History of our Kappa of Ohio Chapter

Phi Beta Kappa had a presence on campus long before Wooster obtained a national charter, with the earliest member being Dr. W. Z. Bennett, who started working at Wooster in 1902 or earlier.

Sepia-toned cabinet-card portrait of William Z. Bennett, shown from the chest up, gazing slightly left. He wears pince-nez glasses, a full handlebar moustache, a high stand collar with cravat, and a dark double-breasted coat. A typed label along the right margin identifies him as a faculty member (“FACULTY — BENNETT, WILLIAM Z.”), and the studio imprint “THE TRIO, Wooster, Massillon & Ashland, O.” appears beneath the image.
Portrait of Professor William Z. Bennett
Scanned typed letter on “The College of Wooster — President’s Office” letterhead, dated February 16 1916. President J. Campbell White informs a correspondent that he is enclosing the roster of the Phi Beta Kappa Senate, which will review Wooster’s membership application on March 10.
1916 appeal from President J. Campbell White seeking influential support for Wooster’s forthcoming Phi Beta Kappa charter vote.


In February 1916, Wooster applies for membership. President White informs a correspondent that he is enclosing the roster of the Phi Beta Kappa Senate, which will review Wooster’s membership application on March 10, and seeks support for the chapter application.

Wooster’s application was initially rejected by PBK, with leadership stating that they found the college unready for a chapter. This decision may have been impacted by division among faculty following the resignation of President Holden and the termination of the Dean of Women, Winona Hughes.

In 1921 Wooster reapplies for a charter. Oscar M. Voorhees, Secretary of the Society sends a letter to President Wishart describing a “rapid spread of a spurious organization – a travesty on Phi Beta Kappa – known as Kappa Beta Phi.”

He continues that “this fraternity initiated at least 3000 members last year.” He requests to know whether Kappa Beta Phi had entered our institution, “and if so what action has been taken respecting it.”

For an emblem they have copied the exact specifications of the Phi Beta Kappa key. The insignia on the key consists of a hand pointing at an object which varies from a beer keg to a whiskey bottle. The emblem on the reverse side consists of a monogram ‘B.S.’”

Typed letter to President Charles F. Wishart of The College of Wooster from Rev. Oscar M. Voorhees, secretary of Phi Beta Kappa. Dated November 18, 1921. Voorhees notes that Wooster’s charter application will come before the Senate on December 28, warns of a counterfeit group called Kappa Beta Phi that mimics the Phi Beta Kappa key and claims thousands of initiates, urges colleges to expel any students who join the impostor society, and asks whether the organization has surfaced at Wooster.
Secretary Oscar M. Voorhees cautions President Wishart about the nationwide spread of Kappa Beta Phi – a knockoff of Phi Beta Kappa – while Wooster’s own charter bid awaits Senate action.
Scanned typed letter dated November 25, 1921, addressed to the Rev. Oscar M. Voorhees, D.D., New York City. The sender (on College of Wooster letterhead) states that no “Kappa Beta Phi” fraternity exists at Wooster and warns that any members discovered would be immediately expelled.
1921 Wooster letter assuring Rev. Oscar M. Voorhees that no Kappa Beta Phi fraternity operates on campus and vowing expulsion for any who might surface.

November 25, 1921, President Wishart replies to Secretary Voorhees that no “Kappa Beta Phi” fraternity exists at Wooster and warns that any members discovered would be immediately expelled.

Scanned typed letter on letterhead listing officers Charles F. Thwing (president), Francis W. Shepardson (vice-president), Rev. Oscar M. Voorhees (secretary), and David Layton (treasurer). Dated November 5, 1923, Secretary Voorhees writes to President Charles F. Wishart of The College of Wooster: he can visit the campus on November 15 or 16 and notes that Wooster is being seriously considered for recommendation for a charter.
November 1923 typed letter on letterhead listing officers Charles F. Thwing (president), Francis W. Shepardson (vice-president), Rev. Oscar M. Voorhees (secretary), and David Layton (treasurer) in which Oscar M. Voorhees arranges a campus visit with President Wishart and discreetly shares that Wooster is in line for a coveted charter.

November 5, 1923, Secretary Voorhees writes to President Charles F. Wishart of The College of Wooster to share that he can visit the campus on November 15 or 16 and notes that Wooster is being seriously considered for recommendation for a charter.

The Charter

Wooster reapplies for a charter, finally reaching the standard of quality required to have their request granted during the triennial meeting of the Council in September 1925. Wooster became the 105th charter and as the 10th chapter in Ohio was named Kappa of Ohio.

The September 17, 1925 edition of The Wooster Voice
The September 17, 1925 edition of The Wooster Voice featuring an article about the Phi Beta Kappa “Charter Given Sept 8”

William Z. Bennett writes to President Wishart on Oct. 5, 1925. He thanks him for promptly reporting that Phi Beta Kappa has granted Wooster a chapter and remarks that the honor would have come sooner, “but for the disloyalty of some persons who owed better allegiance to Wooster.” Bennett suggest that Wooster adopt a cautious approach when electing new Phi Beta Kappa members – especially alumni – to avoid unfavorable impressions. He praises President Wishart’s leadership, voices concern that the church’s controversy over evolution is alienating “some of the best brains,” and sends regards to Mrs. Wishart.

  • Page 4 of the same typed letter, continuing Bennett’s counsel that Wooster adopt a cautious approach when electing new Phi Beta Kappa members—especially alumni—to avoid unfavorable impressions. He praises President Wishart’s leadership, voices concern that the church’s controversy over evolution is alienating “some of the best brains,” sends regards to Mrs. Wishart, and signs off “W. Z. Bennett.”
  • Page 1 of a typed letter on cream-colored stationery headed “1996 Monta Vista St., Pasadena, Cal.” and dated “Oct. 5, 1925.” William Z. Bennett addresses “My dear Presdt. Wishart,” thanks him for promptly reporting that Phi Beta Kappa has granted Wooster a chapter, and remarks that the honor would have come sooner “but for the disloyalty of some persons who owed better allegiance to Wooster.” The text ends mid-page, continuing on a second sheet.
  • Page 2 of a typed letter on cream-colored stationery headed “1996 Monta Vista St., Pasadena, Cal.” and dated “Oct. 5, 1925.” William Z. Bennett addresses “My dear Presdt. Wishart,” thanks him for promptly reporting that Phi Beta Kappa has granted Wooster a chapter, and remarks that the honor would have come sooner “but for the disloyalty of some persons who owed better allegiance to Wooster.” The text ends mid-page, continuing on a second sheet.
  • Page 3 of the same typed letter, continuing Bennett’s counsel that Wooster adopt a cautious approach when electing new Phi Beta Kappa members—especially alumni—to avoid unfavorable impressions. He praises President Wishart’s leadership, voices concern that the church’s controversy over evolution is alienating “some of the best brains,” sends regards to Mrs. Wishart, and signs off “W. Z. Bennett.”

The Installation

The chapter was officially installed on April 20th of 1926, with an accompanying ceremony and celebration. Dr. Vorhees, Secretary of the United Chapters, presented Wooster with the charter, and the initial members were inducted. In his speech Dr. Vorhees said, “The real aim of college education is to form the student anew.” He declared the college experience as a valuable asset which was the training ground for citizenship.

At the first initiation, many alumni members and six seniors were elected.

The chapter’s early leadership included members who are now legendary figures in Wooster’s past:  Professors Kelso (Greek), Notestein (Latin), Compton (Philosophy), Mateer (Biology), and Gingrich (German). 

The Program for the Installation of The Kappa Chapter of Ohio Phi Beta Kappa at The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, April 20, 1926.

  • Scanned title page of The Installation of The Kappa Chapter of Ohio Phi Beta Kappa at The College of Wooster, Ohio from April 20, 1926.
  • Printed program page (page 1) of The Installation of The Kappa Chapter of Ohio Phi Beta Kappa at The College of Wooster, Ohio on April 20, 1926. It lists three sessions: 3:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.
  • Printed program page (page 2) of The Installation of The Kappa Chapter of Ohio Phi Beta Kappa at The College of Wooster, Ohio on April 20, 1926. It has a list of charter members, foundation members, honorary members, and alumni members.
  • Printed program page (page 3 )of The Installation of The Kappa Chapter of Ohio Phi Beta Kappa at The College of Wooster, Ohio on April 20, 1926. It has a list of members in course.
Excerpt from a 1926 Alumni Bulletin noting that Kappa of Ohio is now a member in good standing of the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa.
Page 1 of the 1926 Alumni Bulletin announcing Kappa of Ohio’s admission as a member in good standing of the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa.
Excerpt from the 1926 Alumni Bulletin: ‘With all Woosterians, the Bulletin joins in hearty congratulations to the College upon its election to Phi Beta Kappa.’
1926 Alumni Bulletin page 10 celebrating Wooster’s election to Phi Beta Kappa.
Scan of a 1926 Alumni Bulletin page titled “Phi Beta Kappa Installs Kappa Chapter at Wooster,” featuring a black-and-white group photo of faculty and dignitaries who took part in the installation and initiation ceremonies.
Page 3 article in the 1926 Alumni Bulletin, “Phi Beta Kappa Installs Kappa Chapter at Wooster,” accompanied by a photograph of the faculty and dignitaries who took part in the installation and initiation ceremonies.
Scan of a 1926 Alumni Bulletin article titled “Phi Beta Kappa Council Grants Wooster Charter,” detailing the society’s foundation, eminent members, admission policy, Dr. Bennett’s contributions, Professor Olthouse’s comments, President Ehishart’s role, the charter’s distribution, and its significance to the College.
Page 5 article in the 1926 Alumni Bulletin announcing Phi Beta Kappa’s charter grant to Wooster, outlining the society’s roots, distinguished members, admission criteria, key advocates, and the charter’s significance for the College.
The April 28, 1926 edition of The Wooster Voice
The Wooster Voice April 28, 1926 article heralding the installation of Wooster’s Kappa Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and highlighting Dr. U. D. Voorhees’s keynote on “Free Trade in Ideas.”
Monochrome photograph of Phi Beta Kappa members from the 1928 Index yearbook.
Members of the Phi Beta Kappa chapter pose for a formal group portrait in the 1928 Index yearbook: Fratres Irvin Brune, Morris Crothers, Donald Raley, Donald Riley, Everett Seyler, and Soror Lillian Bartels
Monochrome photograph of Phi Beta Kappa members from the 1929 Index yearbook.
Members of the Phi Beta Kappa chapter pose for a formal group portrait in the 1929 Index yearbook.
Second row: Martha Stalter, Mary Vail, Eleanor Leech
First row: Lucile Allensworth, Raymond Parshall, Richard Hildner, Mary Strubel
Phi Beta Kappa membership on page 120 of the 1930 College of Wooster Index yearbook
Members of the Phi Beta Kappa chapter pose for a formal group portrait in the 1930 Index yearbook.
Front row: Catharine Irvin, Marvin Velhurst, Margaret Smith, Arthur Wyse
Back row: Monna Brollier, John Storrie, Dorothy Woodland, Dorothy McCuskey, Edward Wesp, Virginia Myers