June 1st, 1847 three young men, John Bradt Yates Sommers, William Henry Dayton, and John Moon Skillman; founded the first Zeta Psi chapter at New York University. The second Zeta Psi chapter was founded only five years later at William College in Massachusetts. Since that time Zeta Psi has continued to expand both nationally and internationally.
The Campaign for Phi Lambda has it roots in the rich history of Zeta Psi at the University of Washington. The first steps in that history were taken in 1914 when A. Wendall Brackett founded the Brooks Club, a social club with members from the Episcopalian Church and fraternities. Over the next six years, these founders searched for a permanent home and identity. That search ended with their choice to affiliate with and become a chapter of Zeta Psi.
With the help of Dean Padelford, these founding students met with some Seattle Zetes. In 1920, Phi Alpha Ellis Ames Ballard, Executive Secretary Chester A. Lydecker and representatives of the Mu and Iota Chapters visited Seattle to meet the founders and grant them the right to petition the Grand Chapter at the 1920 Convention in New York. The Charter was granted in June 1920, and the new Phi Lambda Chapter was installed in December of 1921. The charter members included Dr. Henry Suzzallo, president of the University of Washington, Richard F. Sholz, and Dr. Robert Max Garrett.
In 1927, under the design of Arthur Loveless, an English Tudor hunting lodge style house was built for the chapter. It was not just a house, but also a home. The chapter got off to a wonderful start, with one national officer commenting that the men were:
A good group, wise in its leadership and
abundant in its enthusiasm. I foresee for it
only a strong future. It has at all times been
enthusiastic in its conception of the spirit
of the Fraternity and in its willingness to
get the broader concept of the Fraternity
viewing it as a tremendous international
brotherhood of which they are but one
small link.
In 1965, the new section of the house was built at the cost of $250,000, with the kitchen remodeling alone costing $40,000. Four prominent elders, Bob Boroughs, Bob Dupar, Jack Reichardt, and Emery Ringstad, tirelessly worked to secure the funding. In 1987, the original section of the house was renovated, costing $350,000.
In 1989, another milestone was reached. After 32 years of service, George Hannon retired as house cook. For three decades "the Hannon" served as a common link for hundreds of undergrads, and his irascible wit and unique personality will never be replaced.
Throughout the years, the men of Phi Lambda have been recognized by the International as the top chapter in Zeta Psi. Phi Lambda was cited as the Most Outstanding Chapter in 1975, '77, '78, '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84, '88, '94, '96, '97, and '98.