Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Epsilon Chapter Records
Collection
Identifier: UA 0242
Scope and Contents
Materials in the collection consists of publications, meeting minutes, photos and slides. The materials are arranged into 3 series; Publication Series, Minutes Series, and Photos/Slides Series. Box 3 houses Photo Boxes 4 – 7. These photos are unidentified and unarranged photos. They will get numbers at a later date.
Dates
- 1953 – 1996
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyrights to this collection is held by The North Dakota State University Archives.
Biographical / Historical
The following was taken from the History of Alpha Gamma Ro Epsilon Chapter.
The real origin of Epsilon chapter dates back to the fall of 1912 when the desire for closer fellowship and brotherhood among a group of agricultural students at the North Dakota Agricultural College brought about the formation of the Kadona Club. This name was derived by using the North Dakota Aggies in this order – Dak. No A. This idea of forming this club originated when Brother Bull wrote to the local Alpha Mu Club asking about the possibility of their petitioning Alpha Gamma. The membership of Alpha Mu was not confined to agricultural students so that action was impossible, but Brother Glenn R. Livingood who was then secretary of the local became interested in the possibility of forming another club. Through his efforts, seven agricultural students, all members of Alpha Mu, formed the Kadona Club. Brother J.H. Worst, of the college, was very enthusiastic and helped a great deal with the organization.
On January 22, 1913, the club was organized by the faculty and given permission to petition Alpha Gamma Rho for a charter. Petitions were sent to the four chapters and to the national officers, and a delegate, Brother H.E. Dixon, was sent to represent the club at the sixth convention held in 1913 at Lafayette. Brother Dixon presented the petition to the convention at the afternoon session, February 7, 1913, and it was accepted.
The installation was held at the Gardner Hotel March 24, 1913. Brother Bull, Beta, Arno H. Nehrling, Alpha, and Harman, Gamma went to conduct the ceremony and initiated the 18 charter members of Epsilon before they were forced to return south to that out. At first the chapter had no common meeting place, but later in the spring rooms were rented near the business district of Fargo and used as club rooms. Six men were initiated May 29, 1913 and for a number of years following, initiated were always held on that date. The next fall, 1913, a suite of four room over a small grocery store near the campus was rented for the use of the chapter and some of the brothers lived there to help cut down expenses. In the fall of 1914 they occupied their first house which was located at the corner of Tenth Avenue from Dean H.A. Bolley. The chapter has made several moves and during the period following the war, after had literally sold from over their heads, was forced by the scarcity of dwellings to give up living together for a short time. The home at 1327 Tenth Avenue was purchased in the fall of 1921.
Subsequently a building site across from the campus was acquired at 1303 North University Drive and an excellent house erected there. This house was completely paid for several years ago. During the summer of 1969, it became necessary to completely renovate and enlarge the interior at a cost of over $100,00, thus now giving Epsilon a very fine modern home.
The fall of 1963 was a busy on at Epsilon. During the Homecoming weekend on October 19, the 50th anniversary of Epsilon was celebrated. Several persons including alumni, wives, and friends, as well as activities, were present for the celebration. Past Grand President Maynard Coe and Homer Dixon, Epsilon initiate number one, were speakers. Many fond memories were recalled on this festive day in reminiscing over the good old days.
The men of Epsilon acquired a new housemother, Mother Geving, to replace Mother Metcalf who retired in June of 1963. In September, Duane Preston left for Costa Rica as an IFYE delegate. He spent a very exciting six months with our neighbors to the south. Sarge, as he is known to the brothers, returned to Epsilon and entertained the fellows with stories of many experiences.
“During the winter quarter (1963) we were pleased to have with us Brother Harold Bachman, a charter member of Epsilon. He was the featured conductor at the Nels Vogal Music Festival. Brother Bachman can be remembered for his famous Million Dollar Band in the years prior to World War II. He is considered one of America’s best known and best loved band masters.
This year a longtime friend of North Dakota State University and former AGR, the late Roy Johnson, received the honor of having a new food and dormitory named after him. Mr. Johnson was active in the state’s civic and political life for more than 30 years.
Several improvements were made to our house this year. We installed a new natural gas furnace and added a complete set of table and chairs for the dining room. I the fall of 1964, Epsilon was honored to have Dean Hazen join its ranks. Brother Hazen was initiated into Alpha Gamma Rho on Sunday, September 17th. He has held the position of Dean of Agriculture at N.D.S.U.
During Christmas vacation, the cold weather gave North Dakota the name Ice Box of the Nation. On a crisp Monday morning when Brother Clyde Challey entered to check our house, he found it also to be an ice box. It seems that our new furnace couldn’t keep up to our cold weather. Epsilon was at a standstill, all the pipes and radiators were frozen. This probably came at an opportune time because some of the facilities were out of date. Besides these needed improvements, wood paneling and tile ceiling were added to our dining room facilities. This greatly improved the appearance of our dining room. Also new curtains and stereo were a lively new addition to our parlor.
At our founders day banquet in April, we honored Brother Clyde Challey, who passed away later.
Brother Gary Knutson was selected by the University faculty as being on e of the school’s outstanding students. He was honored at a banquet and received for his personal use a Chevy Impala, all expenses paid for one month by General Motors. Thirteen graduating seniors from Epsilon purchased and placed an attractive bookcase in the trophy room. The addition was needed and was welcomed in the house.
Initiated into our chapter house in the fall of 1965 was Dr. Duane O. Erickson. Brother Erickson is an Assistant Professor of Animal Science. During Homecoming another honor was bestowed on one of our alumni. Colonel Orville Block was recipient of the distinguished Alumni Award of N.D.S.U. Colonel Block, from the class of 1942, has had a distinguished military career, being a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts in World War II.
Brother Arlon Hazen, Dean of Agriculture, received the Doctor of Service Award at the annual Blue Key award banquet. The award is presented annually to a member of the North Dakota State University faculty who has made outstanding contributions to the University and to the state and has also served the interests of the students.
House improvements up to 1966 include a complete redecoration job on our parlor. The walls were painted, ceiling tiled and a new rug was placed on the parlor floor up the first flight of stairs.”
The real origin of Epsilon chapter dates back to the fall of 1912 when the desire for closer fellowship and brotherhood among a group of agricultural students at the North Dakota Agricultural College brought about the formation of the Kadona Club. This name was derived by using the North Dakota Aggies in this order – Dak. No A. This idea of forming this club originated when Brother Bull wrote to the local Alpha Mu Club asking about the possibility of their petitioning Alpha Gamma. The membership of Alpha Mu was not confined to agricultural students so that action was impossible, but Brother Glenn R. Livingood who was then secretary of the local became interested in the possibility of forming another club. Through his efforts, seven agricultural students, all members of Alpha Mu, formed the Kadona Club. Brother J.H. Worst, of the college, was very enthusiastic and helped a great deal with the organization.
On January 22, 1913, the club was organized by the faculty and given permission to petition Alpha Gamma Rho for a charter. Petitions were sent to the four chapters and to the national officers, and a delegate, Brother H.E. Dixon, was sent to represent the club at the sixth convention held in 1913 at Lafayette. Brother Dixon presented the petition to the convention at the afternoon session, February 7, 1913, and it was accepted.
The installation was held at the Gardner Hotel March 24, 1913. Brother Bull, Beta, Arno H. Nehrling, Alpha, and Harman, Gamma went to conduct the ceremony and initiated the 18 charter members of Epsilon before they were forced to return south to that out. At first the chapter had no common meeting place, but later in the spring rooms were rented near the business district of Fargo and used as club rooms. Six men were initiated May 29, 1913 and for a number of years following, initiated were always held on that date. The next fall, 1913, a suite of four room over a small grocery store near the campus was rented for the use of the chapter and some of the brothers lived there to help cut down expenses. In the fall of 1914 they occupied their first house which was located at the corner of Tenth Avenue from Dean H.A. Bolley. The chapter has made several moves and during the period following the war, after had literally sold from over their heads, was forced by the scarcity of dwellings to give up living together for a short time. The home at 1327 Tenth Avenue was purchased in the fall of 1921.
Subsequently a building site across from the campus was acquired at 1303 North University Drive and an excellent house erected there. This house was completely paid for several years ago. During the summer of 1969, it became necessary to completely renovate and enlarge the interior at a cost of over $100,00, thus now giving Epsilon a very fine modern home.
The fall of 1963 was a busy on at Epsilon. During the Homecoming weekend on October 19, the 50th anniversary of Epsilon was celebrated. Several persons including alumni, wives, and friends, as well as activities, were present for the celebration. Past Grand President Maynard Coe and Homer Dixon, Epsilon initiate number one, were speakers. Many fond memories were recalled on this festive day in reminiscing over the good old days.
The men of Epsilon acquired a new housemother, Mother Geving, to replace Mother Metcalf who retired in June of 1963. In September, Duane Preston left for Costa Rica as an IFYE delegate. He spent a very exciting six months with our neighbors to the south. Sarge, as he is known to the brothers, returned to Epsilon and entertained the fellows with stories of many experiences.
“During the winter quarter (1963) we were pleased to have with us Brother Harold Bachman, a charter member of Epsilon. He was the featured conductor at the Nels Vogal Music Festival. Brother Bachman can be remembered for his famous Million Dollar Band in the years prior to World War II. He is considered one of America’s best known and best loved band masters.
This year a longtime friend of North Dakota State University and former AGR, the late Roy Johnson, received the honor of having a new food and dormitory named after him. Mr. Johnson was active in the state’s civic and political life for more than 30 years.
Several improvements were made to our house this year. We installed a new natural gas furnace and added a complete set of table and chairs for the dining room. I the fall of 1964, Epsilon was honored to have Dean Hazen join its ranks. Brother Hazen was initiated into Alpha Gamma Rho on Sunday, September 17th. He has held the position of Dean of Agriculture at N.D.S.U.
During Christmas vacation, the cold weather gave North Dakota the name Ice Box of the Nation. On a crisp Monday morning when Brother Clyde Challey entered to check our house, he found it also to be an ice box. It seems that our new furnace couldn’t keep up to our cold weather. Epsilon was at a standstill, all the pipes and radiators were frozen. This probably came at an opportune time because some of the facilities were out of date. Besides these needed improvements, wood paneling and tile ceiling were added to our dining room facilities. This greatly improved the appearance of our dining room. Also new curtains and stereo were a lively new addition to our parlor.
At our founders day banquet in April, we honored Brother Clyde Challey, who passed away later.
Brother Gary Knutson was selected by the University faculty as being on e of the school’s outstanding students. He was honored at a banquet and received for his personal use a Chevy Impala, all expenses paid for one month by General Motors. Thirteen graduating seniors from Epsilon purchased and placed an attractive bookcase in the trophy room. The addition was needed and was welcomed in the house.
Initiated into our chapter house in the fall of 1965 was Dr. Duane O. Erickson. Brother Erickson is an Assistant Professor of Animal Science. During Homecoming another honor was bestowed on one of our alumni. Colonel Orville Block was recipient of the distinguished Alumni Award of N.D.S.U. Colonel Block, from the class of 1942, has had a distinguished military career, being a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts in World War II.
Brother Arlon Hazen, Dean of Agriculture, received the Doctor of Service Award at the annual Blue Key award banquet. The award is presented annually to a member of the North Dakota State University faculty who has made outstanding contributions to the University and to the state and has also served the interests of the students.
House improvements up to 1966 include a complete redecoration job on our parlor. The walls were painted, ceiling tiled and a new rug was placed on the parlor floor up the first flight of stairs.”
Extent
2.75 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Overview
The real origin of Epsilon chapter dates back to the fall of 1912 when the desire for closer fellowship and brotherhood among a group of agricultural students at the North Dakota Agricultural College brought about the formation of the Kadona Club. This name was derived by using the North Dakota Aggies in this order – Dak. No A. This idea of forming this club originated when Brother Bull wrote to the local Alpha Mu Club asking about the possibility of their petitioning Alpha Gamma. The membership of Alpha Mu was not confined to agricultural students so that action was impossible, but Brother Glenn R. Livingood who was then secretary of the local became interested in the possibility of forming another club. Through his efforts, seven agricultural students, all members of Alpha Mu, formed the Kadona Club. Brother J.H. Worst, of the college, was very enthusiastic and helped a great deal with the organization.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Transferred by Brant Bigger (UA Acc. 747).
Legal Status
The NDSU Archives owns the property rights to this collection.
- Title
- Finding Aid to the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Epsilon Chapter Records
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the University Archives Repository
Contact:
West Building
3551 7th Avenue N
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building
3551 7th Avenue N
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu