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

THE SCROLL 253On the site of the first house built in Birmingham a one storyshack, erected in 1870, a magnificent twenty-five story office buildingis now in course of construction.Some of the marvelous truths regarding Birmingham can begrasped from the following:The coal fields tributary to Birmingham are estimated by geologistsas bearing 50,000,000,000 tons; while the iron ore deposits arethe greatest in the world. Water power is being developed in enormousproportions and natural gas is being piped into the city.Manufacturing industries in the South are yet in their infancy andthe city of Birmingham will largely profit in every step made in thisdirection, at the same time making still more room and more brilliantopportunities for the young men of the district. The completion andopening of the Panama canal will in addition give a nearly incalculableimpulse to the dimensions and prosperity of Birmingham.George P'itch, author of "Old Siwash" remarked that "Birminghamis the only city in the United States publishing a daily additionto the city directory; that the suburbs are built on wheels in orderto keep out of the way of the rapid expansion of the business section."Phi Delta Theta has played her part in this great development,many of the greatest men in this city wearing the Sword and Shield.The influence of wide awake business men in the Birmingham districthas led hundreds of loyal Phis to the city of steel, and, as wonderfulas is the increase in the population of Birmingham, has beenthe increase of the Phi Delta Theta population in the district. Inevery line or pursuit are engaged Phis from every section of thecountry, representing practically every chapter of the Fraternity.They are found in the great mines, smelters and quarries. In thenew town of Corey, a part of Birmingham, which is being built inits entirety, from the bare ground to a complete city, with its buildings,schools, churches, plants, parks and paved streets, for the employeesof the new mines and mills being built, many Phis are activelyengaged in the construction work. The many thousand opportunitiesfor live young men in Birmingham are bringing Phis in almost daily;from a bare half hundred in 1905 the Phi Delta Theta rolls in the districthave grown at such a rate that they now contain something overtwo hundred names, an increase of several hundred per cent.What the South, Birmingham, and Phi Delta Theta in this districthave done in the decade just past, is only a forecast of whatthey are to do in the future.The Birmingham Alumni Club, with true Phi Delta Theta enthusiasm'extends to all Phis a most cordial and hearty welcome atall times. The Saturday luncheon is an established function andthe chief topic of conversation is our next convention and theslogan,—"COME TO BIRMINGHAM IN 1914—WE WANTYOU."MONRO B. LANIER, President of Eta Province.