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The organization of
Beta Kappa Chapter (BK) of Alpha Tau Omega (ATO)
began in secret in the
fall of 1887. The original organizers, E. A. Dibble
and Holmes B. Crosby, recruited other interested men
and
applied to ATO for a charter. With the assistance of
the Michigan Alpha Mu Chapter at Adrian College Beta
Kappa’s Charter was granted and eleven men were
initiated as charter members on January 17, 1888. The
charter members were:
- E. A Dibble
- H. R. Crosby
- E. P. Lyon
- O. M. Coldren
- L. C. Locklin
- W. H. Horton
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- A. E. Ewing
- J. M. Davis E. F. Rideout
- J. C. Smith
- L. M. Hardenburg
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Originally the BK used meeting rooms
downtown in the Sutton Block for Chapter meetings.
However in 1892 the
Chapter rented the Slayton house on North Manning, “three
doors below the old variety store”, and became
the first fraternity at Hillsdale to rent and support
a house. It was said to be “a large commodious
affair, equipped with steam heat and other modern conveniences.” The
Chapter remained at this site until 1903 and subsequently
occupied other homes on West, Manning and Hillsdale Streets.
In 1915 Beta Kappa became the first fraternity on campus
to own their own house when they moved into their new
house at 93 Fayette St. In 1923 the Chapter moved to
South Hall on Hillsdale St but in 1935 returned to 93
Fayette. It remained there until 1943 when World War
II circumstances caused the closing of BK and selling
the house. Following the World War II BK reformed in
a house at 208 Hillsdale St.
In 1950 the Alumni Board, through the generosity of
a number of its members, purchased Sunnycrest, which
has been the home BK ever since. Sunnycrest has served
BK well over the last fifty plus years. It has been necessary,
due to ware and tears to refurbish the house on a number
of occasions. The most recent occasion being in 2000
when major repairs were completed, the house was completely
redecorated, and new furnishings purchased. Shortly thereafter
the BK Annex, originally built through the generosity
of Spike Hennessey, was replaced with a new annex. The
latest improvements to Sunnycrest have been accomplished
through fund raising efforts of the Alumni Board.
With a few exceptions BK has flourished
at Hillsdale. BK brothers have been leaders and active
participants
in all activities on campus. In its early years it was
reported that BK had “a galaxy of stars, scholastic,
athletic, oratorical and spiritual.” The tradition
of leadership, scholarship and participation has continued
over the years with men of BK being recognized for their
achievements in the ATO Palm. Even more telling is the
number of BK Alums who have gone on after graduation
to distinguish themselves in their chosen fields.
Socially, BK has been just as active.
Reports of annual stag parties, originally at the Tally
Ho Inn, on Baw
Beese Lake, formals and informals, exchange dinners,
toga parties, pajamaramas, etc. have been enthusiastic.
Competition in intramural sports and inter fraternity
events such as the Mardi Gras has added to BK’s
status. One report regarding the condition of BK was
summed up: “no debt, no ill feeling within nor
quarrel without, no enemies, no lack of Sisters, no take-a-back-seat-for-anybody.”
The most serious threats to BK came
as the result of World War I and World War II. Because
of World War I
the college did not open until October 1918. The War
Department created the Students Army Training Corps (SATC)
to give young men military training while in college
but in doing so ordered that fraternities be suspended,
as “fraternity activities and military discipline
are incompatible”. As a result operation of the
chapter was left to underclassmen and participation declined.
Fortunately the SATC was demobilized in 1919 and student
soldiers became ordinary college students again.
BK was quick to regain its vitality with the remaining
actives and some returning servicemen.
World War II forced BK to close in 1943 and sell its
house on the corner of Fayette and Union. For all practical
purposes all the brothers were subject to military service
and left the campus. In 1945 a few of the returning brothers
reestablished BK in a house at 208 Hillsdale, St Again,
with returning servicemen and new initiates BK returned
to its position of prominence on campus. Unfortunately
a number of the brothers had given their all for their
country and did not return.
At Homecoming in 1937 two hundred
Alumni celebrated the Golden Anniversary of the founding
of Beta Kappa.
Four of the charter members, one being E. A. “Dad” Dibble,
were present and received fifty-year certificates. Dad
Dibble had received his “Dad” monogram, not
only for being one of the original organizers, but also
for being a long time advisor and consultant to the active
chapter.
BK’s Centennial celebration was held at Homecoming
in 1988. W.K.A. David A. Lawrence wrote at the time. “It
is hard to believe, as a 20 year old active, that 1988
marks the 100th anniversary of ATO at Hillsdale. For
the past century young men have come to Hillsdale College,
and the best of them have earned the right to call themselves
an ATO. Being an ATO is more than a nametag or social
calling, it is a feeling that comes from the heart. ATO
is a spirit of love and respect for all brothers. It
is a bond that has endured for a hundred years and shall
endure a hundred more. Pledges, actives and alumni can
all be of the fine winning reputation this house has
maintained with class and shall maintain. Friendship
makes us ATOs for life and keeps Beta Kappa as strong
as it always was. The alumni of this chapter include
many accomplished and distinguished men. Some have passed,
some thrive, and some are yet to come. 100 years of life
is proof the tradition will continue.”
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