Sigma Phi Epsilon History
The Early Years: 1946-1952
Most fraternal organizations are based in need. Such was the case of 24 Culver students, all WW 2 Veterans, who came to find life on the Hill a little wanting. The C-S fraternities of l946 offered way too many seemingly juvenile rituals that kept this group of 24 men away. One can only surmise that after dodging bullets in Germany, Japan or the Philippines that playing the beanie game didn't seem like a great way to spend one's college years. These 24 men became Club 24 and venerable Wood Hall was their home. With the great assistance of Dean Lacy Leftwich, they were encouraged to form their own group and with the college's blessing, the local fraternity, Beta Sigma Gamma, became a reality.
 Bill Bumgarner, a retired Missouri School superintendent now living near Perry, Missouri, was the first President of Beta Sigma Gamma. "We viewed ourselves as a bunch of non-compliant rebels and found the social life somewhat lacking." One might see that statement as a significant harbinger of things to come. But, with the help of Dr. Leftwich, Beta Sigma Gamma became part of the fraternity network and promised many things to come. Cars were scarce; yet the likes of those early members: Howard Gross, Paul Bensen and the late Noble Robinson, quickly made for quite a social conclave in the basement of Wood Hall. It made the late-night trips to the College Inn a group effort, usually in Bill's 1927 Model T Ford.
From its earliest days, the major social event for the Beta Sigs and later the Sig Eps was an autumnal celebration known as Barn Dance. At that time and throughout the history of the fraternity, this event was held on campus, usually at the L.L. Culver gymnasium and later, in the Student Center. Bill Bumgarner later pointed out that, since the men of Beta Sigma Phi were all over 21, that the event should be held off-campus. So, at Herb Boeger's barn, just south of Canton, the first Barn Dance was held and a lovely lady named Betty (Gamm) Hils was crowned its first Farmer's Daughter. And -- Bill Bumgarner had the privilege of crowning Mrs. Hils. College officials were quick to point out to the Beta Sigs that not only was the Culver campus dry, but all social activities carried the same sanction, thus assuring that all future Barn Dances would be held on campus and under the supervision of the administration. And, as we all know, future Sig Eps never lost track of that directive.
 Every social function had its own idiosyncrasies. To enter Barn Dance, one had to crawl through various hay bales to get to the dance floor that transformed "Farmer Herington's Barn" into the official headquarters of future Farmer's Daughters. Of note from the early era was the annual "borrowing" of some of the local livestock, mostly chickens and goats that were the property of longtime Culver alum (and Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds) Conrad Will. Barn Dance was to be authentic. And it was.
We learned some early Canton history at the same time. A favorite hangout was a local establishment named Jim and Billy's. Future generations of Sig Eps would know that off-campus think-tank as Cliff and Norm's. Most of Club 24 and Beta Sigma Phi's mission was to get through school with many living in what has romantically been called "the barracks." Little, tiny trailers that inhabited the campus just north of Henderson Hall were individual shelters and not much more. The need for a home was imminent.
 Perhaps it was the cramped quarters of the Barracks that led the Beta Sigs to buy their own house and on December 1, l949, that was completed as the men of Beta Sigma Phi moved into their new home at 811 White Street. Bob Layne, '50, now of Gainesville, Georgia, remarked that "after our chartering in l948, the Beta Sigs had a significant impact on campus life and our goal was to have a home of our own." Dick Fletcher, a charter member, also spent a great deal of time designing the Beta Sigma Phi fraternity pin.
It is unique that so many of the men of Beta Sigma Gamma were influenced by some of the giants of Culver-Stockton's history of that day and those names jump off the page even in 2004. The names of Jake Allen, J. Leslie Pierce, John Alexander, Ford Messamore, Lacy Leftwich and Joe Hootman are sprinkled throughout the history of the college and the fraternity, just as those same names mean much to every alum. Working in concert with many of Culver's leaders, the seeds of desire to become a national fraternity soon took root. The very essence of Culver-Stockton that has endured for over 150 years was showcased almost 50 years ago.
Noteable Quotes:
- Dick Fletcher '48: While I can't remember a lot about the early days, I do remember that I was responsible for the design of the original Beta Sigma Gamma Fraternity Pin; enjoyed my year at Culver prior to transferring to the University of Missouri. Won't be a homecoming because we now spend our winters in Florida.
- Bob Layne '50: Being a charter member of the frat was the best part; being inspired by the likes of Joe Hootman, Olga Bays, Melvin Peterson and Bill Herington.
- Gerry Myers '51: What a joy moving into the house at 811 White that we bought; trips to Quincy for no good reason and spending time at Jim and Billy's (Cliff and Norms); FYI--my cousin, Joan Netzel Phillips, has some videos of the front of the 811 House and pictures of a few of the boys.
- Arthur Oldin '53: Had the pleasure of being in the house when we went from Beta Sigs to Sig Eps. A real thrill. Lacey Leftwich was one of the real supporters of all of us Vets who were now frat members. Was back in 2003 for our 50th; will be back this fall.
Click on the following links to read Sigma Phi Epsilon's history.
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