Theta Tau History: Founding, Chapters, Conventions, and Membership

On what exact date was Theta Tau founded?

October 15, 1904

What was Theta Tau originally called?

Society of Hammer and Tongs

Who were the four founders of Theta Tau?

Erich J. Schrader, Elwin L. Vinal, William M. Lewis, Isaac B. Hanks

At what university was Theta Tau founded?

University of Minnesota

What type of engineering were the four founders studying?

Mining engineering

What quality did the founders believe should have the highest priority in membership selection?

Character qualifications

Who was considered the principal founder of Theta Tau?

Erich J. Schrader

What was the first Theta Tau chapter?

Alpha Chapter (University of Minnesota)

What was the first chapter established outside the founding university, and in what year?

Beta Chapter, Michigan College of Mines, 1906

In what year was the name officially changed to Theta Tau?

1911

What two tools appear on the original Theta Tau badge?

Crossed hammer and tongs

What symbol appeared on the forehead of the original badge?

A gold skull

In what year was the first national convention held?

1911

Where was the first national convention held?

University of Minnesota

What major decision was made at the first national convention regarding the fraternity's future membership?

Include all branches of engineering

Which chapter was established at the Colorado School of Mines in 1907?

Gamma Chapter

What was the name of Theta Tau's national magazine?

The Gear of Theta Tau

At which convention was The Gear of Theta Tau officially designated as the national magazine?

Second Convention, 1913

Who was the first Editor-in-Chief of The Gear of Theta Tau?

Jack E. Haynes

What major membership restriction was removed at the 1958 Convention?

The restriction limiting membership to white individuals

Who served as Theta Tau's first Grand Regent?

Erich J. Schrader

Who was the youngest person elected Grand Regent, and in what year?

J. Sidney Marine, 1925

Who designed the first 5,000 membership certificates and the officer robes?

Dr. Richard J. Russell

In what year did Theta Tau begin recognizing an "Outstanding Delegate" at its conventions?

1941

Why were national conventions discontinued during World War II?

World War II disrupted conventions, which were discontinued until 1946

What major membership change was implemented in 1977?

Women became eligible for membership

In what year did Theta Tau establish its first Central Office?

1963

What significant event took place at the Founders' Golden Anniversary Convention in 1954?

The position of Counsellor was established for Founder Schrader

Who was the first second-generation Theta Tau member to become Grand Regent?

Stephen J. Barth

Approximately how many members had been initiated into Theta Tau during its first 90 years?

More than 26,000