Timeline of the Phi Rho Sigma Medical Society
1890 - On October 31st, Phi Rho Sigma and the Alpha Chapter are founded at the Northwestern School of Medicine by a freshman medical student, Milbank
Johnson. The first meeting was held at 2431 Prairie Avenue, Johnson's home.
May-June, 1897 - Alpha Chapter members Harry Kahn and Stanton Friedberg, travelling back to Chicago from Detroit after installing the Epsilon Chapter,
stop off in Ann Arbor to investigate the prospects of establishing a chapter. They deem the University of Michigan Medical School to be a suitable
place for a new chapter and obtain permission from the Grand Chapter on May 29th, 1897. On the evening of June 5th, 1897, the Zeta Chapter initiates
its first members at the home of Roy Bishop Canfield, in Ann Arbor.
September, 1897 - The house at 538 Church Street is chosen as the first home of Zeta. Rent is $380 per year. The brothers eat together at a reserved
table at the nearby Forest Inn.
1911 - Zeta moves into the Stevens House at 300 North Ingalls.
1930 - Zeta Chapter builds a new house, the fifth in its history, at 300 North Ingalls Street. The new house costs $65,000.
1950 - The Zeta Chapter house is moved from 300 North Ingalls across Catherine Street to the present day site, 220 North Ingalls. The operation
was completed on railway tracks laid down for that purpose.
1973 - The Phi Rho Sigma Medical Fraternity becomes the Phi Rho Sigma Medical Society and begins to accept women among its members.
1997 - The Zeta Chapter celebrates its centennial. Dr. David Schmidt, recipient of the Jesse Ansley Griffin Medal,
speaks at the 47th Convention of the Grand Chapter.
2007 - The Zeta Chapter celebrates its 110th birthday on June 5th!
