from "Many campus buildings approach the century mark" by Kristen Roderick, Kansas State Collegian, 2/22/07
Delta Sigma Phi was completed in 1908 as the only YMCA building in Kansas, near the largest agricultural college in the world, according to a document at the Riley County Historical Museum.
Construction on the $30,000 building began in October 1905. Students, faculty and businesses raised more than $22,000 at the outset of the project, according to the Oct. 16, 1905, edition of the Industrialist. Floor plans included parlors, an audience room, reading rooms and offices on the main floor. The basement would include lockers, showers, boilers, a kitchen and a dining room. The second and third floors were slated to have nine rooms that would be rented to students and members of the association.
"The building will be strictly modern in its appointment," according to the Oct. 16, 1905, issue of the Industrialist.
Construction almost came to a halt in 1907, but supporters raised money to make the final payment for the building.
The College YMCA started a campaign to raise the $7,000 needed to make the payment and furnish the hall, according to the Feb. 22, 1907, edition of the Industrialist.
It turned out to be a city-wide effort to raise the money.
"Every time $100 was raised, the church bells of the city and the college bell rang and the shop whistle blew," according to the Industrialist.
On Nov. 16, 1907, the Industrialist said the building received its roof and the heating and plumbing pipes were laid.
The building was a host home for parents visiting the Student Army Training Corps, which was housed in the building.
It also was the place where the varsity men's basketball team played when Mike Ahearn coached at K-State, according to the RCHM. In early April 1926, the building was sold to Parkview Hospital Company for $3,500. Parkview Hospital Company also had to pay for the debts of the building and a small mortgage.
On Aug. 1, 1946, Sisters of St. Joseph purchased the building for $34,500.
The fraternity bought the house in 1955, according to its chapter's Web site. The gymnasium was demolished in 1958 and replaced by a new wing for the fraternity house.
Featured Items
Interested in Delta Sig? Let us know by filling out the interest form under Consider Delta Sig.
Current Weather
Manhattan, KS
Current Conditions:
This observation is more than 1922 hours old
A few clouds
84°F
Weather data provided by the National Weather Service
