RETRO REPORT: John W. Galbreath and Ohio U’s Galbreath Chapel
All photos are credited to the Ohio University Library’s Digital Archives.
While at Ohio University, John W. Galbreath was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Galbreath graduated from Ohio U in 1920 and went to work in the real estate business with a fellow fraternity brother. He would soon form his own real estate business, skyrocketing his career.
Galbreath is credited with being a pioneer of the “package deal” where he would handle all operations necessary for any company looking for a new facility or building. Through this method, Galbreath was able to acquire a sizable fortune and thus make some substantial purchases.
Around the 1930s Galbreath bought five thoroughbred horses to use for polo horse breeding. He later used these horses for racing, two of which won the Kentucky Derby, Chateaugay in 1963, and Proud Clarion in 1967. Additionally, Galbreath’s horse, Little Current, won the Preakness and Belmont Stakes in 1974. Aside from being a racehorse owner, Galbreath also served as a chairman for the Churchill Downs Board of Directors.
Horses and real estate weren’t Galbreath’s only interests. On Aug. 8, 1946, Galbreath purchased the Pittsburgh Pirates with a group of investors, including famous singer and actor Bing Crosby. Galbreath served as the president/majority owner of the team from 1950 to 1969, with his son taking his position after him. Under the leadership of the Galbreaths, the Pirates achieved World Series titles in 1960, 1971 and 1979.
After quite a career, in 1986 Forbes Magazine estimated the Galbreath fortune at $400 million.
As for Galbreath’s mark on Ohio U, it can still be seen today. Located on College Green The Helen Mauck Galbreath Memorial Chapel, more commonly known as Galbreath Chapel, was constructed in 1957 as a gift from John W. Galbreath in memory of his late wife, Helen Mauck Galbreath (class of 1919). The chapel was built as a nondenominational building that commonly served as the home of many weddings, meditations, organ recitals and literary readings. According to campus legend, the location of the chapel is said to be where John and Helen first kissed as students at Ohio U.
Today, Galbreath Chapel is a common location for many personal prayer and meditation sessions, memorial services, bar mitzvahs, weddings, musical programs and Greek life initiations to name a few usages.