Our beginnings stem from the founding of the Barbarian organization at Ohio University in 1905, a group that shared many of the same beliefs, as the Non-Fraternity Association (which became Phrenecon) founded a year later at Miami University.   In 1910, the Barbarians became the Ohio University Union, and a year later on October 27, 1911 merged with Miami's Phrenecon Association marking the birth of our organization as a national fraternity. With the exception of our first chapter (Alpha) at Miami, there is no group who has had more influence as to the formation of Phi Kappa Tau.   It was the chapter at Ohio University who helped to start the national movement, which continues to this day.   When the final merger was signed in 1911, the OU group had given the organization a national president, much of its first constitution, a magazine and a large part of its first ritual.

What is it that nearly 2000 men have experienced at Beta Chapter during the last 94 years and what's important to remember?   It could be any of the following snippets from the past.

•  In 1913 one had to be a "darned" good student to be invited into this exclusive group.

•  The war in 1917 had serious affects on the chapter and it operated with great difficulty. After the Armistice and the return of the men to campus, the chapter quickly recovered.

•  On February 1, 1920 Beta Chapter who had formerly met in its early days on the 2nd floor of the University's McGuffey Hall; and lived in homes at 100 University Terrace and on East and West State Streets, moved into their home at 50 East State Street.

•  On March 17, 1922 Beta Chapter held one of its first Founder's Day's at the Berry Hotel.   Forty-five brothers sat down for a meal and in true Phi Tau spirit, partied until after midnight.

•  In 1923, Beta Chapter alumnus Brandon T. Grover was head coach of the basketball and baseballs teams at Ohio University.

•  In 1927, Beta Chapter had 6 men, including the captain on the OU football team

•  In 1931, Beta Chapter alumnus William Smiley became the editor of The Laurel.

•  In 1933, the chapter entertained alumni at dinner once every month.   Also that year the chapter rose from last in scholarship to 1st amongst OU's 17 fraternities.

•  In 1938, a $25,000 renovation occurred at 50 East State Street transforming the architectural style from Victorian to American.   The red brick was painted, the front and side porches were removed as well as two old additions, a new entrance was built with a portico w/fluted pillars and double doors, a new dormitory was built increasing capacity from 28 to 35 men, a library was created and a new center staircase took the place of two staircases formerly used.   Lastly, they installed a new coal-burning boiler.

•  In 1939, a new party called the "Hillbilly Hobble" was established.   The entrance of the house and the rec room was decorated with corn shocks, lows, wagon wheels, lanterns, hay and even a few ducks and chickens.

•  In 1942, the chapter bought a porcelain Piggy Bank and took daily contributions to buy War Bonds-as it was put.this is one way for Phi Kappa Tau to help "Keep Them Flying." This was also the year that news was received that chapter members Lt. John Burns and Lt. William Byron were killed in the line of duty and the year that member Dana Jones won the Shideler Award and was the last year that any sizable group would be in the chapter for the next three years as they were all off fighting for Uncle Sam.

•  On April 11, 1943, Paul "Gus" Newman, actor, director, marketer, philanthropist and Academy Award and Kennedy Center honoree was initiated into Beta Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau.

•  In the fall of 1943, OU rented the chapter house to use as a girl's dormitory.   Ritual equipment, records and trophies were put into storage and the bills were paid.   Only one or two active members were left on campus.

•  In 1945, chapter member Lloyd Johnson was reported missing in the SouthPacific.   He had been on submarine duty.

•  WWII ended and in 1946 Beta Chapter is the largest it's ever been.   They had 50 actives and 20 pledges.   Two of the new pledges were John Good, son of advisor P.F. Good '26 and Harry C. Snyder, son of an alumnus and future state senator.

•  In 1947, the chapter won top honors for their Homecoming float.   Carrying out the theme of "Cincinnati is at the end of their rope" the float depicted a hanging scene with executioners in full regalia while 35 betuxed mourners completed the procession.

•  On Founder's Day in 1950, the guest speaker was Dr. William Henry Shideler who spoke on "The Early Days of Phi Kappa Tau."   That same year, Phi Kappa Tau controlled the campus elections.   Future Lt. General Bob Arter was the president of the senior class, Jack Zwahlen was president of the junior class and Dick Yoo was vice president of the freshman class.