About Psi Phi

History

In the winter of 1917 two Cornell University graduates formed an independent social organization, and quickly recruited many young businessmen who were often new to the community and wanted to meet people. On September 9, 1920, after three years of meeting at the YMCA, the men chose to call themselves by the Greek letters "Psi" and "Phi," becoming Psi Phi Fraternity.

Psi Phi brother Harley Salisbury left Binghamton in the fall of 1922 to attend Buffalo Normal School. One of the first things he did was to get permission from the college president to form a chapter of Psi Phi Fraternity on that campus. With 21 original members, the newly chartered Beta chapter of Psi Phi Fraternity became a recognized campus fraternity in 1923.

Harley Salisbury and fellow member Herb Shear graduated from Buffalo Normal in 1924 and settled in Syracuse, N.Y. Knowing some young men who were attending Oswego Normal School, Salisbury and Shear received permission from the college president in 1925 to start the Gamma chapter of Psi Phi Fraternity. Maxwell (Max) G. Ziel ( pronounced zeel ) had a lot to do with the growth of Psi Phi Gamma in the 1930's and 40's. Originally born in Alabama, he was a respected military man, baseball/basketball coach and leader of men in the area. Max Ziel and Gamma Chapter were/are synonymous.

Here in Potsdam, several Brothers from our Oswego chapeter (Psi Phi Gamma) helped form the Delta chapter of Psi Phi. A handful of students from the Crane School of Music were in Oswego to give a performance and were befriended by Psi Phi Gamma brothers. Together they helped to found Delta chapter in 1948, receiving their official charter in 1950. Through the years, Psi Phi Delta has been the home of hundreds of men of character and integrity, including several civic and business leaders. Over 100 alumni returned to Potsdam in 2000 to celebrate the Fifty Year Anniversary.

All three active chapters of Psi Phi Fraternity (Beta, Gamma and Delta) continue to form lasting bonds of Brotherhood among Psi Phi men within and between the chapters.

The House

Psi Phi Delta has resided in five locations in the town of Potsdam since its founding in 1948, first on Garden Street, then Pleasant Street then 14 Pierrepont Avenue, and from 1970 to 2006 at the Chapman Estate located at 15 Bay Street. Psi Phi Delta still resides in Potsdam, close to campus. The guys would be more then welcome to invite you over, perhaps even watch a game and have some pizza.

The house is located just a short walk from both the academic quad and downtown Potsdam with its many shops, restaurants, movie theater and public houses as well two blocks away from Phi Kappa Pi our sister sorority.

We're always around so find one us and come over!