Our Journey Through the Years
Chronology of the Establishment of FarmHouse at Texas Tech University.
Explore the rich history of the Texas Tech FarmHouse chapter, from its humble beginnings to its establishment as a chartered fraternity.
1959
First known contact and visit on Campus
By Harold Wilson and Merlyn Houck with Dr. Fred Harbaugh (Iowa), Animal Science faculty member at Texas Tech.
1960
Contact Follow-up
Contact by Bruce Maunder (Neb.) with Darl Snyder, National Office, about a chapter.
On May 17th,1960 – Letter from Nodland to Maunder re: a follow up of the Maunder/Snyder contact.
1962
Letter from Snyder to C.E. Fisher (Kansas), TAES superintendent regarding FH at Tech.
1963
On Jan 25th, 1963 – Letter from Fisher to Snyder in response to previous. Fisher contacted Harbaugh and Allen at Tech. Discouraged by Allen and the situation at Tech (no live in houses).
1970
On March, 1970 – Maunder contacted Bill Bennett (OK) regarding a Tech Chapter.
On Apr 17th, 1970 – Letter from Bennett to Fred LeCrone (OK) requesting list of alumni in the area, which Bennett forwarded to the National Office.
On Apr 23rd, 1970 – Letter from Haynes (National Secretary), to Bennett with a list of FH alumni in Texas and New Mexico.
On May 12th, 1970 – Letter from L.E. Tourneau (Expansion Committee) to Fisher regarding the above contact.
1972
Restrictions Lifted
Correspondence between Maunder and Bennett regarding the status of “live in” fraternities at Tech. Restriction on live in houses lifted for FH at Tech.
1976
Incorporation of the Alumni Association
On Feb 19, 1976 – Roy Wilson (Purdue), Expansion Consultant for FarmHouse, visited the campus and visited with University personnel and alumni on the potential for a FarmHouse Chapter. Report was very positive. A group of alumni met with Wilson. They were Dale Shaw, Bruce Maunder, Bill Bennett, Leland Tribble, and Berry.
On March 4th, 1976 – Nine alumni met for lunch. They included Charles Fisher, Bruce Maunder, Dale Shaw, Leif Thompson, Bob Stevens, Fred Harbaugh, Leland Tribble, Randy Weaver, and Bill Bennett. This group was very enthusiastic and ready to go. Weaver and Thompson were elected as co-chairman for the alumni expansion group.
Formation of the FarmHouse Club
The Texas Tech FarmHouse Club was founded on September 30, 1976, by a group of dedicated students who shared a vision of brotherhood and academic excellence.
On October 1, 1976 A FarmHouse Club was organized with the following students initiated:
Jess A. Robinson – JR – Ag Economics – Hereford, TX – President
Elvin L. Caraway – FR – Ag Communications – Spur, TX – Vice President
Mark M. Ellison – FR – Ag Education – Rosebud, TX
Joel Green – JR – Ag Education – Woodrow, TX
Bradford Reeves – FR – Ag Education – Tulia, TX – Rush
John W. Reger – FR – Ag Economics – Canyon, TX
1977
Incorporation of the Alumni Association
On October 11, 1977, the Texas FarmHouse Association was incorporated to provide housing and advisory support to the chapter, marking a significant milestone in our history.
On February 5th, 1977 – Four were initiated into the FH Club. They were:
Chris Desabato – JR – Park Administration – San Antonio, TX – President
Mark Edens – FR – Ag Education Clint, TX
Craig Solomon – JR – Ag Education – Hereford, TX – Secretary
Kendon Wheeler – FR – Plant/Soil Science – Southland, TX
1978
Chartering at Texas Tech
After presenting a successful petition, FarmHouse was officially chartered as a fraternity at Texas Tech on April 15, 1978, solidifying our presence on campus.
1985
Expansion and Growth
Throughout the 1980s, the Texas Tech FarmHouse chapter continued to grow, attracting new members and strengthening its reputation for academic excellence and brotherhood.
1988
History from Broadway to Greek Circle
Sold 2220 Broadway property and moved into 1619 University property. House capacity increased from 16 to 22.
1998
In June of 1998 the 1619 University property was sold. In September of that year 3 vacant lots on 16th street between Peoria and Orlando were purchased.
1999
Began renting #3 Greek Circle from Gamma Phi Beta.
2002
Sold the 3 vacant lots and renegotiated purchase of #3 Greek Circle.
2003
Finalized sale of #3 Greek Circle to Texas FarmHouse Association.
2024
Paid off mortgage note for #3 Greek Circle.