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For 119 years, Gamma Theta Chapter of Delta Tau Delta has held its
annual "Chicken Fry" party. Believed to be an offshoot of the "Egg
Fry" from old Alpha Omega days, the "Fry" has long been a part of
the Delta Tau Delta experience at Baker University.
In the early days, hayracks carried the chapter members and their
dates out to the country where they fried chicken over bonfires
(three or four couples to a fire) and ate a picnic supper.
Following the picnic, the evening was spent in giving stunts of
various and sundry kinds and other entertainment and concluded with
the singing of songs and the ride back to town on the hayracks.
The big fire in the center of the
field is soaked with kerosene and lit just as twighlight is
deepening into darkness. It lights up the entire field and can
be seen for miles around. It is a big heart, a Delt heart,
spreading its warmth and cheer to all the little fires scattered
over the field and adding cheer to the party.
Then the walk around and songfest - with hands on the next fellow's
shoulders, the long queue of Delts circles the big fire a half dozen
times to marching step of "Wah-ne hee, Wah-na ho," and comes to a
stop in a group. A number of Delt songs are sung and the songfest is
closed with "Delta Shelter" which always thrills singers and
listeners alike. (By F.C. Leitnaker, Baker '19)
Through World Wars and other conflicts, the "Fry" has survived.
During WW II, alumni & undergraduates who were serving overseas
implored the chapter to continue the tradition. Holding true to
form, Gamma Theta and her alumni along with the only undergraduate,
Jay Ellis, kept the tradition alive.
In
May of 2007, the 119th Anniversary of "The Fry" took place. We
hope to see continue to see many alumni back for this occasion as we keep "THE
TRADITION ALIVE"! |
