Brothers who were, but are now with the stars

I recently found this obituary in the April 1925 issue of The Phi Gamma Delta Magazine under Fratres Qui Fuerunt Sed Nunc Ad Astra:

CHARLES H. HULS

(Ohio State '25)

Phi Gamma Delta paid a large share of the toll taken by either stupidity or criminal intent when strychnine was mixed with quinine in the college of pharmacy dispensary at Ohio State University.

One of the two student deaths caused by this fatal confusion was that of Brother Charles Henry Huls, '25.

Huls died suddenly on January 31, 1925, in the chapter-house a few days after having a tooth extracted. The cause at first was thought to be tetanus.

Another student death followed shortly and an investigation showed that strychnine had been dispensed for quinine at the college of pharmacy where many students were wont to get remedies.

Further investigation disclosed numerous sudden and serious illnesses had followed the taking of capsules from the dispensary.

For two days during the investigation, a virulent and strange malady called "spotted fever," a form of meningitis, was suspected and several Fijis, intimates of Huls, were held under constant surveillance by doctors. 

Brother Huls was one of the leaders in student activities at Ohio State. He was editor of the year book and a member of Sphinx*, Bucket and Dipper**, Pi Delta Epsilon***, Sigma Delta Chi**** and the varsity band. He was also active in chapter affairs and at the time of his death was corresponding secretary.

Ae a student, he was respected by his colleagues and professors; as a Fiji, he was beloved by his brothers; as an all around good fellow, he enjoyed large popularity.

Huls' home was in Logan and he is buried near there. Among his survivors is Brother Fred Huls, a junior at Ohio State.

*SPHINX is the oldest honorary at Ohio State University. Since 1907, SPHINX has recognized 24 exceptional senior students with membership annually.

**Bucket & Dipper is a Junior Class Honorary comprised of up to 30 members dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and service. Since its creation as a student organization in 1907, Bucket & Dipper has been ​a dedicated group of juniors at The Ohio State University. This tight-knit group is rooted in tradition surrounding the Illibuck (Illi), Mirror Lake, and local service. 

***Pi Delta Epsilon, founded in 1909 at Syracuse University, is an American honor society for student journalists. It merged with Alpha Phi Gamma(ΑΦΓ) on June 1, 1975 and became The Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ).

****Sigma Delta Chi, now known as The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), is the oldest organization representing journalists in the United States. It was established on April 17, 1909, at DePauw University.

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Purple and white

218 E Seventeenth Avenue

The fraternity Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ) has changed a lot since 1925, as has 218 E. Seventeenth Avenue. The Omicron Deuteron Chapter began there in 1878 as Ohio State's first fraternity. Charley quickly became involved when he went to OSU in 1921 and Grandpa was happy to follow in his shoe steps the next year.

Fred (upper left) and Charley (lower right)

Uncle Charley was a "Fiji" as was Grandpa Fred. They both seemed to live the Greek life to its fullest. If you look through their Makio yearbooks, you see the epitome of 1920s stereotypes: jazz age kids with raccoon skin coats, bobbed and shingled hair, and lots of pomade.

I wonder, did the fraternity colors of royal purple and white resonate with the brothers since those were also the colors of Logan High School.

I find myself staring at the above pictured fraternity house and wonder if one of those windows looked in on their bedroom or bathroom. Did Uncle Charley or Grandpa Fred look through them and what did they see? A bright future?

I then look at the photo of the brothers with their Brothers in this 1925 Makio photo. I'm glad they did not know what was coming, other than a desire to warn them.

I believe the original Phi Gamma Delta  building was torn down in the mid '60s, because the current apartment building on that site was built around 1966. The current Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house is nearby at 94 E. Fifteenth Ave.

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