Alpha chapter was founded at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana on October 15, 1885.
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In a portion of a speech given at the 1952 Massachusetts State Day, Ann Burnett Clark speaks about her grandmother, Founder Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University).
The program includes pieces from The Daily Banner written between May 23-26, 1932 regarding the death of Founder Anna Allen Smith (Alpha, DePauw University). The articles discuss plans for Smith's funeral as well as biographical information about the deceased.
Anna Allen Smith (Alpha, DePauw University) lived her entire life in Greencastle, Indiana, and was childhood friends with Bessie Grooms Keenan (Alpha, DePauw University and Olive (Ollie) Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University). She was always interested in music and was the youngest student to do advanced work at DePauw's School of Music. She was just 15 years old when Alpha Chi Omega was founded. Anna was the Founder most associated with Alpha chapter and until her untimely death in 1932, she knew every initiated Alpha (all 700 of them).
DATE OF BIRTH: September 10, 1870 DATE OF DEATH: May 23, 1932 CEMETERY Forest Hill Cemetery 2181 S County Road 50 W. Greencastle, IN 46135 Anna Allen Smith (Alpha, DePauw University) shares a headstone with her husband, infant son and other relatives (with last name Allen). The Smiths are located in Book 1, p. 356, Lot 11, Block 7, Range 11.
Established in 1914, the Award of Distinction was to recognize the 29 sisters who served overseas in World War I. In 1924, the criteria was broadened to include sisters who had given “constructive service to the Fraternity.” Marian McDowell was the first to receive the new award in 1926. At the 1935 National Convention, each of the four living Founders were presented an award. Nellie Gamble Childe's award was donated to the national archives upon her death. The award was designed by Hungarian-American sculptor Julio Kilenyi.
Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham (Alpha, DePauw University) poses in her living room with 16 war books and five Alpha Chi Omega scrapbooks. The Alpha Chi Omega scrapbooks (including all of the pages) can be found on this site.
The only original badge known to still be in existence, this badge belonged to Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham (Alpha, DePauw University) and was created in 1885. The 3/4-inch badge features 28 pearls and seven garnets. Unlike many later badges, which feature twisted lyre strings, the strings on this badge are flat. Each new chapter is presented a replica of this badge for the chapter president to wear during her term. The president's badge is then passed from president to president.
When Bertha Deniston Cunningham's (Alpha, DePauw University) parents decided their musically advanced daughter should continue her studies at DePauw, she had to play for Dean Howe to determine just how advanced she was. She went on to become the envy of the school’s music students because of her composing skills. She also was an accomplished performer and successful teacher in the School of Music for 10 years. Hers is the only one of five original badges that exists today.
Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham compiled 12 scrapbooks that are part of Alpha Chi Omega's archives collection. This scrapbook includes numerous event programs, handwritten notes by Mrs. Cunningham, newspaper clippings, memories of State Days, and tributes to Past National President Alta Allen Loud (Beta, Albion College).