Editing Chi Phi, Theta Chapter (section)

==Old Theta==

The Theta Chapter of the Chi Phi fraternity was founded at RPI in 1878 by a group of men dissatisfied with the current fraternities on campus. Originally designated as Eta Deuteron, after gaining more notoriety was given designation as the Theta Chapter. Theta was founded originally as a more professional house, and its original chapter room was designed to look more like a gentleman’s clubhouse than a comfortable space.

	Some of RPI’s most famous alumni were founding members of the Theta Chapter. On the original charter is the signature of George W. G. Ferris, the man who invented the Ferris wheel, a great feat of engineering at the time. A father and son duo, Frank and Kenneth Osborne, Frank being on the original charter as well, also ended up founding a reputable construction firm. This company would end up building some of the most iconic stadiums in the United States, including Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, and Fenway Park.

	The house was originally located on First Street, but the house was destroyed in a fire around the turn of the century. After not having a dedicated house for many years, a new house was built in 1912 with the purpose of being a permanent home for the Theta Chapter. Now located at the corner of 15th Street and Sage Avenue, the Theta Chapter still occupies this house. Additionally, a second house next door was donated to Theta by an alumnus in 1954. This annex was worked on for several years by the house to convert it from a two-family home into a better living space for the brotherhood.