Theta Kappa Nu

[EM1843]

I too would love the TKN info you have...did anyone else see in this months C&C the explaination of TKN's letters and such?

[JonoBN41]

Our historian, Chuck Peyser, sent this to me on Sept. 3. I hope it helps answer the original question. ---Jono.

I can help you with the 11 founding chapters of Theta Kappa Nu.
Although all 11 were founders, the order of listing is not random, but
based on some historical sequence mostly known only to deceased members of
TKN. It did not involve the 4 founders . . . as Lybarger was from
Gettysburg, which is listed 11th. The one thing of which I am sure is
that the first chapter, Samford, is first because it contributed its local
initiation ritual almost intact to the new fraternity; indeed, it was only
a small modification from Phi Kappa Nu to Theta Kappa Nu as the central
secret motto.

In order:
Theta-Alpha; Phi Kappa Nu local became Alabama-Alpha; Samford Univ.
[Birmingham, AL]
Theta-Gamma; Tau Lambda Delta local became Florida-Alpha; Rollins Coll.
[Winter Park, FL]
Theta-Epsilon; Tau Lambda Delta local became Florida-Beta; Univ. of
Florida [Gainesville, FL]
Theta-Zeta; Kappa Kappa Kappa (sometimes Tri Kappa) local became
Indiana-Alpha; Hanover Coll. [Hanover, IN]
Theta-Iota; Kappa Delta Psi local became Iowa-Alpha; Iowa Wesleyan Coll.
[Mount Pleasant, IA]
Theta-Lambda; Sigma Delta Chi local became Iowa-Beta; Simpson Coll.
[Indianola, IA]
Theta-Beta; Celts Club and Phi Beta Omega locals became Kansas-Alpha;
Baker Univ. [Baldwin City, KS]
Theta-Sigma; Phi Alpha Sigma local became Missouri-Alpha; Drury Coll.
[Springfield, MO]
Theta-Phi; Tau Lambda Delta local became North Carolina-Alpha; North
Carolina State Univ. [Raleigh, NC]
Theta-Delta; Kappa Phi local became Oklahoma-Alpha; Oklahoma City Univ.
[Oklahoma City, OK]
Theta-Pi; Phi Sigma local became Pennsylvania-Alpha; Gettysburg Coll.
[Gettysburg, PA]

Two of these "Theta" Zeta designations are not used because there was
already a Lambda Chi Alpha chapter on campus. It was decided to assign the
Zeta designations ignoring that fact. But Florida has always been known as
Epsilon-Mu and NC State as Gamma-Upsilon.
You might note that the locals at Rollins, Florida, and NCState have
the same name. Each was founded with some degree of involvement of Dr.
Winslow Anderson, the first Grand Archon.
The Baker chapter died in 1934 with only 90 initiates . . . never
operated under the Lambda Chi name. Rollins and Iowa Wesleyan were
casualties of the early 1970s after initiating a bit over 500 each. Drury,
Hanover, and Simpson have each been very strong LCA chapters during my
memory (i.e., the last three decades). Oklahoma City has suffered due to
the very shaky finances of the school, which has almost closed on several
occasions. I'm not very familiar with the other four.

Although not a founding chapter (i.e., no representative at the
Springfield founding meeting in June 1924), the "Lambda Chi" local at
Westminster Coll. [Fulton, MO] came aboard so quickly that its TKN charter
as Missouri-Beta is dated October 11, 1924 . . . the date that TKN
officially began with a "badging out" day. It's an interesting story; as
the local's name suggests it was formed in order to become a chapter of
Lambda Chi Alpha . . . but LCA was not giving charters on small college
campuses at the time, so suggested both to the Westminster local and to
Theta Kappa Nu that the two get together, which they did. Thus Lambda Chi
Alpha international, in the persons of Bruce McIntosh and Linn Lightner,
was responsible for the first addition to the TKN chapter roll beyond the
11 founding chapters. It indicates a closeness that was present between
the two fraternities, which eventually led to the 1939 Union. Sad to say,
the LCA judgment was correct; Missouri-Beta of TKN died a slow death . . .
ceased operations in 1933 with only 84 initiates; it never functioned
under the name of LCA.


Z A X Chuck

[Tom Earp]

Jono, It Was I once said! Thank You For Putting This Forward to all of the Brothers!

As I mentioned, Baker U went Belly up and I think I am right in this, that they did not decide to go LXA!

I will; have to reread the History Again!

I am Saying Good night as am beat and doing many hrs!

In ZAX

[EM1843]

Did anyone see the Theta Kappa Nu founder's pin on ebay? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...item=715239806

It has a diamond in it so I assume it's a founder's one...

[JoinerLxa]

I think in latter years, any member could get a diamond in
the middle of their TKN pin...just because I've seen so many
with a diamond

[JoinerLxa]

The gist of the TKN ritual, including a description of the
"play" i mentioned, can be found in "Ritual What and
Why", an open publication.

All chapters should have a copy of it, and internationals
would probably mail you a copy for a price.

[Tom Earp]

I have been told that the TKN Badge I have with AA Guard is not from Samford, but I know I am right!

It was at one time known as Butler.

I think that Jono's reprint of Chuck's e-m sets it straight!

Recruitment should be about over, and I hope All Did Well!!

[JoinerLxa]

Yes, your badge is from Samford (Alabama Alpha)...I've got
the original owner's name.

Samford used to be Howard College (not Butler)....apparently
someone gave them alot of money when
they almost went broke, so they changed the name of the
college!

[Corbin Dallas]

Butler is in Indianapolis, and I think was a TKN chapter. Also, side note, I remember talking to Helmbock's son on the plane coming back from GA in 2000 and I think he said he was going to Samford that fall. Anyone know where he went, and if he joined LCA? He said he was hoping to, but didn't want to get in because of who he was (I think. this was over 2 years ago now )

[lenoxxx]

Yes TH's son Associated at the Samford Chapter with 9 other men I beleive.

And yes I am the king of useless trivia

Jason Lenox

[Tom Earp]

I thought TH's son was going to Associate there!

We had a Legacy who went SPE who is across the street from our house and he did not want to be know as Rambo's Boy! # 54.

God killed Rams Man but has dealt with it! Also, his son has been instrumental in trying to keep the bad blood and fighting down or we both get booted!

Maybe all worked for the best, but I know Rams figured his son lost out on the real deal! But he lives with it and very supportive of his son with His Fraternity. But he still is all out for LXA! He is a true Brother!

[Eric_Berger]

Tom's son is currently an Active member of the chapter at Samford.

ZAX,
Eric

[NutBrnHair]

I'm guessing these are pretty rare...

TKN badge on eBay

[lspegele]

That looks beautiful.

[TA1090]

Hey, current phi doing research on TKN ritual, any body have any copies the could send my way?