Seventy Years Of The Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Page 245

achieving high honors in American competition, entered the British Open championship in 1913. He achieved the finals and carried his match with H. H. Hilton, English star, to an extra hole. Hilton won by one stroke, a twenty-five foot putt.

In the fall of 1911 a new organization was created by the class of 1912, but its existence and purpose were kept secret until the following spring. George P. Dixon, sensing the need of bringing together leaders of the class into a senior society, election to which would be considered a distinctive honor, was the leader in the organization of Skull, with a charter membership of ten. Plans for perpetuating the society were developed at monthly meetings during the winter, and new members were tapped in an impressive ceremony in the spring. Expectations of the founders were fulfilled and exceeded. Though occasionally a storm center, Skull became the most desired goal of undergraduates.

A new fraternity appeared during this period, and a cooperative organization of national fraternities was formed. The Interfraternity Council, organized by the four national chapters, in 1911 invited faculty representation, which was at first declined but later agreed to by the faculty. The new chapter, founded by members of the 1914 class in 1912, was first known as Zeta Sigma Tau. The following spring this local group was granted a chapter in Lambda Chi Alpha, and secured a home on Fruit Street. At about the same time, Kappa Xi Alpha purchased a new home on Dean Street. These fraternities and Delta Tau later joined the Interfraternity Council.

The Tech Show became established as an annual event. The third in the series was "Man Proposes," written by Harold L. Tilton, '14, and successfully presented in 1913. Another social event was added to the calendar when the class of 1912 revived Class Day as a part of the Commencement program, staging the ceremony on the east slope of the campus.

Dr. Conant was a capable but not a vigorous leader. Undoubtedly he realized that there was faint prospect that

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Last Modified: Fri Jul 30 11:15:25 EDT 1999