November 22, 1856. It was on this date that the Beta Phi chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon was founded at the University of Rochester. This was due to the hard work of nine outstanding young men: George P Draper ’57, Thomas Rogers ’58, William Harkness ’58, Francis Pierce ’59, John Wesley Heath ’59, John Purdy ’60, Charles Barton ’60, Thomas Heron ’60, and Samuel Pierce ’60.

         Just as Beta Phi was growing up out of its infancy, the Nation became engulfed in the Civil War. In fact, the first officer killed was a DEKE, Theodore Winthrup from Yale. In all, Beta Phi gave sent twenty-seven of her members to the northern army. Of these, six were charter members and had distinguished careers.

         William Harkness served as a surgeon at the second battle of Bull Run. Francis Pierce served as a Colonel in the 108th New York Infantry. Thomas Heron enlisted as a private in the 87th New York Infantry. Charles Barton served as a captain in the 98th N.Y. Volunteers. John Purdy served as 1st Lt. in Company G, 40th Wisconsin Infantry. Finally, Samuel Pierce served as Colonel of the 3rd N.Y. Cavalry.

         Following the close of the war in 1865, the first of four DKE National Conventions was held Rochester with Beta Phi serving as the host chapter. This was the first convention since the start of the war.

         The DKE National Convention returned to Rochester again in 1884, with Beta Phi again serving as the host chapter. This convention so stimulated the enthusiasm of both the active chapter and the alumni that in 1888 the chapter house at 285 Alexander Street was purchased. This was the first fraternity house at the University of Rochester.

         It was at this house that around the turn of the century Theodore Roosevelt (at the time Governor) was entertained. Governor Roosevelt attened breakfast at the chapter house at 7 a.m.

         This was not that last famous celebrity to dine at the DKE house. In 1907 a dinner was given at the Chapter house by the alumni and active brothers to honor Commander Robert Edwin Perry a DEKE from Bowdoin. This was exactly a year and a half before Perry placed the DKE flag beside the Stars and Stripes at the North Pole, himself being the first man to ever reach it.