The central office moves into a suite of offices in the Chamber of Commerce Building in Indianapolis.
Mildred Blacklidge (Alpha, DePauw University) assumes the position of national secretary in charge of the central office. She serves from 1929-37.
The Great Depression, the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world, lasts from 1929-39. As the Depression begins, 25% of the workforce is unemployed and hourly wages drop 60%. Nature adds to the country's woes with the Ohio River flood, the "Black Sunday" dust storm in Texas and drought covering the country.
Beta Eta chapter is established at Florida State University.
The U.S. stock market crashes, beginning the Great Depression.
The most popular form of entertainment is the radio because it is so cheap. Programs like "Amos and Andy," "Burns and Allen," "Fibber McGee and Molly," "Flash Gordon" and "Jack Armstrong - the All-American Boy" are popular.
The flapper fashion of the 1920s disappears in favor of a more sedate style. However, women wore short shorts - in public.
Beta Theta chapter is established at Lawrence University.
Beta Iota chapter is established at the University of Toronto. It is the first Canadian chapter.
Dubbed the "Singing Convention," the Hotel Del Monte welcomed 396 attendees, 189 arriving by The Special train. Votes allowed a $1/year salary for all bonded officers, and a committee was gathered to create a Founders' Memorial to be revealed at the 1935 convention. The first Hawaiian post-convention trip included a 17-day all-expenses-included steamship leaving San Francisco July 5 and returning July 22, costing $343.50; nine members participated.
Beta Kappa chapter is established at the University of Wyoming.
Beta Lambda chapter is established at the University of Arizona.
Beta Mu chapter is established at Pennsylvania State University.
Forty-one of the fifty-seven chapters own their own chapter houses, with five others renting houses.
The "Capital Convention at the Capitol" had been mostly planned before National President Ethel Mean Van Auken (Lambda, Syracuse University) cited, "Great need for economy both to our national and chapter funds" in the April 1933 Lyre announcing the cancellation. Province conventions were held for those able to attend. All elected officers continued to serve until 1935.
The 21st Amendment passes, repealing the 18th Amendment and making alcohol legal once again.
Beta Nu chapter is established at the University of Utah.
Beta Xi chapter is established at Utah State University.
Minerva Osborn Donald (Pi, University of California, Berkeley) serves as National President from 1935-39.
Alpha Alpha (Chicago, Illinois) chapter hosted a Chicago Pre-Convention Day on June 25 before attendees boarded the "newly air-conditioned" Special train to Greencastle. This convention was also the first time traveling by airplane was mentioned, where bags had to be less than 17 lbs. A convention medallion was designed by Bernice Deetz (Upsilon, Millikin University) and given to every attendee. 417 attendees, 42 Olympians and 318 first-time attendees were featured in the first motion picture film to be taken at convention.