Mu Chapter at the University of California was installed on November 6-7, 1913 in Berkely, California. Their installation marked Theta Chi's expansion to the Pacific Coast and a transition from being a primarilly northeastern fraternity to becoming a true national fraternity.
In February 1903, six students who had been living together in a boarding house were led by H.G. Gardett (1904), in order to secure the benefits that come from close association, good fellowship, and unity of purpose and drew up a constitution and formally created a "house club." To exemplify the purpose of this organization, the name Unity was chosen. By 1912, members and alumni of the Unity Club felt that the time had come to take the necessary steps relative to affiliation with a national fraternity. After careful investigation of all national fraternities not having chapters at California, the members agreed to petition Theta Chi in March 1913.
A telegram was sent to the Unity Club in October 1913 informing them that their petition had been approved and that they would be installed as the Mu Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity.
Congratulations to the alumni and undergraduate brothers of Mu Chapter on 100 years - and pioneering Theta Chi's expansion to colleges and universities in the West!
In honor of their Centennial Celebration, we are running the original article about Mu Chapter's Installation from the January 1914 issue of The Rattle. Included is a special letter from Burleigh F. Spalding, Alpha/Norwich 1877, the then-Chief Justices of the North Dakota Supreme Court and a letter sent from University of California President Benjamin Ide Wheeler to the Grand Chapter:
Installation of Mu Chapter
Every college man no doubt is familiar with the excitement which permeates the air during "big game" week and has experienced that peculiar nervous tension which grips one during that trying period. Add to this the predicament of house moving in the rain, the expectancy of being installed into a fraternity, and the arrival of the Grand President and Grand Organizer of that fraternity, and you have a fair picture of our confusion on November 2. But Mr. Huntley [Edwin D. "Nick" Huntley, Alpha/Norwich 1907; then-National Vice President] relieved the situation by dropping in unannounced. Thanks to the miscarriage of his letter, we did not have time to get as excited as we really might have, had we known the exact date of his arrival. Once here we did not mind it a bit. Mr. Huntley is big, both in heart and body; he is strong, he is willing to work and, what is more, he did work. In a remarkably short time, with his valuable assistance, chaos was turned into order and we were quite comfortably settled and ready to receive Dr. Irish [Dr. Robert L. Irish, Alpha/Norwich 1889; then-National President] on his arrival three days later.
Everyone felt it a solemn duty to apologize to Dr. Irish for our rainy weather (it was the first rain of the season), and to assure and reassure him that it was not typical California weather. This being done and repeated several times, lest he would get a false impression of our sunny climate, we found him a veritable Santa Claus with his samples of Fraternity jewelry and other things of interest to [new members].
Dr. Irish and Mr. Huntley both proved themselves "good sports" and football enthusiasts, so Rugby and prospects of a Blue and Gold victory on Saturday was the all-absorbing topic of the hour. On Wednesday, like all good Californians, they attended the axe rally and saw the famous axe make its annual appearance and heard the thrilling story of its capture from the lips of two of the "hero thieves."
Thursday found the House [2415 Prospect Street] literally swarming with Unity men, both old and new, from far and near. Brother Ogle from Alaska represented the North, and Brothers Pickett and Gardett from Los Angeles represented the South, while the inland and intermediate points had delegates too numerous to mention. At 2:30 p.m., when the installation ceremonies were started, forty-four were present to swear allegiance and embrace the principles of Theta Chi, while on the following morning, nine more who arrived late were admitted to membership.
On Thursday evening after the installation ceremonies Dr. Irish and Brother Huntley, who, by this time, had acquired the California spirit and the football fever, insisted on attending the Smoker Rally, the last big send-off to the team on the eve of the big game. Dr. Irish, carried away by the spirit of the rally, made himself tremendously popular with the boys by showing that he could give an "Oski," and when he picked California to win, his judgment was unanimously applauded.
Friday afternoon was devoted to the opening of the chapter, the election and installation of officers and the exemplification of the work. Friday night we gathered at the Hotel Oakland for the Mu Chapter initiation banquet. As we filed into the banquet room, Brother Maile, with a well rendered solo, "Brothers in Theta Chi," sounded the key-note of the occasion. The banquet was interspersed with college songs, and the classes from '04 to '17 vied with each other in class yells. Brothers Huntley and Irish, not to be outdone, brought Norwich to the front with a yell that "won the day," judging from the amount of applause which greeted it. At the conclusion of the banquet Brother Chapman, acting as toastmaster, read telegrams from all of the Theta Chi Chapters, both active and alumni, and also numerous telegrams from Theta Chi men from all parts of the United States. The telegrams were filled to the brim with "best wishes to the baby chapter" and were heartily received. The Grand Chapter, through E. Wesson Clark [Alpha/Norwich 1892; then-National Secretary], crystallized the spirit expressed in all of the rest in the following message:
"The East may be East, and the West may be West,
And Perhaps the twain will not meet
Till earth and sky stand presently
At God's great judgment seat;
But there is a bond which unites both here;
And tonight the current runs high
Pulsing a throb from East to West,
This toast, --- 'to Theta Chi.'"
Last but not least was an eloquent and learned letter from Burleigh F. Spalding, Alpha/Norwich 1877, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Dakota, on fraternity life [see letter below]. Speechmaking was then in order. Brother Gardett, the father of the Unity Club, gave an interesting account of its organization. Brother Hussey spoke for the committee, Brother Madden for the alumni, and Brother McNamara for the undergraduates. Brother Huntley spoke briefly and then
Dr. Irish in a very eloquent address on Theta Chi and its founders, closed that part of the evening's festivities.
Saturday came at last and it was a beautiful day, clear and balmy, the kind of a day we had promised Dr. Irish and Brother and Mrs. Huntley, so everybody was happy. We motored down to Palo Alto for the game and, as Dr. Irish opined, the ride was uneventful, "no punctures and no arrests." Now comes the sad part of our story---the game. It was a good game and exciting. Dr. Irish and Brother Huntley fought hard from the bleachers, as Mrs. Huntley can testify, but to no avail. The Stanford Cardinal waved triumphantly over the Blue and Gold for the first time in five years. Defeat was naturally a little bitter, but Dr. Irish vowed that the best team had lost and we found consolation in this belief.
Sunday morning was quietly spent in recuperating from Saturday's strenuous efforts, and the afternoon was spent in visiting San Francisco and its numerous points of interest, the Exposition site, the Presidio, the Cliff House, and Golden Gate Park.
Monday found our guests busily preparing to continue their journey, first to Yosemite Valley, then south to Los Angeles, and East by way of the Southern route. Departure came all too soon on Tuesday morning, and we were reluctant to say good-bye, for the short stay of Dr. Irish and Brother and Mrs. Huntley was as pleasant as it was important to us. The consoling thought is that they left endearing connections behind them, a new chapter of Theta Chi happily installed, the tie between the East and the West, the link that joins the Atlantic and the Pacific, the spirit that reaches from Maine to California.
Brother Spaulding’s Letter
Bismarck, N.D., Oct 31, 1913
Dr. Robert L. Irish,
President of the Grand Chapter, Theta Chi.
Dear Brother: ---Your invitation to be present at the installation of a new chapter of Theta Chi in the University of California, on November 6th and 7th, was duly received, as well as invitations from several other brethren. I regret that the pressure of official duties will not admit of my taking the time necessary to be with you on that occasion. Nothing would delight me more than to be present.
In this connection, a word or two on the subject of college fraternities may not be out of place, particularly in view of the agitation in so many quarters for their abolition.
I am constrained to believe that such agitation comes largely from those who, for some reason, creditable or otherwise to themselves, have been unable to secure membership in any fraternity. Certain it is that, in general, it is built on a basis or premise.
One objection raised seems to be that they tend to create classes among the students. This objection ignores human nature as it is, and as, in the better sense, many of the efforts of civilization have been directed toward making it. Education, particularly college education, directly tends to create classes. It imparts knowledge to those having a taste for knowledge. It disciplines and cultures those who desire discipline and culture, and thereby differentiates them from those who have no ambition for these, or, having it, have not made use of it. It ignores human nature in that people, by temperament, tastes and different forms and degrees of culture, are separated into classes.
No student, who does not care to do so, or whose tastes do not harmonize with those of the members of a fraternity, or who desires to make his associations more promiscuous, has to belong to a society. Presumably, at least, the members of a fraternity are those who have somewhat similar ambitions and tastes, and whose companionship may therefore be profitable each to the other. While not organized on, and ignoring all right to, the enforced or legalized classification of society, we all know that the entire social fabric is based upon classifications in fact. Sometimes, such classifications tend to the harboring of aristocratic sentiment. When these sentiments are based upon actual superiority, it is wholly proper for people of similar qualifications and tastes to form associations, and in the general run of society this is not a subject of criticism.
Of course, where organizations are formed with a purpose to encourage class antagonisms, and boast of class superiority, it presents a different question from the one where the associations and organizations are for mutual benefit, when, if any class distinction does arise, it only comes as a natural result of the benefits of membership in the organization, and the carrying out of its cultural purposes.
Such organizations, when resting on the fundamental principles, are not undemocratic, any more than it is undemocratic for one family to ignore other families, with whom they have no interests or tastes in common. Democracy does not mean equality and uniformity of tastes and aspirations and ideals. It only means equality of opportunity. Neither does it mean that those possessing such qualities in a high degree must voluntarily share them with those ignorant of their meaning, or who, when given the opportunity, ignore, misuse or neglect them.
Fraternities, so far as I know them, are built to encourage by worthy means those who may need aid and encouragement in the prosecution of their college work, to such extent as encouragement, suggestions and companionship may afford aid.
There is still another reason why at the present time fraternities have a most important place in college life. Every fraternity worthy of the name stands for some principle or principles. A considerable element in our national and political life, and I am sorry to say that much of it is fathered by professors in some colleges and universities, is now advocating regulation of all our personal conduct by law. They utterly fail to recognize the fact that there are multitudes of worthy sentiments and acts which good morals and correct ethics demand of the individual, which can be neither required nor enforced by law. They come solely within the province of morals, ethics and religion. They are the proper subjects for the church fraternities, and benevolent and charitable organizations to educate the public and private conscience upon, and to secure by moral suasion conformity to such principles in the lives of individuals and communities. As far as my knowledge of fraternities goes, and it is somewhat extensive, they are all organized with some view to fixing and maintaining moral and ethical standards.
To illustrate, notwithstanding the clamor for so-called social justice by some, and to have it enforced by law, in no considerable degree can it ever be maintained or enforced by such means. No legislative enactment can prevent malice, envy, covetousness and hatred, or kindred sentiments. Neither can people be made forgiving, charitable, kind or lovable simply by law. These are things upon which people’s consciences must be educated through proper channels, and they must be persuaded that they should not manifest envy and illwill, or be covetous, but should be charitable, benevolent and kindly. To the extent that a fraternity emphasizes the duty to refrain from such evils and exercise the virtues, it is doing a work of which there is the greatest need and which can not be commended too highly.
I regret that I am compelled to believe that much of the agitation against college fraternities, as well as against many other thins in our national life rests at the bottom on the spirit of malice, envy and covetousness. Some are envious because others succeed better than they. Others show malice toward those who have won where they have failed, and still others covet what the more thrifty, economical and painstaking have honestly acquired, and seem to see no merit in the exercise of any of the virtues which lead to financial, moral or political success. Because they do not enjoy certain forms of companionship, and cannot appreciate culture, they are envious of those who do enjoy and appreciate these things. Many seem to get the highest enjoyment from attempting to prevent others from seeking and obtaining success and happiness.
It is thirty-six years since at old N.U. I was an active member of Theta Chi Fraternity. I have been present I think on three occasions since my graduation when the fraternity has held meetings. During my active membership it only had one chapter, and that not a very active one, but its principles and teachings, if followed, tend to up-lift the character of its members, and I know of none of its teachings or practices which can be detrimental or harmful to anyone, whether a member or not.
It is with great pleasure that I have of late noticed the extension of Theta Chi to other colleges and universities. On the installation of a new chapter, its teachings and principles will be felt from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and in some of the most useful and largest colleges and universities of the land.
The society is to be congratulated on the establishment of a chapter in the University of California. It is a great university. Its influence is felt throughout the world. It has produced great men. It has been manned by great men and is now. That university is likewise to be congratulated upon the inclusion of Theta Chi among its fraternities. It can only tend to increase the usefulness of the university course to the students of that institution. It will brighten their lives, quicken their consciences, upbuild their characters and promote good citizenship.
I congratulate you all and again express my regret at not being able to be present.
Fraternally yours,
Burleigh F. Spalding
Extracts From the Petition of the Unity Club
The following extracts from the petition of the Unity Club of the University of California are printed in order that we may all become better acquainted with this old and distinguished organization, now affiliated with Theta Chi Fraternity as Mu Chapter, and in order that we may understand and appreciate the University of California today.
University of California
Office of the President
To the Theta Chi Fraternity: ---
I have learned that the Unity Club of the University of California is petitioning for a charter in the Theta Chi Fraternity. I hope this charter will be granted. I believe the Fraternity will make no mistake in so doing. The Unity Club seems to be composed of a stalwart body of young men such as will give the Fraternity a proper standing in the University. I welcome, furthermore, on general principles an addition to the fraternities represented at this University in helping to solve problems relating to the housing of students and their social education.
Very sincerely yours,
(Signed)
Benj. Ide Wheeler.
President.
Berkeley, February 20, 1913.
The University of California is now in point of size second largest in the United Sates. Favored by every natural advantage, from climate to geographical location, its growth in the past has been phenomenal. Its present expansion typifies the spirit of the West and has lead a noted educator to give the University of California a place among the four great world universities of the future.
As an integral part of the University the question arises, have we, the Unity Club, kept pace with the University in its growth and expansion? Thus far we feel that in truth we can say that we have. Since our organization in 1903, we have grown and prospered. We have demonstrated our stability as a club and now stand fourth oldest of our kind in the University. In point of membership we are strong, financially we are sound. In brief we feel that as a local institution we have made a success and now are ready for the next big step in our expansion, namely, to fraternalize. We realize that a national fraternity has certain obvious advantages over a club or local organization. We have in mind the following advantages: the scope of a club’s influence is local, while that of a fraternity is national and hence membership in a fraternity gives one brotherhood with a much larger and more influential body of men. Affiliation with a strong and permanent organization also guarantees in a larger degree, our permanency.
In choosing our members in the past we have aimed to place character above all other qualifications and in affiliating ourselves with any other organization we have endeavored to find one that stands for the same high ideals that we have striven for. Our investigations have led us to believe that THETA CHI is such an organization, and therefore,
We, the undersigned members of the Unity Club, respectfully petition you for membership in your organization and that a chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity be established at the University of California and that this chapter be granted to the Unity Club.
The University of California in its fifty-two years of existence has grown at a phenomenal rate; from a freshman class of eight in 1860 to one of more than eleven hundred in 1912. It now ranks as second largest university in the Unites States in number of students, Columbia being first with a total enrollment of 9086, California second with 6817, and Chicago third with 6466. Its development in its particular colleges or departments is also unparalleled. These departments now exist in the colleges of letters, social sciences, natural sciences, commerce, agriculture, chemistry, mechanics, mines, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and law; in the California School of Design, the Lick Observatory, the summer session, the military department, and the department of university extension. In fact California is a State university in a wideness of meaning that few comprehend.
It exists in the Pathological laboratory at Whittier, the Forestry station at Santa Monica, the Citrus station at Riverside, the Imperial Valley station a Meloland, the Marine Biological station near San Diego, the Lick Observatory at Mount Hamilton, the Kearney Farm at Fresno, the Physiological seaside laboratory at Monterey, the Forestry station at Chico, the University Farm at Davis and the Affiliated College buildings at San Francisco.
The absence of dormitories has made conditions especially favorable to fraternity and club life. In the words of President Wheeler, "They aid the University helping to solve problems relating to the housing of students and their social education." Nearly every national organization of importance has a chapter at the University of California. There are twenty-nine fraternities here, not including the local organizations or clubs. In point of number this makes California tie with Cornell for first.
California’s mild and sunny climate makes all forms of outdoor athletics possible, practically every month of the year. Football, baseball, track, boating and tennis are California’s major sports, while soccer, basketball, golf, swimming, shooting, wrestling, and chess are minor sports. In 1906, when a nation-wide protest was registered against the American style of football, Stanford University and the University of California, acting on recommendations of Presidents Jordan of Stanford and Wheeler of California, adopted Rugby as the intercollegiate style of football. There was some doubt at first as to whether Rugby would prove a popular substitute for the "old game," but whatever doubt existed has long since been dispelled and Rugby has not only proved a less dangerous game for the players, but more spectacular and interesting for the spectators. The attendance of twenty-five thousand people, despite inclement weather at the last intercollegiate game between California and Stanford is a testimonial of the popularity of Rugby
In order to secure the benefits that come from close association, good fellowship, and unity of purpose, six men, who had been living together in a boarding house, decided that an organization with these ideas in view would offer an opportunity to realize such advantages. Accordingly in February, 1903, H. C. Gardett, ’04, L. L. Hirsh, ’03, B. C. Whitely, ’04, T. D. Kilkenny, ’06, and S. Raney, ’06, drew up a constitution and formally created a house club and to exemplify the purpose of this organization the name Unity was chosen. The six charter members then selected other men for membership and secured a club house. The membership of the club soon outgrew the accommodations offered by its first home and a second house was secured, which likewise was soon outgrown, and in 1905 the club moved to 2414 Dana Street, which house has since remained the home of the Unity Club.
The administration of the club affairs is in the hands of a president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer and manager, who are elected each semester and hold office for the following semester. The usual work and responsibility is apportioned among the officers. Under this scheme of management the financial affairs of the club have been well handled. All house furnishings have been paid for and trade accounts kept paid to date. No financial assistance has been needed or received other than from club members. Regular monthly dues, determined each year by the cost of supplies, and the initiation fees are the sources of the club’s income. The latter fee is placed in a fund for the improvement or addition to house furnishings.
The tendency of the club, especially during its first years, was to draw its membership largely from the Engineering Colleges, as the six charter members were studying along these lines. This tendency has gradually become less apparent and members are now divided among the various colleges of the University so that the membership represents a well balanced gathering of college men, each deriving benefits from the experiences of those engaged in other lines of study.
One of the Unity Club’s chief sources of strength has been the loyalty of its alumni members. Their advice and close association has been a great help to the undergraduate members and their presence at the reunions and social affairs has kept alive the spirit of unity.
The Unity Club recently celebrated its tenth anniversary and now stands as one of the pioneers of the house-club movement at the University. It has looked forward to the time when it shall have strength enough to purchase its own home, and if a movement which has recently been started by the alumni members bears fruit, it hopes bid fair to be realized by the time it celebrates its fifteenth anniversary.
