Evening star., 1936-06-07
BY PAUL ]. MILLER, JR.,

BY PAUL j. MILLER, JR.,
National President, Chi Eta Sigma. the
Honorary Chess Fraternity.
II T NEVER has been told-the story
of national chess programs. No
single book encompasses all the
Il ramif1cations of chess programs
now existing in the United States. OF
the 40-odd chess writers in America
few know anything concerning the
purpose and scope of the so-called
national organization and In this
meager group of Caissa's pensmen
only a handful have the distinction
of being intrusted with some posi-
ton of honor.
Chess came to America when ex-
plorers from Europe landed off the
shores of Newfoundland or the coasts
of the West Indies. But organized
chess was first initiated In the United
States on October 8, 1857. when Judge
Meek Of Alabama presided over the
American Chess Congress, held in
New York City under the auspices OF
the N. Y. Chess Club. Daniel w.
Fiske was the father of the first con-
gress and became its secretary.
Eighty years of organized chess will
be ushered in by the year 1887. Yet
during this period the story has been
replete with omissions. Henry M.
Woods of Virginia is writing a history
of chess in America, the title being
Twentieth Century Approach to
Chess" Publication is expected be-
fore the end of this year.
American CHESS Foundation.
A digest Of national chess programs
will be presented in this column for
this week and several weeks to fol-
low. Since 1925 certain American
citizens have co-operated toward de-
developing the art and science Of chess
in schools, colleges and American in
Stitutions. The American Founda-
ton for Chess Education has granted
this columnist permission to make a
public statement of its activities. It
is a privilege to announce after 10
years of systematic achievements the
genuine cooperation of the following
affiliated services Of national CO.
ordinate chess institutions through
out the entire world of American
chess. Inquiries for more detailed
information should be posted to:
Chess Editor, The Washington Star.
I. Chi Eta Sigma.
BOUNDED at a Southern college,
Chi Eta Sigma is the Phi Beta
Kappa" Honorary Chess Fraternity,
which stands for the same principles
in the chess world, nationally and in
ternationally, as the honor society of
Phi Beta Kappa represents in the
| literary world Official chapters in
American universities; honorary men,
/ bers throughout the world, wherever
merit and scholastic genius in chess
may abound. Observe who wears the
honor key" in your community.
III. intercollegiate Chess Association.
COLLEGIATE chess associations
exist in all sections of the United
States. But there is only one national
body. namely: The intercollegiate
Chess Association of America, launched
originally from Duke University and
the University of North Carolina. II
embraces all colleges, schools, acade-
mics and institutions of learning with
in the United States of America and
those countries in North and South
America that choose to participate in
the intercollegiate chess program.
Social chess clubs are official I. C. A.
units.
iii. American Academy of Chess.
ORGANIZED for the advancement
of the art and science of chess and
chess education" the American Acad-
en1y Of Chess is available for men,
bership to all persons of good char
acter and clubs of good repute that
| possess an earnest desire to further