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House
History
The Alpha Chapter of Phi Lambda Phi has lived in three separate
houses since its founding. The first house was a two story white
frame, located by Washington Elementary School. Mrs. Walder, an
elderly woman, which only left us with the second floor, occupied
the first floor. Due to the lack of space, we occupied the house
for only one year. There just was not enough room for meetings or
social activities.
A new fraternity house was then acquired at 215 North Mulanix.
This house had lead, stained glass windows and 14 ft. high ceilings.
The front porch was removed during our occupancy and replaced by
the active members. After the owner painted the house pink, the
guys named the house the "Pink Palace". Shortly thereafter,
the Phi Lambs moved out, breaking their contract. (Do you blame
them?) The president at that time, Jack Davis, was placed in charge
of finding a new house during the summer.
Our present house, located at 610 S. Osteopathy, was found by
Jack Davis. Jack contacted Alumni President Steve Harkema, and together
they agreed to assume the 6% loan that was on the house. Steve's
father, Walter F. Harkema, loaned the fraternity the $6000 needed
to acquire the house. When Walter passed away, Steve voided the
interest, leaving the organization to pay back only the principle.
In 1978, an addition was added to the front of the house. This
addition included 16 feet of space to the basement, the first floor,
and even more to the second floor. The entire construction effort
was conducted from within the Phi Lamb organization with Jim Simpson
as the contractor, and William "Doc" Murray serving as
the designer. During this time, Jim Brown and Ed Templeton lived
in an exposed portion of the structure.
Since the addition, further remodeling and additions have included
a new floor for the kitchen, a multi-facility bathroom, a new enclosed
stairway located at the rear of the house for entry into the basement,
and a chapter room.
With the passing of our close friend and next-door neighbor Mrs.
Madison, Lambda Chapter was given the first option to purchase her
home. With an active campaign led by and directed from the alumni
association, the property has become another addition to our estate.
This is another example of the continued growth of our chapter.
We are excited to coninue growing and becoming a stronger brotherhood?
The above information was taken from the Phi Lambda Phi Alumni
Website (www.philambdaphi.net) |
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