1912–13 Volume 37 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

222 THE SCROLLarrangements for the balance of the busy week. The Phi conventionoflice headed by Brother Warren D. Howe did harvesting on thebanquet and theatre ticket crop.It is believed that most of the brothers retired rather early on theopening night to be in fine form for the following eve.HARRY E. SNYDER^ Pennsylvania, '12.OPEN HOUSEThe Open House informal reception given to visiting brothers bythe Phi Delta Theta club of Chicago on Monday eveniiig, December30, was a fitting precursor for the events of convention week tofollow. Indeed to many it seemed the best opportunity of the wholeconvention for brothers from the widely separated chapters to exchangegrips and get acquainted. There was no set program and theexchange of gossip and discussion of pre-cpnvention business wasone of the most instructive affair's of the week.Brother I. N. Van Pelt, president of the Chicago Alumni Club,was chairman of this conimittee and busy among the delegates helpingin the introductions which scarcely are necessary when a band ofseveral hundred loyal Phis are gathered. Brother W. E. Higbee,Brother H. E. Snyder and Brother Richard Henry Little were theother members of the committee.On entering the reception room on the nineteenth floor of HotelLa Salle where the reception was held, the visitor was hustled over toBrother Robert T. Radford who had charge of the registration.With his card of identity secured, each Phi was then ready for consultationwhen Brother Warren D. Howe who issued the book ofcredentials which entitled the holder to admission to the variousactivities of convention. The consultation with Brother Howe assumeda financial tinge for those wishing to attend the banquet andtheater party but the other events were complimentary.With this formality over, our brother Phis settled for an eveningof informal good fellowship. Phi Delta Theta songs and cheersplayed a fitting part in the informal prpgram. It was a sight wellworth remembering to see Brother Hillis, perhaps the oldest Phipresent, at the head of a serpentine line of singing Phis who formeda lockstep procession extending entirely around the large receptionroom. Brother Hillis confessed he felt as if he were not the oldestbut rather was the youngest Phi present and his radiant smilebetokened his enjoyment.The Pacific coast delegation was on hand early explaining the advantageswhich would accrue from having the next convention atSan Francisco at the time of the Panama exposition, but its membersexpressed an entire willingness to abide by the choice of the conventionin this respect without feeling or resentment. On that,opening night, there was not a frown or a trace of worry.