Material Type

Manuscript

Date Range

1956-2001

Physical Description

approximately 23 cm

Physical Condition

Very Good

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] 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 City Council c/o Kate Langston, President 72 Heritage Point West Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7K9

Scope and Content

The fonds consists of meeting agendas, attendance records, bylaws, correspondence, fiftieth anniversary planning materials, guest books, meeting minutes, and essays by school children who participated in the Young Writers' Club. The fonds is divided into three series: general records of Beta Sigma Phi, records of the Lethbridge City Council, and records of the Laureate Mu Career Chapter No. 1335.

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

20021004000

Collection

Archive

Less detail