The History of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity: The First 25 Years

M the history of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity 1885–1910 | the first 25 years Ninth Edition

by Nancy Nitchman Leonard, Alpha Chi Chapter Published by Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity 2012

dedication To two Katies: Katherine [Katie] Nitchman Mathis, Alpha Chi chapter, 2002 Alumnae Appreciation Award recipient and my sister and friend; and Sarah Catherine [Katie] Clark Breck, Alpha chapter, 2010 Alumnae Appreciation Award recipient and my friend. Each in her own way taught me how to be an Alpha Chi Omega and demonstrated for countless other Alpha Chis across the country the meaning of lifelong loyalty and unconditional love and support. – Nancy Nitchman Leonard

contents 1...... Preface

69.... The First Torchbearer • The

3...... Introduction 5...... Setting the Scene

First Grand President– Janette Allen

73.... Opening the Door... • Beta

7...... Our Little Chain of Seven • Stories

about the Founders

Chapter’s Lodge

77.... Keeping a Watchful Eye! • Office

21.... Faculty? Friend? Facilitator? Founder? • Dean

of Inspector • Alumnae Advisors • Chaperones

James Hamilton Howe

81.... Labels 25.... The Formative Years

• Professional

vs. General/Social Conference • Musical-Literary Fraternity

an Identity

• Intersorority

Members • Extending to Other Institutions • Determining How to Function as an Organized Group • Summary of Conventions

89.... The Vast Majority

• Creating • Adding

• Alumnae

Chapters

91.... Heraldry at Its Finest 41.... Far More than Jewelry Badge • “The Story of an Alpha Chi Omega Lyre” • “My Alpha Chi Omega Pin”

• Coat-of-Arms

• The

49.... Dollars and Sense • Early

Financial Decisions

51.... “Alpha Chi Omega’s First Party” • by

Bertha Deniston Cunningham, Founder

55.... A Major Undertaking • The

Lyre • Lyre Editors • Lyre Covers

59.... Acclaimed and Admired Honorary Members

93.... “Cheer in a Wheel Chair” • The

Second Grand President– Mary Elizabeth Stanford

95.... Memories and Music • Katharine

McReynolds Morrison Remembers

105.. Ride the Goat? Really? • Courage Tests and Mock Initiations

109.. Not Just Any Flower • The

Red Carnation

112.. Collegiate Chapters: 1885-1910 113.. Alumnae Chapters: 1885-1910

• Julie

Rivé-King • Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler • Amy Cheney Beach • Maud Powell

The handwriting that appears in the background graphics throughout this book belongs to Estelle Leonard and is taken from a letter she wrote to convention attendees on November 24, 1908, extending her regrets for not being able to attend.

M preface

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through to the publishing date. In the future, this edition can be systematically updated, adding only the most recent period, creating an anthology devoted to Alpha Chi Omega. Many, many sources provided the information herein. In addition to all previous editions of The History of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, I reviewed all issues of The Lyre and The Heraeum as well as pertinent material from other publications. I cherished the opportunity to read the words of the Founders in their own handwriting. I listened in awe to taped recordings of the Founders and many other leaders. I read minutes of meetings when landmark decisions were made. I tried to indicate through italics and quotation marks the words that are not mine but made no attempt to cite specific sources for each quotation as so many footnotes would be unwieldy and distracting. The reader can assume that the quotation is from a previous edition of The History, The Lyre or some other internal document or archival source. If that is not the case, the source is noted. I very reluctantly accepted the invitation to create a much-needed new edition of The History of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. It seemed a nearly insurmountable task, and it nearly was. I deeply appreciate the support, encouragement, assistance and patience I received from Executive Director Cherí O’Neill, Marketing and Communications Director Janine Grover, and Archivist Vicky Richardson Harrison. Michele King and her team at Shelle Design took ideas, text and other elements and transformed them into a lovely publication. It seems very unlikely that Alpha Chi Omega’s future will hold fewer challenges or hurdles than were in her past. Loyal members and strong leaders may be more important than ever. Whatever the future holds for Alpha Chi Omega, I am certain those who led the organization from its inception through the labyrinth of internal and external challenges and pitfalls to the present deserve every member’s gratitude and appreciation. If Shakespeare was correct in “The Tempest” when he wrote “Where of what’s past is prologue,” the future bodes well for Alpha Chi Omega.

eople need other people if they are to develop their potential and relish the process. Seven young women in 1885 discovered this through the perceptive guidance of a professor who seemed to recognize their needs before they did. The Fraternity created by those seven bold women and one progressive man has survived for over 125 years. That fact alone earns Alpha Chi Omega the right to have her story preserved. In fact, there are many reasons to share the vibrant stories that, woven together, create a tapestry of bright colors and varied textures called Alpha Chi Omega. The women who comprise Alpha Chi Omega, past and present, are examples of the tenacity, flexibility and ability essential for women to succeed. When Alpha Chi Omega was founded, women could not vote in the United States. Few were privileged to pursue a higher education. Not many worked outside the home. In order to understand Alpha Chi Omega today, I needed to find out how the Fraternity became what it is now. That took time and effort. Very early on, Alpha Chi Omega’s leaders took action to preserve the history of the Fraternity. They seemed to sense that the Fraternity’s development was noteworthy, and Alpha Chi Omega had lasting power. Editions of The History of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity were published in 1911, 1916, 1921, 1928, 1935, 1948, 1971 and 1985. Each edition has some similarities and many differences. Five different people wrote those editions. In developing this edition, I set out to capture the external issues and internal decisions that shaped the organization. Future generations who read this edition need to understand all that has gone into making Alpha Chi Omega sustainable. However, and without question, my primary goal has been to learn and tell the stories of the people who created, guided and influenced the Fraternity in the most significant ways. In addition, there are stories of members who had important accomplishments beyond the Fraternity. This edition is organized in multi-year segments, each designed to reflect accurately what happened during that time frame. Previous editions started at the beginning and moved

Nancy Nitchman Leonard Carmel, Indiana August, 2010

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M introduction The First Twenty-Five Years: Deliberative, Decisive, Definitive

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This lofty description, so representative of Alta’s intellect and capacity to express herself, benefitted from 25 years of perspective. One cannot question its accuracy. However, place yourself in the 1885 founding story. Had you been a Founder, you would have been 15, 16, 18 or 19 years of age, unless you were Estelle Leonard who was 25! You would have been an exceptional music student. Would you have wanted to have something in your life in addition to studying, practicing and performing at recitals and musicales? Would you have watched, with some degree of envy, as the other women on campus participated in the fraternity scene at DePauw? Remember, there were seven men’s fraternities on campus in 1885. You might have lived in Greencastle, close enough to live at home. But you might have lived as far away as Martinsville or Nokomis, Illinois, as Nellie and Amy did a long trip in a horse-drawn carriage. Would you not have longed for fun, relaxation, a diversion from your studies, something to do with your like-minded friends? Historian Siller asked each of the Founders, in 1910, to share reminiscences: Amy DuBois Rieth wrote: My memory lingers tenderly upon that first thrill of enthusiasm and excitement when Estelle Leonard and Olive Burnett came to my room and told me of their intention of organizing a musical Fraternity, asking me to be one of the charter members….

rom the desire for female friendship in a maledominated environment; From the need to balance commitment to one’s art with outlets for other kinds of experiences and expressions; From a professor’s recognition that the young women in his new School of Music must have an organized structure to provide social interaction and development; From these seeds grew Alpha Chi Omega during its first 25 years—from seven women in a tiny Indiana town to 1,700 members coast to coast in the United States. There is nothing in historical records to suggest that Alpha Chi Omega’s seven Founders set out to create a national organization. They accepted their ineligibility from the two women’s social fraternities already at DePauw University, Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma, because they were not liberal arts students. However, when Dean Howe tapped them to form “a new society” for music students, it appears they jumped at the opportunity. In 1911, Alpha Chi Omega published the first edition of The History of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Mabel Harriet Siller, Gamma, Northwestern University, was the author and dedicated the edition: To James Hamilton Howe, to whose earnest efforts the organization of Alpha Chi Omega is due; to the seven Founders of our beloved sisterhood; to the hundreds of sisters who have subscribed to the ennobling principles incorporated in the Bond of our Fraternity; this history of Alpha Chi Omega is hereby loyally inscribed.

Anna Allen Smith wrote: I remember vividly when Professor Howe asked me to be a charter member of the Fraternity…. It has been my good fortune to have lived in Greencastle the entire quarter of a century in which the Fraternity has been in existence. Hence I have been close to the ‘Mother’ all these years.

Grand President Alta Allen Loud, Beta, Albion College, provided the Foreword to the first edition, and she wrote: A rare devotion to a chosen art, a deep and earnest desire to make that art a recognized factor in American ideals, an understanding of the natural longing of young hearts for a fellowship which should embrace all the elements of a unity of ideals, and love, the recognized power of such an organization—these were the creative factors which brought Alpha Chi Omega into life.

Bertha Deniston Cunningham wrote: I think back to my school days at DePauw as the happiest of my life. I was not steady and serious then, as some of my older Alpha sisters were…. My two years at DePauw were full of much to benefit me, and I made friends I will never forget.

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Be assured that I am deeply grateful with what has been done, and I feel that while we are passing on, we shall be lovingly remembered for ages to come, by thousands yet unborn, who will be numbered in the ever-increasing ranks of ALPHA CHI OMEGA. - James Hamilton Howe

It is with deep feeling that I address this letter to you, a representative of a large and influential family, a family which is becoming a factor in the progress and enlightenment of our nation, in the higher walks of life. The foundation for this organization was laid with care and forethought, and the superstructure has surpassed in magnitude the fondest hopes of the founders.

Bessie Grooms Keenan wrote: How glad I am to… raise my voice in praise and love for the Fraternity that made possible so fine and strong a sisterhood as has been growing and developing so splendidly in the last quarter century. Nellie Gamble Childe wrote: It does not seem possible that twenty-five years have passed since a few girls started into action a Fraternity which they little knew or thought would meet with such success as Alpha Chi Omega. I am proud, yes, very proud to be a Founder of such a Fraternity….

As Dean Howe recounted Alpha Chi Omega’s earliest days, he continued: The organization being duly effected, then the fight for recognition began. Fortunately, the young women, being very popular as well as talented, had many friends among the Fraternities, who worked for the young organization, and soon a large Sorority was the result.

Olive Burnett Clark wrote: The first suggestion of the organization of a musical society was made by Professor Howe, whose idea was that the members should create an interest in music and also enjoy congenial fellowship, strictly as Music School students. Personally, I was very enthusiastic and went to work at once to do my part.

And he concluded: Be assured that I am deeply grateful with what has been done, and I feel that while we are passing on, we shall be lovingly remembered for ages to come, by thousands yet unborn, who will be numbered in the ever-increasing ranks of ALPHA CHI OMEGA.

Estelle Leonard wrote: It is astonishing how twenty-five years can fade memories that should bear highlights for a lifetime, but I remember vividly when Alpha Chi Omega was organized…. Twenty-five years ago we were only seven girls, admiring our badges of scarlet and olive green…. Today, the seven girls and the founder are proud that there are many loyal members and that the colors of Alpha Chi Omega are known from ocean to ocean, the Fraternity having far outgrown our dreams.

With tender greetings and paternal benediction, I am Very truly yours, James Hamilton Howe, Mus.B., Conductor, Seattle Choral-Symphony Society Alpha Chi Omega’s story is a tapestry of color, texture, artistry, craftsmanship, intelligence and dedication. That it has lasted for so long is a tribute to the women in whose care the Fraternity has been entrusted for over 125 years.

By 1910, Dean Howe had been gone from DePauw for fifteen years. Yet, he always maintained a deep interest in the Fraternity. In response to Historian Siller’s request for his recollections, he wrote:

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M setting the scene

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ry to imagine being a young woman living in the United States during the years 1885–

1910. You would be eligible to attend DePauw University since women had been admitted in 1868. You would not be eligible to vote in a U. S. election. You would

join your fellow citizens in mourning the death of President McKinley. You would be part of a national population that increased from 55.9 million to 92.2 million people. You would witness the transition from gas lighting to electricity. You would read in the

newspapers about the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. Appendicitis and rabies would pose less risk to you and your family than ever before because of medical advances. Automobiles, railroads and airplanes would begin the move from dreams to novelties to accessible modes of travel. Carrie Nation and her Temperance Movement might count you among its supporters. You might taste Coca-Cola for the first time. You would hear about wireless communication. You would memorize and recite the new Pledge of Allegiance to the United States. You would enjoy your gramophone or

phonograph in your family’s parlor. You would see your life expectancy numbers increase from 45.76 to 51.8 years. You likely would deliver your baby at home, and your risk of dying during or shortly after childbirth would be 1 in 100.

“The Great Train Robbery,” the first silent movie.

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You might see

There is no known group photo of the seven Founders. These photos are frequently used to identify each young woman who played an integral role in the formation of Alpha Chi Omega. Top row: Anna Allen Smith, Olive Burnett Clark, Bertha Deniston Cunningham, Amy Dubois Rieth. Bottom row: Nellie Gamble Childe, Bessie Grooms Keenan, Estelle Leonard.

M our little chain of seven Stories about the Founders

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Enter a very understanding young man, currently in charge of the little music store in the corner of the music hall, an upperclassman, and a member of Beta Theta Pi— James G. Campbell. He understands the students’ reaction and asks Dean Howe, “Why not organize a fraternity within the music school? I know a way that might be acceptable to the students.” Long deliberation, forceful arguments and readjustments in plans ensue. Finally, Dean Howe consents, but he has had no experience with the social and academic functions of a liberal arts college. However, he is determined that those selected to launch a new organization on the campus connected with the School of Music will be carefully identified. A notice is posted announcing the plan to form a fraternity: All piano and voice students, who have received previous training, will be required to take an examination to be properly classified, for only freshmen will be invited to organize a fraternity within the Music School. Seven appear to be qualified; six are Dean Howe’s piano students, and one is a voice student. Dean Howe contacts Anna, Bessie and Olive, the three dear friends who have lived in Greencastle their entire lives plus Estelle, the eldest of the group and Dean Howe’s secretary. He asks them to contact Amy, Bertha and Nellie. He calls a meeting to begin the work of forming a new fraternity. Gathered around that table, they begin. The date: October 15, 1885. Twenty-three meetings were held during that first year. Music programs were presented at ten meetings. Six were called business meetings; the remaining seven were partly business meetings and some had no programs “through carelessness.” Among the subjects discussed were composers Beethoven and Mendelssohn. The year was a prosperous one, commencing with the original seven young women. At the close of the year, the Fraternity numbered twenty-two members. The rest, as so often is said, is history.

hey have been referred to as the “Girls of the Golden Lyre” and “The Girls of October.” Their names are familiar, often committed to memory as an expectation upon becoming part of a collegiate chapter. Members learned them alphabetically: Amy, Anna, Bertha, Bessie, Estelle, Nellie and Olive; or Childe, Clark, Cunningham, Keenan, Leonard, Rieth and Smith. Members understood they had been students in the School of Music at DePauw University in 1885. Oh yes, and members learned they created a name, designed a badge, selected colors and chose a flower for their new Fraternity. Is that about it for you? Set this scene in your mind. It is autumn, 1885, in the center of Indiana, a town called Greencastle, a university named DePauw, a brand new structure christened the School of Music, a room referred to as “the waiting room.” Carefully selected young women are seated around a table, waiting for their names to be called: Anna Allen “Here” Olive Burnett “Here” Bertha Deniston “Here” Amy DuBois “ No response Nellie Gamble “Here” Bessie Grooms “Here” Estelle Leonard “Present” Amy arrives late, following rehearsal for the first production to be staged by the new music school. She is greeted warmly and the roll call is completed. Why are they here? The new Dean of the music school, Dean James H. Howe, recently announced a plan for some kind of social activity. He described his plan to form a society for the music students. The students, to his surprise, have shown little enthusiasm for his idea. Oh, they want social opportunities—no doubt about that. But some are from Greencastle and have lived in the environment of college and fraternities all their lives! They want a fraternity equal to the two liberal arts women’s fraternities on the campus— but with music as the chosen art.

Amy, Anna, Bertha, Bessie, Estelle, Nellie and Olive. Each is a story.

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Amy DuBois In 1888, she married Julius F. Rieth. Their only child, Lelia, was born in 1889. They moved to Crete, Nebraska, and Amy became assistant director of music at Doane College for four years. The family then moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, giving Amy the opportunity to be in touch with Xi chapter at the University of Nebraska. The July 1908 issue of The Lyre includes the following item from Xi chapter’s correspondent: Since our last letter, the Xi chapter has made what we consider a very important ‘find,’ which happened in this way. My telephone rang one evening and upon answering it, a voice asked if this was Miss Upton, an Alpha Chi. Upon replying in the affirmative, she said she was Mrs. Rieth, nee Amy DuBois, a charter member of the Alpha chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. The next evening the president and I called upon her and found her to be a true Alpha Chi....The following Saturday the girls gave a picnic at which Mrs. Rieth was our guest of honor. We feel very much honored in having one of the original Founders of so great a Fraternity with us.

Amy DuBois was fifteen years old when she came from Oxford, Indiana, to DePauw. The observance of her sixteenth birthday on New Year’s Eve, only two months after Alpha Chi Omega’s founding, must have been special. In addition to being very young, Amy was very tiny and slight in stature, vivacious, “quick of step and action.” Her hair was very dark, and she had big brown eyes that sparkled with fun and mischief most of the time. Her quiet straightforward manner and her bright disposition endeared her to teachers and Fraternity sisters, but only the latter fully knew the pranks which she could play. Estelle Leonard tells of one such prank: I roomed near Amy DuBois and remember having to ‘unscramble’ my furniture, the table being upside down on the bed with one of my shoes on each leg, as a result of one of Amy’s ‘visits.’ In retaliation, I threw a sheet over Amy’s transom just as she was saying her prayers, and was rewarded by several frightening yells. As I stood leaning against the door laughing heartily... suddenly I received a dunking as the water pitcher was emptied over the transom.

Amy taught privately for several years. Then, because of her own delicate health and an invalid mother, Amy had to abandon all musical activities. “However, she was a great help to her daughter in her musical education, as well as to her husband who was also a musician.” The other six never saw Amy again after she left DePauw. “This was a bitter disappointment to them, for they loved her dearly, and never forgot her, or lost touch with her, in spite of the miles between them.” In 1910, Amy wrote: As I left DePauw in 1886, I was not so fortunate in Fraternity experience as those who remained longer, yet my heart was tuned to Alpha Chi loyalty in that one precious year, and I find the old Fraternity spirit strong within me.

Amy studied both voice and piano while at DePauw, and “her voice was so beautiful and powerful that she advanced rapidly in her singing.” She was selected to sing important roles several times during her brief time on campus. Perhaps her crowning achievement that year was February 6, 1886, when she performed as soprano in “Soiree Musicale” presented by Prof. J. H. Howe, Pianoforte, and Prof. Carl Mintzer, Violin, in honor of Alpha Chi Omega and attended by the Greencastle community as well as the DePauw students and faculty. Amy was the first treasurer, elected on October 19, 1885. She also served as recording secretary later in the first year. It is unclear what caused Amy to end her studies at DePauw after only one year. Perhaps her family’s move to Colby, Kansas, and the distance or the expense were too great to manage. She taught music while in Kansas. It must have been great fun to be her student with all her talent, knowledge and spunk.

Amy DuBois Rieth died on August 12, 1915, two weeks after having undergone a serious operation. She was 45 years old. The one who was known as “the little girl with the big voice” was gone.

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Bessie Grooms that existed so beautifully between him and his daughter were extended to the Alpha Chis and from the very beginning to the time of his death, he was loyal and interested and one of his greatest pleasures was to be with the girls. One of the sweetest memories every Alpha girl will have was the devotion and kindliness of Mr. Grooms—familiarly known as ‘Daddy Grooms.’

Bessie Grooms was born in Greencastle and lived there until her marriage to Luther Courtland Keenan in 1895. She began the study of pianoforte music when she was very young. By the time she graduated from high school, she had become an accomplished pianist. Imagine Bessie’s excitement, at age 19, when DePauw established its School of Music right in her own hometown, just in time for her to enroll and continue her study. Adding to the excitement, her Greencastle girlfriends, Anna Allen and Olive Burnett, were enrolling as well. The three girls attended the same grade school, high school and studied with the same piano teacher in Greencastle. The idea of being part of a new fraternity held great appeal for Bessie. She lived at home, and this would give her good reason to participate in college life beyond the classrooms, practice rooms and rehearsal halls. Here’s what Bessie wrote in Alpha Chi Omega’s 1911 recording of its history: As I look back to the activities of those first days, I find many of the ‘little things’ brightly remembered, such as our first party, when we invited everybody out to the tables and nothing was in sight but a cracker and a hickory nut, which for some time we allowed our guests to think was all that was forthcoming!

Bessie approached her studies at DePauw with great energy and discipline. Olive explained: Inspired by the advantages of the school and the ambition to become perfect in her art, she practiced very hard and frequently too long at one time, which resulted in the muscles of her left wrist and hand becoming strained and she lost the use of her fingers. For a time this did not seem so serious but gradually she realized that her practice must be sacrificed in order to save her hand. Her work came to an abrupt end. This was a bitter blow to Bessie, forcing her to give up the ambition of her life. However, it did not interfere with her interest in Alpha Chi Omega. Perhaps this interest helped her cope with her disappointment at having to abandon her hopes for a career in music. There is nothing in historical records to indicate how long Bessie remained at DePauw or what her responsibilities were within the fledgling new Fraternity. Considering all of the chapter events held at her home, one could speculate she may have been Alpha Chi Omega’s first social chairman! Following Bessie’s marriage to Mr. Keenan, “to this union five children were born Jay, Hannah, Nancy, James and John.”Anna Allen reflected: It was in being a mother that we found her in her true sphere for no task was too hard that would give pleasure to the two dear daughters and sons that came to bless this beautiful home.

Anna Allen remembered: When our Fraternity was new, the Grooms home was one of our places to have meetings, initiations and parties. We were always welcomed by the whole family in the big old-fashioned home with its spacious lawn and great, fine trees. Here we had our first big formal party—an affair so successful that Alpha Chi Omega was launched as high in the social world of DePauw as in the fraternity world.

When Hannah became a member of Alpha chapter in 1918, Bessie enjoyed an enriched relationship with Alpha Chi Omega, sharing her Fraternity with her daughter. Her last visit to Greencastle was in May 1920, to direct the arrangements for a house party for Hannah and the other collegiate chapter members.

The launching of this Fraternity became a Grooms family affair. Anna continued: No one enjoyed these occasions more than Mr. Grooms, for the devotion and spirit of comradeship

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It is sweet to know that the Founders have a place all their own in the hearts of each member of our Fraternity—that your sympathy and regret are sincere as we again suffer the loss of one of our number— the second broken link in our little chain of seven. - Olive Burnett

On that Sunday, as Bessie was returning home from her visit with Hannah, she became ill with a “severe attack of quinsy which developed into black diphtheria.” Her own weakened condition meant she did not have the strength to, as Olive stated, “resist a disease so fatal.” She died on November 4, 1920. Bessie, the “dainty, fair-haired, blue-eyed girl, full of fun and sparkling humor, and gifted with a sunny disposition and winning manner” received this tribute from Hannah: My one hope is to live a life worthy of such a noble and beloved mother’s teachings.

When the Keenan family left Greencastle, they made their home in LeRoy, Illinois, where Mr. Keenan was engaged in the banking business. Bessie suffered several health-related setbacks as well as the death of her small son, Jay, in 1915. She was very ill when “Daddy Grooms” passed away on New Year’s Day 1920. In the tribute to Bessie printed in the January 1921, issue of The Lyre, Olive wrote: It may be that her grief had something to do with her slow recovery, for she had not been well or strong since then—so she was physically unable to resist sickness.

Olive wrote: It is sweet to know that the Founders have a place all their own in the hearts of each member of our Fraternity—that your sympathy and regret are sincere as we again suffer the loss of one of our number— the second broken link in our little chain of seven.

Hannah, who was ill in a hospital in Brokaw, Illinois, during her mother’s illness shared: Very unfortunately, I burned all but two of mother’s letters only last summer, for I fully expected to receive many more. One of the best she wrote me was after her visit at DePauw last May. She was there ten days— coming for Mothers’ Day and staying through our house party.... Mother and I had been making plans to attend the next convention. One of the last things she said to me was ‘You must hurry and get well, so that we can go on with our convention plans.’ That day, Sunday, October 31, was the last time I saw her. Before leaving the hospital, she smiled and said ‘Try to sleep tonight,’ and ended with the promise, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow morning.’ But of course she did not.

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Anna Allen Founders. She joined four other Founders as guests of honor at the 1928 convention on Mackinac Island, Michigan. She rode the special convention train together with over three hundred convention-goers that included delegates from 54 active chapters and 22 alumnae chapters to the twentieth national convention in Del Monte, California. What must it have felt like to those who started Alpha Chi Omega to witness the vibrant and important organization it had become? At some point after that, the surviving Founders were asked to write of their families and of their home interests. Anna, with characteristic reticence wrote: I have no children and grandchildren to tell about, only Alpha Chi girls, so my life is just what is in the Alpha Chi Omega History.

Anna Allen, like Amy, was only fifteen years old when she enrolled at DePauw, the youngest of the seven. She was born in Greencastle— and never left. Like her childhood friends, Bessie and Olive, Anna studied music from a very early age. She was the youngest in the School of Music to do advanced work and graduated from DePauw when she was only 19 years old. During her junior year, she began teaching pianoforte in the School of Music and continued in that position until 1896. While at DePauw, something exciting happened to Anna. She took advantage of the opportunity to go to Chicago to study under Mme. Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler and Emil Liebling. These renowned musicians had come to DePauw to present a concert. Dean Howe had a national reputation of prominence himself and brought many famous performers to campus. “Anna’s reputation as a student of exceptional ability and rare self-possession, as a brilliant performer and an excellent accompanist” made her very prominent in musical circles. It may be that Anna’s involvement with Alpha Chi Omega flourished when she became an alumna. One can surmise that her studies while in college limited the time she had available for involvement. However, the Allen family made its home available for many chapter events, and Anna was a willing hostess. Because of her close proximity to the chapter, Anna was the Founder most closely associated with “the mother chapter.” Through the years Anna kept in direct contact with active Fraternity interests and was a guide and counselor to the girls in Alpha chapter. “She knew intimately every girl that Alpha initiated until her death, and it was rare when she forgot a face or a name.” Anna attended three national conventions. She was present at the Chicago convention in 1919 where she watched as the delegates adopted a plan for Alpha’s chapter house to be erected at Greencastle as a tribute to the

Sadly, Anna’s husband was seriously ill for many years and some of her friends felt the care his condition required sapped Anna of her vitality. Although she may not have realized it, her own strength was slowly compromised. Anna Allen Smith died on May 23, 1932. A “stroke of apoplexy” was the immediate cause of her sudden death which came as a severe shock to her friends. She was 62 years old. The Greencastle local daily paper paid the following tribute to Anna Allen Smith: She had the interests of the entire community at heart, her family devotion was unfailing and she sacrificed herself for service to others.... Her devotion to the Red Cross work during the war was only an example of how she loved her country. Her devotion to her country was as keen as if she had been on active duty.... To know her was to love and admire her and she went out of her way many times in order to say a kind word or do a kind deed that might cheer others on to greater heights. Heights—such a familiar word to Alpha Chi Omegas. In her own way, and in her own time, Anna Allen Smith helped not only set the Fraternity on its journey but supported it along its way—seeking the heights at every turn.

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Bertha Deniston streamers of black and gold, or ribbons of two shades of blue. She did not realize that these were customs reserved for members of the two women’s fraternities on campus: Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma. She had gone so far as to plan a trip to buy ribbons of her favorite colors that she could wear. Fortunately, one of the music students explained this tradition and Denny, as she was so inclined to do, laughed at herself. No one had more fun over mistakes than she did. Bertha was elected the first recording secretary, and her hand-written minutes document the proceedings of that organizational meeting on Thursday, October 15, 1885. This was the perfect position for Bertha whose habit of keeping a diary has provided invaluable information about Alpha Chi Omega’s early years. Bertha was well advanced in piano study when she entered the School of Music, and her remarkable execution and composure were the envy of all the students, especially at recital time. She won the reputation of accomplishing more work with less expenditure of time than any other student in the school. Bertha was known for her gentle manner, genial smile and sweet disposition. What she was not known for was neatness and care of personal belongings. As Olive described it: One evening after a party, she threw her new cream evening dress over a chair near the table where the coal-oil lamp stood, and there it was all the next day. During dinner, someone detected the odor of smoke and traced it to the Deniston room. The room was black with smoke and the flames were spreading fast, but quick work soon put out the fire.... Much damage was done, but the diary on the table was burned only around the edges.

In the summer of 1885, Bertha Deniston had her sixteenth birthday. It is difficult to believe there was much of a celebration, for Bertha’s mother had died that spring in Peru, Indiana, where the Denistons lived. Bertha was the only child of Mr. Deniston’s second marriage; he had two daughters near the age of his second wife. According to Olive: It was natural that the little girl found an enviable place in the Deniston family. At the early age of seven, piano lessons began for her, and it was not long before she showed exceptional talent. Mrs. Deniston’s death was a severe shock to everyone, but to Bertha almost a tragedy, for it meant the breaking up of the home.... She had been favored and indulged, unconsciously no doubt, but her sheltered and uneventful life would now be changed. To carry out the wishes of his wife and Bertha’s mother, Mr. Deniston investigated the new School of Music at DePauw. His visit must have satisfied him, especially since he was able to choose one of the large second-floor rooms of the new Women’s Hall for his daughter and was given permission to furnish it. He hoped this would make her time at DePauw more homelike and comfortable. Bertha was eager to go to DePauw, forty miles from the sadness that remained in Peru. She was excited to be surrounded by young girls in the hall, with plenty of young men to keep her company, too. Olive continued: Bertha was happy and popular with everyone. But she obeyed all the rules of dormitory living and gave full time to her practice, for she was a brilliant performer.

Bertha played an historic role in other ways as well. She purchased the first Alpha Chi Omega badge and generously allowed other Founders and members to wear it throughout her college years. Bertha wrote: I did not have my pin for many years after I left college. It was borrowed by one of our members and not returned. Young girls are sometimes careless; perhaps there was not a thorough understanding of the pin’s worth and what it meant to me.... She had kept it so many years that in my own heart I thought I would let her keep it always.

Bertha was not very tall, with round face, nice complexion, hair dark and heavy, worn in one thick braid down her back and tied with a ribbon. But she soon wanted to “be like other girls,” so she struggled hard and long to get that hair on top of her head in a smooth coil. When the seven girls gathered in that “waiting room” on October 15, “Denny,” as she was called by all who knew her, was perhaps the most excited of all. She had been very envious of all the lovely girls on campus with bows or

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to her years of training and accomplishments in music, but she learned to read lips and avoided the sense of isolation common to others at that time who could not hear. Olive stated: This affliction did not deny her the love of traveling, visiting, shopping, and close association with her family, friends, and always her Alpha Chi Omega ‘girls’ who gave much toward her contentment and happiness.

Soon after Beta Beta alumnae chapter received its charter [1906], my friend sent my pin to me of her own free will. I well remember how I cried for joy and happiness when I saw it, and thought, ‘Oh! You are more beautiful than ever.’ Since then I have guarded it carefully, and I love and cherish it, for I know what it means to Alpha Chi Omega and to me. She was one of Alpha Chi Omega’s first delegates, chosen by the members of Alpha to travel to Albion, Michigan, along with Mary L. Jones, to establish Beta chapter at Albion College. These two delegates were “chosen for dignity and personality—Mary to do the talking, Bertha to do the performing.”

It was not until a freak accident destroyed the vision of one eye, bringing both great discomfort and a gradual change in her appearance, that she became self-conscious, and with a gentle withdrawal from old habits, rarely left her home. Bertha Deniston Cunningham died on October 2, 1950. The injured eye had become infected and, according to Olive: She had not the resistance to retard the poisonous effect on her whole body. So at last, when she slept so quietly and peacefully and did not waken, our hearts and minds said, ‘All is well.’

Bertha left DePauw before graduation, following the death of her father, and moved to Indianapolis where she lived with her half-sister. Soon she found a position with the Pearson Piano Company as saleslady for sheet music and assistant bookkeeper. Here she met Mr. Scobey Cunningham, a piano salesman for the company. Within two years they were married and ultimately became parents to two sons, Fred and Harold. When Beta Beta alumnae chapter was chartered in Indianapolis, Bertha was part of the chartering group. She attended several conventions, none more special to her than the 50th anniversary celebration in 1935. A short time before the convention, she had been asked to loan her pin to the L. G. Balfour Company, to have a die made from it for the archives, she was told. As Bertha described it: On Greencastle Day during our Golden Anniversary Convention, I was surprised to see our Council members all wearing pins, duplicates of mine, made by Balfour. They called them convention pins....

She was survived by her husband, sons, their wives, her granddaughter Carolyn and one great-grandson. Her diary and the scrapbooks she made over many years created one of the greatest contributions by any one person at any time to Alpha Chi Omega—a wonderful gift, a sacred memorial. The Lyre printed the following note meant for all members of Alpha Chi Omega: It is impossible to state in words our deep appreciation of the many acts of kindness and letters of sympathy from many of the members of Alpha Chi Omega, its chapters and alumnae, following the passing of our dearly beloved mother, Bertha D. Cunningham.

At the closing banquet, Alpha Chi Omega presented the four living Founders with pins duplicated from mine, and with the same settings. Since then I have been wearing that one, and the one I bought in 1885 Mr. Cunningham has placed in his safe deposit box at the bank, where it shall stay indefinitely.

Please be assured of our dear Mother’s untiring love and affection for Alpha Chi Omega and all its members, from the time of its organization until her final days of passing. Following her family, it was her greatest love. Very truly, S. Cunningham and Family

Ear trouble that had begun early in her life ultimately deprived Bertha of her hearing and, sadly, the sound of music that had influenced her life. Deafness put an end

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Estelle Leonard Adequately describing Estelle Leonard is no small task. For starters, all that is known about her birthplace is Monroe County, Indiana, near Bloomington. Nothing is recorded regarding her family. The date of her birth— that’s something she kept secret. When news of her death was posted in the June 1955 issue of The Lyre, here is the text: Miss Estelle Leonard died March 3, 1955... after suffering a broken hip. She was 95 years old.

Estelle was a tall, slim and dignified young lady with a mass of dark hair worn pompadour and piled on top of her head. From all indications, her somewhat stern looks belied her sense of humor and love of practical jokes— most certainly Amy DuBois’ equal. Estelle tells of: Inviting Dean Howe to many of the group’s sessions, and serving him with drinks which he, too late, discovered to be hot with pepper. But he was game; however, he learned to refuse our kind offers.

She would not have been pleased by this disclosure. Do the math—that would make her 25 years old on October 15, 1885. Anna Allen was 15 years old; Estelle was 25. It is no wonder Estelle was elected Alpha Chi Omega’s first President. Estelle entered the School of Music at DePauw in 1885 with the serious purpose of learning music as a means of livelihood. She was older than the typical college student of the time, because she had already earned her own living for several years. Evidently, Estelle was responsible for her own well-being from an early age and realized that she should be prepared to take care of herself for the rest of her life. She seemed to understand and accept this economic necessity and had little extra time, especially since in addition to her music study she served as Dean Howe’s secretary. Consider this young woman who unlike the others was responsible for her own education. The pull of participation in the formation of a new organization on campus must have been very strong to cause her to dedicate time to its activities. Estelle was particularly interested in the development of the new Fraternity’s constitution and the wording of the first charter presented to Beta chapter. She seemed to realize decisions being made would influence the organization that would emerge in the years ahead.

A portion of her résumé includes: 1893–Principal of the music department in Moores Hill College [later absorbed by the University of Evansville]

Estelle graduated from DePauw in 1891, having been a member of the faculty for the last two years that she was a student there. She had met her goal of creating a career for herself.

1895–Principal of the piano department, Centenary College 1900–Moved to Union City, Indiana, where for forty-five years she taught piano and organ, taught music in the Union City schools, served as music director and organist of First Methodist Church, and wrote a column for the Union City Times 1945 – Moved to Indianapolis where she resided for the remainder of her life. Estelle was an active composer with two of her compositions receiving widespread publicity: Sunlight, a piano solo, and Rondo, originally a piano number and then arranged for three violins and piano. The October 27, 1942 edition of the “Union City Times-Gazette” carried the following headline: Local music instructor announces publication of two compositions, and this lead sentence: A long and fruitful career in music has blossomed even further with the recent publication of two compositions by Miss Estelle Leonard, Union City piano and organ instructor.

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Alpha Chi Omega is my largest interest in life, as all my immediate family has passed on. Consequently, I am intensely interested in every girl who wears the Lyre, and I am proud of the standing of Alpha Chi Omega among the fraternities, through the high ideals and splendid achievements of Alpha Chi girls. - Estelle Leonard

Miss Leonard–brave, high-spirited, sometimes a ‘Mary-quite-contrary’ and very determined.

When Estelle attended her last Alpha Chi convention in 1951, she held the record of having attended more conventions than any other member—14 in all between 1897 and 1951. By the time Estelle moved to Indianapolis, Alpha Chi Omega’s central office had been located in downtown Indianapolis for many years. The Fraternity arranged living accommodations for Estelle very near central office and provided live-in care when that became necessary. Central office workers learned to expect a daily visit from Estelle where she would sit in the waiting area most of the day. When Estelle’s care-provider suggested that might be disruptive to the office staff, Estelle responded, “They should not mind. After all, without me they would not have a reason for a job!” Estelle had many hobbies, things like working crossword puzzles, attending musical performances of all kinds, and travel. She acknowledged in 1932 that she was “sold on aviation, the occasional crashes not seeming to extinguish my ardor. I expect to fly again when spring comes.” This just five years after Lindbergh’s solo flight from New York to Paris! Estelle Leonard was different from the other Founders in significant ways: older, less privileged, single, strong-willed.

Here is Estelle Leonard’s message “to all her girls of Alpha Chi Omega:” Alpha Chi Omega is my largest interest in life, as all my immediate family has passed on. Consequently, I am intensely interested in every girl who wears the Lyre, and I am proud of the standing of Alpha Chi Omega among the fraternities, through the high ideals and splendid achievements of Alpha Chi girls. I am ever listening for the high honors given them annually by their Alma Maters. My love and best wishes to each and every one of them. Two who knew Estelle well, Hannah Keenan, Director of Central Office, and Elinor Howe, Controller, in those positions for many years, always referred to her as “Miss Leonard” and went to extraordinary lengths to see to her care and safety. They secured her living accommodations, made sure she had transportation whenever it was needed, took her to medical appointments and even scattered her ashes as she had requested. They would tell you she expected that from Alpha Chi Omega. When one understands that Alpha Chi Omega provided Estelle with affection, companionship, attention, and with the closest thing to “family” she may have known for many years, her expectation that Alpha Chi Omega should take care of her does not seem unreasonable. She knew her sisters would do that.

Quotes from the history books capture her in enlightening ways: ... distinctly modern in her ideas. She enjoys good movies, and travels by aeroplane whenever possible. Her early years of responsibility at home, and of caring for herself developed independence, decision, and a rather bohemian attitude. Withal, she had an optimistic view of life that cannot be quenched.

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Olive Burnett chapter. There is nothing to indicate in what way Olive and the letter writer happened to be acquainted. What is important is that Olive took the contact seriously and shared it with the others. Olive and Bertha became very close friends during their first year at DePauw, and they treasured a friendship that endured and deepened through the years. “Denny” described “Ollie” as a “lovely blue-eyed young woman who was full of fun and frolic.” The two of them, through Bertha’s diaries and scrapbooks and Olive’s commitment to create first-hand accounts and historical commentary, made the preservation of Alpha Chi Omega’s heritage possible. In the spring of her junior year, Olive gave up her studies and began teaching piano and violin in Anderson and Franklin, Indiana. There is nothing on record to indicate why she made this decision; perhaps it was a man named Ralph. In 1889, Olive married Ralph B. Clark, a businessman and musician from Anderson. Their three children, two sons and one daughter, all attended DePauw. The boys became members of Beta Theta Pi and, to Olive’s delight, Mary Ellen became the first daughter of a Founder to become an Alpha Chi Omega. In 1917, the Clark family moved to Indianapolis, and Mr. Clark established the Merchants Property Insurance Company. Olive was one of the installing officers when Alpha Chi chapter at Butler University was chartered in 1925. In her declining years, Olive lived with her son near that campus. What a treat it was for chapter members in the mid-1950s to visit Olive, seated in her rocking chair with shawl wrapped around her shoulders, tiny and weakened but eager to share her story about the founding of the Fraternity. The collegians then would serenade Mrs. Clark with “Memories,” one of the Alpha Chi Omega songs she wrote. Olive was active in Beta Beta alumnae chapter for almost forty years, serving as one of its early presidents. Those two college friends, Ollie and Denny, were reunited in Indianapolis and cherished the opportunity to share local and national Alpha Chi Omega events until Bertha’s death in 1950. Olive enjoyed good books and “art in all its forms.” Although her training was in music, she possessed a remarkable talent for written expression. At the request of National President Beatrice Herron Brown, Olive created in

Without question, all seven Founders are important figures in the telling of Alpha Chi Omega’s history. However, to indicate that their contributions were equal in influence would do an injustice to Olive Burnett. All who followed her as members owe Olive an enormous debt of gratitude. It was Olive who documented the details of the founding events; who provided vibrant descriptions of the other six and Dean Howe; who set the example of grace, civility and dignity that defined the Fraternity both internally and externally throughout her life; who encouraged effort from all members to remember Alpha Chi Omega’s commitment to “the heights.” Olive Burnett was born in Greencastle, Indiana, on June 10, 1867. Her father was a graduate of Indiana Asbury University—later named DePauw University, a member of Sigma Chi, and her mother, part of an old pioneer family who died when Olive was thirteen. Olive, with her childhood friends Anna and Bessie, entered DePauw in the fall of 1885. Like the others, Olive came to the university as one who had studied piano. During her first year at DePauw she added violin and, upon Dean Howe’s request, began the study of double bass and cello in order to fill a need in orchestra and ensemble work. From 1886-88, she was a member of the School of Music faculty of DePauw, teaching pianoforte and primary work on the violin, cello and double bass, all while serving as organist at the College Avenue Church. Somehow, she also found time to participate in the emergence of Alpha Chi Omega on campus. Olive’s Fraternity work during those first years was primarily behind the scenes, seeing to such things as having the Constitution printed and bound with the Greek letters “in proper form.” It was Olive who began the chain of events that resulted in the formation of the second chapter, reporting on April 27, 1887, that she had received a letter from a young woman from Albion on behalf of a group of five who were interested in forming an Alpha Chi Omega

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“Memories” written by Olive Burnett Clark as shown in the “Songs of Alpha Chi Omega” songbook from 1928. Olive wrote the song to commemorate Founders’ Day.

her lovely handwriting the account of Alpha Chi Omega’s founding that lives on. The Golden Jubilee Convention in 1935 provided the opportunity for Olive, joined by Bertha, Estelle and Nellie, to deliver the founding story as only they could.

In her eyes is a clear, far-seeing look of tolerance and wisdom, and her smile warms the heart. Although her health has been precarious in recent years, and she can venture out but seldom, she is ever close to the Fraternity, working always for its interests and its growth.

As the 1948 History stated: Her life has been a busy one, surrounded by thoughtfulness and loving consideration, which she draws to her as naturally as she gives of these qualities to her friends. Her years have passed in happiness, marred only by the death of her daughter [in 1940.]

Hannah Keenan described Olive as “the best known and most popular Founder” with “a magic personality.” Olive Burnett Clark died at her home on April 18, 1957, two months shy of her 90th birthday. She was survived by her two sons, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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Nellie Gamble “formulate a plan for future development.” She was elected the first corresponding secretary. By February 11, 1886, she had been elected President. The other Founders relied on her “earnest, reliable suggestions and judgments.” No explanation can be found for Nellie’s departure from DePauw. She returned to Martinsville and married Edward W. Childe where she settled down in her hometown and led “a life of quiet influence for good.” The 1911 History explained: Good traits of character are as essential to successful housekeeping as to professional work, so Mrs. Childe has been fully equal to the requirements of her domestic ‘career.’

Less than three weeks before the Diamond Jubilee Convention in 1960, word came of the death of the last of the seven Founders of Alpha Chi Omega, Nellie Gamble Childe. She died at the Arnold Nursing Home in Detroit where she had been a patient for almost two years. She was 93. Nellie was born in Martinsville, Illinois, on May 12, 1867, and spent most of her life there except for what she called “that fateful time” at DePauw which she entered to pursue her piano studies. Here is how Olive described Nellie: When I first saw Nelle I thought she was the loveliest girl I had ever seen in all my life. Tall, slim, and graceful, with fair hair and blue eyes—gentle in voice and manner. At first she seemed timid, but acquaintance awakened a most friendly and sweet response. She was admired by all who knew her for her fine good qualities and personal charm, and loved by all her friends with rare devotion.

Nellie was an avid gardener, especially interested in rose culture and shared her flowers with shut-ins throughout her community. Her family believed this act characterized her “gentle thoughtfulness for others, which is complete unselfishness.” Nellie attended two national conventions, in 1935 and 1941, but in later years she became badly crippled with arthritis and travel was painful. She was delighted to meet a present-day National Council member when Ruth Tewinkle Suppes, then National President, paid her a visit in 1956. That was her last known contact with Alpha Chi Omega. In recognition of the Fraternity’s twenty-fifth anniversary, Nellie wrote: It does not seem possible that twenty-five years have passed since a few girls started into action a Fraternity which they little knew or thought would meet with such success as Alpha Chi Omega. I am proud, yes very proud to be a Founder of such a Fraternity, and while I cannot claim any of the honor of bringing it through the hard struggles of early life, I am truly glad that fate dealt so kindly with me as to make me one of its first members.

In describing herself, Nellie wrote: I was slight of build, and in the day of long-sleeved aprons, I presume I did look much as a friend of the family expressed it that she ‘couldn’t tell whether Nelle was coming or going.’ Having an elder brother and no sisters I naturally grew into boyish ways, my greatest delight being living in trees and on the house tops. Fortunately, I had a great love for dolls, and this together with gentle remonstrance from my mother, gradually subdued the more active outdoor tendencies. At an early age I began the study of piano music of which I was very fond. As I grew older, I planned to enter Jacksonville College, but this had to be given up. Later on, through the influence of a friend, I decided on DePauw as my choice. Strange how circumstances change our lives! Had my first plan carried, I would not have had the honor of being a Founder of our beloved Fraternity, an event of a lifetime.

A naturally quiet and retiring person, Nellie Gamble Childe seemed reluctant to accept the special honor and appreciation Alpha Chi Omega reserved for its Founders. Then there were none. Yet in the course of 125 years, that “little chain of seven” Olive described so eloquently has become a chain with over 225,000 links. It stretches from coast to coast and border to border. It is forged in a Bond of sisterhood that endures.

Nellie was a full and eager participant in the planning and formation of the Fraternity. She was part of the committee chosen at the first meeting to consult with Dean Howe to

May it be ever so.

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From the archives: Olive Burnett is seated in the bottom left.

Taken in Apr il 1886, this ph oto features A lpha Chi sister Anna Ryan, O s live Burnett an d Bertha Den iston.

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The School of Music at DePauw University was formed in 1883. James Hamilton Howe from the New England Conservatory of Music was hired to become the Dean of the new School of Music in early 1884. The music building was completed by 1885 and seven of the first enrollees would play starring roles in Alpha Chi Omega’s story.

M faculty? friend? facilitator? founder? Dean James Hamilton Howe

W

ho was that man, so prominent in the Fraternity’s recorded history, who played some kind of role in the formation of Alpha Chi Omega? The historical version that has been handed down through the ages describes Dean James Hamilton Howe as the individual who conceived the idea of forming some kind of organization to involve the female students of the School of Music at DePauw University. That, in itself, is interesting to ponder: a man contemplating the formation of something that could bring female students together to their benefit. Questions form immediately: Why would he care? Was there something in it for him? What role did he really play? First this question: How did James Hamilton Howe end up in Alpha Chi Omega’s documented history? The answer takes us to Greencastle, Indiana, in 1884; that’s right, 1884—not 1885. DePauw University, formerly Indiana Asbury University, had recently survived a financial crisis that was solved by a man named Washington Charles DePauw who gave his money and his name to that institution. In 1883, the Honorable W. C. DePauw urged the administration to form a School of Music, for reasons not documented, which it promptly did. Evidently money talked, even then. Early in 1884, a faculty member of the New England Conservatory of Music who had established a distinguished career as a teacher and composer consented to become Dean of the new music school. His name? James Hamilton Howe. His age? 29 years. Here’s what the new man on the scene at DePauw had to say about his move from Boston to Greencastle: It was a great change from the active bustle of Boston to the quiet confines of Greencastle, Indiana. It took me some time to adapt myself to my surroundings, and

I presume the pious Methodists considered me rather queer when I retailed to them several funny stories; and rather heathenish that attendance at operas and classical plays was necessary to keep me pepped up for my work. From Indiana Asbury-DePauw University 1837-1937

When he first arrived in Greencastle, he lived for a time with the Campbell family. The son, James, was a DePauw student and became librarian of the music school. Remember that name. By 1885, a music building was completed on campus; and students were enrolled in a wide range of classes in music theory, piano, voice and organ. Seven of those students were to play starring roles in Alpha Chi Omega’s story. At that time and on that campus, anything like an opera or a play “was frowned on by the university authorities, and when Dean Howe attempted to put on the popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera, The Mikado, the president stopped it just in time to avoid a scandal.” Greencastle was, indeed, far removed from Boston.

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women who were personally well known to him, and whose background he had carefully investigated, feeling that such an important step should be taken only after careful selection and forethought.” Dean Howe stayed at DePauw for ten years. At his departure, the School of Music was self-supporting with enrollment steadily increasing. By 1892, in fact, the original building was so overcrowded that it became necessary to secure an annex near the campus. He next went to San Francisco, California, where he struggled to adapt to such a different environment. In 1897 he wrote: “The people here were not quite ready for the Conservatory idea, so I turned my attention to oratorio and private teaching. The old ’49 spirit of the prospector is still here. It is the most unsatisfactory place to teach music that I ever dwelt in.” During his tenure at DePauw, there is much evidence to confirm Dean Howe’s impact on the members of Alpha Chi Omega and the decisions they made that would define the Fraternity for decades to come. Some examples of his influence include: • Financial assistance—As Founder Olive Burnett wrote: “Professor Howe was always loyal, enthusiastic and generous to the Fraternity. Had it not been for his support financially the Fraternity would have suffered at times, especially in the matter of establishing sister chapters.”

In 1885, most of those enrolled in the new School of Music were women; some would say “girls.” Two with recognizable names to Alpha Chi Omegas, Anna Allen and Amy DuBois, were fifteen when they entered DePauw that fall. It is not surprising these young women and at least some of their peers demonstrated “dissatisfaction and unrest... due to lack of social opportunity” according to Dean Howe. They were young, energetic, perhaps away from home for the first time. What is surprising is that Dean Howe not only recognized and understood this; he decided to do something about it! Why did he care? The answer is simple. He was a sensitive man, and he wanted his students to be content as well as successful. “He endeared himself to all his students and to the faculty not only of the music school, but of the liberal arts department as well.” Was there something in it for him? James Hamilton Howe came to DePauw with an established national reputation as a teacher and composer. His decision to take the position at DePauw must have contained some risk—a new music school, a university recovering from a financial crisis, exchanging bustling Boston for this conservative community. Dean Howe needed to attract and retain students who could demonstrate their talents and their accomplishments so that the new school could survive and thrive. To be clear, by 1885 DePauw had Greek-letter social fraternities for both men and women. However, those groups were composed of students from the liberal arts discipline and not available to students enrolled in the new School of Music. Nothing in Alpha Chi Omega’s archives suggests that the women expressed resentment about this. Yet, it is no wonder that there was “dissatisfaction and unrest” among the music students. Dean Howe did not envision the formation of a fraternity for “his” students. He was not a fraternity man himself. His idea was to form an organization similar to a literary society. It was James G. Campbell, the son of his landlord, who suggested they form a fraternity. “This was not at all what the Dean had in mind, but after due deliberation, he gave his consent on October 15, 1885, feeling that such a group would benefit both the students themselves and the University.” What role did he really play? “He called together several of his students... in all, he selected seven young

• Extension—“Alpha Chi Omega... was extremely cautious from the first in the granting of charters.... Perhaps Dean Howe’s advice, ‘to steer their course carefully, attend closely to their own affairs and in good time all would work to their success,’ taught the Founders discretion.” • Status of a social fraternity—When other NPC groups circulated misinformation that Alpha Chi Omega was a professional rather than a social fraternity, in 1916 Dean Howe filed an affidavit that stated: “Alpha Chi Omega was not organized as a professional fraternity. At its organization in 1885, it was a regular university fraternity, upon the same basis as the Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and other fraternities at DePauw University.... I was very careful that, from the first, every step should be taken in accordance with the accepted traditions and methods recognized by other fraternities.”

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• Honorary members—The first honorary member, Mme. Rivé-King, told Dean Howe of “her willingness to be one of us” and he facilitated her initiation as an honorary member.

I watched over the young sorority, as one would over one’s own child. It was my only child, and it is the only child I have at the present time. - James Hamilton Howe

By 1910, Dean Howe’s journey had taken him to Seattle, Washington, where he served as conductor of the Seattle Choral-Symphony Society. He died in 1934. During his last years, the National Fraternity and Iota Iota alumnae chapter in Seattle provided him with financial assistance. In 1931 “an honorarium of $600 per annum for a two-year period was authorized to be given to James Hamilton Howe.” From the records of the 30th National Convention in 1933: “An honorarium of $365 for the coming year was voted to James Hamilton Howe as a gift of appreciation from the Fraternity.” Long before that, he had been granted a lifetime subscription to The Lyre as well as other financial support. In 1916, when Dean Howe provided that affidavit addressing the kind of fraternity Alpha Chi Omega was intended to be from the outset, he wrote: I watched over the young sorority, as one would over one’s own child. It was my only child, and it is the only child I have at the present time.

This was James Hamilton Howe. Faculty—yes. Friend—yes. Facilitator—yes. Founder? Read this entry from the minute book covering Alpha Chi Omega’s first year: “The Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity was founded October 15th 1885, at the School of Music, Greencastle, Indiana by Prof. James H. Howe, Dean of the School.” For the 1911 History, Estelle Leonard wrote: Twenty-five years ago we were only seven girls, admiring our badges of scarlet and olive green, having an ambitious adviser in our founder, Dean Howe. Today the seven girls and the founder are proud... that Alpha Chi Omega is known from ocean to ocean, the Fraternity having far outgrown our dreams. For that same issue, Besssie Grooms Keenan wrote: No one but Professor James H. Howe was the founder of Alpha Chi Omega. Jim Campbell assisted some with the first Constitution, but all credit is due Prof. Howe.... Professor Howe asked me to be a charter member, as he did the other six—and he worked very hard to make the affair a success. I feel sure Estelle Leonard and all the other girls will write just as I have.

Picture this: From the East... came a wiry, frisky little man, with twinkling eyes and an ever-smiling face. He had a copious mustache, which scarcely ended before it was met by another auburn growth running up and down under each ear. These side whiskers tapered to long streamers, which bobbed up and down when he talked and fluttered in the air when he walked. Usually he wore a coat of lengthy dimensions, matched by a hat of rather grand proportions. He always was seen with his cane and gloves in one hand.

If they could be asked today, it appears that Amy, Anna, Bertha, Bessie, Estelle, Nellie and Olive would indicate that they would not have, perhaps could not have done it without James Hamilton Howe. All Alpha Chi Omegas are in his debt.

He watched over the young organization as if it were his own child; his financial aid, advice, and encouragement bridged over many trying times. The little bit of scarlet and green ribbon was never missing from the lapel of his coat.

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R The official flag was adopted in 1910. Designed by Mabel H. Siller, it was meant to be suspended from a horizontal bar. Click the image to view the full piece at the end of this book.

M the formative years

F

rom 1885 until 1891 when the first convention convened, the legislative power of the organization was vested in Alpha, DePauw University, as the Grand Chapter. Alpha and the other three chapters chartered during this time concentrated on: 1. Creating an identity among the Greek-letter general/social fraternities and sororities already in existence. 2. Adding members. 3. Extending to other institutions. 4. Determining how to function as an organized group.

Creating an Identity COLORS: On the DePauw campus, students were recognized as belonging to a particular fraternity by the colors they wore. Ribbons varying in length, width and position according to the prevailing style were worn by both men and women. Sometimes the women tied twoinch ribbons in great bows on their wrists. A rosette with streamers reaching to the hem of the dress might be worn on the shoulder. The choice of colors for the new fraternity was a matter of vital importance and one of the first decisions the members made. Two of the Founders went to a local dry goods store in Greencastle and brought back samples of every color ribbon that was in stock. These were interchanged in every possible color combination, but nothing suited the young women. One day, shortly after that initial formative meeting on October 15 and before the group’s formal introduction in Meharry Hall on October 24, five of the women were seated on the ground under a maple tree on the east campus, debating the problem of colors. As Olive Burnett Clark writes: The ground was covered with leaves in their brilliant colors of autumn, for this was a beautiful glorious October. A gentle breeze showered the leaves all about us and in our laps. We casually picked and arranged them. In a flash of concerted understanding we knew we had found our colors—colors of our October founding—the scarlet and the bronze green found in the maple leaf on a perfect autumn day.

Since the Greencastle dry goods store did not have a ribbon to match the bronze green in the leaf, the colors could not be confirmed until Estelle Leonard returned from Indianapolis three days later where she was successful in matching the color of the bronze green in the maple leaf she carried with her. Eventually, in 1887, the bronze green was changed to olive, due to the difficulty of matching the bronze green. NAME: The choice of name was of primary importance. Where to begin? For starters, the Founders took the Greek alphabet and cancelled every letter that was found in the names of the other fraternities on the DePauw campus. From those left over, they tried to create a name. Nothing clicked. Finally, one of the young women suggested that since they were forming the first fraternity in the School of Music, they should use the first letter of the Greek alphabet. “Alpha” was set. Then, someone suggested they might possibly be forming the last such fraternity, so “Omega” was suggested. In addition to being unused by any other campus fraternity, “Omega” balanced nicely with “Alpha.” When the young women shared their decision for a name with James Campbell, the DePauw student who had been helping them with organizational matters, he wrote “Alpha kai Omega,” “kai” meaning “and” in Greek. BADGE: James Campbell came to the group’s assistance again when the subject of a badge was addressed. He made numerous pencil drawings of badge designs. One in particular, a replica of a harp, appealed to the members since it seemed in keeping with their musical interests. However, it did not seem quite right, so they turned to Greek mythology for help. There they discovered that the first musical instrument played by the Greek gods was a lyre. Some expressed doubt because of the sound of the word—would it generate ridicule among the other students? However, the drawings which James Campbell made were so attractive and appealing that the lyre was wholeheartedly adopted—surely some indication of the confidence and assuredness of those seven original members. The final design featured a scroll running across the widest part of the lyre on which the name “Alpha kai Omega” was to be inscribed. At the time, the popular way to identify a fraternity’s name was to use Greek letters.

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From October 15 to October 23, great care was taken to keep the creation of this new fraternity a secret from the other students at DePauw. The October issue of the DePauw Monthly for 1885 mentioned the fact that “there are rumors of a new ladies’ fraternity on the campus.” But that was the only information to surface, for the Founders were determined to be organized and prepared for their first formal, public appearance on campus.

That led to the substitution of “X [Chi]” for “kai” in the name and on the scroll . OPEN MOTTO: Until 1887, a question lingered: “What shall be our open motto?” Finally, on May 24, 1887, a motto committee presented its three finalists: “Musical culture, first and last!” “Strive for the highest.” “Ye daughters of Music, come up higher!” Following lengthy discussion, the last motto presented was chosen, and “Ye daughters of Music, come up higher!” was Alpha Chi Omega’s open motto. Later, when the requirements for membership had been expanded to include liberal arts students, it became advisable to consider a motto that would be representative of all the members, not simply the music students. In 1909, Alta Allen Loud suggested the wording “Together let us seek the Heights,” which was formally adopted in 1910.

Bertha continues: That evening we went to dinner together at the Dorm wearing the scarlet and green so gloriously. We sat at the music table, with Dean Howe at the head. Everyone was so surprised, as our plans had been kept a secret. After supper, the Founders went back to the School of Music to meet all the pledges and to make final arrangements to attend chapel in a body the following morning.

Adding Members The 1948 History provides a good description of how and when the Founders added to their numbers. The business of pledging new members was gone into almost at once. Each Founder selected one name, which she presented to the group for approval. These were voted upon by ballot, and all were accepted. Invitations were extended to them on the last day of the Fraternity’s secret existence, October 23.

Here, Olive Burnett Clark takes up the story: At last the day of days—our first public appearance! With fourteen in line we marched from the School of Music across the East campus to Meharry Hall. Just at the final clang of the college bell we marched in the Hall, up the west aisle, across the back, down the east aisle—rosettes and streamers of our scarlet and bronze green fluttering and bobbing from our left shoulders, amid the shouts and cheers of the students and our fellow fraternities.

Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham’s propensity to keep a diary and to create scrapbooks makes this first-hand recollection possible: From my diary of October 23, 1885, I find that after chapel and practice hour Anna Ryan and I met Bessie Grooms and Ollie Burnett. Bess and Ollie had bought ribbons for our first pledged members. We pledged Leah Walker, Suda West, Ella Farthing, and Rose Meredith before lunch, and after lunch Leota Fuqua and Anna Ryan, ‘and now we are after Minnie Shaffer.’ After we had pledged these girls Bessie Grooms asked us if we didn’t want to go buggy riding. Of course we did, and had a lovely ride out into the country.... When we came back, the seven Founders tied great bows of ribbons on the front of our waists, and we went over to the music hall to show Dean Howe. He was so pleased he wore a small bow on the lapel of his coat, which he wore for some time in our honor.

We took our accustomed seats assigned to the music students. The ovation from the students was heartily seconded by the faculty of the Liberal Arts and the School of Music departments. Most of all we prized the few words of recognition from the President of the University, Alexander Martin. All the fraternities on the campus were most cordial and courteous. We had many friends in Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma who not only welcomed us in their fraternity world but also gave us kindly assistance and advice. Naturally they thought of us as a ‘little sister.’

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was made limiting the number of charter members to no more than seven members. Beta chapter became a reality on May 27, 1887, when Mary Jones and Bertha Deniston, who replaced Anna Allen, installed Alpha Chi Omega’s second chapter at Albion College. Mary filed this report: When we reached Albion, though we were tired from our journey, the girls met us with great enthusiasm and we were immediately conducted to the home of Emma Crittenden, where the initiation ceremony was held at once in order that the girls might that very evening ‘surprise everybody’ by wearing Alpha Chi Omega ribbons. I have always felt that things were conducted with unseemly haste, but we were young and unsophisticated. That evening, immediately after the ceremony, we all attended a large college reception where the initiates received the hearty congratulations of their friends. The next day we indulged in drives and in other pleasures.

Alpha Chi Omega’s first year was a prosperous one. By the end of the 1885-86 school year, the Fraternity had grown from its original seven Founders to a membership of 22, including five teachers and artists who had been chosen as honorary members, a form of membership common in fraternity circles in the early days.

Extending to Other Institutions The matter of extension was definitely considered early on, and provision was made in the Constitution for the establishment of sister chapters. It was specified that the first three chapters were to be established by the consent of Alpha chapter after which time a two-thirds vote of the chapters would be required in order to grant a charter. The minutes of December 5, 1885, contain the first recorded reference to the establishment of additional chapters: The President next directed Miss Grooms, the Corresponding Secretary, to bring before the next meeting the letter she had been directed to write to a young lady in Kansas in regard to the starting of a Sister Chapter....

From that time forward, the two chapters worked together on extension. Beta reopened the correspondence with the director of the Conservatory of Music at Northwestern University. On November 14, 1890, Alta Roberts, Alpha, and Jean Whitcomb, Beta, installed Gamma chapter at Northwestern. Here is a portion of a description of that event as provided by Mary Satterfield, Gamma: Early one cloudy morning in November, 1890, Jean Whitcomb, delegate from the Grand Chapter then at Albion, arrived in Evanston, presumably as my guest.

Although there must have been informal discussion about where, when and how to establish additional chapters during those formative early months, the next recorded action appears in the April 23, 1887, minutes: The business for the evening was to... hear the report from Mr. La Rash of Northwestern University who is willing to help us form a chapter and who has sent us the names of several young lady music students there.

She was made welcome, and the lyre she had worn as a means of recognition was immediately removed for fear others might guess the secret of her mission before the consummation of our plans. Later, Alta Roberts of Alpha appeared on the scene. Word of their arrival was quickly passed among the girls, who had long been looking forward to this time, and all was suppressed excitement and expectation pending the initiation.

Minutes of meetings prior to May 6, 1887, show that correspondence had been carried on for some time with students at Albion College relative to the establishment there of a chapter. Minutes of the May 6, 1887, meeting refer to “a letter read from Albion, Mich., saying they were ready for us to organize a chapter there, having five charter members waiting.” On May 13, 1887, it was decided “Miss Jones and Miss Allen visit Albion on Thursday, May 26, 1887.” Throughout the spring of 1887, much time and discussion were devoted to the creation of a charter and how one should be granted or withdrawn. It was determined that withdrawal of a charter would require two-thirds vote of all the chapters. An additional decision

This event for six of the girls took place on the evening of the same day, Saturday, November 12, 1890, in the attic of Willard Hall. Miss Whitcomb and Miss Roberts made the occasion very impressive and beautiful. The seventh girl, Mary Stanford sang regularly in a church

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in Racine, Wisconsin, and was necessarily out of town on Saturday evening, so on her return Monday morning, November 14, she, too, was initiated, and we six had the pleasure of participating in our first Alpha Chi Omega initiation. This initiation took place at her home, and thus was launched Gamma Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. Wishing to make known our existence, and to make our first public appearance together, we went from Mary Stanford’s home to the college, where we attended noonday chapel in a body. Our coming created sufficient stir to assure us our secret had not until now become known. [Mary Stanford

as Greeks, indeed, or were to be held aloof as a presumptuous lot of barbarians, we knew not. It proved, however, that the Greeks rose to the occasion, and at once accepted us as a part of the Greek world. In six short years, Alpha Chi Omega had grown from a solitary chapter to an organization composed of four chapters in four different states.

Determining How to Function as an Organized Group Governing Documents Between October 15 and October 19, 1885, a formulating committee composed of Estelle Leonard, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble and Dean Howe met to begin planning for the fledgling group’s future. According to the report of the formulating committee prepared by Bertha Deniston, Secretary, the committee considered “the subject of the proposed society, what it should embrace, the needs of such a society, and how the work should be carried on.” James G. Campbell, the helpful undergraduate and librarian for the School of Music, was “called in to give the general information in regard to the management of fraternities. Mr. Campbell was asked to formulate a constitution and bylaws for the proposed Fraternity, to be handed in at the next meeting. A vote of thanks was tendered to him for his kindness.” The Constitution, which Mr. Campbell had drafted, was accepted six weeks later. Estelle Leonard writes: Mr. James Campbell drew up our first Constitution, for which we were grateful, indeed, though, as a matter of fact, we used it only a short time, when we realized the necessity of having it re-written by a committee of our own members appointed for that purpose.

would become Alpha Chi Omega’s second Grand President.]

Gamma immediately shared the responsibility of extension work by suggesting, within a month after its installation, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, as a prospective home for a chapter. Mary Satterfield, Gamma, conducted an investigation through correspondence with her cousins, Zannie and Elizabeth Tate, both students at Allegheny College. On January 29, 1891 Mary and Libbie Price, Alpha, installed Delta chapter at Allegheny College. Antoinette Snyder, Delta, describes the birth of Delta chapter: The real story of Delta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega had its setting in the old college town of Meadville, Pa., and dates from a meeting of musical students in January, 1891, at the home of Zannie and Elizabeth Tate to meet Libbie Price and Mary Satterfield. It is not to be supposed that this meeting was entirely impromptu. It had been known for a long time among those who formed this inner circle that fateful letters had been passing between Miss Tate and Miss Satterfield; and mysterious, quiet discussions had been going on among the members of this group, but no hint of what it meant had been filtered to the outer world.

From the minutes of February 5, 1886: President, Estelle Leonard, appointed Suda West and Florence Thompson to re-write the Constitution and the form of Initiation to be read at the next meeting.

Miss Price and Miss Satterfield were both charming girls, and we who were invited to meet them seemed to pass their inspection. On that very morning, in a gracious and dignified way, we seven girls were initiated into the mysteries of Alpha Chi Omega, and Delta Chapter began its eventful life.

From the minutes of April 9, 1886: The Constitution having been rewritten was now read and adopted. The By-Laws were also adopted unanimously.

On the next morning, in a body, we attended chapel at Allegheny College. Whether we were to be received

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The Constitution underwent a revision in May 1887, and has been revised many, many times since then.

• Meetings were held at the homes of Founder Anna Allen Smith and Ethel Sutherlin. • Delegates revised the Constitution, the bylaws, the initiation ceremony, affiliation, opening and closing ceremonies; adopted a pledging ceremony; authorized the publication of a song book; and held many discussions on the subject of extension. • A magazine was planned, to be published by Beta, Albion College, as soon as there were six chapters. • The Ritual was ordered written in a separate book from the Constitution. • Nut cake was chosen as the official Fraternity cake. • In accordance with the custom of the age, a “courage test” was adopted. • The delegates established a general treasury to which each chapter was to make an annual contribution. Previously, “all fees had gone into Alpha’s treasury because it had carried all responsibility.” • Alpha chapter was voted to serve as Grand Chapter with final decisions between conventions to be made by Alpha. • A cabinet of general officers was elected. All who were elected were undergraduates. Election of officers was uniquely conducted by determining the chapter that should rightfully hold each office and then electing the individual officers from the designated chapters. NOTABLE FACT: A motion to reconsider naming Alpha chapter as Grand Chapter passed. It was decided that Beta chapter, not Alpha, be given the general presidency for the ensuing year. Alpha would retain the distinction as Grand Chapter. • Janette Allen, Beta, an undergraduate, was elected Grand President. • A convention register was not employed until 1908, so attendance lists of the early conventions are incomplete.

Other Matters On February 5, 1886, the Fraternity dealt with such important matters as expulsion: A motion was then put before the house that the meetings begin at 6:30 and if a person was late, without a reasonable excuse they would receive one tardy mark for which they would be charged 10 cents. Two tardy marks would cause them to be suspended for a certain length of time and with the third mark they should be expelled. This motion was carried. The use of a regular ceremony for opening chapter meetings was started in the Fraternity’s first year. The first Fraternity songs were accepted on February 26, 1886. Pledge training and the responsibility of members to their new pledges was addressed in this way, as indicated in the April 16, 1886, minutes: Then followed a discussion in regard to pledged members. Each member was admonished to pay attention to such and see that they were always in good company.

Conventions At some point in the spring of 1891, Alpha sent two representatives, Mary Janet Wilson and Anne Cowperthwaite, to Albion to “hold an informal conference with Beta chapter about important matters of mutual fraternity interest.” Although there is no record of that conference or the “important matters” that were discussed, one question that might have been raised is: Who is in charge? Whatever the issues, there is no doubt that this conference paved the way for the first National Convention in the fall of that year.

Social features: Convention attended, in a body, a musicale in which several Alpha Chis took part, presented under the direction of Dean Howe. The Convention also was entertained at some of the fraternity halls, but the records “are indefinite.”

First National Convention: October 20-23, 1891— Greencastle, Indiana • Participants assembled as the guests of Alpha chapter, with representatives from three collegiate chapters in attendance. Delta, Allegheny College, was not represented.

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Second National Convention: February 22-24, 1893—Albion, Michigan

Third National Convention: February 28-March 3, 1894—Evanston, Illinois

• The meetings were held in Beta’s fraternity hall [then on the top floor of the administration building] with Grand President Janette Allen, Beta, presiding. • Each chapter was allowed $20 from the national treasury to help defray the expenses of a convention delegate. Delegates from four chapters attended. • Business included the appointment of Gamma, Northwestern University, to publish a song book; revision of the Constitution and the initiation ceremony; discussions and plans for extension and finances; adoption of a pledge pin. • The decision was made to place chapters “in musical conservatories of good musical standing as well as literary centers.” • The matter of a “courage test” was left up to each chapter. • The term fee for each member was set at $4.50. • In case of the death of a member, mourning was arranged to be worn for two weeks by the chapter to which the deceased had belonged. • Forms to be used for resignation and expulsion were authorized. Resignation from a chapter constituted resignation from the Fraternity. • Mary Stanford, Gamma, an undergraduate, was elected Grand President by the delegates from the four active chapters in attendance. NOTABLE FACT: A motion carried that Beta be designated Grand Chapter. Beta declined. A motion was carried to reconsider, and Alpha was named Grand Chapter. A motion carried indicating that Gamma chapter be given the grand presidency.

• Gamma chapter served as hostess for the third national convention. • Grand President Mary Stanford, Gamma, conducted the business sessions. • Delegates from the four collegiate chapters attended, and Charlotte Weber, Delta, Allegheny College, an undergraduate, was elected Grand President. • Gamma reported that the first song book had been published and included “11 songs set to familiar airs—no music was printed.” • Plans were outlined for extension, the initiation and installation ceremonies received special attention because of dissatisfaction expressed by some chapters, and Alpha was appointed to publish a Fraternity journal. • Beta was voted Grand Chapter. • The suggestion that the treasurer remain in the same chapter as long as possible was offered with the intention of giving the finances a settled basis for growth. • The charter fee was set at $20. Social features: Grand President Stanford presented vocal selections and the banquet program included a presentation entitled “Our Goat” by Harriet Lovejoy and a speech entitled “Looking Forward” by newly-elected Grand President Weber. “The Parting Song” closed the festivities.

Social features: A musical at the home of Grand President Janette Allen to which the faculty, the Fraternity and other friends were invited. Delta Tau Delta entertained informally where guests were presented with pansy [Delta Tau Delta’s flower] stick pins. The musical program included a piano selection by Founder Anna Allen Smith.

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Alpha Chi Omegas attending the third national convention, Evanston, Illinois, 1894.

The “calls” of Alpha Chi Omega as shown in the Alpha Chi Omega 1911 History history book.

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Fourth National Convention: April 8-10, 1896— Meadville, Pennsylvania

included “The Bond,” “Mademoiselle, the Goat,” “Alpha Chis in Music,” and “Our Greek Brothers.”

• Sessions were held in Delta’s hall in the Conservatory building and were presided over by Margaret Barber, chairman of the convention. There is no indication in archives documents that Grand President Weber attended. • Delegates from all six chapters attended, and Mary Janet Wilson, Alpha, was elected Grand President, the first alumna and the first from Alpha chapter to serve in that position. • Alpha was named Grand Chapter. NOTABLE FACT: As stated in the 1916 History: “The motion proffered that ‘Alpha be Grand Chapter always’ is illustrative of the impossibility of legislating for eternity in light of the fact that the following convention superseded the Grand Chapter system of government by creating a Grand Council.” • A list of convention subjects was ordered to be prepared and sent to all the chapters several weeks previous to conventions. • Financing for The Lyre, first published in June 1894, was discussed. Alpha was given authority to continue the work of publication and to decide upon the cover design and form. Expenses were to be paid through subscriptions and advertising. • The cheer or “yell” was revised and a musical cheer was also adopted. (See page 31 for photo excerpt.) • The convention laid plans for installing chapters in different parts of the country. • The delegates decided to use the word “sorority” instead of “fraternity” in referring to Alpha Chi Omega and to hold conventions annually.

Fifth National Convention: March 30-April 2, 1897—Greencastle, Indiana • The meetings were held in Alpha’s Fraternity Hall in the School of Music. • Grand President Mary Janet Wilson was unable to attend all of the sessions because of her duties in the music school, so Past Grand President Janette Allen Cushman, Beta, “was elected President of the Convention.” • Delegates from four chapters attended: Epsilon, University of Southern California, and Zeta, New England Conservatory of Music were not represented. Mary Janet Wilson, Alpha, was re-elected Grand President. Founder Anna Allen Smith attended. • It was decided that chapters should thereafter be established “only in institutions where a good college and a good conservatory are connected.” • Considerable time was spent on the “ever-present matter of support for The Lyre” which was “financially strengthened by the enforcement of subscriptions upon all active members.” • A constitutional provision was enacted to require three significant jewels in the badge. The size of the badge was left to the decision of the wearer. Alpha was authorized to copyright the badge. • The word “sorority” in the Constitution was changed to “fraternity.” Social features: Concerts, musicals, a reception by Kappa Alpha Theta and the banquet at Mount Meridian “Half Way House reached via a straw ride.” The banquet included a presentation entitled “Greekdom,” and the evening closed with the singing of “Old College Days.”

Social features: Receptions by Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma in their fraternity rooms, and a banquet at Commercial Hotel. Banquet presentations

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A recounting of this Convention in the 1897 issue of The Lyre states: About six o’clock we met prepared with wraps for a ride. After a drive of nearly seven miles through wild and picturesque country we reached our destination, a quaint old-fashioned house, formerly an old half-way house on the stage road. After the feast had been consumed mid much pleasantry and repartee... we then adjourned to another room where before a blazing log fire in an old-fashioned fire place we related stories, sang fraternity songs, and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

•

•

• • •

To judge the success of the convention by the amount of business transacted would be unjust. The meeting of representatives of the various chapters draws us into closer union and gives us a clearer insight into the purpose and benefits of the fraternity. It means so much more to us and gives us such an inspiration for future work.

•

governing body of the Fraternity—“a wise and farreaching act of legislation.” Provision was made for biennial conventions and for limiting honorary membership in Alpha Chi Omega to musicians of national repute. A motion passed that all future members be compelled to subscribe to The Lyre and all members “be earnestly urged to subscribe.” Initiation fee was set at $5. Mock initiations and courage tests, if used, were ordered on different nights from the formal initiation ceremony. The question of nomenclature for a women’s fraternity arose again. “It was decided that each chapter be allowed to call itself either “fraternity” or “sorority.” Provision also was made for “Epsilon chapter [at her own request] to become temporarily inactive.”

Social features: Reception hosted by Delta Gamma in its lodge, tea given by Kappa Alpha Theta, and the banquet in the chapter lodge. Banquet presentations included “The Swing of the Pendulum,” “The Way of a Man,” “When Billy Meets the ‘Barb’,” and “The Tie That Binds.”

Sixth National Convention: December 1-3, 1898— Albion, Michigan • “As Beta was fortunate in having a delightful little lodge of her own, the members of the convention gathered there for the sessions.” In the absence of Grand President Wilson, Ada Dickie, Beta, presided. • Delegates from seven chapters attended; Eta, Bucknell University, was not represented. Raeburn Cowger, Alpha and an undergraduate, was elected Grand President—the first to serve under the new Grand Council structure. • The prominent business feature of this convention was the creation of the Grand Council as the

Seventh National Convention: December 6-9, 1900—Boston, Massachusetts • Zeta chapter, New England Conservatory of Music, hosted the convention. In the absence of Grand President Cowger, Spicie Belle South, Zeta, presided until Past Grand President and current editor of The Lyre, Mary Janet Wilson, was selected to assume the chair. • Sessions were held in Zeta’s Fraternity Hall in the Conservatory building. • Delegates from seven chapters attended, and Raeburn Cowger, recently graduated from DePauw, was re-elected as Grand President, making her the only President to have served both as an undergraduate and an alumna. • Concern was expressed regarding the condition of Epsilon chapter, University of Southern California, because of the University’s financial difficulties. 33

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The chapter had become dormant in 1898. The Grand Council decided to permit the chapter to remain inactive, retaining the charter with the hope that the university would revive in a few years. • The initiation ceremony was further revised adding a provision for robes to be worn at the service, and discussions focused on better support for The Lyre and providing for remuneration for the editor–“$200, plus anything left after expenses were paid;” adoption of a new pledge pin; and provision for a register of all members of the Fraternity to be kept by Alpha chapter. • A forerunner of The Heraeum was introduced when the decision was made that “a private bulletin, discussing matters that cannot be published in The Lyre be started by Alpha, circulating through all the chapters.”

• Provision was made for systematic examinations “upon the Constitution and vital matters of Alpha Chi Omega with examination grades published in The Lyre” for both pledged and active members. • Provision was made for the adoption of membership certificates, and the addition of the office of Grand Historian to the Grand Council to gather and preserve “the scattered records” of the Fraternity. • The Constitution was revised to provide for the chartering of alumnae chapters and to require that Grand Council meet in the years alternating with the convention as well as during that assembly. • It was determined that Alpha Chi Omega would be a musical-literary Fraternity in order for chapters to invite students to membership without requiring them to carry a course in music. “Both musical and literary students will be required to have full freshman standing to be eligible for membership.” • An annual report from each chapter was required “upon a uniform blank provided by the Council.” • It was provided that “the Grand Council issue a certificate of membership signed by the president and secretary and by the local president and secretary, each member to pay for her own card.”

Social features: A musicale followed by a reception and dance and the banquet in the chapter hall. Each chapter made a presentation during the banquet: “Our Past”......................................................Alpha “Why We Are Here” ......................................Beta “Our Fraternity” ............................................Gamma “Our Goat” ....................................................Delta “Our Future”..................................................Zeta “Memory”......................................................Iota “Good Night” ................................................Theta

Eighth National Convention: October 29November 1, 1902—Evanston, Illinois • Gamma chapter hosted the event, and sessions were held in the University Guild Rooms in Lunt Library, with Grand President Cowger presiding. At least 60 members were in attendance. 34

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• Delegates from seven chapters were in attendance and elected Kate Calkins, Beta, as Grand President. NOTABLE FACT: Minutes from this Convention contain the decision that “all who compose the Grand Council be alumnae who have attended at least one Convention.” NOTABLE FACT: Three members were nominated for the office of Grand President: Kate Calkins, Beta; Lillian Wyskoff, Gamma; Raeburn Cowger, Alpha. Cowger withdrew her name. On the first ballot, Calkins– 4 votes; Wyckoff–3 votes. A second ballot produced the same results. President Cowger then voted to create a tie. At that point, Wyckoff voted for Calkins who was elected. Cowger then was elected historian, a newlycreated position on Grand Council. • The first meeting of the Intersorority Conference had occurred five months before, “but through a mistake Alpha Chi Omega had not been represented. The date of the second session was set for the following May.” Mable Siller, Gamma, was elected Alpha Chi Omega’s delegate.

Ninth National Convention: November 2-4, 1904—Meadville, Pennsylvania • The meetings were held in Delta’s Fraternity Hall with Grand President Kate Calkins presiding. • Delegates from eight chapters re-elected Grand President Calkins to a second term. • The Grand Council was appointed as a committee to revise the Bond, Constitution and Ritual. It was determined that the Constitution should be public and the Ritual secret. • Provision was made for alumnae chapters to be represented at conventions by official delegates. In order to have a delegate, an alumnae chapter must meet at least once a year. • Provision was made for the expenses of delegates to conventions to be paid by the Fraternity. • The “very wise and significant” office of inspector was added to the Grand Council to visit collegiate chapters once in two years as well as represent Alpha Chi Omega as the official delegate to the recently formed Intersorority Conference. • It was determined that membership may be granted only by a unanimous vote of the members of an active chapter. • In considering honorary members, it was determined that candidates could be recommended by individual chapters and must receive the unanimous vote of all chapters in order to receive all the privileges of membership.

Social features: Receptions hosted by Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Gamma Phi Beta; a dance at the Evanston Boat Club; a Halloween supper; and the banquet at the Auditorium Annex in Chicago. Presentations included: “Why Are We What We Are?,” “Are All the Good Fish Caught?,” “Goat Song” and “Twenty Years Hence.”

First Grand Council Meeting, August 25-58, 1903—Albion, Michigan • Discussion centered on representation in and attitude toward the Intersorority Conference. • The surrender of Eta, Bucknell University, chapter’s charter was recorded.

Second Grand Council Meeting, November 1, 1904—Meadville, Pennsylvania • This meeting preceded the ninth national convention and focused on the business to come before the convention.

Social features: A reception hosted by the President of Allegheny College, and the banquet at Saegertown Inn. President Calkins performed a vocal selection during the musical program, and the theme of the banquet was “Fraternity Life in General.”

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Third Grand Council Meeting, September 11-13, 1905—Albion, Michigan

• The membership clause in the Constitution was changed to permit the initiation of 33 1/3% of the membership of each active chapter from the college of liberal arts. • A requirement was adopted to require “that each initiate carry at least twelve hours of work per week.” The minimum number of charter members was established at five. • Each chapter was assessed $5 to cover the deficit created by convention expenses.

• The Council considered a card index system for the directory of members and extension. • Charters were authorized for alumnae chapters. • Reestablishment of both Epsilon, University of Southern California, and Eta, Bucknell University, chapters was discussed. • Caution was expressed concerning too great an extension of honorary memberships which tends to give the impression that the Fraternity is purely professional. • Delta was given permission to take three-fourths of its members from the literary school.

Social features: Concert in Meharry Hall, chapel service and the banquet at Florence Hall. One of the presentations on the banquet program was entitled “The Chaperon: Much May Be Said On Both Sides.”

Fourth Grand Council Meeting: October 31, 1906—Greencastle, Indiana

Fifth Grand Council Meeting: October 31November 2, 1907—Indianapolis, Indiana

• The meeting was held at the home of Founder Anna Allen Smith. • Much of the work centered on forms of petitions for charters, financial matters and constitutional changes.

• The decision was made to require that each active chapter elect an alumna adviser. • Publication of a fraternity directory was authorized. • It was determined that the recording of “black balls” in the secretary’s book was “unwise.” NOTABLE FACT: “Black ball” refers to a common practice at the time in many membership-based organizations. When an individual was being considered for membership, each member would cast one vote. A small wooden box with two separate compartments was used as a ballot box. One compartment was open and held small white cubes and black balls. The other compartment had a lid with a small opening in the top. Each voting member would reach into the open section, select a white cube if voting in favor of the candidate for membership or a black ball if voting in opposition to membership for the candidate. The voting member would place the cube or the ball in the opening of the closed side of the box, making the vote confidential. Typically, when the “votes” were counted, one black ball would disqualify the candidate, and she would not be invited to membership.

Tenth National Convention: November 1-3, 1906—Greencastle, Indiana • To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the first convention, the tenth national convention was hosted by “the Mother Chapter.” Since that first gathering, Alpha had “progressed to the occupancy of a chapter house which provided a delightful place for the convention sessions.” Grand President Kate Calkins presided. • Eleven chapters sent representatives, including those from Alpha Alpha and Beta Beta alumnae chapters. These delegates elected Alta Allen Loud, Beta, as Grand President. Founder Anna Allen Smith was in attendance. • A uniform die for the badge was adopted; a better financial system for the Grand Council expense was instituted; and an assistant editor for The Lyre was appointed.

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• The inspector was instructed to secure an annual assessment of each chapter from the dean of women.

• Election of Grand Chapter officers was conducted for the first time “by the able and satisfactory system of a nominating committee.” Delegates from seventeen collegiate and alumnae chapters re-elected Alta Allen Loud as Grand President. • Constitutional changes included: – the increase of the percentage of the possible membership in a chapter from the college of liberal arts from 33 1/3% to 50%; – the provision for a per capita tax; – the requirement of regular scholarship reports; – provision for a system of annual graded member examinations to replace the previous non-graded system; – the substitution of a five-year advanced subscription to The Lyre from each initiate in place of the former clause requiring each chapter to be responsible for a certain percent of their alumnae subscriptions. • A salary was approved for the editor of The Lyre, and “that officer was granted the privilege of appointing her assistants.” • A process of convention credentials was instituted. • The coat-of-arms and secret motto were adopted. • The holly tree was chosen as the Fraternity tree. • Provision was made for the compiling and editing of the first edition of the history of the Fraternity, the historian to be compensated.

Sixth Grand Council Meeting: November 24-25, 1908—Champaign, Illinois • Special attention was paid to finances, a system of graded examinations, plans for the publication of a history of the Fraternity, better equipment for the work of the Grand Officers, affiliation blanks, an Alpha Chi Omega flag. • The recent publication of a directory was evaluated. • A requirement was established that attendance at all convention sessions was required for reimbursement of expenses.

Eleventh National Convention: November 26-30, 1908—Champaign, Illinois • As stated in the 1911 History: This Convention will always stand out in the history of the Fraternity as one of momentous accomplishments. With the strict parliamentary procedure, so ably conducted by Alta Allen Loud, Grand President, it was possible to cover an unusually large business program, many subjects of which were of weighty importance to the Fraternity. • Sessions were held in the Iota, University of Illinois, chapter house and “were very largely attended.”

Pictured above: Group photo at the 1908 National Convention. Pictured right: Admittance tickets from the National Convention.

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• Past Grand Presidents were given a vote at Grand Chapter meetings. • The alumna advisor position was created to be elected by each chapter to “look after its interests and conduct Fraternity examinations.” • A model initiation ceremony was presented at the Iota chapter house. • Recommendations from the chapter house committee for the regulation of life in chapter houses were submitted to those chapters concerned.

Seventh Grand Council Meeting, October 27-29, 1909—Evanston, Illinois

Social features: Teas, a musical and the banquet at Beardsley Hotel. Grand President Loud delivered an address entitled “The Gospel of Fraternity.”

• Initially planned to be held at the Theta chapter house at the University of Michigan, faculty legislation did not allow conventions to assemble at any time during

• The establishment of the Alpha Chi Omega studio at MacDowell Colony was discussed. • The decision was made to adopt second semester or sophomore pledging if all the other fraternities would be bound by the same agreement. • The balance on hand was reported as $573.03.

Twelfth National Convention: August 29September 2, 1910—Detroit, Michigan

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• “The most interesting, as well as important, matter of this convention, was the unanimous adoption of the beautiful initiation ceremony.” • Hera was selected as Patron Goddess, an official flag was adopted, and an honor pin was adopted for ex-Grand Officers. “Together let us seek the heights” was selected as the new open motto. • It was determined that only pearls and diamonds may be used for badges. • Extensive discussions were held regarding the establishment of a scholarship fund to supplement the fund for the building of the Alpha Chi Omega Star Studio at MacDowell Colony which was reported “practically finished.” A matter was assigned to a committee for further study. There is no record that the decision to build Star Studio was made at a convention. • “To handle the large and important subject of extension properly, and to assist the Vice President, a committee was appointed representing the various sections of the country.” • A unanimous vote “granted limited legislative power to the National Pan-Hellenic,” and delegates directed the Fraternity’s representatives to “go on record as favoring sophomore pledging if all other fraternities would be bound by the same agreements.” • Grand Council went on record as recommending that Alpha Chi Omega dispense with mock initiations. • Delegates from 19 collegiate and alumnae chapters elected Evangeline R. Bridge, Zeta, as Grand President. For the first time, Founders were granted a vote at national conventions.

the college year. It was impractical to try to hold the convention at a chapter house during campus vacation periods. Therefore, the decision was made to hold a summer convention in Detroit. • The Grand Chapter assembled at the Hotel Tuller with Theta, University of Michigan, and Epsilon Epsilon, Detroit, Michigan, acting as joint hostesses. Grand President Alta Allen Loud presided. • Sessions were held in the assembly halls of the hotel. The success of this convention demonstrated the advisability of summer gatherings. An investigating committee within the Grand Council was asked to prepare a plan for the 1912 convention.

Social features: Stunt Night, automobile rides, convention musicale, chapter reunion dinner, convention dance. To commemorate the Fraternity’s 25th anniversary, Founder Estelle Leonard presented “Twenty-five Years of Alpha Chi Omega” at the banquet. Other presentations included “What We Owe Our Founders,” “Our National Significance,” “Bound Heart to Heart,” and “Together Let Us Seek the Heights.”

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R Convention meals were a time of celebration in the early years just as they are today! Click the image to view the full piece at the end of this book.

M far more than jewelry The Badge

N

ame the one inanimate object that signifies Alpha Chi Omega to you. Undoubtedly, the vast majority of members name “my badge” or “my pin.” And, why not? Do you remember the excitement you felt when you received your badge? Did you wear something black the next day so that your lyre would be easily noticed? Were you taught what “badge attire” meant? Did you understand that when you wore your badge, your behavior had better be exemplary? The Alpha Chi Omega badge is far more than a piece of jewelry to those privileged to wear it. Granted, it is beautifully designed and crafted, but it is so much more. It is timeless. It is beloved. It is significant. Records of Alpha Chi Omega’s earliest days indicate that the founding members addressed the design of a badge as soon as the name had been decided. James Cambpell, the Beta Theta Pi who played an important role in “getting Alpha Chi Omega off the ground” responded to the call for assistance in designing a badge. Evidently, he made numerous drawings of badge designs, “fine artistic pieces of work, for he was clever with his pencil,” according to Olive Burnett Clark. One that appealed to the group was a replica of a harp, in keeping with the young women’s musical interests. Yet, those young women were not quite satisfied.

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They turned to Greek mythology for help and learned that the first instrument played by the gods was a lyre. The significance was just as appropriate as that of the harp, and the graceful outline appealed to their artistic sense.

In 1906, the national convention ordered an official die made, with twisted strings. At that point, J. F. Newman Company was appointed sole official jeweler. There were still variations in the badges, since any jewels might be ordered. Further standardization took place in late 1910 when the national convention restricted the choice to pearls and/or diamonds. This badge serves as a symbol to all that the wearer is privileged to be a member of Alpha Chi Omega. To the member, her badge serves as a reminder of her connection to her Fraternity; it stirs fond memories of those women with whom she shared special times; it reminds her of the rich heritage and precepts for which her Fraternity stands. There are two articles that appeared in back issues of The Lyre that present the Alpha Chi Omega badge in unique ways. The first was printed in the June 1906, issue and was written by Florence Fall, Beta, who told the story from the perspective of the badge. It is entitled “The Story of an Alpha Chi Omega Lyre.” The second was published in 1942 and is entitled “My Alpha Chi Omega Pin.” The writer has impeccable credentials and tells a story only she could tell—Bertha Deniston Cunningham.

The 1948 History recounts: They turned to Greek mythology for help and learned that the first instrument played by the gods was a lyre. The significance was just as appropriate as that of the harp, and the graceful outline appealed to their artistic sense. Some opposition was encountered because of the suggestive sound of the word, and the ever present fear of ridicule, which permeated the minds of college women in this still uncertain period of coeducation. However, the drawings which Mr. Campbell made were so attractive that the lyre was wholeheartedly adopted. A scroll across the strings was made to bear the name of the fraternity, and this necessitated a change in the lettering to avoid crowding. The kai was changed to the Greek letter Chi, written ‘X.’ The drawings were sent to a jeweler in Cleveland, and a sample badge soon arrived. Bertha Deniston purchased it immediately, and it is the only sample badge still in existence. This original badge is on display at headquarters. A close inspection of the December, 1885, photograph of the Founders and first pledges shows Bertha as the only one wearing a badge. Eventually, other jewelers submitted badges that were “similar in design but varied in detail.” Olive Burnett selected one set entirely with pearls, while Nellie Gamble chose one with pearls and turquoises. Another was set with all rubies. In 1897, the first step in standardization of the badge was taken when the national convention voted that three jewels would be required, one at each upper outer corner and the third below the strings at the base. Alpha chapter, DePauw University, was appointed to copyright the badge.

Each article is reprinted here.

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Taken on December 15, 1885, as a gift for Dean Howe, this photo features the seven Founders along with the first pledges. It is the only known photo in which all seven Founders appear.

M dollars and sense Early Financial Decisions

I

t is early December and time to select a Christmas present for their mentor and most enthusiastic supporter. The question faced by the Founders: What should the brand new Fraternity give Dean Howe for Christmas? There were no funds in the treasury. The December 9, 1885, minutes state: The next question considered was the desirability of presenting Prof. Howe on Christmas with a photograph of the members of the fraternity.... All were in favor of doing so and each member was assessed 20 cents to cover the expense of said present; 17 cents would be sufficient to pay for the picture but the money in the treasury running low, it was decided to assess the extra 3 cents to provide for emergencies. There is no photograph of the original seven Founders taken as a group. The group photograph taken on December 15, 1885, includes the first pledges. This has become the most treasured photograph in the Alpha Chi Omega archives collection. It does include all seven Founders. It suggests the stability of this brand new group, having doubled in size in but two months. No matter what the cost to the members, it was a bargain to future generations. And, it was a lovely gift for Dean Howe. Thus began the Fraternity’s “official” relationship with finances. Until 1891, a system of fines took care of the regular running expenses of the chapter. From the December 16, 1885, minutes: A motion was put before the house in regard to the fees, the motion that instead of each member paying 5 cents every time they were present, the 10 cents would be doubled when they were absent; after some discussion the motion was carried. The June 17, 1886, minutes indicate that neglect of duty was taken seriously by the women and “served to swell the treasury.” Here is the report of unexcused absences and fines to the treasury for the term: Anna Allen neglect of duty twice 40 cents Ollie Burnett 3 absences and neglect of duty 1 dollar Bertha Deniston 3 absences 60 cents Ella Farthing 1 absence 20 cents Bessie Grooms last term assessment 30 cents Unusual events, such as the installation of Beta chapter, required special levies, in this instance amounting to $3.18 per member to send delegates to Albion, Michigan.

The 1891 Convention made provision for a general treasury to which each chapter would make a definite annual contribution, and in which charter fees would be deposited. Prior to that time, all fees had gone into the Alpha chapter treasury since it carried all responsibility as the “Mother Chapter.” No stipulations were made as to how the general treasury funds should be used. At the 1893 Convention, it was determined that the traveling expenses of delegates would be paid from the general treasury. Although a good idea, the 1896 Convention’s action revealed that the general treasury was not adequate to cover the travel expenses. Therefore, the decision was made to assess each chapter to make up a deficit. Obviously, a larger general treasury was needed. In 1898, each chapter’s annual contribution was increased to $20, and increased again in 1904 to $30. The latter increase was necessitated by the creation of the office of inspector that added significantly to travel expenses because of her responsibility to make chapter visits. By 1908, it became apparent that the size and condition of each collegiate chapter varied greatly. The 1948 History states: “The feeling had crystallized that it was inequitable to make each chapter contribute the same amount to the general treasury irrespective of local conditions.” Instead, an active member per capita fee replaced the annual chapter dues. The amount of this first per capita charge was $2.00 payable each year for each undergraduate member. There are few records of the amount in the general treasury at the end of the first twenty-five years. A treasurer’s report dated October 1909 shows a balance on hand of $573.03. Financial operations connected with The Lyre were handled in a separate fund. A June 20, 1911 summary of The Lyre business manager’s report showed $749.16 in total assets and $465.16 in available assets. As future sections of this history will indicate, financial needs and conditions change frequently and sometimes very quickly. During the first twenty-five years, external factors combined with a rapidly expanding organization made management of finances an ongoing challenge. Fortunately, Alpha Chi Omega was blessed with leaders up to the task who set in motion a philosophy, procedures and practices that provided stable financial underpinnings.

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Alpha Chi Omega’s archives are full of photos, such as the one of above, depicting fun times with sisters and friends. We are limited only by our imagination when determining the story behind this photograph!

M alpha chi omega’s first party By Bertha Deniston Cunningham, Founder

M

y Dear Alpha Chis:

Would you like to know something about Alpha Chi Omega’s first party? I am glad that I can tell you of it, and I have copied these lines word for word from “My Diary” for you. I have not made any changes from the original, only have added as I wrote along a few lines which are in parentheses. Alpha Chi Omega’s first party was at the home of Bessie Grooms (founder) on Hallowe’en Saturday, October 31, 1885. When it was time for us girls at the dorm to leave, it was pouring down rain. Each of us gave Dick, the handy boy and the bell boy, five cents to go and hire a bus for us. We went by for Ollie Burnett (founder) and Leota Fuqua (pledge). Ollie’s partner was a Mr. Kief–or Earnest Keith—and Leota’s Mr. Greig. We had a jolly good time going out to Mr. Grooms’—such jolting, bumping together. We said, “There must be witches in the olde bus.” We got stuck in the mud, horses broke something about the harness, and dearly knows what else. Arriving at Mr. Grooms’, the young men went into the parlor and the girls upstairs to fix our hair and put our masks on, etc. The founders were Bessie Grooms, hostess, Ollie Burnett (we all know her by that name Ollie only) and Nell Gamble–Anna Allen would not go because Mr. Harry Smith was not invited –and Bertha Deniston. First pledged members were Rose Meredith, Anna Ryan (Anna was the first Alpha Chi to pass away), Leota Fuqua, Suda West, Ella Farthing (no mention of Minnie Shaffer or Leah Walker). Bessie Grooms, recovering from an illness, wore one of her own dresses, with white swiss mask. Ella Farthing dressed as an Indian; she had on a fiery red dress trimmed with white tissue fringe, four or five bracelets on each arm, red hose with paper fringe up the sides, black slippers, a red crown on her head with variety of feathers standing straight up, her long straight black hair down her back; she wore a red mask, also had a bow and arrow and pretended to shoot at everyone she came in contact with. Rose Meredith (pledge) as Flower Girl carried a basket of

quite a variety of fresh and artificial flowers; she wore a white swiss dress, a white satin bodice, a wreath of flowers on her head, and white mask. Leota Fuqua (pledge) as chamber maid wore a long black skirt, white apron to bottom of her dress, white cap of swiss, also a pink mask. Nell Gamble (founder) was Leota’s sister. Anna Ryan (pledge) was as Night; her dress was of black paper muslin, silver stars pasted over it. She also had the art teacher cut her out an owl and a crescent; she pasted these above the hem of her dress, owl in front, crescent to side. She had on an old black jersey with stars pasted on it, black lace scarf over her head, black mask. She sure was black as Night. Ollie Burnett (founder) as Peasant Girl; her full skirt was red, with three rows of black ribbon around the bottom above the hem, white waist, black bodice which was laced front and back, her long black hair over her shoulders, a red silk handkerchief on her head, white mask, also red hose, black slippers. Suda West (pledge) as Mother Hubbard; her dress was a large glowered print, cap to match trimmed with blue selisia. And ( B.D.C., founder) as Day Preparations; dress was of white paper muslin, gold stars (a lady who lived in the square where the old Music Hall now stands made the waist of my dress). Bess Osgood and Puss Allen, not sorority girls, helped Anna and me cut stars for our dresses. After we got our skirts cut out and basted up we went down to Ollie’s to sew them up on their machine. Ollie did help us so much, then treated me to apples and cake. At 3:30 P.M. Anna had to go to her harmony lesson. I stayed and finished the skirts. Nothing must do but that I stayed for supper. Then Ollie went back to the dorm with me. After a while there was a rap on our door. It was Dick; he said, “Mr. Longdon and Mr. Donley wanted to see Miss Ryan and Miss Deniston.” (This was about a week before the party.) Anna had on her Mother Hubbard dress and her bangs done up. (Do you know what a Mother Hubbard dress was? Well, made like an old fashioned night gown with a yoke and the lower part sewed into that yoke; also long sleeves, and sometimes a ruffle around the bottom. They were quite the thing in those days, and quite the style, our kimonos. Anna had her bangs done up; it was such fun to watch her hustle around getting ready. She was so excited

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About 10:15 other refreshments were served. We had two kinds of cake–chocolate and a white cake–purple and white grapes, bananas and cider. Favors for the gents were cigars tied with our colors. The young men pinned them on the lapels of their coats as bouquets. They looked immense. While at the table, the bus called for us about 11:30. Anna and Bert told the driver to call again about 12:30. Anna had told me guess she would stay over night with Ollie. On our way home, the trip would not be complete till we had sung “My Bonnie lies over the ocean” with the four voices, soprano, alto, tenor and bass. The chorus, prettiest part of the song, was beautiful, the four voices blending with perfect harmony. Miss Rose Michaels, our preceptress, was sitting in the parlor for us, said “she could not rest until all were in”; she didn’t seem to mind our late, or early, arrival. After we were home a while, someone heard a rattling at the front door. Nell sent to Mrs. Smith’s room for the right key. It was Anna. She said, “she thought afterwards that she could not come through the downtown streets on a Sunday morning with that masquerade dress on.” We were not one bit sleepy when we went to bed, but O My! Getting up time on a Sunday morn! We had a jim dandy time at Alpha Chi Omega’s first party, which was my first party too. I hope you have had a good time (at our expense), lots of fun and laughs as you make comparison of our Yesterday’s year, 1885, and Today, 1946. Alpha Chi Omega has added another milestone since October 15, 1945. Another year has come and gone and another Founders’ Day to be remembered by us founders and Alpha Chi Omega – sixty-one years old. Naturally, it doesn’t seem possible to us founders who are with you always in love, loyalty, and the spirit to do, if it were possible now. My love, and with gratitude for the many favors of the past and the present that Alpha Chi Omega has bestowed on us, and on me personally.

we nearly died laughing at her. She was quite in love with Bert, girl fashion. I probably was just as excited, as I had never met Mr. Donley; he was to be my partner at the party.) We went down to the parlor and I was introduced to Mr. Donley. Then the girls—Nell, Ollie, Suda West, Puss Allen, Bess Osgood—serenaded us. Suda West had her guitar. They then came into the parlor and we all had a good time together. Anna and I are roommates now and we are glad. After this we did more pasting and general getting ready for the party. My dress was of white and gold stars, white ribbon around my waist, white lace over my head, white mask. (And O horrors, girls! I wore black shoes and hose with that white dress–still the only color we had in those days –and high shoes at that.) The young men were Professor Howe, James G. Campbell, Bert Longdon (Bert was a young brother to Professor Longdon, then member of DePauw faculty and who is to date, 1946, still one of the DePauw faculty; Bert was a handsome young man; he died sometime in the year 1886 to 87.) Other young men were Howard Brinkley, Mr. Kief, which I am sure was Earnest Keith, Ollie’s partner, Harry Gamble, brother of Nell, who came from Martinsville for the party, one of Rose Meredith’s brothers and perhaps both brothers. Oran Donley was Bertha Deniston’s partner. There were several others that I cannot remember. We could not have a few of the young men we wanted; we got our invitations out too late, or they may have felt that Alpha Chi Omega was too young and inexperienced for such an event. Professor Howe had no trouble recognizing Anna and me; he knew Anna by her walk, as she had a way of setting her heels down with force. Professor Howe knew me by my hands; I forgot to remove the gold band ring that I wore on the third finger of left hand–it was my Mother’s. One knew me by the way I sit. I always was afraid my ankles would show. (I remember that.) Time to unmask. As entertainment Professor Howe played a few of his favorite piano selections. Mr. Campbell talked to the girls, specially, we played games, danced. Our burlesque dinner was cracked hickory nuts and water.

NOTE: Bertha Deniston Cunningham wrote this article in 1946. It appeared in the November issue of The Lyre magazine.

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From the archives: Bertha Deniston (left) and Olive Burnett (right) pose with members of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity on April 27, 1887.

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R Estelle Leonard sent her regrets for not being able to attend the convention in 1908. Click the image to view the full piece at the end of this book.

M a major undertaking The Lyre

T

he desire for a Fraternity magazine was first expressed at the convention in 1891—there were four collegiate chapters. Nothing happened. The topic surfaced again in February 1894, and Alpha chapter, DePauw University, was authorized to undertake publication as well as the responsibility to name the publication. Each chapter was instructed to submit items to Alpha by April of that year. Alpha immediately named chapter member Mayme Ada Jennings, then a junior in the liberal arts and senior in music, as editor. Mayme and two assistants successfully produced the first issue in June 1894, two short months later. The name, The Lyre, was selected to honor what was considered Alpha Chi Omega’s most significant emblem. The cost of the issue was met by an assessment from each chapter.

The first Editors of The Lyre.

Mayme explained her work: Since there were no explicit directions given at the Convention, I have followed what I felt to be the unexpressed wishes of all—that is, that The Lyre should be convenient and simple, though not elegant in form. The chapter roll was small, with few alumnae, and there was no provision for financial support to publish a journal. It is not surprising that the next issue of The Lyre, No. I, Vol. II, bears the date of March 1897. Again, Alpha managed the publication with Mary Janet Wilson serving as editor-in-chief—fulfilling the 1896 ruling that the “Mother Chapter” was responsible for publication. Mary “realizing her inexperience was yet full of enthusiasm for the enterprise and accepted the office realizing that no one else at that time would undertake the work.” Mary also served as Grand President from 1896 to 1898. The subscription price was fifty cents the first year but was raised to seventy-five cents the next year. The number of subscribers was not large—it was not a requirement to be a subscriber. “A few advertisements were procured and by the most rigid economy the editor was able to meet the cost of publication.”

In 1897, the decision was made to publish The Lyre quarterly. Here is what the 1916 History states about that: It is a matter for sincere gratification that in spite of a crude and insufficient financial system, the deep loyalty and self-sacrificing efforts of the early editors carried every number of The Lyre through to publication, with the exception of two issues, numbers 3 and 4 of Volume VIII.

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Mary Janet Wilson continued as editor until 1900 when she submitted her resignation at the convention. Motions were passed at once requiring better chapter support for the publication. A sum was appropriated from the general treasury for the publication expenses, with any surplus to be retained by the editor as remuneration. Edith Manchester Griffin, Zeta chapter, New England Conservatory of Music, was elected editor. For many years, the position of editor was included on the Grand Council. Increased financial support and a rapidly growing circulation due to the growth of the Fraternity allowed Edith and her assistance to “furnish the Fraternity with a magazine constantly improving in its many phases.” When Edith resigned in 1905, Elma Patterson Wade, Alpha, became the editor. She and her assistants accomplished a persistent circulation campaign, a reorganized system of bookkeeping and increased advertising. When she retired in 1907, she was able to transfer the publication to another editor in a better condition than it had yet attained. In 1908, each initiate was required to subscribe to the magazine not only during her time in college but also for one year after graduation. Alumnae subscriptions continued to disappoint.

Florence Reed Haseltine, Zeta, was selected the editor in 1907. During the three years she was Editor, The Lyre showed “a remarkable, steady development.” The size of the magazine doubled, illustrations were added, and a better quality of paper was used. Her editorials “showing the writer’s strong character and personality, have carried many a message to members of Alpha Chi Omega and have been widely quoted by other fraternity journals.” Her successor, Florence A. Armstrong, wrote about Florence Haseltine: “She has succeeded in making The Lyre literary and artistic, as well as personal and practical—a journal of beauty and of great usefulness to the Fraternity.” Florence Armstrong would make quite a lasting impression of her own in the years to come. Her story is told in the next segment of this History. This tree found growing at Meadville was featured in an early issue of The Lyre because of its resemblance in shape to the Lyre.

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From the archives: some of the old covers of The Lyre

The 1911 History states: A Fraternity is largely judged on the part of those outside of its membership by the journal that it publishes, and for this reason it is important that this official organ, which reaches the major part of the Greek world, should represent the Fraternity at its true value.

made leaders realize the hardships and obstacles each had to overcome. All were determined, diligent and disciplined. Each one of them provided documentation of a Fraternity and its individual members on a course to make an impact on higher education and the environment in which each lived. Many thanks to Mayme, Mary, Edith, Elma and both Florences. Alpha Chi Omega readers from 1894 forward have enjoyed a fine Fraternity publication that presents the Fraternity at any given time with professionalism and great care.

The Fraternity is indebted to each woman who took on the position of editor. Some were reluctant, others unsure of their capability, most were under-appreciated until hindsight

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From the archives: Taken in 1886, this photo features Alpha sisters Suda West and Ella Farthing.

M acclaimed and admired Honorary Members

H

on.or.ar.y

Adjective 1. Conferred as an honor, without the usual requirements or functions: an honorary doctorate. 2. Adverb [a person] Holding such a title or position: an honorary member of the group. From the earliest days of social fraternities on college campuses, a special category of membership was in place: honorary members. Typically, this class of membership was reserved for individuals who were widely recognized in such areas as national leadership, business, arts and letters, civic influence. Following the custom of the majority of fraternities at the time, the Founders of Alpha Chi Omega placed a clause in the first Constitution providing for honorary members. Remember the environment surrounding Alpha Chi Omega at the time of its founding. Almost all undergraduates were liberal arts students unless attending a conservatory of music, perceived as specialized institutions with a singular focus. As small denominational colleges began establishing schools of music, the ground began to shift. Remember, too, when Alpha Chi Omega was founded, there was no other sorority or fraternity based on the fine arts. It is likely those associated with Alpha Chi Omega understood success depended on establishing legitimacy and influence as quickly as possible. Undoubtedly, Dean Howe understood that. Case in point: Because of Dean Howe’s international reputation and influence, he was able to attract musicians of the highest caliber to present concerts at DePauw University for the students and the Greencastle community. This may have taken some persuasion since travel to Greencastle, Indiana, was no small task.

Perhaps Dean Howe knew when artists were going to appear in Chicago, a city that according to Theodore Thomas, considered the first renowned American orchestral conductor and founder of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, “is the only city on the continent, except New York, where there is sufficient musical culture to enable me to give a series of fifty successive concerts.” However it came about, Julie Rivé-King came to DePauw in late April 1886, to play for the campus and the community. Here is an excerpt from the Alpha Chi Omega chapter minutes of April 23, 1886: The usual order of the meeting was changed and a discussion held regarding the admittance to the Fraternity of Mme. Rivé-King, America’s famous pianist. Having signified to Professor Howe her willingness to be one of us, on the same afternoon Mme. Rivé-King was consulted in regard to her initiation. As she was to give a concert that evening in Meharry Hall, it was thought best to have a brief initiatory service immediately afterward, if agreeable to her. - Estelle Leonard, Secy. And so Julie Rivé-King became the first Alpha Chi Omega honorary member, sharing her considerable prestige with this fledgling organization. Then what happened? Between 1886 and 1916, fifteen distinguished women were initiated as honorary members. The last was Marian MacDowell, on January 5, 1916. Her story is presented in the next volume of this History. From the 1911 History: From time to time, the various chapters initiated other Honorary Members, which practice gave rise to the inevitable question of specific qualifications for such membership. Consequently, the 1898 Convention voted that only musicians of national repute should be initiated as Honorary Members, while musicians of local reputation could be initiated by the chapters as Associate Members.

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As the growing tendency has since been to abolish the custom of initiating any Honorary Members, it is, therefore, not surprising to find the Grand Chapter of 1908 ruling that Honorary Members should hereafter be initiated only upon the unanimous vote of all the chapters, and that Associate Members would no longer be allowed.

A list of honorary members of Alpha Chi Omega from the 1916 and 1921 History editions follows: Adele Aus der Ohe, Theta Pianist and composer Amy Cheney Beach [Mrs. H.H.A.], Zeta Composer and pianist Mme. Teresa Carreno, Zeta Pianist, soprano, composer, conductor Mme. Marie Decca, Alpha Helen Hopekirk [Wilson], Zeta Pianist, composer Margaret Ruthven Lang, Zeta Composer Mary Howe Lavin, Alpha Soprano Marian MacDowell [Mrs. Edward], Zeta Pianist, founder of MacDowell Colony Maud Powell [Mrs. H. Godfrey Turner], Alpha Violinist Julie Rivé-King, Alpha Pianist Neally Stevens, Alpha Pianist Antoinette Szumowska Adamowski, Zeta Pianist Adela Verne, Epsilon Pianist Ellen Beach Yaw Cannon, Epsilon Soprano Mme. Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler, Alpha Pianist

As indicated in the 1935 History, the practice of initiating honorary members was discontinued in 1919 “to conform with standards established by the National Panhellenic Congress.” The 1919 Convention minutes state that “provision for initiation of honorary members was stricken from the Constitution and Code.” The 1916 History, published prior to the elimination of this practice, leaves no doubt as to the value of honorary members to the early chapters of Alpha Chi Omega. It states: The acquisition for membership of many of the most distinguished musicians in the colleges, and the giving by the Fraternity of concerts of high order, and of interesting amateur dramatic productions, combined to give to the earliest chapters, as they soon recognized, ‘an unique and enviable standing in the college and the community.‘ This prestige was enhanced further by the accession to honorary membership of the greatest creative and interpretative feminine musical artists in America. According to the 1921 History: The relationship between the honorary members and the college members has been affectionate and helpful. There was much for college women to do in the eighties [1880s] in the cultivation of an appreciation of the best music and of the greatest artists both in academic circles and in the general public. Musicians of today attribute much of the remarkable development of the art of music in America to the interest and activity of college-bred men and women.

Biographical information is available via the Internet for almost all of these women. What follows is a “sample” of some of the most outstanding.

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Julie Rivé-King Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was in her early 30s when she became an Alpha Chi Omega. Having begun her study of piano with her mother at a very early age, she progressed through study at the Cincinnati Conservatory to New York. Because any American pianist hoping for a successful career at home was expected to study and debut in Europe, she was privileged to study for a time with Franz Liszt as well as other renowned teachers of the day. Her official American debut took place in 1875 with the New York Philharmonic. From there, she launched a well-received concert tour of the East and Midwest. A feature in A Hundred Years of Music in America on Mme. Rivé-King indicates: Here opened a new chapter in the career of this artist. Henceforth for some time she appeared in recitals in all parts of the country, with programmes of enormous range and difficulty.... Nothing daunted this quiet woman. Throughout her career, she received praise “not only for the quality of her interpretations and technical skill, but also for her long and varied programs, which included Bach and Beethoven alongside Chopin and Liszt, her former teacher. Her ability to play everything from memory was considered extraordinary. An item in the 1911 History about Alpha Alpha alumnae chapter, Chicago, Illinois, indicates that Julie was the guest of honor at one of their annual banquets. By the time of her death in 1937, Julie Rivé-King had established herself as a pianist, composer, arranger and teacher—and valued honorary member of Alpha Chi Omega.

An early photo of Mme. Rivé-King sitting at the piano. Photo Credit: University of Cincinnati Libraries

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Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler More from Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia: Despite her husband’s wishes that she settle down to domestic life, Zeisler returned to Vienna by fall 1888 for a five-month ‘refresher course’ with Leschetizky. Her determination to excel paid off within the next decade, when she solidified artistic relationships with the orchestras of New York, Boston, Chicago, and Pittsburgh... By 1896, American writers were dubbing her ‘America’s greatest virtuoso’ and, at times, the ‘Sarah Bernhardt of the piano.’

Madame Zeisler was Alpha Chi Omega’s second honorary member. She was born in Bielitz, Austria on July 16, 1863. She came with her family to America in 1867, settling in Chicago in 1870. She graduated with honors from Chicago’s Dearborn School for Girls, where she stood out as the only Jewish girl in her class. She began study of the piano at an early age. Following six years of study in Vienna, she made her American debut as a professional on January 11, 1884.

From The Lyre, June 1894, in a summary of Alpha Chi Omega’s first three years, written by Mary Janet Wilson, Secretary: One of the most pleasant events of the third year was the initiation of Madame Fanny Bloomfield-Zeisler to honorary membership. The girls were all delighted with the genuine interest she took in their work. The reception in her honor was in every way a success.

Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia states: ‘She plays like a man’ was a near-refrain in critiques of Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler, a brilliant pianist who emerged in the young, male-dominated American concert world of the 1880s. With magnetic energy and articulate technique, Zeisler broke out of the ‘lady pianist’ molds to become a virtuoso revered for her musical intellect, expressivity bravura, and scintillating touch in a wide range of concert repertoire. Her popularity peaked in the late 1890s, following highly acclaimed European tours, and continued into the first two decades of the twentieth century.

An issue of The Lyre from 1897 contains this item in the chapter letter provided by Gamma chapter, Northwestern University: During the winter, Mme. Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler gave a concert at Central Music Hall, Chicago, which the entire Gamma chapter attended in a body. We presented her with a huge bouquet of scarlet carnations, and to show her appreciation, she received us very cordially in the green room after the concert.

On April 3, 1888, Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler appeared in concert at DePauw University. Having accepted Alpha Chi Omega’s invitation to become an honorary member, she was initiated into Alpha chapter while she was in Greencastle. According to chapter minutes: “it was decided to give her a reception on the occasion of her concert.”

By the time of her death in 1927, Fannie was widely recognized as a role model for young American musicians, many of them female. And, she was an Alpha Chi Omega!

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Amy Cheney Beach [Mrs. H.H.A.] Following Dr. Beach’s death in 1910, she embarked on a three-year tour of Europe, resuming her career as a performer and changed her professional name to Amy Beach. When she returned to the United States, she once again assumed her married name. For the next thirty years she continued to compose and perform. Between 1921 and 1941, she was an annual visitor at the MacDowell Colony, writing most of her later works while there. Amy developed a close friendship with Marian MacDowell. In 1928, both Amy and Marian received honorary master of arts degrees from the University of New Hampshire. The University of New Hampshire Special Collection contains correspondence between Amy and Marian MacDowell, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Leopold Stokowski, Thornton Wilder, Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler, Charles Darwin, Franz Liszt, Julia Ward Howe—and many more recognizable names. In her will, Amy Cheney Beach/Mrs. H.H.A. Beach left the rights to her music to the MacDowell Colony, which receives any royalties from her compositions. Amy Cheney Beach became an initiated member of Alpha Chi Omega on May 1, 1899, at the invitation of Alpha chapter. There is little else in the Alpha Chi Omega archives to suggest what kind of relationship she may have had with the Fraternity. However, there is one lovely example, “A Song for Class Day,” dedicated to Zeta chapter of Alpha Chi Omega and included in early editions of The Alpha Chi Omega Song Book. Her appreciation for and support of The MacDowell Colony is another link to Alpha Chi Omega that makes her distinction as an honorary member well deserved.

From the 1916 History of Alpha Chi Omega: That one of the first American composers of note should be a woman is a significant fact, as it is well known that women have ventured into the creative field of music very little. But it is as a composer rather than performer that Mrs. Beach has achieved the widest renown, although she also excels in the latter art. Amy was born in New Hampshire in 1867, the same year Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler came to America, and died in 1944. Her vast collection of papers, correspondence, photos and manuscripts is housed at the University of New Hampshire Library, Milne Special Collections. A visitor to that collection would learn Amy was a child prodigy who began composing music at age four and performing publicly at age seven. At the age of thirteen she wrote “The Rainy Day” following a visit with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the poem’s author. It was her first published song. The home-tutored pianist first entered Boston’s musical community at the age of eight. Because her parents could not afford to send her abroad, she received further musical training in Boston. In 1883 at age sixteen she made her professional debut as a pianist. She then became a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. At age eighteen, Amy married Dr. Henry Harris Aubrey Beach who was 25 years her senior. At that point, she changed her professional name to Mrs. H.H.A. Beach and, at the request of her husband, shifted emphasis from performance to composition. Throughout her life, she wrote over 150 works ranging from chamber and orchestral works to church music and songs. The 1916 History of Alpha Chi Omega states: Perhaps her songs are the best known of her works. They have had frequent performance by all of the leading singers, and her setting of some of the Browning poems is especially popular. She has also composed much in the larger forms, such as concertos, suites, and other orchestral pieces, and these all show a master grasp of form, and a genius for melodic invention.

Mrs. H.H.A. Beach and friends pose for a picture.

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Maud Powell [Mrs. H. Godfrey Turner] This notice (pictured right) appeared in the April, 1920 issue of The Lyre: That statement from Maud Powell’s husband and manager, H. Godfrey Turner, at the end of her life, hints at the connection between this extraordinary woman and her Fraternity. Maud’s story began in Peru, Illinois, where she was born in 1867. It was clear from a very early age that Maud had a passion for the violin. She began her studies with William Lewis in Chicago. After several years as her tutor, he took her abroad in 1881 where she remained for study in Leipzig, Paris and finally Berlin, making her debut in 1885. Maud returned to America where her former teacher, William Lewis, was determined that she meet Theodore Thomas, the great conductor. Here is an excerpt from The Maud Powell Society Archives describing that meeting and subsequent relationship: ‘My introduction came to Theodore Thomas through Billy Lewis, my Chicago teacher. It seemed impossible to make an appointment with Mr. Thomas as Mr. Lewis’ letter was disregarded. I reported this to Mr. Lewis, who straightway wrote another and a stronger letter to Mr. Thomas, in which I understand some strong language was used. Mr. Lewis said damn it he must hear Maud Powell.

hall one morning where the rehearsal was being held with my violin under my arm. When it was over, and before the musicians had dispersed, I walked up to the great leader. My heart was in my throat, but I managed to say pretty bravely, Mr. Thomas, I am Maud Powell, and I want you to give me a chance to play for you. His big heart was touched, I suppose, for he nodded his head, reached out his hand for my score, and called the musicians together. I knew it was a crucial moment in my life—a girl only eighteen daring to be a violinist and demanding a hearing of the greatest orchestral leader in America!... When I had finished, Mr. Thomas engaged me on the spot for his next concert.’ She made her American debut with the Thomas Orchestra that summer in the Chicago Summer Night Concert Series—July 3, 1885.

Unknown to Maud and her teacher, Thomas had embarked on a transcontinental tour from Maine to San Francisco in April, and he might not have received the letters until later. Maud waited with increasing anxiety as Thomas’s reply was delayed: ‘At the time I finished my studies abroad and returned to this country. Girl violinists were looked upon with suspicion, and I felt that I had a hard road to travel in my native land.... Many another young woman would have retreated from her ambition right then, but Maud Powell was no ordinary lady. It was inconceivable to her that anything or anyone could stand between her and her artistic destiny. With her mother, she went to New York City and found her way to Steinway Hall to face the man who stood at the doorway to her future: ‘I determined to take matters into my own hands. I walked into the

Above all, Theodore Thomas glowed with her success. ‘At the close of that concert—my debut in America— Mr. Thomas came to me with his two hands full of greenbacks. He handed them to me, saying, I want the honor of paying you the first fee you have earned 64

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go through the other two but Mr. Mahler said he wished to as he was not familiar with the score. They swung to the end of the work as if they had played it together before. Mahler stepped from his stand, took Powell’s hand while he paid her compliments. That night, as soon as the concert was over, we left for the West. Took the ferry round the ‘Horn’ of Manhattan, in those days before the tunnels, to the Penn terminal in Jersey City. We had been away about a week when a telegram came from my office: ‘Will Powell play the Beethoven in Carnegie Hall with Mahler December twenty nine and if so what fee?’ We replied: ‘Yes, same fee.’ Then another telegram came: ‘The Beethoven will be in addition to not in place of the Mendelssohn which stands for December thirty-one.’ So it came about that Powell scored with the big little man. The memory of the Beethoven with Mahler remained a happy one to the end of her career.

as an artist.’ Theodore Thomas christened the young American his ‘musical grandchild’ and engaged her as soloist for the New York Philharmonic’s first concert of the 1885-86 season in November. Regardless of Maud’s extraordinary success and fame, she continued to encounter barriers because she was a woman. The Maud Powell Society Archives contains excerpts from H. Godfrey Turner’s draft memoir. This one is entitled “Maud Powell Meets Gustav Mahler [1909]”: When Mahler had been engaged by the New York Philharmonic Society to conduct their orchestra, an official went over to Europe with the proposed list of works, as made up by the program committee, and on that list Maud Powell was set down to play the Beethoven Concerto in Carnegie Hall and at the Academy of Music in Brooklyn. We were told that when Mr. Mahler came to this he said: ‘What? I play Beethoven with a woman, and an American?’ And he drew his pencil through the line, eliminated her from the classic series and put her down for the Mendelssohn in the romantic series.

The website, Classical Connect.com, describes some of the events of Maud Powell’s career that capture her artistry and influence: Theodore Thomas chose Maud Powell to represent America's achievement in violin performance at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago– the only woman violin soloist. During the 1893 Exposition, Powell presented a paper to the Women's Musical Congress, ‘Women and the Violin,’ in which she encouraged young women to take up the violin seriously. At a time when women could not vote and were precluded from playing in professional orchestras, she argued that there was no reason why a woman should not play the violin with the best of the men.

As soon as we were notified I was angry at what seemed a sleight and said I would call off the engagement. Maud told me not to worry, saying, ‘Mahler is an opera man, he does not know the violin literature and he does not know me. Wait, and you will see that it will turn out all right.’ On the morning of the Brooklyn concert, which came first, she was told to be at the Academy at eleven o’clock. She walked on the stage at twenty minutes to eleven to find a young riot in progress. Mahler tearing his hair, the men wandering about the stage and Mr. Arnold flew at her with: ‘You are forty minutes late.’ Mahler had waited all that time ‘for a woman and an American at that.’ No excuses were made.

A study of the program from that Women’s Musical Congress reveals that composer-pianist, Amy Beach [who also would become an honorary member of Alpha Chi Omega] dedicated her “Romance” for violin and piano, Op. 23 to Maud Powell, which they premiered together at that gathering. Continuing from Classical Connect.com: Maud Powell also revolutionized the recording industry when she stepped into the Victor studio for the first time in 1904. The Victor Company's choice of Maud Powell to be the first solo instrumentalist to record for its newly inaugurated celebrity artist series was no surprise. The unparalleled standard for violin performance that Powell

The ‘boys’ took their places and Mahler took the stand without a word. I remember Powell said to the violin section, as an aside: ‘Here is where I spit on my hands,’ and the rehearsal began. It was noticeable that Mahler was lost in the work, turning to look at the solo player now and then and when the first movement was over Powell suggested that possibly it was not necessary to

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It provides unusual insight into this exceptional woman. Her Alpha Chi Omega badge, specially made for her by Alpha and to her specifications, is an important part of the archive badge collection on display at Alpha Chi Omega headquarters. Ironically, Maud Powell’s life of achievement ended the same year that the Nineteenth Amendment granting national suffrage to women was ratified. She died on January 8, 1920, while warming up for a concert. Upon her death, the New York Symphony paid this tribute to her: “She was not only America’s great master of the violin, but a woman of lofty purpose and noble achievement, whose life and art brought to countless thousands inspiration for the good and the beautiful.” I never play down to the public taste. I do not play to them as an artist to the public, but as one human being to another. - Maud Powell

ushered in marked the modern age of violin playing and an historic marriage of recording technology to the highest achievement in violin playing. At a time when music was heard live or not at all, the pioneering Powell welcomed the new technology, knowing that classical music would become popular as it became more familiar through repeated hearings. Acoustic recording was a wholly mechanical process at that time, with the performer standing as close as possible to a large funnel which transferred the vibrations from one’s playing to a wax ring; electrical recording (with microphone) began in 1925, five years after Powell's death. Yet allied with the impeccable art of Maud Powell, the primitive technology revolutionized the way we hear music. Maud Powell was initiated by Alpha chapter in 1897. By that time, she was often referred to as “the Sarah Bernhardt of the violin.” She enjoyed the distinction of being the first to interpret many of the greatest works for violin for the public and of being one of the very few professionals who earned their livelihood by concert work alone, without having to resort to teaching. Maud nurtured her relationship with Alpha Chi Omega as much as the demands of her career would allow. An article she wrote for The Lyre in 1909 appears above.

All of Alpha Chi Omega’s honorary members were acclaimed professionals in their field. They were admired not only by Alpha Chi Omegas but also by the public at home and abroad. They honored the Fraternity through their membership and involvement and provided prestige and significance to an emerging organization.

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From the archives: Alpha chapter members capture the memories of sisterhood fun.

M the first torchbearer The First Grand President – Janette Allen

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hen the first national convention convened in October 1891, most of the energy and attention concerned “the perfecting of the organization.” As stated in the 1916 History, “Although few [four delegates from three chapters] were in attendance, much of importance was accomplished.” Alpha chapter, DePauw University, was chosen as Grand Chapter with final decisions to be made by it between conventions. A cabinet of Grand Officers was created. Election of officers was conducted by first determining the chapter that should hold each office. Then an individual from the designated chapter was elected to fill the office. At some point in this process, a motion to reconsider naming Alpha chapter as Grand Chapter passed. Ultimately, it was confirmed that Alpha would be Grand Chapter but Beta chapter, not Alpha, would be given the Grand Presidency for the ensuing year. Although no explanation for this decision was recorded, perhaps the delegates sought a way to create a balance of power and responsibility. And so it was that a young college student from Albion College and member of Beta chapter was elected the first Grand President–Janette Allen. She attended this gathering as one of two Beta delegates. The others elected to the first Grand Council from Alpha, Gamma and Delta chapters were not in attendance! Delta could not send a delegate. There is nothing in historical records to explain how these officers were identified. Imagine the challenge Janette faced in organizing and coordinating the work of this first Grand Council with college students who lived in Greencastle, Evanston and Meadville that she likely did not know— a test of the Bond of sisterhood.

Little is written in historical documents about Janette Allen’s personality. What exists is somewhat confusing because of the inconsistency about her first name. The 1911 History refers to her as “Janette.” In the 1916 History, she is listed as “JaNette.” In 1948, it was back to “Janette.” To add to the confusion, a photo of all Beta chapter members taken in the early 1890s identifies her as “Nettie Allen.” Then, in the 1948 History, “Jeanette Allen” is listed as the first Grand President. That is the spelling used in the 1954 issue of The Lyre that announced her death on September 1, 1953. A copy of her handwritten signature is not available, so this version of the History has settled on “Janette.” It is strange today to think of the Grand President of Alpha Chi Omega as a young undergraduate, one who had been initiated by Beta chapter only one year before her election. The 1948 History states: Under Miss Allen’s leadership the Fraternity became a truly national organization. It planned its first song book and its periodical, and authorized extension into music conservatories as well as colleges. By 1908, Janette had become Mrs. Herbert W. Cushman and settled in Los Angeles, California. She was instrumental in the establishment of Delta Delta alumnae chapter in Los Angeles, eventually serving as that chapter’s President and convention delegate. It appears Janette never lost her interest in Alpha Chi Omega. She served on The Lyre finance board. Her husband is given credit for providing “valued service to Alpha Chi by advising and aiding in the handling of The Lyre reserve fund with maximum return to The Lyre’s coffers.” She also worked to bring about the chartering of Alpha Psi chapter at the University of California-Los Angeles.

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The January 1948, issue of The Lyre carried an item entitled “A Story in Three Generations.” It is reprinted here. In announcing Janette’s death, The Lyre stated: Alpha Chi Omega played an important part in Mrs. Cushman’s life from college days and hers has been a fraternity-minded family. Her younger sister, Alta Allen Loud, also from Beta, became one of the Fraternity’s most distinguished national presidents.... There is no evidence to suggest that Janette Allen was anything but a quiet, gentle woman. In every photo, she projects contentment and calmness. Anything she wrote which has survived, and there is not much, centers not on herself but on her Fraternity. Here is an example taken from the 1910 issue of The Lyre when past Grand Presidents provided their “reminiscences of active service.” Janette wrote:

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Four generations–Mrs. Cushman, her great-granddaughter, Carol Elizabeth Griffin; granddaughter, Jeannette Fess Griffin, Alpha Psi chapter, and daughter Dorothy Cushman Fess, Beta and Pi. The picture was taken on Thanksgiving Day 1952.

It is with pardonable pride that we perceive the high standing Alpha Chi Omega has won for herself in the fraternity world. To those who were instrumental in establishing the principles and ideals in the earlier life of the fraternity, it must be very gratifying to see the high position which Alpha Chi Omega has attained among other fraternities in the Greek world.... It was at the first convention of the four chapters that I was honored with the Grand Presidency, an honor which I appreciate more now than I did at the time. It was indeed a pleasure for me to fill the office of Grand President but it has been a still greater pleasure for me to watch the development of the fraternity so dear to us all. She did not perceive herself as a leader “in the earlier life” of Alpha Chi Omega. She must have been in awe of all that her sister, Alta, accomplished during her service as Grand President. Alta’s story appears in the next volume this History.

Yet, Janette/Nettie/Jeanette/JaNette Allen Cushman can never be denied the distinction of serving as the first Grand President. Without her service, it is unlikely there would have been a second national convention. It was held in Albion at Beta chapter’s Fraternity Hall. Important decisions were made at that convention under Janette’s leadership. A convention musicale was staged at her family’s home. Janette Allen and those who served with her on that first Grand Council continued the momentum created at the first national convention. It might have been easier to simply let Alpha Chi Omega exist as separate entities on separates campuses. Janette did not let that happen, making her a torchbearer of the highest order. She has received little attention in prior History editions. It is as though she got lost between the attention paid to the Founders and the spotlight rightly cast on her sister, Alta. This History has attempted to “right that wrong” and give Janette her Fraternity’s appreciation for her quiet but effective leadership.

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From the archives: Beta chapter at Albion College was the first to build its own facility. The five-room brick lodge was completed in 1895 and was valued at $4,000.

M opening the door... Beta Chapter’s Lodge

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y the summer of 1910, Alpha Chi Omega had chartered sixteen collegiate chapters. Most had the use of some kind of physical facility—leased house, suite in a college-owned building, or a meeting room provided by the college. Things began to change in October 1895, when Beta chapter, Albion College, completed its new five-room brick lodge. Located on the campus of Albion College, on ground owned by the college and leased to the chapter for a long period of years, “the little brick lodge was built so substantially that the passing of time seems not to have left its marks and the exterior appears unchanged.” Jennie Worthington provided this background information about the building of the Beta lodge in the 1910 issue of The Lyre. True Alpha Chis are always ambitious, and so as the years passed, we felt that our quarters under the eaves were inadequate and so dreamed dreams of a lodge. I was one of a committee who, with fear and trembling, waited upon the Board of Trustees to ask for a site on the campus and permission to build. And how our hearts lightened when one of them said, ‘If it were boys I don’t know as I would vote for it, but girls always come out all right. They will give teas and suppers and earn the money some way.’ And at the most important step in Beta’s history, two other men earned the undying remembrance of Beta. One, Mr. Allen, the father of our beloved Grand President, and the other, Mr. Otis Leonard, whose wife, a most loyal Alpha Chi, is the daughter of our sainted Dr. Fiske, who was President of the College when the chapter was founded. Mr. Allen very generously secured us all of the money we needed to build with, without interest, and with permission to pay it off in as small or large sums as we could, and at any time we pleased. He watched the building with a great deal of interest, and when we mourned because we could not afford a mirror over the mantle in the reception hall, he smiled and counseled economy. And when the lodge

was finished, there hung the mirror, just as we had so wanted it, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Allen. What we girls did not know about building would have filled a large library, and here is where our untold indebtedness to Mr. Leonard comes in. Early and late he watched it, never too tired or too busy to oversee the smallest detail. And our little lodge of which we are all so proud, would never have been the success it is except for Mr. Leonard’s loyalty to Alpha Chi. Jennie was a charter member of Beta chapter when it was chartered in 1887. She served as Beta’s alumna advisor for several years, after graduating from both Albion and Boston Conservatories. She introduced music into the public schools of Albion. It would take some time for chapter housing to gain momentum. The 1916 History explains: The financial interests of all the other chapters were, for a period, directed toward house furnishing and general fraternity responsibilities rather than toward house building. In consequence while the chapters accrued considerable wealth in possessions, not until 1910 did they report house-building funds, and not until 1916 were any more chapters in actual possession of their own homes. By 1910, the chapters at DePauw University, University of Southern California, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin, Syracuse University, Simpson College, University of Colorado, Baker University and University of California at Berkeley had the use of leased houses. Fifteen years after Beta’s historic entrée into the housing arena, the Fraternity’s position on chapter housing had been solidified. The 1916 History continues: The large sums exacted for rental for fraternity houses make ownership of their home by the Fraternity a good investment as well as a great satisfaction. The matter

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has developed in an unhurried way so that the dangers might be avoided which attend hasty house-building, such as the deterioration of standards of membership, over-emphasis of the material which gives a bad perspective in the college period, and the financial over-burdening of undergraduates. Now that Alpha Chi Omega has reached the stage when house-ownership is a safe and sane proposition, the renting of fraternity houses is fast giving way to the purchase or the building of beautiful homes.

In the years to come, the combined value of homes for collegiate chapters would reach an astonishing sum. Beta chapter opened the first door, and many chapters ultimately followed. When it opened, the Beta lodge was valued at $4,000. Yes, times have changed. That special mirror Beta chapter longed to have, and that Grand Presidents Alta and Janette Allen’s parents provided, might cost that much now.

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From the archives: Interior photos of the Beta chapter lodge.

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From the archives: Mary Jones Tennant, Alpha Chi Omega’s first inspector, appears on the far left of this photo. She was the fifteenth member of Alpha Chi Omega initiated in 1885.

M keeping a watchful eye! Office of Inspector, Alumnae Advisors, and Chaperones

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y the beginning of 1904, Alpha Chi Omega had installed ten chapters in seven states from coast to coast. Collegiate chapters had been established on three state campuses, adding to the previously all-private institutions that comprised the chapter roll. A few of the chapters had acquired chapter houses, one owned—the others rented. Eight national conventions had been held, providing the only opportunity for members to meet other Alpha Chi Omegas beyond their own campus and community. Written communication provided the only other link. With varied circumstances and long miles between them, chapters were challenged to maintain consistency in chapter purposes and practices. The Grand Council officers must have recognized the problem for at the 1904 national convention the “very wise and significant” office of inspector was created and added to the Grand Council.

Inspector Here is how the 1911 History explains the purpose and impact of the inspector: When the 1904 Convention created the office of Inspector, a new era dawned in the Fraternity, and an important step was taken toward a closer understanding and cooperation between the Grand Council and the active chapters, and a firmer stand was made for high scholarship and for thorough business methods within the chapters.

chapter secretary to the Inspector. The results of her investigations are reported by her annually to the Grand Council, and biennially to the Grand Chapter. The first woman to become the inspector was well suited to fill this most demanding position. Mary Jones was initiated into Alpha chapter in 1885, the fifteenth member of Alpha Chi Omega. She and Estelle Leonard designed the first charter. Her suggestion, “Ye Daughters of Music Come Up Higher,” was selected as the first open motto. Mary, accompanied by Bertha Deniston, installed Beta chapter; and it is Mary’s account of that historic event that provides the rich detail preserved in historical documents today. Mary knew well the work that had gone into the establishment of the Fraternity and the importance of the Fraternity’s purpose and standards. The Lyre in 1908 included an article about chapter houses. Mary Jones Tennant, just beginning her tenure as inspector, provided these thoughts: A word about the fraternity house. Expense has not been spared on many of these beautiful fraternity homes, and where properly conducted with business sense they have certain advantages which all will admit. The intellectual and social intimacy of such homes may be valuable. But they can be valuable only when each member has something to contribute to character, conduct and life. The student entering college enters a new world. The charm and romance of tradition are about him. For the first two years the world is large and the fraternity seems an important part of it. The fraternity house is apt to promote an exclusiveness that narrows and handicaps the first two years. If fraternities could exclude from chapter houses all members that have not attained the junior year, most of the house problems would cease to trouble. By the third year the student has found his bearings, is able to weigh things with some discrimination, can make some distinction between the real and the artificial. Two years offer an opportunity to imbibe college spirit, college life in its broad, fine sense. Individual responsibility has increased, resulting in certain dignity and poise.

The Inspector, or a delegate appointed by her, visits each active chapter in the interim between the biennial conventions. During these visits she not only becomes closely acquainted with the active members of the chapter and inspects their books, records, and fraternity equipment to see how the business of the chapter is being conducted, but she holds conferences with the Dean of Women, the Alumnae Adviser, the Chaperon, the mothers [when possible] and with various instructors, in order to learn the standing of the chapter in the college, and the scholarship of the individual members.... At least once a semester a report from the Dean of Women and scholarship reports of the individual members of each chapter are sent by the 77

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Time solves many problems—so do alumnae. We believe the splendid body of women comprising our alumnae are awakening to the situation that today confronts our college girls, and when fully aroused they will cooperate with the forces now at work and the result is bound to be a different and better basis for the growth of the fraternity life.

All this is in danger of being missed if a student lives in a fraternity house through the freshmen and sophomore years. Right here two possible suggestions seem practical: the employment of a chaperon who shall receive a salary, and whose duties shall be definitely defined, and whose relation to the fraternity is not regarded as an inferior one; and the employment of a fraternity inspector whose business shall be to report to the Grand Council every two months. This inspector should confer frequently with certain faculty members, such as deans and chairmen of social committees. We believe such a plan feasible, and until something of this kind is done, the fraternity house will continue an unwarranted extravagance and will not be regarded as a valuable adjunct to college life.

It appears that her experiences as inspector softened Mary’s understanding of collegians and expanded her appreciation of the challenges faced by college students of that time. By 1910, when Mary retired as inspector, there were sixteen Alpha Chi Omega chapters in California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Mary lived in Terre Haute, Indiana. She traveled by train, taking many days to cross the country from chapter to chapter. She averaged seven chapter visits per year. Her husband, Richard, must have been a very supportive man. The 1916 History states, “The close relation existing between the chapters and the administration of Alpha Chi Omega has always been a source of gratification to the Grand Council.” Mary Jones Tennant was the primary reason for this relationship. In acknowledging Mary’s retirement The Lyre in 1910 stated: When Mrs. Tennant became our National Inspector, her duties were not specifically outlined, and the circumstances and conditions to be met were an uncatalogued, variable quantity, yet because she carried into the work a rare earnestness and a firm purpose to better fraternity conditions, to reach and develop the best in every girl, she has made the office a vital one in the welfare of Alpha Chi Omega. The position of Inspector is not one of unalloyed bliss— it often involves trials and sacrifices of no mean proportions, as anyone acquainted with college and fraternity conditions well understands, and that Mrs. Tennant has held the position for six years is a matter of sincerest appreciation.

Housing—a blessing or a curse? Mary had her opinion. By the end of her service in 1910, Mary filed this report: There comes a day in all fraternal organizations when it seems an imperative duty to have fraternity representatives visit the individual chapters. The term ‘Inspector” is a misnomer. Elder Adviser, or Adviser Counselor would more nearly fit the case. The business of such a person is not to criticize right and left and report to headquarters only the disagreeable discoveries. On the contrary, the work may or may not include this, but it certainly does comprehend other things much more difficult of accomplishment. To make acquaintance with local conditions; to get into sympathetic touch with the chapter life, note its standards as manifested in the customs, manners, social life, scholarship of its members; to learn the faculty and student attitude toward one another—these are a few of the things which the Inspector must deal with.... In these years of service forty-seven inspection visits have occurred, forty-two having been made by this writer. Great changes have taken place in college life in the last ten years. Some are not aware of this.... Today throngs are in recitation halls where formerly every student’s name could be called.

A memorial to Mary L. E. Jones Tennant appeared in The Lyre following her death on December 20, 1926. Olive Burnett Clark offered these comments:

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No better or more loyal Alpha Chi ever lived—faithful to every trust, to every duty. She was safe in judgment, for that judgment was carefully weighed and justified before expression. Whatever she had to say was listened to always with the utmost respect—that was one of the outstanding demands of her personality that she was probably not fully aware of, for she was absolutely free from ostentation or egotism.

If the chaperone thus neglects her duty, it is apt to cause friction by thus placing the responsibility upon the older girls, an unsatisfactory state of affairs, because sisterly advice, though generously bestowed, is sparingly received. We hold that the fraternity takes the place of the home and its influences during a girl’s university life, and it is the chaperone who must take the place of the girl’s mother. So, girls, beware of the chaperone who is afraid.

Alumnae Advisors In 1908, the system of “official inspection” was supplemented by the constitutional requirement that each chapter have an alumna advisor. Mary’s belief that “time solves many problems—so do alumnae” was solidified by this requirement and made Alpha Chi Omega the first NPC group to take this step. The Grand Council believed an even closer and more personal relationship with the chapters was ensured through this legislation. The alumnae advisors formed an advisory committee to work with the inspector, conducted Fraternity examinations, and acted as representatives to the local Panhellenic. As stated in the 1911 History, “They act as sympathetic guardians to the chapters by whom they are elected and in all cases they are sincerely loved by the active members and are chosen to their positions because of their ability and loyal Fraternity service.” The requirement that each chapter have an alumna advisor–which at that time was spelled adviser–remains in place to this day.

What We Owe Our Chaperone The duties of a chaperone in a chapter house are indeed difficult and often times perplexing. She must know well and understand the moods of a score of girls. Girls, it is not enough to be polite and courteous to her. We should make her life more interesting. Remember she has passed that time in her life, when everything is tinted with a rosy hue. She has seen and experienced hardships, which we as young girls know nothing of. We should invite her into our pleasures, have her share our ‘spreads’ and plans, as well as our troubles, in which we need her kind and sympathetic advice. We should take her with us on some of our walks and drives, provide her with concert tickets and agreeable company there. A library ticket is also appreciated. Let us look well, girls, to our duty towards our chaperone.

Chaperones In addition to an alumna advisor, the Grand Council ruled in 1908 that all chapter houses should have resident chaperones. The following year, it recommended that all chaperones be paid a salary in addition to their board and room. Here are two articles from 1909-10 issues of The Lyre that address the topic of chaperones.

The chaperone was expected to guard the members’ virtue and to protect and preserve the chapter’s reputation. Early membership files that address the expulsion of a member describe such scenarios as a chaperone secretly following a member as she enters a train car with a man— unaccompanied by a chaperone! Resident chaperones became housemothers who became house directors through the years. Regardless of the title, the influence and impact of a woman with life experiences beyond the college years on chapter members remain undeniable.

The Chaperone Much careful attention should be given to the selection of a chaperone for the coming year. Beware the coward—that dear, hopelessly sweet creature, who lies awake nights afraid to give much needed advice lest the girls might not like her, or that she might hurt their feelings, or because she fears one of the girls might go off into a case of nerves.

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From the archives: Bertha Deniston appears on the right in this photo taken in the spring of 1887.

M labels Professional vs. General/Social Fraternity, Intersorority Conference, and Musical-Literary Fraternity

M

usical. Literary. Professional. General. Social. Each of those words has been used to identify Alpha Chi Omega at some point in its history. Remember hearing on the playground, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?” As it turns out, the words used to describe Alpha Chi Omega had consequences. From the 1916 History: As the result of correspondence with other women’s fraternities concerning the evils of rushing, Mrs. Margaret Mason Whitney, Grand President of Alpha Phi, 1900-02, called the first Intersorority Conference in Chicago, May 24, 1902. These meetings have been held annually since that year, being presided over by each fraternity in turn in the order of its founding. ‘The first Conference was composed of delegates from Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, and Delta Delta Delta [Alpha Chi Omega through a mistake not being represented.] What, exactly, was that mistake? Was it really a problem with the mail, as some suggested? Or, did the convener believe that Alpha Chi Omega was a “professional” fraternity and, therefore, not eligible to participate in the Intersorority Conference? A very close reading of the 1911 History discovered this statement regarding the 1902 intersorority gathering: “Alpha Chi Omega not being represented because Mrs. Whitney believed the Fraternity to be professional.” If so, Mrs. Whitney had some justification. Baird’s Manual first appeared on the scene in 1879 and was a directory of all college fraternities. This publication is named for William R. Baird who is alleged to have researched college fraternities looking for one to merge with his, Alpha Sigma Chi. He settled on Beta Theta Pi, which absorbed Alpha Sigma Chi in 1879. Because no other publication on the subject of college fraternities existed at the time, Baird published his research for the benefit of the public as American College Fraternities. He retitled subsequent editions, and there were many, as Baird’s Manual of

American College Fraternities: A Descriptive Analysis of the Fraternity System in the Colleges of the United States —with a Detailed Account of Each Fraternity. Baird’s Manual was thorough—and influential. In the 1890 edition, Alpha Chi Omega first appeared and was listed as a Professional Society with 102 members and 3 active chapters. Perhaps that is why the invitation to the 1902 inaugural gathering of the Intersorority Conference never arrived; it was never issued. There is nothing to indicate when Alpha Chi Omega’s leaders became aware of this erroneous classification. A recounting of the second national convention in 1893 mentions that a committee was appointed to write an account of Alpha Chi Omega for Baird’s Fraternity Record. Something happened behind the scenes regarding the Intersorority Conference because minutes of the 1902 national convention state: The first meeting of the Intersorority Conference had occurred five months before, but through a mistake Alpha Chi Omega had not been represented. The date of the second session was set for the following May [1903]. The fraternity elected Mabel Siller, Gamma, as its delegate. Mabel Siller did attend the 1903 meeting, and her report that was published in The Lyre. “Through a mistake or a miscarriage of the mail, notification of the dates of the 1904 Conference came too late for the Fraternity to be represented.” Hmmm— During the ninth national convention in 1904, consideration was given to “the subject of an account of Alpha Chi Omega in Baird’s edition of American College Fraternities” and resulted in appointing a representative who should “be sent to interview Baird in regard to his manual.” Obviously, Alpha Chi Omega’s members still had concerns about how the Fraternity was described by Baird. Kate Calkins, Beta, Albion College, was Grand President at the time. Alpha Chi Omega archives has copies of a fascinating three-way exchange of correspondence involving Kate, Newman Miller and Baird. It appears that Kate engaged Mr. Miller of The University of Chicago Press, who published Baird’s Manual, to intervene on the Fraternity’s behalf with Baird. Here is what Baird wrote to

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From the archives: This letter from Mr. Baird indicates Alpha Chi Omega would finally be recognized as a social fraternity.

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Being a man of his word, Baird changed his classification of Alpha Chi Omega. Here is the entry from the 1905 edition of Baird’s Manual:

Miller on February 2, 1905: What I wish to learn concerning Alpha Chi Omega is whether, as the fraternity is now constituted, more than half of its active members are taking the musical course, if so, I feel constrained to classify it as a professional fraternity. If this is not the case I shall be only too glad to put it amongst the list of general fraternities.

Alpha Chi Omega

I think that I have asked the officials of this fraternity for this information not less than a dozen times, but they have always dodged the question, which leads me to believe that they cannot answer it satisfactorily.

This fraternity was founded at DePauw University, October 15, 1885, the movement being fostered by James L. Howe, the dean of the school of music, because at that time the DePauw fraternities did not consider students in the musical department eligible to membership, and he was desirous of affording such students the benefits to be derived from such organizations....

Then, on February 6, 1905 Miller wrote to Kate: If you think that fifty per cent of your membership will show a literary classification I should advise you, as national officer, to proceed to get out some blanks which would give the membership of each chapter as it stands, showing the name, class, classification in the school, home address, etc., with a place at the bottom for certification by the proper chapter official— probably the secretary, before a notary public.

The intention of the fraternity for the first few years was to establish chapters in musical schools. However, not being pleased with the idea of being considered professional and feeling that such designation did not accurately express the aim of the society, in 1900 literary qualifications, toward which there had been an increasing tendency through several years, were made a constitutional requirement, musical ability still being retained as an additional requisite.

In addition to this I should secure a statement from the President or the Registrar of each school confirming the classification. If this information shows the majority of the membership to be of literary color I should forward it to Mr. Baird, together with a statement from your national officers as to the present general policy. In this statement I should be perfectly frank with reference to the history of the organization and include your reasons for transferring to the literary field.

Grand President Calkins took this challenge and met it! The effort she expended on this issue makes the extent of Baird’s influence and the importance of this classification very clear. This must have helped Alpha Chi Omega clarify its classification with the other women’s fraternities because Alpha Chi Omega has been represented at every Intersorority/ National Panhellenic Conference meeting since 1905. Nevertheless, even though Baird made the revision and Alpha Chi Omega was included in the Intersorority Conference, the perception of Alpha Chi Omega as a professional society must have lingered in some places. The 1916 History states: Because of mis-statements which have been made concerning the nature of Alpha Chi Omega, Dean Howe was asked to provide clarification regarding the kind of fraternity Alpha Chi Omega was designed to be—from the outset. ‘It is fortunate,’ he said, ‘that I have lived long enough to be on hand to give decisive evidence.’

Kate then initiated a process whereby every chapter submitted its chapter roster to her indicating each member’s field of study—musical or literary. The institution’s Registrar signed each roster. Those rosters are in the Fraternity’s archives. Unfortunately, there is no copy of the letter Kate sent to Baird with copies of these rosters. However, the previous page shows the letter Baird sent to Kate, dated February 15, 1905, only nine days after Miller sent the letter to Kate outlining Baird’s requirements!

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inviting to membership those who belong to other fraternities, a practice which Baird’s Manual cites as a prominent characteristic of professional fraternities.

Here is a portion of what he referred to as “a few affidavits as to the organization and early situations of Alpha Chi Omega.” He stated: The Alpha Chi Omega Sorority was not organized as a professional fraternity. At its organization in 1885, it was a regular university fraternity, upon the same basis as the Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and other fraternities of DePauw University.

Alpha Chi Omega’s leaders felt a strong duty to protect the Fraternity’s standing in the interfraternity world—with good reason. At the first gathering in 1902, the Intersorority Conference participants made decisions that affected Alpha Chi Omega. For example, it was at this meeting that it was agreed that no pledging should take place before the student was fully matriculated at the school. All invitations to membership were to be official and sent by mail. Each prospective member must be afforded ten days to make her decision. Bidding was to take place by all groups on the same day. “Lifting,” which was to offer a bid to one who had accepted a bid from another group, was to be discontinued. Alpha Chi Omega needed to know these things and to participate in the decision-making process! Since the issue of “professional” fraternity continued to be addressed in later editions of the History, one wonders if this confusion or misconception “died a harder death” at the college campus level.

I was very careful that from the first, every step should be taken in accordance with the accepted traditions and methods recognized by other fraternities. Evidently even that did not settle the matter entirely. On this topic, the 1921 History states: Contrary to the false and repeated statements in Baird’s Manual, at no time in her history has Alpha Chi Omega been a ‘professional’ fraternity. In 1889, indeed, a national ‘literary’ fraternity extended to Alpha Chi Omega an invitation to merge the membership of the two organzations. Alpha Chi Omega never considered

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Musical-Literary

An article entitled “Musical-Literary Versus Musical” that appeared in The Lyre in 1903 provides how this issue affected collegiate chapters. It is reprinted here. Mabel Siller, who also authored the 1911 History, wrote this: The National Pan-Hellenic Conferences [previously called the Intersorority Conference] have already accomplished much good, and there is almost no limit to the beneficial results that may yet be attained by this organization in its relation to college life. Alpha Chi Omega has always taken a deep interest in the Conference and in the results which it is trying to attain....

Mabel Siller, in the 1911 History, did a masterful job of addressing the nature of Alpha Chi Omega. Any attempt to paraphrase her words would not provide clarity, and brevity is no justification. Therefore, the section from the 1911 History entitled “Fraternity Policies” is presented here in its entirety. For those members who “cannot carry a tune” and were not expected to enroll in a music course as a condition of membership, this topic may not seem relevant. From an historic perspective, it is pivotal in Alpha Chi Omega’s development as an organization. At the time these defining decisions were made, members had very strong opinions— and feelings.

The National Pan-Hellenic Conference illustrates in a striking manner two important facts—that women of even rival interests can work together in harmony and to a purpose, and that fraternity women are desirous of bettering fraternity conditions in all their phases and in every possible connection.

Here are Mabel’s words. As has been previously stated, Alpha Chi Omega was founded as a musical [though not a professional] Fraternity, drawing its membership entirely from the music students. According to the Constitution, chapters could be placed only in good music schools connected with colleges or universities of high standing.

Grand President Alta Allen Loud added: Now Alpha Chi Omega stands waiting, doing her utmost to bring about sane, healthful conditions and an intelligent knowledge of Pan-Hellenic matters in her active chapters so that, as soon as the cooperation of the Fraternities can be secured, they will be ready to do their part in the progressive work on Pan-Hellenism, and to enforce those rulings which will do away with the superficial and the extravagant in chapter life, and bring to the Greek letter organizations a strong, stable membership, made up of the best young womanhood to be found in our institutions of learning. For every forward movement, every progressive step, Alpha Chi Omega stands ready to cast her vote, to do her utmost to make the realization approach the ideal.

This Constitutional clause was changed at the second convention in Albion, 1893, to include any conservatory of high standard, and under this ruling Zeta chapter was established in the New England Conservatory of Music. As it developed, this policy tended to make others regard Alpha Chi Omega as a professional Fraternity, so the fifth convention, 1897, reverted to the first ruling, requiring that the Music Schools wherein chapters might be placed must be connected with universities or colleges. Desiring to broaden the scope and the influence of the Fraternity, the 1902 convention in Evanston voted that Alpha Chi Omega become a Musical-Literary Fraternity, which sentiment was further crystallized by the ruling passed by the 1906 Convention at Greencastle, permitting thirty-three and one-third per cent of the members of each active chapter to be chosen from the Colleges of Liberal or Fine Arts, decreeing that chapters of Alpha Chi Omega might

After a “rocky” start, Alpha Chi Omega has consistently demonstrated its commitment to interfraternalism and determination to be a full participant in the interfraternity community.

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chapters to compete with Fraternities which draw their membership entirely from the college of Liberal Arts. Under a 33 1/3% basis, they were forced into an unfair competition and lest this sound heretical to those who are not familiar with university conditions, we shall explain ourselves.

be established in universities or colleges of good standing where musical instruction could be obtained. Inasmuch as this departure exerted a beneficial effect upon the personnel of the chapters, the 1908 Grand Chapter in Champaign ruled that fifty per cent of the members of each chapter might be chosen from colleges of Liberal and Fine Arts, with the strong recommendation to future conventions that the percentage of non-music students never exceed fifty percent.

Our universities and colleges have not yet realized the true value of music and have consequently not given it the attention or the credit that has been showered on the college of Liberal Arts. This is only natural, because the growth of popular education in this country has been so rapid that the development of the Liberal Arts has almost entirely absorbed the time and attention of our educators, leaving music as a side issue. In the midst of securing endowments, new equipments, and general enlargement, it has been tremendously difficult for those who saw the value of including a musical education in the curriculum, to secure even a faint hearing. A start has been made, thanks to the great work of Mr. Paine of Harvard, and Mr. Parker of Wisconsin, and the Music Teachers’ National Association, but it is a hard task to convince men who have spent their lives in the study of mathematics, history, literature and the kindred subjects, who have been brought up with the idea that music is a talent and an amusement, without which it is very easy to get along, that the study of an art is as important to the development of our natures as any of their pet subjects.

Florence Reed Haseltine, Zeta, New England Conservatory of Music, was the editor of The Lyre when the following editorial appeared. Once again, paraphrasing would not strengthen the information. It would seem at first thought that Alpha Chi Omega had made at least one radical change at this last Grand Chapter. To allow 50% of the membership to be chosen from among purely literary students after maintaining a 33 1/3% basis so long, would appear to indicate a traitorous attitude of heart to those whose interest and love of tradition is woven intimately with the musical element of our Fraternity. As a matter of fact, this apparently new step was not taken at the last convention, but years ago, even as far back as the day the first chapter was installed, and later, chapter expansion emphasized it. The very day Alpha Chi Omega was born in a literary college, even with a musical inheritance, she was bound by the law of environment to possess a dual personality. We cannot arrest her development nor eradicate her inherent tendencies any more than we can suppress certain qualities in an individual who has been born under conditions beyond his control, and all tending to produce certain results.

Alpha Chi is ahead of her time; we say it in no boastful vein, only in recognition of the fact that all the Arts will sometime receive their merited place in our educational system. Then any restrictions will be unnecessary, as it will be a fair competition. Until then we must stand by our girls and protect them. Any other course would be unjust, as long as we have placed chapters in any university or college of Liberal Arts.

Had Alpha Chi Omega been born in a musical college and kept there, she could always have remained a strictly musical Fraternity. But neither of the two conditions existed. She was born of musical parents, but in a literary atmosphere. Believing in the broad and strong development of her members through continuing where there were not only good musical, but strong literary connections as well, she has entered thirteen [now sixteen] colleges, and thereby forced her

What can be finer than a membership made up of both elements, literary girls and musical girls, with strict justice to each? One needs and completes the other. In that way the chapters are allowed to select the best who come for music and not be obliged to take indifferent material in order to live up to requirements which under present conditions

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In no way, in fact, was Alpha Chi Omega at her birth at all different from other general fraternities except in her insistence that members possess some musical culture. This requirement was too advanced for the time.

• The Fraternity began to establish chapters in state universities where “little emphasis was placed on the music department, state appropriations being devoted to more ‘useful’ ends.” • In 1902, it was determined that the Fraternity would be a musical-literary Fraternity in order for chapters to invite students to membership without requiring them to carry a course in music. All students would be required to have full freshman standing to be eligible for membership. • In 1906, the Constitution was revised to permit the initiation of 33 1/3% of the membership of each active chapter from the college of liberal arts. • In 1908, the Convention ruled that 50% of the members of each chapter might be chosen from colleges of liberal and fine arts, with the strong recommendation to future conventions that the percentage of non-music students never exceed fifty per cent.

weaken the chapter. Those fine and splendid women in our Fraternity who fear lest Alpha Chi some time banish all musical requirements, need not suffer one uneasy moment. That time will never come; it cannot by the very nature of the Fraternity. Remember, its parentage was musical, and the effect of environment cannot effect all parental instincts even were the musical conditions of our colleges not to improve, which we cannot believe. There are too many loyal hearts who love the art in Alpha Chi, and there always will be. We have had some difficulty because we were unfair to one-third of our membership, but we are now entering an era of fairness to both elements represented in our ranks, and with the great body of loyal alumnae, tradition, and one-half of our members continuing to uphold the art, the future of Alpha Chi must needs be only a development of its present requirements, not a relinquishing of either.

The 1928 History provides a helpful explanation and insight. In no way, in fact, was Alpha Chi Omega at her birth at all different from other general fraternities except in her insistence that members possess some musical culture. This requirement was too advanced for the time. For as early as 1891, Beta chapter requested permission to initiate freshmen without requiring them to study music. No immediate change was made in the constitution, but the trend of the practice of chapters was toward freedom in the matter. The expansion of the fraternity into state universities, beginning in 1889, was the signal for a forced change in requirements for membership because of the high specialized and separate character of the departments in a state university.

Here is a summary of the developments and decisions that lead to Alpha Chi Omega’s “label” and membership requirements through 1910: • At the outset, membership was limited to students in the School of Music, but within a few months this requirement was changed to include liberal arts students, provided they were registered for some course in music. • According to the Constitution, chapters could be placed only in good music schools connected with colleges or universities of high standing. • In 1893, the decision was made to include any conservatory of high standard, and under this ruling Zeta chapter was established in the New England Conservatory of Music. At that time, conservatories were not connected with a liberal arts college or university. • As it developed, this policy tended to make others regard Alpha Chi Omega as a professional fraternity, so the fifth convention, 1897, reverted to the first ruling, requiring that the music schools wherein chapters might be placed must be connected with universities or colleges. • Before 1896, four of the seven chapters maintained more interest in music than in literature and sciences. In the other three, the liberal arts received far greater emphasis and support than the fine arts.

As Alpha Chi Omega’s first twenty-five years came to a close, its identity and requirements for membership appeared to be settled. Only time would tell if that would be the case.

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From the archives: A group of Alpha chapter sisters pose in dunce caps and party favors.

M the vast majority Alumnae Chapters

T

he beginning of the organization of alumnae can be traced directly to collegiate chapter reunions. In the early 1890s, chapters began to hold annual reunions to which as many alumnae as possible returned to visit the chapter and the college. Alpha, DePauw University, and Beta, Albion College, pioneered this custom within Alpha Chi Omega. The advantage of organized alumnae associations had long been understood by other Greek-letter societies. Alumnae chapters had become commonplace in many by the late 1880s. Initially, it was thought that the first duty of an alumna was to her own active chapter. However, in ever-increasing numbers, members resided at great distances from their collegiate chapters, making personal interaction with the chapters impractical if not impossible. As demands on the national organization grew, the need for involvement by alumnae grew in direct proportion. It became obvious that involvement of members beyond the college campus was imperative to a healthy, responsive organization. The first legislation addressing alumnae associations was passed in 1902. This action provided for the chartering of alumnae chapters. In 1904, a further step was taken indicating that alumnae chapters should have the same status at a national convention as the undergraduate chapters through representation by a voting delegate. In 1906, legislation was enacted to provide for a separate form of charter for alumnae chapters. Alpha Alpha chapter was established on May 23, 1906, in Chicago, Illinois. Gamma, Northwestern University, alumnae had for several years maintained an informal alumnae association, often joined by alumnae of several other chapters. Mabel Siller, the first delegate to the Intersorority Conference and author of the 1911 History, was a charter member. Alpha Alpha maintained a close relationship with Gamma chapter, sharing many of their meetings and social events. It was not uncommon for some of the most notable honorary members such as Madame Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler and Madame Julie Rivé -King to participate in these events.

Beta Beta chapter was established on December 14, 1906, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham was a charter member. Beginning in 1901, many of the alumnae in Indianapolis maintained a close relationship with Alpha chapter, no doubt with encouragement provided by Bertha. This nucleus naturally developed into a chartered alumnae chapter. By the end of the first twenty-five years, Alpha Chi Omega had six alumnae chapters. In addition to the first two, the chapter roll included: Gamma Gamma, New York City Delta Delta, Los Angeles, California Epsilon Epsilon, Detroit, Michigan Zeta Zeta, Boston, Massachusetts The location of these alumnae chapters is clear testament to the migration of members to major cities from the college campuses that initially connected them to the Fraternity. To quote the 1916 History: The alumnae association, we believe, has but begun its work. In the future what seems to us now a remarkable growth of alumnae service will seem a mere humble beginning.... In a very few years we shall see, no doubt, an alumnae association with a self-supporting department of its own, with its own offices and sessions of its own at national conventions.... That day is already in sight and it means far greater usefulness and prestige than Alpha Chi Omega has yet seen. It did not take long for the number of alumnae to outnumber the undergraduates in Alpha Chi Omega. That disparity has not changed the emphasis and energy directed at collegiate chapters. However, as the first inspector, Mary Jones Tennant said: “Time solves many problems—so do alumnae.” Alpha Chi Omega was wise to create an alumnae organizational structure to capture the interest and talents of its members as they move on in their lives. When one becomes an initiated member and upholds the Fraternity’s standards, she is ensured a lifetime membership. Involvement in an organized alumnae chapter offers members one avenue to remain connected for the rest of their lives.

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Alpha Chi Omega’s coat-of-arms was introduced by Grand President Alta Allen Loud in 1980.

M heraldry at its finest Coat-of-Arms

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nights used them to cover and protect their armor. Some religions, countries, families and universities have them more as a way to present their values, symbols and history than for military purposes. Most Greek-letter social organizations have them, though probably not to provide protective camouflage. Here is what Alta Allen Loud had to say in introducing Alpha Chi Omega’s brand new coat-of-arms in 1908: Your committee has striven to give you a coat-of-arms absolutely correct from an heraldic standpoint, marked by the simplicity and dignity for which our Fraternity stands, and bearing those symbols known and honored by every wearer of the lyre. Shall we not then buckle on our armor, and like the knights of old, go forth to battle for Alpha Chi Omega, keeping her fair name untarnished, her standards high?

Alta provided this background in her presentation to the 1908 National Convention: Particular symbols have in all ages been assumed by the various families of mankind, civilized and uncivilized. All good heraldry is symbolic. In the heraldry of a Fraternity there are used only those symbols which express its ideals and which have a deep significance for its members. Alta went on with a technical description and explanation of the “Blazon of Alpha Chi Omega Arms.” It would be foolhardy to try to interpret it in today’s terms, so the original description written by Alta Allen Loud appears at the end of this article. Alpha Chi Omega’s coat-of-arms has not changed since its adoption in 1908, a tribute to its lasting power and meaning to its members. It is described in each member’s initiation ceremony exactly as it always has been. When one speaks of the Bond of sisterhood, the coat-ofarms and she who played the primary role in creating it must be given credit for strengthening and solidifying that Bond.

Certainly she was speaking figuratively! Perhaps you first heard it described as Alpha Chi Omega’s “crest.” If you became a member after 1915, you undoubtedly realized that “none but the initiated members of Alpha Chi Omega shall be allowed to wear articles bearing the coat-of-arms.” In one Midwest chapter in the 1950s, a “pre-initiate” had the audacity to put a decal of the crest/coat-of-arms on the back window of her car! Chapter officers acted swiftly, giving her the choice of removing the decal or not being initiated. To them, she had committed a major transgression. The decal disappeared. Technically, a crest is one part of a coat-of-arms. As was the case with all of Alpha Chi Omega’s symbols, great thought went into the creation of the coat-of-arms. When Alta Allen Loud agreed to chair the committee charged with the responsibility of creating a coat-of-arms, the Fraternity was assured that the product would be beautifully symbolic, artfully designed and true to the rules of heraldry.

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From the archives: Gamma chapter’s Mary Elizabeth Stanford, 1893-94 Grand President, appears above second from the right. There are no known photographs in which she looks straight at the camera. Her images always appear in profile.

M cheer in a wheel chair The Second Grand President – Mary Elizabeth Stanford

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ary Elizabeth Stanford served as Alpha Chi Omega’s second Grand President in 1893-94. She served as the first grand treasurer, elected at the 1891 national convention— Alpha Chi Omega’s first. Mary Elizabeth’s name first appears in the description of the chartering of Gamma chapter at Northwestern University. Because of her obligation to sing at a church in Racine, Wisconsin, on the night that Gamma chapter charter members were initiated, a special ceremony was held for her upon her return to campus. Her initiation took place at her home. Gamma chapter wrote of Mary Elizabeth’s mother: In the evening Mrs. Stanford, who was always our beloved and confidential friend, made us welcome guests at her beautiful home on Lake Avenue, where, in honor of our new organization, and as a surprise to Mary, she gave us our initial banquet.

Mary Elizabeth is presented in profile. It is easy to find her in any photograph, and she certainly provides a study in women’s hair styles of the day. There is nothing particularly influential about Mary Elizabeth’s service on the Grand Council. However, if influence accurately is defined as “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behavior of someone or something,” then Mary Elizabeth’s influence is best captured in an article she wrote for The Lyre that is reprinted here.

Evanston, Illinois, was the scene of the third national convention, and Mary presided at the meetings. Additionally, she gave a vocal performance at one of the social events. Once again, her mother served as hostess for an informal gathering for all convention attendees. The 1921 History provides the most detailed information available about Mary Elizabeth’s life after college. Here is the entry: Miss Stanford has had a long professional career. She taught voice in Chicago for several years. For sixteen years she had a studio in Kimball Hall and for four years she taught voice at the Chicago Training School for Home and Foreign Missions. In 1920 on account of ill health she was compelled to give up her work temporarily.... The Fraternity was glad to welcome Miss Stanford at the 1919 Convention in Chicago. An interesting side note: In every photo in every publication, from the group photo of the Gamma charter members to those of her as a mature adult,

Mary Elizabeth Stanford died on March 1, 1950. She was confined to a wheelchair for over 29 years.

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R Social features of each convention often included a Convention Musicale. Click the image to view the full piece at the end of this book.

M memories and music Katharine McReynolds Morrison Remembers

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atharine McReynolds was elected President of Alpha chapter in March 1888, having enrolled at DePauw the previous fall. It appears that she left DePauw after one year. According to Katharine: “At the close of that happy year I left Indiana for my future home in Washington, D.C., and unfortunately have been destined never to see DePauw again....” Regardless of the shortness of her stay on campus, her connection with Alpha Chi Omega left an indelible impression on her. At the time of the Fraternity’s commemoration of its 50th anniversary, Katharine wrote an article for The Lyre entitled “Reminiscences of Fifty Years Ago.” There is no other recounting of Alpha Chi Omega’s earliest years that offers the delightful details and vivid descriptions of college life at DePauw and Fraternity activities that Katharine’s recollections provide. The article is reprinted on pages 97-103 in its entirety. The 1916 History includes Katharine in its section dedicated to “prominent members.” Katharine received training in Germany and in 1895, together with Fraulein Fanny Koehle, founded the McReynolds-Koehle Music School of Washington, D. C., “which for nineteen years held high standing in the community.” While principal of the McReynolds-Koehle Music School, Katharine originated a preparatory method for the teaching of beginners in music and a teachers’ training course. The school closed when Katharine gave up her professional career to become the wife of Hon. Martin A. Morrison, Representative of the 9th District of Indiana in the Congress. It was not uncommon for articles authored by Katharine to appear in The Lyre. She addressed subjects such as: “Some Practical Advice to Music Students,” and “Musical Instruments of the Present.” Since many collegians were music students and many alumnae were

music teachers, these articles must have been interesting and helpful. The 1897 issue of The Lyre includes an excerpt from a paper Katharine shared with the students of the McReynolds-Koehle Music School entitled “The Red Man’s Music.” It is an assessment not only of American Indian music but also the plight of American Indians themselves. Here is the opening paragraph: American Indian Music! How many of us have ever given a thought to the music of the red man? My own interest in the subject was some time ago aroused by a little full blooded Sioux Indian boy who is studying the violin with Fraulein Koehle. He is so bright, musical and industrious, that one feels intuitively that there must be music among the Indians. This subject leads us naturally to the history of the Indian, and what a sad one it is! What a striking contrast the roving, careless red man of 400 years ago presents to the red man of today, embittered and revengeful through the barbarous cruelty and broken promises of the white man he welcomed to his shores; shoved from one reservation to another, looking forward, helpless and hopeless to a future which causes him to cry out in anguish to his God, ‘My father have pity on me, ‘I have nothing left, ‘I am dying of thirst, ‘Everything is gone. [Arapaho Ghost Song] “The Red Man’s Music” presents a comprehensive study of Indian music and the role it played in their lives; its intricate rhythms; its role in capturing Indian religion, culture and customs; and how it was constructed. Katharine concluded: As we close, I hope with awakened interest for the red man’s music, does the thought occur to you what will be the future of this music? There will be none, just as certain as there will be no future for the red

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Katharine McReynolds Morrison shared a paper with the students of the McReynolds-Koehle Music School entitled “The Red Man’s Music.” An excerpt of this paper, which was an assessment not only of American Indian music, but also the plight of the American Indians themselves, appeared in The Lyre in 1897.

have “distinguished themselves in the professions.” She would become a member of the Congressional Club and the Friday Morning Music Club, Washington’s largest and most important music club. The 1916 History describes Katharine as “an ardent fraternity girl while an active member of Alpha chapter, and recalls with pleasure the happy memories of those days. Especially prized is a summer spent long ago with our illustrious sister, Maud Powell, whose companionship proved a source of inspiration to the young teacher all down the years.” The eloquence, leadership and talent typical of Alpha Chi Omega’s earliest members were in full bloom within Katharine McReynolds Morrison—as student, teacher, civic leader, and woman with a conscience. Her quest for the heights was unfaltering.

man with his present conditions. As Simon Po-Ragan, last chief of the Pottawattomies, says pathetically of the extinction of the race: ‘Generations yet unborn will read in history of the red men of the forest and inquire, Where are they?’ Remember, Katharine wrote this in 1897. Throughout her stay in Washington, D. C., Katharine worked tirelessly to win from the public high schools of that city recognition of music work done outside the schools with private music teachers. In 1913, her work with the school board, superintendents, teachers, private music teachers, parents and pupils resulted in the high schools of Washington, D. C. offering a major credit for the outside study of music. That proved a boon to the talented pupil as well as to the private music teacher. Katharine had the honor to be invited to membership in the College Women’s Club of the capital city, one of the few of that group to enjoy a place on the list of those who

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From the archives: The story to the right offers a possible explanation regarding the appearance of a goat, such as in the photo above, throughout Alpha Chi Omega’s history.

M ride the goat? really? Courage Tests and Mock Initiations

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hen the Fraternity was first organized, initiation was in accordance with the customs then prevalent among college students. Initiation was composed largely of “stunts” and a “courage test.” In 1886, however, a solemn ritual of two degrees was devised that was very brief but served the Fraternity with slight revision in 1894 for the first twenty-five years. During this time, stunts and courage tests were typically referred to as “mock initiation” and were followed by the serious ceremony. A reader of letters provided by each collegiate chapter for inclusion in the early issues of The Lyre would discover many references and descriptions of courage tests and “riding the goat.” What? Evidently, in at least some chapters, live goats played a role in mock initiations. Here are some examples. In recounting Alpha chapter’s early years, this description appeared in 1897: ALPHA, DePauw University, History of the Chapter The year of ’92 marked an epoch in Alpha’s history, the possession of a fraternity home. Thus far the ‘frat’ meetings had been held wherever a place could be found, but through the kindness of Dean Howe a couple of practice rooms on the fourth floor of Music Hall were secured by the Fraternity. At first the small room was used as a ‘goat’ room and as Alpha’s goat, even in his infancy, was very athletic and active [as many ‘Chis’ can testify] elaborate furnishings were unnecessary. The 1894 description of the installation of Delta chapter, Allegheny College, contained this: How impatiently we awaited their coming, our thoughts by day filled with preparations, our dreams by night with phantom goats on mischief bent! Included in a toast at Beta chapter’s, Albion College, tenth anniversary celebration in 1897 was this reference: Our Billy, you are afraid if you see him loose, are you not?

The coverage of Theta chapter’s, University of Michigan, installation in 1899 included this: An able assistant, whose arduous efforts must not be understated in this truthful account, was a most versatile goat. We may safely say that the combination of enthusiastic Alpha Chis and one ardent goat was an invincible one to the uninitiated. Also in 1899, Theta chapter provided this description: At the home of Miss Flora Koch our goat was first brought into activity for the initiation of the wife of Prof. Zeitz, who is at the head of the violin department in the School of Music. The spirit of respect which we all entertained for our new associate member seemed to have penetrated to his goatship’s perceptions for he behaved in a most gentle and dignified manner, showing himself to be an unusually well trained goat. Last Friday eve at the home of Miss Lydia Condon he again appeared to test the courage and loyalty of the other two sisters. He was somewhat mischievous, but owing to warm weather was not as unruly as I imagine some goats to be. In 1901, Beta chapter reported: One of our pledgelings was permitted to ride the goat last Thursday night. This she did in the literal sense until Billy’s antics became so vigorous that, in pity for ourselves as well as Sister Margaret, we returned him to his disturbed slumbers. In 1907, Lambda chapter, Syracuse University, shared this poem: Lambda’s Goat A toast to our venerable goat; With his iron-like teeth and shaggy coat, His terrible horns and his painted bears, And plaintive bleat, so strange and weird. Five maids he near scared to death With his flashing eye and heated breath As one by one, on his back he took

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went like a cat, perched herself up in the top, much higher than any of us dared follow, and then it was her turn to dictate terms, and ours to make the promises.

Each gave the other a farewell look. First, he walks sedate and slow; Then like a whirlwind, he seems to go, Now on the ground, now in the air, Prancing here, and galloping there, Until the maiden in anguish cries For someone to save her, to help her, at least She’s ne’er before seen this terrible beast. And when all his antics and tricks he’s tried, And finds the maidens still able to ride, He gives up the struggle without a sigh; He’s proven her worthy to claim Alpha Chi. And when the terrible ordeal is o’er, He goes back to his tin-can diet once more; And the maid—well, when her fear is passed, She declares, she’ll stand by that goat to the last, She’ll love and cherish each memory dear, For she hopes to lead that same goat next year.

Delta chapter added this in 1910: On one occasion we had initiated five girls and were having an unusually fine spread. It occurred to the girls that as a closing ceremony it would be a proper time to test the disposition and temper of the young sisters. A table was provided for them apart; they were tied to their chairs and served with the luxurious repast of water and toothpicks, while the rest of the girls reveled in the good things at the other table, tauntingly inquiring if they did not wish they could have a share with them. The new girls were surprisingly meek and patient. A day or so later, the Delta girls were dumbfounded at receiving a bill from one of the leading hotels. Those same meek young initiates, when the other girls went home, hastened instead to the hotel and, after enjoying an elaborate supper, directed that the bill be sent to Delta chapter.

In 1910, to commemorate the Fraternity’s twenty-fifth anniversary, past Grand Presidents shared their memories in The Lyre. Raeburn Cowger Obenchain served as Grand President from 1898-1902, the first two as an undergraduate, the last two as an alumna. Among her reflections she shared her excitement regarding attendance at her first national convention: With eager enthusiasm and ripe expectancy I looked forward to my first convention, that of 1897, held in Greencastle, Indiana. To me it was to be one grand, good time; to me, who had only too recently ridden upon ‘Billy’s’ back, to be altogether impressed with the seriousness of such a meeting. The Lyre in 1910 also contained this information from Beta chapter and provides an example of a courage test: “The ‘courage’ test formed a large part of initiations in those days and I so well remember one. Just back of the building stood a medium-sized tree, and an initiate had taken particular pains to ask us that whatever else we made her do we should not ask her to climb any trees. Of course that was the one thing we decided to have her do. She dissembled well and hung off, we insisting almost to the point of threats, when up that tree she

It must have taken some “courage” by the new initiates to “turn the tables” on those older members. Back to the goat. References to “the goat” were not limited to individual collegiate chapters. National conventions typically closed with a celebratory banquet that included musical presentations and speakers who commented on a variety of topics, some serious—some not. The “goat” received attention, too. 1894 Convention: “Our Goat” 1896 Convention: “Mademoiselle, the Goat” 1898 Convention: “When Billy Meets the Barb” 1900 Convention: “Our Goat” 1901 Convention: “Goat Song” In 1893, delegates to the second national convention determined that the use of a courage test would be left up to each chapter. During the sixth national convention in 1898, the delegates determined that mock initiation and courage tests, if used, were to be held on different nights from the formal initiation ceremony.

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The 1904 edition of The Alpha Chi Omega Song Book included a song entitled “Alpha Chi Goat Song.” It appears above. What, you ask, is this all about? Did new initiates really ride a live goat? Did our earliest sisters think this up? Who knows? One theory holds that the phrase “ride the goat” is in some way connected with Freemasonry and its use of an acronym G.A.O.T.U. that allegedly stands for “Great

Architect of the Universe.” There are references to “riding the goat” in poem, song, prose and drama in nineteenth and early twentieth century literature. Perhaps it is best to leave the questions unanswered and the topic of “riding the goat” open for now. Additional references to goats and examples of mock initiations and courage tests may surface as this History explores future decades. To be continued—

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R This red carnation postcard was the perfect reflection of Alpha Chi Omega for sister-to-sister communication. Click the image to view the full piece at the end of this book.

M not just any flower The Red Carnation

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hen did you receive your first red carnation? Was it when you accepted Alpha Chi Omega’s invitation to become a member? Do you recall the point in your initiation when the “Legend of the Red Carnation” was shared with you? Did your chapter name you “Carnation Girl of the Month” or the “Year” during your collegiate years? Have you ever been to a national convention where red carnations are on full display? Without question, the lyre is the acknowledged visible symbol of Alpha Chi Omega. However, the red carnation surely is a close second and “wears well” throughout a member’s life in ways the lyre may not. What a good choice for a Fraternity’s flower. One could argue that the choice of the scarlet carnation as Alpha Chi Omega’s flower was a brilliant one. The red carnation is colorful, accessible, long-lasting. It is hard to miss whether one single stem in a bud vase or many arranged in a lavish bouquet—things that cannot be said about violets, or pansies, for example. Put a bouquet of red carnations, an arrangement of pansies, and a spray of violets in the same room and which one do you think would be noticed first? Yet, there is nothing written in historic records to indicate when the choice of the scarlet carnation was made, or by whom. This subject was covered in a 1959-60 issue of The Lyre and contains some interesting information. Edith Manchester Griffin, Zeta, New England Conservatory of Music, was editor of The Lyre from 1900-06. In preparation for an article on the carnation in 1959, Edith was asked when the red carnation was selected. She indicated that “a red flower was always wanted and carnations preferred” but she did not think there had been a special flower at first. In the June 1901, issue of The Lyre, Beta chapter, Albion College, wrote of “using Easter lilies, scarlet carnations, palms and ferns” at an Easter dinner at the lodge. In celebrating its sixteenth birthday in 1901, Alpha chapter, DePauw University, described “decorations of a lyre filled with carnations and smilax.” The 1904 convention report contained this description: “Tables

were gorgeously arrayed, after the fashion of Alpha Chi, with scarlet carnations, smilax, and fern.” Everything has a history, and the scarlet carnation is no exception. The carnation's history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when it was used in art and décor. With its scientific name dianthus roughly translating to "flower of love" or "flower of the gods,” depending on the source, the carnation has been revered for centuries. One of the world’s oldest cultivated flowers, the carnation is known for its ruffled appearance, clove-like scent and extended flowering period. William Shakespeare wrote in A Winter’s Tale, “The fairest flowers o’ the season are the carnations.” In England it became the “divine flower” because of its beauty and attractive fragrance. It arrived in America in the mid-1800s. The American Carnation Society was founded in 1891. In the 1950s and 1960s, Margaret Overman Baur, Alpha Chi chapter, Butler University, and her husband, Frances A., were assistant secretary and executive secretary, respectively, of this organization. Obviously they knew a great deal about carnations! They shared these comments with The Lyre: The present-day carnation’s ancestors were cultivated in classical Greece before the time of Christ. There, a fivepetaled pink flower with a scent of cloves was called ‘Dianthus’—‘Di’ meaning ‘of Zeus’ and ‘anthus’, ‘flower —Divine Flower’. Dianthus is now the name for the entire family from which the carnation is derived.

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The carnation arrived in America in the mid-1800s. The American Carnation Society was founded in 1891. While it is believed that a red flower, preferably carnation, was desired, there are no historic records indicating when the scarlet carnation was selected as Alpha Chi Omega’s flower or by whom.

The flower came to be called ‘coronation’ because it reminded people of a little crown [with peaked petals]. It was imported to this country from France in 1852 as a curiosity. The year 1856 marked advancement by the American Florists in developing a variety superior to any other in the world. By 1890, considerable success had been achieved. The gorgeous, perpetual-flower type, such as Alpha Chi uses, has become known the world over as the American Carnation.

An Alpha Chi Omega rekindles her personal connection to her Fraternity when a bouquet of red carnations is delivered to her hospital room. She knows, without reading the card, when red carnations are delivered to her sorority house or family home that a sister is celebrating, supporting or sympathizing with her. Originally used to decorate for special occasions, the red carnation has become an outward expression for all Alpha Chi Omegas of so much more. Whether the sender or the receiver, members of Alpha Chi Omega have discovered a cherished, tangible and beautiful way to express the Bond they share.

As The Lyre article indicated, “So, it is not surprising that, whenever or whether it was actually adopted, the scarlet carnation was early recognized as a ‘natural’ for us.” It has been “ours” for well over 100 years.

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Above is the sheet music for our beloved song “Bind the Red Carnation.”

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M collegiate chapters 1885-1910 Zeta, New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, Massachusetts—December 15, 1895 • Average annual active membership: 20

Alpha, DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana— October 15, 1885 • First chapter of Alpha Chi Omega • Average annual active membership: 30 Beta, Albion College, Albion, Michigan—May 27, 1887 • First chapter to own and occupy its own lodge • Average annual active membership: 18 Gamma, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois— November 14, 1890 • Average annual active membership: 20 Delta, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania— January 29, 1891 • Average annual active membership: 14 • The director of the Conservatory and a faculty member were initiated in a separate ceremony and became Alpha Chi Omega’s first alumna initiates. Epsilon, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California—June 16, 1895 • First chapter west of the Mississippi River • Because of the expense involved due to distance from the other chapters, no delegate could be sent to install the chapter. Instead, materials and equipment were sent to one of the petitioners who studied the material and then initiated the other four petitioners—a practice other fraternities had used to install distant chapters. • Average annual active membership: 13 • After 1898, the university did not flourish for some years, and the chapter finally decided to forfeit the charter rather than have an inferior chapter. However, the Grand Council decided to permit the chapter to remain inactive, retaining the charter with the hope that the university would revive in a few years. • Epsilon chapter was reestablished on October 30, 1905.

Eta, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania— June 16, 1898 • Average annual active membership: 5 • The chapter had but a short existence because of a faculty ruling for sophomore pledging, which was passed soon after Eta’s installation. The chapter found it difficult to comply because of the music requirements of Alpha Chi Omega. The chapter became inactive in June 1899. In the hope that the chapter might be revived, the charter was left with the chapter until March 1904, when it was recalled, thus making Eta chapter the only “dead chapter” on the roll of Alpha Chi Omega. Theta, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan— November 19, 1898 • First chapter chartered at a state university. • Average annual active membership: 18 • Once each month, the chapter held an “open meeting” where “a well-prepared program was given in which the alumnae were the chief performers.” The program was followed by a regular business meeting which the alumnae were invited to attend. Iota, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois— December 8, 1899 • Average annual active membership: 26 Kappa, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin— December 18, 1903 • Average annual active membership: 20 Lambda, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York— December 18, 1906 • Average annual active membership: 25

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Omicron, Baker University, Baldwin, Kansas— September 17, 1908 • Average annual active membership: 20 • The chapter was formed from a seventeen-year-old local organization, Nu Alpha. Several alumnae of Nu Alpha were initiated into Alpha Chi Omega at the installation.

Mu, Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa—May 13, 1907 • Average annual active membership: 15 • Began as Sorosis-Alpha Alpha Gamma, a local chapter from October 1905, until it was installed as an Alpha Chi Omega chapter. Nu, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado— September 6, 1907 • Average annual active membership: 14 Xi, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska— November 28, 1907 • Average annual active membership: 23 • As described in the archives, “It is a college custom for each sorority to give one formal dance during the year. This dance is governed by Pan-Hellenic rules and rushees may be invited. It is customary to give three Pan-Hellenic dances a year, which only sorority girls can attend. Each sorority girl takes a girl from another sorority, and she must not dance with her own sisters.”

Pi, University of California, Berkeley, California— May 7, 1909 • Average annual active membership: 23 • The chapter originated as La Salona, a “house club” in October, 1903. Rho, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington— October 14, 1910 • Average annual active membership: 21 • Began as Delta Nu, a “house club” that existed for two years before being installed as an Alpha Chi Omega chapter.

alumnae chapters 1885-1910 Alpha Alpha, Chicago, Illinois—May 23, 1906

Delta Delta, Los Angeles, California—September 25, 1908 • The first Grand President, Janette Allen Cushman, was a charter member.

Beta Beta, Indianapolis, Indiana—December 14, 1906 • Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham was a charter member.

Epsilon Epsilon, Detroit, Michigan—March 17, 1909

Gamma Gamma, New York, New York—November 6, 1907

Zeta Zeta, Boston, Massachusetts—November 9, 1909 • Past Grand President Evangeline Bridge was a charter member.

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M supplemental materials

R R Janette Allen Cushman

Mary Elizabeth Stanford

Charlotte Weber Seiple

Mary Janet Wilson

Beta, (undergraduate) 1891-93

Delta, (undergraduate) 1894-96

Gamma, (undergraduate) 1893-94

Alpha, 1896-98

R R Raeburn Cowger Obenchain

Kate Calkins Lovejoy

Alta Allen Loud

Alpha Chi Omega Coat-of-Arms

Alpha, 1898-1902

Beta, 1907-10, 1912-19

Beta, 1902-07