Alpha Pi Lambda
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article or section is written like an advertisement. Please help rewrite this article from a neutral point of view. Mark blatant advertising for speedy deletion, using {{db-spam}}. |
 |
|
| Founded | March 03, 1935 Drexel University |
|---|---|
| Type | Social |
| Scope | Local |
| Motto | Semper Pi |
| Colors | Crimson and Grey |
| Chapters | 1 |
| Headquarters | 216 North 33rd St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Homepage | Undergrad Website |
Alpha Pi Lambda (AΠΛ) is a local, social, Greek-letter, college fraternity. It was founded at Drexel University in the United States on March 3, 1935. It was refounded in May of 2006 by a group of undergraduate students at Drexel.
[edit] History
Early in the year of 1935, a group of Drexel college men sensed a need for a new fraternity at the Drexel Institute.
This need was primarily motivated by an increasing enrollment of men students, but certain fraternities added impetus to the cause. The group worked diligently toward the creation of a new fraternity. Finally, on March 3, 1935, a new fraternity named Alpha Pi Lambda dedicated to eliminate all prejudices and develop character in its members was created.
John Linehan was elected the first president. Mr. Samuel Leonard (now deceased), of the Civil Engineering Department, consented to be the first faculty advisor of the fraternity.
During the first few years, the primary aim of the organization was to gain recognition on the campus in order to insure it's permanence. Through the able leadership and the efforts of the charter member, this aim was accomplished.
Consistent with moving into the present home, was the taking up of the residence of Mom and Pop Patton. Mom proved to be a very good cook and carried on for several years until she made official hostess and house mother. Pop was an invaluable aid in organizing the new home. Pop did much to improve the appearance and atmosphere of the house, and in 1941, he paneled the pool room.
The year of 1941 saw many members leaving for the armed services. I spite of this, membership continued to grow until it reached a peak in the fall and winter of '42 and '43. With the spring of '43 came the departure in large numbers to the armed service and consequently a decline in membership.
The war brought many changes to student life at Drexel. The groups which first felt the impact of the emergency were the fraternities. Alpha Pi Lambda was hit as hard as the other fraternities and for a time it seemed the house may have to close at the end of the winter term of 1943. Fortunately, some key men were able to retain, allowing the fraternity to maintain its important function on the campus.
The emergency board of Alpha Pi Lambda was organized to look after the affairs of the fraternity. As long as the active chapter functioned, the board was to serve as an advisory. When it became apparent that the chapter could no longer function smoothly, the board was to assist in putting the affairs of the chapter in good order.
After the war, many familiar faces appeared in the halls of Drexel and the ranks of Alpha Pi Lambda began to swell with the return of many old members. The years of '46, '47, and '48 saw the membership composed largely of veterans studying under the GI Bill. In 1947, the present house was purchased by the members of the alumni. The mortgage was paid in full April 27, 1958.
It was through the efforts of Bob Lorgus, then president, and other fraternity officers at that time, the alumni corporation was formed and the house mortgage was financed.
From 1947 to the early 1950's, Alpha Pi Lambda grew in stature and prestige as an established brotherhood. The brotherhood boasted an unusual percentage of extracurricular activities of wide variety. Numerous Athletic trophies were won. Alpha Pi Lambda became the social center of the campus. The basement, the bathrooms, the basketball court, the dining room and many other parts of the physical plant were renovated, making the Alpha Pi Lambda house the pride of the Drexel Fraternities.
[edit] Apple Pi House
The fall of 1939 found still a greater increase in membership and consequently a demand for even larger facilities. It was at this time that the present house on the corner of 33rd street and Powelton Avenue was selected. The Alpha Pi Lambda house is a spacious mansion built by the late William Poth in 1887. Located at 216 North 33rd street, the mansion has been the home since 1939.
A four story house containing 16 bedrooms, the Alpha Pi Lambda house is the largest fraternity house on campus. Powelton was one of the earliest settlements in West Philadelphia. Many of the houses were built in the 1850's in the Italian age style, including several designed by Samuel Sloan. After the Centennial Exposition, the area attracted wealthy homeowners, such as Frederick A. Poth, a brewer, for whom this house was built.
Dilks had worked for the fashionable architect T.P. Chandler. This house was probably his first independent commission. The design reflects the High Victorian love of rich colors and details and the visual prominence wealthy industrialists sought for their homes. The walls have semicircular and polygonal bays and towers of red brick and brownstone trim in a variety of textures. A large porch, with delicate wood detailing sweeps dramatically across two sides of the house.
