OUR BEGINNING . . .
As the newspaper article on the previous page tells, Alpha Tau Chapter of Missouri State, Delta Kappa Gamma, was organized in Bolivar, Missouri, at a dinner meeting held in the Bolivar Christian Church. Installing officers were Mrs. Margaret Hale, State President, and Miss Neva M. Ross, State Membership Chairman. Other State officers participating were Marian R. Smith--1st VP, Leona F. Koch, 2nd VP, Merea Williams--Executive Sec/Treas., Mary Lucille Adams--Recording Sec., Nadine Garnett--Corresponding Sec., and Mary D. Sheetz--Parliamentarian. Omicron Chapter of Lebanon participated and was well represented in the events of the day as well.
Alpha Tau Chapter was organized through the recommendation of the State Membership Chairman Neva M. Ross. The overly large membership of Omicron Chapter of Lebanon and the need to extend Delta Kappa Gamma's territory into other counties made it advisable to follow her recommendation. Thirteen women were initiated on June 1st at the organizational meeting and therefore were charter members:
*Marilee Arnold *Eva Marie Glor *Sally Shantz
*Norma Bishop *Merle Grant *Wanda Short Kelsey
*Margaret Brooks *Beryl Harris *Twila Smith
*Dorothy Burchett Hopkins *Neomia Keller *Jacqueline Vincent
*Ellen Skidmore
Thirty-four members of Omicron Chapter voluntarily transferred and became charter members of Alpha Tau Chapter, and they were:
*Ruth Alexander *Geneva Cansler Lawyer *Emojean Jenkins Hembree *Shirley Padgett
*Mary Emma Allen** *Bethany Cunnygham *Ernestine Kinsey *Verna Lea Peterson
*Marian Althen *Linnett Fundenberger *Ferrell Mallory *Caroline Pike
*Bernice Anderson *Willa Garrett *Mary McKown ** *Edith Smith
*Celestine Ball *Ruth Giddens *Helen Miller ** *Anna Stearns
*Ida Alice Barnes *Betty Gipson *Lula Mitchell ** *Loreta Stewart
*Violet Bohy *Dorothy Hebbert *Virginia Montgomery *Leona Tucker **
*Bessie Mae Caldwell *Katherine Hoff *Mary Oldham ** *Ethel Williams
*Mae Hurst *Rose Mary Owens
In the fall of 1969, six more women were initiated into the chapter--Theo Clark, Mary Gallivan, Faye McKinney, Charlene Playter, Emogene Sechler, as well as Ruth King, who was absent on the initial initiation day.
It should be noted that of the members that transferred from Omicrom, several were charter members from that chapter: Mary Emma Allen, Mary McKown, Helen Miller, and Anna Stearns (see green highlights). In addition, the following that transferred had been past presidents of Omicron: Mary McKown, Leona Tucker, Mary Emma Allen, Anna Stearns, Helen Miller, Mary Oldham, and Lula Mitchell (see **).
In the first two years of the new chapter, the membership was 52, and the territory included the counties of Cedar (except for the Eldorado Springs School District), Dade, Dade, Dallas, Hickory, Polk, and St. Clair. All of the counties were represented with members except for Dade. Dues started out at $8.00, but were increased to $10.00 for the purposes of buying all the regalia needed for initiations and to meet the expenses of the president in attending State Convention at the Lodge of the Four Seasons, regional meetings, and the International Convention.
Alpha Tau Chapter was organized through the recommendation of the State Membership Chairman Neva M. Ross. The overly large membership of Omicron Chapter of Lebanon and the need to extend Delta Kappa Gamma's territory into other counties made it advisable to follow her recommendation. Thirteen women were initiated on June 1st at the organizational meeting and therefore were charter members:
*Marilee Arnold *Eva Marie Glor *Sally Shantz
*Norma Bishop *Merle Grant *Wanda Short Kelsey
*Margaret Brooks *Beryl Harris *Twila Smith
*Dorothy Burchett Hopkins *Neomia Keller *Jacqueline Vincent
*Ellen Skidmore
Thirty-four members of Omicron Chapter voluntarily transferred and became charter members of Alpha Tau Chapter, and they were:
*Ruth Alexander *Geneva Cansler Lawyer *Emojean Jenkins Hembree *Shirley Padgett
*Mary Emma Allen** *Bethany Cunnygham *Ernestine Kinsey *Verna Lea Peterson
*Marian Althen *Linnett Fundenberger *Ferrell Mallory *Caroline Pike
*Bernice Anderson *Willa Garrett *Mary McKown ** *Edith Smith
*Celestine Ball *Ruth Giddens *Helen Miller ** *Anna Stearns
*Ida Alice Barnes *Betty Gipson *Lula Mitchell ** *Loreta Stewart
*Violet Bohy *Dorothy Hebbert *Virginia Montgomery *Leona Tucker **
*Bessie Mae Caldwell *Katherine Hoff *Mary Oldham ** *Ethel Williams
*Mae Hurst *Rose Mary Owens
In the fall of 1969, six more women were initiated into the chapter--Theo Clark, Mary Gallivan, Faye McKinney, Charlene Playter, Emogene Sechler, as well as Ruth King, who was absent on the initial initiation day.
It should be noted that of the members that transferred from Omicrom, several were charter members from that chapter: Mary Emma Allen, Mary McKown, Helen Miller, and Anna Stearns (see green highlights). In addition, the following that transferred had been past presidents of Omicron: Mary McKown, Leona Tucker, Mary Emma Allen, Anna Stearns, Helen Miller, Mary Oldham, and Lula Mitchell (see **).
In the first two years of the new chapter, the membership was 52, and the territory included the counties of Cedar (except for the Eldorado Springs School District), Dade, Dade, Dallas, Hickory, Polk, and St. Clair. All of the counties were represented with members except for Dade. Dues started out at $8.00, but were increased to $10.00 for the purposes of buying all the regalia needed for initiations and to meet the expenses of the president in attending State Convention at the Lodge of the Four Seasons, regional meetings, and the International Convention.
Activities for the First Biennium of Alpha Tau:
*Annual Banquet at the Southwest District Teachers' Meeting in October
*Founder's Day Tea in Springfield in May
*August picnic with Omicron Chapter entertaining State President Marian Smith with Mary McKown presenting poetry; Mary was asked to present at State Convention as
well because of her talent!
*A Christmas Tea each year that became a traditional way to raise money for the
World Fellowship
*Planning and decorating the tables for the State Convention Birthday Luncheon--"An Illusion of Springtime," using pink cracked-ice candles, pink dogwood, string eggs,
nylon net, and sycamore wood
*Hostesses planned lovely meals and decorated tables beautifully, according to the president
*And, likewise, program members entertained and gave much food for thought on the theme of "Values"
A WARNING ABOUT NOMINATIONS FROM THE 1st PRESIDENT: "Be especially careful about asking someone if she wants to be a member of DKG. Nothing is said to a person about being a member until she has received a written invitation from your President. First of all she must have been recommended by members of the chapter, the application form filled out, this form signed by from 3 to 5 members, the information on the form is read before the entire chapter, voting then takes place by secret ballot. The President now sends the written invitation to the person. It is after all of these things have taken place that you may talk to the person about being a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. It is then, also, that an orientation session of some kind is in order where we may discuss many phases of DKG." (Emojean Jenkins)
AND A LOOK TO THE FUTURE: "I am hopeful that we be responsive to the needs of young people in their striving to become teachers. Encouragement in some fashion is particularly needed when the road ahead looks so long. In each local town it might be well for our members to take a look at SNEA groups or other such teacher groups and plan in some way to help." (Emojean Jenkins) ISN'T IT AWESOME THAT THIS IS STILL WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO TODAY--HELP EARLY CAREER EDUCATORS?!!!
Testimonials From Early Members:
Written by Mary McKown in 1994
"In the 1940's, I received a letter saying that I had been recommended for membership in Delta Kappa Gamma fraternity and an invitation to join. I had never heard of Delta Kappa Gamma and to me, fraternity meant men's organization. I went up to Miss Stearn's office to see if she knew anything about it and she had received the same thing. Fortunately, Miss Dessa Manual, the school inspector for this area was there and she was elated about our invitation. she was a member of Epsilon Chapter in Springfield. she said is was such an honor, that we must accept, and we did.
We were initiated in Statler Hotel in St. Louis to Delta State Chapter and were able to attend state meetings only. The ceremony was very formal and long. It has been revised twice since then. My escort was an English teacher from Warrensburg State College.
Later, thirteen people were called to Lebanon to form a new chapter to be known as Omicron. Miss Minnie Irons, a teacher at Missouri University and president of Delta State, organized the chapter. She was assisted by Miss Dessa Manual. The new chapter consisted of four members from Epsilon Chapter, two from State and the rest from Lebanon, Stockton, Bolivar, and Marshfield. Miss Anne Algeo, principal of Lebanon's Elementary School, was the first president.
We became large enough to divide and form two chapters. The main reason for division was the distance members had to travel--from Mountain Grove to Stockton and Greenfield. We often met in Springfield. Thus Alpha Tau Chapter was organized."
Written by Ethel Williams in 1994
"When I was initiated into Omicron Chapter in November 1947, I felt so honored and very humble to become a part of Delta Kappa Gamma. The initiation was the most beautiful, professional, and perfect ceremony I had or have ever seen. The setting was perfect. (Kentwood Arms Hotel in Springfield).
The table had all of the delta Kappa Gamma paraphernalia, the white Bible, the constitution, one dozen fresh red roses, three large brass candlesticks, three small candles, and gold and red ribbons. Behind the table stood the professional women who gave the meaning and obligation of Delta Kappa Gamma. It was indeed unforgettable.
When I think of Delta Kappa Gamma, I still see and think of Ann and June Algeo, Mary McKown, Elva Dunn, Helen Miller, Olive Robertson, Cleo Long, Ruby Hough, Loreta Stewart, Emojean Hembree, and many others.
I remember my first meeting as president. It was a joint meeting with Omicron. Our chapter served as hostess at the Lodge at Bennett Spring State Park. Omicron Chapter presented the program. It was decided at that meeting by both groups, that in August of 1972 we hold another meeting together.
One of the most helpful things for me as president was the workshop help in Springfield with Dorothy Starkle in charge. From this meeting the Southwest Missouri Coordinating Council was formed with seven or eight chapters. It was decided that each chapter take their turn as responsibility for the meeting of the council.
As past president of Alpha Tau Chapter, I have many fond memories. The things I remember most are the helpful and loyal support of the officers and chairman of the committees. The encouraging words, the cooperation, the willingness to perform any task to be done, (and it was always efficiently and perfectly accomplished by everyone of our members). My thanks always to the entire membership during my term as president. May all the presidents past and future enjoy the same from all members of Alpha Tau."
Written by Mary Oldham in 1994
"I became a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Omicron Chapter, in 1948. The initiation was at Lebanon, Missouri. I was Chapter President o Omicron 1962-1964, and State Recording Secretary 1955-1957. Omicron Chapter was in charge of the breakfast in Jefferson City in April, 1963. That was while I was president and was in charge. I have served on several committees but I doubt if I added very much. Best wishes and love to all."
Written by Edith Stewart in 1994
"I was taken into Epsilon Chapter, Springfield, in the late 30's. Dessa Manuel sponsored me. Our meetings were held in the Tea Room at Heers. There was only the one chapter in this area. When I moved to Kansas City in 1945, I moved my membership to Alpha Chapter there. That was the only chapter. When National began to want new chapters, no one wanted to leave Alpha. New chapters were formed in the area with new membership. In 1971, I retired from Kansas City and moved my membership to Alpha Tau. When I joined, members were urged to become life members. As I remember my life membership was $75.00.
Alpha Chapter was outstanding with the Christmas program. It was a brunch, but the program was inspirational. Someone who had done something outstanding."
*Annual Banquet at the Southwest District Teachers' Meeting in October
*Founder's Day Tea in Springfield in May
*August picnic with Omicron Chapter entertaining State President Marian Smith with Mary McKown presenting poetry; Mary was asked to present at State Convention as
well because of her talent!
*A Christmas Tea each year that became a traditional way to raise money for the
World Fellowship
*Planning and decorating the tables for the State Convention Birthday Luncheon--"An Illusion of Springtime," using pink cracked-ice candles, pink dogwood, string eggs,
nylon net, and sycamore wood
*Hostesses planned lovely meals and decorated tables beautifully, according to the president
*And, likewise, program members entertained and gave much food for thought on the theme of "Values"
A WARNING ABOUT NOMINATIONS FROM THE 1st PRESIDENT: "Be especially careful about asking someone if she wants to be a member of DKG. Nothing is said to a person about being a member until she has received a written invitation from your President. First of all she must have been recommended by members of the chapter, the application form filled out, this form signed by from 3 to 5 members, the information on the form is read before the entire chapter, voting then takes place by secret ballot. The President now sends the written invitation to the person. It is after all of these things have taken place that you may talk to the person about being a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. It is then, also, that an orientation session of some kind is in order where we may discuss many phases of DKG." (Emojean Jenkins)
AND A LOOK TO THE FUTURE: "I am hopeful that we be responsive to the needs of young people in their striving to become teachers. Encouragement in some fashion is particularly needed when the road ahead looks so long. In each local town it might be well for our members to take a look at SNEA groups or other such teacher groups and plan in some way to help." (Emojean Jenkins) ISN'T IT AWESOME THAT THIS IS STILL WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO TODAY--HELP EARLY CAREER EDUCATORS?!!!
Testimonials From Early Members:
Written by Mary McKown in 1994
"In the 1940's, I received a letter saying that I had been recommended for membership in Delta Kappa Gamma fraternity and an invitation to join. I had never heard of Delta Kappa Gamma and to me, fraternity meant men's organization. I went up to Miss Stearn's office to see if she knew anything about it and she had received the same thing. Fortunately, Miss Dessa Manual, the school inspector for this area was there and she was elated about our invitation. she was a member of Epsilon Chapter in Springfield. she said is was such an honor, that we must accept, and we did.
We were initiated in Statler Hotel in St. Louis to Delta State Chapter and were able to attend state meetings only. The ceremony was very formal and long. It has been revised twice since then. My escort was an English teacher from Warrensburg State College.
Later, thirteen people were called to Lebanon to form a new chapter to be known as Omicron. Miss Minnie Irons, a teacher at Missouri University and president of Delta State, organized the chapter. She was assisted by Miss Dessa Manual. The new chapter consisted of four members from Epsilon Chapter, two from State and the rest from Lebanon, Stockton, Bolivar, and Marshfield. Miss Anne Algeo, principal of Lebanon's Elementary School, was the first president.
We became large enough to divide and form two chapters. The main reason for division was the distance members had to travel--from Mountain Grove to Stockton and Greenfield. We often met in Springfield. Thus Alpha Tau Chapter was organized."
Written by Ethel Williams in 1994
"When I was initiated into Omicron Chapter in November 1947, I felt so honored and very humble to become a part of Delta Kappa Gamma. The initiation was the most beautiful, professional, and perfect ceremony I had or have ever seen. The setting was perfect. (Kentwood Arms Hotel in Springfield).
The table had all of the delta Kappa Gamma paraphernalia, the white Bible, the constitution, one dozen fresh red roses, three large brass candlesticks, three small candles, and gold and red ribbons. Behind the table stood the professional women who gave the meaning and obligation of Delta Kappa Gamma. It was indeed unforgettable.
When I think of Delta Kappa Gamma, I still see and think of Ann and June Algeo, Mary McKown, Elva Dunn, Helen Miller, Olive Robertson, Cleo Long, Ruby Hough, Loreta Stewart, Emojean Hembree, and many others.
I remember my first meeting as president. It was a joint meeting with Omicron. Our chapter served as hostess at the Lodge at Bennett Spring State Park. Omicron Chapter presented the program. It was decided at that meeting by both groups, that in August of 1972 we hold another meeting together.
One of the most helpful things for me as president was the workshop help in Springfield with Dorothy Starkle in charge. From this meeting the Southwest Missouri Coordinating Council was formed with seven or eight chapters. It was decided that each chapter take their turn as responsibility for the meeting of the council.
As past president of Alpha Tau Chapter, I have many fond memories. The things I remember most are the helpful and loyal support of the officers and chairman of the committees. The encouraging words, the cooperation, the willingness to perform any task to be done, (and it was always efficiently and perfectly accomplished by everyone of our members). My thanks always to the entire membership during my term as president. May all the presidents past and future enjoy the same from all members of Alpha Tau."
Written by Mary Oldham in 1994
"I became a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Omicron Chapter, in 1948. The initiation was at Lebanon, Missouri. I was Chapter President o Omicron 1962-1964, and State Recording Secretary 1955-1957. Omicron Chapter was in charge of the breakfast in Jefferson City in April, 1963. That was while I was president and was in charge. I have served on several committees but I doubt if I added very much. Best wishes and love to all."
Written by Edith Stewart in 1994
"I was taken into Epsilon Chapter, Springfield, in the late 30's. Dessa Manuel sponsored me. Our meetings were held in the Tea Room at Heers. There was only the one chapter in this area. When I moved to Kansas City in 1945, I moved my membership to Alpha Chapter there. That was the only chapter. When National began to want new chapters, no one wanted to leave Alpha. New chapters were formed in the area with new membership. In 1971, I retired from Kansas City and moved my membership to Alpha Tau. When I joined, members were urged to become life members. As I remember my life membership was $75.00.
Alpha Chapter was outstanding with the Christmas program. It was a brunch, but the program was inspirational. Someone who had done something outstanding."