ORDER OF CONSTANTINE ELTON B. HILL '1915
Singularly, E.B. was the most important figure in our chapters history.
E.B. Hillby Rich Nemesi '81.
To understand Gamma Psi of Sigma Chi history one needs to look no further than Elton B. Hill (E.B.). He and Gamma Psi trace back to the beginning of the 20th century. From 1912 until the day he died (12/11/1980) he was at the forefront of ensuring Gamma Psi survival. Elton B. Hill was born on May 22, 1894 on a farm in Genesee County near Davison Michigan. He received his Bachelor of Science from Michigan Agricultural College in 1915 and his Masters of Science - Agriculture in 1922. In 1927 he received an additional M.S. degree from Cornell University. He married his “sweetheart” Irene and remained married and childless throughout his life. |
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PERSONAL BACKGROUND
Elton B. Hill was born on May 22, 1894 on a farm in Genesee County near Davison Michigan. He received his Bachelor of Science from Michigan Agricultural College in 1915 and his Masters of Science - Agriculture in 1922. In 1927 he received an additional M.S. degree from Cornell University. He married his “sweetheart” Irene and remained married and childless throughout his life.
After graduating from M.A.C., E.B. held various agriculture positions. On September 1, 1920 he was appointed Assistant Dean of Agriculture at Michigan State College. He served in this position until his appointment of Professor and head of newly established Farm Management Department. He excelled in this position for twenty years until the department was folded into newly formed Agricultural Economics Department in 1948. E. B. was a pioneer in father-son farm management and family estate farming.
From 1933-37 he spent summers in Europe. In 1938 he took leave to serve at the Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Puerto Rico. He wrote numerous agricultural bulletins and professional journals and coauthored the Farm Management Manual and Principles of Farm Management. He retired in 1964.
After graduating from M.A.C., E.B. held various agriculture positions. On September 1, 1920 he was appointed Assistant Dean of Agriculture at Michigan State College. He served in this position until his appointment of Professor and head of newly established Farm Management Department. He excelled in this position for twenty years until the department was folded into newly formed Agricultural Economics Department in 1948. E. B. was a pioneer in father-son farm management and family estate farming.
From 1933-37 he spent summers in Europe. In 1938 he took leave to serve at the Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Puerto Rico. He wrote numerous agricultural bulletins and professional journals and coauthored the Farm Management Manual and Principles of Farm Management. He retired in 1964.
PRELUDE TO GAMMA PSI
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The Phylean Literary Society, the oldest group to become Gamma Psi was formed in 1911. E.B. became a member in 1912. The chapter room was on the 4th floor of Wells Hall – a M.A.C. male dormitory. In 1914 the Phyleans rented a chapter house at 129 Grand River. In 1918 the group purchased via land contract a 165’ * 165’ lot at 729 East Grand River from Thomas Gunson. E. B. is quoted as saying, “Thomas was a grand ole scot and a friend of the Phyleans.”
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In 1929, E.B. would commence his advisor role that would last fifty plus years. This may be his most amazing contribution. Any chapter advisor will tell you it is exhausting. There is never a dull moment. Surprises are constant; from broken windows to maintenance to behavior problems. The rewards are great too. E. B. would mentor and befriend many undergraduates one, two and three generations younger than him.
In 1929, E.B. would underwrite a $18,000 loan to add a much needed third floor to the chapter house. The bank would not loan to an organization so an individual had to be assigned the loan. The third floor would include a dormer, a chapter room, and 12 study areas increasing living capacity to 40 people.
Financial timing could not have been worse as the depression hits after the stock market crash in October of that year. Low occupancy and financial stress was forefront for the next twelve years. Many times the Phyleans were unable to make the interest payment. In 1934 the Phylean Executive Committee was called into savings and loan office to be warned that E. B. Hill would be responsible if their account was not made current. This was a shock to the group – especially E. B. Property values were low because of the depression. E. B. stated, “From 1930-42 my financial position was of great uncertainty and worry.”
In 1936 the Phyleans merged with Trimora Societies to become Tri-Phy. Later that year they petitioned Beta Kappa and received charter status. This relieved some of the financial pressure. In 1942 Beta Kappa and Phi Chi Alpha merged to form Beta Chi. In June, Beta Chi decided to petition Sigma Chi for membership.
On December 7, of 1942 Gamma Psi of Sigma Chi was formed. Grand Consul, Dr. B. Ricks of Nashville Tennessee, flew in and Sigma Chi officers from Albion and University of Michigan Chapters were on hand to prepare for installation. The weekend installation ended with an open house. The Michigan State News wrote, “More than 500 persons attended the open house held Sunday from 3 to 6pm by the Gamma Psi chapter of Sigma Chi. Sponsored by wives of old and new Sigma Chi alumni, the tea followed a week-end of installation for the new chapter. Thirty-seven undergraduates were installed Friday night, while fifty-six alumni were initiated Saturday afternoon. Gifts, flowers and telegrams showered the house all week-end to congratulate the neo-phyte fraternity. Dr. W. Henry McLean, past grand tribune, stated that the installation of the Michigan State College chapter was one of the finest he had ever attended.” Twenty years later, E. B. would remember the start this way, “Flawless initiation ceremonies without the “book” were conducted by Alpha Pi Chapter (Albion) for the undergraduates and by Theta Theta (University of Michigan) for the alumni, and were most impressive. To them we owe much for our good start.”
In 1929, E.B. would underwrite a $18,000 loan to add a much needed third floor to the chapter house. The bank would not loan to an organization so an individual had to be assigned the loan. The third floor would include a dormer, a chapter room, and 12 study areas increasing living capacity to 40 people.
Financial timing could not have been worse as the depression hits after the stock market crash in October of that year. Low occupancy and financial stress was forefront for the next twelve years. Many times the Phyleans were unable to make the interest payment. In 1934 the Phylean Executive Committee was called into savings and loan office to be warned that E. B. Hill would be responsible if their account was not made current. This was a shock to the group – especially E. B. Property values were low because of the depression. E. B. stated, “From 1930-42 my financial position was of great uncertainty and worry.”
In 1936 the Phyleans merged with Trimora Societies to become Tri-Phy. Later that year they petitioned Beta Kappa and received charter status. This relieved some of the financial pressure. In 1942 Beta Kappa and Phi Chi Alpha merged to form Beta Chi. In June, Beta Chi decided to petition Sigma Chi for membership.
On December 7, of 1942 Gamma Psi of Sigma Chi was formed. Grand Consul, Dr. B. Ricks of Nashville Tennessee, flew in and Sigma Chi officers from Albion and University of Michigan Chapters were on hand to prepare for installation. The weekend installation ended with an open house. The Michigan State News wrote, “More than 500 persons attended the open house held Sunday from 3 to 6pm by the Gamma Psi chapter of Sigma Chi. Sponsored by wives of old and new Sigma Chi alumni, the tea followed a week-end of installation for the new chapter. Thirty-seven undergraduates were installed Friday night, while fifty-six alumni were initiated Saturday afternoon. Gifts, flowers and telegrams showered the house all week-end to congratulate the neo-phyte fraternity. Dr. W. Henry McLean, past grand tribune, stated that the installation of the Michigan State College chapter was one of the finest he had ever attended.” Twenty years later, E. B. would remember the start this way, “Flawless initiation ceremonies without the “book” were conducted by Alpha Pi Chapter (Albion) for the undergraduates and by Theta Theta (University of Michigan) for the alumni, and were most impressive. To them we owe much for our good start.”
GAMMA PSI - EARLY YEARS
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The Gamma Psi chapter still had $17,000 debt going back to the Phylean house addition. In 1946, at homecoming, the chapter, through operations and fund raising was able to pay off the mortgage. E. B. stated, “This was a great day for me.” In 1950, the chapter added a $7,500 house-mother suite to meet university requirements. Also, in 1950 E. B. would be awarded the Order of Constantine for a lifetime of contribution to Sigma Chi. From 1950-60 the chapter was on solid footing. Fund raising was done to pay off the addition and building funds were being raised toward a new fraternity house at 729 E Grand River.
Building fund kicked off at 1961 homecoming. Architect Frank Dean, an Albion Sig, was hired in 1962. There were numerous meetings with actives to understand requirements of the new house. The project was bid and the cost was either side of $200,000. The bank was willing to work with the house corporation although it recommended E. B. to stay on as advisor until the loan was paid off. The old chapter house was torn down and many of the actives moved into the Sigma Alpha Mu (Sammy) house at 507 East Grand River next to the book store. Mike Roach ’66 remembers, “Pledges and actives worked together to move Sigma Chi artifacts. E. B. and his wife, Irene, were icons in the Sig house. They and Mom Webster were great mentors for the brothers. It was exciting times with the new house on the way. |
Construction was delayed due to a strike in 1963. This delay would lead to move-in date of November 1963. The total cost of the house was $194,465 and the mortgage was $125,000. The national fraternity required a resolution by Gamma Psi for nationals to underwrite the project: a) each undergraduate would pay make $7.50 building fund payment per term b) a building fund pledge of $200 by each active upon initiation c) a cash rental by the actives of $6,140 per term to the house corporation.
Jack Breslin, Secretary of Michigan State University, spoke at the dedication. During his speech he spoke of the importance of fraternity to the campus. Mostly he spoke of E. B. and Irene; “E. B. is a very distinguished member of our faculty for forty-three years. His undying interest in and concern for young people is umatched. I have heard many instances where he dug into his own pockets to help deserving young men in need. His loyalty to his alma mater is unsurpassed. Elton and Irene Hill stand for all that is good in a fraternity system. I suspect there are few more dedicated fraternity advisors than those whom you have chosen to honor here tonight.” |
The house corporation was established as essentially the landlord of the property. This body ensured mortgage, taxes, utilities and maintenance was paid. The actives were responsible for dining room and kitchen, house-mother wages, upkeep and maintenance of the lawn and the all-important social budget.
Chapter Balance Sheet
Chapter House and Fixtures $229,500
Furniture and kitchen equip 28,700
Land 30,000
Total 308,200
Mortgage as of 9.30.69 99,936
Chapter Balance Sheet
Chapter House and Fixtures $229,500
Furniture and kitchen equip 28,700
Land 30,000
Total 308,200
Mortgage as of 9.30.69 99,936
E. B. wrote in 1969, “It is my opinion that Gamma Psi has now attained greater stability and is well on the way to another period of sincere brotherhood and good fellowship. However, to continue this good period needs the continued support of the active members and alumni.”
FINANCIAL STABILITY
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E. B. was right. The 1970’s proved to be a decade of stability. 729 was the best located fraternity house on campus and Sigma Chi held a prominent position on campus and in the East Lansing community. In 1973, he would receive Erwin L LeClerg Chapter Adviser Award. The award inscription reads, “This is to certify that Brother Elton B. Hill has been selected as the most outstanding chapter adviser in the Sigma Chi Fraternity. In token of his excellence in aiding and assisting Gamma Psi chapter located at MSU in all areas of operations for thirty-one years.” This was his most treasured recognition from Sigma Chi. The award was proudly displayed in his home office.
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E. B. was intimated involved until the very end. Throughout the 70’s he was seen driving the streets of East Lansing in an oversized Cadillac with a “Sig 1” license plate (way before personalized plates were vogue). Steve Misiewicz ’75 (now Steve Douglas) remembers, “In 1975, Mike Blust and I refurbished the kitchen over spring break. It was a mess. We gave it a good clean and paint job. Next thing I know, I receive a handwritten note from E. B. thanking me with a $25 personal check.” If you speak to any quaestor, house manager, consul or pro-consul before 1980 they all have E. B. memories with his fingers in what was going on at the time. He tended to the house like a farmer to his fields.
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In 1979, there was another mortgage burning. This time it was $125,000. Jeff Burner, Spartan Sig Alumni Editor wrote, “They came from sixteen states and Canada – 377 in all. They came to celebrate the passing of a Gamma Psi financial burden. Mr. Gamma Psi, Elton B. Hill stole the show with his irreverent wit and candidly honest remarks.”
One year later, on December 11, 1980 he would pass to the chapter eternal. Paul Campbell, ’82 remembers, “The funeral was over Christmas break and communications was not well coordinated. For some reason, I was still at the house and was asked to be pallbearer. The day was a nasty cold grey December day.”
So Elton B. Hill was a man dedicated to three loves in his life; his wife Irene, MSU Agriculture and Gamma Psi Sigma Chi. E. B.’s sixty-year involvement made an impact and left an impression for decades beyond his years. What’s interesting is he always had the pace of farmer. He worked extremely hard – he was everywhere. Yet, he also had the patience of farmer, whether it was banner year crop or otherwise. There’s a saying, “The mark of a great man is his character lives on long after he has left.”
One year later, on December 11, 1980 he would pass to the chapter eternal. Paul Campbell, ’82 remembers, “The funeral was over Christmas break and communications was not well coordinated. For some reason, I was still at the house and was asked to be pallbearer. The day was a nasty cold grey December day.”
So Elton B. Hill was a man dedicated to three loves in his life; his wife Irene, MSU Agriculture and Gamma Psi Sigma Chi. E. B.’s sixty-year involvement made an impact and left an impression for decades beyond his years. What’s interesting is he always had the pace of farmer. He worked extremely hard – he was everywhere. Yet, he also had the patience of farmer, whether it was banner year crop or otherwise. There’s a saying, “The mark of a great man is his character lives on long after he has left.”
"We Stand on the Shoulders of Giants"
To read an E.B. Hill tribute given by Scott M. Swinton, Chairperson and University Distinguished Professor, MSU Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, please click here.
