pep
"vigor, energy," 1912, shortened form of pepper, which was used in
the figurative sense of "spirit, energy," from at least 1847. Peppy "full of
pep," first recorded 1922. Pep rally is attested from 1945; pep talk from
1926.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
It appears "Pep" was a huge buzz-word in 1922, and the new Archi Board sure liked to use it to describe the properties of this new publications.
The new board sent a letter to all alumni asking for suggestions, and I believe the response from this unnamed brother succinctly describes why the new, peppier version was sought:
"As a suggestion, I would like to offer this, that there be less of
articles which we can get in Architectural magazines and more of a personal new
and chapter information."
And thus, aspirations to have the Archi be a periodical contribiting to our professions were put aside for a period of time. A loss for the profession? Perhaps. For us, however, Archi Names Project Gold!
In this issue we begin to hear the first rumblings of the project to build a house for the Mnesicles Chapter. Not to spoil anything, but much more will come on this subject in the future.
In other chapter house news, it looks like the Anthemios chapter moved to a different house, which would explain why I didn't recognize that photograph in the later issue. The poem included in the article specifically references a big rambling porch, which was quite distinctive. Anthemios also, is in the process of purchasing land for a future chapter house.
There are 2 brand new chapters, and it seems that the Archi Staff feels quite differently about each of them.
The Archi staff is tickled pink about those Andronicans out in Los Angeles, as they sent in many updates about students, pledges and faculty members. Most interestingly would be the mention of Carleton Monroe Winslow, made an honorary brother, who had been awarded a major project in Los Angeles, where he would be working in conjunction with Bertram Goodhue. It's a building that I enjoy visiting regularly; The Los Angeles Public Library! - see photograph above, courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library.
However, the Kallikrates brothers are having to face the painfully polite, yet passive agressive wrath of the Archi Editors.
"From Kallikrates we have received only the most meagre news and we shall be
expecting a perfect mess of it during the next few issues. Our suggestion is that about once a week a letter with such information as may be in hand should be sent to us to make it possible to be up to date..."
As a former Grand Council member, I have to say: some things never change.
After a few more comments about how each of the new chapters are doing on dues, theres a.. lamentable comment that wouldn't be right to ignore:
"As the old darkey said on the arival of his ninth heir, "Lawd, we's thankful
for what we have received, and may's we all be blessed even moh."
Whoa. reading something like that is cause to snap a person out of their nostalgic stupor, and be grateful for living in more tolerant times.
Nearly as much as Leo M. Bauer's greeting in the 1916 issue*, the Archi Board's cover letter defines the goals of the national fraternity:
ReplyDelete"…bind the scattered and detached elements of our fraternity into one familiar fraternal circle, composed not of chapters but of individuals who love each other as brothers, respect each other as students and gentlemen, and honor each other as worthy members of a worthy profession."
You have to admire the Mnesicles Chapter for their audacity. They took a publication that had only 4 issues in 7 years (granted there was a war on) and decided to publish it as a monthly!
Debate, if you like, the editorial balance of the new Archi, but enthusiasm and a clear mission will do wonders. In the next 7 years, the chapter and its successors would publish 59 issues.
To be precise, on page 5 they are writing about subscriptions, not dues. The Archi was not supported by chapter dues or published by the Grand Council. The little newspaper had to pay its own way. They had pep, but needed $1.50.
* If you've misplaced the first issue of The Archi, don't worry. Bauer's letter will be reprinted a few more times.
You can't tell from the PDFs, but this issue and the next are larger than the usual 8.5" x 11". Closer to 9" x 12", the oversized paper size makes the issues harder to store and their edges are heavily frayed.
ReplyDeleteElving Johnson reminisces about this first issue in the Jun 1, 1929 issue, including his regrets about the paper size.
Honestly, I like the new format a lot. There are less images, but I did find it difficult to read through a lot of the heavy articles. At what point do we start publishing the APX Letter? (I'm sure I'll find out eventually, during this process).
ReplyDeleteAnd I do admire the Audacity of the Mnesicles brothers. If there is one thing I have learned through this whole process, it's that the loss of Mnesicles as a chapter may be one of the greatest tragedies this fraternity has suffered.
Spoiler Alert!
ReplyDeleteThe first "Alpha Rho Chi Letter" was dated January 1985. You'll get there eventually. These Archis are comparable to the APX Letter in scope. In later eras, like the 1930s and 1970s, you'll notice a familiar rhythm of "big" issues mixed with "small" issues not unlike today's Archi and APX Letter.