Brief Summary of the Chapter History

On a cold Ithaca winter in 1889 Charles Dickinson gathered together 11 other Cornell men and introduced them to the idea of a bond beyond friendship and comradory; that is, the bond of brotherhood. These twelve men then set out to find an organiztion to help them form their elusive brotherhood. Petitions were sent out to Delta Tau Delta fraternity as well as Sigma Chi fraternity. After one chapter initially rejected the Cornell men's request, a charter from Delta Tau Delta was finally granted to the twelve eager men. These first twelve Cornell Delts were initiated on January 17, 1890 and the Beta Omicron chapter of Delta Tau Delta was incoporated one week later. Shortly after, Dickinson was elected as Beta Omicron's first and still youngest President. After moving between several houses for a number of years, the Cornell Delts finally landed at 110 Edgemore Lane where they built a shelter which would last them for 71 years. During this time many famous Cornell Delts lived in the shelter, such as Willard Straight who worked and became a trusted advisor for J.P. Morgan. Also during this time Nelson Brayer became a "pillar" of the chapter by faithfully serving Beta Omicron for over 50 years and most importantly leading them financially through the tough years of the Great Depression. During World War II many Cornell Delts fought and died heroically for their country; in this period as well the Delts were forced to move out of their shelter so it could become an army barrack. Following World War II, Delts returning from the war adopted a more serious attitude and hazing was eliminated. In 1949, one of the most successful collegiate acapella groups was formed by Cornell Delt Jim Casey; this group came to be know as the Cayuga Waiters and their songs can still be heard echoing throughout Cornell. Due to old age the Delts were forced to give up there much loved shelter at 110 Edgemore Lane and build a new shelter at our current site, 1 Campus Rd, which happened to be where Ezra Cornell (the founder of Cornell University) lived for twelve years. The Cornell Delts received the help of several alumni both in raising funds and designing the new shelter. The 1 Campus Rd. shelter was completed in November 1965 and has subsequently served our chapter soundly ever since. The Beta Omicron chapter has recently seen a resurgence in the pride and faith of its brotherhood, and the prospect of Hugh Shields award, something missing for many years now, is right on the horizon.

Some interesting local history facts

• Willard "Izzie" Straight was a Beta Omicron Delt.


• Jim Casey, a Cornell Delt, organized the 'Cayuga's Waiters' in 1949.


• Our shelter is home to the largest billiards table in the northeast. Acquired in 1951, the room which it resides in was built around it, making it a permanent fixture in our house.