history

 

Theta Tau is a national professional engineering fraternity with its purpose to develop and maintain a high standard of professional interest among its members, and to unite them in a strong bond of fraternal fellowship. Theta Tau was founded as the "Society of Hammer and Tongs" on October 15, 1904, by Erich J. Schrader, Elwin L. Vinal, William M. Lewis, and Isaac B. Hanks at the University of Minnesota. On March 26, 1906, the Beta Chapter of Theta Tau was established at the Michigan College of Mines, which is now presently known as Michigan Technological University.

Throughout Theta Tau's 100 years of existence at Michigan Tech, there have been two homes to the H & T's. The first house stood where the present day Administration Building is located. But on April 4, 1962, a fire broke out in the fraternity late that night and although all members inside made it out alive with only a few minor injuries, the house was a major loss. In the meantime, the H & T's found refuge in and around the community until the purchase of the current Theta Tau house the following year. The current home to Beta rests within an area of 7.7 acres just south of the Portage Lake Golf Course. The three story house is surrounded by two ponds, a sauna, volleyball court, and bonfire pit. Theta Tau has also had nine St. Bernard dogs throughout its years at Michigan Tech with each being loyal and protective of Anchor Hill. In 2006, Beta celebrated 100 years at Michigan Tech.