Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Alpha Rho Alumni

Vernon O. Drake

Vernon O. Drake was one of Alpha Rho chapters alumni who not only kept in touch with his chapter, but was there at the very beginning. In one of several letters I received from Vernon in the 1980's, he recounted some of our history. In the summer of 1996, the chapter scholarship fund was named in honor of Brother Drake, and was written about in an Alumni Newsletter article. Here is Vernon's letter in its entirety.

Vernon O. Drake
4121 N.E. 2nd Terrace
Pompano Beach, Florida 22063

June 20, 1983

Mr. M. R. Lyons
Alpha Sigma Phi
273 High Street
Newark, N.J. 07102

Dear Brother Martin,

I must apologize for not answering your letter of May 6th sooner.

I really have been extremely busy since my wife of 53 years died in January after a long illnedd with Parkinsons. As you can see by the enclosed announcement I am marrying Helen's sister Anne the end of this week.

Apart from the information I sent to Brother Varner in Pinnesville, N.C. last year I have very little to add regarding the early history of Phi Delta Zeta which later became Alpha of Alpha Kappi Pi.

As far as I can remember, I am afraid I can give you very little background on Phi Delta Zeta. I recall definitely that I was pledge in my freshman year 1925, probably in Oct. or Nov. of that year. Although my memory is a little fuzzy on the details I believe that Phi Delta Zeta was started quite a while before I came on the scene. I remember that Ashton Gibbons, I believe of the class of 1928 was very active in the group. As I remembered the group was made up of 15 of so members before I came on to the scene. I can't recall names but I believe there were members before Ashton Gibbons.

I know they had a lodge, but I never obtained use as we became Alpha Kappi Pi soon after I became a member. I know of no plaque or constitution but I do recall we held our meetings in the Alto Club on High St. I wish I could give you something more specific but I am unable to. I sent my Alpha Kappa Pi badge, pictures, etc to Brother Barner. I do not have anything else to give you. I wish I did.

Phi Delta Zeta to my knowledge never owned any property.

For a little more information on Alpha Kappa Pi, if you have not already done so, look up the KEM LEC MEX for 1929 of which it was my pleasure to be Editor in Chief. I am sure a copy will be in the college library.

I do not believe a trip to Florida would result in much or anything else I could give you as I think I have covered all that I have that would be helpful to you.

Of course both my new wife and I would be glad to have you visit with us for a few days if it should develop after further correspondence, and that you feel it would be profitable for you - but I must remind you that there is nothing more that I can add to what I have already told you and Brother Varner.

Fraternally yours,

Vernon O. Drake '29