Fraternity World's Largest Circulation The ALPHA ETA GATOR 54th Year Pi Kappa Alpha of the U. of F. January, 1958 MARCH 1-FOUNDER'S DAY ROSS SAWYER, "No. 15", "WE MOVE IN JANUARY 4" Founder's Day, March 1, 1957, PASSES AWAY By Jack Sites, Editor ground-breaking for the new Pike Ross C. Sawyer, the grand old man So spoke Ralph Lambert, Alpha-Eta chapter house place. This year on of Alpha-Eta, recently passed into the S.M.C., at the special chapter meeting March 1, 1958, we hope to include in the Founder's Day ceremonies the Eternal Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha held on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 15, for dedication of our new chapter house while residing at Key West. The old- the purpose of determining a date for the move from the old house to the -one of the largest in nation and est living member of this chapter, he was famous as "Number 15", signify- new. The new Pike house, almost a largest on the university campus. ing his chapter role number. year in completion, has been promised Extensive plans are now under way the chapter since last October, but is to make this year's Founder's Day fes- Brother Sawyer attended the Uni- three months late in being realized as tivities the best in the history of versity of Florida before later gradu- the dream finally has come true. Alpha-Eta, Pi Kappa Alpha accord- ating with high honors from Pough- Construction for this, the largest Pi ing to Jack Sites, Gainesville, '58 keepsie Business College in New York. Kappa Alpha fraternity house in the Founder's Day Chairman. In addition nation, was started last March 1, when to this John Goodling, Atlantic Beach, As holder of the 33rd degree, he the official ground-breaking exercises Dedication Chairman, is hoping to in- was widely known in state Masonic took place in conjunction with the an- clude the long-awaited dedicating cer- circles. He retired in 1949 with dis- nual Founder's Day celebration. The emonies with the annual if the house tinction from the office of Clerk of Cir- structure is being built on the corner is finished enough to allow the hold- cuit Court in which he had served for of 19th and University Avenue by ing of the exercises. 20 years. Cooper Construction Company of Working on the dual occasion along It is said that Brother Sawyer has Jacksonville and was designed by with Goodling and Sites are John never missed a Founder's Day service Campbell, O'Kelley & May of Gaines- Wendel, Lakeland, Asst. Fnd.'s since he graduated. But in addition ville. Chmn.; John Olson, Haines City; Ted to this he has been one of the most The red brick building is three sto- Kelly, Hollywood; John Purcell, St. active and influential members that ries high, plus a basement, and is of Augustine; Frank Weller, Pensacola; Pi Kappa Alpha and this chapter have Georgian Colonial design. It is situ- Tom Thurlow, Stuart; and Rodney ever known. Mr. Sawyer opposed the ated on a 135 by 200 ft. lot. The Kincaid, Orlando; as well as a special new fraternity house building project front yard will be 65 ft. deep with advisory committee for Dedication. because he thought it was too big. the side and back being partially en- Goodling said that formal invita- But when it was finally given the closed by a brick wall. tions will be sent to all brothers and o.k., he was the first person in with The house will have a 68-foot wide alumni notifying them of the final date his contribution to the house fund. living room facing on the street with but hope was expressed by both of the library, kitchen, dining room, and chairmen that the dual event would Yes, not enough good can be said house mother's suite rounding out the take place as planned. about this fine gentleman. The friends first floor. and brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha will On the second and third floors there long mourn Brother Sawyer's death. will be the sleeping quarters for the PIKES GIVE PARTY It is indeed a great loss to all of us. chapter with 22 individual rooms on FOR CHILDREN Survivors include a son, Ross C. the second floor and the third being Again this year the Pikes had their Sawyer, Jr., and two daughters, Miss dormitory style providing space for Florence E. Sawyer and Mrs. Sydney 22 more. All in all the house will annual Christmas party for underpriv- ileged children. The event took place Matthews, all of Gainesville. house 72 to 76 men comfortably. The basement, which in area is Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 18, with 2600 square feet and the largest on 25 children attending. In addition to gifts and refresh- campus, will be used as a recreation The event this year was handled by ments, the children were led in games room. It is about the same size as the Bart Crews, Chairman, Fort Lauder- and singing by the brothers and total combined area of the first floor dale, and John Galm, Jacksonville, pledges under the direction of Jay in the old house. who played the part of Santa. Hall, Clearwater. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 6)