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Alpha Rho State History
The number 41 is indeed important
in the history of Alpha Rho State because
- 41 key women educators accepted
the first invitations to membership.
- Oregon is number 41 among
the states organized nationally.
- Oregon became Alpha Rho
State in 1941.
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On May 23, 1941, Dr.
Annie Webb Blanton installed the Alpha Rho State, Oregon,
as the 41st state organization for The Delta Kappa Gamma
Society International. The installation was held at
the Sunken Gardens of the Multnomah Hotel in Portland.
She was assisted by Anne O'Neill of the College of Education,
Monmouth.
Sixteen of the 23 key
women educators who attended this historical installation
became the founders of Alpha Rho State. They represented
the four corners of our great and diverse state. Nine
other outstanding women educators were unable to attend
this initial meeting and were initiated in later months.
One of the selected founders was Anna Mary Gilles, an
assistant professor of art at Eastern Oregon College
of Education in LaGrande. Oregon women broke the mold
as none of the 23 attendees wore formal dress that evening.
Dr. Annie Webb Blanton was the only woman in the room
attired in a full length blue velvet gown. Squab was
the main dish for this first banquet and probably has
never been served again at a Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha
Rho State dinner.
Alpha Rho State Founders
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Miss Carmelita Barquist,
Salem |
Miss Edith Bork, Ashland |
Dr. Florence Beardsley,
Monmouth |
Miss Alice Clement,
McMinnville |
Mrs. Ann Gilles Dick,
LaGrande |
Miss Emma Henkle,
Monmouth |
Miss Louise Ingram,
Portland |
Miss Caroline Paige,
Portland |
Mrs. Blanche Jackson,
Eugene |
Mrs. Grace Sehon,
Salem |
Mrs. Florence Ollman,
Klamath Falls |
Miss Elphe K. Smith,
Portland |
Miss Anne O'Neill,
Monmouth |
Miss Isabel Willsie,
Astoria |
Miss Clara
Augusta Trotter, Monmouth |
Mrs. Augusta Parker
Dunbar, Klamath Falls |
Sixty years later Key Women
Educators continue to teach children to be responsible
leaders of our nation, provide scholarships, work to
bring equity and fairness to our profession, support
legislation that enhances education, families, and children,
and continue to be joined in genuine Delta Kappa Gamma
spiritual fellowship across this great state of Oregon.
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