About the Σ Chapter
Chapter History
Alpha Chi Sigma was founded on December 11th, 1902, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. This page chronicles the colorful history of the Sigma Chapter at UC Berkeley.
For more information on fraternity history beyond the Berkeley chapter, you can visit the history section on the National Fraternity Web site: www.alphachisigma.org. There is also very detailed history in the pledge manual.
August 1912
The California Chemical Association was formed at UC Berkeley. The association was a temporary organization created for the specific purpose of becoming an AXΣ chapter. A petition requesting chapter status was drawn up and sent to the grand chapter for a vote.
November 12, 1912
A letter from the Grand Recorder reports on the status of the petition.
January 16, 1913
The Sigma Chapter was installed at a banquet in San Francisco
January 16, 1913
Congratulatory telegraphs started pouring in from all the other AXΣ chapters
January 17, 1913
The Daily Cal Announces the formation of an AXΣ Chapter at UC Berkeley (note: the article incorrectly states that AXΣ was founded in 1892).
April 26, 1913
A short history of the young Σ Chapter is written. It covers the first four pages of our history book. The last page mentions our first house on Bancroft.
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October 1913
One of the first professional events - A tour of the Leslie salt flats in San Mateo - Looks like fun!
April 1916
The brothers of the Σ Chapter are ready to help the war effort.
Fall 1918
Due to wartime conditions the Chapter was totally inactive during the fall semester.
August 1919
New House on Haste St.
January 15, 1921
Anti-Semitic clause enacted. Such restrictive clauses were soon implemented on the national level. All restrictive clauses (for men) were eliminated in 1954 (the MIT chapter played a big part in this).
February 1921
New House on Durant.
Fall 1931
We finally move to our new house on Virginia (where we are to this day)
September 20, 1933
The beer bust. Six full glasses in 34.6 seconds? They just don't make pledges like they used to.
August 27, 1938
The best radio dance in long time...
September 10 , 1938
Last night 10 of the boys got together and had a little fun at El Rancho San Pablo. Oh yes, there were ten members of the weaker sex along.
February 29, 1940
The great flood that run through the house is described in excerpts of a letter form the Pacific District Counselor to Grand Recorder Kuebler.
February 29, 1940
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| Photos of the great flood. | ||
April 19 , 1940
There used to be an AXE chapter at Stanford and we had joint banquets with them. That is, until the "boisterous" behavior of the Sigma Brothers was too much for the more sophisticated Stanford Brothers. This is an excerpt from a letter from the Pacific District Councilor.
November 1, 1940
Smoke and a far from pleasant odor were coming from the basement of the Phi Chi Sigma Fraternity. AXΣ members were suspected (from the front page of the Berkeley Daily Gazette).
January 9, 1943
It's WWII and time for the "Hard Times Dance." The theme for this dance was more serious than most.
February 26, 1943
WWII is still going on. A large explosion goes off right after a plane flies by. No, it wasn't a Japanese attack. Wonder who was behind this mayhem? I wonder why the article was pasted on our history book?
May 5 , 1943
On a more serious note, brother Ray was reported missing in action on this day.
August 12 , 1943
Crompton's room seems to be haunted. It mysteriously relocated to the roof.
Fall 1944
Things people will do for a parking spot, even in 1944!
Fall 1947
Photos of the house. What ever happened to that deer head?
April 20, 1948
A Phosphorous bomb down the chimney of a sorority house? I wonder how that happened?
October 2, 1948
Train Prank. "You mean I'm in Bakersfield?!?"
June 1951
Burning Magnesium at Fraternity House.
Nov 11, 1951
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Sunday morning "Date Breakfast." Gosh, I'm getting hungry already. |
October 27, 1957
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| Smoke was pouring from every window and doorway at 2627 Virginia St. I think the pledges had something to do with this. | |
November 17, 1955
AXΣ has the highest grades of any fraternity according to this letter from Clark Kerr.
1962
Our view of campus disappears as the building across the street is constructed.
1970
Alpha Chi Sigma allows women to join the fraternity. As a result, AXΣ looses its affiliation with other Greek fraternities. As an alternative, AXE becomes a charter member of the new Professional Fraternity Association.
August 1988
Sigma chapter hosts the 39th Biennial Conclave.
October 17, 1989
The Loma Prieta earthquake, a 6.9 on the Richter scale, rocks the Bay Area. Although the chapter house is not damaged, the fires in San Francisco's Marina District can be seen from our roof.
January 12, 1991
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The strange case of Bill Fibush. This story has been a favorite on history night for as long as I can remember. We actually still get mail for this guy - strange. |
Summer 1991
The Oakland/Berkeley Hills Firestorm. There was concern at the time that the fire would engulf the University and the Chapter House. This view is from Davis Hall on Campus.
Fall 2001
Give 'em the AXE. This cartoon written by a brother was briefly published by The Daily Cal. It featured events at a fraternity, Alpha Chi Epsilon, that we strikingly similar to events at the AXΣ house.
