The Pre-War Years
After an exciting year in 1939-40 in its new home and having set in motion many organizational procedures and goals, the men of Nabor House looked toward a period of great progress and development. Returning the campus in the fall of 1940, their first major objective was to complete a successful rush and enter the school year with the house filled to capacity.
Organized Rush Started
During the previous spring semester, several men, wanting to live in the house, had made inquiries. Methods of selecting men from springtime up to the start of school in the fall were discussed at the house meeting on April 8, 1940. The group directed President Loy to appoint a rush committee to direct the efforts for rushing and pledging. At the enxt meeting on April 15, 1940, Garrett appointed Howard W. Lanus, '41, chair and J. Robert harris, '42, and Earl R. Swanson, '43, members of the first Nabor House Fraternity Rush Committee. That committee actually organized and conducted the first formal rush program. However, Burdette Lutz and Bob Harris had co-chaired an informal rush effort in 1939-40. Twenty-four men applied for nine openings in the house in 1940-41. So, Nabor House successfully found men for the openings it had and began its second year at 811 W. Oregon at full capacity with 19 men.
First Alumni Meeting
As the fall advanced, progress was made in the active group's development, and the men were individually active with their studies and extracurricular activities. House operations settled into a routine. Now, for the first time, the Fraternity had alumni and was able to form an active alumni group. On Oct. 26, 1940, the first alumni meeting was held, and the following were elected to office in that group and as corporation officers: Sam Ridlen, President; Bonard Wilson, Vice President; and Garrett Loy, Secretary. There were few business transactions, for many decisions were left to the actives until the alumni group became larger. Following the Annual Homecoming Football Game, the banquet prepared by the actives was served at the Chapter House.
Co-Op League
During the fall semester, several Nabors became active in the Cooperative League, of which Garrett Loy had been the leading organizer the previous semester and had served as its first president. Garrett and Bob Harris represented Nabor House at the Midwest Cooperative League meeting in Chicago. At that convention, Nabor House was recognized as an efficient and outstanding cooperative.
Some Military Call-Ups
The growing conflict in Europe was now rearing its ugly head and began to have its effect on Nabor House. Herbert M. Kobler, '43, and Thomas E. Peters, '43, were members of the Illinois National Guard. It was federalized and called up for active duty in November 1940, forcing both men to withdraw from school and embark on a long stretch in the Army. Herb and Tommy were the first University students to be called for military activation.
When they went to the Bursar's Office to make their withdrawal from school official, the staff did not know what to do. After holding a special meeting, the Bursar's Office gave them a year's leave of absence from the University. Little did the University officials know what was in store for them over the next few years. To help offset expenses resulting from Kobler's and Peters' departure, Louis Di Angelo from Camden, J.J., a model in the Art School, was taken in as a boarder for part of the second semester.
When they went to the Bursar's Office to make their withdrawal from school official, the staff did not know what to do. After holding a special meeting, the Bursar's Office gave them a year's leave of absence from the University. Little did the University officials know what was in store for them over the next few years. To help offset expenses resulting from Kobler's and Peters' departure, Louis Di Angelo from Camden, J.J., a model in the Art School, was taken in as a boarder for part of the second semester.
War Anxiety Begins to Show
Although the United States went to war in December 1941, life at Nabor House and on campus was relatively calm and routine. Regular house functions and activities continued as usual, and the level of excellence and achievements of Nabor House and among Nabors continued its commendable climb. When the men left the campus in June for the summer, signs of anxiety and anticipation about the future were beginning to be seen.