A culmination of many alumni dreams, the House on the Hill has proven to be an enduring investment, securing our future at Bucknell. A dream that was always manifest in the words of Biff Hoffman, an early alumnus who dedicated 50 years of service to PLT, the House on the Hill became a reality in 1974. Walt McConnell ’53, alumni president at the time, helped to spearhead the fundraising campaign, but it was a total organizational effort by actives and alumni that finally built a home commensurate with our vision and storied history at Bucknell.
Newly initiated brothers worked off ladders to paint the exterior trim and then turned to the interior. Paint was donated by Marv Kahan ’61, a painting contractor in New York City. Landscaping was provided and installed by Vic Scott ’54, who owned a landscaping business in New Jersey. The Woodward brothers, Mel, George, Wayland, and Skip, all with strong PLT associations, worked to fabricate the metal stairs and staircase at their father’s shop in Columbus and brought the finished product to Lewisburg where it remains today as our central stairway.
Support for the fund drive, which made the dream a reality, was also remarkable for a small local chapter. Over sixty per cent of PLT alumni contributed to the campaign, an incredible percentage for a Greek chapter. In addition, the alumni board was able to take out a mortgage from Bucknell, which became a supporting partner in our effort to join other fraternities on the hill.