To understand Phi Mu Delta it is necessary to go back to the parent organiztion, The National Federation of Commons Clubs, which was founded at Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, in the spring of 1899. the organization as a whole banded together in a manner similar to that of a national fraternity. At some institutions members were voted upon, while at other colleges any and all men were accepted. The chief ideal of the Commons Club was Brotherhood, Service, and Democracy. Although loosely organized as a national body, the Commons Club was very powerful on a college campus. During the 19 years of it's organization, the National Federation of Commons Clubs, spread from coast to coast, entering seventeen institutions. As time passed, interest gathered regarding the formation of a more organized, stronger Federation. The project of forming a Greek-letter fraternity was discussed, but no action was taken. The actual founding of the Phi Mu Delta fraterity did not come about until after the 1918 national convention had been called to order at the Massachusetts State Chapter on the first of March. Finally, on March 1, 1918, the Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Union delegates voted to form a Greek-letter fraternity. They adopted the name Phi Mu Delta and drafted a constitution. Pins were selected, plans were made, and delegates worked to expand the newly formed organization. National Conclave meetings were held yearly to work as a national organization. Through the years, Phi Mu Delta worked to expand throughout the country. After the 1940 conclave the fraternity was faced with a period of great uncertainty with the beginning of WWII. By the fall of 1943, the draft or enlistments had reduced our membership to only ten men on two campuses. After the war, the 1947 conclave was devoted to re-organization and development. Chapters were re-organized and by 1954 Phi Mu Delta was up and running once again. Since this time the National Fraternity of Phi Mu Delta has worked tirelessly to keep it's organization at peak performance. Through the 70's and 80's, Phi Mu Delta expanded, colonizing at many schools on the east coast. This process is still taking place with the most colony's establishing themselves at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Mansfield University. Today we face the future with a strong determination to survive as a small, regional, national fraternity. There are two key ingredients which will insure our success. The first is a strong alumni association which can and will support each active chapter. The second is a commitment by each undergraduate chapter to contribute to our national organization in order to keep us strong.