Phi Gamma Delta, University of Maine, Orono, Maine B33

Phi Gamma Delta, University of Maine, Orono, Maine B33

Image of a large brick building with steep gabled roofs on a flat site. One of the several fraternity houses on the University of Maine campus, Phi Gamma Delta's brick cladding and small-paned, casement windows and steep, slate roofs reflect a nosalgia and popular taste for English country architecture in early 20th century America. The fraternity began in 1874 when the QTV Secret Society was formed at the Maine State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts. The Chapter has had many “firsts” - being the first fraternity at the University of Maine; the first fraternity Chapter house in Maine; and the first privately owned fraternity house within the entire International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta. The QTV’s initially rented a dwelling on the University grounds known as the “White House” and then erected a Chapter lodge on campus. The objective of Maine’s first fraternity as published in Omega Mu in 1901 was “enjoyment, sociability and the best interest of its members throughout life.” QTV brothers were campus leaders and accomplished scholars leading to successful initiation into Phi Gamma Delta on November 24, 1899 as founders of the Omega Mu Chapter. The first chapter house was located further up College Avenue and served the fraternity well from 1899 until a fire took its toll in 1924. That house was designed by QTV and Omega Mu brother Frank. E. Kidder, an 1879 graduate and noted architect from Boston and Denver. Kidder also designed other buildings on the campus. Thankfully, earlier brothers before us had begun the land acquisition and planning for the current house. The land was donated by brothers Joseph Gould (1882), Charles W. Mullen (1883), Hosea Buck (1893) and Charles E. Mullen (1917). Buck also contributed generously to the Castle’s building fund and continued to do so until his death in 1937. The chapter house was estimated to cost $80,000 with $15,000 coming from insurance proceeds from the fire. The remainder was raised by graduate brother donations and some bank financing. Under the personal supervision of George Hamlin (1873), at the age of 99, construction was completed in 1925 of the beautiful Castle.