Who We Are
Phi Sigma & The Philadelphian Society
Where Did It Begin?
The institution of the college fraternity is as old as our nation itself. The first fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa at the College of William and Mary, was organized in 1776. Although established as a general fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa soon became an honorary scholarship society and has maintained this position for the last century and a half.
The next fraternity, Kappa Alpha Society, was founded at Union College in 1825 and is the oldest surviving secret general society. By 1860, the fraternity system was firmly established — twenty-two of the present-day orders had been founded with 237 surviving chapters among them.
The Civil War closed many colleges and interrupted the development of fraternities. Following the war, however, men of both the North and South, struggling for order in an unprecedented social vacuum, felt the need for fraternal organizations. This need for order influenced many and spread rapidly.
For many years, particularly prior to 1900, fraternities were vigorously opposed by college faculties and by the public. They were confronted with problems of internal administration, adequate financing, and alumni support — all of which demanded strong leadership ability.
Our Past
The Founding
On October 15, 1866, several students and faculty members met to organize an association of Normal men. The purpose was for the advancement of debate and a greater understanding of various works of literature.
On November 2, 1866, the first organized meeting took place. Professor Charles H. Allen, the first principal of the Normal, was elected president. A constitution was adopted at this meeting. At a later meeting, William McDonald was elected the first president of the organization.
On December 5, 1866, the organization adopted the name Philadelphian Society — translated, "The Society of Brotherly Love." To this day, the society is still known by this name. Dues were set at a quarter. The first debate resolved: "that the best interests of our country would be promoted by releasing Jefferson Davis on condition of his leaving our shores forever." The negative team won.
Toward the end of 1866, the Philadelphians invited the young ladies of the Normal to attend a meeting. This inspired the young ladies to form their own organization, the Athenaeum Society — today known as Gamma Phi Beta, considered our sister sorority.
1890s
Growth & Civic Engagement
In 1871, the Philadelphian and Athenaeum Societies united to form the Library Association to raise money for school library books. By 1882, they had procured over 700 fine volumes.
The Philadelphian Society founded the Exponent in 1889 — a school newspaper published successfully for three years until discontinued due to insufficient funds. Publication was later resumed by the Press Association.
In 1896, the Philadelphians aided in the formation of an Oratorical Association, opening the way for all-school forensics. In 1895, a state league was formed. John McGovern, having won local eliminations, traveled to Whitewater to represent Platteville — and was declared state champion, returning to a victory parade up Main Street in a heavy rainstorm.
Era
World War I & Service
In 1916, the society's membership had grown large enough to be given the main assembly as a permanent meeting place. The society was well represented in World War I, with 124 of its members serving in the military and naval forces.
Brother Corporal Hamer Grossman made the supreme sacrifice, giving his life on June 11, 1918, on the battlefield of Chateau Thierry. His gold star forever symbolizes to his brothers the spirit of "Carry On!" There is a tree dedicated to Brother Grossman on campus.
In 1919, a debate between the Philadelphian and Athenaeum Societies on railroad ownership resulted in the Philadelphians becoming permanent possessors of the Silver Loving Cup, the Inter-Society Debate Trophy.
1941
Renewal & Reorganization
The society would have disappeared in 1927 had it not been for one Mr. H. C. Wilkerson, who restored the program to forensic activities. Significant effort was spent in 1928 reorganizing the constitution, by-laws, and purposes of the society.
In 1936, the Philadelphians adopted an official college sticker — several designs were submitted, voted on by the student body, and the proceeds from sticker sales were contributed entirely to the Student Loan Fund.
The fall of 1939 marked a new era. The society embarked on school service activities and limited membership to 30 members for greater intimacy and organizational strength.
In December 1940, Governor Julius P. Heil was selected as the first honorary president of the society. The 1941 Homecoming parade featured the Old Normal School Bell as the centerpiece of their float.
Era
World War II
Many fraternities floundered during the World War II era due to lack of manpower. The Philadelphian Society was no exception — it was closed to business for over a year. The Philadelphians had seven brothers serve: William C. Tong, Robert White, Delbert Martens, Leland Atkinson, Leon Rabe, David Eastwood, and Dan Daughetes.
1960s
Post-War Years
In 1951, the school placed an infirmary in the Philadelphian club room, forcing the Society to move. Longfellow Manor, originally constructed in 1907 by a Platteville banker patterned after Henry Longfellow's home in Massachusetts, was opened as a women's boarding house in 1954.
The Silver Loving Cup was stolen in 1968 by the sisters of Gamma Phi Beta. They returned it the same year — in a renewed condition — with a letter stating they were disgusted with its condition.
1985
National Affiliation & Merger
The Philadelphian Society became a colony of Phi Sigma Epsilon on September 30, 1968. Sponsored by the Upsilon chapter of Whitewater State University, Sigma Iota chapter was formally initiated on April 26, 1969. This charter was dropped in 1973 when the national treasurer stole all of the fraternity's funds.
The Philadelphians decided to call themselves Phi Sigma and operated as a local fraternity. In 1980, they rejoined Phi Sigma Epsilon.
On August 14, 1985, Phi Sigma Epsilon and Phi Sigma Kappa merged to become Phi Sigma Kappa due to similar principles.
2006
Phi Sigma — Local & Proud
1991 marked the year when the national charter was dropped and the Philadelphian Society became local — Phi Sigma once again. The charter was dropped due to policy changes that included elimination of the Phillie program, no parties on the premises, and the expulsion of brothers who could not pay their dues.
For the next fifteen years, the fraternity called 225 S. Elm Street home, renting the property and building brotherhood within its walls. In 2006, however, the landlord raised rents to unsustainable levels, forcing the brotherhood to make the difficult decision to vacate and find another path forward.
2014
Probation & Alumni Rescue
In 2011, declining membership brought the fraternity to a critical crossroads. Falling below the minimum threshold of ten active members, Phi Sigma was placed on probation — and faced the very real possibility of permanent dissolution.
It was the dedication of the alumni that saved the fraternity. In 2014, a committed group of alumni brothers and sisters volunteered their time and energy to reestablish Phi Sigma under a new constitution, recruit and rush new members, and breathe new life into the organization. Without their selfless commitment, the fraternity would have been permanently disbanded. Their efforts stand as a defining chapter in Phi Sigma's long history.
Today
A Permanent Home at 80 S. Elm
In 2018, Eric Voss, Robert Zeches, Jeff Rank, and Jason Giesen rallied alumni to pursue something the fraternity had never had before: a permanent home of its own. The opportunity came in the form of 80 S. Elm Street — a property with deep roots in the fraternal history of UW-Platteville, having previously served as the chapter house for both CERES and Sigma Phi Epsilon before most recently being a private rental.
Situated within the university's fraternity and sorority zone, the property was an ideal candidate. With the financial support of 58 alumni donors, the fraternity raised the funds for a 25% down payment along with seed money to cover first-year operating costs and essential repairs. The house was purchased in May 2019, marking the first time in Phi Sigma's history that the fraternity owned its own home.
Since 2020, the house has been thriving — providing a welcoming home for active members, a gathering place for alumni, and a lasting foundation for generations of Phi Sigma brothers to come. Nearly 160 years after the first meeting of the Philadelphian Society, the spirit of brotherhood forged in 1866 lives on, stronger than ever.
The Principles of Phi Sigma
To Promote Brotherhood
Justice, harmony, and brotherly love are essential to the spirit of fraternity. We promise to set an example of true brotherhood not only in our relations with each other, but in our association with people everywhere.
To Promote Scholarship
Scholarship helps one to fully appreciate the importance of both theoretical and practical knowledge. This knowledge allows one to make educated decisions and contributions to society and to pass it on to future generations.
To Promote Honor
Honor is the basis of fraternal relationships. We resolve to instill in each member a devotion to those values and ethics that will guide him to noble and right ends, so that in all he represents and does, he shall be known as a man of honor who inspires others by example.
To Promote Wisdom
Wisdom comes from learning. This complements the mission of higher education — both formal and informal — and broadens our understanding of human relationships, producing men of wisdom better prepared to make contributions to society and all mankind.
There is a large return for our dedication to our principles. First, we are encouraged to maintain a good scholastic record so that we can stay in school, help the fraternity, and successfully embark upon our chosen careers. Second, we open a door to many deep, long-lasting fraternal ties to others with whom we share common ideas and aspirations.
We increase our contacts with people within and outside the university environment, including successful alumni of Phi Sigma. We develop poise and self-confidence in dealing with other people — very essential to life after school. We increase our abilities to handle our own affairs and manage the complex affairs of the school and fraternity, which is also essential in our future professional lives. Finally, we learn how to accept and exercise individual and collective responsibility, and develop an understanding of the delicate balance required to maintain our individual identity while sharing the common interests of those with whom we must live and work.
The Philadelphian Stars — S.E.L.F.
The principles of our past organizations have been very similar to our present principles. The Philadelphians believed in four principles represented by stars — showing where we have been and where we are headed, and demonstrating that we are not alone in holding high goals for humanity.
The numerous services rendered to the college since 1866.
The primary purpose of college and the future education of youth.
Loyalty to college and fellow man, gained through close association.
Brothers working together, lighting the way down a shared highway.
All four stars intermingle to stand for S.E.L.F. — a solid foundation for the adventure of life.
A Heritage of Shared Principles
The Cardinal Principles of Phi Sigma Epsilon — Justice, Wisdom, and Honor — closely paralleled those of Phi Sigma Kappa — Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Character. This alignment is precisely why the principles of Phi Sigma Kappa were retained when the two societies merged.
Since becoming the local chapter of Phi Sigma, these principles have been modified slightly to incorporate the four principles described above — drawing from both Phi Sigma Kappa's and Phi Sigma Epsilon's Cardinal Principles to form a unified framework that guides our brotherhood today. You will learn the full meaning of these principles in the weeks and years to come.
White Carnation
Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat
Let he who wins the laurels wear them
Founded 1866 — UW-Platteville