"Dear Mom" (Letters from College)
 

Brothers,

Here is a new thread I thought I'd start for our reading enjoyment, entertainment, and a little nostalgia. I found some letters I had written home from college in the early '70s which my mom kept (bless her soul - she passed away four years ago at the age of 90).

There are 9 letters I have found so far and I will post one per day on Greek Chat. Feel free to have fun with these, ask questions, or just marvel at the prices or my naivite. Maybe you guys have some letters too? If so, do me a favor and save them until I post mine, and then we can move on to yours. This could continue for quite some time. Good for some laughs.

As an introduction, I grew up on Long Island. One Lambda Chi (Rick) who lived nearby contacted me (Jon) and another incoming freshman (Gene) during the summer of 1971 and we got together numerous times before the three of us drove down to Florida in my 1965 Mercedes-Benz 190C, affectionately known as The Marrakesh Express. Pre-rush, you know. All three of us ended up being charter members of Beta-Nu, although it was Colony 199 at that time.

I hope you like these.

In ZAX,
Jono (aka "Jon")

Letter Number 1

Sept. 23, 1971

Dear Mom,
Well, I am finally a frog. This is frog week and all the freshman are frogs. We have to do crazy things that people tell us to do. Last night Gene had to run the elevator in the High Rise for ½ hour and “rivit” when anyone got in.
I’ve been having a real good time so far. We went to the beach the other day. You wouldn’t believe the temperature of the ocean. It’s so warm it’s like taking a bath and you can’t wait to get out. There’s an OSO launching on Sat. morning and I think I’ll ride down to the beach and watch it.
Last night we had a small party at Rick’s room – we drank a case of beer and watched the 3 Stooges on TV, ate peanuts and I got drunk. But don’t think it’s all fun and games – I’ve got a hangover! Oh well, C’est la vie, huh?
So how was Liz’s trip to Connecticut? It rained most of the way down here – especially in N.Y.C., where we passed 2 accidents. I wasn’t in ‘em so don’t think I’m dead or nuthin’.
Yup, it’s damn nice here, bub (I’m still a Bonacker at heart, you know). A lot of the dudes in Melbourne (pronounced Melburn) are grits. You know, the “You’re in a heap of trouble, boy” guys who ride around in ’56 pickups with gun racks in the rear window and bumper stickers saying, “If your heart’s not in Dixie, get the hell out!”. But that’s mostly up north more.
When I get around to it, I’ll send you some pictures of this place – did you know we (FIT) have our own jungle? It’s like a nature trail.
Most of the people here at FIT are good. We know those 2 guys from Bay Shore and the guys in the fraternity. You know what happened to Gene? I was in his room the other night when someone opens the door (with a key), walks in and says, “Gene Ferraro”. Gene says, “Yeah, that’s me”. He says, “No, that’s me. This guy had the exact same name – initial included! Far out, man. Last time I heard, he was living in the gym.
Send me the Star, ok? I miss reading who got arrested.
My roommate is some Physics major (junior) who works for NASA on the L.M. at the Cape and I can’t shut him up.
Somebody set off a line of firecrackers that lasted about 10 minutes last night (2:00 am) and I got up at 9:00 today, so I’m kind of tired. By the way, my new address is:
Me
Florida Institute of Technology
Box 953
Melbourne, Fla.
32901
Write soon, (and send me a cake or sumthin’)
Jon

Letter #1
 

Far out, man.

By the way, if you're tired when you get up at 9:00, what time do you usually get up? (Just kidding. I was a freshman once, too.)

WAY COOL!
 

Jono, this was a fantastic idea and cannot wait to read the rest of your missives to your MOM!

I am sure she was a little agahst at reading some of the things you wrote!:D

I can picture you Brothers in those situations having seen where you all lived and hung out and met some of them. Was the Schroom there then?

Well yes, I imagine she was aghast. I was becoming a hippie. The 'Shroom was a Cuban sandwich place, looking very much like a dry cleaners, which was appropriate seeing as how they made a sandwich then pressed it. "What the hell are you doing???"

Jono

Letter Number 2

Sun. Sept. 26, ‘71

Mom,
How ya doin’ Well, I’ve been here a week and so far I really like it – why not – classes don’t begin until Tuesday! I registered on Friday – I’m taking:
General Bio
Intro to Exp. Bio (lab)
Calculus I
Chemistry I
Chem lab I
Comp & Rhetoric I
I have 5 classes on Modays that go from 9:00 am to 4:00 with a few 10 minute breaks. Fridays I have 4 classes, Wed, 3 Tuesday – 2, and Thursdays 1. For some reason I think I’ll like thursdays!
Last night they showed Midnight Cowboy – which was pretty good. After that we went to one of the 3 fraternity houses on the beach for a party. This is rush week. We depleted 3 kegs of beer – good god.
Since today is Sun., I slept ‘till 12:30, went to lunch and got lost in the campus jungle – that’s that big space on your map – it’s like a huge nature trail. I tried to catch a chameleon to send to Sarah. Paranoid, my roommate just came in from a hard day at NASA and I think he’s asleep already.
Guy says he wants to fly here from Texas at Christmas and ride up with me. However, I get out Dec. 12 and he doesn’t get out until the 17th so I don’t know. If I decide to fly, I could leave my car at Charley’s house. Charley is the college cop.
Oh, on one of those letters in the big envelope, you have written $125 paid for something and $25 for something else, I can’t remember – But on my receipt they have only $100 under “Credit”. I’ll check into that tomorrow. I paid $879 for tuition, R&B, mail box, car, entrance fee, activity fee (whatever that is), linen plan and lab fees.
Guess what – Gene and I are going to Naples this coming weekend. It shouldn’t cost too much if we can find a place to stay. I’ll say ‘hello’ to “the lady with the buggy eyes” for you. Remember her?
Friday night at 3:00 am the upperclassmen came running through the dorms trying to rouse all the freshmen (frogs). They opened all the doors and turned on all the lights and made us “rivit” and leap-frog down the road (all 800 of us). I was going to hide in my closet but didn’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime fiasco. They even had the Melbourne Police force here because of all the noise – can you imagine 800 people riviting as loud as they can at 3 in the morning?
The ocean is pretty rough, must be from that hurricane – did I tell you about Hurricane Parties? Everytime a hurricane hits, everyone on a floor gets into one room and drinks himself into the rug. Neat!
Can you send me that book of Larry’s about using a slide-rule? I think it’s in my room.
The trip down was very good. It cost each of us about $15! My car got 21 miles to the gallon.
Well, I’ve got a dorm meeting and another party (DDT) to go to. Write soon.
Love,
Jon

WOW!!! $879 for tuition. Thats a far cry from the $23,000 it is today WITHOUT room and meals. My little brothers are paying $33,000 WITH room and meals. Oh, and the Shroom is still here for those of you who are wondering and those of you who find that funny. Went there last night and ordered a stromboli and watched Clemens get lit-up.

Yeah, but Dude, we were on the quarter system then.

Letter Number 3

Nov. 12, 1971

Dear Mom and Everyone,
I got your letter today. I have to wait until Gene gets his free pass (his father’s an airline pilot) before I make reservations because we don’t know which airline to take. Most likely we’ll leave here Thursday Dec. 9, if possible, the 12:50 flight. There is no sense in paying $15.00 for a damned limousine – Gene’s father can pick us up at Kennedy (if he’s home) and then one of you can get me at Gene’s house. OK?
I went to a Chi Phi cocktail rush party last night which is unusual because it was on a Wednesday night. Today is Thursday (naturally!) and had only one class (calculus) and that was at 2:00 pm.
After I got back at 10:00 pm I went up to the third floor High Rise where Gene’s and Mock and Dev’s rooms are. At about 11:30 a guy named Stu, who lives down the hall, had pains in his stomach so I drove him to the hospital. They kept him there and they think he has either appendicitis or a blood infection. We’ll know tomorrow. A couple of weeks ago I had to take another guy to the clinic to see if he had mono. He didn’t.
About the Bahamas – I’m not going. We decided that since it’s only one week before finals we’d stay here and study. Sarah probably won’t come down either because it’s too expensive.
Not much is happening here. It’s been kind of chilly lately but I still don’t need a jacket, although I bought one today. It should get warmer. The bananas are forming on the banana trees.
Love,
Jon

It is the Mighty Mushroom and they are ALWAYS hiring if anyone is interested!!!

Oh, we're into 'Shroom History are we? First Mellow, then Mighty! It must have been in the early '90s when Billy Welychko (pronounced just the way it sounds) and I decided after a party at the Rec. Center, to buy like 8 pizzas to take over to C Bldg. Hey, the alumni have to help out the guys, ya know.

There was some big bruiser who heard me place the order, but didn't realize that Billy and I were together. While I was carrying the first two pies out to Billy's truck, a few more came due, and Billy picked them up.

Bruiser says, "I'll take those", thinking my pizzas are being stolen. "The hell you will", Billy says, thinking he's the thief.

I return from the truck to witness a full-blown fist fight on the sidewalk, pizza flying everywhere, and quick as lightening no less than three of Melbourne's finest vehicles with sirens and lights flashing screaming to a halt.

Vigilantes all; there was no crime. We did get to Southgate with the pizzas eventually, only to have each owner of the apartment kick us out. "Don't bring those in here, we don't want 30 guys making a mess in our place".

It wasn't the best of evenings, but it does make for a good story, and a true one.

A few years later, they were holding bingo night (Oooh69!?) at the "Shroom" on Wednesdays I think, and I called 676-5660 from New York. Any Lambda Chis there? "Yeah". Well, put this on my credit card...

One brother called me on his cell phone 5 minutes later to thank me and passed his phone around. That was fun. The brotherhood was indeed intact, and still is.

ZAX,
Jono

For those Brothers Of LXA that have never been to """The Schroom""", It is a hole in the wall Pizza Joint that is domonated by The BN Zeta in Melbourne!:cool:

My first experience was when I went down for Founders Day and Wolfe (Don Wolf) and some of the Brothers picked me up in Orlando Airport.

God what a ride that was TO MELBOURNE!!!!!!

Were in town and Wolfie asks me where do I turn to get to The Schroom!

I said how in the hell do I know, I have never been here before in my life!:D

We made The Schroom, but not really knowing what to expect, and we walk in and there are a few locals and the rest were Brothers of LXA and Dates.

When I kept introducing myself, the kept asking what My BN # was! I kept telling them I was not a BN, but a LX of LXA.

No one beleived me until I pulled out my Card and Showed them! They went nuts seeing a # 1 on my card.

Damn was that a night, remember, I had never met Jono until Got back to the Hotel. As I was checking in, he walked up behind me and asked if I was T E, well of course I said yes!

He said I am Jono! Damn what a weekend that was and will go down in the history of a few including EM1843 (Matt Troy) who was there and came down from UF.

That was a Weekend that Hank Whitney One of The C0-Founders of EKD was Intiated as a Brother Of LXA!

Sorry Bro, but everytime I see something like this, it brings tears to my eyes from having met so many Great New Brothers such as Rickney, Mouse, Jimbo, Doc ETAL!

Sorry, didnt mean to high Jack Theard.

Guys, This is what LXA is all about!:cool:

Put soon another Jono Mom letter on. God, if I was your MOM, I would have drowned you for all of the crap you addmitted to Her!;)

Geez Earp, you bring a tear to my eye just talking about a pizza place!

Letter Number 4

1/10/72

Dear Mom,
I thought I’d tell you what’s been happening. Everything is alright; I got the money and the tape. Thanks. I have to talk to Barea tonight and straighten him out on the room situation. I’m supposed to be in 205E Wood and Gene in 309N High Rise but we’re both in 708S High Rise. We just have to sign papers. When we got here, there was some P.R. in our room so I packed him off to live with Paranoid.
I got a letter from Sas – she says it is 25 below up in Maine. God, I went to the beach today! It’s really hot here, like in the 80’s, so we decided to go to the beach. I heard that you got snow, true? It hasn’t rained or been cloudy since I’ve been here.
I arranged my classes so that I don’t have any before 10 am except one day, at 11. I take Calculus at night from 6:40 to 8:35, with a 15 min. break, two days a week. Pretty good.
We’re fixing up our room. When we get done, it won’t look like the same room. Both beds will be 6’ off the floor and we’re taking the doors off the cabinets. We’re getting a TV and maybe a couch and some tables. I’m gonna build a bar.
The damn elevator has broken down twice since we’ve been here. It generally goes bad on the weekend (which it did). But today is Tuesday and it’s off again. Someone put a sign on it which went something like: “Sacrifice to the Godess of the Elevator – bring sheep, cattle, pigs, etc.” I believe it. And I’m on the 7th floor so I have to walk up!
Anyway, everything is OK for now and I guess I’m set for awhile. Tell all my lazy relatives to write me a letter sometime in the next 5 months. My phone # is 305 723-9671. Ask for “Jon in 708 south”. I’m usually not in during the day.
Love,
Jon

Letter Number 5

Feb. 22, 1972

Dear Mom,
Hi. How are things? I heard about all your snow – sounds good. I wish I were there to see it. I guess you heard that Guy had an appendectomy last week. If you didn’t, Guy had an appendectomy last week.
Things are pretty different here at the Fit.
LCA is probably getting a house. We have been looking at it for some time. We went inside the other day and it looks real good. I’m also Assistant to the President of Lambda Chi Alpha, Welby. I’ll be initiated by April 8. Gene has to wait ‘till May 20 because of Crew. May 20 is also the time we become a chapter. There will be a big banquet with tuxedos and all.
Speaking of Crew, I don’t know if I told you, but Gene’s on J.V. and beat Princeton, MIT, and Syracuse. I went to Disney World to watch the meet.
The weather here has been pretty bad – a lot of rain and not as warm as I’d like. I think it may get cold tonight.
I got a few fines but don’t worry about them – I wasn’t guilty. I think they send a copy home.
Mid-terms are over now. I did OK.
Oh, guess who was here last night? Hubert Humphrey – you remember him – he’s a senator. (haha!) Anyway, he gave a speech in the auditorium and then answered questions. The first to ask a question was Paranoid – my ex-roommate. Humphrey shut him up quick enough. He landed in a helicopter on the football field. He’s a good speaker but doesn’t say anything.
Anyway, I think if we get the house – which is just down the road – I’ll be moving in next quarter.
By the way, Gene and I are inviting half of FIT out for the 4th of July Weekend so I’ll probably have to put 20 or 30 of them up, OK? You don’t mind – do you? You’d better not, Big Swamp is coming!
Write soon.
Love,
Jon
PS – (Thurs) Didn’t get the house. Might build one.

Letter Number 6

April 12, 1972

Dear Mom,
You won’t believe this but I called the Mercedes place today and they said that a new window costs $20.00! That price does not include installation either. I’m sure glad I’m covered. Last night two Brothers, Big Swamp, and I sat out in the parking lot with baseball bats trying to catch these guys. We didn’t see them. A lot of stuff gets ripped off each week here. Last Sat. night Jerry’s convertible roof was slashed and his speakers stolen. The next night they took his tire. He went to Dean Rose to complain about the security. Needless to say, he didn’t get any satisfaction and left with a few choice words. We plan to hide out this weekend again.
We’re (the fraternity) going up to the Cape this Sat. night to have a party and watch the launch the next day. I can’t wait to see one of those things take off! When my friends came down we took a NASA tour of the Cape. The bus broke down out in the middle of nowhere (it’s a big place) and we had to wait 45 minutes for another one. But we did see the rocket on the pad and the third largest building in the world and the crawler with 8 tracks of 52 cleats each – each weighing 1 ton apiece. I’m mad I can’t photograph the launch.
Well, I’m going to 7-11 and then to bed. I enclosed all the papers I think you need. By the way, send me another $100 dollars, OK? Thanks.
Love,
Jon

Letter Number 7

April 25, 1972

Dear Mom,
Thank you for sending the money. I needed $65 of it for initiation which takes place on April 29.
I went up last week and talked to the detectives. They agreed with our staying out there at night. The robbery took place on April 2 and I called the town (Eau Gallie) police. I think there is a new guard in the parking lot at night. I called the Mercedes place and they said a new window + installation will be about $26.00. That’s pretty high but as long as insurance pays for it, I don’t care.
I did see the Apollo 16 launch from a distance of about 9-10 miles. It wasn’t as spectacular as I had expected.
Mom, when I ask you, in my letters, what’s going on back home I expect an answer. I certainly think I have a right to know. Now two of my friends have mentioned Babe and Reg in their letters and all you talk about is how peachy things are. When I come home in June, I’d like to know the score. Do you understand? I don’t like learning about my family from my friends! Something is wrong.
Love,
Jon

Letter Number 8

April 18, 1972

The Florida Institute of Technology
Colony of Lambda Chi Alpha
request the pleasure of your company
At our Charter Presentation Banquet and Ball,
Saturday the twentieth of May,
nineteen hundred and seventy-two
from six o’clock p.m. to one o’clock a.m.
at the Port Malabar Country Club.
Port Malabar, Florida


R.S.V.P. SEMI-FORMAL
723-0581

INSERT:
The Menu

Cocktails
Smorgasbord
********
Fruit Cup
********
Roast Prime Rib of Beef, au jus
Baked Potato with Sour Cream
Buttered String Beans
Tossed Chef’s Salad
With Chef’s Dressing
********
Parfait
********
Coffee, Tea, Milk

Events
May 20 –

8:00 A.M. – Golf (Green Fees on a Personal Basis)
2:00 – 4:00 P.M. - Open House (Informal)
5:00 P.M. – Pictures
6:00 P.M. – Banquet
9:00 P.M. – Ball

Price per couple - $15.00

Please accompany the RSVP with a check. The Dinner Ticket(s) will be mailed to you as soon as we receive both.

Jono, once again you amaze me with these letters.

But in Your Era, Hippies were in style and at a Tech School to boot and in Florida!:D

Astropie mentioned in another site that FIT is wanting to expand and may take THE SCHROOM. It isnt that close is it to FIT? Remember, it was a whirlwind weekend!

Remember, I was with Wolfie upon getting to Melbourne! :D

I love the part about looking for a House, still strong with no house as of yet.:)

Waiting for further Mom Update Letters!:cool:

May have some bad news on the Home LX Z front.

Guess you and Mike are planning on cocktails? Said I would meet him!

God am looking forward to the event!

Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard
 

Letter Number 9 – One year later

April 29, 1973

Dear Mom,

Happy Easter! Please forgive me but the whole idea of Easter completely escaped me this year. In fact, I didn’t even realize it was Easter until Easter Sunday – too late. I got the package & money. Thank you. The chocolate’s almost gone already.
I gave George and Craig one of the big one’s since they’re usually the one’s who keep me from getting malnourished. We eat meals together because we’re all off the food plan and it’s cheaper this way. But George lives in Ft. Lauderdale and when he visits his mother, he brings back all kinds of food and we share it. Just last weekend he came back with turkey, spaghetti sauce with mushrooms, sausage, stuffing, tuna, soup, bread… So that held us for about a week.
Anyway, mid-terms are just about over. I should get a B (or C) in Organic Chemistry, a C in Microbiology, an A in Micro lab, a B (or A) in World Religions and God knows what in Physics – somehow I blew that test, I think. But at any rate, it looks like a good quarter.
Me and a freshman named Dan have been playing guitars together lately and we’ll be playing at the “Coffee House” on campus this weekend. It’ll be held at the snack bar and we’ll play for 3 or 4 hours. Also, in a few weeks we’re going to play at the grand opening of the new Rathskellar – we’ll get paid for that. Promotional pictures were taken of us today. I’m still trying to sell my 12-string so I can pay some bills. I put a new set of strings on it the other day.
The fraternity is going well. I’ve got one of the best pledge classes in a long time – good enthusiasm. Two weeks ago I and four other Brothers drove to Tallahassee for the Annual Seaboard Conclave (at FSU this year). It’s a good experience – especially for the younger members. By the way, I’ve been chosen, along with Kevin Gilmore (Conn.) to attend the General Assembly at Indianapolis [sic] on August 20 – 25 this summer. Most expenses will be paid for. I’m sending you this material so you can better see what I’m talking about. The Paedagogus is out of print right now while they update it. I hope you like it.
Well, I’ve got a 9:00 class tomorrow and it’s 3am now. Tell everyone I say ‘hello’ and take care.
Love,
Jon
Well, it’s now Tues May 8. Mid-terms are over, the food is gone, we played at the Coffee House, and I’m broke again. That damn car cost me too much! I’ve been paying 35.00 a month for the insurance. My last payment is July and the insurance will be good up until Feb. so I’m only going to bring my car down for the fall quarter. Also, I should never have come home over spring break – that was stupid. That trip cost nearly $150.00!
I almost got some reward money for catching 3 kids breaking into cars but the AAA said no, because they didn’t steal the hubcaps.
I guess we were pretty good at the Coffee House – they didn’t want us to leave. I only wish we’d gotten paid for it.
Tell Joe I guess I’ll work at the nursery again if he wants me. I got another letter from NYOSL the other day confirming my un-employment there.
I held off sending this because I wanted to wait for the photograph (which isn’t too good).
I figure that since I have one more car payment (35.00) and two frat. dues (25.00) and five weeks of eating (75.00) plus extras like I owe Howard 50.00; that about 300.00 will get me home. If you agree, fine; if not…
So long for now,
Jon

Well, that's about for my letters from 31 to 32 years ago - for now at least. I got to college, joined Lambda Chi, and Dan became my little brother. He'll be visiting in a couple weeks.

I still have the guitar (not the 12-string; the 1972 Ovation) and still play it nearly every day.

Time flies when you're having fun :)

In ZAX,
Jono

Jono, as a very recent (may 04!) Florida Tech alum, those letters killed me! You lived in Roberts 708S? My boyfriend lived in 709S when we started dating. I lived in 308S and in Southgate B206. Good times.

If you ever find anymore, please post them! Things sure have not changed!

AstroAphi, I got the Cooks tour when I visited @ 2 1/2 years ago.:)

Well in a round about way especially with Don Wolf Driving!

First from Orlando Airport and to the Shroom. Then off to The Holiday Inn. Saw FIT the next day. Had no damn clue where I was except in Fl.!:D

Yep, had to see the High Rise Dorms where Jono lived and then had Ritual at the Student Center.

Beautiful Campus with the Jungle but, I am just looking out of the Shotgun side of the car that Kevin G-Happy Gilmore rented.:D

Never made it back to The Shroom, god what a great place for fun!

It is an institution and should be considered a Historical place!

Jono also told me that it was a Cuban sandwich shop with a cleaners combined. They also pressed the sandwiches which made them special!:cool:

That was a weekend in Melbourne that I will never foget!

He was a Hippie in the 80's so reading Mom Letters was a Hoot!

My first group of letters home went back thirty-four years and described the atmosphere of the early 1970s through the eyes of a freshman (me) joining a colony of Lambda Chi Alpha and that colony's subsequent chartering. Those were far-out groovy times, but what would it have been like to join a Theta Kappa Nu chapter just as they were becoming part of Lambda Chi Alpha?

To usher in the New Year, let's travel sixty-six years back in time to the pre-WWII days of the fall of 1939 and follow another freshman who's entering college between the time of the merger agreement and the actual badging out in October.

What was it like to go to college then? How much did various things cost? What was required of pledges? What books did students read? What movies were playing? What did they do for entertainment? And - most important of all - who did their laundry?

To find out, we shall follow a young man named Gordon. For privacy reasons, let's not worry about his last name and just say it's "M"; Gordon A. M. and his parents, Mr. & Mrs. M. Let's also not worry about spelling. If he spelled something wrong, so did I. The letters are transcribed as accurately as possible and any notations by me are in brackets, such as an illegible word [?].

There are about 30 letters, notes, receipts, and other documents so we can follow them a few at a time over the next couple weeks. I hope you enjoy the journey and his struggles to succeed.

To start off, let's see what college young Gordon will be attending. What Theta Kappa Nu chapter was this? What Lambda Chi Alpha chapter did it become?

In ZAX,
Jono

Gettysburg College (founded 1832)
Formerly Pennsylvania College
Gettysburg, PA.

July 19, 1939

My dear Mr. M:

I am pleased to receive your application for admission to Gettysburg College and to inform you that same has been accepted.

Later in the summer you will receive instructions from this office regarding registration, etc. Meanwhile, if there are any questions you have in mind to ask, I will be glad to hear from you.

I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you and welcoming you as one of our students.

Very truly yours,
C.B. Stover
Registrar

--------------------------------------

Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Office of the President
Henry W.A. Hanson

September 1, 1939

My dear Mr. and Mrs. M:

Within a few days your son will leave to enter upon his duties as a student at Gettysburg College. I can fully appreciate the anxiety which you feel in having your son leave the family circle.

Gettysburg College seeks to be more than a college to the young men entrusted to its care. The time has passed when as Fathers and Mothers we are satisfied with an education which deals only with the intellectual side of life. An education which does not produce a Christian gentleman, possessed of right attitudes to life, is not an education which measures up to my conception of the purpose of a college.

Gettysburg College is deeply interested in developing young men who are physically well, intellectually keen, morally straight and spiritually awake. It will, at all times, be my desire to afford your son such advantages in these directions as will make him worthy of the sacrifice which you are probably making to give him the opportunity of a college education.

The Faculty of Gettysburg College is made up of Christian gentlemen who are interested in the development of the very best possibilities for your son.

We shall, of course, need the cooperation of every Father and Mother. What a young man receives from college will be largely determined by the faithfulness with which he applies himself to the various duties assigned him. Gettysburg College takes it for granted that your son will take his work seriously and will apply himself conscientiously.

If I can render any service to your son, do not hesitate to call on me. I cherish a warm affection for my boys and am always desirous of rendering them every possible service.

Trusting that we may have the pleasure of having you on the campus as often as your time permits, I am

Cordially yours,
Henry W.A. Hanson

------------------------------------------------------------------------

161 N. Washington St.
Gettysburg, Pa

Sept. 17, 1939

Dear Folks,

When I first came here I thought I would have a little time to myself. But I’ve found different. I’ve been rushed by three different fraternities; namely Lambda Chi Alpha (formerly Theta Kappa Nu, Wally’s frat) Phi Sigma Kappa, and Tau Kappa Epsilon. The Phi Sigma Kappa’s have the highest scholarship record in the school. And my roommate said it was an honor to be rushed by them. They really had a line about my adeptness and ability to hold up their record, and that all thirty-three of them had voted unanimously to take me into the fold. Three of my hosts took me upstairs to a room and we talked, other members of the fraternity would walk in and out very informally.
I have found some very nice fellows at the PSK but in general the’re to smooth and anxious and gabby.
I’ll either pick the Tau Kappa Epsilon or the Lambda Chi Alpha and I think the former is cheaper. The fraternities say the freshmen are taking more time this year before they pledge. I was at the T.K.E. Saturday night for a smoker and later went to L.C.A. for an informal dance. Now that they have a housemother they can have girls in. You see the fraternities pledge men and then they eat at the house and have the “run of the house” until spring when they are initiated and pay the fee. The board is generally cheaper there.
I was out with some fellows from T.K.E. this afternoon. We went out on the battlefield and visited the round tops, springs, monuments, etc. I found a couple of Boggs’ on the Pa monument. Which did we know and what was his commission?
The Women’s Division holds a dance every Sat evening in the Girls Dorm with recorded music.

Love,
Gordon

PS. I still don’t smoke but I’ve been offered a hundred cigarettes, etc.
PS. A girl transferred from Westminster who I knew at Thiel 4 years ago. She’s a Junior.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

161 North Washington St.
Gettysburg, Pa

Sept. 20, 1939

Dear Folks,

Boy, these studies are hard. Especially French and Chemistry and the others aren’t what you’d call easy. I never studied so much in all my life. I think perhaps I should have taken French A instead of French I but I’ll stick it out until I find I can’t catch up and if that happens I think I can switch back.
I just got a haircut up at Mickley’s Barber Shop. He is a descendent of the French Hugenots. The guide who died was his father. They give haircuts like Jack gets but only charge a quarter.
I’m going to an informal dance at the L.C.A. house Saturday Evening.
(over)
You asked me if I seen Wally much. Yes. I see both he and Carl a lot.
Answers to questions-
Yes I’ve met Louie Mertz but we didn’t have much time to talk about our common interests. I mentioned Mr. and Mrs. Morton to him and he was very surprised.
Yes, I find the boys very congenial.
No, the Sophmores haven’t started anything yet.
Please send me the following things
1. All my pennants (the’re in my chest)
2. My dance book (Sunitele [?] Home Institute)
3. Some of my tablets and some extra paper for scratch
Also, cut my sheet in half.
I’m getting along all right with out a pillow.
I forgot to mention in my last letter that if you, all my relatives, come out here they can eat at L.C.A. free of charge. Also if a boy friend visits me for overnight I can put him up at the house, meals and everything free. If I’d happen to get a girl for a weekend dance I could feed her at the house free.
They hold dances here on weekends, two nights, Friday, formal and Saturday informal. There is nothing doing during Lenten Season. I’ve met Bowersox [?] from Leechburg who knows Boisler [?].

Love,
Gordon

Wonderful Stuff!
 

Brother Jono,

This is wonderful stuff. I hope you realize that you have the "makings" of a great story for the C&C!

I think that many members would love to read this with some additional commentary about Theta Kappa Nu and and Lambda Chi Alpha. This first hand account brings "life" to our historical record.

I look forward to reading more of these letters in the future.

Happy New Year,

Yours in ZAX,

Mike R., Z-U Zeta

Mike,

Thanks for the kind words. Feel free to interject any commentary right here at any time. I will just be posting the letters themselves, so if you can add some perspective, that would be great.

ZAX,
Jono

Father's Day, 3 days after Badging Out
 

Gettysburg College
Father’s Day Committee
Gettysburg
Pennsylvania

September 14, 1939

Dear Mr. M;

Each year Gettysburg College reserves a time in honor
of Fathers. This year in an effort to insure better
weather than on past occasions the date has been moved
forward considerably. October 14 and 15 have been
selected as the occasion during which the students of
Gettysburg College desire to enjoy the company of their
respective fathers and guardians.
Accordingly, to you the father of Gordon M, the
Committee extends a very hearty invitation and looks
forward to your presence on our campus. It is our desire
that you enjoy this weekend with your son.

Cordially yours,
Father’s Day Committee
Raymond C. Donley

New Address - Home Sweet Home
 

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa

Sept. 25, 1939

Dear Folks,

Thanks for the candy and things and stuff. The bottom
edge of the box was pretty well pushed in when I got it.
I don’t know whether it happened going to or fro.
I’m going to see the Dean tomorrow about having my
French I changed to French A. I don’t know my French
well enough to continue on with the advanced course. I
think all changes in schedules were supposed to be
made by last Thursday. I’m going to see Dr. Basset
before the Dean and maybe he can use his influence
because all changes are supposed to be brought up
before some board.
We had a very informal dance last Saturday night at the
frat. We took the tables and chairs out of the dining
room and danced there. The attendance was about
thirty.
I had a blind date with a girl named Helen Houser from
Clearfield (don’t we know somebody from there?) We
had talked together and danced some for about three
quarters of an hour when we decided to go out and sit
on the porch. She had impressed me as being very nice
(She is a minister’s daughter and told me that all of
them were bad). After we ad sit there awhile she pops
up with the question, “Do you mind if I smoke”. You
could have knocked me over with a feather. Naturally I
said “No”.
So she puffed away. We discussed it some and she said
that she thought she might quit it. That was my first
experience of that kind. Perhaps the proper thing for me
to have done would have been to strike a match and
light it for her. But I didn’t. I was dazed.
Later when talking it over with Wally he said a lot of
the nicest girls around here smoke and a lot don’t, so
what have you?
I never studied so much in all my life. I’m always busy
at something even if my grades don’t show it.

Love,
Gordon

PS. I’m glad I joined the frat. It’s more like home.

More, More!:)

While it may seem old, it is no more old than Today!:)

God, I never wrote Letters, but lived every bit of This!:cool: :D

Sorry to intrude, but this is a great thread.

Things were so different (and probably better) in the good ole days.

I stayed at the Days Inn in Melbourne last week (terrible place, on the beach or ICW water, not cheap), but had good seafood tacos from Shell's.

OFFICE OF THE DEAN
GETTYSBURG COLLEGE
(COPY TO PARENTS)

October 16, 1939

My dear Mr. M:

Getting a good start in your Freshman year at college is
very important. In order to check up on any scholastic
difficulties you may have, and to talk them over with
you, I have asked all instructors to report Freshman
deficiencies at the end of the first month.

According to these reports your work is unsatisfactory
to date as follows:

Mathematics 3-3-F*
French A-3-D
English A-3-F
Chemistry 1-3-D

Your difficulty is no doubt temporary. You should,
however, try to determine immediately just what the
trouble is and to lay definite plans to improve your
work. Do you use efficient methods of study? Are you
working hard and still not making progress? Whatever
your difficulty, put forth every effort to remedy it now.
Confer with your instructors or with the heads of the
departments in which the courses are given, or both. It
is by no means too late to regain the ground lost so far
and to make a complete success of your semester’s work.

I will be glad to talk your case over with you. I may be
able to make some helpful suggestions. Please call to
see me at your earliest convenience.

Very sincerely yours,
W.E. Tilberg
Dean

*Re-examination taken last evening passed with the
grade of “D”.

Cake and things and stuff...
 

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa

November 12, 1939

Dear Folks, How’s that?

Let’s talk about lessons first. I received a “D” in my
Math Mid-Sem Test. But I think I can bring it up before
the semester ends. We had our Chemistry Mid. Sem
Friday and I’m lucky if I passed. I haven’t got my tutor
yet. I’ll see the Dean tomorrow about that. I received a
B in my last English Test. We’re going to have a test in
French Tues.
Tutors don’t cost anything, They are students who are
majoring in those subjects and usually are planning to
teach them.
I can’t finish your letter now for I’m going to church. I
have 15 minutes to get ready.
Here we go again.
Last Sunday evening we had girls over at the house and
ate your cake [with] ice cream and drank tea. We put
two tables together in the dining room and had candles
on the tables for lights. We had a good time singing and
things and stuff. Mrs. Worlsey announced that the cake
was sent by “Mrs. M” (who’s that).
Bill Everhart and I bummed to Lancaster to see the
football game between F&M and G-Burg. It was really
an exciting game. The score was 21-21. We visited the
Lambda Chi Alpha house there which was very nice. It
is an old English style and has an open fireplace in the
living room.
Flowers, the F&M backfield star, is a Lambda Chi. Our
“dinks” got Bill and I rides to Lancaster and back. Full
rides both ways.

Love,
Gordon

[note paper from mom on which he answers her questions]

Did you get your rubbers? Not yet.

Is Tilberg a kindly sort of a chap or is he hard to
approach? Not bad, He’s alright.

What is the Tiber? Anyway I’m glad they didn’t throw
you in, ha. It sounds wet. It’s that little stream where
you saw the swan.

Was the cake still okay by Sunday? I that it might be
dried out a little by that time? No difference I just
wondered. The cake was fine.

Have you had your suit pressed? Not yet.

How’s the stamp supply? I have about twenty-two.

That glass I sent before I received your letter – just
throw it away if you don’t want it. It’s just a dried beef
glass.

Uh oh...
 

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE
(COPY TO PARENTS)

November 15, 1939

My dear Mr. M:

The mid-semester reports show that you are deficient or
have unsatisfactory grades in the following subjects:

Chemistry 1-3-F
Mathematics 3-3-D

You will, of course, realize that this record does not
represent your best effort, nor the quality of work that
Gettysburg College expects of her students. Just what is
your difficulty? Are you devoting sufficient time to
your subjects? Have you worked out a satisfactory
study schedule? Are you making every effort to develop
a deep seated interest in the subject matter itself? It is
by no means too late to regain your lost ground and to
bring your work up to a higher plane but it will require
careful planning and real work.

I would suggest that you confer with your instructors as
soon as possible. They will be able to make valuable
suggestions as to the nature of your difficulty and the
best way to overcome it. I will be glad if you will also
come and talk the matter over with me.

Very sincerely yours,
W.E. Tilberg
Dean.

More fun, more people killed
 

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa

November 19, 1939

Dear Folks,

We won another football game yesterday by the score
of about 40-7. Ursinus (from where Jeffers graduated)
was the victim. We’ve won five, lost two, tied one, and
have one yet to play on Thanksgiving. If we win it our
customs are off for good. Here’s hoping.
Last Friday night we freshmen tore up the town. We all
dressed in p-js and danced up town where we built a big
bonfire on the square. The police chased us away. We
also crashed the theater. We came back to the college
later and built a fire by the W.D. More fun, more people
killed. The fire whistle blew and the fire trucks came
and put out the fire.
Last night five friends and I went down to Hood and
danced at the “Hour Glass”. We had a good time.
Doesn’t Rev. Smith live in Frederick?
We have our Christmas dance the eighth and ninth.
I went over to see the Dean last week but he wasn’t in.
You wanted to know something about Bill Everhart.
He’s about five’ ten” and rather goodlooking and wears
glasses. His mother is our cook and his father works at
the college. He has several brothers and sisters some of
whom who are away at school. He wants to be a
journalist. He played football, basket, and track in H.S.
He has run the 100 in 10” flat. I run around a lot with
him. He lives in an apartment which is very nice. I was
up there last night.
I have some studying to do yet this afternoon, so I must
be off.

Love,
Gordon

Maybe it's just because I'm a dad, but it appears to me that there's a lot more dancing going on than studying.

But then again, I remember my freshman year...

Perhaps Study Hall is the answer.
 

Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Office of the Dean
Wilbur E. Tilberg

November 24, 1939

My dear Mr. M:

Your letter of November 20th in regard to your son’s
deficiency has just been received.

Beginning Monday, November 27th, I am establishing a
compulsory study hall for Freshmen who are down in
their work. I am also planning to have some of our
upperclassmen available in case any of these students
need special attention. I feel sure that your son will be
greatly benefited by this arrangement.

Very sincerely yours,
W.E. Tilberg

Wow, isnt like today!

Ah, the good olden days!

I rode in the rumble seat
 

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa

November 26, 1939

Dear Folks,

It’s a beautiful day in G-burg; too nice to study, but I
have some English and Math to do after I write this
letter.
This is the “Pan-Hell Week End”. There was a formal
dance Friday night and a semi-formal one last night (Sat.).
I did not attend either.
Thanksgiving, Al Zimmerman (he’s the one who sat
at the head of the table when you were here), Earle
Brown, , Ed Hanks and I went to the G-burg-Dickenson
football game at Hershey. Hanks and I rode in
the rumble seat. That was one ride I won’t forget for quite
a while. It was really cold. We won by a score of about
47-7. Before the game we drove around Hershey and
saw the sights and smelled the chocolate.
When we got home we had a real thanksgiving meal
around a candlelit table. All in all, I enjoyed the holiday
very much.
Thursday night some students took the chairs out of all
the rooms in Glatfelter and piled them up against the
doors and on the stairs. We didn’t have any 7:45 the
next morning.
Triday [?] night they put a dead skunk on each floor in
Glatfelter and smeared limburger cheese on the railings.
They also locked some of the office doors and put sodder
in the key holes. All this because they wanted a holiday
Friday. You should have heard them hollar for one in
Chapel Friday morning, but to no avail.
Last night I saw the movie “Elizibeth and Essex” which
is very good. It is in Technicolor and shows all the
splendid finery of Elizibeth’s age. If it comes to
Evans City, don’t miss it.
I must be off.

Love,
Gordon

PS. You got gyped on the socks.

[another note from mom with answers to her questions]

questionaire
Do you have a Chem tutor yet? Yes, Lucille Hartzell, a Senior.
A Math tutor? No.
What in the world happened to your black socks? You never
wore them out like that! Those black socks weren’t any good.
You bought them and sent them to me about a month ago.
We were robbed!! I only wore them one day and they
looked like that. Same way with other new pair.
When did you get the thermometers? I got those
thermometers in lab. I broke them while doing an
experiment. They didn’t break in the mail.
How do you feel? O.K.!
Are you gaining in weight? I got weighed last night and
I weighed 156 with my suit coat on.
Do you still like G-burg? Yes, everything except
chemistry and math!!!!!
Did Wally give you back any money – you know for
taking us to Hood? Yes, He insisted on giving me back
a dollar. I think it cost .80 for expenses and he and
Margie had a sundae each, leaving a dollar.
Have you had “Hell Week” yet? When is it? No. We
don’t have much of a hell week because we are working
in the bedrooms. I don’t know when it is.
Do you like these “Football Results” or do you have
them in your own papers?
Acknowledging Tilberg’s letter, will send you a
copy next time.

"I'll be home for Christmas"
 

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa.

December 3, 1939

Dear Folks,

Boy, my letters really came in this week. I received two
Tuesday, one Wednesday, two Thursday, one Friday,
and a box of candy from Jeanette Saturday. They all
come at once.
A fellow up the hall, Jim Peck, is going home next
weekend. If he gets to bring back his car, which he
doesn’t think he’ll be aloud to do, he will take me part
way home. His home is in Ford City.
We don’t have any school next Saturday because of the
Christmas dance weekend.
The next week is quite important as far as marks go.
We’re having a test in Orientation on all our work so
far. One in English, also, on spelling, pronunciation,
and meaning of about 250 words. Were liable to have a
surprise one in Math too. And to top that off I have to
have “Richard Carvel” read by Friday for English
which contains about 550 pages.
So I better get busy. This weekend I stayed around the
College and rested and didn’t go on any exploring
parties to Hood, Wilson, and etc.
I must be off.

Love,
Gordon

PS. I just noticed I have the address on upside down. It
will get to you just the same, I guess.

[mom’s questionnaire]

Tell me about Chem & Math & your chem tutor. There
isn’t much to say about my Chem tutor. I go over to the
W.D. every Thursday Evening and we go over the
weeks work in preparation for the Friday Quiz.
How’s Tiberg co-operating? Quite well. I think the
study hall is a good idea. What I need is help and there
I get it.
I found out to-day that the fare by train from Pittsburg
to G-burg is 10.95 return & that is excursion rates
between Dec 21st and New Years I believe so I guess
we’re not interested. I’ll let you know soon about the
bus fare special rate for students if there is such a thing.
[no answer]
Do you yourself have any plans or idea for making the
trip home? When do you leave there? I’d like to bum
home just for the experience and look at the money
I’d save. Or maybe I’ll get a ride home with a fellow here.
We’ll deposit $10.00 in the bank to your account to
take care of expenses for your trip home. You don’t
have to do that. I’ll get home somehow. If I get stuck
I’ll get a bus. Thanks anyhow.

[mom’s additional questionnaire]

How’s your supply of scratch paper? I have plenty of it.
What’s your Chemistry Prof’s name? Dr. Zinn –
lectures most. Dr. Sloat – weekly quiz.
English prof’s name? Prof. Wolfe
French “ “? Dr. Hartshorne
Math “ “? Dr. Arms
If you need anything, write it here > Underwear pants. No hurry.
How’s R.O.T.C.? Do you like it? Yes. We started target
practice last week. My first two rounds weren’t very
good but my last group was an “A” one. All about this
close together [draws chain of interlocking circles]. The
gun wasn’t zeroed.

So THAT'S how they did laundry...
 

Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa.

December 10, 1939

Dear folks,

We had our Christmas Dances over the weekend. I
didn’t go Friday night which was formal because the
girl I had a date with was in the Senior play at the high
school. We went Saturday and had a lot of fun going
around to the other fraternities. We went to
Tom Bullett’s (> a pledge) home and had some
refreshments at intermission.
The house was really decorated. There were pine
branches all over the ceiling in the living room and
everywhere in general. We bought ten cent gifts,
one for a brother and one for the girl friend, which
were distributed by Santa Claus at intermission. More fun,
more people killed.
(over)
I got a letter the other day from the girl I had a couple
of dates with at Hood. While she was at home (Duquesne)
over Thanksgiving she found out that her best girl friend
goes to school with “my cousin” Mary Alice Wahl. It just
shows to go you what a small world this is.
About four fellows just came in to listen to a football
game and I was just going to grind away at Math. Tch, tch.
We have short periods next Saturday so kids can get an
earlier start home.
I’ll either be home Saturday, Sunday or Monday. I’m
very definite. Am I not?
I think I’ll bum. I’ll send my laundry home in a suit box
as you had suggested. I’ll be se’in you.

Love,
Gordon


Lambda Chi Alpha
Gettysburg, Pa.

December 10, 1939
11.15 PM

Dear folks,

I was talking to Jim Peck a few minutes ago. He
brought the car back to school and so will be able to
take me back with him. He lives in Ford City. It won’t
take much bumming to get home from there. Abyssinia.

Love,
Gordon