But in his own field, that of writing, he was so much better than the
rest of us that no one of his fellow-editors of the Epitome or Burr
needed to be considered in comparison with him. No less, in spite of
his voluntary nonmembership in the fraternities of his day, was he a
leader in the social activities of the University. The 'Arcadian Club'
devoted in its beginnings to the 'pipes, books, beer and gingeralia' of
Davis's song about it and the 'Mustard and Cheese' were his creations.
In all his personal relationships he was the most amusing and
stimulating of companions. With garb and ways of unique
picturesqueness, rarer even in college communities a generation ago
than at present, it was inevitable that he sometimes got himself
laughed at as well as with. But what did it all matter, even then?
To-day it adds a glow of color to what would be in any case a vivid,
deeply valued memory.

"It is hard to foresee in youth what will come most sharply and
permanently in the long run. After all these years it is good to find
that Davis and what his companionship gave one hold their place with
the strongest influences of Lehigh."

But Richard was naturally gregarious and at heart had a great fondness
for clubs and social gatherings. Therefore, having refused the offer
of several fraternities that did him the honor to ask him to become a
member, it was necessary for him to form a few clubs that held
meetings, but no secrets. Perhaps the most successful of these were
"The Mustard and Cheese," a dramatic club devoted to the presentation
of farces and musical comedies, and The Arcadia Club, to the
fortnightly meetings of which he devoted much time and thought. The
following letter to his father will give some idea of the scope of the
club, which, as in the case of "The Mustard and Cheese," gained a
permanent and important place in the social life of Lehigh.

DEAR DAD:

We have started the best sort of a club up here which I am anxious to
tell you of. It consists of a spread, net price of which will be about
30 cents each, every two or three weeks. Only six fellows belong and
those the best of the College. Purnell, Haines and myself founded it.
I chose Charley, Purnell, Reeves, Haines and Howe. We will meet
Saturday nights at 9 so as not to interfere with our work, and sing,
read, eat and box until midnight. It is called the "Pipe and Bowl,"
and is meant to take the place that The Hasty Pudding, Hammer and Tongs