Psi Chapter History

April 3, 1923.
Under the encouragement of Dr. E. R. Hitchner, eleven agricultural students met to discuss the possibility of forming a social fraternity at The University of Maine. Their primary emphasis was men enrolled in the College of Agriculture. The name Alpha Sigma Mu, for Agricultural Society of Maine, was chosen.

Six weeks later.
The first initiation and banquet were held, the initiation in Winslow Hall and the banquet at the Oriental Restaurant in Bangor. Twenty-three people were present: twelve charter members, seven initiates, and four guests.

Late spring, 1923.
The boys decided to buy a fraternity house to use when they returned to college in the fall. The house committee investigated several possibilities and was authorized to buy the Farnsworth house on Grove Street for about four thousand dollars. An option of one dollar held the house while the boys set about securing a loan. Merrill Trust Company agreed to lend the money provided that three responsible men could be found as co-signers. Professor G. E. Simmions, head of agronomy department, and a local grocer, R. I. Myers, agreed to endorse the note. Not being able to think of a third, they decided to ask the advice of Dr. C. C. Little, president of the university and a great friend to students. They told him of their plans, of the work that had been done, and of the two men who had signed their note. They asked his frank advice whether the house committee was justified in asking these two men to risk their hard-earned dollars for an organization that had practically no capital with which to start. Dr. Little's answer was, "Yes, Let's see your note. I'll sign it."

Fall, 1923.
About 12 of the boys moved into their new house. Eddie Smith employed as first chef, remained for over twenty years.

February, 1924.
Alpha Sigma Mus was installed as Psi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho with 31 charter members.

Fall, 1924.
Mrs. Frank Lovejoy, mother of Brothers Kenneth and Delmar Lovejoy, became part-time house mother.

January, 1929.
The Orono Alumni Association was organized and incorporated.

Summer, 1934.
The first summer field day was held at Portage Lake. From this there developed two field days each summer, one in Aroostook County and one in south central Maine. During World War II the field days were discontinued, but after the war the southern field day was reinstated and continued until recently.

Summer, 1938.
The house on Grove Street was sold and the present property purchased for $10,000.

Spring, 1942.
A fire in the house forced it to be closed, and the members moved in with the Phi Mu boys for the remainder of the spring semester. The house with all other fraternities, remained closed for the next three years during World War II.

Fall, 1945.
Fraternities opened their doors again. Only about a dozen Alpha Gamma Rho actives returned, but aggressive rushing nearly filled the house before the year was over.

1956.
The new addition made, under the leadership of past Noble Ruler Otto Wallingford, provided more study rooms, a chapter room and matron's quarters.

Winter, 1973.
AGR snow sculpture wins world title at Quebec's Winter Carnival.

Summer, 1990.
Deck addition is designed and completed.

Fall, 2002.
Alpha Gamma Rho adopts College Avenue and the AGR Road
Crew initiates its new monthly philanthropy.

Summer, 2004.
Basement living areas & recreation room renovated.

Fall, 2005.
AGR: 'Rec' & Restore Crew philanthropy is established to make improvements to resident hall game rooms.

Spring, 2006.
Brotherhood Room remodeled.

Fall, 2006.
A new web page was designed and uploaded. Brothers remodel basement recreation room and network commercial furniture donation.

Spring, 2007.
Kitchen Remodeled.

Fall, 2008.
Brothers take on 25 house improvements.

Spring, 2009.
Father and Son Work Weekend: brothers and fathers build a new loading dock, deck, front porch, put new window shutters, painted walls and doors, and cleaned out the chimney.

Summer, 2012.

The 2nd floor bathroom undergoes a major renovation and expansion.

Spring, 2016.

The living room is renovated, including new insulation and wiring, and all new furniture.