Founder's of Willkie Inn

When the Indianapolis Division of the Indiana University School of Law moved into its new quarters at 102 West Michigan Street in June 1946, it was apparent that there would be ample opportunity for further development of extra-curricular activities.

Although another legal fraternity was operative at the time, Professor F. Small determined in the fall of that year to foster a new active legal fraternity within our school. A group dedicated to that end was slowly formed with close attention being given to the selection of qualified members from among the student body. It was not until the beginning of the spring semester that our organizational plans were completed.

At a meeting held on February 10, 1947 at the home of Professor Small, By-laws were submitted and adopted, officers were elected, and the name “Demurrer Club” selected to complete the organization of our group.

At that time it was planned by our organization to hold bi-monthly meetings in the interests of discussing basic principles of law and recent court decisions, providing opportunities for entertainment and relaxation, and stimulating action for school improvement.

From the very beginning it was the fundamental purpose of The Demurrer club to become affiliated with the International Legal fraternity of Phi Delta Phi. On February 12, 1947, the members of the club served notice upon Mr. Laurence W. DeMuth, Secretary-Treasurer, of their intention to petition for membership in Phi Delta Phi. Prior to our formal petition, the five Inns of this Province have approved our action in this respect. All the work done to date has been done by this organization with one end in view – membership in Phi Delta Phi.

Of the original membership of our Demurrer Club, one is an initate of Foster Inn, Phi Delta Phi; and two are pre-war pledges of the same organization. The other members are well acquainted with the standards and motivating principles of Phi Delta Phi, and it is hoped possess those qualities of mind and character required to carry on the work of Phi Delta Phi – in the event that a character should be granted.

Since its inception, The Demurrer Club has endeavored to build and strengthen its membership in such a fashion as to make it eligible for membership in Phi Delta Phi. Consequently, no greater honor could come to this club than to have its standards recognized by Phi Delta Phi and a charter granted.

REID BONEWITZ. Indianapolis. Indiana University. A.B. Government. American Legion. U.S. Naval Reserve.
PHILIP S. COOPER. Greenfield. Indiana University. B.S. “with distinction” 1941. Finance and Banking. Phi Eta Sigma. Delta Sigma Pi. Beta Gamma Sigma. Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Junior Prom Committee. Senior Swimming Manager. President of Collegiate Chamber of Commerce. Blue Key. Dragon’s Head. Board of Aeons. Masonic Lodge. Army of the United States 1942-1946. Indiana Law Journal.
PAUL S. GIVENS. Indianapolis. Indiana University A.B. Economics. Army Air Force 194101946. Barbed Wire Club.
CHARLES W. HUNTER. Indianapolis. Indiana University. A.B. 1946, Government. Pi Sigma Alpha. United States Army 1943-1946.
CLEMENT V. MALAN. Indianapolis. Butler University. B.S. Business Administration. Sigma Nu. Freshman Football. Junior Prom Chairman. Secretary of the Young Republican Club. Kappa Kappa Psi.
HAROLD H. McCONNELL. Indianapolis. Bard College. Indiana University. A.B. Arts and Science. Journalism. French Club. United States Army 1942-1946.
J. HERBERTNALL. Indianapolis. Purdue University. Delta Chi. Tennis. Dramatic Club. Junior Association of Commerce.
RICHARD A. STARK. Indianapolis. DePauw University. A.B. “with distinction” 1943. Rector Scholarship. Journalism. Debating. Athletic Manager. Beta Theta Pi. Sigma Delta Chi. Pi Sigma Alpha. Harvard University School of Business Administration. M.B.A. “with distinction” 1947. Century Club. United States Navy 1943-1946. Foster Inn of Phi Delta Phi. Indiana Law Journal.
HUGH A. THORNBURG. Indianapolis. Indiana University. B.S. Business Administration. Treasurer Beta Alpha Chapter Delta Tau Delta. Collegiate Chamber of Commerce. United States Marine Corps.
WILLIAM J. TILLETT. Peru, Indiana. Blue Key. Pi Kappa Delta. President of Gavel and Rostrum. International Relations Club. Varsity Debate. Inter-Fraternity Council. President of Independent Men’s Club. Graduate Counselor. Kappa Sigma. Scottish Rite Mason. United States Army.
JOHN L. WHITINGER. Indianapolis. Butler University. Indiana University. A.B. Government. Phi Beta Kappa. United States Army. Reserve Officers Association.
FREDERICK A. WIECKING. Indianapolis. Indiana University. A.B. 1942. Sigma Chi. Pershing Rifles. Indiana University Crack Drill Squad. Jordan River Revue. United States Army. Bronze Star. Purple Heart, one cluster. American Legion. Disabled American Veterans.