History

A History of Beta Chapter

The Beginning Of Greatness

The Ohio State University agriculture campus was located entirely on the East Side of the Olentangy River in 1904. At this time there was only one agricultural fraternity on the campus, the Alpha Zeta fraternity. The men of Alpha Zeta were very active in the agricultural activities, holding the chairmanships and major offices in the agricultural college. There was a certain group of young men who were opposed to the Alpha Zeta’s domination and decided to do something about it. These men first met in an old wooden-framed house, on property near the present day University Hospital, at the intersection of Eleventh Avenue. The men who numbered seven were: Francis Lorne Allen, Rudo Lorenzo Fromme, William Americus Martin, Glenn T. Snyder, Burton Louis West, Emerson Scott Poston, and Robert C. Wallace. Martin, Allen, and Wallace were acquainted through participation in The Ohio State University Livestock Judging Team. Fromme and Poston were both connected with musical organization and knew each other very well. Snyder and West were roommates and West was on The Ohio State University Baseball Team. With the aid of Hooler Slate and the agricultural independents, the founders managed to acquire a majority of the chairmanships and presidencies in the agricultural activities. It was then decided that the AZ’s could be successfully opposed. Realizing that an organization was needed in order to work effectively, the founders met in a building on South High for such a purpose. At this organizational meeting Fromme was installed as President. Fromme gave Alpha Gamma Rho the name to the organization at this time. The idea behind this was that the Greek letters form the abbreviation for the word agriculture.

The first house was rented at 1630 Neil Avenue. There is some conflict as to where the house was actually located. The Pledge Manual states 1534 Neil Avenue; however, all other reputable sources, including the founders, state 1630 Neil Avenue as the correct address.

In this same year William Martin, Francis Allen and Robert Wallace were on the Ohio State University Judging Team which went to the Chicago Livestock International show. While there, they met informally with the men from Delta Rho Sigma fraternity at the University of Illinois. Later the Alpha Gamma Rho’s will merge with this group to become a nationally united group.

The first two pledges were initiated into the fraternity in 1905. They were Erasimus J. Kitchen and J. Oscar Williams. It was coincidental that Kitchen and Williams were taken to the location of the present house at 1979 Iuka Avenue for the first initiation ceremony. At that time the house was under construction and was selected because it was in a lonely wooded area. In fact it was a few years later known as the “Mansion in the Wilderness.”

At this time the colors of the fraternity were laurel and old rose and the flower was the pink rose.

Leaders Since The Very Beginning

In 1906, W. Leroy Slate and Burton West went to the Livestock International at Chicago, Illinois. At this time there was a formal meeting with the representatives of Delta Rho Sigma. A big dance was held in honor of the Alpha Gamma Rho’s. This was the only meeting until the meeting at the Claypool Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 4, 1908. Between these two dates there was a great deal of correspondence. The 1908 meeting can be called the first national convention, because it was there that the two locals. Alpha Gamma Rho and Delta Rho Sigma merged. It was decided that the name of the older fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho would be used for the national name. In return for Delta Rho Sigma relinquishing the name of their local chapter they would be known as the Alpha Chapter.

Seeing the need for a national magazine Sleeter Bull published the first Sickle & Sheaf in 1910; In 1911, Sleeter Bull also designed the coat of arms and the seal. It might be added that growth during these years for the fraternity was very slow due to it being more of a club than a fraternity.

In 1912, the colors of the fraternity were changed to green and gold~ which have remained unchanged to the present day. In the same year the chapter moved to 348 West Eighth Avenue on the comer of Michigan Avenue.

In 1915, the chapter bought the present house at 1979 Iuka Avenue, which had been built for Doctor Lewis, from his daughter Anna Lewis and her sister. Montgomery Pike, Ana’s husband, acted as attorney. The house, built in 1905-06, gave the chapter a large boost in prestige and caused an upswing in the growth of the fraternity. The house was both beautiful and large having 18 rooms and accommodations for 35 persons. The house was purchased for $25,000 with a $4,000 down payment and $200 a month. For the down payment, alumni donations and $2,000 raised $2,000 by the active chapter through donations and raffles.

In 1916, the fraternity flower was changed to the pink carnation. At this time the pool was located farther away from the house than it is at present; also it was circular. The dining room, kitchen and serving rooms were in the basement.

1919 saw the return of fourteen men of Beta chapter from the war. The 1918 national convention was postponed until 1919 due to the war and was held here at the Beta chapter. A memorial plaque was dedicated to the two Beta men who died in the war. They were Raymond H. Baldwin, class of 1920, and Russel H. Armold, class of 1921. The war ended” in this year and SATC was disbanded. After the Anny left, the house was in poor condition and the chapter had no money to fix up the house. Spirit within the house was very low so alumni were asked to contact young men as prospective pledges. In the spring the chapter had twenty-seven members.

Francis Baddock, Chester Jenkins, and Stuart Contable rebuilt the pool in 1921. A sandstone terrace and blue tile were put in. The house was redecorated on the outside and a blue tile fountain was put on the lawn in front of the house. In this year the men of Alpha Gamma Rho made up the entire agricultural student Staff.

The year 1920 found Alpha Gamma Rho’s adding physical improvements to the lawn; the pool was now rectangular and had lights, and the dorm and study systems were put into effect and enforced. All the parties were held in the house with the exception of the spring and winter formal.

The house remained open year-round due to the four-quarter system, which had just been put into effect by the University. The University required that the fraternity house remain open all year round. The year 1922 saw other improvements. The House Corporation was formed. The reason being, that the bank would not back the active chapter because membership was always changing. The general theme of the active chapter was to get the house paid off Looking to the campus, the Alpha Gamma Rho’s helped build the stadium by raising money for its construction. The money was raised through carnival, ox roast and minstrel show.

In 1923, the fraternity flower was changed again from the pink carnation to the present pink rose. Throughout the “Twenties” most of the parties were held in the house. In the chapter there was also a movement toward campus wide activities.

In 1926, Don Leith was president of the All Ag. Council. This year the Alpha Gamma Rho’s decided to run a cow for the Homecoming Queen. With the support and cooperation of the Entire College of Agriculture the cow, Maudine Onnsby was chosen. Since there were no preliminary eliminations and the contest was won strictly on the first ballot, it was possible for Maudine to be elected and reign for one year as Homecoming Queen.

1927 found Beta chapter the hosts for the largest national convention banquet yet held on August 21, with 103, present. At the banquet, activities were stressed. This was a year that a new motto was adopted.

The Alpha Gamma Rho’s in 1928 had the highest valued property here at the Ohio State University among the seventy fraternities. At this time the house was redecorated. As time progressed toward the 1934-38 era, the big brother system was emphasized and pledges were instructed to have a deeper respect for their elders. All the activities were not of a serious nature, for poolings were very prominent.

During this time there was no housemother and the present accommodations for the housemother were a combined card room and library- There was always a card game going among the brothers and various visitors, which included the minister from the neighboring church.

During WW II the house went inactive from May 1943 until August 1946. During this time the house was rented to the Army who remodeled the house according to Army standards. This included painting everything white, and cresting our pre-existing hardwood floors. As the war came to a close, the brothers were forced to sell part of the land on the south side of the house, in order to provide funds for repairs. The year 1947 was also significant to the men closely associated with Beta chapter as Ralph Bazler received the National Certificate of Merit for service to the chapter in the year passed. Ralph “Chuck” Bazler served as advisor to Beta chapter for 15 years and very unselfishly gave of his time to the betterment of the chapter. He still is closely associated with Beta chapter and is held with the highest esteem and respect in the minds of the men of Beta chapter. “Chuck” was quite instrumental in establishing of the sinking fund, which was to be used quite advantageously in 1957 in the building of a new addition to the house.

1954 was an exceptionally memorable year in the history of Beta chapter. The National Convention, which marked Beta’s fifteenth anniversary, was held in Columbus, Ohio on October 29th through the 31^st.

The Alpha Gamma Rho rock was erected near Vivian Hall during the 50-year convention. In 1960 the rock was moved across the street to the new Agriculture Administration Building. Delegates from 33 chapters and the national officers were present, including our own immortal Sleeter Bull. Everyone praised the convention as a great success.

Al Smith was president of Beta Chapter in 1954 and winner of the National Activities Award of Alpha Gamma Rho. Al started the campaign for the new addition to the house. While he was president of his Senior Class at the Ohio State University he started the Towers Club, which is an Agricultural Honorary composed of men obtaining high scholastic and activity achievement.

1955 marked an important time, for the Pledge Training Committee was established. This committee still exists today as an important aim of the chapter1 for it provides the pledges with the essential training before becoming an active member of Alpha Gamma Rho. A house building committee was formed in 1955. Ten thousand dollars was subscribed from Alumni, and the same amount was obtained from the sinking fund, which was established ten years earlier. Thirty-five thousand dollars was borrowed from the Citizen’s Bank of Upper Sandusky, the banker being Brother Reber. Also in 1955 the construction of the new addition began with the contractor being Brother Knowles. Forty-five thousand dollars was spent on the new addition and ten thousand dollars was spent for the housemother’s quarters. January of 1957 saw the completion of the new addition with the capacity of 48 men.

1970-1987

Beta Chapter has made much progress during the era of 1970-1987. Strong brotherhood and very supportive alumni have resulted in a thriving Beta Chapter at Ohio State. We certainly believe that the future at Beta Chapter will continue “To make better men”.

The year 1970 brought about a neighboring property purchase by Beta House Corp. for $16,700. In the spring of 1971, the old 1926 addition of the house was tom down so construction of the $70,000 new addition could begin. In that same year, retiring housemother Etta Beall was honored with a silver tea set at the annual Founders Day program for her 22 years of service to Beta (1949-1971). Sadly enough, on May 11, 1971, “Ma” Beall passed away. Her contributions to Alpha Gamma Rho were many, including the creation of the National AGR prayer. The house library was dedicated in memory of “Ma” Beall, containing her portrait and pin.

In 1972, Beta Chapter hit the 1 ,000-member club with Brother Rick Jordan becoming the 1,000^th Beta. 1972 also brought about a new housemother, Mary Kelsey, who served until 1974. Ann Browning then become housemother and served unti11976~ AlS6 in 1976, Dr. Wilbur Gould (Omega- University of New Hampshire), retired from the chapter advisors position. Dr. Gould’s 10-year service to the chapter (1966-1976) certainly had a positive impact on many young men. Dr. Glen Schmidt (Eta- Iowa State University) followed Dr. Gould at the advisor’s post.

Saddening news came in 1980 when Ralph Bazler, longtime supporter, past advisor, and loyal alumnus passed away. Family joined with alumni established the Ralph L. Bazler Memorial Scholarship Fund. Also in 1980, Dr. Kirby Barrick (Beta Ohio State University) assumed the advisor’s position. Dr. Barrick guided the chapter until 1987, at which time two new co-advisors took over the position. Dr. Barrick was awarded a plaque at the 1987 Founders Day for his seven years of service to the active chapter. Beta’s current advisors are Dr. Lynn Forester (Delta- Purdue University) and Dr. William Pope (lota- University of Wisconsin-Madison).

Thanks to a $50,000 loan from the AGR Nationals and very generous alumni, much improvement has occurred to the physical structure at 1979 Iuka. In 1981, the living room and foyer were completely renovated. 1983 brought about the remodeling of the head resident quarters. In 1985, new telephone and safety systems, as well as new kitchen equipment, were installed. In 1986, the active chapter remodeled the recreation room. Roof repairs and window replacements occurred in 1987, and currently a patio renovation is underway. The condition of the house certainly has taken a turn for the better in the last few years.

In 1984, the Brothers of Beta welcomed the present head residents, Paul and Beverly Walden. In 1987, due to the pressure from declining Agriculture enrollment, Brothers felt a need to establish a full-time summer rush position. He program worked very well in its first year, thanks to assistance from Beta House Corp. 1987 also brought about the debut of Beta’s annual campus-wide philanthropy project, which also was a huge success in its first year. Brothers at Ohio State are certainly enthusiastic about the future of Alpha Gamma Rho. The past has been both exciting and rewarding, but one cannot only look at the past. We, as Brothers, will continue to overcome the challenges set before us and promote the Brotherhood and principles of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

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The steer show was brought about in 1991. The first show entitled, Alpha Gamma Rho Holiday Classic, was held at the Ohio Exposition Center. There were 273 head exhibited from eight states. In winter quarter 1991; Miriam Mikesell became the housemother. She is the wife of alumni Robert Mikesell from Coshocton County. Resistance to the brotherhood program was evident throughout the 1991 school year. In 1993 a new roof and sidewalk was installed along the front of the house. In 1995 Brother John Wesley Kitchen, great grandson of E.I. Kitchen, was initiated. In the fall of 1996 Dr. Kirby Barrick was named National AGR president. Also in 1996 the Ralph Bazler Scholarship was awarded to eight Beta’s in the amount of $300 apiece. Brother Aaron Wray became pin number 1400 in the fall of 1996. We also held our first annual career day at the house and it was a success with many companies in attendance.

In the spring of 1997, the Beta Chapter renovated the Dungeon into a computer room. We then received three new Dell computers with internet access for the brothers’ use. Brother Dwayne Yoder started the first annual Alpha Gamma Rho Spring Fling Lamb show with 150 lambs exhibited. Beta Chapter also had two brothers Scott Simindinger “and Brian Reynolds who played on the university football and wrestling teams respectively. The last few years have been an exciting time for Beta Chapter. The future looks very bright for the upcoming years.

2014-2017

A lot has changed through the years. In 2014 we began and mostly finished a huge renovation to the house. The Brothers moved into the Theta Xi house across Woodruff. The house was gutted from the basement to the third floor. Brother Bill Tom along with House Corp. took over the fundraising efforts for the renovation at 1979 Iuka. After the $2.4 million dollar renovation, which was donated by alumni and now we have many new upgrades to bring the house to the standards set forth by the University for the new second year housing program they have imposed on oncoming freshman. We were approved for second year housing and we are able to move sophomores out of the dorms after their first year even though they are required to live two years in the dorms. The renovation included a different layout to the house which broke up some rooms to allow for more members to live in the house. Our new full capacity is capped at 55 members. Other improvements included a new patio (Donated by Brother Todd Pugh), improvements to the kitchen (Donated by the Hirzel Family), along with restoring all the old wood features original to the house. The main improvement was moving the dining room to the basement where events can be held as well.

In addition to the renovations, Brother Terry Krukemyer took over as House Director and the house mother quarters have been updated along with the house for him to live in.

Gwen Wolford recently retired as our university advisor. She was also recognized as the first woman in Alpha Gamma Rho history to be a voting member at our National Convention. Gwen is the mother of Brothers Bradley and Nicholas Wolford.

We are thankful for the Brothers before us who have contributed to the house renovation. The last few years after the renovations have been a very busy and exciting time in our history, we continue to honor the past and hope for an even brighter future.

 

Mom Beal

“To thee O God we bow our hearts in deep humility to thank thee for the bread and meat we receive abundantly. Bless brothers all we humbly pray and loved ones near and far. Keep us true to high ideals and loyal to AGR.”

This national prayer of Alpha Gamma Rho is but one of Mom’s many contributions to our fraternity. The First Lady of Beta has inspired and waned the hearts of many people, especially those men who lived with her as a part of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

Mom’s life had its beginning near agriculture. She was born in a log cabin in Rocky Mountain, Virginia, on December 20, 1889. Her parents, Ida May Jenkins (from Whales), and William Armstead Beheler (from Ireland), had two other children, Barnest and Harold. Mom has lived in West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. As a child, she developed one of her main interests, the piano. She began playing piano and dancing lessons when she was eight years old. old. Little did she know that her future husband was in her dancing class.

After graduating from Delaware High School, Delaware, Ohio, in 1909, she moved, in 1910, to Paris, Kentucky, and entered the Business College at Lexington. Although she had no secretarial courses in high school, she completed Business College and proceeded to teach at the same college from which she had just graduated.

Marriage came the following year to Lieutenant Colonel Burtch Beall, on December 26.

They were blessed with two children. Mom pleaded with her husband to buy her a piano, but finances prohibited it. Finally, in 1913, she was granted her wish. She began teaching to pay for the piano. She taught for 47 years until 1968. She still has the same piano, which can usually be heard being played after dinner or anytime the fellows gather around and sing.

After his army career, Burtch worked in the Lazarus department store. They then lived on Lane Avenue. Mom continued to teach piano after Burtch’s death in 1943. In 1949, something happened to Mom that would affect her, and many yet unborn. It seems Alpha Gamma Rho had a housemother that didn’t have the moral qualities expected of a housemother. They fired her and began looking for a replacement. Mr. Ralph Bazler, the faculty advisor of Alpha Gamma Rho, lived next door to Mrs. Beal. Along with Dick Fitten, Noble Ruler of Alpha Gamma Rho, Mr. Bazler suggested that she look into becoming a housemother. She gladly accepted the responsibility. At the time the house didn’t have any quarters for a housemother. She came over to the house on Wednesday night, Friday, or Saturday depending on when the house party was. She always came over on Sunday afternoon.

Eight years later she moved into the house. This was in 1957 when the new west wing of the house was built. During her years at Alpha Gamma Rho, she has seen many changes and many men go through the house. Mom is one of the chief reasons many men keep coming back to the house. Mom’s spare time is spent teaching bridge, playing the piano, or just talking to the men. Mom’s favorite function of the year is the Christmas Party, and she always looks forward to receiving cards from the alumni. Mom participated in the pledge parties that used to take place on Sunday afternoons, with different sororities. Mom also had fun watching actives get “pooled” by the pledges when they get pinned or have a birthday. Mom has learned to tolerate the cigar passing, during dinner, of newly pinned or engaged men. Mom has had the thrill of sitting next to former President Bevis at a Greek Week Banquet, and just recently sitting next to President Fawcett of the Alpha Gamma Rho house.

Sunday morning usually finds the men escorting Mom to church. She is a very religious person, as one can see by the fraternity prayer. The men of Alpha Gamma Rho will never be able to measure the value that Mom Beall has given to them. Next to our own blood brothers, no one can ever give more encouragement or advice than that of the Grand Lady of Beta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho.

– Prepared by the initiation Class of Winder 1969

The infant Alpha Gamma Rho was scarcely one year old when Beta Chapter initiated a young man who was fired with a lifelong ambition to work with older young men; a young man in whom were deeply ingrained high ideals and noble objectives. Alpha Gamma Rho owes an eternal debt of gratitude to Professor Sleeter Bull, who as a brother~ for over half a century, has given unstintingly of time and effort to further the affairs of his beloved fraternity. Rarely does any organization enlist the services of an individual so sincere of purpose, so clear of vision, so diligent of effort as is our Sleeter Bull.

Brother Bull was born December 23, 1887, near Sidney, Ohio. He was elected to membership in the Beta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho in 1909. He served as Grand Registrar and Editor of the Sickle and Sheaf in 1909 and 1910; he was elected Grand Secretary of the fraternity, a position he has discharged with incomparable efficiency since then. Brother Bull has enjoyed a longer period of service than any other national officer of a social fraternity.

Brother Bull designed the original coat of arms of our fraternity. The fraternity seal, which remains unaltered from the original, is another of his contributions. His hand penned the charge of the fraternity, which is so effectively read to newly initiated brothers as one of the most impressive features of fraternal rituals. From his youthful imagination came the idea and from his fluent pen came the copy of the first Sickle and Sheaf in 1910.

Brother Bull is Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, having served as Professor of Meats in the Animal Science department for 45 years. He is the author of “Principles of Feeding Farm Animals” and “Meat for the Table” as well as numerous agriculture experiment station bulletins and circulars. He is a member of Sigma Xi and Rotary. Brother Bull was for 49 years happily married to Mrs. Lucille Bull, who took an intense interest in Alpha Gamma Rho’s accomplishments and served as an advisor for her sorority, Delta Gamma.

The hobby of Brother Bull is our fraternity. Since his first contact with Alpha Gamma Rho in 1909, he has been the motivating force behind much of its growth and development. Those who know him and love him have fondly named him “The Grand Old Man of Alpha Gamma Rho”