  Our Omega Mu 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 that we will always be proud of as Omega Mu Fijis. Whether it was at New Orleans, Red River, Fort Blakely, Marianna, San Juan Hill, Santiago de Cuba, 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 John N. Merrill, 1905 Omega Mu Years       1904 group photo with John N. Merrill Military Career  John N. Merrill fought in the Moro Rebellion (1899-1913) during the Philippine-American War, in the Sulu Archipelago, and during the war he was injured in the knee by a bolo knife during a fight with a Moro chief whom he shot. Later, John met Captain John Pershing, who would become General “Black Jack” Pershing, the commander of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I, 1917-1918.   Captain John Pershing in Sulu.  Morro warrior with a bolo knife.  After fighting in the Moro Rebellion for five years, John Merrill served for six years in Persia as the military instructor to the Pasha’s calvary and troops. World War I   After his service to the pasha in Persia, John N. Merrill served in France during World War I. He was in command of a company of African-American soldiers during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, and during the offensive he was gassed.  
 "Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs, And towards our distant rest began to trudge. Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots, But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind; Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots Of gas-shells dropping softly behind. Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!—An ecstasy of fumbling Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time, But someone still was yelling out and stumbling And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime.-- Dim through the misty panes and thick green light, As under a green sea, I saw him drowning" (A small portion of Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen) John N. Merrill was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his exceptional leadership in leading his men during constant German machine gun fire during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.   After the Armistice, Major John N. Merrill was stationed on the Rhine River Valley to act as a civil governor for several small towns.  “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
1 Comment
 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. Perge. Fraternal Portrait Walter Balentine, 1874
 Walter Balentine's childhood home in Waterville, Maine. High School  Coburn Classical Institute, Waterville, Maine Q. T. V. Years        
   
Our Coburn Cadet fraternal brothers: W. A. Allen, J. I. Gurney, R. D. Hunter, above; A. M. Goodale, and E. F. Hitchings, below.
  
Postgraduate Years at Wesleyan and the University of Kansas  Wesleyan University, 1874 Walter Balentine attended Wesleyan University after he graduated from Maine State College in 1874. While he was pursing his graduate degree at Wesleyan, he was an assistant chemist in the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. He also spent three months as a professor of chemistry at the University of Kansas, filling in for a professor who was quite ill. He was also a principal of a high school in Fairfield Centre, Connecticut.
Postgraduate Years in Germany: University of Greifswald and University of Halle  Walter Balentine continued his graduate studies in chemistry and physics at the University of Greifswald for one year.  After concluding his studies at the University of Greifswald, Walter Balentine attended the University of Halle to continue his studies in chemistry and physics. During this time, he was the assistant chemist in the Agricultural Experiment Station in Saxony.  United States Department of Agriculture  The United States Department of Agriculture, left, Washington, D.C., 1879. In the distance is the unfinished Washington Monument. Walter Balentine was appointed to the USDA to be an assistant chemist in 1880. It is interesting to envision the Lincoln Memorial behind the Washington Monument, a building which was designed by architect Henry Bacon, the younger brother of our Q.T.V, brother, Francis Bacon, who designed the repository for the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, as well as furniture for the White House. Professor at Maine State College   Head of the Department of Agriculture at Maine State College.   Two pictures of Walter Balentine's office in Holmes Hall, 1888-1891, with a large framed picture of his senior portrait.  The newly constructed Holmes Hall in 1888. The south and north wings of Holmes Hall would be added in 1889 and 1904, respectively. The second Q.T.V. Chapter House is to the left. Holmes Hall, Coburn Hall, the original Wingate Hall, and the first Phi Gamma Delta house were all designed by Frank E. Kidder, our fraternal brother.  Holmes Hall   Architect Frank E. Kidder, Our Fraternal Brother The Death of Professor Walter Balentine    "Professor Balentine's death was a severe loss to the institution with which he had been so long connected and which he had served so well."   "His sturdy good sense, practical judgement, and calm temperament enlivened by a vein of gentle humor, contributed to make him a valued and valuable college officer."  "His frankness and sound common sense were my especial admiration; for when his opinion was asked it was given and always knew that he meant just what he said, and that he would say just what he deemed to be right, regardless of the opinions of others."  Professor Walter Flint, our fraternal brother.  "Never striving for notoriety, or seeking to draw attention to himself unless he had something which seemed to him to be of value, he early came to to be regarded as being a man whose judgements his friends could rely.."
"In all his relations he sought to govern his speech with the utmost consideration for others....,and, although always modest and unassuming, he always, he always had great influence with his associates."  Professor George H. Hamlin, our fraternal brother.  "I loved him as a brother....what I most admired in Walter Balentine was his simplicity of character, joined to thorough honesty and earnest devotion to duty."    Professor Whitman H. Jordan, our fraternal brother. Balentine Hall Balentine Hall, 1914-196, is named in honor of Elizabeth A. Balentine, the wife of professor Walter Balentine. 
  “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 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 |
 |  |
Learning Greek and Latin
Poems by Horace M. Estabrooke,
above and below.
above and below.
1876
Class Officers
Class Officers
 |  |
 |  |
Professor
Professor of English, Modern Language, and Rhetoric at Maine State College
1901 faculty photo with Horace M. Estabrooke
Alfred Lord Tennyson
"Who talks to us of men of yore,
In that broad field of literature That down through ages will endure?
'Tis 'Honey'"
In that broad field of literature That down through ages will endure?
'Tis 'Honey'"
Composer of the
University of Maine
Hymn
University of Maine
Hymn
Faculty Football
"Full-back Estabrooke"
Pig Dinner
 |  |
Death of Horace M. Estabrooke
  |   |
"He was a man of the highest standard, of the greatest refinement of character, kind and sympathetic in actions, charitable and greatly beloved by all who knew him..."
“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)
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!
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. 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. 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. Their sacrifice of time was worth the effort for them and the student body at the University of Maine who watched them play. They created many warm memories since the early 1870’s. For the eminence of their athletic success; and, above all, for being our Omega Mu brothers, we are all very proud.
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. That is a proud fraternal legacy.
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. That is a proud fraternal legacy.
Omega Mu Athlete
John B. Edgar, Jr.,
1957
John B. Edgar, Jr.,
1957
Omega Mu Years
Late 50's and early 60's brothers at Pig Dinner.
 |  |
Omega Mu Housemothers
Mrs. Butts and Mrs. Tate
Mrs. Butts and Mrs. Tate
"Tom Tear, Phi Gam's cook for the past 35 years, prepared a buffet supper Sautuday
night at the castle."
night at the castle."
 |  |
 |  |
"The Phi Gam house was decorated on a French Cafe theme for the formal Friday night. Dance music was by Dale Whitney.
John Edgar was in charge of the affair."
John Edgar was in charge of the affair."
Fiji Island
"Phi Gams transformed their house into a tropical isle complete with palm trees, fish nest....and grass skirts for their traditional Fiji Island party....John Edgar was in charge."
Winter Carnival King
and Queen
and Queen
Mr. Campus Chest
University of Maine Athlete
John Edgar, first on the left, on the ground, trying to make a tackle.
"John Edgar thrilled the crowd with a 33 yard touchdown run that displayed possibly the best open field running the state series fans had seen all season."
Wesleyan University
John Edgar was an associate professor of physical education at Wesleyan University, as well as being the head coach of the swimming team, and an assistant coach of the football team.
Wesleyan University
swimming team records
swimming team records
He compiled a 41-10 record as the
swimming coach.
swimming coach.
“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)
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
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. 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. 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.
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
Isaac G. Calderwood,
1895
Isaac G. Calderwood,
1895
Q. T. V. Years
 |  |
Brothers present at the reunion
Walter Flint
Horace M. Estabrooke
Charles A. Frost
E. H. Elwell
 |  |
Edson F. Hitchings and Paul D. Sargeant
Q. T. V. Brothers in
Physics Class,
1894
Physics Class,
1894
Isaac G. Calderwood
Other Q. T. V. Brothers in this class
 |  |
Clifford J. Pattee and Charles A. Frost
 |  |
Gerardus Andries De Haseth and Merton E. Ellis
Isaac G. Calderwood, bottom right.
Coburn Cadet encampment at Camp A. W. Harris in Searsport, Maine.
Q. T. V. Coburn Cadets.
L-R: second cadet in is Paul S. Sargent; fifth cadet in is Merton E. Ellis; seventh cadet is Charles A. Frost; cadet holding the flag is Isaac G. Calderwood; third cadet in from the right is
Perley F. Walker.
L-R: second cadet in is Paul S. Sargent; fifth cadet in is Merton E. Ellis; seventh cadet is Charles A. Frost; cadet holding the flag is Isaac G. Calderwood; third cadet in from the right is
Perley F. Walker.
"May we never overtake the ivy on our course and think we can stop and rest...may there always be out shoots of our vine just above and out of our reach...which will shine through the storms of life when they gather around us, hiding us from view; or whether the sun of prosperity envelops us in its welcome rays....'press on, press!'"
The Cadet, July, 1890
The Cadet, July, 1890
"The United States ...Isaac G. Calderwood"
University of Maine Athlete
Vice President of the Maine State Athletic Association,
Isaac G. Calderwood
Isaac G. Calderwood
Isaac G. Calderwood is wearing the bowler hat in the back row.
Isaac G. Calderwood is wearing the bowler hat in the
back row, left.
back row, left.
Isaac G. Calderwood is wearing the bowler hat in the back row.
Isaac G. Calderwood is wearing the bowler hat in the
back row, right.
back row, right.
“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)
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
Chip Chapman, ’82
Perge
Archives
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
July 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
November 2017
RSS Feed