Founded as the Commons Club at Bucknell University in 1924, the PLT Chapter of Chi Phi was modeled on the International Order of Odd Fellows and dedicated to the principles of friendship, love and truth. The original chapter house at the corner of Market and 7th Street is still standing and bears the initials “PLT” on the front sidewalk. Two early members of the fraternity, Clyde Bailey and Lloyd “Biff” Hoffman, continued their commitment after graduation, providing leadership and direction to the fraternity throughout their lifetimes.
At a time when Greek chapters tended to attract young men of means, PLT based its membership on character. It was this egalitarian approach that enabled Jake Lamar Davis to join the brotherhood as the son of a Pennsylvania coal miner. After graduating and becoming a successful physician and businessman, Jake became a major alumni benefactor to thank his fraternity for the confidence and acceptance afforded to him. He helped make the “House on the Hill” a viable dream for future generations.
This early recognition that neither income nor status defined a person’s character helped to shape the future vision and values of the fraternity. These men dared to be different. It was this very human quality that led an older generation of alumni to establish a connection with a group of young men returning from WWII and seeking to create a new social order based on interracial, non-sectarian values.