Phi Kappa Psi - The Ohio State University

Vol. 66 No. 9 The Buckeye Phi Psi Phi Kappa Psi s The Ohio State University s Fall 2016 OHIO DELTA t was a busy summer at Phi Psi, with both houses getting a good scrubbing inside and out! Besides cleaning, the two houses had their entire interior painted; new carpeting laid and exterior white trim painted on the main house; and brick work, carpets cleaned, doors added/repaired to the honors house. Additionally, the bathroom in the president's room was remodeled. All life safety systems have been inspected and reviewed by the city to ensure the well-being of the actives. As a fellow OSU Greek alumnus, let me express how impressed I am with the young men of Phi Kappa Psi! They have been very cooperative and helpful since we began managing the Phi Psi houses in January. In particular, I want to express my thanks to undergraduate Brothers Matt Marchman '15 and Andrew Cole '15, alumni Brothers Chris Fahey '08 and Charlie Martin '95, and House Director Chuck Kimerline, Ohio Xi '11 for helping me with the many questions I have concerning 124th and 118 E. 14th Avenue. Towne Properties is widely regarded as the area's most honored developer, creating award-winning places to live, work, shop and play for more than 55 years. Today, Towne Properties manages a diverse real estate portfolio consisting of apartments, condominium and home owners associations, fraternal associations, commercial and retail space, and recreational facilities. Specialty services include oversight of lease-up, rehab, and financing. Based in Cincinnati, with district offices in Columbus and Dayton; Lexington and Northern Kentucky; Naples, Florida; and Raleigh, North Carolina, Towne manages more than 15,000 apartment units, more than 114,000 units in condominium and homeowner's associations, 1,200,000 square feet of office and retail space, a tennis club, and a 500-slip marina. Thank you for the opportunity to manage your beautiful and historic property! Sincerely, Bryan Herd Towne Properties I Phi Psi Properties Receive Top-Notch Renovations An Update from Our Property Manager round 1980, the late 19th-century houses fronting the Jefferson Avenue park immediately north of East Broad Street in Columbus were assembled into a community for arts-related and social service agencies. Donn Vickers was leading this development, and in researching the history of the houses discovered that the boarded-up derelict at number 77 was actually the home of the Thurber family when their son, James Thurber 1918, was at Ohio State University. It was the setting for some of the famous Thurber stories. Vickers also learned that Thurber was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity at OSU and discussed that connection with David Timmons '49, who he knew to be a Phi Psi alumnus. Vickers was formulating the concept of a group that might give guidance to possible restoration of the house and its eventual use as a literary center to honor the native son. He felt that there should be a Phi Psi component in this group and asked for suggested participants. Dave immediately mentioned Brother Norman Spain '33. Spain responded enthusiastically and, along with Timmons, became part of what initially was known as The Thurber Circle, which also included civic leaders, academicians, literary professionals, and historic preservation specialists. An early organizational meeting was hosted at the Fraternity house at 124 East 14th Avenue. Among the group was author Rosemary Joyce, wife of John Joyce '48, who researched and published a pamphlet entitled Of Thurber & Columbustown. This included interviews with then-living Phi Psi contemporaries of Thurber's such as Whitney Dillon 1916, Wendell Postle 1918, Joseph Devennish '36, and written recollections by Thurber's Phi Psi sponsor, Elliott Nugent 1916. Postle's account of Thurber and Nugent ghost-writing an English course theme for him is amusing as are anecdotes by the others. Postle had two Ohio Delta sons, Harry Postle '43 and Jack Postle '47, and is represented today by his grandson, Herb Postle '79. Herb's uncle, Bob Hamilton '49, is the son of the late Robert S. Hamilton 1918, who was a classmate of Thurber's in the Chapter. Dillon's son, Whitney D. Dillon '48, now lives in Bexley. Joseph was related to the Thurbers and is survived by his Ohio Delta nephews, Bill Reddington '71, Brooke Cheney '73, and Bock Devennish '70. There are 13 sons of Ohio Delta who were or are related to James Thurber either by blood (11) or marriage. Brothers Spain and Timmons became long- serving trustees of the Thurber House as the permanent entity became known. Spain remained active with the organization until his death at age 95, becoming its first honorary trustee. In addition to his board leadership, Spain and his wife, Ruth, were Reflecting on the History of Thurber House Values, Traditions, and Legacies A Stop by 124 and 118 E. 14th Avenue to see the renovations for yourself! Josh Bedell '13 and Taimur Chaudri '14 completed some grunt work for the Thurber House. They really enjoyed the experience, and the staff, including Deputy Director Anne Touvell, of Thurber House was overjoyed! (Continued on page 4)

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