, Gold 252-53).



59

(La Revue, 1930)



60




61


Richard P. Shepherd, B.S.

William Jemison Simmons, A.B.

Owen Harris Stephens, B.S.



62

(La Revue, 1931)



63




64


Howard Leslie Buchanan, A.B.

Joseph McDowell Whitson, A.B. Samuel Buford Word, B.S.

Charles Albert Snavely, A.B.



65

(La Revue, 1932)



66




67


Sam John Barham Wilbur Melville Wilson

Elton Bryson Stephens



68

(La Revue, 1933)



69


Jesse Eugene Walters

Rufus Edward Elliott

James Crenshaw



70

(La Revue, 1934)



71


Bernard Andrew Monaghan Leo Donnell Van de Voort

Albert L. Fairley



72


Elmer Key Sanders

Charles Lee Weston



73

(La Revue, 1936)



74




75


Woodford Wyndham Dinning Robert McNeill



76

(La Revue, 1937)



77




78


Ed Cummins

Ben Hill Stough William Sulzby



79

(La Revue, 1938)



80




81


Lamar Andrews Vernon Cain

John Sydney Pittman Richard Sexton



82


Fletcher Comer



83

(La Revue, 1939)



84




85


Forney Brandon

John Sidney Pittman Wm. Johnston Powers



86


Frederick D. Spence L.A. Weissenger



87

The 1940’s: World War II and Other Challenges

“[At the 1941 Congress in French Lick, Indiana, a bill was passed] stipulating that before a

pledge may be elected to membership he should undergo a period of training and that election to

membership should be by open ballot and by unanimous vote, at least two weeks prior to the date

fixed for his initiation ... No restrictions were placed on pledging, that being left up to the

chapters ... the measure was eventually passed. To this day [1968] Article VII, Section 4d

remains unchanged from the wording adopted there” (Bird, Centennial 21).

“From the days of its founding, ATO had always been considered a Christian fraternity: in other

words, a fraternity for Christians only. Yet nothing in the Constitution or Laws prevented the

initiation of a non-believer. This surprising fact had been over-looked for 76 years. A few days

later after Bert Wilbur was installed as WGC, he received a letter from PC Earl Bennett asking

this basic question: ‘May a man be legally initiated into the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity who

does not accept or believe in the Christian faith and the Christian philosophy?’ Bert put the

problem up to Worthy High Chancellor Oscar Touchstone, the only man who had the power to

‘construe’ the Constitution and Laws of the Fraternity. Had Oscar answered in the affirmative,

the way would have been opened to admit members of any non-Christian belief—Jews,

Mohammedans, Shintoists, and even atheists. And according to a strict interpretation of the ATO

codex juris, this interpretation was perfectly sound. But the Worthy High Chancellor took the

position that ‘the Ritual and Secret Work of the Fraternity constitute its very essence and teach

and demonstrate its purpose and the foundation stones of philosophy and symbolism which

constitute the basis and ideology of our Brotherhood.’ Since the Ritual contained numerous

references to Christian faith and philosophy, and since the proposed initiate naturally could not

know this, Touchstone decided that the candidate could not ‘legally’ be required to take oaths not

inconformity with his inner beliefs ... The supreme judicial body of the Fraternity had spoken.

From this pronouncement no appeal was possible. Nor would the vast majority of Alpha Taus

have had it otherwise” (Bird, Centennial 33-34).

“December 7, 1941, that fateful day when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and catapulted

America into World War II, wrought little immediate change in the Fraternity ... For the vast

majority of Alpha Taus in college, Pearl Harbor merely confirmed their inner feeling that

America would enter the war sooner or later. The shocking event caused some to rush out and

enlist, but most had already decided to finish as much of their education as possible” (Bird,

Centennial 35).

Concerning the initiation of a local fraternity at the University of Tulsa into the Delta Sigma Xi

Chapter in 1944: “Co-Installing Officers were Brothers Touchstone and W.E. Morris Jr.,

Birmingham-Southern, the University’s director of personnel” (Bird, Centennial 54).

“By the summer of 1943 the Allies had invaded France and the Philippines; the end of the war

seemed near ... A significant change in attitude was noticeable as compared with a year before,

when the officers had reflected the gloomy possibility of a total collapse of the entire Fraternity

System. Chapter after chapter had closed its doors—not one ATO was in college to carry on.

Undergraduate membership dropped from 2,215 in March ‘43 to only 623 by November ‘43, a

loss of 70 percent. But March ‘44 showed a slight increase and by fall there was another small



88

gain. From then on the comeback was spectacular. [Here, directed to a footnote: ‘From a low of

623 undergraduate members in November ‘43 the number rose to 4,098 in November ‘46; a year

later it passed the 5,000 mark’]” (Bird, Centennial 55-56).

“The son of Past Worthy Grand Chief Martin was hailed as the greatest new song writer with

such hits as ‘Trolley Song,’ ‘Pass the Peace Pipe’ and others for which he wrote both words and

music. Hugh Martin Jr. won additional laurels as accompanist for Judy Garland in her

sensational performances at the Palace” (Bird, Centennial 102).

“In a Congress featured by many ‘firsts,’ the Fraternity gathered at Sun Valley, Idaho, for its

Thirty-ninth Biennial, July 1-4, 1948. It was the first ATO Congress in the Pacific Northwest, the

first shared by Canada and the United States, the first with 100 chapters represented; the first

‘resort’ Congress to attract an attendance comparable to that of a big-city gathering: a

registration of almost 600 ... Many noteworthy Alpha Taus attended the Sun Valley Congress ...

Hugh Martin Jr., Birmingham-Southern, renowned composer-lyricist, with his father [Hugh

Martin, a Birmingham architect who was an ATO of another chapter]” (Bird, Centennial 104-

105).

“For decades every college fraternity, including Alpha Tau Omega, had sought to abolish what

Dean Clark called ‘the barbaric, hazardous, obscene and childish practices of the traditional

“Hell Week.’’’ But the concept of pre-initiation hazing [here the reader is directed to a footnote:

“The American College Dictionary defines the verb ‘haze’ as: ‘to subject (freshmen in a college

or newcomers generally) to abusive or ridiculous tricks; to harass with unnecessary or

disagreeable tasks.”‘] was deeply ingrained in most chapters, perpetuated by sadistic

upperclassmen who wished to even the score for their own suffering as freshmen, and by alumni

for whom the tribal rites had a nostalgic glamour. . .In place of Hell Week he [Robert W. Lollar,

a Worthy Master of the chapter at Indiana University] set up a program which he called

‘Neophyte Standardization Week,’ with the idea of performing a community service as well as

teaching the pledges to work together for a constructive purpose.” Thus, Help Week was born

(Bird, Centennial 144).



89

(Bird, Gold)

“SERVICE—NOT SAVAGERY!”

Help Week instead of hell week—pre-initiation com-

munity service rather than time-wasting stunts or

brutal punishments—has done more to rid fraternities

of this blight than all anti-hazing laws combined.

Moreover, the new concept has upgraded the Greek

image to a marked degree. Alpha Tau Omega is proud

to have originated Help Week and to have aided in its

spread throughout the fraternity world. It is one of

the most praiseworthy developments in ATO history.



90

(Bird, Gold)

CHAPTER HOUSES

OF THE FORTIES

Florida built this planta-

tion-style beauty in ‘40,

with then Governor, now

U.S. Senator, Spensand

Holland, Emory, as one

of the main factors in

the alumni building drive.

Colby started to plan a

fine house before WWII;

it was not actually built

till this $132,000 home

rose on Mayflower Hill,

new college campus, in

1949. It housed 32 men.

Kansas had just dedicated

its handsome “Tau Hut”

at start of Fraternity’s

fourth quarter century.

It cost $75,000; new

harmonizing wing in ‘64,

over twice that amount.

Washington’s dramatic

ATO house in Seattle

was a show place of the

early forties, maintained

at near-capacity through-

out World War II years.



91

John B. Benson, capt. (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army at Maxwell Field in

Montgomery, AI. James K. Watts, c/o Fleet Postoffice (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the

Navy in San Francisco, California. Kenneth H. Liles (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Navy

at the Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School in Notre Dame, Indiana (PALM, 62.4, March 1943).

John R. Cole, It., Fleet Airship Wing 31 (Birmingham Southern) is serving the Navy in Moffett

Field, California (PALM, 63.3, Dec. 1943).

Those brothers of Alpha Tau Omega who have reached their fiftieth year of active service to the

fraternity since their initiation become members of the Golden Circle and will be honored at

Founders Day Banquets, receiving certificates and a complimentary life-time subscription to

THE PALM. The list of Golden Circlers of 1943-those who were initiated in 1893-includes: Rev.

James AJ. Brock, BB, now living in Birmingham, AI; Rev. George Stoves, BB, now living in

Nashville, Tenn. (PALM, 62.4, March 1943).

“Fraternity Casualties About 4 Per Cent: About 4 per cent of all uniformed fraternity men have

been named on casualty lists as of last November, and about 3 per cent are either dead or

missing. More than one third of the 92 per cent in uniform are now either overseas or on duty

afloat. These figures were released by the National Interfraternity Conference” (PALM, 64.1,

March 1944).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1944—those who were initiated in 1894—includes: John E.

Northcutt, BB, now living in Montgomery, AI.; Peyton O. Thomas, BB, now living in Selma,

AI.; Albert Urquhart, BB, now living in Buffalo, New York (PALM, 64.1, March 1944).

Donald C. Brabston, ens. (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Navy overseas and can be

reached c/o Fleet Postoffice, San Francisco (PALM, 64.1, March 1944).

Sam Connor, It., A.P.O. 782 (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army overseas and can be

reached c/o the Postmaster, New York City. Buford Word, It. Col., A.P.O. 928 (Birmingham-

Southern) is serving the Army overseas and can be reached c/o the Postmaster, San Francisco.

(PALM, 64.2, June 1944).

Richard P. Shepherd, Birmingham-Southern, was born June 8, 1908 and initiated Feb. 22, 1926.

He died on Dec. 27, 1943 (PALM, 64.2, June 1944).

William A. Brown, Jr., pvt., Sec. C, 25391h AAF BU (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the

Army in Foster Field, Texas. Wayne F. Plant, pvt., Hq. Btry, 220th FA Grp. (North)

(Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army in Camp Hood, Texas. Joseph G. Robertson, pvt.,

315th Depot Supply Sqdn. (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army in Kelly Field, Texas.

Don O. Brush, Co. B, th Bn. (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army in Fort Belvoir,

Virginia. Frank H. Colmant, pfc., A.P.O. 964 (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army

overseas and can be reached c/o Postmaster, San Francisco. Raeford B. Liles, A/C, B 5, Flight

Brigade 579 (Birmingham), James R. Ritchie, Bldg. 45 NATC, Comm. (Birmingham), and

Chatfield H. Thompson, A/C, Class 8 B-44 P (c) c/o Flight Brigade, Bldg. 679



92

USNATC (Birmingham Southern) are serving the Navy at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola,

Fla. Sam G. Smith, Sqdn. 8-C (Birmingham) is serving the Navy at Whiting Field in Pensacola,

Fla. Raymond D. Hurlbert, Jr., Co. 2, Plat. 2, NROTC (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the

Navy at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Felton M. Collier, 9 Old West Dorm,

NROTC (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Navy at the University of North Carolina in

North Carolina. Otto L. Robertson, It. (jg) (Birmingham Southern) is serving the Navy overseas

and can be reached c/o Fleet Postoffice, San Francisco. (PALM, 64.3, Sept.-Oct. 1944).

Joseph G. Robertson, pvt., Co. A, 33191h SU (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army at

Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania (PALM, 64.4, Dec. 1944).

Robert T. Bowen, It., APO 557 (Birmingham Southern) is serving the Army overseas and can be

reached c/o Postmaster, New York City. Henry L. Kersh, colonel, APO 301 (Birmingham

Southern) is serving the Army overseas and can be reached c/o Postmaster, San Francisco.

William R. Mizelle, Jr., It., 11 Azalea Rd. (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Navy in

Charleston, South Carolina (PALM, 65.1, March 1945).

(PALM, 65.1, March 1945)



93

(PALM, 65.3, Sept. 1945)



94

Robert H. Wharton, Jr., Birmingham Southern ‘36, married Lt. Dorothy Swann, Covington, Ga.,

March 4 (PALM, 65.1, March 1945).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1945-those who were initiated in 1895-includes: Robert E.

Chadwick, BB, now living in Ensley, AI.; Joseph L. Henry, BB, now living in Guntersville, AI.;

James M. Ward, BB, now living in Prattville, AI.; William F. Ormond, BB, now living in Selma,

AI. (PALM, 65.1, March 1945).

Walter D. Meyer, pvt., APO 887 (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army overseas and can

be reached c/o Postmaster, New York City. Robert O. Whiddon, Jr., sgt., APO 501

(Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army overseas and can be reached c/o Postmaster, San

Francisco. Ralph E. Tiller, Dispensary, USNAS (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Navy at

Patuxent River, Maryland (PALM, 65.2, June-July 1945).

Those brothers of Alpha Tau Omega who have reached their twenty-fifth year of active service

to the fraternity since their initiation become members of the Silver Circle and will be honored at

Founders Day Banquets, receiving certificates. The list of Silver Circlers of 1945—those who

were initiated in1820—includes: Lee A.B. Crumly (Birmingham-Southern) and Eugene C.

Malone (Birmingham-Southern) who are both now living in Birmingham, AI. (PALM, 65.3,

Sept. 1945).

Conrad M. Dendy, Jr., cpl., APO 149 (Birmingham-Southern) and Guy E. Snavely, Jr., capt.,

APO 403 (Birmingham-Southern) are serving the Army overseas and can be reached c/o

Postmaster, New York City. Frank H. Colmant, pfc., APO 241 (Birmingham-Southern) is

serving the Army overseas and can be reached c/o Postmaster, San Francisco (PALM, 65.3, Sept.

1945).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern College to the ATO PALM, 65.4, Dec. 1945: “Beta

Beta came back from the wars literally and figuratively, with the beginning of the fall quarter.

The return of many veterans was the highlight of the opening of school. When the smoke of rush

week cleared we counted fourteen new pledges, eleven of whom were vets. This was the largest

pledge class on the campus. Listed among the new men were Sam Adams, Jack Bazemore, Jack

Buchanan, Blair Cox, Dick Fleming, Leon Goodwin, Joe Ed Hastings, Willis Israel, Johnny Jeff,

Vic Knox, Ernest Pharo, Fred Sherrill, Farley Warner, and Johnny Wise. The new pledges

jumped into the midst of things early when Adams, Fleming, Israel, and Warner grabbed the

leading spots in the fall production of the College Theatre. The pledges are leading the football

team to a successful season to date with the team in possession of second place. The horseshoe

cup seems to be a certainty with Brothers Bowen, Buchanan, Cox and Fleming showing the way.

A chicken fry (whoever heard of steaks!) was the highlight of the social season to date. The gang

gathered for an evening of feasting and fun shortly after the close of rush week. Brother Liles

was discovered to be an expert in a grass skirt doing the hula. Brother Crowe, W.M., wielding

the gavel of the Interfraternity Council and Brother Bowen as vice-president of ODX, give us a

good representation in the high offices of the campus. We are looking forward to Sadie Hawkins

Day when the football team tackles the Independents in what may settle the championship, and

when the women chase the men-especially the latter” (PALM, 65.4, Dec. 1945).



95

“From the Mailbag: Fifteen Alpha Taus are enrolled in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy at the

University of Tennessee. Besides local grads there are men from Ole Miss, Miss. State, Union,

Tulane, and B’ham Southern” (PALM, 66.1, March 1946).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 66.1, March 1946: “Rush week

added 13 new pledges to our chapter: John Boyce, Barclay Hurley, J.M. Knox, Jimmy Lee,

Calvin Lowrey, Earl Moncrief, Webb Roberts, Charles Sizemore, Quinton Thomas, Frank

Vance, Frank Wagner, Wallace Welch and Thomas Williams. As a result of the fall sports

program, we now occupy first place in the race for the year’s intramural honors. Second to the

independents in football, we won all the other trophies. With Bowen and Fleming showing the

way, we took the horseshoe and badminton cups. In volleyball the team of Cox, Knox,

Bazemore, Adams, Bowen, Fleming and Jeff led the race for individual honors but are pressed

by Cox, Knox and Hastings. We also gained three of the places on the All-Star football team,

Fleming being unanimous choice and Adams and Bowen also receiving places. The chapter has

installed these new officers: Blair Cox, W.M.; Brothers Fleming, W.C.; Jeff, W.K.E.; Crowe,

W.Sc.; Sherrill, W.U.; Buchanan, W.K.A., and Bazemore, W.S. This fall, Brother Fleming was

named “Mr. Hilltopper,” by reason of his popularity and position on the campus. This distinction

falls to a campus leader once a year. Brother Cox was elected to a position on the student

executive council. Brother Pharo is our star piano player. Returning to the campus after an

enforced absence of three years or more, we were happy to receive the assistance of Alumni

Brothers Brabston, Callen, Dent, Hurlbert, Mitchell, McArthur, Robertson and Smith in our

recent initiation” (PALM, 66.1, March 1946).

Ferdinand E. Smith, Birmingham-Southern, was born Oct. 1, 1874 and initiated 1890. He died

Dec. 29, 1945 (PALM, 66.1, March 1946).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 66.2, June 1946: “Beta Beta

continues to show the way in athletics, politics and social life. The beginning of a new quarter

saw another prize crop of rusheees. The eleven new pledges are Cletus Bonds, Bill Brown, Dick

Crabtree, “Sweetie” Downs, Holmes Irving, Ed Johnson, Gene Morgan, Frank Praytor, Jack

Reynolds, Lofton Rutledge, and Fred Schoen. Recent initiates include Joe Ed Hastings, Calvin

Bolton, Vic Knox, Jimmy Lee, Calvin Lowrey, Webb Roberts, Arthur Sharbel, Frank Vance,

Frank Wagner and Tommy Williams. In intramural athletics Beta Beta is leading the fraternities

for the year’s trophy. The softball team is atop the league led by the strong right arm of Brother

Geno. The tennis and golf teams rate as the teams to beat if anyone is to win the cup. Brothers

Bowen and Fleming are still the two top men in the race for individual honors. Brother Cox in

the recent all-school elections was a landslide winner for the office of Business Manager of the

Hilltop News. Brother Jeff was elected to a position on the Honor Council. Highlights of the

social calendar have been the Monte Carlo Party, a weiner roast and numerous parties at the

Cave Room. The big event, our summer formal, is scheduled for May 4” (PALM, 66.2, June

1946).



96

(PALM, 66.3, Sept. 1946)



97

(PALM, 66.3, Sept. 1946)

In December of 1946, Sigma Alpha Epsilon was the largest fraternity with 114 chapters and

61,138 members. Sigma Chi was the fifth largest in the nation with 103 chapters and 50,000

members, followed by Sigma Nu at number six with 98 chapters and 46,455 members. Alpha

Tau Omega was the seventh largest with 95 chapters and 44,975 members. Theta Chi was

thirteenth with 69 chapters and 25,268 members, followed by Kappa Alpha Order at number

sixteen with 50 chapters and 30,000 members (PALM, 66.4, Dec. 1946).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 68.1, March 1948: “Six men

were initiated Jan. 18, four of whom were listed on the dean’s list for the fall quarter. The new

initiates are: Blane, Bodden, Schoen, Stuart, Ezell, and Howard. One of the members of Beta

Beta won the annual AOPi contest to find the “best all-round guy,” and thus earned the title “Mr.

Hilltopper” for 1947. W.M. John L. Jeff was tapped by ODK at the end of the fall quarter. Along

with the rest of Birmingham, the chapter is looking forward to the visit of Brother Karl T.

Compton, who will lecture on our campus. In addition to the parties and dances held in the fall,

we had a party Christmas night attended by quite a number of Brothers from other chapters. -Bill

Putnam” (PALM, 68.1, March 1948).

Quarterly report from Birmingham Alumni Association to the ATO PALM, 68.2, June 1948:

“The Birmingham ATO Alumni Association rounded out its first full year of activity since the

war with its Founders Day banquet, given as a part of the second annual State Conclave. At the

banquet Elton Stephens, retiring president, reviewed details of the scholarship which the

Association will offer as its major project this year. One hundred dollars will be given each fall

to a member of the chapter with the highest scholastic average for the previous year. The

winning chapter is to name three candidates and an alumni committee will select the recipient of

the award on the basis of scholarship, character, extra-curricular activities, and need. Dr. C.B.

Glenn, former superintendent of Birmingham schools, is chairman of the scholarship committee.

Br. Frazer Banks, present superintendent of schools, Dr. Buford Word, J.M. Dannelly, Jr., and



98

Dudley D. Stephens are other members of the committee. Newly elected officers of the

association are Chris H. King, president; David Hamilton, vice president; Donald C. Brabston,

secretary; Jimmy McCauley, treasurer; Schaler Houser, P.R. With a sound job of organization

back of it, the association looks forward to a year of great promise under its new officers. -Bob

Mitchelf’ (PALM, 68.2, June 1948).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 68.2, June 1948: “The second

annual State Conclave was held in Birmingham April 2, 3, and 4. The affair is a joint effort of

the Birmingham Alumni Association, Auburn, Alabama, and Birmingham Southern. Special

credit for planning and arrangements goes to Fred Sherrill. The activities began with a banquet

Friday night with several prominent alumni present; Worthy Grand Chaplain Richardson was the

principal speaker. He told us about our Founders and the principles that guided them. His

message will stay with all who heard him a very long time. Saturday at noon we had a luncheon

followed by meetings of various committees of the chapters to swap ideas and plans. The social

event of the Conclave was the ball held Saturday night at a downtown hotel. The weekend ended

with the group attending church together. Frank Wagner was on the varsity tennis team, for the

second year. This is Frank’s last year on the team; he will soon be a school teacher. Another kind

of talent is that of Ralph Algood, now a disk jockey over station WAFM in Birmingham. Three

of our musically minded members, Bill Horton, Joe Ed Hastings and Carey Chitwood went to

New Orleans with the College Choir. -Bill Putnam” PALM, 68.2, June 1948).

(PALM, 69.3, Sept. 1949)



99

“Hugh Martin, Birmingham Southern ‘33, composer of ‘The Trolley Song’ and other hit tunes

(PALM, March, 1948) will write the score for the new Ziegfeld Follies. He is the son of Past

W.G.C. Hugh Martin, Bingham ‘89, famous builder of college buildings” (PALM, 68.3, Sept.

1948).

“Hugh Martin Scores Again With Broadway Musical Hit: Hugh Martin, Birmingham Southern

‘35, talented young composer and man-about-music, has added another distinguished feather to

his theatrical cap with the top-notch vocal arrangements he created and directed for the score of

the glittering new musical comedy hit As the Girls Go, now current at the famous Winter Garden

Theatre on Broadway. Starring the beloved comedian Bobby Clark in the uproariously funny role

of the husband of the first woman president of the United States (Lucille Wellington, played by

Irene Rich), this Michael Todd production has offered Brother Martin a wide scope for his

versatile talents in the realm of musical arrangements. A distinguished composer in his own

right—last season’s big hit, Look, Ma, I’m Dancin’was his—Brother Martin is as adept in

arranging as in composing. The name of Hugh Martin on the program of a Broadway musical

has come to be known as a mark of distinction in the world of the theatre. Brother Martin is the

son of Past Worthy Grand Chief Hugh Martin, Bingham ‘89” (PALM” 68.4, Dec. 1948).



100

(PALM, 68.4, Dec. 1948)



101

(PALM, 68.4, Dec. 1948 cont.)



102

HIS SONGS RATE TOPS ON THE HIT PARADE

Composer and lyricist of numerous popular songs, Hugh Martin, Birmingham Southern

‘35, is perhaps most celebrated for his sensational “Trolley Song.” He wrote one of the

present favorites, “Pass the Peace Pipe” and did songs for the new musicomedy

success, “Look, Ma, I’m Dancing!”

(PALM, 68.4, Dec. 1948)

Quarterly report from Birmingham Alumni Association to the ATO PALM, 68.4, Dec. 1948:

“With enthusiasm and determination to increase membership attendance, the Bermingham [sic]

Alumni Association has resumed its regular meetings this fall under the able direction of

president Chris King. We plan an active Vocational Placement Service in this area, and have a

plan for increasing our present scholarship fund. Dick Webb, Birmingham Southern, with the

Tennessee Company here, was awarded his Silver Circle certificate by Dave Hamilton. His son,

Dick Jr. is a member of the active chapter at Auburn. An excellent first-hand account of the Sun

Valley Congress was given by Joe Ed Hastings and Edgar Elliott, delegates from Birmingham

Southern. We expect soon to have the grades from the ATO chapters in the state of Alabama.

The $100 scholarship award will then be presented to the member chosen by the committee as

ranking highest in scholarship, character, extracurricular activities and need. -Shaler C. Houser”

(PALM, 68.4, Dec. 1948).



103

“One of three U.S. delegates to the Midsummer Seminar on Education and Training of Teachers

held in London last summer was Reuben H. Eliassen, Birmingham-Southern. He is now head of

the department of education at Bethany College” (PALM, 68.4, Dec. 1948).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1949-those who were initiated in 1899-includes: Horace C.

Cleveland, BB, now living in Centerville, AI.; William W. McGehee, BB, now living in

Montgomery, AI.; Alonzo Abrams, BB, now living in Talladega, AI.; Sidney L. Gibson, BB,

now living in Verbena, AI. (PALM, 69.1, March 1949).

Quarterly report from Birmingham Alumni Association to the ATO PALM, 69.1, March 1949):

“Cliff D. Jenkins Jr., Auburn senior, has been named winner of the $100 scholarship award

presented by the Birmingham Alumni Association. Brother Jenkins is the first winner of the

award which is to be presented annually on the basis of scholarship, character, extracurricular

activities and need. An industrial management student, he has maintained a 3.5 average for the

10 quarters he has been in attendance at Auburn. He has served as rushing chairman and Worthy

Scribe. The 23-year old Birmingham Alpha Tau was recently tapped by Scabbard and Blade,

honor society for outstanding advanced R.O.T.C men. He is also a member of the Society for the

Advancement of Management. His industry has been demonstrated by the job he held as an agent

for a dry cleaner. The income from this concession he used to augment his subsistence received

from the GJ. Bill. Brother Jenkins was the unanimous choice of the committee composed of Dr.

Buford Word, J.M. Dannelly, Jr., L. Frazer Banks, Dudley D. Stephens and Dr. C.B. Glenn,

chairman. Two Golden Circle and four Silver Circle certificates are to be awarded at the

Province Conclave to convene in Birmingham this spring. New officers of the Birmingham

Alumni Association will be elected at the next meeting. -Shaler C. Houser” (PALM, 69.1, March

1949).

“For those who are interested in the overall picture of college fraternities as to numbers, here

appears to be the latest, gleaned from The Fraternity Month: Members-l,432,637; Members

initiated last year-82,2 J 0; Pledges-23,467; Active chapters-3,nO; New chapters installed last

year-222; Colonies organized up to the present time since war-188; Alumni chapters-2,743;

Alumni chapters organized this year-219; Chapter houses owned-l,564” (PALM, 69.2, June

1949).

William C. Mattison, Birmingham-Southern, was born Apr. 28, 1907 and initiated Feb. 4, 1924.

He died Apr. 2, 1949 (PALM, 69.2, June 1949).

Quarterly report from Birmingham Alumni Association to the ATO PALM, 69.2, June 1949:

“The third annual AATO State Conclave, with actives from the University of Alabama, Auburn,

and Birmingham-Southern and alumni in this area, opened at the Thomas Jefferson Hotel on the

evening of Friday, April 15, with a stag banquet. The feature speaker at this banquet was ‘Stew’

Daniels. Golden Circle certificates were awarded to: Dr. Earl Drennen, Alabama ‘01; Dr. Joseph

Leland, Alabama ‘01; and Alonzo Abrams, Birmingham Southern ‘02. The 25-year certificates

went to Edgar M. Elliott Jr., Birmingham Southern; Frank R. Trechsel, Carnegie Tech; and

Raymond A. Hodge, Birmingham Southern. At noon on Saturday, a luncheon was held, and the

conclave closed with a dance that evening at the Terrace Ball Room of the Thomas Jefferson

Hotel. The new officers for the Birmingham Alumni Association are Chris King, president; Jim



104

Conner, vice president; Ben Ash, secretary; Jimmie McCauley, treasurer; and Dick Webb,

PALM Reporter. Actives and alumni are invited to attend our monthly meetings which will be

held on the second Thursday of each month, on the balcony of the U.S Steak House. -Shaler C.

Houser” (PALM, 69.2, June 1949).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 69.2, June 1949: “We started

training for softball with a vengeance. Campus sportscasters predicted that with such stalwart

repeaters as shortstop Webb Roberts, second baseman “Rusty” McDonald and outfielders Willis

Neely and Bill Phillips, plus an array of newcomers including third baseman Quintus Fuller, and

pitchers ‘Swede’ Engdahl and ‘Booty’ Jennings, the ATOs seem destined to add another leaf to

their laurel. Other activities claiming the attention of the individual members of Beta Beta are the

college theater’s production of The Rivals for which James Ogle is stage manager and in which

Vic Moore, G.c. Draper and Bill Johnson have leading roles; Ed Elliott, vice president of the

student body, direction of the May Day committee; and Bill Johnson’s yearbook, which is having

the finishing touches put on it. Although ATOmic runner Art Sharbel has been graduated, the BB

boys are running every day and Brothers Rupert Bodden, Bill Phillips, “Booty” Jennings and Ed

Elliott should help us to win the championship for the third time since the war. Bill Johnson and

Jim Ogle are president Phi. Engdahl and Cunniff also members of this national honorary

classical language society. Ralph Ritchie was tapped for Kappa Phi Kappa, educational

fraternity. Bodden is our representative in Skull and Bones, pre-med fraternity, while Earl

Thorne, Joe Cunniff and Bill Johnson were elected to Omicron Delta Kappa. We have welcomed

to the campus Homer Smiles of the Sewanee Chapter. Recent initiates include: Alfred Tyron

Jennings, Bob Draper, G.c. Draper, Van Bailey, Ralph Powell, ‘Swede’ Engdahl, John Lovin,

Jack Burney, Quintus Suller, Bill Grayson, Orland B. Finch, Jimmy Bethune and Tommy

Nielsen. New pledges are Tommy McWilliams and Bill Collins. –Jimmy Ogle” (PALM, 69.2,

June 1949).

Quarterly report from Birmingham Alumni Association to the ATO PALM, 69.3, Sept. 1949:

“ELTON STEPHENS, former president of the Birmingham Alumni Association was recently

elected president of the Birmingham Southern College Alumni Association. An honorary Doctor

of General Laws degree was conferred upon FRANK P. SAMFORD, Auburn’ 14, at spring

graduation exercises of Howard College. He is president of the Liberty National Life Insurance

Co. Past W.G.C. HUGH MARTIN, an initiate of the old Bingham’s School chapter at Mebane,

N.C., designed the Birmingham Central Library, Birmingham Trust & Savings Bank Building,

eight buildings for Birmingham Southern College and 31 buildings for the University of

Alabama. He is a member of the Alabama Society of Architects and the American Institute of

Architects. DR. MARYE Y. DABNEY, Sewanee, is professor of gynecology at the Alabama

Medical College and editor of The Southern Medical Journal. DR. EARLE DRENNEN,

Alabama ‘01, a retired surgeon, recently received his Golden Circle certificate. HENRY P.

JOHNSTON, Washington & Lee ‘29, is vice president of the Birmingham News Company ....

McClelland VanderVeer, Tulane’ 15, is associate editor of The Birmingham Age-Herald ... and

William L. Waddell, Georgia ‘35, is city editor of The Birmingham Post. DICK WEBB Jr.,

Auburn (your reporter’s son) is captain of the 1950 Auburn baseball team. He signed to play the

summer of ‘49 in the Flint River semi-pro league in Georgia. –W. Dick Webb” (PALM, 69.3,

Sept. 1949).



105

JEFF SAID! W.M. Johnny Jeff (far right) of Birm- NEW AUBURN BASEBALL CAPTAIN ingham Southern entertains at chapter rushing party, Dick Webb, who will lead the Auburn nine

John Blane and Ken Little (seated) became pledges. in 1950, is son of W. Dick Webb, Bir-

Ed Elliott and Calvin Bolton (standing) join fun. mingham Southern ‘22, officer of the ATO

Alumni Association there.

(PALM, 68.1, March 1948; PALM, 69.3, Sept. 1949)

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 69.3, Sept. 1949: “New officers

are Ed Elliott, W.M.; Carey Chitwood, W.e.; Bill Phillips, W.K.E.; Ralph Powell, W.Sc.; Rupert

Bodden, W.K.A.; Bill Carter, W.U.; Van Bailey, W.S.; and Bill Putnam, P.R. Tapped for

membership in Omicron Delta Kappa last spring were ED EILLIOTT, JIMMY OGLE and VIC

MOORE. CAREY CHITWOOD is a member of the Student Executive Council and BILL

PHILLIPS is vice president of the Interfraternity Council. ED MORRIS ‘25 is Director of

Athletics at the University of Tulsa. An Oklahoman who came our way is EUGENE A.

HOLTMAN, Oklahoma A. & M. ‘42, who is librarian at Birmingham Southern. JAMES S.

CHILDERS, former Beta Beta faculty adviser, now writes in Chapel Hill, N.C. A Rhodes

Scholar in 1923, he was formerly professor of English at Birmingham Southern and literary

editor and feature writer for The Birmingham Age-Herald. -Bill Putnam” (PALM, 69.3, Sept.

1949).



106

Who’s Who in Alpha Tau Omega in the 1940’s: John R. McDuffie, Birmingham-Southern,

United States Judge for Southern District of Alabama; W.E. Morris Jr., Birmingham-Southern,

director of athletics, Tulsa University; Hugh Martin Jr., Birmingham-Southern, Broadway

composer; James S. Childers, Birmingham-Southern, author; Robert B. Barnes, Birmingham-

Southern, vice pres. American Optical Co. (PALM, 69.3, Sept. 1949).

(Bird, Centennial)



107

(La Revue, 1941)



108




109


Hugh Hawk Cecil Parson

Paul Rockhill



110




111

(Southern Accent, 1942 cont.)



112


Kenneth Liles Terrell Reese

James Dent War is Declared



113




114




115




116




117




118




119




120




121




122




123




124




125




126




127




128




129

The 1950’s: Continued Improvements

The list of Golden Circlers for 1950—those who were initiated in 1900—includes: Ferdinand H.

Bryant, BB, now living in Birmingham, Al.; John McDuffie, Jr., BB, now living in Mobile, Al.;

John W. Frazer, BB, now living in Selma, Al. (PALM, 70.1, March 1950).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 70.1, March 1950: “Initiated

January 15 were Bill Hemming (winner of a plaque denoting him “Most Valuable Pledge”), Tim

Jones, Grover White, Clayton Carper, Tommy MacWilliams, Don Englebert, John Merchant and

Don Legler. Among mid-term graduates were Ralph Ritchie, who has begun teaching, and Joe

Ed Hastings, who has sailed for India, to be a Methodist missionary there. The Beta Beta football

team won second place in intramural competition. Buddy Oxford is playing his last year of

Varsity basketball, after having been captain twice. He was succeeded as captain for this year by

Bill Ware, Beta Beta pledge. Plans for the Alabama State Conclave, an annual affair of Beta

Delta, Alpha Epsilon and Beta Beta, are well under way. The tapping of Carey Chitwood, W.C.,

for ODK, was followed by his election as president of the school’s Honor Council. One of the

recent initiates, Tim Jones, has been made Greek Editor of the College newspaper of which John

Merchant is photographer. —Bill Putnam” (PALM, 70.1, March 1950).

“Primitive Indian Shield Displays ATO Symbols: While on a recent photographic expedition into

the Southwest and Mexico, Dr. Charles H. Creighton, Albion ‘36, discovered an Indian buffalo

hide shield; the familiar crescent and three stars displayed in the upper portion of the painted

design show a striking similarity to the figures (although inverted) used in the ATO badge and

pledge button. Dr. Creighton observes, “This likely represents the first time these particular

figures were used in connection with ritual and symbolism in this portion of the world, since the

shield pattern is purely aboriginal in design. The shields were endowed with special potency in

battle by means of the unusual and occult designs painted upon them. This one, which measures

two feet in diameter, has further been adorned by two tufts of horsehair, a feather and a red

flannel strip which impart an additional quantity of ‘medicine’ to the user” (PALM, 70.2, June

1950).

This North American Indian buffalo hide shield

from a Pueblo in the upper Rio Grande valley was

photographed by Dr. Charles H. Creighton, Albion ’36.

The crescent and three stars, familiar to any Alpha

Tau, present a striking similarity to our

badges and pledge buttons.

(PALM, 70.2, June 1950)



130

CO-AUTHORS

James Childers (right),

Birmingham-Southern,

and James Street collab-

orated in writing To-

morrow We Reap (The

Dial Press), a novel

About the post-Civil

War South. Brother

Childers, a former

Rhodes Scholar, now

lives in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Laurel and Straw, which

he wrote while teaching

at Birmingham-South-

ern, was made into the

film “A Yank at Ox-

ford.”

(PALM, 70.2, June 1950)

“Joe Ed Hastings, Birmingham-Southern ‘49, sailed for India in January to become a teacher in

the Mount Hernon School at Darjeeling. A former W.M. of Beta Beta, he will be there for three

years under the auspices of he Board of Missions of the Methodist Church” (PALM, 70.2, June

1950).

Quarterly Report from Birmingham Alumni Association to the ATO PALM, 70.2, June 1950:

“New officers of the Birmingham Alumni Association, elected at the March meeting held in

conjunction with the Annual State of Alabama Conclave, are Albert Mills, Birmingham Southern

‘35, president; Jim Connor, Auburn ‘42, vice president; Lofton Rutledge Jr., Alabama ‘50,

secretary-treasurer; Cliff D. Jenkins, Auburn ‘49, P.R. The Fourth Annual State of Alabama

Conclave was held in Birmingham on March 3 and 4. The weekend opened with a banquet

Friday night at which Johnnie Vann, Chairman of the High Council, was principal speaker.

Brothers Kenneth Perrine, Edgar Elliot Sr., Cecil Hackney and Frank Samford were awarded

their Silver Circle certificates. The annual football trophy awarded to the winner of the Alabama-

Auburn game was turned over to W.M. Dick Allison of Auburn for a year’s safe keeping. The

actives of the three state chapters and the alumni joined in a smoker Saturday afternoon and that

night entertained their wives and dates at the Conclave Ball. The Birmingham Alumni $100

scholarship award was presented to Harry Colemon of Auburn. This award is given each year to

the state chapter maintaining the highest grade point average for the past year. The qualifying

chapter nominates three men and the alumni select the one man most deserving of the award.

Harry is a junior in architecture, member of Spades, president of Westminster Fellowship, editor

of college yearbook, past Rush Chairman and House Manager. Birmingham alumni stages a



131

“kick off breakfast” to get the ball rolling on the Birmingham Southern chapter house fund. Dr.

Buford Word, chairman of the drive, reports that the fund is only $2,000 short at present. The

C.B. Glenn High School being erected in Birmingham bears the name of a very prominent and

beloved brother, Dr. C.B. Glenn, Auburn ‘98, retired superintendent of the Birmingham public

schools. —Cliff Jenkins” (PALM, 70.2, June 1950).

“At the University of Tulsa ED MORRIS, Birmingham-Southern ‘25, is Director of Athletics”

(PALM, 70.4, Dec. 1950).

DeWitt Weaver, Tennessee ’37, associate coach at Tulsa, and Athletic Director Ed Morris,

Birmingham-Southern ’25, prepare to see the Golden Hurricane on celluloid. Brother

Morris is the son of the Rev. Dr. W.E. Morris, Birmingham-Southern ’91, and was once

Worthy Master of his chapter. He is also professor of English at Tulsa. DeWitt Weaver

captained the 1936 Tennessee football team and was president of his senior class.

(PALM, 70.4, Dec. 1950)

(PALM, 70.2, June 1950)



132

Pledge Class of 1950 at Birmingham-Southern: James G. Atkins, Birmingham; Robert Bailey,

Birmingham; Donald Bearden, Birmingham; Ray Dyer, Birmingham; Robert M. Gray,

Birmingham; Ronald Head, ‘52, Birmingham; Gene Lockhart, ‘53, Birmingham; Richard

McCulloch, Birmingham; Thomas Mitchel, Birmingham; Gene Montgomery, Birmingham; John

Putman, ‘53, Birmingham; Eugene Stone, Harpersville; William Vines, Birmingham (PALM,

70.4, Dec. 1950).

ELLIOTT EPIC

Edgar M. Elliott Jr.

(center), Birmingham

Southern ’26, receives

his Silver Circle awards

from Johnnie Vann

while Ed Elliott III,

W.M. of Birmingham

Southern, looks on. The

Elliotts, son and grand-

son, respectively, of Ed-

gar Meadow Elliott, Bir-

mingham Southern ’89,

were among those pres-

ent at the Birmingham

Founders Day celebra-

tion.

(PALM, 70.2, June 1950)

Quotation from THE PALM from Ting Abbott, National ATΩ Educational Adviser in the early

1950’s: “Men who are better than average academically are also better than average in assuming

and discharging responsibilities in all activities relating to their college, their fraternity and

personal affairs. Always remember, the scholastic standing of a chapter has an immediate

bearing on the graduation expectancy of its members. A good chapter cannot be built with a

fluctuating and transient personnel. Look to the future—your future, your chapter’s future!”

(Bird, Centennial 157).

“To look at the bright side of the mirror first, we have seven chapters ranking first on their

respective campuses. In most cases, there is a long tradition of good scholarship in these

chapters. All honor due to M.I.T., BOWDOIN, SEWANEE, SOUTHWESTERN, ST.

LAWRENCE, BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN, SOUTH DAKOTA AND W. & J.” Birmingham-

Southern’s chapter is ranked fifth with a GPA 11.97% above the All-Men’s Average at BSC, an

18.71% gain over the 1948-49 school year. At the time, Beta Beta Chapter was ranked first out

of the seven fraternities at BSC (PALM, 71.1, March 1951).

“McCord Presents Glazebrook Memento to Fraternity: A handsome gold watch-fob locket, made

from the cuff links of Founder Otis A. Glazebrook, is the latest addition to the Fraternity archives

in the Central Office. Presentation of the locket was made by Ferd S. McCord, Birmingham-



133

Southern ‘00, on behalf of Alabama Beta-Beta, at a recent dinner meeting of the San Francisco

Alumni Association. Executive Secretary Stewart D. Daniels accepted it for the Fraternity.

Brother McCord explained that the locket was given in 1887 to Dr. Glazebrook who wore it until

his passing in 1931. Some years later the locket was given to the late Arthur W. McCord,

Birmingham-Southern ‘99, by Larkin W. Glazebrook, the Founder’s son, who was Worthy

Grand Chief from 1894 to 1900. Arthur McCord was the logical person to receive the

Glazebrook memento, for he was a close friend of Larkin Glazebrook and was the first man

appointed by him when the Province Chief system was established in 1898. Brother McCord was

provisional Chief of Province I, then comprised of chapters in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and

South Carolina. Two years later, the Province Chief system having been permanently adopted

and Brother McCord having moved to Nashville, he was made Chief of Province III. He served

on the High Council from 1906 to 1908 and from 1929 to 1931 and became Deputy Alumni

Director for Province XII after moving to California. He was responsible for much of the

Fraternity’s activity on the West Coast and it was during his term as president of the Los Angeles

Alumni Association in 1926 that charters were granted to the Occidental and U.C.L.A. chapters”

(PALM, 71.1, March 1951).

GLAZEBROOK MEMENTO RECEIVED BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN CAGE MEN

Executive Secretary Stewart D. Daniels Alpha Taus on the Birmingham-Southern basketball team are (l. to r.) Lucius de

receiving from Ferd S. McCord, Birming- Yampert, Bob Gray, Bill Ware and Larry Striplin

ham-Southern ’00, the locket made from

Founder Glazebrook’s cuff links.

(PALM, 71.1, March 1951)



134

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 71.1, March 1951: “Beta Beta

has lost Brother Quintus Fuller and pledges Ray Dyer and Gene Lockhart to the Air Force, and

Brother Ty Hill to the Marin Corps. The football team came out second in the intramural league,

being undefeated until the last game. The basketball team is still undefeated early in the season.

We hold the scholarship cup for the spring semester. Results for the fall quarter have not as yet

been tabulated. W.M. Ralph Powell was recently selected to serve on the Honor Council after his

retirement as president of the Interfraternity Council. Bill Grayson has been appointed fraternity

editor of the college newspaper on which John Putman and Donald Bearden serve as columnists.

Initiation was held in February for the fall pledge class, including Ralph Parsons and Larry

Striplin. —Barrie Bodden” (PALM, 71.1, March 1951).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1951—those who were initiated in 1901—includes: Howard L.

Cleveland, BB, now living in Centreville, Al.; Thomas B. Ward, BB, now living in Demopolis,

Al.; Robert R. Jones, BB, now living in Greenville, South Carolina (PALM, 71.1, March 1951).

“Tennessee Alpha Tau at SOUTHWESTERN AT MEMPHIS takes the Worthy Grand Chief

Award as our top chapter scholastically for 1949-50…. All these chapters except Mississippi

Southern, took first place on their respective campuses as did BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN, ST.

LAWRENCE, NEVADA, TENNESSEE, MARIETTA and ADRIAN. TULANE wins the High

Council Award for showing the greatest improvement during the year, having jumped from 14th

of 16 to fourth place and a percentage gain of 20.98%. BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN, moving

up from fifth of seven to first place, was the runner-up with an 18.71 percentage gain (PALM,

71.2, June 1951).

“The standing of the 10 fraternities with 100 or more chapters, according to latest information at

hand, is: Lamda Chi Alpha—137; Sigma Alpha Epsilon—127; Kappa Sigma—122; Sigma

Chi—119; Phi Delta Theta—113; Alpha Tau Omega—109; Sigma Nu—107; Sigma Phi

Epsilon—103; Phi Kappa Alpha—100; Theta Chi—100” (PALM, 71.2, June 1951).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 71.2, June 1951: “Beta Beta

won the intramural basketball trophy for the year, and our quintet reached the semifinals in the

city Park and Recreation Board tournament. This intramural title for paddleball was awarded to

Brother ‘Supe’ Phillips, who is now serving with the U.S. Air Force. Brothers Ralph Powell and

George Draper felt that they derived much from the joint conclave of Provinces X and XV which

was held in Dallas, Texas. The Mothers Club, organized earlier in the year under the leadership

of Mrs. J.W. Lovin, has become extremely active. This group provided refreshments for all of

our social functions. They also planned a tea in honor of the graduating members. Donald

Bearden was named “outstanding pledge” for the fall quarter. During recent weeks Carl

Rosebrough was added to the list of pledges. Brothers George Draper, Barrie Bodden, and John

Putman have all taken active parts recently in the College Theatre. Brother Draper, who had

parts in the last four productions, recently accepted a position with Fairfield High School

teaching history and drama. —Barrie Bodden” (PALM, 71.2, June 1951).

George T. Hill, pfc. USMC, Yermo Annex (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Navy or

Marine Corps in Barstow, California. Osa L. Andrews Jr., lt. comdr., Staff-Charleston Group



135

Atlantic Reserve Fleet Naval Base (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Navy or Marine Corps

in Charleston, South Carolina (PALM, 71.2, June 1951).

Osa L. Andrews, Birmingham-Southern, pictured in front row center

(PALM, 1952)

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 71.3, Sept. 1951: “In intramural

sports Beta Beta won first-place awards in basketball, softball, volleyball, track, paddleball and

tennis, and second place in touch football and swimming. Having the best intramural record, the

chapter received the all-sports trophy, and of the ten high-point men in sports selected on

campus, seven were ATOs. ATO topped all other fraternities on the campus in scholarship for

the fall quarter and received two national awards for scholastic improvement. BILL HENNING,

ODK, was elected Student Body president; BARRIE BODDEN, editor of Southern Accent, the

college annual; and DON BEARDEN was elected to represent Men’s Lower Division. Officers

for the coming year are CARROLL GARDNER, W.M.; JOHN MERCHANT, W.C.; BUDDY

FINCH, W.K.E.; JOHN LOVIN, W.K.A.; DON BEARDEN, W.Sc.; DON ENGLEBERT, W.U.;

CLAYTON CARPER, W.S.; BOB GRAY, P.R.; TOM McWILLIAMS, Rush Captain. —Bob

Gray” (PALM, 71.3, Sept. 1951).

“Up to the present time we have had reports from 73 chapters with at least one report from each

province, 34 chapters being above the All-Men’s Average for 1950-51. Is your province and

chapter in this list? Those chapters and provinces are: Prov. X—Birmingham-Southern,

Mississippi, Mississippi Southern, Tulane” (PALM, 71.4, Dec. 1951).

LeRoy D. Crabtree, t/sgt., 14th

Air Div. 9th

Bomb. Wg. (Birmingham Southern) is serving the Air

Force at Travis Air Force Base in California. James J. Bethune Jr., cpl., Hq. Btry., 200th

Armed

FABN (Birmingham Southern) is serving the Army or Air Force at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.

Frank D. Praytor, cpl., 14th

Repl. Draft (Birmingham Southern) is serving the Navy or Marine

Corp at Camp Pendleton in California (PALM, 71.4, Dec. 1951).



136

Pledge Class of 1951 at Birmingham-Southern: M. Lamar Aman, ‘53 Birmingham; Roger C.

Clayton, Birmingham; Robert L. Cross, Birmingham; Vernon E. Innerarity, Spring Hill;

Lawrence E. McGinty, ‘52, Birmingham; Paul E. McGinty, Birmingham; Richard S. Moore,

Ensley; Thomas W. Ogletree, Birmingham; John B. Ponder; Herbert M. Snuggs, Birmingham;

James O. Williams, Lipscomb (PALM, 71.4, Dec. 1951).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1952—those who were initiated in 1902—includes: Frank G.

Hastings, BB, now living in Monroeville, Al. (PALM, 72.1, Feb. 1952).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 72.1, Feb. 1952: “(With the

following chapter letters are shown the chapters’ scholastic reports for the past three years. The

numbers mean the percentage above or below the All-Men’s Average; the asterisk means data

not available for year indicated; and the dash means that data for last year not yet received or

tabulated.—Ed.) Birmingham-Southern—1948-49 (-7); 1949-50 (+12); 1950-51(+2) [Originally

a +3, but corrected as +2 in the PALM, 72.2, May 1952]. ODK membership has been conferred

on W.M. Carroll Gardner and W.K.A. John Lovin. Beta Beta’s intramural football

championship, based on an undefeated season, and a second-place finish in volleyball brighten

prospects for retaining the all-sports trophy won last year as seven men were chosen among the

top ten athletes of the year. Holding down spots on Southern’s basketball squad are Lucius

DeYampert and Tommy McWilliams. Pledges Roger Clayton, James Williams and Tommy

Ogletree held leading roles in the College Theatre production of the musical Iolanthe. Clayton

and Ogletree are president and vice president, respectively, of the pledge class; Milner Smuggs is

secretary. Dr. Arnold F. Powell has taken the position of Chapter Adviser vacated by Dr.

Herman R. Butts, who was called into service. —Robert Gray” (PALM, 72.1, Feb. 1952).

George C. Draper Jr., Birmingham Southern ‘51, married Beverly Murphy, Fairfield, Ala., Nov.

23. William P. Phillips, Birmingham Southern ‘51, married Marion McCoy, Birmingham, Ala.,

Dec. 22 (PALM, 72.1, Feb. 1952). David E. Daniel, col., Hqs. 314th

Trp. Carrier Grp., APO 75

(Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Army or Air Force overseas (PALM, 72.1, Feb. 1952).

Jesse Walters, Birmingham Southern, was born Jan. 16, 1912 and initiated 1930. He died

December 1, 1951 (PALM, 72.1, Feb. 1951). James G. Atkins, SN, Naval Air Station

(Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Navy in Birmingham, Al. (PALM, 72.2, May 1952).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 72.2, May 1952: “Beta Beta

chapter started off the spring quarter in high style with its annual house party, held this year at

Gulf Shores. The “A” basketball squad finished a highly successful season of play, capturing the

intramural first place title and placing Carroll Gardner and Dickie McCulloch on the intramural

all-star team. Tommy McWilliams and Lucius DeYampert lettered on the Southern varsity

squad. The chapter has been busy remodeling a newly-acquired set of rooms located in one wing

of North Hall. Barrie Bodden, Tim Jones, and Lucius DeYampert are supervising the furnishing

and decorating of the rooms, which lend themselves very nicely to use fraternity functions in the

absence of a chapter house. Roger Clayton, Tommy Ogletree, Larry McGinty and John Ponder,

who was chosen “outstanding pledge of the year,” were recently initiated. —Robert Gray”

(PALM, 72.2, May 1952).



137

(PALM, 71.4, Dec. 1951)



138

(PALM, 71.4, Dec. 1951 cont.)



139

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 72.3, Sept. 1952: “Beta Beta’s

new officers are BILL GRAYSON, W.M.; ORLAND (BUDDY) FINCH, W.C.; DON

ENGLEBERT, W.K.W.; BOB GRAY, W.K.A.; BILL DALE, W.Sc.; TOMMY OGLETREE,

W.U.; and FICK McCULLOCH, W.S. The all-sports trophy was won by ATO for the second

straight year, with first place trophies in touch football, basketball, softball, paddleball and

swimming, and with second places in ping pong and tennis. ATO places six men in the top ten

all-campus athletes, with CARROLL GARDNER capturing the Robertson Athletic Medal for the

second straight year as top all-round athlete. In other campus activities, RONALD HEAD has

been tapped for ODK and BILL HENNING, last year’s student body president, was named most

outstanding senior of the graduating class. JOHN LOVIN was elected president of the senior

class. In the student body elections, DON BEARDEN was elected business manager of Southern

Accent. Beta Beta came through with the upset of the year in winning the coveted Intrafraternity

Sing trophy for the first time in many years. New initiates are WALTER LEWIS, LAWRENCE

CROSS and MILNER SNUGGS. —Robert Gray” (PALM, 72.3, Sept. 1952).

Beta Beta Chapter had a GPA 2 points above the Birmingham-Southern All-Men’s Average for

the 1950-51 school year, but only a GPA 1 point above the A.M.A. for the 1951-52 school year

(PALM, 72.4, Dec. 1952).

“The commencement address at the University of Georgia in June was delivered by James Saxon

Childers, Birmingham-Southern, associate editor of The Atlanta Journal, novelist and short story

writer and former Rhodes Scholar from Alabama” (PALM, 72.4, Dec. 1952).

The last surviving member of ATO’s Alpha chapter and dean of Missouri bankers, Graham G.

Lacy, V.M.I. ‘79 [1879] died at his home in St. Joseph, Mo., on June 14, two months before he

would have been 94 years old (PALM, 72.4, Dec. 1952).

“Now there are 10 fraternities that have more than 100 chapters and two others that are very

close to the line. Most of them, too, have grown mightily since World War II…. The standing of

these larger fraternities, according to their latest magazines and other information at hand, is:

Lambda Chi Alpha—140; Sigma Alpha Epsilon—130; Kappa Sigma—124; Sigma Chi—123;

Alpha Tau Omega—115; Sigma Nu—115; Theta Chi—110” (PALM, 72.4, Dec. 1952).

Grover White, Birmingham-Southern ‘52, married Betty Jean Pendle, Birmingham, June 3

(PALM, 72.4, Dec. 1952).

“A year ago Alpha Tau Omega had 15 campus “firsts.” Here are the “firsts” for 1954.

Birmingham-Southern 1/7 [referring to school football player who has acceptable scholarship;

the fraction refers to scholastic standing].” Beta Beta chapter was ranked fifth out of all of the

ATO chapters in the nation for chapter’s percentage above the All-Men’s Average GPA, above

the A.M.A. by 12.67% (PALM, 75.1, Feb. 1953).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1955—those who were initiated in 1905—includes: George S.

Frazer, BB, now living in Montgomery, Al.; Richard C. Rush, BB, now living in San Fernando,

California; John R. Hill, BB, now living in Orlando, Florida (PALM, 75.1, Feb. 1955).



140

Quarterly Report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 75.1, Feb. 1955: “(With the

following chapter letters are shown the chapters’ scholastic reports for the past three years. The

numbers indicate the percentage above or below the All-Men’s Average on a particular campus;

the asterisk means data not available for the year indicated; and the dash means that data for last

year have not yet been received or tabulated. Dates by chapter names indicate year of

founding.—Ed.) Birmingham-Southern—1951-52 (0.00); 1952-53 (3.79); 1953-54 (12.67)

“Beta Beta pledged 16 men last fall: Pop Asken, Allen O’Dell, Larry Mosely, Milton Boikin,

Steve Moreno, George Calvert, Stan Gullege, Horton Smith, Don Paty, Eugene Morrison, Don

Michel, Albert Morris, Dave Keathley, Jim Pigman, Joe Estes and Fred Stephens. ATO won the

intramural football title in an undefeated season. Gene Montgomery was runner-up in ping pong.

For the third straight time ATO retired the scholarship cup, ahead of the next group by almost a

point. Barry Anderson is a new member of ODK. —Grady Looney” (PALM, 75.1, Feb. 1955).

John E. Northcutt, Birmingham-Southern, was born Dec. 27, 1870 and initiated Aug. 25, 1894.

He died May 26, 1954 (PALM, 75.1, Feb. 1955).

David E. Daniel, col., Hqs. USAF-AFMTP Pentagon (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Air

Force in Washington, D.C. Paul von S. Liles, lt. col., USA OTRS 370 (Birmingham-Southern) is

serving the Air Force or Army in Fort Lewis, Washington (PALM, 75.1, Feb. 1955).

Beta Beta Chapter was 12.67% above the All-Men’s Average at Birmingham-Southern for the

1953-54 school year and 14.45% above the A.M.A. for the first reporting period of the 1954-55

school year (PALM, 75.2, May 1955).

Richard D. McCulloch, pvt., Co. H, 86th

Inf. Reg. (Birmingham Southern) is serving the Army at

Fort Riley in Kansas. Paul vonS. Liles, lt. col., Qtrs. 370 (Birmingham Southern) is serving the

Army or Air Force in Washington (PALM, 75.2, May 1955).

Thomas Ogletree wins Thomas Arkle Clark Award for Province X

(PALM, 1955)



141

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 75.3, Sept. 1955: “The

announcement was recently made that brother THOMAS WARREN OGLETREE, had won the

Thomas Arkle Clark award for being the most outstanding senior ATO of Province X. Brother

Ogletree, in addition to maintaining an A average throughout his college career, held the office

of Chaplain of Beta Beta and was president of the student body. He was a member of several

active campus organizations, as well as many honorary organizations. Recently he was elected to

Phi Beta Kappa and Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

BARRY HOLLIS ANDERSON, was recently elected president of the student body thus giving

ATO two successive presidents. Brother Anderson is a ministerial student who has maintained an

A average over this three years at Southern. For the past nine consecutive quarters Beta Beta has

had the top average scholastically of all fraternities on Southern’s campus. Also, for the fifth

consecutive year, we have won the Intramural High Point Trophy for being the top organization

in intramural sports the year round. During the past year we won first place trophies for football,

basketball, volleyball, ping pong, the basketball play-off and swimming. In all the other sports

we placed second. At the end of the year, announcement was made of the ten outstanding men in

Southern’s intramural program. Four of these were ATOs. Number one on this list was PHILIP

DANIEL TIMBERLAKE, W.M. who for the second consecutive year walked away with all the

honors. The new officers of Beta Beta are: DON McNEIL, W.M.; GRADY LOONEY, W.C.;

ROYCE MURRAY, W.K.E.; BILL DEAN, W.Sc.; JIM GRAY, W.K.A.; CHARLES

GRAFFED, W.S.; LAWRENCE CROSS, W.U.; RAYMOND ASKEW, Palm Reporter. The new

faculty advisor is DR. HOYT M. KAYLOR, 804 Thirteenth street, S.W., Birmingham. —

Raymond F. Askew” (PALM, 75.3, Sept. 1955).

(Photo courtesy of Raymond F. Askew)



142

(Photos courtesy of Raymond F. Askew)



143

(Photos courtesy of Raymond F. Askew cont.)



144

(Photos courtesy of Raymond F. Askew, circa 1955-1956 cont.)

The following four photos are enlargements of the four photos that appear together on the bottom

of the previous page:



145

(Photos courtesy of Raymond F. Askew, circa 1955-1956 cont.)

Edgar M. Elliott III, 1/lt., JAGC, Hq. 3rd

Army (Birmingham Southern) is serving the Army at

Fort McPherson in Georgia. William E. Vines, pvt., Co. …, 100th

Tank Bn., 1st

Armd. Div.

(Birmingham Southern) is serving the Army at Fort Hood in Texas (PALM, 75.4, Dec. 1955).



146

“In addition to Sewanee and Southwestern, the following chapters finished the year 10% or more

above the AMA [All-Men’s Average]: Birmingham-Southern (11.85%)” (PALM, 76.1, Feb.

1956).

“These chapters, which failed to submit material for the February PALM, have three-year

scholastic standings above or below the All-Men’s Average as follows: Birmingham-Southern—

1952-53 (3.79); 1953-54 (12.67); 1954-55 (11.85)” (PALM, 76.1, Feb. 1956).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1956—those who were initiated in 1906—includes: Oliver C.

Weaver, BB, now living in Brewton, Alabama (PALM, 76.1, Feb. 1956).

“Founders Day—1956: Founders Day saw again saw many undergraduate chapters joining

alumni groups to celebrate the Fraternity’s founding…. Elsewhere in Alabama, a joint Founders

Day celebration was held by the active chapters at Alabama and Birmingham-Southern, with

Worthy Grand Chief J. Milton Richardson as speaker” (PALM, 76.2, May 1956).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 76.3, Sept. 1956: “Beta Beta

has finished another successful year as Birmingham-Southern College brought to a close its

Centennial Anniversary. In sports the Taus here got off to only a fair start, tying for third in

baseball but placing BARRY ANDERSON, POP ASQUE and CHARLES GRAFFEO on the all-

star team. Pledge JERRY GREENHILL represented ATO on the all-star basketball team with

Beta Beta placing second in the actual tournament. The Taus won the intramural softball trophy

for the third time to retire it. For the sixth straight year, the all-year high-points trophy went to

our sports trophy shelf. Worthy Master GRADY LOONEY was elected vice president of student

government; BILL DEAN, Hilltop News business manager; and Pledge BOBBY WINGARD,

Lower Division representative. Brother WILLIE GRAVES directed “De Animals Am A-

coming” and “Our Jewels” to retire, following a six-year struggle, the Interfraternity Sing

Trophy. After retiring the interfraternity scholarship trophy for two consecutive years, ATO was

on top scholastically in the spring quarter. Plans for the upcoming year include a project for a

new chapter house. Chapter officers are GRADY LOONEY, W.M.; JOE ESTES, W.C.; ROYCE

MURREY, W.K.E.; MILTON BOYKIN, W.K.A.; BILL DEAN, W.Sc.; FRED STEPHENS,

W.U.; HORTON SMITH, W.S.; HARVEY WINGO, Social Chairman; DAVID KEATHLEY,

Alumni Representative; WILLIAM GRAVES, Director of Music. —Richard Branscomb”

(PALM, 76.3, Sept. 1956).

“Newly appointed business manager of Atlanta Newspapers, Inc., is George C. Biggers, Jr.,

Birmingham-Southern & Vanderbilt ‘36, who since 1952 had been advertising director of the

organization…” (PALM, 76.4, Dec. 1956).

Pledge class of 1956 at Birmingham-Southern: John W. Ayers, Birmingham; Jim R. Cash,

Birmingham; David Drummand Jr., Birmingham; Robert Gunn, Alexander City; William L.

Gunn, Alexander City; Bob Howard, Birmingham; Dan Kitchens, Roanoke; John E. Rush, ‘58,

Boaz; Charles Self, Birmingham; Joal Shannon, ‘59, Birmingham; Charles Tuggle, Bessemer;

Richard K. Ward, ‘59, Birmingham (PALM, 76.4, Dec. 1956).



147

Birmingham-Southern ATOs competed in the Interfraternity Sing to take all three of the Birmingham-Southern’s ATO Sweetheart judges’ first place votes and retire the Sing trophy. For this performance of the fraternity for 1956-57 Miss Claire Palmer (second

was invited to sing at a special entertainment program at one of Alabama’s leading from left) stands with her fiancé Barry

movie theaters. Anderson, the former Sweetheart, Jane M. Timberlake, and her husband Phillip Tim-

berlake, former W.M.

(PALM, 1956)

Barry H. Anderson, Birmingham-Southern ‘56, married Claire Palmer, Tuscaloosa, June 6.

Raymond F. Askew, Birmingham-Southern ‘56, married Ann M. Daugherty, Birmingham, Sept.

1. Orland B. Finch, Birmingham-Southern ‘55, married Mariam Oglesby, Birmingham, Sept. 14.

Vincent P. Furio Jr., Birmingham-Southern ‘54, married Peggy L. Massey, Florence, June 20.

Larry D. Mosley, Birmingham-Southern ‘58, married Sarah Prosser, St. Simons Island, Ga., July

12. C. Allen O’Dell, Birmingham-Southern ‘57, married Mary Blackburn, Birmingham, April 12

(PALM, 76.4, Dec. 1956).

“The back cover of THE PALM for February 1957 presented a new feature—the appearance of

an informal report from WGC Long, headed ‘The Good of the Order.’…In his first message he

chatted about the work and the rewards of his new position, called for new efforts and new ideas,

and gave his upcoming itinerary…” (Bird, Centennial 196). A regular report/critique on the

general condition of the fraternity with this title is probably the inspiration for the GOTO ritual.

“The spring of ‘57 marked a half-century since the then Worthy Grand Chief, Dr. E. P. Lyon,

had proposed a day set aside annually to celebrate the Fraternity’s birth. Many great gatherings

were held that year: over 225 Taus at Kansas City, the same number at Dallas, 150 at Des

Moines, 135 at Houston, 100 or more at Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, St. Louis,

Birmingham and Milwaukee. WGC Long spoke at several of these banquets” (Bird, Centennial

197).

“Congratulations to Sewanee and Province Chief Hubert Garrecht [for winning the Worthy

Grand Chief Award]! A tip of the hat, also, to the runners-up: Birmingham-Southern (20.55%



148

Above the All-Men’s Average)…. Every single chapter of the following provinces is Above the

All-Men’s Average! Province X (Auburn, Birmingham-Southern, Alabama, Mississippi,

Mississippi State)…. With Marietta and Syracuse still unreported (in addition to Drake and

Minnesota), cast your eyes at the following list of chapters which were first on their campuses

last year: Birmingham-Southern” (PALM, 78.1, Feb. 1958).

“Listed below, by province, is our scholastic record for the past three year [with numbers

indicating GPA above or below the school’s All-Men’s Average]: Birmingham-Southern—1954-

55 (12); 1955-56 (16); 1956-57 (21)” (PALM, 78.1, Feb. 1958).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1958—those who were initiated in 1908—includes: Charles W.

Rush, BB, now living in Dothan, Al.; Oscar E. Hightower, BB, now living in Geneva, Al.;

Lyman C. Brannon, BB, now living in Headland, Al.; Joseph C. Reddoch, BB, now living in

Luverne, Al.; Milton C. Smith, BB, now living in Southport, Florida; Collin C. Williams, BB,

now living in Corley, Texas (PALM, 78.1, Feb 1958).

“Here’s What Happened on Founders Day: At the Birmingham Congress in December 1906,

Worthy Grand Chief Elias P. Lyon recommended a day set aside for celebrating the Fraternity’s

birth. This then is the 51st

anniversary of Founders Day. Speeches, singing, reunions, Circle

Certificates, Golden and Silver—Down South, Birmingham-Southern actives and Birmingham

alumni teamed together to celebrate Founders Day. Province X Alumni Director Chris King was

after-dinner speaker. He presented a program patterned after “This Is Your Life” and centered it

around the life of Founder Otis Allan Glazebrook. Several awards were made at the Birmingham

dinner. Golden Circles were presented to Robert P. McDavid and Wallace A. Shelby, both 1908

initiates at the University of Alabama. Silver Circle awards were presented to Richard M.

Donahue, Richard L. Dabney, Alfred P. Pugh, Shaler C. Houser Jr., and Ralph B. Tate. Brother

John Putnam was awarded the “outstanding pledge” award. Distinguished guests at the

Birmingham dinner included Past Worthy Grand Chief Hugh Martin, Bingham’s School &

Cornell ‘94; Dr. Henry King Stanford, president of Birmingham-Southern College; Dean Henry

T. Shanks, and Dr. Louis Bumgardner, local IFC adviser” (PALM, 78.2, May 1958).

Birmingham-Southern active and Bir-

mingham alumni officers are: (first row,

l. to r.) Shaler Houser, alumni secretary;

Chris King, Province X Alumni Director;

W.M. Jerry Greenhill; Alumni President

Bill Spidell; W.K.E. Jim Pigman; (sec-

ond row) W.S. Harvey Wingo; Blair

Cox, alumni vice-president; W.K.A. Bill

Gunn; Russell McDonald, alumni treas-

urer; and W.C. John Martin.

(PALM, 1958)

“For many years ATO, like all major fraternities, had taken a strong stand against drinking in the

chapter houses, or serving liquor at Fraternity affairs. Alcoholism had been a growing problem



149

on many campuses. But never before had the condition been faced as frankly as in the May ‘58

PALM, which carried the personal confession of an ATO who started drinking as a sophomore,

became a successful lawyer, then ruined his career by becoming a chronic alcoholic…’from

Worthy Master to town drunk.’ The headline, ‘My Battle With the Bottle—A frank and revealing

story by an anonymous Alpha Tau who wants to help his Brothers face the realities of drink,’ set

the stage. The text pulled no punches. Dramatically illustrated with one posed photograph of

three undergraduates drinking at a bar in what was obviously at ATO recreation room and

another showing a student suffering from a hangover, the article had tremendous impact.

Reprints mailed to deans and fraternity advisers throughout the country drew many letters of

praise. The article was repeated in several fraternity and educational journals. It came to THE

PALM through WGC Long, who saw its possibilities for good and vouched for its authenticity,

but the author’s name remains a well-kept secret” (Bird, Centennial 203).

“After 28 years with Eli Lilly and Company, E.G. Burchfield, Birmingham-Southern ‘23 has

retired. He had been in Lilly’s San Antonio office since 1948” (PALM, 78.2, May 1958).

Donald W. Englebert, 356th

USAF Hosp. (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Air Force at

Connally AFB in Texas (PALM, 78.2, May 1958).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 78.3, Sept. 1958: “News from

the Campus—Birmingham-Southern Wins Seventh All-Sports Trophy—1957-58 was a

successful year. Beta Beta received the Phi Eta Sigma scholarship cup, given to the fraternity

with the highest pledge average, and the all-sports trophy. This was the seventh year ATO has

received the sports cup. MILTON BOYKIN, HARVEY WINGO and JOHN MARTIN were

named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. ROBERT WINGARD, WILLIAM

GRAVES, RAY MATHIS, and JOHN MARTIN were elected to Omicron Delta Kappa, and

BOB GUNN, HENRY GOLSON, and DAN KITCHENS were members of the Triangle club,

sophomore service group. Brother Boykin served as president of the student body and also held

important positions on the Publication, Elections, and Finance boards. Other Taus in the student

government were WALLACE GRADDICK, treasurer, and BOB GUNN, men’s lower division

representative to the student organization. JOHN MARTIN edited the campus newspaper while

HARVEY WINGO was president of the College Theatre. ELLIOTT WRIGHT was the theatre

business manager and a columnist for the paper. LARRY SHARPE and CHARLEY

REYNOLDS were respectively president and vice president of the freshman class. RAY

MATHIS was vice president of the senior class as well as president of the Methodist Student

movement. Brother Mathis will be succeeded in the MSM by HENRY GOLSON. Brother JOHN

PUTNAM, who received the “best pledge” award, was chosen “outstanding freshman man” of

the College, and JIM SMITH received the Freshman Mathematics prize. BILL GRAVES was

president of the College choir and sand one of the leading roles in the winter production of

Brigadoon. DAN KITCHENS and FRED STEPHENS were members of the Dorm council.

Brother Stephens was also treasurer of the Interfraternity council. ROBERT WINGARD served

as vice president of Eta Sigma Phi and treasurer of the Religious council. ELLIOTT WRIGHT

and JOHN THOMPSON were officers in this organization also. Pledge ELVIN HILYER served

as president of Price Fellowship. Pledge Hilyer is a student government representative. ROBERT

WINGARD will be president of the Ministerial association and a member of the Honor council.

ELLIOTT WRIGHT will serve as co-editor of Quad, campus literary magazine, and as



150

managing editor of the school newspaper. ATO won first place in intramural football, basketball,

volleyball, swimming and second place in softball. It was the eighth year that Beta Beta had

taken the swimming contest. JOHN MARTIN, “best sportsman” of the year, and JIM PIGMAN

was high-point man of the year. ATO was also well represented in Varsity sports. JOHN

THOMPSON was a valuable member of the basketball squad. JOHN MARTIN was a diver on

the swimming team. Brothers Shockley, Kitchens and Putnam and Pledge Hilyer composed half

of the wrestling team” (PALM, 78.3, Sept. 1958).

“MEN’S INTRAMURAL SPORTS—This year the ATOs were the team to beat in football,

basketball, swimming and volleyball. Jim Pigman [ATO WKOE] was the outstanding individual

athlete” (Southern Accent, 1958).

“In this group are those chapters which have been above the AMA [All-Men’s Average for their

campus] for at least the last two consecutive years: Birmingham-Southern” (PALM, 78.4, Dec.

1958).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 78.4, Dec. 1958: “PLEGDED—

Jerry Abbett, Alexander City; Larry Barksdale, ‘61, Dothan; George Dunbar, Chattanooga,

Tenn.; David Franks, Birmingham; Van Gamble, ‘60, Birmingham; Hank Gary, Roanoke; David

Head, Birmingham; William Hicks, Fairfield; Larry Hinds, Montgomery; Tommy Holbrooks,

Birmingham; Jerry Hollis, Troy; Tibby King, Birmingham; Robert Kontzen, Birmingham; Cecil

Parks, ‘60, Birmingham; Billy Patton, Irondale; Andy Pickrell, ‘61, Cordova; Edward Putnam,

Birmingham; Grady Richardson, ‘61, Birmingham; Pete Searcy, Fairfield; Ben Sexton,

Birmingham; Max Skidmore, ‘60, Priceville; Andrew Smith, Birmingham; Howard Smith,

Birmingham; Henry K. Stanford Jr., Birmingham; C.W. Thigpin, Birmingham; George

Thomason, Talladega; Gary Wallace, ‘61, Birmingham; Clifford Vaughn, Decatur.

MARRIED—Joes Estes, ‘58, to Sallie Sibley, June 8….Horton Smith, ‘58, to Linda Burnett,

June 21….Robert Wingard, ‘59, to Nancy Wheatley, Aug. 2” (PALM, 78.4, Dec. 1958).

BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN’S fall pledge class included (first row, l. to r.) Larry Barks-

dale, David Franks, Cecil Parks, Andy Smith, Bill Patton, George Dunbar, George

Thomason, Henry Stanford; (second row) C.W. Thigpen, Pete Searcy, Jerry

Hollis, Tommy Holbrooks, Jerry Abbett, Jimmy Vaughn, Howard Smith, Grady

Richardson; (third row) Ed Putnam, Van Gamble, Bill Hicks, Gary Wallace,

Larry Hinds, Hank Gary, David Head, Andy Pickrell, Bob Kontzen.

(PALM, 1958)

David E. Daniel, col., Qtrs. 614-C (Birmingham-Southern) is serving the Air Force at Maxwell

AFB in Alabama “PALM, 78.4, Dec. 1958).



151

Ferd. S. McCord, Birmingham-Southern, was born 1876 and initiated 1896. He died Aug. 19,

1958 (PALM, 78.4, Dec. 1958).

“A year ago Alpha Tau Omega had as many campus FIRSTS as the next two fraternities. With

standings unknown on 17 campuses, cast your eye on the campus FIRSTS for 1957-58 that are

now known: Birmingham-Southern…. All of the chapters in five provinces were above the AMA

for 1957-58 and here they are: Province X (Auburn, Birmingham-Southern, Alabama,

Mississippi, and Mississippi State) Provinces X and XI are repeaters. Congratulations! A tip of

the hate, too, to the runners-up [for the Worthy Grand Chief Award] who passed both Sewanee

and Southwestern, our perennial champions, although both were better than 15% above:

Birmingham-Southern (24.85% above the A.M.A.)” (PALM, 79.1, Feb. 1959).

“Listed below, by province, is our scholastic record for the past three year [with numbers

indicating GPA above or below the school’s All-Men’s Average]: Birmingham-Southern—1955-

56 (16); 1956-57 (21); 1957-58 (24)” (PALM, 79.1, Feb. 1959).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1959—those who were initiated in 1909—includes: Ellis B.

Calhoun, Birmingham-Southern, now living in Grove Hill (PALM, 79.1, Feb. 1959).

Walter Turner, Birmingham-Southern, was born 1874 and initiated 1892. He died Aug. 23, 1958

(PALM, 79.1, Feb. 1959).

“Founders Day 1959: BIRMINGHAM—Local alumni and Birmingham-Southern actives met for

a dinner and evening of fellowship highlighted by an address by Worthy Grand Chief Gerald E.

Johnson on February 14. Ground was broken for Beta Beta’s new $30,000 house scheduled to be

ready by summer quarter. Taking part in the ground-breaking ceremonies were…Worthy Master

John Earl Reaves, Past Birmingham Alumni Association President Blair Cox, Elton B. Stephens,

and W.G.C. Long” (PALM, 79.2, May 1959).

Spade work at Birmingham

(PALM, 1959)



152

(PALM, 1959)

“Help Week: Birmingham-Southern Taus tackled two projects: a Christmas party for crippled

children and work at the Mercy Home orphanage” (PALM, 79.2, May 1959).

(PALM, 1959)



153

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 79.3, Sept. 1959: “New officers

are HENRY GOLSON, W.M.; CHARLES REYNOLDS, W.C.; BOB HOWARD, W.K.E.; BOB

GUNN, W.S.; CHARLES STORRS, W.K.A.; LARRY SHARPE, W.U.; NELSON LACEY,

W.S.; and GEORGE THOMASON, PALM Reporter. In the campus elections for the next year,

Nelson Lacey was elected treasurer of the Student Government association. Charles Reynolds,

Howard Smith, and Mason Morris were elected representatives to the Student legislature, and

Jim Smith was elected business manager of the Hilltop News. John Martin served as president of

the senior class; George Thomason, president of the freshman class, and Henry Stanford,

treasurer of the freshman class. Bob Wingard served as president of the Ministerial association

with Brothers Johnson, Kitchens, and Hilyer as fellow officers. W.M. Golson was president of

the Methodist Student movement and was elected state president of this organization. Bill Gunn

was president of the youth department of the college church, McCoy Methodist. Brothers Martin,

Wingard, Wright, and Thomason were elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa; Martin,

Wingard, Thomason, Johnson, Hilyer, and Golson were listed among the members of Omicron

Delta Kappa; and Martin, Wingard, and Wright were chosen to be listed in Who’s Who Among

Students in American Colleges and Universities. ATO was well represented on campus student

publications. Wight was managing editor of the Hilltop News, while Jim Smith was the Greek

editor; John Martin, sports editor; Bob Gunn, religious editor; and Joe McCain, photographer.

Wright was co-editor of Quad literary magazine and Smith was business manager. For his work

on publications, Brother Wright received the award for the outstanding journalism student at the

college. In varsity intramurals, both team and individuals, ATO remained on top this year. The

chapter received the all-sports trophy for the ninth consecutive year. ATO teams won the

tournaments in football, basketball, swimming, volleyball, and the softball playoffs. Nine

brothers were named to all-star teams, and ten more were on second teams or received honorable

mention. In varsity sports John Thompson was the center on the Panther basketball team;

Wingard, Bryant, Lacey, H. Smith, and A. Smith were on the tennis team, and Taus John

Putnam, Rodger Head, Elvin Hilyer, Dan Kitchens, and Howard Smith were members of the

wrestling team. Bob Gay was the captain of the wrestling team. In the early spring, Beta Beta

had a ground-breaking ceremony for the new chapter house. Present were Worthy Grand Chief

Johnson and Executive Secretary Daniels; Chief of Province Bramlett, Alumni Association

President Chris King. —George G. Thomason” (PALM, 79.3, Sept. 1959).

“Jim Atkins, Birmingham-Southern ‘54, news director of WBRC-TV, Birmingham, has received

an Associated Press “Superior Features” award, presented during the Alabama AP Broadcasters

Association meeting in Tuscaloosa. The award was made for a 30-minute year-end news

roundup which Atkins wrote and produced” (PALM, 79.4, Dec. 1959).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 79.4, Dec. 1959: “PLEDGED—

Herbert Coachman, ‘62, Birmingham; Ernest Dobbs, Sheffield; Hugh Franklin, Birmingham;

Cooper French, Graceville, Fla.; Chad Jones, Birmingham; John Mackin, Selma; James Mareno,

‘61, Birmingham; Lamar Odom, Lafayette; Paul Pace, Evergreen; Richard Stetson, ‘62,

Lawrence Park, Pa.; Crawford Taylor, Anniston; John Woltersdorf, Birmingham” (PALM, 79.4,

Dec. 1959).



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BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN pledges practice ATO songs.

Standing (l. to r.) Paul Pace, John Mackin, Ernest Dobbs,

Jim Moreno, Crawford Taylor, Hugh Franklin, Dick

Stetson, Lamar Odom, John Wottersdorf. Chad Jones is

seated; Cooper French, at the piano, leads the singing.

(PALM, 1959)

On January 18, 1957, the Kappa Alpha Order, friendly rivals to ATO, were preparing to

celebrate the birthday of Robert E. Lee, which was actually January 19. Each year during the

time of this celebration, the KA’s would hoist high their Confederate flag outside their chapter

house and challenge the ATO’s to take it down, often greasing the flag pole or egging those who

approached it. In 1957, the ATO’s had a special prank planned in order to triumph over the

KA’s. Lee’s birthday was on the 19, which was a Saturday that year. Since many students would

be off campus for the weekend, the ATO’s chose the date of the 18, a Friday. Brother Allen

O’Dell prepared flaming arrows while another

ATO used the bow of O’Dell’s brother to shoot the

arrows at the flag. The flag eventually caught on

fire, and although no real harm was done and both

parties understood the friendly prank, word soon

spread across campus, and eventually, across the

nation. The American Daughters of the

Confederacy grew incredibly upset about the

situation. A magazine article was released in TIME

Magazine, and the Beta Beta Chapter received

severe rebukes from various officials, including

personal letters from President Eisenhower

himself. This information is courtesy of Allen O’Dell.



155

Dr. John A. Krout, Michigan ‘18, featured speaker at the Golden Anniversary Banquet for the

50th

anniversary of the National Interfraternity Council in New York in 1959 [Therefore, IFC

nationally began in 1909]: “College fraternity members gain an insight into the responsibilities

that can never be separated from the privileges of self-government. They sense how powerful

voluntary associations can be in achieving a common objective. Administrative processes

involved in managing a chapter house, within a balanced budget, are not to be learned from a

treatise on political science. The fraternity system gives experience in reconciling local

autonomy with central authority. The initiate learns first-hand about the boundary lines which

separate the powers of the chapter from such controls as the national organization may

constitutionally exercise. The chance to learn about these matters first-hand in the Fraternity

pattern cannot be overestimated” (Bird, Centennial 228).

Worthy Grand Chief Oberly in his 1959 “State of the Fraternity” message: “We should seek

unity rather than division; act with confidence, rather than live in the shadow of a doubt;

preserve our steadfastness of purpose rather than waver in our decisions; approach today’s

problems with faith rather than fear, and demonstrate our love for Alpha Tau Omega rather than

hate for our fellow men” (Bird, Centennial 281).

Who’s Who in Alpha Tau Omega in the 1950’s: Guy E. Snavely Jr., Birmingham-Southern,

Executive Secretary, Pickett and Hatcher Educational Fund; Hugh Martin, Bingham’s School,

designer of college buildings at University of Alabama and Birmingham Southern College;

Robert R. Jones, Birmingham-Southern, Founder and President of Bob Jones College; Albert L.

Fairley Jr., Birmingham-Southern, executive vice president, Dominion Steel & Coal Corp.,

Montreal (PALM, 79.3, Sept. 1959).



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Larry D. Striplin Jr.



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Frank Dawson: ATO; Ministerial Assoc. James Gray: ATO Hubert Theron Montgomery: ATO

Joe Estes: ATO, Sec of Ministerial Assoc.; William Dean: Secretary of ATO Fred Swank: ATO

Eta Sigma Phi; ODK MSM; Southern Accent photographer



186


David S. Bishop: ATO; Coll. Theater Grady Looney: V.P. of ATO; Richard Branscomb: ATO; MSM

Ministerial Assoc.; Hilltop News;

Southern Accent; IFC;

MSM; ODK; Who’s Who

James W. Colvert: ATO Horton Smith: ATO; Royce Murray: Treas. of ATO;

American Chem. Society; American Chem. Society; ODK;

Tri. Club Phi Eta Sigma



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188




189


James Pigman—B’hm; Math Keith Calvert—Decatur; Psych. Ray Mathis—Boaz; History

Treas. of ATO; Canterbury Club; ATO ATO; MSM, Pres.; German Club;

V-Tennis; Football, Basketball, Softball, Swimming; V-Pres. of Senior Class

and Individ. IM; Top Individ. Athlete;

Ping-pong and Paddleball Champ;

Sports reporter for Hilltop News; Treas. for

Theta Sigma Lambda

William L. Graves—B’hm; Sociology Clinton Allen O’Dell—B’hm; Chem. Fred Stephens—Trussville; Chemistry

ATO; Pres. of Choir; Softball; ATO; American Chem. Soc.; ATO; Treas. of IFC; V.P. of

“Brigadoon” Al. Chess Fed.; Football, Dorm Council; Tri. Club;

Volleyball, Softball and V-Swimming; Football, Softball,

Individ. IM Volleyball, Basketball



190


Milton Lee Boykin—Selma; Psych. Fred Swank—Somerset, Penn.; Psych. Harvey Wingo—B’hm; English

ATO; Pres. of Tri. Club; Treas. of ATO; Ministerial Assoc. ATO, Sec.; Coll. Theatre, Pres.;

Galileans; V-Tennis; Basketball and Canterbury Club, Pres.; Religious

Individ. IM; One of Top 10 IM Hi-Pt. Men; Council; Student Life Committee;

Publications Board; Pres. of Student Body; ODK, Pres.; Phi Eta Sigma;

V.P. of Honor Council; Student Life Alpha Psi Omega; Phi Sigma

Committee; V.P. of Eta Sigma Phi; Iota; “Pender Heart,” Stage Mgr.;

Sec. of Phi Eta Sigma; ODK; Who’s Who; “Dial M for Murder,” Stage Mgr.;

Chrmn. of Finance Board; MSM Who’s Who in American Colleges

and Universities

Walter Dennis Boyd—B’hm; Business Admin. Robert Rogers—B’hm; Biology Edwin Rush Jr.—Boaz; Math

ATO; Toreadors ATO ATO



191


Fancy side-stepping by Jerry Greenhill of the championship ATO football team helps to beat the

TX team.

ALTHOUGH THE Pikes fought hard to win, the ATOs maintained their eight-year

monopoly on the intramural swimming trophy.



192


The intramural court is the site for an exciting basketball game between TX-Bs and ATO-Bs.

HIGH POINT athlete, Jim Pigman, copped

badminton championship from John Martin.



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194




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The ATO football champions score one of their winning touchdowns.

John Edwin Rush, Jr.—Boaz; John William Schou—B’hm; Music John Thompson—Decatur; Greek

Math & Physics ATO ATO; Eta Sigma Phi; Tri. Club;

ATO, Treas.; Theta Sigma Lambda; MSM; Ministerial Assoc.;

Theta Chi Delta; MSM Varsity Basketball, Intramurals



196


Robert Hunt Howard—Montgomery; Michael B. Gilliland—Goodwater; Biology Walter T. Gilmer—

History ATO; German Club; Intramurals; Birmingham; Business Adm.

ATO, Worthy Keeper of the Annals Dorm Council, Proctor ATO; Varsity Swimming;

MSM, Contacts Chairman; Ministerial Intramurals

Assoc.; Price Fellowship

John Earl Reeves—B’hm; Bio. Charles Noel Carney—B’hm; Bio. E.C. Johnson, Jr.—Huntsville; History

Pres. of ATO; IM’s; MSM ATO; Phi Eta Sigma; Choir ATO; ODK; Eta Sigma Phi;

Tri. Club, College Theater,

Business Mgr.; Ministerial Assoc.



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Robert E. Wingard— Elliot Wright—B’hm;

Montgomery; English History

ATO, Vice-President; ATO; Alpha Psi

Phi Eta Sigma; Eta Omega; Eta Sigma Phi,

Sigma Phi; ODK; Treasurer; MSM;

Ministerial Assoc., Ministerial Assoc.;

President; College Theater,

Intramurals; Honor Business Mgr.;

Council; MSM; Galatians; Hilltop

Executive News, Managing

Council, Lower Editor; Student

Division Rep.; Who’s Handbook, Editor;

Who in Student Literary Mag.,

American Colleges and Editor; Who’s Who in

Universities American Colleges and

Universities

John Andrew Martin— Frederick J. Zylman—

B’hm; Bio. B’hm; Philosophy

ATO, Vice-President; ATO

ODK; Phi Eta Sigma,

Phi Sigma Iota; Varsity

Swimming;

Intramurals; Best All-

Round Athlete; Hilltop

News, Editor; B.S.U.,

Treasurer, Vice-

President, President;

Editor of the State

B.S.U. Paper; Who’s

Who in American

Colleges; Le Circle Francais

Robert E. Bryant, Jr.—B’hm; Bio. Jerry F. Greenhill—Red Bay; Business Adm. William Lowell Gunn—

ATO; Phi Chi Delta; Intramurals; ATO, President; Intramurals Alexander City; History

Varsity Tennis ATO, Secretary; Interfraternity

Council, Secretary; MSM;

Intramurals



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In spite of stiff SAE and Theta Chi competition the ATO’s won the swim trophy for the ninth time.

Bobby Wingard, ATO—Paddleball Champion



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Filled with school “spirit”, the ATO quartet sings our Alma

Mater—Hillbilly style.

Wallace Graddick of the ATO basketball champions scores a point against the SAE’s.



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The 1960’s: ATO Celebrates its One Hundredth Anniversary

In 1960, a fraternity house for the Beta Beta Chapter was completed on the campus of BSC at

833 Greensboro Road along Frat Row (Southern Accent, 1960). This Row and this House are

currently known as the “Old Row” and “Old House,” and use of them stopped in 2003.

“This year saw the beginning of ‘Southern’s ten-year expansion program. The first steps were

the razing of old North Hall, an addition to Hanson, new apartments for married students, the

razing of Munger Bowl Stadium, and the clearing of a new athletic field” (Southern Accent,

1961).

Concerning the Zeta Epsilon ATΩ chapter at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida:

“A decline in numbers seriously threatened its existence…In the fall of 1963 the arrival of a

remarkable ATO, John Putnam, Birmingham-Southern ‘60, for graduate work touched off a

revival, as will be told later” (Bird, Centennial 160).

Concerning the Zeta Epsilon ATO chapter at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida:

“after a gallant start in 1952 had been struggling against the competition of many older, well

entrenched fraternities. At the start of the 1963-64 college year membership had dropped to nine;

with no house, meetings were being held in the home of Alumni Adviser Harold Wittling. Then

an amazing blind ATO, John Putnam, Birmingham-Southern ‘61, arrived to do graduate work.

From ‘Outstanding Freshman Student’ to rush chairman and pledge trainer for three years, John

had become senior class president and ‘Mr. Hilltopper’ (outstanding male student), and a three-

year Varsity wrestling letterman. Going to Ole Miss for his master’s he organized the best rush

that chapter ever held. Made interim chapter adviser at Miami, John inspired the small group to

take a positive attitude. With WM Alberto Gross, a Cuban native who displayed great zeal and

leadership, the chapter pledged and initiated 12 men, captured the lion’s share of IFC Week

trophies and moved into a strong position on campus. THE PALM story about this upsurge was

entitled ‘New Hurricane Hits Miami!’” (Bird, Centennial 274).

It was in the year of 1963 that the Beta Beta Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity held its

first annual Viking Party, or as it was commonly called, “Vike.” This party quickly became the

largest and most popular annual party held by any single organization on the Birmingham-

Southern College campus. It also spread to countless other chapters across the Southeastern

United States and across the country. Details concerning the party itself are available in the

section titled “The End of an Era: Shipwreck Replaces Vike” near the end of this work.

“When Southern University moved to Birmingham in 1918, the city was young and small. The

people who moved the college put it on a stony hump on Enon Ridge, the northern rim of Jones

Valley. Town was, the brochure said, only an eight to ten minute bicycle ride away, and the

campus only 1¼ miles from the city limit. In the valley, down where Third Avenue runs now,

was a little creek and a sizable swamp, and Five Points West was still a dahlia nursery, but over

to the west of the college, the steel mills were already industriously spewing smoke and fumes

into a graying sky…” (Southern Accent, 1964).



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“…We would have you remember watching the rioters and riot-watchers gather in the afternoon,

the great hairy cops with carbines and shotguns, the smell of old pine shacks burning in the night

down in the black ghetto” (Southern Accent, 1964).

“In speaking of the past year and how it affected students on this campus, there is no way to omit

November 22, 1963, and really, little use to remind you that on that day two bullets struck and

blew away most of John Kennedy’s head. Surely, you must remember exactly where you were

and what you were doing when you heard of the shooting and, later, of the death. It was during

finals, and most of us spent the whole weekend watching the reports and funeral on television,

knowing of the necessity for study, but yielding to the greater demand of seeing in the

formalized grief of John Kennedy’s funeral the true meaning of being an American, and seeing

this more clearly than Americans have seen since World War II. These two events, the Negro

Revolution and the assassination, formed the backdrop upon which we played our individual

lives” (Southern Accent, 1964).

“On Saturday morning [at the 1964 Congress on Grand Bahama Island] Congress met as a

Committee of the Whole to hear the report of the Special Committee on Membership. Its report

definitely called for the elimination of the words ‘white’ and ‘Christian’ from the Constitutional

requirements, while emphasizing the qualifications of good scholarship and high moral

standards. These points were covered by a revision of the opening statement in the Preamble to

the Constitution, to read: ‘Whereas the cultivation of friendship, and the promotion of morality

and Christianity stand prominently among the duties of mankind…’” Both the preamble and the

revisions proposed by the Special Committee’s report were adopted (Bird, Centennial 276-77).

In 1964, ATO tied for second place along with the Independent Team and KA in Intramural

football. The rankings for Intramural volleyball were as follows: 1st

—ATO; 2nd

—SAE; 3rd

—

Faculty; 4th

—KA (Southern Accent, 1964).

1965 was the year in which African-American students were first allowed admission to BSC

(Southern Accent, 1965).

Also in 1965, ATO played in the championship match in Intramural volleyball: “The

championship match between SAE ‘A’ and ATO ‘A’ was a sports thriller ending in a score of

19-17 in favor of the SAE’s” (Southern Accent, 1965).

“Alpha Tau Omega was born in ‘The Old Dominion’ (Virginia). So it was most appropriate that

the last chapter before the Centennial should be chartered at Old Dominion College, formerly the

Norfolk branch of William and Mary. Co-Installing Officers were Province VI Chief Robert B.

Cox, dean of men at Duke, and Paul Dowling, Birmingham-Southern ‘64, who had transferred to

Old Dominion and was a prime factor in guiding the local into the Fraternity.” The chapter,

Virginia Zeta Tau, was founded on May 8, 1965 (Bird, Centennial 290-91).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 85.1, Feb.-March 1965: “Beta

Beta Chapter, in conjunction with the Birmingham Alumni Association, held its Centennial

Banquet, Jan. 9, at the Parliament House here in Birmingham, Alabama. Harry Bird, PALM

Editor, was our keynote speaker. Brother bird spoke of the rich traditions of Alpha Tau Omega

and the role that Birmingham played in its early development. Chris King, graduate of



202

Mississippi State University, and now Alumni Director of Province X, was presented a plaque

for his outstanding service to Alpha Tau Omega. Other guests were Province Chief Amos Burns,

delegations from Alabama, headed by W.M. Cruse Braswell and from Mississippi, headed by

W.M. Dale Duckworth. On Centennial Sunday we attended Trinity Methodist Church, where Dr.

Ed Kimbrough, Alabama, is the pastor. Pledge Don Lundy led our volleyball ‘A’ team to a

league championship in regular season play and a second place in the school championship play-

off. Elected to the All-Star Team were Lundy, Bruce Tully, and Jim Clark. ATO is well

represented on the Varsity basketball team with actives Walter Donaldson and Butch Wessell,

and freshmen Don Lundy, Jim Humphries, and Mike Parker. Lundy averages fifteen points per

game as guard and Humphries has played outstandingly as the other guard. Dale Lovett has been

tapped into OΔK, of which W.M. Dan Hixon is president. John Putnam, president of the

Birmingham Alumni Association, has been named Director of Publicity for Athens College in

Athens, Alabama. —Jim Clark” (PALM, 85.1, Feb.-March 1965).

IN THE DRINK goes Walter Donaldson at B’HAM CAN FIELD ENTIRE CAGE TEAM. Five

Birmingham-Southern where the ATO’s ATO basketball players on Varsity squad

dunking boot took the May Day booth are: front row, Walter Donaldson, Jim

competition for third consecutive year. Humphreys; back, Butc Wessel, Mike

Parker, and Don Lundy. Ray Cooper is

senior manager of the team (at right).

(PALM, 1965; PALM, 1966)

The list of Golden Circlers for 1965—those who were initiated in 1915—includes: Charles H.

Owens, Jr., BB, now living in Hurtsboro, Al.; Charles B. Galloway, BB, now living in Mobile,

Al.; Felix M. Turnispeed, Sr., BB, now living in Montgomery, Al.; Walter G. Dugger, BB, now

living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PALM, 85.1, Feb.-March 1965).



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“Three to Receive Diamond Circle: In addition to the 329 Alpha Taus eligible to receive their

Golden Circle for completing a half century of membership, the Fraternity has three living

Brothers initiated in 1890, who will accept the Diamond Circle certificates symbolizing 75 years

in ATO. They are: Frank Ewing, Adrian, now living at the Gulf Stream Hotel in Lake Worth,

Fla.; John H. Jones, Georgia Tech, now living at 351 Glenwood Drive in Chattanooga, Tenn.;

and Dr. Joseph E. Morris, Birmingham-Southern, now living at 713 South Spring Street in

Talladega, Ala. Brother Morris is a former Methodist minister who retired only in 1958, at the

age of 85, after having occupied pulpits in Alabama for nearly 60 years. He attended Southern

University at Greensboro, Ala., which was consolidated with Birmingham College in 1918. He

has an ATO son, Joseph M. Morris, Birmingham-Southern ‘30, living in Indianapolis (PALM,

85.1, Feb.-March 1965).

As of May 1965, the five-year academic standing for the Beta Beta Chapter, according to the

chapter’s GPA above or below the campus’s All-Men’s Average, stood as follows: 1959-60

(11.76); 1960-61 (15.06); 1961-62 (1.96); 1962-63 (-1.60); and 1963-64 (4.08) (PALM, 85.2,

May 1965).

William F. Ormand, Birmingham-Southern, was born in 1878 and initiated in 1895. He died

Dec. 26 1964 (PALM, 85.2, May 1965).

“Dr. George Stoves, Birmingham-Southern ‘97, dean of Methodist ministers in Middle

Tennessee, died March 21 in Nashville. He was 94, and had served churches in Tennessee,

Georgia, and Alabama from 1900 to 1942, when he retired” (PALM, 85.2, May 1965).

“A goal of $350,000 was set to complete the General Headquarters at Champaign, for which

ground had been broken July 20, 1964. The suggestion was made that alumni give or pledge at

least $100—”one dollar for each year of the Fraternity.” Such contributions were designated as

ATO CENTURIONS. Listed herewith are all Brothers who have made a gift to the Centennial

Building Fund between last October and the press time of this issue—July 22, 1965: Bailey, J.S.

Jr., Bhm. So.; Fairley, A.L. Jr., Bhm. So.; Plant, W.F. Jr., Bhm. So. (PALM, 85.3, Sept. 1965).

“More General Headquarters Contributors: Cain, C.W. Jr., Bhm. So.; Engdahl, C.C., Bhm. So.

Gay, T.O., Bhm. So.; Guice, J. I., Bhm. So.; Knox, D.H., Bhm. So.; Scruggs, R.T., Bhm. So.;

Snuggs, H.M., Bhm. So. (PALM, 85.4, Dec. 1965).



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(Bird, Centennial)

HEADQUARTERS OF FRIENDSHIP

Floodlighted by night, busy by day in service to 135

chapters and over 75,000 living Brothhers—this is the

General Headquarters of Alpha Tau Omega. Here

are its priceless annals, its membership records, its

focal point for chapter and alumni activities. Here is

a national fraternity building every ATO can view

with pride, where a warm welcome always waits. Yet

with all its beauty and efficiency it is but a symbol

of great ideals that live today, as for over a century,

in the heart of each true wearer of the Maltese Cross.

“The tradition of Alpha Tau Omega began in Richmond

one hundred years ago. There the Founders established

this Fraternity in the ashes of the Confederacy, to be a

brotherhood that would know no North, no South, no East,

no West—with a bond as strong as right itself and as

lasting as humanity….What a tradition to cherish! It

has become an inspiration to thousands who have worn the

Maltese Cross. All that is finest and deepest in life is

kindred to our tradition. He who contributes to it

finds a faith and a spirit in living that will

be here to the end of time.”

BRONZE PLAQUE COMMEMORATING CENTENNIAL, placed at site of Glazebrook

family home in Richmond, Va., where first meeting was held Sept. 11, 1865. Site,

100 years later, is no longer residential but occupied by commercial building.



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Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 85.3, Sept. 1965: “Five campus

organizations are headed by ATOs—Ray Cooper, AKΨ; Jim Clark, IFC; Glen Wilcoxson, AΦΩ;

Bob Sheehan, Newman Club; and David Hutto, the Arts Students League. Butch Wessel is vice

pres. of HΣΦ with Jack Sellers and Robert Small vice pres. and treas. of the Circle K Club. Bob

Clem is treas. of the Student Government Association and Mike Peacock is a representative.

Norton Dill, Mike Harper, Jack Sellers, and Mike Peacock are the newest initiates of the Triangle

Club, sophomore honorary. The Southern Singers include Ray Cooper, Bob Clem, Jack Sellers,

Norton Dill, and Mike Newsome while Brother Cooper is also a member of the Touring Choir.

Varsity cagers are Walter Donaldson, Butch Wessel, Mike Parker, Jim Humphreys, and Don

Lundy, the latter also on the tennis squad. Doug Braewell and Billy Motes are Varsity golfers.

Intramural All-Star picks were: football—Jim Clark; softball—Bruce Tully, Mike Harper, and

David Hutto; basketball—Hutto; volleyball—Don Lundy, Clark, and Tully; and swimming—

Glen Wilcoxson. WGC H. Sherman Oberly was the speaker for the Founders Day banquet;

Adlaide Ashley, KΔ, was selected as the “ATO Sweetheart” at the Winter Dance. Chapter

officers are: Bruce Tully, W.M.; Bob Clem, W.C.; Bob Sheehan, W.Sc.; Jim Clark, W.K.A.; Ray

Cooper, W.K.E.; Louis Smith, W.S.; and Walter Donaldson, W.U. —Jack Sellers” (PALM, 85.3,

Sept. 1965).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 85.4, Dec. 1965: “PLEDGED—

Mike Alverson, Gulf Shores; Robert Carr, Anniston; Alan Kranz, Selma; David Lawrence,

Birmingham; Mark Livingston, Albertville; Alan McWhorter, Decatur; Billy Moates ‘68,

Enterprise; Bill Payne ‘67, Birmingham; Terry Raycraft, Mobile; Dowd Ritter, Birmingham; Gid

Wade, Nashville, Tenn; John Payne Wilson, Grove Hill. MARRIED—Walter Donaldson ‘67, to

Carol Dowdy, Birmingham, April” (PALM, 85.4, Dec. 1965).

(PALM, 1965)

“Atkins Co-Authors Newsfilm Manual: Jim Atkins Jr., Birmingham-Southern ‘54, has done just

about everything in the field of communications, from editing the largest weekly in Alabama to

PR work for milk, the American Trucking Association and the AFL-CIO. He writes comic skits

for Jackie Vernon, Ed Sullivan and the Tonight Show; serious articles for magazines ranging

from New Republic to Master Detective. But his great enthusiasm is TV newsfilm and features.



206

He sees no reason why they should be humdrum when even the simplest event can be charged

with human drama. He has been a free-lance newsfilm correspondent for CBS, NBC, and Movie-

tone News for 10 years and proved his point. With Leo Willette of WWL-TV, New Orleans, he

has written a comprehensive book on this action-packed field: Filming TV News and

Documentaries, just published by American Photographic Book Publishing Co. Don’t let the

lumbering title fool you. There’s excitement, instruction, inspiration in every line. Brother Atkins

says that journalism and radio-television instructors at major colleges everywhere are

considering using it as a textbook. It’s hard to imagine how they could do otherwise.

Incidentally, for young men who read FTVN&D and say “That’s for me!” there’s even a chapter

on to get a job in TV” (PALM, 86.1, March 1966).

“Jim Atkins, Birmingham-Southern ‘54, co-author of Filming TV News and Documentaries, is

one of the founders of the Laff Book Club, providing information on books of humor” (PALM,

86.3, Sept. 1966).

“A Washington public relations writer and Coronet magazine humor editor, Jim Atkins,

Birmingham-Southern ‘54, has finished a book, The Barnabas Collins Vampire Joke Book for

Paperback Library. He is also author of Filming TV News and Documentaries” (PALM, 88.4,

Dec. 1968).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1966—those who were initiated in 1916—includes: Newton R.

Elliott, B’hm.-So., now living in Birmingham, Al.; Joseph H. Owens, B’hm.-So., now living

inHurtsboro, Al.; Harry L. Lazenby, B’hm.-So., now living in Montgomery, Al.; Charles P.

Storrs, B’hm.-So., now living in Wetumpka, Al.; Keener C. Frazer, B’hm.-So., now living in

Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Richard A. Wall, B’hm.-So., now living in Athens, Tennessee

(PALM, 86.1, March 1966).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 86.1, March 1966:

“Highlighting the last 1965 campus honors, W.M. Bruce Tully and W.C. Bob Clem were

initiated into OΔK. Jim Clark retired as president of IFC for 1965. Bill Ernest was named sports

editor for the annual. In the Mr. Hilltopper contest our candidate is Doug Braswell. Taus

representing campus sororities are Brother Jim Clark, ZTA, and David Hutto, ΠBΦ. The Taus at

Southern, scholarship wise, came out with 38 per cent of the active Brothers making above a 3.0

and 98 per cent making above a 2.0; 75 per cent of the pledge class made their grades. Two

ATOs were named to the Intramural Football All-Stars: Mike Harper and Terry Raycraft. The

ATO volleyball team won the championship for 1965 with an 8-0 record. Don Lundy slammed

the winning point the Taus needed to win the intramural championship. On the team were Jim

Clark, Don Lundy, Mike Parker, Bruce Tully, Walter Donaldson, and Bill Halbrooks. The first

four made the All-Stars. The Taus scored 240 points to 62 by all opposing teams. This is the 14th

ATO volleyball title in the last 15 years. As a part of our service project this year we are in the

process of adopting a child overseas though the Christian Children’s Fund. We can keep this

kind of project for year and though letters get to know our adopted boy and send him things he

needs. The Taus are well represented on the Varsity basketball team this year with Jim

Humphreys and Don Lundy on the starting squad and Butch Wessel, Walter Donaldson, and

Mike Parker on the back-up squad. Ray Cooper, W.K.E., is the senior manager for the Varsity

team. —Jack Sellers” (PALM, 86.1, March 1966).



207



(15.06); 1961-62 (1.96); 1962-63 (-1.60); 1963-64 (4.08); and 1964-65 (-1.33) (PALM, 86.2,

May 1966).

“Founders Day and Province Conclaves: BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN—The Founders Day

banquet, sponsored jointly by the undergraduate chapter and the alumni association, was held

April 7 at the Relay House. A main topic of discussion was the plan for an addition to the chapter

house” (PALM, 86.2, May 1966).

“Raymond D. Hurlbert, Birmingham-Southern ‘24, is general manager for the Alabama

Educational Television Commission, which operates the first and largest educational television

network in the nation” (PALM, 86.2, May 1966).

Spring pledge class of 1966 at Birmingham-Southern: “PLEDGED—Carlton King,

Montgomery” (PALM, 86.2, May 1966).

Concerning the 1966 Stew Daniels Congress at Mackinac Island, Michigan and the revisions

made to the Constitution regarding Membership: “Alpha Tau Omega does not discriminate in its

membership requirements against any person on the basis of race, color, creed or national origin;

its individual chapters are free to select members without regard to race, color, creed or national

origin, and without interference on these grounds, directly or indirectly, from any source outside

the local undergraduate chapter” (Bird, Centennial 312).

“Smoke Rings from the Editor’s Stogie…What’s Behind the Badge? Five Greek letters and five

symbols appear on the face of the Alpha Tau Omega badge: two Alphas, two Omegas, a Tau; a

crescent, three stars, a pair of clasped hands. They have remained unchanged for 101 years. The

precise meanings are known only to our initiates. But it is not secret that the design was inspired

by the monograms first written on the walls of the catacombs. The Tau, Greek version of the

Cross, subjoined by Alpha and Omega, is the ancient insigne of the Church. It clearly indicates

the Christian nature of our Fraternity. Since early times the crescent moon has expressed hope

reborn; the stars, man’s eternal quest for the ideal. These comprise the ATO pledge button. With

the clasped hands on the badge they offer a brotherhood based on mutual respect and high

standards of conduct. So what is ON the badge of Alpha Tau Omega suggests what is BEHIND

it. This badge is also the key to a small world—a friendly group, personally interested in one

another, a bulwark against the impersonal pressures of crowded classrooms and computerized

controls. As Dean Collier of Ball State says: ‘The college fraternity enables the student to retain

his individuality in a close-knit organization where he can prepare himself for the best in living

today.’ In Alpha Tau Omega each of our 125 active chapters is indeed close-knit. But beyond

this group are nearly 100,000 other Alpha Taus, ready to welcome their Brothers from whatever

campus they come. That, briefly, is part of what’s behind the badge of ATO. To wear it and to

share in this experience is to add new breadth, new depth to your years in college…and to all the

years that follow. —Harry L. Bird” (PALM, 86.3, Sept. 1966).



208

B.M.O.C.’s at Birmingham-Southern, Ray

Cooper (left), ’66, and Bob Clem, ’67,

set leadership-scholarship pace. Twice

W.K.E. and Chapter Service Award win-

ner, Ray was Circle K and AKΨ presi-

dent, Varsity basketball manager-statis-

tician, campus newspaper staffer, and

Spanish Club and Methodist Student

Movement member. Bob is Student Gov-

ernment Association president and has

served as SGA treasurer, ΦHΣ president,

and Beta Beta chapter’s Worthy Chap-

lain. He is also OΔK, HΣΦ, and Circle K.

(PALM, 1966)

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern College to the ATO PALM, 86.3, Sept. 1966: “Beta

Beta chapter ranked first scholastically for winter quarter with a 2.6 overall average. In

intramurals ATO won the volleyball championship and the swim meet. Birmingham-Southern’s

Varsity basketball team had a winning season aided by Taus Don Lundy, Walter Donaldson,

Butch Wessel, Mike Parker, and Jim Humphries. Bruce Tully was elected projects chairman of

the senior class and Mark Livingston vice president of the freshman class. Carlton King was

chosen for membership in the Triangle Club, a sophomore scholarship, leadership, and service

honorary. Previous Triangle Club members include Ray Cooper and Bob Clem. —Mike

Peacock” (PALM, 86.3, Sept. 1966).

[Although the following article does not specifically include any alumni from the Beta Beta

Chapter, this involves Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and thus should be an

interesting bit of information.] “The former Howard College of Birmingham honors Frank

Samford, Auburn ‘14, becoming The University Named for a Great ATO: In March 1965

Howard College at Birmingham, Ala., honored Frank Park Samford, Auburn ‘14, ‘in recognition

of 28 years of outstanding service to Christian education as a trustee of Howard College, during

his silver anniversary as Chairman of the Board.’ A few months later, on Nov. 9, 1965, the

state’s largest privately supported four-year co-educational institution paid Brother Samford a



209

still greater tribute. The name was changed to Samford University, a recognition acclaimed by all

Alpha Taus. Howard College opened its doors in 1842 in Marion, Ala., being named for English

philanthropist John Howard…. The present campus was occupied in 1957” (PALM, 86.4, Dec.

1966).

(PALM, 1966)

Pledge Class of 1966 at Birmingham-Southern: Ric Andrews, Sam Baldone ‘68, and Bill Burch

‘68, Birmingham; John Butt, Jacksonville, Fla.; Carlee Cobb, Montgomery; Mike Copeland,

Anniston; Steve Dorough, Birmingham; Marc Flint, Foley; Randy Hammonds, Albertville; Ed

Howard, Tuscumbia; Bill Jabour ‘68, Montgomery; Steve King, Anniston; Alan Livingston,

Albertville; Turner McDonald ‘69, Dougland McMillan and Bill Morgan, Birmingham; Mike

O’Brannon, Tuscumbia; Steve Spellman and George Trawick ‘69, Birmingham; Greg

Wilcoxson, Florence; and Andy Wolfe, Huntsville (PALM, 86.4, Dec. 1966).

John L. Putman [of the Birmingham-Southern Chapter] made the 1966 list of America’s “Ten

Most Outstanding Young Men” by the National Jaycees. “The name ‘Jaycees’ comes from the

organizations former title, ‘Junior Chamber of Commerce.’ It is limited to young business men

not over 35.” Other people to appear on the list in other years have been Charles Lindbergh, J.

Edgar Hoover, Walt Disney, and Clark Gable (Bird, Centennial 246f).

John Putman, TOYM winner last year.

(PALM, 1968)



210

(Bird, Centennial)

“For 1967, the 22nd

annual Chapter Officers Conference was held on the campus of Syracuse,

alma mater of Executive Secretary Norm Ritchie…. Memorable talks were given by the Rev.

Robert E. Palmer, Honor Initiate at the Kearney State installation, and John B. Putnam, one of

the Jaycees’ ‘Ten Most Outstanding Men,’ now serving as ATO Ambassador-at-Large. This

same pair captured the NIC ‘67 meeting with equally powerful messages” (Bird, Centennial

316).

“[At the 22nd

Annual Chapter Officers Conference at Syracuse in the Summer of 1967] Choicest

spot on the entire program, the principal address at the Annual Banquet, went to John Lloyd

Putman, Birmingham-Southern, one of America’s Top Ten Outstanding Young Men. Past WGC

John MacGregor, a former NIC president, introduced his fellow Alpha Tau in appetite-whetting

style and our new Ambassador at Large fully lived up to his advance billing. No less an authority

than Toastmaster-President Fred Turner declared that John Putman’s standing ovation was the

greatest ever given an NIC banquet orator. “Put” brought down the house” (PALM, 87.4, Dec.

1967).

“Two highlights of the Syracuse COC [Chapter Officers’ Conference] were addresses by Dr.

Robert Palmer, Kearney State, on Morals and John Putman, Birmingham-Southern, ATOs new

Ambassador at Large” (PALM, 87.4, Dec. 1967).

While most officers are elected at Congress, many other positions are ones attained by

appointment only. Such positions include certain advisers, members of the ATO Foundation

Fund, and members of the Headquarters Staff. The position of Ambassador-at-Large falls under

the category of Headquarters staff and is part of the Public Relations team for the National

Fraternity. Such a PR position is a “full-time vocation…and adding luster to the popular concept



211

of Alpha Tau Omega an avocation to which they bring their professional skill” (Bird, Centennial

353). John Lloyd Putnam, Birmingham-Southern ‘61, was appointed Ambassador-at-Large in

1967 and was the first person to hold this position (Bird, Centennial 341-44).

(PALM, 1967)



212

(PALM, 1967 cont.)



213


Chapter was very honored to be the guests of the Huntsville Alumni Association at the banquet

honoring Beta Beta’s outstanding alumnus, John Putnam, one of America’s Ten Outstanding

Young Men of 1966. The banquet was held on Jan. 15 at the Carriage Inn. WGC Stewart Daniels

and former WGC Johnny Vann were guest speakers. Also attending was Province Chief Amos

Burns. Pledges John Butt and Bob Carr, top individual swimmers in the IM Meet, led the Taus to

an overwhelming victory, helped by pledges Mike Copeland and David Turberville. Butt broke

four school records in the meet. Taus have received a large share of campus honors: president,

freshmen class, Andy Wolfe; freshmen representative to the Student Government Association,

Ed Howard; vice president, senior class, Rick DeShazo; president of Student Congress, Mike

Newsom; and president of IFC, Mike Harper. Bob Clem and Walter Donaldson were selected for

WWACU [Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities]. —Sam Baldone” (PALM, 87.1,

March 1967).

“Founders Day ‘67: BIRMINGHAM—The 102nd

Founders Day banquet, sponsored jointly by

the Birmingham ATO Alumni Association and Birmingham-Southern Chapter, was held on Feb.

24 with more than 100 Taus and guests attending at The Relay House, atop the Bank for Savings

Building. David Franks served as toastmaster and Tom Stewart read the Founders Day message.

Guest speaker was John Putman, Birmingham-Southern ‘61, one of America’s Top Ten

Outstanding Young Men (March’ 67 PALM). He told some of his experiences resulting from his

blindness. W.M. Sam Baldone presented a plaque to Brother Putman for outstanding service to

the chapter. Among the guests were Province Chief Amos Burns, and BB Sweetheart Pat

Strother” (PALM, 87.2, May 1967).

(PALM, 1967)



214

“As All America knows, the initials ‘TOYM’ stand for ‘Ten Outstanding Young Men’—the

annual selection of youthful Americans, 35 years of age or under, who have contributed most

significantly to public service in the preceding year….Putman Pinch Hits at Presentation: John

Lloyd Putman, Birmingham-Southern ‘61, one of last year’s TOYM winners, attended the 1967

presentation ceremonies Jan. 19-20 at St. Paul. When the scheduled speaker (Bob Richards) was

unable to make connections, John took over, delivered one of his usual masterpieces and brought

down the house. Since receiving his TOYM Award last year, Brother Putman has resigned from

his executive post with Spaco, Inc., aircraft components firm, and is now president of

Outstanding Americans Foundation with headquarters in Montgomery, Ala., and Chicago. Being

called upon to make speeches in all parts of the country, he can also frequently meet with ATO

chapters, conclaves and alumni as the Fraternity’s Ambassador-at-Large” (PALM, 88.1, March

1968).

“Previous ATO/TOYMs—1966: JOHN LLOYD PUTMAN, Birmingham-Southern ‘61, blind

since 19, Public Affairs Director of airspace firm at 27” (PALM, 88.1, March 1968).

“Following is a list of Varsity players as reported to THE PALM: Birmingham-Southern—

Walter Donaldson, Jim Humphreys, Don Lundy, Mike Parker, Butch Wessel, and pledge Bill

Burch” (PALM, 87.1, March 1967).

(PALM, 1967)

The list of Golden Circlers for 1967—those who were initiated in 1917—includes: George L.

Reynolds Sr., B’hm.-So., now living in Sewanee, Tennessee (PALM, 87.1, March 1967).



(1.96); 1962-63 (-1.60); 1963-64 (4.08); 1964-65 (-1.33); and 1965-66 (4.64). Beta Beta was also

a campus first for the 1965-66 school year, outranking all other chapters at BSC scholastically

(PALM, 87.2, May 1967).



215

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 87.3, Sept. 1967: “Jack Sellers

was elected Student Government Association president. Three Taus earned seats as

representatives—Ed Howard, Robert Smith, and Andy Wolfe. Wolfe was elected freshman class

president and Rick DeShazo, senior class veep. ATO claimed all four initiates into Triangle

Club, sophomore honorary—Carlee Cobb, Steve Dorough, Ed Howard, and Andy Wolfe. Cobb

and Howard were also tapped for ΦHΣ, freshman honorary. Other honor students were: David

Turberville, ΦBK; past W.M. Mike Harper, OΔK; and Bob Clem and Walter Donaldson,

WWACU [Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities]. B-Southern Taus won 13 Varsity

letters; baseball—Bill Halbrooks, Jim Humphreys, Dougland McMillan; basketball—Bill Burch,

Don Lundy, Mike Parker, Humphreys; golf—Billy Moates; swimming—John Butt, Bor Carr,

Mike Copeland, Steve Dorough; tennis—Burch. Humphreys received the Robertson Award as

Outstanding Athlete. Second for the All-Sports Trophy, ATO won the volleyball, tennis, softball,

and swimming championships. Don Lundy added the ping-pong crown. Bill Burch won the Best

IM Athlete Award; Jim Humphreys was one of the top five. Don Lundy and Steve Spellman

were among the top five IM Team Athletes. Beta Beta chapter officers are: Sam Baldone, W.M.;

Jack Sellers, W.C.; Rick Sexton, W.K.E.; Bill Halbrooks, W.Sc.; John Wilson, W.K.A.; Ed

Howard, W.U.; Carlee Cobb, W.S.; and Carlton King, P.R.O. —Carlton King” (PALM, 87.3,

Sept. 1967).

Rick DeShazo married Gloria Jenkins; Mike Peacock married Sharon Helm, AXΩ (PALM, 87.3,

Sept. 1967).

“The University of the South’s Associated Alumni Association conferred honorary alumni status

upon George L. Reynolds, Birmingham-Southern ‘20, former asst. to the vice chancellor. He

founded Camp Mountain Lake, a summer camp for boys” (PALM, 87.4, Dec. 1967).

The pledge class of 1967 from Birmingham-Southern is: Bruce Edwards, Chuck Porter, Joel

Prude ‘69, Nick Robinson, Ron Sexton, and Jack Wainwright ‘68, all of Birmingham; Al Davis,

Atlanta, Ga.; David Ellis, Huntsville; Rex Kaney ‘69, Macon, Ga.; Davis King, Montgomery;

Paul Manning, Evanston, Ind.; Stan McKee and David Newby, Huntsville; Rick Sorenson,

Jacksonville, Fla.; John Tyler, Anniston; and Wayne Williams ‘69, Atlanta, Ga. (PALM, 87.4,

Dec. 1967).

Mike Harper wins Thomas Arkle Clark Award for Province X in ’68 (PALM, 1968).



216

TAKIN’ THE CAKE at Birmingham-Southern are these new ATO pledges (l. to r.): front

row—Mike O’Bannon, Ed Howard, Carlee Cobb, John Butt, and Greg Wilcoxson;

middle row—Alan Livingston, George Trawick, Mike Copeland, Bill Morgan, Steve

King, and Steve Dorough; and back row—Steve Spellman, Ric Andrews, Randy Ham-

monds, Andy Wolfe, Marc Flint, Bill Jabour, and Dougald McMillan. Absent—Sam

Baldone, Bill Burch, Turner McDonald, and David Turberville. Did they get a slice?

(PALM, 1967)

“How Many ATOs Work at Your Institution? Birmingham-Southern: FACULTY—Dr. John

Gersting, Penn., Econ.; Dr. Hoyt Kaylor, Physics; Dr. Arnold Powell, [a dept. was named, but

damage to this volume has made the word illegible]; Donald Shockley, Religion” (PALM, 88.1,

March 1968).


won the award for the highest composite grade-point average for 1966-67 for its second straight

win. Mike Harper was elected senior class president. Bill Burch, Jim Humphries, Don Lundy,

and Mike Parker are Varsity cagers. After a championship IF football season, Bruce Edwards,

Mike Harper, Rick Sorenson, Jack Wainwright, and J.P. Wilson were named to the All-Star

team. ATO’s new faculty adviser is Dr. John M. Gersting, who joined the faculty in 1966 as

professor of economics. A social highlight of the fall quarter was the costume Viking Party, an

afternoon-evening affair with barbeques and cokes. —Carlton King” (PALM, 88.1, March 1968).

Spring pledge class of 1968 at Birmingham-Southern: “PLEDGED—Bill Craven ‘70,

Birmingham” (PALM, 88.1, March 1968).

The list of Golden Circlers for 1968—those who were initiated in 1918—includes: Herbert M.

Byars, B’hm.-So., now living in Greensboro, Al.; James M. Baty, B’hm.-So., now living in

Belmont, Massachusetts (PALM, 88.1, March 1968).

Leo S. Richard, Birmingham-Southern, was born in 1922 and initiated in 1943. He died April 14,

1967 (PALM, 88.1, March 1968).



217

“Revivalist Bob Jones, University Founder Dies at 84: ROBERT R. (BOB) JONES, SR.,

Birmingham-Southern ‘04, founder and long-time president of Bob Jones University, Greenville,

S.C., died Jan. 16. Called one of Christianity’s leading fundamentalists, he was already a

successful revivalist when initiated into ATO at 17. He started his institution with 87 students in

1927 and it now has over 3.500 from all over the U.S. and 26 foreign countries, with over $25

million in assets. Bill Graham was a former student of his. Born a Methodist, Brother Jones

broke with organized religions in the 1930s, and thereafter claimed no ties with any

denominations. His home town, Dothan, Ala., honored him several years ago by placing a bronze

marker at his boyhood home. He was 84 when he died” (PALM, 88.1, March 1968).

Revivalist Bob Jones, BB, dies (PALM, 1968).


chapter’s GPA above or below the campus’s All-Men’s Average, stood as follows: 1962-63 (-

1.60); 1963-64 (4.08); 1964-65 (-1.33); 1965-66 (4.64); 1966-67 (10.02). Beta Beta was also a

campus first for the 1966-67 school year, outranking all other chapters at BSC scholastically

(PALM, 88.2, May 1968).

(PALM, 1968)



218

CAMPUS FIRSTS included Birmingham-Southern, Delaware, Den-

ison, Indiana State, Linfield, Louisiana Tech, Mankato State,

Mercer, Southwestern and Union. (Listed alphabetically, not in

order shown in photo above with two of recipients hidden.)

(PALM, 1968)

“After attending the Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Newport, R. I., five brand-new ensigns

found themselves assigned to Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, Ga. Then they got together

and found they were all ATOs….Ray Cooper, Birmingham-Southern ‘66, will have charge of

supply dept. aboard USS Tioga County (LST), based in San Diego…. Ray Cooper directed the

OCS choir at Newport, and the NSCS Glee Club at Athens. Recently he organized and sang in

what was perhaps the Navy’s first barbershop quartet” (PALM, 88.2, May 1968).

Ray Cooper, BB, in center (PALM, 1968).



219

“Help Week: The chapter at Birmingham-Southern worked at the Children’s Fresh Air Camp,

Bluff Park, a summer camp for underprivileged youngsters” (PALM, 88.3, Sept. 1968).

“Voices from Viet Nam: 1st

Lt. James F. Hernandez, Birmingham-Southern, is with the 361st

Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron at Nha Trang AB, which won the USAF Outstanding Unit

Award. He pilots a specially equipped C47 Skytrain to gather reconnaissance data” (PALM, 88.3,

Sept. 1968).

“Two Taus have opened their practices in ophthalmology—Dr. John L. Mann, Old Dominion

‘60, in El Paso, Texas, and Dr. John E. Reaves, Birmingham-Southern ‘60, in Anniston, Ala.

(PALM, 88.3, Sept. 1968).


chapter won the IFC Scholarship Trophy for the ‘67 spring and fall quarters and ‘68 winter

quarter. The fall pledge class won the ΦHΣ Award with the highest g.p.a. for fall and winter

quarters. Davis King, David Newby, Nick Robinson, and John Tyler were tapped for Triangle

Club (sophomore service honorary); J.P. Wilson, WC, is IFC veep; and Andy Wolfe is the junior

class representative to the Student Government Assn. Jim Humphreys won both the Robertson

Athletic Medal (best all-round Varsity athlete) and the Bill Jordan Trophy (MVP in basketball).

Varsity lettermen were: Bill Burch, Don Lundy, Mike Parker, and Humphreys, basketball; Burch

and Lundy, tennis; Humphreys, baseball; and Randy Hammonds and Bill Moates, golf. ATO

took outright team titles in IM touch football, volleyball, handball, and softball and shared the

table tennis and badminton crowns. Bill Burch was named the Best All-Round IM Athlete; Don

Lundy was no. 1 and David Lawrence no. 3, on the list of the Best IM Athletes. Brother Burch

took individual IM titles in badminton, table tennis, and handball; Lundy won a wrestling crown

and was second in table tennis; and Lawrence was a wrestling champ and handball runnerup.

Carlton King also took an IM wrestling title. The yearbook, The Southern Accent, was dedicated

to Rev. Don Shockley, chapter alumnus who is asst. professor of religion and College chaplain.

—Mike O’Bannon” (PALM, 88.3, Sept. 1968).

“B.M.O.C. (Big Minister on Campus), By Mike O’Bannon, Birmingham-Southern: Rev. Donald

G. Shockley has had two fine collegiate careers at Birmingham-Southern College. His first as an

ATO student ended with graduation in 1959; now he has completed four years in the second

career as chaplain and asst. professor of religion and philosophy. The students’ regard for his

second career was evidenced at Awards Day when The Southern Accent, the yearbook, was

dedicated in his honor. Earning a B.D. degree at Emory in 1962 and currently enrolled in a

doctorate program at San Francisco Theological Seminary, Brother Shockley was assoc. minister

of Canterbury Methodist Church, Birmingham, prior to returning here in 1964. Evaluating the

religious life program at the end of his first year, he noted the weakness of worship. ‘No matter

how significant our lectures, films, and discussion groups became, they would never find

coherence and translation into personal commitment until corporate worship was made the

nucleus around which these and all other religious activities revolve,’ he said. Sponsor of the

Methodist Student Movement, Rev. Shockley conducts the Sunday morning worship services in

the new Yielding Chapel. The Holy Eucharist and the celebration of Mass are important parts of

the Chapel program during the week. Brother Shockley has written articles for the Christian



220

Advocate. More importantly, he has been an advocate of Christianity by example on campus”

(PALM, 88.3, Sept. 1968).

(Southern Accent, 1968; PALM, 1968)

“Dedication: The Reverend Donald Shockley—It’s his silence that you first like about

him…There are so few people who listen. Then you feel the warmth of his listening…a warmth

that says We are people; let us speak to one another as people—I hear you…I will always be

here to hear you. In the often darkened maze of campus life, he is the understanding that eases

the terror of ceaseless introspection. He understands the relativity of the thing—of religion, that

is. He talks about God without mentioning Him; it’s as if he knew that to be a Go-God Man

would be to cut the lines of communication to those who are uncertain. A recognition of the

groping…he sees the trembling mind that must cope with war, riots, sexual revolution, academic

competition,…but he does not fear the vulnerability of caring. We dedicate the 1968 Southern

Accent to a man of genuine individuality, a man who lives the philosophy of caring which he

tries to share—Donald Shockley” (Southern Accent, 1968).

Pledge class of 1968 at Birmingham-Southern: Gary Bishop, Steve Erickson, John Howell, Tim

Hunter, Barry Hutner, Roy Plan, and Bob Williams, Birmingham; Bill Blackman, Nashville,

Tenn.; Robert Clegg, Montgomery; Thomas Cline, Richard Herring, and Vance Tyler,

Pensacola, Fla.; Craig Cottem, Huntsville; Jim Fuhrmeister, St. Louis, Mo.; Robin Huckstep,

Atlanta, Ga.; and Jeff Muller, Springfield, Ill. (PALM, 88.4, Dec. 1968).



221

SWEET SIXTEEN

pledges at Birming-

ham-Southern are (l.

to r.): front—Bishop,

Muller, Gottem,

Howell, Erickson,

and Tyler; and back

—Cline, Hunter,

Huckstep, Hutner,

Herring, Clegg,

Fuhrmeister, Black-

man, Williams, Plan.

(PALM, 1968)

SUSAN BURKE, ΠBΦ,

has been selected ATO Sweetheart to

reign the coming

year for Beta Beta

chapter at Birming-

ham-Southern.

(PALM, 1968)

“Help Week: Birmingham-Southern Taus contacted more than 400 businesses in the

Birmingham area for contributions to the United Appeal. They collected 15 per cent more than

what the UA had expected to receive” (PALM, 89.1, March 1969).

“Study at the Perkins School of Theology, S.M.U., is Mike Harper, Birmingham-Southern ‘68”

(PALM, 89.1, March 1969).



222

The list of Golden Circlers for 1969—those who were initiated in 1919—includes: E.G.

Burchfiel, Jr., Birm.-South., now living in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. This list also includes two

others who areeligible to receive 50-Year Certificate but have no address on record: James L.

Allgood, B’hm.-So. and Robert A. Baker, B’hm.-So. (PALM, 89.1, March 1969).

Quarterly report from Birmingham-Southern to the ATO PALM, 89.1, March 1969: “House

expansion plans are taking shape to double the living capacity, enlarge the chapter room, and

remodel the living room. The project should be completed by fall. Scholastically, ATO topped

the fraternity standings for the fall quarter. Socially, its afternoon-evening Viking party was a

great success. Pledges Steve Erickson and Tim Hunter will be members of the Varsity tennis

team. —John Butt” (PALM, 89.1, March 1969).

“ROY O. HILL, Birmingham-Southern ‘13, died March 24 at the age of 79. A Dothan, Ala.,

civic leader, he had been associated early with the Atlantic Coast Line R.R. and a partner in The

Hildren Pharmacy. Clerk of Houston County’s Circuit Court for past 42 years, he was dean of

elective and appointive officials in the county. Brother Hill was a steward of First Methodist

Church since 1920 and an honorary member of the Houston County Bar Association. Survivors

include an ATO son, Roy O. Hill Jr., Emory ‘42” (PALM, 89.1, March 1969).

“Founders Day, 1969: Birmingham-Southern—Twenty alumni were honored at the Founders

Day banquet at the Downtown Club and they enthusiastically viewed the plans of a proposed

$60,000 house extension which includes a new living room and six new bedrooms” (PALM,

89.2, May 1969).



(4.08); 1964-65 (-1.33)l 1965-66 (4.64); 1966-67 (10.02); and 1967-68 (12.79). Beta Beta was

also a campus first for the 1967-68 school year, outranking all other chapters at BSC

scholastically (PALM, 89.2, May 1969).

FINISHING FIRST on their campuses in 1967-68 meant awards for

10 chapters. In the spotlight were: Henry Parsley, Sewanee;

Eddie Hart, Southwestern; Mike Donough, Denison; Don Wal-

lace, Central State; Larry Welch, Lamar Tech; James Latham,

Louisiana Tech; Terry Legget, Nevada Southern; Jim Beedle,

Memphis State; Jerry Gray, Indiana State; and Andy Wolfe,

Birmingham-Southern. Marietta missed the photo; Louisiana

Tech made it as WGC Award-winner, not as a campus leader.

(PALM, 1969)



223

(PALM, 1969)

“Help Week: David Ellis and J.P. Wilson organized Birmingham-Southern Taus in their work

with the United Appeal Drive, soliciting a district of small businesses and collecting more than

$1,400” (PALM, 89.2, May 1969).

Spring pledge class of 1969 at Birmingham-Southern: PLEDGED—James Metrock and Chris

Truss, Birmingham” (PALM, 89.2, May 1969).


chapter won the Province X Scholarship Trophy. Mike O’Bannon was tapped for ΦBK and Chris

Truss for ΦHΣ freshman scholarship honorary. Carlton King and Dugland McMillan are now

attending the U. of Alabama’s dental school. Who’s Who leaders include Student Government

Assn. President Ed Howard and OΔK member Andy Wolfe. Thomas Cline and Jeff Mueller

were elected to SGA; Mike Copeland is IFC president. The 13-member Triangle Club,

sophomore service group, includes six ATOs—Robert Clegg, Craig Cotton, John Howell, Robin

Huckstep, Jeff Mueller, and Chris Truss. J.P. Wilson continues as the chapter’s traveling

secretary. ATO won the Greek Week Sing. David Lawrence, handball and badminton champ,

was named Best All-Round IM Athlete while Tim Hunter was one of five Best Team and Best

Individual Athletes. Varsity athletes are: John Butt and Octavio Visiedo, swimming; Steve

Erickson and Tim Hunter, tennis; and John Howell, golf. —Davis King” (PALM, 89.3, Sept.

1969).

Pledge class of 1969 at Birmingham-Southern: PLEDGED—Octavio Visiedo, Miami Springs,

Fla. (PALM, 89.3, Sept. 1969).

“Birmingham-Southern’s Peaceful ATO Encounter, By Davis King, Birmingham-Southern: In

the midst of riots on many American college campuses, ATOs at Birmingham-Southern sought

to talk about reasons and solutions to problems in America. Andy Wolfe, Beta Beta chapter WM

and a Student Government Association member, proposed and organized ‘Encounter,’ a

symposium to examine American crises and to project possible solutions. He secured such

speakers as: Sen. Joseph S. Clark (Pa.-D); Sen. Strom Thurmond (S.C.-R); Sterling Tucker,



224

director of field services, National Urban League; and Dr. George Webber, Union Theological

Seminary faculty member who founded the Harlem Inner-City Protestant Parish. IFC President

Mike Copeland, also an ATO, was instrumental in gaining the participation of Republican Sen.

Edward J. Gurney, Colby ‘35, who last fall joined Democrat Spessard L. Holland, Emory &

Florida ‘12, to give ATO both Florida Senators. Brother Gurney discussed student involvement

in politics. The program was designed to give a student the chance to honestly look at himself

and at the conditions around him, gaining understanding and realizing he should not fear these

truths that come with understanding. It was a demonstration of the value of ‘talking it out’ over

‘tearing it down’” (PALM, 89.3, Sept. 1969).

(PALM, 1969)

“October 1 will see ATO Headquarters with a staff of three full-time Chapter Service

Consultants…. J.P. (for John Payne) Wilson, Birmingham-Southern ‘69, is now a Chapter

Consultant. A leader in the chapter, he served successively as WKA and WC. He was v.p. of the

Interfraternity Council last year and treas. of the Circle K Club. J.P. also won prominence as an

intramural athlete, playing on several Beta Beta teams. After the chapter won the IM football

championship, he was picked for the All Star Team” (PALM, 89.3, Sept. 1969).



225

(PALM, 1969)

Pledge class of 1969 at Birmingham-Southern: PLEDGED—Jack Carr, Anniston; Chris Davis,

Atlanta, Ga.; Mike Baker, Billy Hill ‘72, Jim Robey, and Robin Snow ‘71, Birmingham; Bubba

Yarbrough, Clearwater, Fla.; Bruce Blaum, Dothan; Mike Moquin ‘72 and Jim Pagel, Huntsville;

David Calhoun, Jasper; Slow Kitchens, Lanett; Charlie Priester, Miami, Fla.; Kenny Eaton, Rick

Francis, Paul Hyde, John Rogers, and Frank Wade ‘72, Nashville, Tenn.; Milton Spalding,

Pensacola, Fla.; Charles Baltzell ‘71, Prattville; Rick Kirkland and Robert Revel, Selma; Bill

Eiland ‘70, Sprott; and Nelson Brown, Thomaston (PALM, 89.4, Dec. 1969).

Nicholas B. Robinson, Birmingham-Southern, was born in 1849 and initiated 1868. He died

Aug. 9, 1969 (PALM, 89.4, Dec. 1969).

“In the ideals [the ritual] it teaches, the vows it requires, the hopes it expresses, lie the ultimate

power to shape men’s lives that is Alpha Tau Omega at its finest. This is the dynamism which

will carry the Fraternity triumphantly forward through the second hundred years that began with

the Centennial” (Bird, Centennial 319).



226

(Bird, Centennial)



227

(Bird, Centennial)

CHAPTER

HOUSES OF

TODAY

(The 1960’s)

UCLA set the pace for

modern, “glass-wall”

chapter houses in 1957

with this spectacular de-

sign by alumnus Walter

J. Richardson, UCLA ’43.

Simpson occupied this

smart functional new

home in 1963 at cost of

$175,000 with the aid

of many generous alumni

contributions and addi-

tional federal financing.

Louisiana State chapter

moved into this air-con-

ditioned house on lake

front in fall of 1964.

With 20 two-man rooms

designed for study and

sleep, each room has its

own patio (shown here

while under construction).

Ohio State’s BΩ dedi-

cated this contemporary

home during ATO Cen-

tennial year. It was de-

signed, built and fur-

nished by prominent

alumni, and houses 50

men. (“Leaning” look due

to photo perspective.)



228

Who’s Who in Alpha Tau Omega in the 1960’s: Bernard A. Monaghan, Birmingham-Southern,

president, Vulcan Materials; Raymond D. Hurlbert, Birmingham-Southern, general manager,

Alabama Educational Television; Albert L. Fairley Jr., Birmingham-Southern, pres., Hollinger

Consolidated Gold Mines, ltd.; R. Bowling Barnes, Birmingham-Southern, pres., Barnes

Engineering Co. (PALM, 88.3, Sept. 1968).

(PALM, 1967)



229

(PALM, 1969)



230




231




232




233


Physical Education: WILLIAM RAINES BATTLE SAE’s and ATO’s battle it out in basketball.

Birmingham-Southern A.B., George Peabody College M.A.



234


Spring quarter baseball takes the spotlight; here the ATO’s score against the Pikes.

ATO’s and Theta Chi’s struggle for the ball.



235




236




237




238




239


John Putnam



240




241




242




243




244




245




246




247


ATO Scores One On the ΘX Team

Charles Bunts a Good One



248




249




250




251




252




253




254




255




256




257




258


ATO’s rush as roughly as usual.



259




260




261




262




263




264




265




266




267




268




269




270




271




272




273




274




275




276




277

Appendix A: Roll of Chapters Significant to Beta-Beta

“1. Virginia Alpha (A), Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia, September II, 1865. Otis

A. Glazebrook, Alfred Marshall, and Erskine M. Ross. Until July 5, 1870, it was the executive

chapter of the Fraternity and was called ‘The Mother Society.’ Its charter was withdrawn in

1881, because of a threatened antifraternity legislation. Members, 103” (Reno 241).

“2. Virginia Beta (B), Washington College (now Washington and Lee University), Lexington,

Virginia, November 18, 1865. Organized by Virginia Alpha. Alfred Marshall, Installing Officer.

Its charter was surrendered on October 20, 1899, because of lack of material. The chapter was

revived June I, 1906, by the absorption of Chi Rho, a local. Charter surrendered and placed in

escrow with High Council, November 30, 1952. Members, 481” (Reno 241).

“10. Virginia Delta (Δ), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, November 25, 1868.

[Organized by] William G. Bennett, VMI., and Frederick A. Berlin, Washington-Lee. It has

maintained continuous existence to date. Members, 725” (Reno 242).

“26. Georgia Alpha Beta (AB), University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, December 9, 1878.

[Organized by] Peter F. Smith, Virginia. Members 974” (Reno 244).

“28. Alabama Alpha Epsilon (AE), Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn, Alabama (now

Auburn University), December 18, 1879. [Organized by] Ignatius L. Candler, Georgia.

Members, 1,259” (Reno 244).

“51. Alabama Beta Beta (BB), Southern University, Greensboro, Alabama, March 28, 1885.

[Organized by] Thomas R. McCarty, Auburn. This institution is now known as Birmingham-

Southern College and is located in Birmingham, Alabama. Members, 725” (Reno 246).

“53. Alabama Beta Delta (BΔ), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, October 29, 1885.

[Organized by] Claude A. Allen, Georgia. Members 928.” (Reno 246).



278

Appendix B: Timeline

1845: Founders Otis Allan Glazebrook, Erskine Mayo Ross, and Alfred Marshall are born.

1856: The Alabama Conference incorporates Southern University.

1859: The doors to Southern University formally open.

1865: The first chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity is founded at V.M.I. by Otis Allan

Glazebrook, Erskine Mayo Ross, and Alfred Marshall on September 11. Members of the

V.M.I. Chapter found the second ATO chapter at Washington College (now Washington

and Lee University).

1868: William G. Bennett, of the V.M.I. Chapter, and Frederick A. Berlin, of the Washington

College (now Washington and Lee University) Chapter, found ATO’s tenth chapter at the

University of Virginia.

1878: Peter F. Smith, of the University of Virginia Chapter, founds ATO’s twenty-sixth chapter

at the University of Georgia. Sigma Alpha Epsilon comes to Southern University.

1879: Ignatius L. Candler, of the University of Georgia Chapter, founds ATO’s twenty-eight

chapter at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University). Sigma Chi comes to

Southern University. Alpha Tau Omega is incorporated on January 10 as “The Alpha Tau

Omega Fraternity of Baltimore City.”

1882: Kappa Alpha comes to Southern University. Southern University becomes the joint

property of the Alabama Conference and the North Alabama Conference.

1885: Alpha Tau Omega comes to Southern University when Thomas R. McCarty, of the

Auburn University Chapter, founds ATO’s fifty-first chapter at Southern University on

March 28.

1897: The North Alabama Conference relinquishes all rights over Southern University back to

the Alabama Conference and begins a college at Owenton, AL, on the outskirts of

Birmingham. The college is formally named the North Alabama Conference College but

is commonly called “Owenton College.” Miss Margaret Pickett becomes the first female

to receive an A.B. degree from Southern University.

1906: The North Alabama Conference College is re-named Birmingham College. The National

ATO Congress is held in Birmingham.

1909: The National Interfraternity Council is founded.

1915: The Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity celebrates its Golden (50th) Anniversary.



279

1918: In order to help with the struggling survival of Southern University and Birmingham

College, the two colleges are consolidated. The site of Birmingham College is expanded

as the site of the new consolidated institution, which is named Birmingham-Southern

College. Among the fraternities that move with Southern University to Birmingham-

Southern College are: Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Tau Omega. Kappa Alpha, having

lost its charter at Southern University years earlier, is restored at BSC with the opening of

the new institution.

1940: The Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity holds its Diamond Jubilee upon the date of its 75th

Anniversary.

1946: In the March PALM, Beta Beta Chapter reports the end of an absence from the BSC

campus that had lasted for at least three years.

1960: At BSC, construction of what is, in 2007, referred to as “the Old ATO House” on “Old

Frat Row” is completed.

1963: The Beta Beta Chapter of ATO founds the Viking Party (or “Vike”), which is to become

ATO’s major annual party across the nation.

1965: The Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity celebrates its 100th

Anniversary. The first African-

American students are allowed admission into BSC.

1971: Birmingham, Alabama celebrates its centennial birthday.

1976: The United States of America celebrates its Bicentennial Anniversary.

1985: The Beta Beta Chapter of ATO turns 100.

1989: Sigma Chi returns to the BSC campus after an extended absence according to Southern

Accent, 1990.

2003: The new Beta Beta Chapter house (as of 2007, the current ATO house) is constructed on

New Frat Row.

2006: The compilation of the history of the Beta Beta Chapter begins in March. Birmingham-

Southern College celebrates its Sesquicentennial Anniversary. The Beta Beta Chapter is

prohibited from ever again celebrating Vike, resulting in Beta Beta’s 1st Annual

Shipwreck Party.

2007: The Official History of the Beta Beta Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity is

completed in January. In early February, it is presented to and formally approved by the

Executive Council, 2006 – 2007 of Beta Beta. It is then presented to the Chapter and is

formally approved and adopted by the Chapter as the Chapter’s official history.



280

Appendix C: Major Sources Cited

Bird, Harry L. The ATΩ Story: From Gold to Diamond. Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Inc.:

Champaign, 1965. Print.

-----. The ATΩ Story: On to the Centennial! Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Inc.: Champaign,

1968. Print.

Brown, Donald. Forward Ever. Birmingham-Southern College: Birmingham, 2005. Print.

Johnson, Clyde Sanfred. Fraternities in Our Colleges. National Fraternity Foundation: New

York, 1972. Print.

PALM of Alpha Tau Omega, The. Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Inc. Quarterly Monthly

Magazine. 1943-1969. Print.

Perry, Wilbur Dow [Class of 1905]. A History of Birmingham-Southern College: 1856-1931.

Methodist Publishing House: Nashville, 1931. Print.

Reno, Claude J. The ATΩ Story: The First Fifty Years. Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Inc.:

Champaign, 1962. Print.

Revue, La. Birmingham-Southern College. Annual Yearbook. 1919-1941. Print.

Southern Accent. Birmingham-Southern College. Annual Yearbook. 1942-2006. Print.



281

For More Information

The National Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity: www.ato.org

The Beta-Beta Chapter of ATO: www.atobetabeta.org

Birmingham-Southern College: www.bsc.edu

A Visual History of the Beta-Beta Chapter of ATO, a film by Paul Blom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNranExEI_0

Paul Blom: http://paul-blom.wix.com/paulblom

—

This complete document, when saved as one file, has a file size that is too large to host online.

For that reason, this document has been divided into two volumes.

For the reader’s convenience, the same appendices have been included with each volume.

This concludes Volume I. Please see Volume II to read the rest of this document.

http://www.ato.org/

http://www.atobetabeta.org/

http://www.bsc.edu/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNranExEI_0

http://paul-blom.wix.com/paulblom

The Official History of the Beta-Beta Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Vol. I

Documents

Transcript of The Official History of the Beta-Beta Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Vol. I