History
Nu Chapter
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney, Virginia
Delta Delta Fraternity, or Delta Deuteron (the names having been interchangeable), which became Nu Chapter of Theta Chi, was founded at Hampden-Sidney College in January, 1911. The following brief history of Nu Chapter was written by Dr. Charles W. Dabney, a member of Phi Gamma Delta's inactive chapter at Hampden-Sidney, and was published in the October, 1919, issue of The Rattle in connection with an article by B.A. McIhany, Nu entitled 'Fraternities at Hampden-Sidney College.'
“In 1911 the attendance at College was exceptional in its fraternity material. Under the leadership of C.F. Graham, son of Dr. J.T. Graham, '87; P.F. Campbell, son of Judge A.A. Campbell, '79; a Phi Kappa Psi, and nephew of Dean T.P. Campbell, '81, Phi Gamma Delta of the V.P.I.; John Moore, son of the Rev. J.H. Moore, '70, Chi Phi; A.M. Larew, brother of the late Guy Larew, '95, the only non-fraternity man at Hampden-Sidney ever initiated unto Theta Nu Epsilon, and S.D. Bedinger, son of the Rev. B.F. Bedinger, '75, one of the founders of Phi Gamma Delta Chapter at Hampden-Sidney, there was inaugurated a movement to re-establish the dormant chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. The organization was perfected in the home of a member of the Fraternity, a highly esteemed member of the Faculty of the College, who had stood sponsor for the movement.
Fredrick Norton Freeman
In 1912 a petition was formally presented to Phi Gamma Delta. However, within a few months, relations became strained between the petitioning body and the University of Virginia chapter of the body petitioned because of the different view of fraternity ideals held by the two, and Delta Deuteron withdrew its petition before having it submitted to the convention body for ratification.
In 1913, through members of Hampden-Sidney Faculty [W.J. Young and W.O. Beazley], and both members of Kappa Chapter of Theta Chi, a petition was presented to the Fraternity and, upon acceptance; Delta Deuteron became Nu Chapter of Theta Chi in the spring of 1914. No Fraternity in Virginia ever established itself with as fine men for charter members. Even during their first and second years they successfully competed with the long established fraternities.
Theta chi is fortunate in having as a member of this chapter Dr. J.H.C. Winston, '94, of the faculty, son of Dr. Peter Winston, '58, a member of Phi Kappa Psi. I do not believe that there is a single instance on record where the entire petitioning body was composed of the sons or bothers of fraternity men as was the case with Theta Chi. They are young to have any prominent members, but the indications are good among their membership. Their record of war enlistments is most creditable.”
Despite its youth, however, Nu Chapter can boast of several prominent alumni: Dr. J.A.C. Winston is Professor of Chemistry and Geology at Hampden-Sidney College. He is the youngest Ph.D. graduate ever to leave the doors of Johns Hopkins University. Professor Stephenson Smith, formerly of the chair of Philosophy and Psychology at Hampden-Sidney, is now Professor of Psychology at the University of Washington. S.B. Forbus, '16, was given his first appointment in government service as Consul at Brest, France, a very important post early in 1919.
Arthur Chase
Nu Chapter has always been interested in Theta Chi's program of expansion. It was an alumnus of Delta Delta who was responsible for Xi Chapter-W.P. Hazlegrove, Dr. Winston, inspected both Tau and Chi Chapters and attended Tau's installation. E.B. Bridges of Nu founded the local that later became Alpha Eta Chapter while he was studying law at the University of North Carolina. J.L. Thornton, Nu, who transferred to West Virginia University, was responsible, at least in part, for the petition of the local which become Alpha Kappa Chapter. This piece of work was brought about mainly through his friendship with Hoge French, Alpha Kappa, before he entered the University of West Virginia. B.A. McIhany investigated the local that became Alpha Nu and attended its installation. It need not be mentioned that he likewise investigated no less than fifteen petitioners and attended ten installations during his long period of service as a member of the Grand Chapter and subsequently as Traveling Secretary. Harvey Buck, who transferred to the University of Delaware, was responsible for the petition of Omega Alpha to Theta Chi, it having later become Alpha Xi Chapter. And finally, Henry Crisp, a Nu man now coaching at the University of Alabama, was largely responsible for the petition that made Alpha Phi Chapter.
Nu Chapter was installed January 24, 1914, and the installation committee was composed of Dr. Robert L. Irish, Edwin D. Huntley and E. Wesson Clark. This committee was assisted by W.J. Young, W.O. Beazley, R.S. Powell and D.H. Shrader, all members of Kappa Chapter and the last two active members at that time. Among prominent visitors present at the installation banquet might be mentioned the names of Dr. H.T. Graham, then President of the College; P. Tulane Atkinson, then National Secretary of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity; Dr. W.J. King, the College Pastor, and Professor W.H. Whiting.
Nu Chapter has occupied a house continuously since its induction into Theta Chi. The house occupied at first continues to be its present home. It is a small four room bungalow located but a short walk from the campus. College regulations have heretofore prohibited members from either taking meals or rooming in fraternity houses, which accounts for the smallness of the chapter house. This rule having been recently set aside, Nu Chapter will in due time have a home in which its members may live.