Page 13 - 1917 February - To Dragma

TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

Everyone of us, if we but knew it, could help to make our chapter
house a real home—a home that would give out comfort and help
to everyone in it. I t is not difficult if we all try.

I f we would all try to express a helpful interest in our sisters'
affairs, not the interest that is annoying, but the sympathetic interest
and consideration which tend to make the ideal home.

So many times friends or relatives come to the house for an
evening or afternoon. Here is another chance to express a home-
like and hospitable feeling. I f we will but treat them as we would
like to be treated, show them all the courtesy which we would wish
shown to our friends or relatives, then the chapter house will advance
one step nearer the real home.

But a so-called home is not a home unless everyone in that home
is harmonious. . Thoughtfulness, consideration for other people's
feelings and things, a kind word,'and a happy, cheerful expression
all tend to bring the circle of the house into a closer home relation-
ship.

Then, too, the little social hour after dinner (before study hours
begin) helps to make a chapter house seem more like a true home
with a happy, good-natured family.

So, when all is said, if we will only help others, think, and do
what we would want others to do for us, and above all, express the
sincerity of a true friend, then our chapter house will become a real
home.

LOUISE DOW BENTON. Y . '19.

IV. T H E CHAPTER HOME

A subject really worth consideration, but one which receives all
too little thought, is the "homeliness" of the fraternity 1louse. Most
of us spend the greater part of four years in the house and it
becomes our home during that time. A few general suggestions
about the home may not be unwelcome, and will, we hope, cause
you to think of others more appropriate to your individual needs.

If our fraternity house is to be a home, we must feel somewhat
responsible for its appearance, and see that it looks its part. That
involves thoughtful and tasteful purchasing of furnishings, and
careful arrangement and use of them after they become part of
the house. I n a certain bank hangs this sign, " I f you would spit
on the floor at home, do it here." On the other hand, if we have
been taught to treat the furniture kindly at home, we can at least
show it respect here.

Good magazines—not the kind from which you tear the c o v e r -
hut good magazines are essential to the one who would talk intelli-
gently, now-a-days. and they add to the "homeliness" of the chapter-