Name/Title
Members of Beta Sigma Phi organization,Entry/Object ID
2010.53.9Description
Members of Beta Sigma Phi organization, undated but from the 1970s or 1980s. The woman on the right appears to be Patricia Gardner.
In the early 1950s, four members of Spokane's Alpha Alpha chapter, tired of driving twice a month from Cheney, and with a member directory and social sponsor, organized the first Beta Sigma Phi chapter in Cheney. It was apparent the endeavor would be a success. There were thirteen members when Gamma Theta was chartered in October 1952, among them were Helen Bowlsby and Carolyn Giles.
Chapter dues were 25¢ per meeting. There was a concern in the chapter about collecting enough funds, and some suggestions were to fine members for not wearing their pin, sponsoring Sam Gorton bridge lessons, or holding a raffle.
Some of the first year's projects included a Christmas project where members collected money totally $11.55 for a needy family to buy dolls for their two little girls, a textile painting kit for the older girls, a truck filled with blocks made by a member's husband, a box of Crayola's and candy cane for each child, two dozen oranges, and a pound each of nuts and Christmas candy. The gifts were delivered to the family on Christmas Eve. Later, the chapter also helped observe birthdays of the family members.
In February 1953, the chapter participated in the Mother's March of Dimes campaign and raised $204. The Cheney Beta Sigma Phi sponsored the "Louise Anderson Scholarship" for home economics of $100 in October 1954. That was the year that Louise Anderson, head of the EWC Home Economics Department, retired.
The Gamma Theta chapter also sponsored teenage dances with the Camp Fire Horizon Girls, as their membership continued to grow through new pledges and transferees.
In Spring 1955, the Cheney chapter assisted with the polio vaccination clinics by giving penny candy to each child after their two vaccinations.
Cheney's Beta Sigma Phi continued to be part of the Spokane Beta City Council by attending their monthly meetings, the Christmas Dance with their own Cheney Queen Candidate, Founder's Day, Mother's Day tea, and the annual March of Dimes Style Show.Acquisition
Accession
2010.53Source or Donor
Fisher, AnnAcquisition Method
GiftLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
Print, PhotographicNomenclature Primary Object Term
PhotographNomenclature Sub-Class
Graphic DocumentsNomenclature Class
Documentary ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsSearch Terms
Clubs, Fraternal organizations, Beta Sigma Phi, Women, Clothing & dress, Hairstyles