Material Type

Manuscript

Date Range

1953 to 1989

Creator

Beta Sigma Phi: Tau Chapter

Physical Description

32 cm of textual records

Physical Condition

Excellent

History Biographical

Beta Sigma Phi International "In 1931, during the Great Depression, there was a need for an organization that could bring women together and expose them to a social, cultural and educational climate that was not available in those difficult times. Most important, there was a need for friendship and support from other women. Beta Sigma Phi was created out of this need. It did not take long before Beta Sigma Phis were helping others. Members worked together to raise $22 million in war bonds during World War II. The 1950s brought peace and prosperity to the world, and Beta Sigma Phi membership doubled. This era was filled with grand balls, elegant teas and the growing strength of sisterhood as thousands of women joined Beta Sigma Phi. As the times have changed, so has Beta Sigma Phi. The 1960s and 1970s found our organization less formal, but the ideals were the same. Now in the 21st Century, our over 165,000 members find the more we grow, the more valuable we become to our sisters and to our communities. The Beta Sigma Phi woman will continue to face challenges and cherish opportunities as she moves into the future. Typical chapters enjoy socials that range from informal gatherings to gala affairs that often include friends and family. Fascinating cultural programs offer insight into subjects that range from the arts to gardening to in-home businesses. Membership in our organization provides opportunities to contribute to your community, develop lifelong friendships, and polish leadership skills. Our members raise more than $3 million for local charities and donate over 200,0000 volunteer hours in an average year. Each chapter determines its own service projects and participation is always voluntary. Chapters have created their own International Funds that donate millions of dollars to health research groups, hunger projects, and other worthwhile causes. Members and their families can receive assistance through our International Loan, Scholarship and Disaster Funds ... Unlike a college sorority, our organization has members of all ages and educational backgrounds. Our sisterhood constantly redefines itself through the diversity and vitality of its members who share their ideas, talents and enthusiasm." [Source: Beta Sigma Phi International webpage, history section: http://www.betasigmaphi.org/history.php]MCA, Lethbridge Community College, Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) and St. Michael's Health Centre. Beta Sigma Phi in Lethbridge Beta Sigma Phi was founded in Lethbridge 19 July 1945 in a ceremony held at the Marquis Hotel. Mrs. Esther Lewis, a traveling representative of Beta Sigma Phi International with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, read the pledge ritual to 22 women who formed the Kappa Chapter. As reported on page eight in The Lethbridge Herald of 19 July 1945, Mrs. Lewis "will read the pledge ritual for the initiation at a table with a large bowl of yellow roses flanked on either side with tall black candles." The number of members dropped to 10 by the time of the first 'Ritual of Jewels' ceremony. The organization remained at 10 members until 1949, when members from Kappa Chapter split to form Beta Chapter. On 3 October 1950 the first meeting of Beta Sigma Phi City Council was held. Another chapter, Tau, was created later as was Nu Phi Mu Junior Chapter. In Lethbridge, the members work their way up through various levels according to a planned program of the larger organization. The members meet in each others' homes twice monthly and take turns making educational presentations on a variety of topics: music, health, history, home, famous women and literature. The local chapters of Beta Sigma Phi have provided volunteer and/or financial support to organizations including Harbour House, Meals on wheels, Canadian Cancer Society, Arthritis Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation. Beta Sigma Phi also provides scholarships to Lethbridge College and the Kiwanis Music Festival. [Sources: The Lethbridge Herald, 19 July 1945, page 8 ; The Lethbridge Herald, 28 April 1996, page A4 ; file 20021004001]

Language

English

Acquisition Source

Beta Sigma Phi

Scope and Content

P20021090001 Book of Rituals. 1959 P20021090002 Chapter and Member Information P20021090003 Chapter and Pledge Manual. 1992 P20021090004 Finance. 1984 - 1985 P20021090005 Finance. 1986 - 1987 P20021090006 Financial reports. September 1975 - November 1986 P20021090007 Founders Day. 1973 - 1980 P20021090008 Guest book. 1975 - 1988 P20021090009 Meeting minutes. Fall 1953 - Spring 1958 P20021090010 Meeting minutes. Fall 1958 - Spring 1960 P20021090011 Meeting minutes. Fall 1960 - Spring 1961 P20021090012 Meeting minutes. Fall 1961 - Spring 1964 P20021090013 Meeting minutes. Fall 1964 - Spring 1965 P20021090014 Meeting minutes. Fall 1965 - Spring 1967 P20021090015 Meeting minutes. Fall 1967 - Spring 1968 P20021090016 Meeting minutes. Fall 1968 - Spring 1969 P20021090017 Meeting minutes. Fall 1969 - Spring 1970 P20021090018 Meeting minutes. Fall 1970 - Spring 1971 P20021090019 Meeting minutes. Fall 1971 - Spring 1972 P20021090020 Meeting minutes. Fall 1972 - Spring 1973 P20021090021 Meeting minutes. Fall 1973 - Spring 1974 P20021090022 Meeting minutes. Fall 1974 - Spring 1975 P20021090023 Meeting minutes. Fall 1975 - Spring 1976 P20021090024 Meeting minutes. Fall 1976 - Spring 1977 P20021090025 Meeting minutes. Fall 1977 - Spring 1978 P20021090026 Pledge training guide. n.d. P20021090027 President's guide book. 1973 P20021090028 Service Committee. 1972 - 1982 P20021090029 Social Committee and events. 1974 - 1980 P20021090030 Social Committee. 1985 - 1989 P20021090031 Vice President and pledge training. 1986

Notes

Supplied source: Content of the fonds.

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

20021090000

Collection

Archive

Less detail