  Our brothers careers have been productive, constructive, spirited, and prosaic. They displayed impressive skills, talents, and abilities They were, and we continue to be, a beautiful and lively expression of our enduring fraternal beliefs, and that underlying harmony is far-reaching in expectation for all brothers’, undergraduate and graduate. It is the core of what our fraternal founders asserted in 1848 and 1874 and 1899: to live active, commendable, and responsible lives, and to build up community. Clearly and compellingly, they added, and continue to add, positive value at the local, state, national, global, and fraternal level because they engaged life fully and responsibly. In short, they were authoritative pillars throughout life. They were-are exemplary in their citizenship, character, and their sense of dutiful responsibility, and, in many instances, they were leading voices in their career fields. They prove that success of any kind does not occur by luck or accident, and we remember them because they continue to provide that message for our time. Their spirit permeates our brotherhood, and it always will. We have long been, from one generation to the next, proud to be Omega Mu Fijis. We continue to cherish our fraternal friendships, our shared memories, and our evolving, forward-focused history at the University of Maine. These things, above and beyond everything else, are the underlying rooted connections that make us proud to be Omega Mu Fijis. Why, after all, should we believe otherwise? We have always exhibited a can-do fraternal spirit since 1874. And, to be sure, all present and future generations of Omega Mu Fijis will continue to do the same, with fraternal enthusiasm and commitment. As a brotherhood, we always see the path behind us and the way forward with equal clarity, and our future remains bright at 79 College Avenue because we fearlessly move forward, always guided by sound fraternal principles, and because of that we are an exceptional brotherhood because we remain committed and hardworking to assure that our Omega Mu brotherhood will continue to be the jewel at the University of Maine. Perge. Omega Mu Portrait George P. Merrill, 1879    It is a safe bet to believe that George P. Merrill is sitting with his Q. T. V. brothers in front of the house in 1876.   July, 1876 The entire expense of its erection was borne by the members and this demanded from them considerable self-sacrifice and loyalty. As this was the first fraternity chapter built in the State, it surely must have been a building to be proud of."  "The Q. T. V. Hall, erected in 1876 by the labor of members of the fraternity, stood where Coburn Hall is now."  "The first meeting place of fraternities on the Maine campus was in this building which was constructed in 1876 for the Q.T.V. fraternity which later became Phi Gamma Delta. The building stood in the present site of Coburn Hall....First secret society in college, 1874"     "Second Lieut., G. P. Merrill"     Merrill, George Perkins      Graduate Work   George P. Merrill did post graduate work at Wesleyan University from 1879-1880. and he was an assistant in the chemistry.  George Perkins Merrill   George P. Merrill did additional graduate work at Johns Hopkins University from 1886-1887.  Professor at George Washington University   George P. Hitchings was a professor of geology and mineralogy at George Washington University from 1893-1916. Head Of The Department Of Geology Of Smithsonian Museum Of Natural History  George P. Hitchings name is indelibly connected with the Smithsonian Institution. In 1897 George P. Hitching worked at the United States National Museum, later renamed the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, for over forty years. In 1897 was appointed the head curator of geology, and he achieved numerous accomplishments in geology, and he was a recognized as a leading authority in the study of meteorites. He was recognized nationally and internationally as an eminent scientist in geology, meteorology, mineralogy. He left behind an enriching scientific heritage that is appreciatively viewed by countless numbers of people who visit the Smithsonian Museum.  Geology Rooms in the Smithsonian Museum  George P. Merrill in one of the geology rooms the Smithsonian, above and below.     Meteorites Discovered by George P. Merrill 
Merrill Crater  "The Department of Interior has announced that a large crater in Coconino County, Arizona, near the Coconino National Forest will hereafter be known as Merrill Crater, in honor of the late Dr. George P. Merrill (Maine, '79)"  "Dr. Merrill was the world's foremost authority on Meteors, having written more than 60 scientific papers on the projectiles which strike the earth from outer space. The crater is the grave of a meteor."  "SAYS METEOR MADE CRATER" Author    "The STORY OF METEORITES By George P. Merrill"
    Jane Addams  The Foremost Woman In America  Jane Addams was a leader in the women's suffrage movement, the founder of Hull House in Chicago, and one of the founders of the A.C.L.U. and the N.A.A.C.P.  "But what is more important Farrington could probably give a personal letter to Dr. G.P. Merrill, Curator of the Department of Geology at the Smithsonian or give important and helpful advice."  "Consult Dr. Merrill, the head of the Department of Geology at the National Museum, for his scientific report on the actual value of the (meteorite) collection to the museum would be the basis for whatever action is taken by the Museum or Congress. He is a most approachable and delightful man, but quite direct and much in earnest."  A letter written by George Merrill to B. J. Harrington at McGill University. Smithsonian Institution   George P. Merrill is sitting in the fourth, middle, wearing glasses, looking up to the right. National Academy of Sciences   In 1922 George P. Merrill was elected into the National Academy of Sciences, and he was awarded the J. Lawrence Smith Gold Medal for his research into meteorites. He was one of the first University of Maine graduates to receive such an honor, creating an enduring legacy which exists to this day for the university and our Omega Mu brotherhood.   At home in Maine. Reunion  Omega Mu Brothers in the photo: Charles A. Morse, Dr. George E. Merrill, and Wilbur F. Decker.    "Search For Truth Is The Noblest Occupation Of Man. It's Publication A Duty."   “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge
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Our Omega Mu veteran-brothers who served in the military are cherished and constant fraternal friends, and we would like to say thank you for the steadfast, purposeful commitment you made to our nation to defend those four freedoms we all believe in: “Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.” For those brothers who were killed in defense of these freedoms, they will always occupy a consecrated place in our linked fraternal heart because they exemplify the idea of superlative commitment, strength, and fortitude for the good to the end itself. The greatness of their collective purpose and will, on our nation’s behalf, will never be forgotten. By their “clear-eyed faith and fearless heart,” these brothers have left us a fraternal legacy that echoes what we often say about Omega Mu Fijis: “Perseverance and determination are omnipotent.” Their code of integrity, courage, duty, responsibility, and self-sacrifice on behalf of our nation is a powerful legacy we can all be proud of as Omega Mu Fijis. Whether it was at New Orleans, Red River, Fort Blakely, Marianna, San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Seicheprey, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Easter Offensive, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Bien Hoa, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always honor the heroism of all of our brothers who have served in the armed forces from the Civil War to the present. Thank you. Omega Mu Veteran Earle S. Peckham, 1919  Omega Mu Years              "The Phi Gams held a faculty smoker to which the professors of the university were invited. The evening was spent with smokes, cards, and refreshments."    "A new and better piano has been added to the music room and two large lamps, gifts of Charles W. Mullen and Penfield Mower, added to the appearance of the living and dining room."  Charles W. Mullen, '83    "Burke Bradbury, '16, shot a fine buck recently and the fellows enjoyed an excellent venison dinner on the following Sunday."  "The Phi Gams will have a sleigh ride to Eddington. Supper will be served at Ward's farm. After supper the party will go to the Town Hall where there will be dancing and a general good time."           CANADIAN OVER-SEAS EXPEDITIONARY FORCE  Peckham, Earle S. on Enlistment  OATH TO BE TAKEN BY MAN ON ATTESTATION Peckham, Earle Stuart  The United States declared war on Germany on April 2nd, 1917, and Earle S. Peckham enlisted in the Canadian Forestry Corps on June 15th, 1917, and he served in the Nova Scotia Forestry contingent of 525 men, and he served in Scotland, England, and France clearing and leveling land for airfields, as well as harvesting and processing timber for trenches, railroad ties, bridges, barracks, hospitals, and trench mats. These Canadian units produced 70% of all the lumber used by the Allied forces on the Western Front, and to commemorate their efforts that led to victory for the Allied Forces, they built a small wooden cabin near Windsor Castle when the war ended on November 11th, 1918.                       Commemorating the end of World War I at the University of Maine.   “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge Our Omega Mu veteran-brothers who served in the military are cherished and constant fraternal friends, and we would like to say thank you for the steadfast, purposeful commitment you made to our nation to defend those four freedoms we all believe in: “Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.” For those brothers who were killed in defense of these freedoms, they will always occupy a consecrated place in our linked fraternal heart because they exemplify the idea of superlative commitment, strength, and fortitude for the good to the end itself. The greatness of their collective purpose and will, on our nation’s behalf, will never be forgotten. By their “clear-eyed faith and fearless heart,” these brothers have left us a fraternal legacy that echoes what we often say about Omega Mu Fijis: “Perseverance and determination are omnipotent.” Their code of integrity, courage, duty, responsibility, and self-sacrifice on behalf of our nation is a powerful legacy we can all be proud of as Omega Mu Fijis. Whether it was at New Orleans, Red River, Fort Blakely, Marianna, San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, Seicheprey, Chateau-Thierry, Verdun, El Guettar, Elba, Monte Della Vedetta, the Battle of the Bulge, Rabaul, Inchon, Pusan, Chosin Reservoir, Pork Chop Hill, Hue, Easter Offensive, Phu Cat, The Iron Triangle, Hamburger Hill, la Drang Valley, Bien Hoa, Khe Sanh, Rumaila, Al-Batin, Medina Ridge, Kabul, Kandahar, our Omega Mu brothers have demonstrated devotion to duty in defense of freedom and liberty. They are the stability of our nation, and we, the Omega Mu brotherhood, revere, honor, and salute their persevering and determined spirit within our great nation and our historic brotherhood. We will always honor the heroism of all of our brothers who have served in the armed forces from the Civil War to the present. Thank you. Omega Mu Veteran Frank W. Hagan, Jr., 1933  Omega Mu Years     1932 Initiation          "The house was decorated with lights. During intermission refreshments were served."   "PHI GAM SOPHOMORES HOLD SMOKER FOR '35ERS    PhI GAMMA DELTA HAS DELIGHTFUL HOUSE PARTY   'Amid a beautiful array of flowers, the Phi Gam's and their guests from near and far sat down Friday evening to a formal banquet, starting off the annual house party."  "Later in the evening, the formal dance, with music by Buddy Borst and his orchestra from Providence, was held."   The University of Maine Quartet playing in the Castle, and two of them are our brothers: Herbert G. Follett and Neil M. Calderwood. Kappa Phi Kappa National Education Fraternity                Frank Hagan served in the Pacific Theater of operations in the United States Navy Seabees                              “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge Truthfully, there is no fraternal brotherhood quite like Omega Mu at the University of Maine. We are proud of our history, and we are proud of the impressive number of fraternal brothers who played on many University of Maine athletic teams. In addition, we are equally proud of our brothers participated achieved national and international recognition in sports With conviction and commitment, our Omega Mu athlete brothers brought a great deal of joy and satisfaction to the university community, creating many wonderful memories since the first baseball team was established at Maine State College in the 1870's. The worked together for the success of each Maine team, and the overall civic good of the University of Maine. The sheer number of Omega Mu athlete brothers is an unqualified triumph for the University of Maine. Their positive impact on the University of Maine community cannot be overstated. They each gave their best efforts on each team, and what they achieved perfectly compliments what we fraternally believe: drive and determination. It is a heady athletic legacy. Accordingly, their accomplishments claim our fraternal attention and respect. For the eminence of their athletic success; and, above all, for being our Omega Mu brothers, we are proud. Therefore, in the linked soul and spirit of our long fraternal history, we gratefully remember and celebrate our QTV and Omega Mu brothers who participated on many varsity athletic teams at the University of Maine. Our scorecard is deep, and we appreciate, and we are proud of, all of our Omega Mu athlete brothers. Thoreau said it best: “What a difference, whether in all your walks, you meet only strangers, or in one house is one who knows you, and whom you know. To have a brother…How rare these things are.” How true that is, and we remain that way to this day. Omega Mu Athlete Stephen A. Getchell, 1958  Omega Mu Years   Omega Mu Housemother Mrs. Tate             "Phi Gamma Delta Christmas Dance.....party favors: red and white striped night shirts and caps with Fiji on the pocket."     "The Phi Gam house was decorated on a French Cafe theme for the formal Friday night."   "Phi Gam entertained Friday at a jam session, with Dale Whitney and his orchestra."   "A Trip to the Moon"   "Silver stars and moon maiden decorated the house and Jack McDonough and his orchestra provided the music...At intermission the pledges were presented with bouquets of wine carnations"  1956 Fiji Island     "Couples danced the music of Sammy Saliba's orchestra." University of Maine Athlete        "Steve Getchell took fourth at the Maine State Match."   (Getchell) "He turned in an outstanding job at the State championship matches, carding a 160 for the 36 holes of medal play. He finished just two strokes behind the winner."  "Co-Captain...Steve Getchell"   “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge From multiple angles, our Q.T.V. and Omega Mu brothers have enriched the civic life at the University of Maine, and we are fortunate to have had many hardworking, talented brothers throughout our history. The balance between our athletic involvement, intellectual pursuits, and campus involvement is compelling. What they accomplished in their respective pursuits at the university constitutes a wonderful achievement in our fraternal history. There efforts were good and laudable, and there efforts represented the very best of our core values of persistence and determination. It is, believe me, a wonderful achievement, on the part of generations of Omega Mu brothers, for the respective gifts that they gave for the civic good at the University of Maine. In our historically calm, customary fashion, 149 years and growing, it was a rich yield for the common good of the Maine community, All of them, through their various commitments and endeavors within the University of Maine community, improved and brightened up the quality of life of the university community with their enthusiasm and dedication to their respective University of Maine teams, organizations, and clubs. They each had uniques strengths as actors, artists, musicians, athletes, and journalists, and they all embodied the shared commitment to do something well for the University of Maine community. Fraternally integrity demands that, and we are proud of all of these brothers. Over the years, our Omega Mu brothers have been involved in many musical productions at the University of Maine, and praise for them is merited. With the same unconditional focus, diligence and discipline as our athlete brothers, our musically focused brothers, through many decades, brought richness and joy to the University of Maine community because of their involvement on various bands, orchestras, and choral groups. Their commitment was compelling, and the quality and depth of their art form enriched the lives of countless generations of students at the university, as well as many towns and cities throughout Maine and New England. Generously, with never-ending joy and inspiration, they always gave of their time and talent for the good in all of their musical performances. The embodied our old fraternal truth in being perseverant and determined in being faithful and generous with their beautiful musical gifts. Our Omega Mu Maine music brothers, just like our athlete and Maine Masque brothers, are an enriching testament to what it means to be a fraternity brother in Omega Mu. We remain proud of their dedication, creativity, and commitment in adding such a rich angle in our fraternal history at the University of Maine. Above all, what a superb gift to give anyone: music. Omega Mu Portrait Paul S. Armstrong, 1921  Omega Mu Years       Paul Armstrong is first on the left in the second row down from the top.    "Delegates from the New England chapters of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, met at Orono, March 8 and 9, for the annual convention of Section One.....Dean J. N. hart, a member of the fraternity, extended a welcome from the University to the visiting delegates."  Omega Mu Brother, Dean J. N. Hart  "One week ago Sunday evening a red light appeared once more at the entrance of the Phi Gamma Delta house and eleven men started on a long, long journey. The initiation which was one of the most successful ones ever held at "Fiji Castle," as terminated by a banquet at the Bangor House on Friday evening."    "The Freshmen at Phi Gamma Delta were the hosts on Thursday evening, at the first of the Freshman Smokers, which are given at the fraternity each year."     "Phi Gam looks forward with the greatest pleasure to the coming weekend, knowing one of the best house parties ever held in the house will begin Friday night and terminate Sunday night."    "Skeet Plummer's Ford did not prove very slow in returning from Old Town the other day. I spite of the heavy load of seven passengers it made the trip in six minutes."     Assistant Manager P. S. Armstrong  Business Manager....P. S. Armstrong   "Business Manager, Paul Armstrong, '21, has arranged the following schedule of public concerts."  Paul S, Armstrong....President and Manager    Second Basses P. S. Armstrong   Second Basses Paul S. Armstrong    Second Bass P. S. Armstrong      Associate Editors Paul S. Armstrong   “What if the space be long and wide, That parts us from our brother’s side A soul-joined chain unites our band, And memory links us hand in hand.” (Phi Gamma Delta fraternity song)    Fraternally,
Chip Chapman, ’82 Perge |
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