The Tau Chapter of Kappa Sigma was chartered in 1884. The earliest Initiates and their initiation dates that we could find were: Edward Bee, Oct 10, 1885; Edward W. Vinson, Oct 19, 1885; James A. Harrison, Jan 14, 1887; Jesse W. Maxwell, Jan 25, 1886; William S. Clark, Jan 29, 1886, James H. Painter, Oct 1, 1886; and James L. Mc Bride, Oct 2, 1886.
In an archived letter, dated Sept 3, 1901, from the Tau Chapter House Committee Chairman, George P. Garrison wrote the Worthy Grand Scribe, Herbert Martin, in Danville, Virginia that a "beautiful building lot" within two blocks of the University had been purchased for $1,250. That site was 203 West 19th, and they proceeded to build the original house on the site for a total cost of about $8,750. There were only five members at the time, but many on the UT faculty were Kappa Sigmas.
In another archived letter dated, May 12, 1902, apparently sent to all Tau Kappa Sigmas, it was reported that the a contract had been let for $5,500 to build the two story house. It had six bedrooms upstairs and two downstairs, and one bathroom to serve both floors. Each room would rent for $10 per month, and would be shared by two members. There was a note from a local bank for $5,500 and bonds were sold to some Alumni to finance the balance. This letter was signed by the Board of Trustees, i.e. George P. Garrison, T. U. Taylor, Frederic W. Simonds, James R. Bailey, and Killis Campbell. (I wonder if some of these men are related to later Tau members.)
It was reported that this house was torn down in 1931, and the new house built in its location. In 1971 the house at 203 West 19th was sold to the State of Texas, primarily due to a debt of $130,000 that had been rolled over for about fifteen years. Another house was purchased on San Gabriel, which was also sold, and another house was purchased by the Tau Trustees on West 26th Street, which is the location of the present Chapter House.
In November 2000, the Supreme Executive Committee (SEC) withdrew the charter of the Tau Chapter for cause. (The entire proceeding and reasons are available in the Kappa Sigma Star and Crescent Bulletin date April, 2001.) Lawsuits were filed by the Tau Trustees and by one alumni, which were later dismissed. After the various suits were dismissed a Colonization process was begun to convince the SEC that Tau was worthy of having its charter reinstated. With the aid of several Alumni a tremendous effort was made by the future prospective members, who continued to occupy the house, and by many Tau Alumni. The efforts impressed the SEC, and at the 64th Biennial Grand Conclave in Tampa Florida in July 2003, the SEC approved the rechartering of the Tau Chapter. On Saturday October 4, 2003, Ron Webb, Worthy Grand Scribe, presented Joe Bailey, Jr. the GM with the new Charter. The Chapter is now alive and well. It is our challenge to help them keep it that way.