Delta Phi: The History and Legacy of the Union Triad Fraternity
Founded during a period of intense social and political upheaval in the early 19th century, Delta Phi stands as one of the oldest collegiate organizations in the United States. As a member of the Union Triad, it helped shape the landscape of American Greek life, evolving from a small gathering of students at Union College into a selective national fraternity known for its intimacy and tradition.
The Founding of Delta Phi
Delta Phi was established on November 17, 1827, at Union College by nine upperclassmen. These founders came from diverse professional backgrounds, reflecting the intellectual ambition of the era. The founding members included:
- Benjamin Burroughs: A Presbyterian minister from Savannah, Georgia
- William Hun Fondey: An attorney from Albany, New York
- Samuel Lewis Lamberson: A Presbyterian minister from Jamaica, New York
- Samuel C. Lawrison: A United States Navy surgeon from Pensacola, Florida
- David Hervey Little: A New York Supreme Court Justice from Rochester, New York
- John Mason: A clergyman from Jamaica, New York
- Joseph Griffiths Masten: Mayor of Buffalo, New York
- Thomas Clark McLaury: A clergyman from Lisbon, New York
- William Wilson: President of the College of Cincinnati, originally from Ireland
Challenges and Survival
The early years of Delta Phi were marked by external pressure. The fraternity and other Union Triad organizations were founded during a wave of Anti-Masonry sentiment—a political and social movement opposed to secret societies. This climate was so severe that Phi Beta Kappa, the original fraternity, abandoned its secrecy to become a strictly honor society to avoid persecution.
Internal threats also emerged in the early 1830s when Dr. Eliphalet Nott, the president of Union College, called for the dissolution of all fraternities. The organization was saved by member John Jay Hyde, whose persuasive arguments regarding the benefits of the fraternity system convinced Dr. Nott to allow the groups to remain. Following this victory, Hyde designed the official badge that members of Delta Phi continue to wear today.
Expansion and National Growth
Delta Phi transitioned from a local society to a national fraternity in 1838 with the establishment of the Beta chapter at Brown University. This growth continued steadily throughout the mid-19th century as the organization expanded across the Northeast and into the Northwest.
Key early chapters included:
- Gamma: New York University (1841)
- Delta: Columbia University (1842)
- Epsilon: Rutgers University (1845)
- Zeta: Harvard University (1845), which later reorganized in 1901 as the Delphic Club, one of Harvard's Final Clubs.
- Eta: University of Pennsylvania (1849)
- Iota: University of Michigan (1855)
- Kappa: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1855)
The fraternity also pioneered organizational structure. In 1844, Delta Phi held its first convention in Troy, New York, making it only the second fraternity in history to do so. A second convention in 1847 led to the creation of the fraternity's first printed publication: a complete membership catalogue.
The "St. Elmo" Identity and Local Traditions
Over time, Delta Phi developed unique regional identities. A connection to the Knights of Malta led the Omicron chapter at Yale University to adopt the name "St. Elmo", referring to the patron saint of mariners. While the Yale chapter eventually evolved into the independent St. Elmo Society (a senior secret society no longer associated with Delta Phi), the name persisted elsewhere. On several campuses, chapters are still known as "St. Elmo," "St. Elmo Hall," or simply "Elmo."
Other chapters maintain distinct local names. For example, the chapter at Cornell University is known as Llenroc, named after the mansion that once served as the residence of Cornell co-founder Ezra Cornell.
Key Facts
- Founded: November 17, 1827, at Union College.
- Status: Third oldest fraternity in the United States.
- Affiliation: Member of the Union Triad.
- Current Scale: Maintains twelve active chapters.
- Growth Strategy: Focuses on reactivating dormant chapters rather than aggressive expansion to preserve an intimate experience.
| Chapter | Institution | Year Established |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha | Union College | 1827 |
| Beta | Brown University | 1838 |
| Gamma | New York University | 1841 |
| Delta | Columbia University | 1842 |
| Epsilon | Rutgers University | 1845 |
| Zeta | Harvard University | 1845 |
| Eta | University of Pennsylvania | 1849 |
| Iota | University of Michigan | 1855 |
| Kappa | University of North Carolina | 1855 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Delta Phi?
Delta Phi was founded by nine upperclassmen at Union College, including professionals such as Benjamin Burroughs, William Hun Fondey, and Joseph Griffiths Masten.
Why is Delta Phi sometimes called "St. Elmo"?
The name originated with the Omicron chapter at Yale University, inspired by the patron saint of mariners and the Knights of Malta. This name was later adopted by other chapters.
How did Delta Phi survive the attempt to ban fraternities at Union College?
Member John Jay Hyde successfully argued the benefits of the fraternity system to College President Dr. Eliphalet Nott, who subsequently allowed the organizations to continue.
What is the current expansion policy of Delta Phi?
To maintain an intimate and personal experience for its members, Delta Phi resists large-scale expansion and focuses on reactivating dormant chapters.
What is the significance of the name "Llenroc"?
Llenroc is the name used by the Delta Phi chapter at Cornell University, derived from the name of the mansion where Ezra Cornell once resided.