The Pi Phi Special

By Historian and Archivist FRAN DESIMONE BECQUE, New York Alpha

Since the very first Grand Alpha in 1867—held at the home of Fannie Thomson in Oquawka, Illinois— Pi Beta Phi members have always valued gathering in person to conduct the business of the Fraternity. In those early years, conventions were often held close to the Fraternity’s existing chapters. It wasn’t until the 1885 Convention in Lawrence, Kansas, that members began traveling longer distances, journeying by train and horse and buggy to the Phi Delta Theta Hall where the convention took place. It was noted that while the “convention reported splendid attendance, the attendance was greatly limited because of the expense of travel and the lack of traveling facilities.”

In the late 19 th century, before the introduction of the automobile and airplanes, travel across North America was limited to horse-drawn coaches and railways. To take advantage of the transportation options available, many early Pi Phi conventions were held in conjunction with World’s Fairs. The 1893 Convention in Chicago coincided with the World’s Columbian Exposition; the first St. Louis Convention was postponed a year so members could also attend the 1904 World’s Fair; and the 1915 Berkeley, California, Convention took place during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.

The 1915 Berkeley Convention marked a pivotal moment in Pi Beta Phi history with the debut of the Pi Phi Special—a train chartered exclusively to transport Pi Phi members to convention. Supervised by then Grand Vice President NINA HARRIS ALLEN , Illinois Beta, and her husband, Ford, the Pi Phi Special traveled from Chicago to Berkeley, California, with 10 Pullman cars full of Pi Phis. Along the route, the locomotive made stops to pick up even more members, creating a festive atmosphere that felt like a “convention before convention.” The success and camaraderie of this journey established the Pi Phi Special as a beloved tradition for future conventions to come.

In the December 1915 issue of The Arrow, Massachusetts Alpha E. LOUISE RICHARDSON fondly recalled beginning her journey to convention on June 30, 1915, departing from Boston to catch the Pi Phi Special in Chicago. Upon arriving at the station, she wrote, “I’ve never felt so big in all my life as when I saw a huge placard announcing Pi Beta Phi in the station. I wish I had on an arrow a foot long so everyone could see I belonged to that sign.” Before boarding the train, the traveling Pi Phis gathered at the Chicago College Club rooms, where they heard an inspiring sendoff from then Grand President MAY LANSFIELD KELLER , Maryland Alpha. When the Pi Phi Special arrived at the station to begin its crosscountry journey, Louise recalled the excitement of the crowd as members “oohed” and “aahed” at the large circular sign glowing with the words, Pi Phi Special.

Over the years, the Pi Phi Special became an iconic part of the convention travel experience—offering members a chance to meet, mingle and foster sisterhood before conducting official Fraternity business. On the 1931 Pi Phi Special from Chicago to the Asbury Park, New Jersey, Convention, a memorable moment was the pajama parade— featuring every imaginable pajama ensemble and led by an impromptu bass band. Members squeezed into the observation car to sing anything from college songs to cheerful choruses of ‘Ring, Ching, Ching.’

The 1934 Pi Phi Special to the Yellowstone National Park Convention even included its own convention newspaper, The Arrow, Jr., which helped travelers stay connected and added to the fun and excitement of the ride.

As air travel became more accessible in the mid-20 th century, the era of cross-country train journeys began to fade and the beloved Pi Phi Special transitioned to a cherished memory. Nina was honored as the Convention Guest of Honor at the 1954 Miami Convention. Though the Pi Phi Special no longer rolls down the tracks, its spirit lives on in the stories, songs and sisterhood that continue to define the Pi Beta Phi convention experience.