Turtles Alumni Association

This is the fifth installment of the origins and early History as recorded in the Turtle History Book by Founder Bill (Bushes, Treetops) Trees.

In the spring of 1954 while the frost was still on the pumpkin in Northern Illinois, the green grass and mild weather of Southern Illinois was calling. The Tau Chi's at one of their meetings decided to take a trip to Anna, Illinois, and see some of the country. Anna was selected because two of the members of the Club were from that town (JJ Johnson and Bushes Trees) and Cronie (Crane) (our Meteorologist) deduced the further north we went the colder it would become and conversely the further south we traveled the warmer it would become. Johnson had a cabin down on the Mississippi River providing a home base from which to stick out from.

The first trip was so successful that a second trip the following year was undertaken. Both journeys were made in cars, and a great quantity of eatable substances were procured he the chow hall. "Thumper" Nicholson (the chef of CC), out of the kindness of his heart saw we did not starve on the trip. The menu consisted mostly of surplus food from the kitchens of the government: CHEESE.

We had cheese in the morning, cheese in the evening, cheese at supper time, -- fried cheese, toasted cheese, baked cheese (and a little beer every now and then), cheese sticks, peanut butter and cheese, boiled cheese (a little more beer), cheese coming and cheese going and cheese in between (then a lot of beer; after that, the cheese didn't taste half bad.

The local newspaper, The Anna Gazette, wrote an article concerning the Turtle Retreat over the Easter Holiday.

Also in the spring of 1954, the first Tau Chi installation banquet was held at Flora Thumbs in Niota, Illinois. It was at this gathering that Dick (The Chest) Wendell was accepted into the Club. An article about the banquet appeared in the Indian and our faculty advisor, Professor Eric Olson accompanied our group.

Through all the trials and tribulations of the Clubs "floundering days", I doubt if the Tau Chi's would have made it had it not been for our representation before the faculty by our advisor, Professor Eric Olson. We also received much needed help from the "Gov", Percy Hylton. Professor Olson seemed more than an advisor. He was young, witty appreciated a good brew now and then and I denoted a touch of rebellion against the "stick with what you have and try nothing new idea"! It took a man with guts to stand before the faculty and defend some of our more dubious actions.

All in all the first year of the Turtles was very successful!

The second Turtle year began in the fall of 1954 with the Turtles continuing with their objective of participating in school activities thus strengthening the entire school program. They also took time out on October 7th to celebrate their actual start.

And the Turtles second year continued on.

Don (Ace) Henderson, 1st Turtle President