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244 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

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Oh Alpha O, Oh Alpha O,
Since we all love but thee,
For faith and friendship are so strong
In our fraternity!
Her memory we'll carry dear
Wherever we may go;
So here's a toast
To the best on earth,
Dear Alpha O!

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 245

T H E COLLEGE GIRL AND T H ERURAL COMMUNITY

Every sunny, flowered June sees the doors of colleges and univer-
sities flung wide to send out into the waiting world hundreds of girls
—tall and short, fair and dark, of varying temperaments and person-
alities—who shall take their places in the great pageant of life—to
make or to mar its beauty.

There are many teachers, there are many brides, a few artisans
and more social workers, all whom step quickly and gladly into
the places for which they are fitted. But on the outskirts is a great
throng of girls who do not care to teach, or practice medicine or
enter the settlement house, who are waiting perhaps for that tall
lithe blonde to get his degree or the broad shouldered parson to settle
on his parish, or more of ten. are welcomed by father and mother as
an ornamental member of the family after four years of absence.
What is life to mean to these?

Let us take an example. A girl, born and brought up in a small
town, whose college life lias filled her soul with ideas and ideals,
who has dipped into science and delved into sociology, has acquired
a taste for Browning and fudge making (at the same time), who
can lead a Y. W. C. A. meeting as well as she can shoot a basket, is
not going to adjust herself easily to a life in her home town, however
congenial be the friends who welcome her back. Her education has
deepened and broadened her, to be sure, but there is considerable
theory and dream in her view of life yet, which needs to be vitalized
by contact with humanity. Economic problems have attracted her
greatly, but they will become really practical only when she has
tried her hand at a solution of them. Her college friends have been
of the best, and she has yet to learn the great lesson of democracy,
gained only by shoulder-to-shoulder friendship with those less for-
tunate than herself. The girl needs a working knowledge of life, a
practical experience that will steady and sweeten for service in the
world.

And the town is as needy as the girl graduate. I t is small,
beautifully situated and wholly charming. The population is cos-
mopolitan, embracing farmer, business man, mill owner, Polander
and French Canadian. The class distinctions are as hard and fast
as the castes of India and a great deal more ludicrous. Mrs. Upper-
crust, with a common school education, heads the literary club, and
stoutly holds her position from Mrs. Ladylike because she hasn't been
graduated from the town high school. The French Canadians form
a respectable, hardworking class by themselves, with no desire to
mingle in the American circles except in the humblest of ways. The

246 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

foreign element is a pitiable group, totally ignored except to be re-
garded as suspicious in character and living a hand-to-mouth exist-
ence. Perhaps the farmers are the happiest lot for they are sure of
good living and a voice at the polls, without any of the discomfort of
village life.

The religious life of the village is always interesting. The ques-
tion of the foreign element is settled by the Catholic church gathering
Pole and Canadian and Irish into its arms. But the village
folk have a merry time in their religion. The Congregational
church was the first-comer and prides itself on having in its fold the
blue blood of the town. Oh, how shocked the deacons are when the
young theolog who supplies during the summer goes out and umpires
a healthy game of baseball! What times, what customs! The bass
of the choir becomes wrathful when he is not asked to sing at the
strawberry festival, and forthwith the congregation arrays itself in
two armies ready to fight to a finish. On the next corner the Metho-
dists are busy with class meetings and plans for benevolence and the
great Conference. The minister would like to come back another
year, but his predecessor's widow wishes more voice on the Board than
he has allowed, so she rallies supporters to her side. And all the
time, the fields are white for the harvest, and poverty and misery go
unnoticed while Congregationalist censures Methodist and Methodist
wrangles with Congregationalist.

Industry is prosperous in most cases, but methods and means are
not all to be desired. The grocer at the corner gives short weight of
sugar, and the mill hands are poorly clothed and fed. Most of the
Polanders and Greeks are paid insufficient wages because they may be
so easily imposed upon, and the girls and women show cruelly the
long hours and poor ventilation.

Needs? The town needs everything that the girl graduate can
give, and principally her breadth of view. The girl is visionary and
the town needs the vision, she is sympathetic and the town needs
social consciousness, she is enthusiastic over life, and the town needs
buoyant, vivifying enthusiasm.

Social life can be made the salvation of the town by the college
girl. Every school sociable, every church supper and every sewing
party will take on new life and added attendance because the college
girl is giving of her personality. The affairs will not be mere eat,
drink, and gossip affairs, but real conclaves of interest, with dis-
cussions of current events, good books, and town improvement.

The college girl has seen enough of good wholesome religion W
college professors, Y. W. C. A., and city churches, to say nothing of
the soul-stirring week at Silver Bay or Kansas City, to enable her to

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 247

infuse the spirit into the country church. Her influence as peace-
maker and keeper will do much toward healing denominational
breaches. The form and method are subservient to the great purpose
of the church and the realization of that fact will be invaluable in the
country town.

Economics and sociology are old friends, and they take on added
interest when the girl begins her study of wages and living con-
ditions among the mill hands. Practical experience awaits her on
every hand, and the gratitude of Polack or Greek for a higher
standard of life will be all the reward she will need.

In a very definite way we may see the girl working out her social
reform. Because she is a girl, her immediate sphere of influence is
among the girls of her own age and younger. For four years she
has been the cynosure of eyes, because she "went to college," and
whatever she has done, worn or said has been unquestionable. Her
influence is to be invaluable to the girl-life of the community. She
understands their problems and can bring to them a fund to help
from her college experience. There are two distinct lines of work
possible in the work with girls: Camp Fire Girls and Eight Week
Clubs.

The first is a unique organization, found throughout America as
a means of teaching girls from twelve to twenty "the power of
organization and the charm of romance is the humble acts and needs
of daily life." The manual of the organization gives an interesting
account of its organization, symbols and activities. Fire and the
standing pine symbolize simplicity and strength, and the mystic word
is Wohelo from the watchwords "Work, Health, and Love." There
are three grades of membership—Wood Gatherers, Fire Makers, and
Torch Bearers. Each step requires specific knowledge of the national
organization and the performance of domestic and social duties, as
the mending of a dish towel and the refraining from ice cream for at
least a month. The costume for Camp Fire Girls is the simple
khaki Indian garment, with moccasins and bead headbands. Bead
honors are awarded by the National Board for the feats of athletics,
nature study, domestic service, and town improvement. Each group
Of Camp Fire Girls is required to have a guardian and here, more
than anywhere else perhaps does the girl graduate find herself a
needed person. She may select her fifteen girls, organize them, sug-
gest a name, and herself be a partaker in their activities. Her college
athletics have fitted her for their companion in the outdoor life, and
ner experience in pageant or drama will suggest^H sorts of games
and plays. The summer meetings will be held in a grove by the

248 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

side of the lake, where guardian and girls study birds and flowers,

and Indian lore, and plan a cleaning-up day for the town. The winter

meetings easily become sewing or literary clubs with a definite aim—
charity sewing or the study of famous women—and the resourceful
college girl finds the days too short for all she plans to accomplish.
She will find that the Camp Fire Girls become a strong enthusiastic

band of girls, who forget their wishy-washy interests and beaux in

the wholesome work and play that she has taught. Democratic friend-
ship results and the town is rich in its possession of Fire Maker and
Wood Gatherer.

Very similar in plan but simpler in form in the Fight Week Club
movement under the direction of the National Y. W. C. A. These
clubs are formed for the purpose of bringing to the home girls of
the college girl's age some of the things that they have missed, and

teaching the college girl the real worth of the girls whom she may

have hitherto disregarded. For organizing an Eight Week Club,
the girl home from college seeks out from town and country a dozen
girls whom she thinks can be interested. The telephone operator, the
shy farmer's daughter, the young music teacher, the clerk in the coun-

try store, the wealthy young lady who hasn't anything to do, are all

invited to the college girl's home for a sewing party. The plan for
a club is suggested, a delectable drink served, and the ice is 1 airly
broken. The methods are as varied and attractive as one could
wish. A sewing club with the study of the town life is extremely

good, an out-of-door study of the Bible, or a tramping club for the

study of nature. The main thing is the spirit of unity and purpose
which is aroused, and a place is found where the girls can meet for the
discussion of common interests. Perhaps the town needs a street
sprinkler or new scenery for the Town Hall. Nothing would be

simpler than the giving of a fair or a pageant at the end of the

summer with the Eight Week Club at the head, and the college girl
will find that her country friends have genius and ideas and executive
ability to match any of her college friends. Either of these organi-
zations is practicaly in the small town, and the result on both girl ana

town cannot be too highly estimated.

The college girl will find plenty to do in her church if she can only
get the right attitude. She may not believe in the literal interpreta-
tion of the Bible but if she were to say so, her chance to help woU ^

vanish like a cloud. She must indeed "keep her religion to herselfi

and show her belief in the principles of Christianity in the who e-

heartedness of her service. .

As a social helper she can be a great aid. The sociables and chur

suppers of most country churches are as hackneyed as they are un»

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 249

cessful, and the girl can change their whole atmosphere. Let her
organize the girls of the church into a class and then have them
give a lawn party, with Japanese lanterns and tables for four, and
serve all sorts of delectables at small cost. The affair will be soci-
ally and financially successful. I f she be musical, there is abundant
opportunity for the use of this talent in the church choir and the
Easter concert. The market is flooded with drills and pageants
and pantomimes that she can easily adapt to use in the festivities—
for boys as well as girls. In Sunday school her services as teacher
or librarian or pianist count for much. The primary department
offers much that is interesting, though it may not be so thrilling
as the class of small boys who throw paper balls at every old lady's
bonnet. Her simple, unostentatious acknowledgment of the ideal
which she is trying to follow, will be beautifully shown in her ser-
vice for the church, and a new spirit of religion will be infused into
the life of the country town.

The town in which the girl graduate lives has a poor-farm, doubt-
less, and a small group of people who know what it is to be hungry
and cold. The town knows nothing of the principles of charity work,
and its relief is given in the most haphazard ways. There are hor-
rible incongruities. The wife of a certain poor but hard-working
man in a small town was absolutely destitute at Christmas time,
but prior to that had attended moving pictures three times a week
and bought a seven-dollar silk skirt. The size of the family and the
merit of the husband caused a good deal of sympathy and much offer-
ing of clothes and food, while there were other people in as unfor-
tunate circumstances that were almost unnoticed because they
vaunted not." While Associated Charities may not be practical in
the country town, some system of definite and comprehensive work
can be formulated by the college girl. I n this the doctors will be a
great help, for I know of no one more familiar with poverty or more
ready to help than the country doctor. A list of the poor could be
obtained, graded according to needs and then help solicited from
churches, fraternal orders or individuals. Hand in hand with this
comes friendly visiting, and the college girl will find a big field here
for working out her sociological theories. She can visit the poor-
house for a Sunday sing, she can take flowers and books to the shut-
ms, and perhaps, i f she be skillful, slip in a few chats about economy
a n d balance of life to the extravagant poor. I t matters not so much
w h a t she does, i f it be done in the right spirit, with the purpose of
r e a l help and not from the showy Lady Bountiful viewpoint.

250 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

The college girl can as surely "feed her soul" in her home town
as she did in college, i f in a different way. Nearly every town
boasts its literary club, with at least a few cultured and well read
women. The program can be delightfully varied by the college
girl's ingenuity, and a social and civic study may alternate with con-
temporary short story and drama.

As a contributor to the town newspaper, the girl may both give
and receive help. I f she be at all talented in that direction, she will
enjoy writing the commonplace town doings in an interesting manner,
and perhaps may slip in a book review, tangent criticism or a short
story.

Quite akin to these is the possibility of a free town library, which
is as lasting a monument as any girl could wish. The town library
with which I am familiar is a good sized room with a fair collec-
tion of books and a few good magazines, a fee of two cents a week per
book being charged for maintenance. There is no reason why a build-
ing could not be provided, and the college girl can find here ample
opportunity for her business ability. I n a very small town in Maine,
an enterprising woman secured subscriptions for a $3000 library,
which is perfect in design and detail and which is doing more in
educational and cultural development for that town than anything
has done in its history. The college girl will find business men who
are interested, summer visitors and former residents, from whom
adequate means can be obtained, i f she is willing to give her time
and interest to the matter. A tea given at the opening and an invita-
tion extended for contributions, will stock the shelves with books, and
at the same time create the feeling in the town that everyone has had
a share in the founding.

Of less importance but very pleasant is the service that the college
girl can render in the institution of an Old Home Week, School
Reunion, a town pageant or a fair given during the summer for both
social and financial purposes.

I f the girl be especially interested in economic and social problems,
the industrial problems of her town will attract and hold her. The
most fertile field for aid is in the foreign element, and a study of
living conditions and wages will offer great opportunity for service.
I f after a talk with the m i l l superintendent, the girl decides that
the wisest plan is constructive work, she can set about relief and
educational aid in the squalor of the mill street. The first oppor-
tunity will undoubtedly be among the children, and Saturday after-
noons can be anything from picnics to folk dances. The playground
can be instituted in the country as well as in the city, for there are

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 251

many children who never venture beyond the end of the dirty street
on which they live. I t may be that through the children, a way will
be paved for an English or household club among the women,
depending entirely on the town conditions.

I have spoken of all these things as being done by the college girl,
while I have had in mind a bevy of helpers whom she gains among
her friends. I t is natural that she should lead, but let her be ably
supported and the mutual gain will be invaluable. The town will
rapidly approach its ideal, and the girl will find herself not orna-
mental, but an extremely useful member of society and find joy in

the very living of life.—DOROTHY N E W M A N W E B B , in The Eleusis of

Chi Omega.

PLAYGROUND CLUBS

The clubs, of which I ' m going to tell, are formed on the play-
ground for patriotic purposes, and are under the auspices of the
Daughters' of the American Revolution. My first club—a girls'
club—was inherited from my mother, whose duties when she became
regent necessitated her giving up this club. A t first we played games
or told stories. But after a while we undertook sewing. I t had
to be hand work as there was no equipment for anything more
elaborate. This work reached its height, when we completed a trunk
of clothes for a doll which we gave to a little crippled girl in the
Charity Hospital. We took the gifts over to Mabel on Christmas
morning. The way she hugged the doll with eyes bright from tears
which she was afraid would "spill over," and said, "Oh, thank you!
Oh, thank you!" repaid all the children for the terrible effort they
had made to finish the wardrobe.

One day I expressed the wish that we had a room, for I knew
of a machine we could get, and then we could do "real sewing." The
next time one of the children's mothers called to me.

" I f you kin use dis room, you kin have it," she said. " I ain't never
knowed how to sew good, and I think it would be grand to have
them kids learned young, 'cause I know how hard it's come with nine
kids to sew f u r . "

So now we have a nicely equipped room, and are really learning
how to use patterns.

But as much as I love my girls, I believe I love my boys more.
The way their club was formed was almost an accident. The
D. A. R.'s were extending their work, and taking in another play-
ground. The lady who was given charge telephoned me that the
boys seemed so rough, she hardly knew what to do with them.

252 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

Wouldn't I undertake them until they were in working order, since
I ' d had experience? So it was that I assumed temporary charge.
The longer I had them, the more I hated relinquishing them. When
I announced the fact that next time some one else would come out to
them, there was real mutiny. "Was it 'for good'?" they demanded.
They were going to "bust up the club," and what did they want
with a "grown lady"? (They never seemed to realize I was a bit
older than they.) They bet she couldn't play basketball nor umpire
baseball. No sir, they weren't going to have it. And so it came about
that after a year and a half, they are still mine.

t was told I ' d picked out the worst boys on the playground; that
several of them had had experiences in the Juvenile Courts; but as
far as my personal experience goes, they are all dears. You'd have
thought so, too, i f you could have seen them the day we went on
Dewey's boat, the way they helped me up and down stairs; and
when one of them started into a door ahead of me and another pulled
him back, the manner in which he received the rebuke, "Ain't you
got no manners?" showed he thought he deserved it.

The object of this club is patriotic, too, since it's under the
auspices of the D. A. R.'s, but as we can't always be singing "The
Star Spangled Banner," we take the object in the broad sense, and are
trying to make better citizens of ourselves. However, we do read the
lives of American men. Hero worship does a lot for boys at the ages
of ten to fifteen. As for the broader ideas—well you haven't any
idea how quickly they respond to "being good sports"; how soon
they stop cheating when they realize how beneath them such things
are; how they forget to squabble at their games when they know there
is going to be absolute fairness.

One of the hardest things I've had to work with is trying to make
them take defeat. I had talked to them earnestly on the subject just
before a match game of tennis. My boys lost. I knew just how
their hearts had been set upon victory, so I was overjoyed to see them
go up and shake hands with the winning opponents. I fairly flew to
them.

" I ' d rather have seen you do that than win, boys," I couldn't keep
crying. "Winning just shows skill, but that showed the men in you!"

It's wonderful how boys like that word "man" when applied to
themselves.

"Yes'm," Warren said evenly in spite of a tremulous lower lip,
" I knowed you'd feel that way."

Then I found that all of them smoked. And oh how hard we're
trying to "cut i t " ! A t the end of each month there's a picture show
party for the non-smokers. They haven't all given up by any means,

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 253

but there's one very gratifying thing that I have found out as a
result. I t is how wonderfully truthful children are when you trust
them. The contest had been going on for about a month when
one of the grown ups of the playground discovered it.

"Let me be policeman for you," she offered, and whispered that i f
there were a party as a reward, they'd all say they hadn't smoked.
She was much surprised to hear that out of the ten, seven had con-
fessed to having smoked. Every boy is made responsible for himself
alone, and there's no tattling.

Mike, who, by the way, has never gone an entire month without
smoking, said one day, "How do you know, Miss Morris, we're telling
the truth?"

"Why of course I know you are, Mike," I said. " I t isn't because
I ' l l know the difference that you tell on yourself, but it's just knowing
that you were trusted and you weren't truthful."

Mike said, " I ain't smoked this week, and that makes me a month,
so I can go to the picture show."

I knew by the way he hung his head that this wasn't true. "Mike,"
I said, " I ' m so glad you're going with us, and you'll enjoy every bit
of it, because—"

He wouldn't let me go any farther. "Miss Morris, that wasn't
true! I wasn't looking at you in the eyes."

Then I found they smoked "butses." Do you know what they
are? The ends of cigarettes they find! I wanted to frighten them
out of this habit—the problem was what course to pursue. Their
ideas of sanitation are at the zero point. Their fear of tuberculosis is
nothing—there is a case i n almost every family. They call it the
"waste away disease." I ' m afraid I shall be expelled from the fra-
ternity i f I really tell what terrors I depicted for them. Had they
ever heard of leprosy? They hadn't, so my imagination was allowed
full swing, and I don't believe I ever had a more open-mouthed, open-
eyed audience. A t the end of the recital two or three ran to the
pump, and gave themselves a general scrubbing.

Of course, we have our officers. The girls seemed to understand
so readily about their duties, it was almost a plea for woman's suf-
frage. With the boys it was a little more difficult. But I discovered
that a notebook given with each office, made the office much more
significant. This external symbol seemed to increase the officer's im-
portance in the other boys' estimation. The first election we had was
quite exciting. Every boy wanted to be president—so voted for him-
self, creating a deadlock seemingly indestructible, until Eddie inter-
viewed one of the members, and bribed him with something, perhaps

254 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

a ride on his one skate. This year I profited by last year's experi-
ence, and told them I ' d give the offices to whomever I thought most
deserved them. Before naming the president I told them a little
of what their reception of the announcement should be. So it was
that when they heard Warren was selected, after a few minutes of
silence, Mike appointed himself spokesman for the crowd, and clear-
ing his throat gave vent to these sentiments:

"Well I ' m sure glad it wasn't Eddie. Anybody'd be better'n him.
He's too loud-mouthed!!" I can hardly tell whether this welcoming
speech gladdened Warren's heart or not, but Mike settled back with
a look of pride on his face for "he surely seen his duty and he done
it."

Warren's speech of acceptance showed the characteristic self-
confidence of a boy of his age. Warren said he didn't know before-
hand whether he was going to be president or not, but he sure
thought he deserved it. He was going to show me a club "what was
a club"; he was going to make everybody quit smoking; he was going
to have a lot of money in the treasury. Many similar sentiments
were expressed, which can be commended for their enthusiasm rather
than for their modesty.

I should like to tell you about all my girls and boys—David whose |
policeman father turned socialist, and told the mayor in no uncer-
tain terms what he thought of him and so was forced to become a
carpenter; Warren, who aspires to the stage; Millie, whose good
Irish mother with seven in her own flock took in Janie, one of my
girls whose drunken father neglects her; Leslie, who didn't want
to be "no doctor nor lawyer—just a business man." There was a
"swell job in Levi's store" he was going to take. Why, hadn't his
friend been working there "two years come this March," and wasn't
he getting five dollars a week? I ' m glad to say Leslie has that very
job now, and has been going to night school all winter. He was
so glad to hear he could keep on studying, because he didn't want
to grow up "no ignorant man."

Even though you haven't time for me to tell you about each and
every one, I ' d feel as if I ' d forgotten the most important thing, if
I didn't tell you about The Play. As the two playgrounds were miles
apart, we couldn't have even one rehearsal together, so you may
imagine the trepidation of all concerned. Children love dramatics.
The girls were delighted, the boys variously excited. Of course,
Warren was selected for the principal character, Washington. 1 ^
all set to work mumbling their parts the minute they received them,
Willie vowing he knew his already, Mike losing his courage and say-

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 255

ing he'd lots rather be a flagbearer, because they said nothing. But
when he heard he stood up between two girls i f he said "lines," he
changed his mind.

The Play came off and we believed it a success. Warren looked
beautiful (as one of the audience said) in a blue and silver costume,
a red three-cornered hat and white wig. The latter was made of
absorbent cotton, and prevented his removing his hat (as where one
went, the other was sure to go, the cotton clinging persistently to the
hat.) This distressed the gallant spirit of our Washington, but we
were delighted—the hat was so becoming. Oh, I was proud of
him! He did not hesitate before the two long words "recompense"
and "inspiration," and he added a few other gestures to the one
he had used at rehearsals—the one where he stretched his hands and
feet, when he said the words: " I t is good to sit and stretch one's
hands and feet in front of this friendly warmth."

Millie, her hair crimped beyond recognition, Janie, eyes downcast,
and Rosie, blushing a furious red, all said their parts beautifully.
Gertie, perceptibly nervous, asked every two minutes after the play
started, was it time for her to "go on." Eddie startled the assembled
multitude with a tremendous voice although the words were peace-
f u l enough. " I am Pennsylvania, the second state to ratify the con-
stitution," crashed on our ears with a thundering vehemence that was
appalling. Mike whispered his with apology in every word. Earle
got through nobly, although he had informed me three minutes before
the play began, that he had awful nervous spells and couldn't even
read aloud in school, so wouldn't I please excuse him. Joe said his
part without a flaw and looked at Mike, his brother, in triumph
He'd remembered to say, "ratify the constitution," instead of "gratify
the constitution," as he had done with such persistence at rehearsals,
Mike, always feeling called upon to correct him with characteristic
brotherly love, as shown in such remarks as "Ratify, you nut, ain't
you got no sense?" Wonder of wonder, David remembered he was
the twelfth state! But goodness knows he should have! Didn't
he ask me was he the twelfth state at least twelve times before and
during the performance.

The play ended with a show of appreciation, the enthusiasm of
some of the performers carrying them away to such an extent that
they joined in the clapping. So even we behind the scenes felt as i f
J t were a success.

INNES MORRIS, n '10.

256 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

T H E SERVICE OF T H E WOMEN'S FRATERNITIES

BY SARAH GERTRUDE POMEROY

Editor of The Arrow of Pi Beta Phi

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a lonely mountain hamlet sixteen miles
from a railroad and infinitely removed from the comfortable chapter
houses of American college fraternity girls. But on the hillside is a
settlement school and well-fitted cottage where the four teachers live
who try to make it a model mountain home, and who give their help
freely to the sick and afflicted throughout the rugged country. They
are there as the accredited representatives of a national woman's
fraternity, supported by its alumna: under the care of a general com-
mittee. The fraternity women, who attended the dedication of the
new modern school building last July and saw the eager throng
of American highlanders who had walked five, seven and even ten
miles to be present on that occasion, felt that this effort of their
organization had been truly worth while, and when the proposed hos-
pital is a reality, the plant will be a still more striking evidence of
the spirit of the Greek-letter societies.

It is largely from scattered alumnae of Pi Beta Phi that the con-
tributions come for this settlement, for those who are grouped in
local clubs are, in common with most fraternity alumnae, busy with
their own local service.

Definitely organized philanthropic work is a part of the program
of most of these fraternity associations. Several help in flower mis-
sions or have furnished and maintained rooms in hospitals, free
kindergartens and "homes" of various descriptions. Instances of
civic work include the founding and maintaining of libraries in small
towns, the conduct of working girls' clubs, and, in suffrage states,
organized efforts to influence legislation.

Chi Omega is foremost among the fraternities laying stress on civic
work, and the activities of her alumnae in public service have been
recognized in various cities. For some years this fraternity has had
a department in its quarterly journal devoted to Educational and
Social and Civic Service. I t has also legislated that each of its
chapters offer annually a prize to the women of the college where
it is represented for the best essay, article or thesis on a subject
related to social service work. The upperclassmen of each chapter
are required to be identified with some form of civic or social work.

Realizing that the choice of a lifework is becoming a more and
more complex problem for the college girl who is preparing to earn
her own living, the fraternities are all endeavoring to aid her in i t s
solution. Delta Delta Delta has an employment bureau and a de-

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 257

partment in charge of a competent woman of broad experience for
the express purpose of advising them how to "train for service."
The secretary of the Tenement House Committee in New York City
is a member of Alpha Phi, and she with other specially trained
members stands ever ready to launch young college women in the
vital movements of the day. For the past five years, the majority
of the fraternity magazines have been issuing vocational numbers
devoted to articles written by experienced women. The vowed pur-
pose of this editorial policy is "to show the younger girls possibilities
other than teaching after leaving college."

I t is significant that while all the national fraternities have
records of many kinds of altruistic work done by their undergraduate
members purely for the joy of service, only two of them declare that
they require any work of this kind. Yet the majority of college
chapters maintain certain definite philanthropic work and generally
cooperate with local charitable organizations, so as to make their
efforts effective.

But if this vigorous participation in service outside the college
is the most picturesque part the woman's fraternity program, service
within the walls is no less important. College fraternities for women
were founded for mutual help in the days when a college education
for women was regarded as an experiment. Then the brave girls
who coveted a degree needed all possible incentives which coopera-
tion and mutual understanding could furnish. Now when a college
education is too often considered a fashion rather than a privilege,
the college fraternity has become a defender of the old traditions of
scholarship, and recent statistics concerning the scholastic records of
fraternity girls prove that the combined efforts of local and national
scholarship committees are bringing excellent results.

The earlier fraternities were founded in the West and South and
the organizations are now particularly strong in the great state uni-
versities ; but many chapters numbering several thousand members
are located in the East. National fraternities for women have never
existed at Vassar, Smith, Mt. Holyoke or Wellesley and whatever
Greek-letter societies existed or have existed at those colleges are
subject only to local conditions. Many of the national fraternities
antedate these colleges by several years, and had carried on their own
individual work for more than thirty years before the National Pan-
hellenic Congress was formed. At present this congress is com-
posed of eighteen fraternities representing a combined membership
of 50,000 women, about 8,000 of whom are undergraduates in ninety
different colleges and universities. This organization is a clearing

258 TO DRA GMA OF A LP HA OMICR ON PI

house for ideas in the fraternity world, and is regarded as a legis-
lative body of authority on college standards. The Biennial Con-
ference of Deans of Women has three times invited the congress to
send delegates to one of its sessions, and has put itself on record as
being in sympathy with its work. Those women deans, who have
been i n closest touch with the Panhellenic Congress since its
founding, declare that its investigations have covered many fields,
have uncovered many interesting conditions, and that its methods
have been scientific and of a scholarly character.

There are numerous instances where local scholarships or money
prizes are furnished by individual chapters for the benefit of all the
women in the college where they are located. Alpha X i Delta and
Sigma Kappa in particular have offered money prizes for scholarship
in two colleges where the recipients are chosen by the faculty, irre-
spective of fraternity affiliation. Special incentives also are offered
for graduate study. Pi Beta Phi for three years maintained from
its national funds two undergraduate and one graduate scholarship,
but for the past five years has substituted a graduate fellowship with
a value of $500. This is open to any Pi Phi who has received her
bachelor's degree, and may be used at any university either in this
country or in Europe. Kappa Alpha Theta has a fund designed
for a traveling fellowship which will soon be available, and the
Panhellenic Congress, realizing the value of the Collegiate Bureaus
of Occupations, which aim to help college girls to find their places in
the economic world, has been giving financial support to the Chicago
Bureau during its pioneer period. And, by the way, the popular
fallacy that fraternity membership is possible only to the girl in
prosperous circumstances is dispelled by the fact that fully half of
the organizations composing the Panhellenic Congress have found it
necessary to establish student aid funds. These funds are available
to those members who need special loans to help them finish their
college course.

Unique among the scholarships offered by the national organiza-
tions is the Alpha Chi Omega Studio in the artists' colony at Peter-
borough, N . H . , where, under the rules and regulations of the
McDowell Memorial Association, the fraternity furnishes free a
workroom for an artist in ideal surroundings for creative work.

"There are colleges," the Cleveland Plain Dealer declares,
"where fraternities are adroitly used as a spur to scholarship and
right living," but " i t all depends on the attitude and tact of the
faculty." This incident is illustrative. The women students in a
certain coeducational university showed a general disregard of true

TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA 0MICRON PI 259

college spirit by abusing their privileges and breaking rules. The
dean confided this condition of affairs to the visiting delegate of a
national fraternity, who endeavored to influence the girls to institute
a reform. Almost immediately there was a change in student
sentiment. The spirit of the whole student body improved as the
majority followed the leadership of the few. Months later the
dean again welcomed the visiting delegate, saying: " I am glad of
this opportunity to thank you personally. Sometimes blessings
come from unexpected quarters and certainly we never expected ours
to come from a fraternity, but you have been a blessing and a
benefit to us."

The fraternities have always stood ready to lend their enthusiasm
and aid to stem any financial crisis which an individual college
might be facing. Two years ago a l l the chapters of Alpha Phi
voluntarily contributed toward the endowment of Goucher College,
Baltimore, which was in special need. This is only one instance
which shows how this principle has become ingrained in the minds
of undergraduates.

Of the more personal service of the fraternities to their members
it is not the purpose of this article to treat. The facts are familiar.
The training in executive responsibility afforded by the fraternity
offices, the guidance which the upperclassmen exert, the social disci-
pline involved in the numerous hospitalities of the fraternity house,
the strong bonds between colleges and between alumna; and their
own college, are keenly appreciated by the eight thousand under-
graduate members. But i f the privileges of a fraternity life were
only those which attract the average undergraduate it would be
strange that thousands of older women—and the fraternity alumna
is as a rule a woman of affairs whose time is well filled—should find
time to attend alumna; clubs and national conventions and share the
administrative responsibilities. The leading workers in all the
national organizations are mature women. What is the bond which
holds them?

Simply stated, it is this: The fraternity idea today spells oppor-
tunity. The combination of Greek letters on her symbolic pin is a
constant reminder to the fraternity woman of a social privilege,
broadly defined. She recognizes in the fraternity a power in her
°wn development which she can make influential i n the lives of the
Present and coming generations of college women, and through
which she may apply her own energy in the upbuilding of the
community.—From the Independent.

260 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

T H E PREVENTION OF UNNECESSARY BLINDNESS

I take this opportunity to express myself upon a subject which I
believe is all-important to the welfare of humanity, as a whole,
namely, "The Prevention of Unnecessary Blindness." This is a cause
capable of stirring every true woman into action. I t is estimated
that fifty per cent of all blindness is preventable. This lamentable
fact has been reached only through the most thorough investigation
by those endeavoring to do away with this menacing evil.

One fourth of the blind filling our state institutions today were
brought to this condition by eye-strain; poor lighting and constant
glaring effects; drinking or breathing the fumes of wood alcohol;
biting the thread when sewing and thus extracting the lead mineral,
which causes the loss of sight; improper treatment of eyes during
first few days of l i f e ; neglect of "sore eyes" after attacks of infectious
diseases—and so I might go on endlessly.

Aside from all these, the most prolific cause for unnecessary
blindness is Opthalmia Neonatorum, or babies' sore eyes. The disease,
which results in so much needless misery and suffering, is caused by
pus-producing germs, which may be found in the child's eye during
the first few weeks of life. I f these germs are not removed, ulcera-
tion of the cornea takes place. I t is scarcely believable that we,
a civilized and so-called Christian nation, have let this thing go on
for so many years, and are seemingly just awaking to the fact that
a prophylactic used in the eyes of every infant would cut down our
blind population one half. I t is high time that authorities were
taking this great issue into their own hands.

To my mind the main cause for this has been ignorance on the part
of parents, and the employment of unskilled midwives instead of
competent nurses. England has come to the realization of the
gravity of the situation, and has founded schools for the proper
instruction of midwives. Sore eyes w i l l not cure themselves, while
a little money spent upon the child's eyes will save untold misery,
and free the parent from the shadow of a crime—that is, unnecessary
blindness.

What this cause needs is wide-spread publicity. I t must be staunchly
backed by public opinion. Health officers can do nothing without
the support of the people. Every mother, every father, every citizen
should know that "babies' sore eyes" is not a disgrace, for any
baby may have them; but that blindness from "babies' sore eyes" ts a
disgrace, for in 99 cases out of a 100 it can be prevented.

TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 261

We as Alpha O's and as members of that vast Fraternity of Love,
which Christ founded, can do no more noble service to mankind than
to study and help further the prevention of blindness among the
careless, the poor, and the ignorant in our respective communities.

CHARLOTTE M . H A L L , Y , ex-'17.

PRACTICAL SOCIAL SERVICE WORK IN OMICRON

CHAPTER

Since the majority of the girls of Omicron chapter do not live
in Knoxville, we cannot report on practical Social Service work done
here. Aside from the Settlement work which we do every week,
we have no time for other social work, for our college life is indeed
busy, though we are interested in all movements to improve our town
or city. I n our different home communities, however, certain of us
have done a share in "City Beautiful" campaigns, and in other
forms of Social Service.

At one place a kodak club has been organized, and a prize is
given to the one presenting the best picture illustrating the needs
of the city. For instance, one girl brought the picture of a badly
congested street, incidentally where several beggars could be seen
with their tin cans and organs. Another showed the need of smoke-
consumers in a picture of several smoke-stacks sending volumes of
smoke and dust into the atmosphere. Crowded tenements, dirty
streets, unsanitary buildings, in fact every defect of the city, is made
real by the pictures. The society with this data goes to the authori-
ties, and already much good work has been done. Besides being very
beneficial, this work is also interesting and entertaining, as the kodak
affords its owner much amusement.

In some of our smaller towns girls have formed literary clubs for
the benefit of their less fortunate sisters, who have not had college
advantages. This puts all the girls on a more friendly basis, since
they have more in common, and the clubs are of great educational
value to the ones who would not have such advantages were it not
for us.

Besides this, a few of our girls are planning to form clubs for
some factory girls this summer. The mill in which they work recently
burnt down, and they need interest more than ever. I use the word
interest advisedly, for that is what these girls need more than any-
thing. I f they know someone is thinking of them and caring whether
they do right or not. they naturally become more ambitious.

262 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

As to the relation between parent and teacher, we, of course, only
know of that through our own parents. I n all of our Tennessee
cities, but, I am sorry to say, not in all of our towns, Parent-Teachers'
Associations have been organized. I know nothing in particular
about many of these, but I do know of a certain little district
school about which I wish to tell you. This school was organized
about six years ago, and each year since has been growing, and
has been sending forth pupils well prepared. This has been due,
everyone says, to the efficient Parent-Teachers' Association. The
school has had to labor under many difficulties, being in the country
and away from the homes of many of its pupils, but the mothers
standing by it, and cooperating with the teachers, have worked
wonders. Together they have given benefit entertainments to raise
funds for its better equipment; but the secret of their success has
been the bi-weekly meetings when parents and teachers assemble
together and sincerely discuss all their problems and seek answers
to them. They are all friends, working towards the same end.
At the home the mothers do not encourage in their children fault
rinding of the teacher, but make them look upon her as their friend,
also. Thus the relationship of teacher and pupil is improved to a
great extent. It is a pity there are not many more such organiza-
tions.

I have in mind a Sunday School that I wish every Alpha O could
see. I t has an enormous enrollment, but no special effort has seemed
to bring this about. The officers and members have recently
held a campaign, it is true, for a certain number, (and, by the
way, they far exceeded that number) but they did not do any wide-
spread advertising or tagging, and as a result the present enrollment
will more likely continue. I think that the trouble with ordinary
campaigns is that a person comes for that one Sunday to help
swell the attendance, and then drops out. One word explains the
success of this Sunday School, enthusiasm. You can feel this as you
enter the door. I t remains with you throughout the day and into the
week, and until the next Sunday when you are really eager to go
back and have your enthusiasm renewed. I think enthusiasm is
the prime essential of a good, wide-awake Sunday School.

There have been things mentioned in the Editorals of To DRAGMA
that make us Omicron girls anxious to work next summer. We hope
that we may keep this desire, and that i f another "practical social
service" number comes out next year we may have much more to
report.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 263

T H E ORGANIZED COMMUNITY OF MONTEVALLO

I n response to the editor's request for accounts of various types
of social service work, I should like to sketch briefly an organization
that has been formed recently in a small Alabama town. As I
understood the announcement the work discussed need not be the
performance of Alpha O's, but simply any social endeavor that
comes under their observation and strikes them as interesting. Rochelle
Gachet, also of Pi chapter, and I are the only Alpha O's in town,
and I am afraid we cannot claim any really constructive part in
the undertaking that I am going to describe.

Montevallo is a town of some nine hundred inhabitants situated
almost geometrically at the center of Alabama just on the border-
land of the agricultural and the mining belts of the state; and not
near enough the heart of either belt to have been at any time a
boom town. Aside from the personnel of the state school situated
there—the Alabama Girls' Technical Institute—there is very little
transient population; and since the town is rather an old one, the
real townspeople have reached that pleasant stage of intimacy where
nearly every citizen speaks of the rest as "set in their ways," and can
prove it with endless instances; and where no real old-timer can open
his mouth without being greeted by a shrewdly prophetic smile and a
shake of the head. Of couse, a suggestion from an outsider is
equally discredited "because he does not know these Montevallo
people." In short Montevallo is a thoroughly typical average
small town.

I do not know to whose credit the inspiration belongs ( I mean
in Montevallo—of course, the plan has already been tried elsewhere)
but the essential credit of the whole undertaking falls ultimately to
the little town that in spite of its limitations has embarked on this
new venture with very creditable spirit. At first there were several
meetings in the schoolhouse and at various churches. Then there was
a well advertised mass-meeting where a constitution for the Organized
Community of Montevallo was read and discussed, and, with a few
amendments, adopted. One of the promoters of the scheme had
some membership cards printed, and these were turned over t'o a
committee of ten called the Boosters' Committee. A l l the white
Population is eligible to membership, and all above fifteen are voting
members—woman suffrage, mind you. The dues are optional, five
cents to one dollar a month. When an applicant fills out a
niembership card, he states whether or not he is voting member
and what amount he engages to pay per month.

264 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

A week or so later, according to the constitution, occurred the
annual election of officers. Every voter was asked to fill in another
card stating on what committee he desired to serve, and his choice
for chairman of that committee. The entire membership is supposed
to be divided into some five or six working committees. Among
them are: the business committee, the beautification committee,
the recreation committee, the committee on cooperation with the
negros, and the ways and means committee. This last committee
is to sketch plans and to make suggestions to the other committees.

The first practical undertaking promises to be one in which several
committees will cooperate. I t is the establishment of a restroom in
the business part of the town. Although Montevallo is usually
associated among burners of soft coal with the variety of coal
called Montevallo. the mine is really three miles off in a little town
with farming district round about. I t makes one suspect mere geo-
graphy of an uncanny power to see how these people, like the land
they cultivate, are a compromise between the well-to-do sophisticated
planters of the black belt and the ignorant destitute mountaineers.
On Saturdays Montevallo is f u l l of these farmer folk. Families
that would gladden T. R.'s heart—though they don't seem particular-
ly glad themselves—come in wagons, and spend the day wandering
up and down the two blocks of stores.

A room has already been chosen, and its rental and maintenance
will be paid for out of the general fund. The beautification (what
a word!) committee will cooperate with the business committee in
getting it simply and comfortably furnished. The recreation com-
mittee will arrange a schedule of town ladies who will volunteer
to keep the room each for one Saturday. The health committee
hopes to make this a channel for some first-hand work in the better

babies' movement.

Of course, the Organized Community proposes to enter into many
activities besides this one; but it is a hopeful sign, I think, that
nothing else is on foot until this first definite plan becomes an
accomplished fact.

VIRGINIA W I T H E R S , I I '09.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 265

T H E GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY

The question of Social Service is a vital one of today, and
no one is realizing the challenge of the world more that the church.
Everywhere the effort is being made to bring practical social service
into the parish work, and to follow Christ's teachings not only along
spiritual lines but along material ones also.

The Girls' Friendly Society in America is a national organization,
and each of its branches is carrying on its work according to local
conditions. Trinity Church Branch, New Orleans is endeavoring
to help one hundred and fifty girls and young women to help them-
selves, to lead clean lives, to be pure in thought, word and deed, and
to be friendly one to another.

The work is one of prevention rather than of rescue, and members
are made to realize that they have a standard to live up to. These
girls come mostly from the factories and stores, and at the meetings
held every Saturday night, they are taught plain sewing, embroidery,
cooking, etc. They are also given social evenings, and often the
elocution class presents a play. At Christmas the girls are encour-
aged in the spirit of giving, and a box of useful articles is sent to
a local hospital.

Twenty-two "associates" devote their time to these classes, keep
in touch with their girls, visit them in their homes and make them
Understand that they are their friends, ready to sympathize in time of
trouble and to share their joys. Along these lines we strive to keep
them in the right path, to add brightness to their lives, and to give
them useful instruction; and we find that we ourselves learn many
valuable lessons.

A L I C E P . I V Y , IT '03.

Branch Secretary.

T H E SERVICE O F LINCOLN ALUMN/E

The Lincoln alumme have never undertaken any social service
Work as a chapter, although several of our members are engaged
m this work to a greater or lesser extent. I doubt i f there is a girl,
who has not done something to aid the community or individuals
gratuitously this winter. Through our Charity Organization, we
have given clothing and money to the poor, and have also given
directly to needy families, food, clothing and furniture.

To the "Bandage Circle" we have given our linens and silks to be
Blade into bandages and pillows and sent to Europe, but as so
many of the girls are employed it is impossible for them to give

266 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

an afternoon to making bandages. We have all contributed, some
of us several times, to the relief of the Belgians. March 2 and 3,
were observed in Lincoln as "Buy it and Leave i t " days. We made
our purchases from our local merchants, and left them to be collected
by the committee.

The State Orthopedic Hospital is located here, at Lincoln, and
the deformed and crippled children have awakened the interest of
several of our girls. Emma Bennett Bechman and her mother, Mrs.
Bennett, have been interested in teaching the crippled girls to
paint. One of them, Helrig Norscov, a girl who was very badly
crippled, has developed her talent to a remarkable degree. She
painted a picture of Miss Billie Burke, and when the actress was
playing in Lincoln sent it to her. Miss Burke was so pleased with
it that she visited the hospital, and became interested in the children.
She made them a present of a victrola, and left a standing order
for a certain number of records to be sent each month to the
children.

Annie Jones has given these children music lessons. Last year
she coached the active Zeta girls in the operetta The House that
Jack Built, which they gave for the children at the hospital just
before Christmas. Every Tuesday afternoon Annie teaches the Camp
Fire Girls in the hospital their songs.

Kate Vollmer has had a class in tatting and crocheting on Saturday
afternoons in the German-Russian section of the city. Little girls
from six to twelve years of age were in the class. Last year they
met at the different homes, but this year they have met at the
schoolhouse in the district. Often the children sell their work which
greatly pleases their parents, for they want them to learn to do
things that bring returns. But the object in organizing the class
was to give these girls American ideas. Many who come to the
class on Saturday come to the Mission Sunday School the next
afternoon.

P2mma Schreiber Hunter was one of the judges on the Garden
Contest last summer—a movement to make Lincoln a more beautiful
and productive city. Early in the spring the school children were
urged to secure vacant lots and plant gardens. I f they could not
have a lot they were at least to use what space they could in their
own backyards. This was beneficial in many ways—the children
were employed in a useful outdoor occupation, they were earning
money, and the city was cleaner and prettier. I know from the
interest already shown that we shall have more children employed in
gardening this summer than we had last. They will transmit a city
more beautiful than it was transmitted to them.

J A N E LOUISE P I P E R , Z '04.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 267

ANNOUNCEMENTS

W i l l new Chapter Editors please note most carefully the directions
given for letters in the Editorial on The September Number?
Please do not leave your May To DRAGMA at college. You will
need it this summer.

A l l chapters will be interested to know that Mrs. Stewart will
make her tour of inspection in the f a l l . Perhaps during her many
visits, she will tell of her two days' trip on skis over the Sierras,
which she took two months ago.

William C. Levere, Secretary of the College Fraternity Reference
Bureau offers a prize of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the best two
hundred word history of a college fraternity or sorority. The
Bureau has so many inquiries concerning the history of the various
Greek societies, that Mr. Levere has decided on this plan as the
most interesting way of securing a brief history which will be con-
cise, condensed and still f u l l of information. The contest is open
to all Greeks, and aside from the prize, each fraternity member should
be eager to see that his or her society has a well-written record filed
at the Bureau, as it will be used many times to furnish required
information. The only requirements are that the history of the fra-
ternity must be kept within two hundred words and it must be type-
written. Send all entries to William C. Levere, Secretary of the
College Fraternity Reference Bureau, Box 254, Evanston, Illinois.

In addition to the article, which, through the courtesy of the
Editor of Good Housekeeping, we are permitted to reprint here,
Madeleine Z. Doty, N '02, has an article on Prison Reform in
the March number of the same magazine, and one in the May. The
Editor of To DRAGMA heartily recommends the reading of them by
every Alpha O, and only wishes there were space for all of
them in this issue. She recommends as well the reading of a touch-
ing and extremely well-written story by the same author in the A p r i l
Atlantic Monthly. The story is called Little Brother, and relates
an incident of the present war.

The Bookman is now publishing a series of very interesting
articles on The New World and the College Woman. They are
worthy the careful attention of every college graduate and under-
graduate.

268 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA 0 MIC RON PI

A story written by Augusta Stacy, K, '17, and entitled The Roman-
tic Age was read recently, as the prize story in a short story contest
before the Franklin Literary Society of Randolph-Macon Woman's
College.

A l l Alpha O's will be glad to know that we are probably soon to
add four new Alumnae Chapters to our list. The chapters which are
organizing and petitioning are at Bangor, Maine, Minneapolis and
St. Paul, Minn., Portland, Ore., and New Orleans, La.

An error occurred in the last To DRAGMA, which we wish to
correct. Mrs. Perry was announced as Chairman of the Ritual Com-
mittee. Her name should be changed to that of Mrs. Gladys C .
Britton.

The members on the Committee for Revising the Constitution are
as follows:

Jessie Ashley, N, Chairman.
Mary Towle, N.
Cecile Iselin, N .

On September 4, there was organized in Boston, what is known
as the Association of Pedagogical Sororities. I t was the intention
of the originators that this Association should bear the same relation
to professional sororities in the pedagogical field that the National
Panhellenic Congress bears to the strictly collegiate orders. The
members of the Association at present are Sigma Sigma Sigma, and
Alpha Sigma Alpha.

The Editor wishes to ask that all communications relative to To
DRAGMA be sent to her, from June 1 to August 15, at Blue hill, Maine,
instead of Bozeman, Montana. No street address is necessary.

THE WOMAN'S BUILDING

A COMMUNITY C E N T E R FOR EVANSTON

I t is proposed that this building house the following:
1. A n Audience Room with raised floor, permanent seating, a well-
equipped stage with adequate fittings, and a seating capacity of
1,000 to 1,200.
2. The University Guild Room. This to be sky-lighted, in order
to allow for ample wall space and correct lighting of pictures;
wall cabinets to be included for the display of works of art. I n

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA O MIC RON PI 269

such a room Art Exhibitions may be held, and Assemblies, not
sufficiently large to require the Audience Room.

3. A Gymnasium and Swimming Pool will relieve the congestion
at Patten Gymnasium which was originally intended only for men;
but which has been courteously shared with the women.

4. Reception and Study Rooms will have movable partitions,
making it possible to throw all into one large room for special
occasions.

5. An adequate Lunchroom and Kitchen equipment.
6. The building will house the Women's Campus Organizations:

(a) The Woman's Athletic Association, (b) The Literary
Societies, (c) The Campus Club, (d) The Sororities.
(e) The Woman's League. ( f ) The Young Woman's
Christian Association.
The University architects, Palmer, Hornbostel & Jones, are work-
ing on the plans and have been instructed to make "a study of Willard
Hall Campus, and adjacent land, in view of their harmonious develop-
ment as a site for future building for the women of the University.*'
I t is understood that the material used for the building will be of
brick and it will be practically fireproof.

To REALIZE T H I S COMMUNITY CENTER, T H E FOLLOWING IS NEEDED

Small
5 10 20 30 125 600 1000 Amounts Total
$10,000 $5,000 $1,000 $500 $250 $100 $50 $23,750 $300,000

270 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

EDITORIALS

T H E SEPTEMBER NUMBER

T N accordance with the amendments to the constitution, which
JL were proposed at Convention, and later passed by the chapters,
the September number will grant no exchanges, will contain the
Directory, and matter exclusively Alpha Omicron Pi. Since this
number is essentially our own, the Editor wishes it might be a number
in which freedom of speech predominates. Suggestions, criticisms
adverse or favorable, personal opinions of any phase of fraternity
organization, or administration, chapter house life or chapter
administration, will be made welcome and given a place. Here is the
opportunity to free your mind of whatever is on it. Let this be a
number of which frankness is the key-note. Dissatisfaction hidden
breeds discontent; expressed, may work reform.

I f you know a way to improve To DRAGMA (and let the Editor
assure you that no one knows better than she that it can be vastly
improved) please suggest the way. I t will be gladly received.
But please don't, as did one subscriber this past year, announce that
"it's too highbrow for any use," and not suggest a cure.

Chapter letters, dealing in the case of active chapters, with
accounts of Commencement, and announcements of scholarship grades
and honors, will be required from both active and alumna? chapters.
All letters must be sent on or before July 25th to the Editor-in-chief
at Bluehill, Maine. W i l l new chapter editors please note temporary
change in address? Instructions for letters for the November num-
ber w i l l be sent later to all new chapter editors. Head your letter
as it has been headed in To DRAGMA. Omit for this number names
of members. Write on paper 8 x \ \, on one side and legibly. Typed
letters are perferred. Sign your name as chapter editor. Mail m
MSS envelope, A N D BE ON T I M E !

T H E COLLEGE GIRL AND SOCIAL SERVICE

(The following letter was not intended for publication, but it is so worthy
of a place that the Editor is placing it where it belongs—among the Editorials.
It is not to be for one moment considered that the Editorial pages are
exclusively for the use of the Editor. Letters and articles are always gladly
received. May we not have others as true in spirit to Alpha O as is this one?)

Dear Editor:

T T was with thorough satisfaction and pleasure that I read your
A editorial on "Our National Standing" which appeared in our
February To DRAGMA. May we not have more such editorials.
There is great value, it seems to me, in having our aims so definitely

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 271

expressed. I n its ultimate analysis, the real strength of any national

fraternity must depend upon the amount of individual responsibility

which its many active members assume.

A mere glance over our directory shows how widely separated are

the homes of our active members, and how still more widely separated
are the homes and "temporary homes" of our alumna?. Thus, it
seems to me we must not forget the part which alumna? necessarily
have in the creating of a strong fraternity. Have you never heard it

said?—"Well, if is a representative type of her frater-

nity, my daughter shall never belong to that one!" I haven't heard
many such remarks, but those I have heard have been said as often
of alumna? as of active members of some fraternity. How careful
and discreet we all must be! More often than otherwise there is

only one Alpha O in her community. Has she not then a wonderful

opportunity to create the right kind of an impression of the influence
of her fraternity? Please don't infer that I should have our gradu-
ates or alumna? talk a great deal about their fraternity. I've seen
all too many young teachers, who seemed to know of nothing to

talk of except their fraternity—no doubt a very laudable topic, but

one which soon becomes tiresome to those not especially interested.
Such a habit of continually talking of and praising her fraternity
invariably lowers the estimation of townspeople of that teacher and
of her fraternity as well!

I wish we might have in our May number of To DRAGMA a dis-

cussion about the amount of social service work a college girl should
do. I realize that conditions vary greatly in our various colleges,
but surely some general conclusions can be stated. Personally, I
never favored college girls doing very much social service work.

I take this attitude for these reasons: first, in our university city,

charity work was well organized and several salaried workers were
employed; second, I considered my residence in the university city
as only temporary, and felt that any financial support I could give
such work should be given chiefly in my home town; third, I believe

that i f fraternity girls give proper attention to scholarship, to all

worth-while university activities, to the answering of fraternity and
alumna? correspondence promptly and to the sending of reports on
time—if they entertain as much as they should, and i f they have a
"good time," meaning the enjoyment of fraternity and college com-

radeship and friendship—if they do all these things. I think they have

filled their college days with things most worth while, and there is no
time left for anything else. Do I want my fraternity to be
selfish and narrow? I do hope not. A l l college girls can and should
do little things in social service work, but not to the serious neglect

of any of the above things. I once knew a prominent fraternity

272 TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

girl, who had charge of a story-telling hour three days a week, in a
settlement house. The actual story-telling took only three hours
when she probably would not be studying or doing anything very
profitable. Her preparation and riding on street cars took at least
six hours more per week. A t the end of the semester she failed in
two courses.

I believe that i f our active girls take a great deal of interest in
their college life in all its best phases, and at the same time are truly
loving and considerate of each other, and truly friendly to their
friends, there need be no fear but that after college days they will
take stand on the side of "all those who are trying to make the
world a better place in which to live."

MARY W I L L S , I '14,

Alumnce Assistant Editor.

T H E CLOSING OF THE YEAR

W I T H this number of To DRAGMA the first year's work of the
present Editorial Board is finished. We, as members of that
board, wish to thank the scores of Alpha O's from Maine to Cali-
fornia, who have so loyally helped us in our work. I t has been a
pleasure to work with such dependable retainers in the ranks of
chapter officers and alumna?.

The Editor has but one regret as she writes this editorial, and that
is that we are no nearer a fund for National Alumna? work than
before. The four hundred dollars which Grand Council gives us
yearly to pay for the exchanges can never be given over to that
work until every alumna of your chapter subscribes to this magazine.
The actual cost of the magazine you read averages from twenty
to twenty-five cents. You pay the latter price for it. But as the
number of subscribers increases, the cost of the magazine diminishes,
because printers' rates are less as the number of copies ordered in-
creases.

Many other fraternities make subscription compulsory upon gradua-
tion. Why don't you? I t would benefit your chapter, it would bind
us as a family more closely together, it would help the individual
girl. Of course, Commencement is a time when everyone feels
financially poor, but suppose you bring this matter up in your last
chapter meeting, and collect dollars from your seniors. We'll do
our best another year to make To DRAGMA worth the money.

CARLYLE'S COMMENCEMENT SERMON

A N D what is life but the knitting up of incoherences into
coherence? Courage!"

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 273

ACTIVE CHAPTER LETTERS

ALPHA, BARNARD COLLEGE
(Inactive)

PI, H. SOPHIE NEWCOMB MEMORIAL COLLEGE

Hazelle Beard, 'i6 Rietta G . Garland, '17
Sara Bres, '16 Jean Hill, '17
Grace D. Gillean, '16 Lessie H . Madison, '17
Clara W. Hall, '16 Kathleen O'Niell, '17
E r i n O'Niell, '16 Mary Raymond, '17
Solidelle F . Renshaw, '16 Mildred Renshaw, '17
Jane C . Snyder, '16 Mary C. Sumner, '17
Lillian Fortier, '17 Magda Chalaron, '18

We are so proud and happy that we want congratulations from
all of you—Jane Snyder has been awarded * B K. According to
a national rule, only a certain percentage of a class can be elected
to membership in the honorary fraternity. Therefore, from the
present class of 1916 there were but three seniors chosen—Elizabeth
Humphreys, X fl, Janet Ried, I I B <£, and Jane Snyder, A O I I .

The awarding of $ B K brought home to the college at large
the fact that the academic year was drawing to a close, and this
knowledge was bound to make us pause and reflect on what we had
done during the year. Besides the regular college work and the many
activities in which we have participated, we in Pi have tried to do
as much social work as possible. The systematized work of the
chapter consists in the different members of the chapter acting as
big sisters to the children of a neighboring orphan asylum. This
asylum we visit monthly, as often as the rules of the institution
permit, and to these children we try to show some little attention
at every opportunity, such as making little gifts to them and writing
to them during the summer; and our Christmas party to them given
in our rooms, is an established custom.

In addition to the regular chapter work, many of the girls do
individual social service. Grace Gillean, as president of Y. W. C. A.,
has had a great opportunity which could not have been better used;
the Association is entirely supporting a girl of high school age, whom
it even intends to send through college; Grace is also president of
King's Daughters, and spends a large part of her time working among
the invalids of the Home for Incurables. The O'Niells also are
well known at the Home, for frequently do they spend their Satur-
days and evenings playing on their guitar and mandolin to bring
some cheer from the outer world into the darkened lives. Not the

274 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA 0 MIC RON PI

Home for Incurables, but the Maison Hospitaliere do Mildred and
Solidelle Renshaw visit. The Maison Hospitaliere is a home for the
old ladies situated in the old part of New Orleans. Consequently
the inhabitants, for the most part, speak French, but that fact does
not prevent them from enjoying the visits of the "Americaines" in the
chapter whom the Renshaw's take with them on their visits. I n
addition to what has been mentioned, the individual girls find time
to teach Sunday School, take part in local charitable work, dress dolls
for children, canvas the city for unregistered infants, and even make
bandages for the soldiers; in fact, making bandages for the soldiers
has become part of the business at fraternity meetings. The chapter
has given a program at Social Center in the early part of the year,
and is planning another for an early date.

The college is excitedly busy laying plans for Realization Day.
The Board of Administration of the University has declared a
holiday on the thirty-first of March, and on that day every student of
the University will earn a day's wages, which wages will go
toward a sum needed for the building of a concrete stadium at
Tulane. The students of Newcomb have been offered and have
accepted (on condition that the regular clerks would lose nothing)
positions as clerks at several department stores, and confectioneries,
and firms in New Orleans have offered positions to the students
of Tulane; besides these positions there will be several means evolved
by which the students will be able to increase the needed sum.

By the time this letter will appear there will be seven of us in Pi,
whose names will no longer be on the active chapter roll, but we
are in hopes that our alumnae charter will be granted, and that our
names will appear on the roll of the Alumnae chapter of New
Orleans.

S O L I D E L L E F. RENSHAW, '16, Chapter Editor.

NU, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

Sara C. Donegan, '18, Spec. Alison Du Bois Murphy

Florence G . Haag, '17 Mary Bradford Peaks

Cecile Iselin, '16 Edna Rajallo, '18

Dorothy Kenyon, '17 Frances L . Walters, '18

Elizabeth Jane Monroe, '16 Helen M. Williams, '16

Besides taking examinations, N u chapter has been chiefly engaged

in initiating and getting acquainted with three new members, al

of the first-year class: Edna Rajallo, a Bryn Mawr graduate; Sara

Donegan, A.B., of Hunter College, A . M . in history from Columbia

University, a teacher of commercial arithmetic in one of the city

high schools; and Frances Walters. Unlike most of us, Frances

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA 0 MIC RON PI 275

has already had much practical experience in law, having been for
several years in charge of filing and indexing claims and digesting
opinions in the Court of Claims Department of the Attorney General's
office in Albany.

Jane Monroe has become one of the newly created "Assistant
Municipal Examiners" of the Street Cleaning Department, and has
a handsome gold badge, which is the pride of her heart and the envy
of all others. The plan is for these officials to gather facts about
existing conditions and lecture to public schools and East Side Clubs,
etc., on ways to keep the streets clean. They are also to have a good
deal to do with the enforcement of ordinances in the still newer
"Municipal Court," the only one of its kind in the world. I am afraid
none of the rest of us is doing anything that would be included
under the name of "Social Service," though why teaching school is
not commonly so classed has always been a mystery to me.

Fraternally yours,

MARY B. P E A K S , Chapter Editor.

ALUMN/E NOTES

GENERAL

Helen Potter has left the firm with whom she was working, and now has
a law office of her own at 68 William Street.

Bertha Rembaugh has recently spoken on Law as a profession for women
before vocational conferences at Bryn Mawr and at Vassar. She was also a
judge at the Holyoke-Vassar debate on Federal Control of Railroads.

OMICRON, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

Elizabeth Ayres, Spec. Elizabeth Kennedy, '19

Wista Braly, '17 Mary Annie Landy, '16

Sue Bryant, '18 Lynn McNutt, '19

Margaret Conover, '16 Lida Moore, '19

Ellen Converse, '16 Dorothy Nolan, '18

Aubry Faulkner, '16 Sadie Ramsey, '19

Pauline Hobson, '16 Marian Swain, '19

Mary D . Houston, '18 Ruth Tarpley, Spec.

Josephine Johnson, Spec. Kathleen Vaughn, '19

Edith Verran, '16

I t is with superlatively high spirits that we of Omicron give you
greetings this springtime! Eight more new names added to our
roll, and all of them the happiest, most enthusiastic Alpha O's you
ever saw! We are indeed fortunate to have such a large chapter
to close the year, since so many of the old girls are to be absent
from the university next year. We feel confident, however, that
w e are leaving Omicron's destiny in good hands.

276 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

There is so much to tell that it is difficult to know where to
begin. On February the fifth we initiated our seven pledges, and
in another week we had pledged and initiated Josephine Johnson,
a girl who has attended the university two years, and whom we have
always been eager to claim as our own. So now we are especially
happy.

After initiation we had a banquet—the loveliest, most wonder-
f u l ever—at which the old members, new members, and a large
number of alumnae were present. I t was so sweet and perfect to
look down the long line of faces and know they were all Alpha O's
united in one great purpose. During the evening, toasts were given,
songs were sung, and we were drawn even closer together in love
for one another. Our freshmen had seats together, and their song
was the "hit" of the evening. I t was all so clever that I must at
least give the chorus:

(Tune—"Last Night Was the End of the World.")

Tonight the stars are all aglow,
Tonight we love, we love you so,
Our hearts beat fast, for you we fear,
We beg you now, Don't be severe, Alpha 0 !
Now we leave our fate to you,
We know not yet what you will do,
At last 'tis o'er! Pledges no more!
Tonight's initiation!
The freshmen's play was another exceedingly original feature.
Just before we left, we all joined in singing, "Once More United.
That was the end of a perfect evening. Margaret Rogers, Alice
Calhoun and Kathryn Wilkey, our last year girls, were with us for
initiation.

Everyone is busy on the " H i l l " getting his picture ready for the
annual and paying club fees and all such things attendant upon the
bringing out of college publications. The editors are unusually busy,
and we are promised a very good book to represent U . T . for this
year. I n other respects the " H i l l " is more alive than it has been
for a long time, for spring weather calls us to the out-of-doors.

This is our last letter to To DRAGMA this year, and in closing, we
of Omicron send love to each and every Alpha O wherever they
may be, and wish for them all success and happiness!

MARY D . HOUSTON, Chapter Editor.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 277

KAPPA, RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE

Virginia Allen, '16 Helen E . Hardy, '17
Margaret Atkinson, '16 Fannie Butterfield, '17
Lucy Somerville, '16 Virginia Strother, '17
Rebecca Lamar, '16 Louise Swift, '17
Susie Mann, '16 Frances Hardy, '18
Lucile Marsalis, '16 Bernie Palfrey, '18
Clara M. Smith, '17 Helen Scott, '18
Augusta Stacy, '17 Frances Hamilton, '18
Annie Earle Reed, '17 Margaret Thomas, '18

Spring has come, and with it have come the flowers and birds and
weather that lures us away from our work to the campus. I f any of
our sisters should come to see us now, they would probably think
us a ne'er-do-well lot of girls for we cannot resist the call of the
spring.

But to make this letter harmonize with the spirit of the May
To DRAGMA, the spirit of work, of helpfulness must permeate it,
and so I am going to tell in detail of some phases of Social Service
work that we do at Randolph-Macon. A l l work of this kind is
done under the general auspices of the Y. W. C. A. j in fact, we do
practically nothing as individuals here, as everything is done through
some organization.

The best part of all our work, certainly the most interesting to
those of us who are in it, is that done at the orphanages. There are
three in Lynchburg. Fannie Butterfield, '17, has charge of the work
done at the Presbyterian Orphanage, where there are one hundred
and twenty children. She has organized a Camp Fire group among
the older girls. There are besides this, three groups of younger
girls, and two groups of boys to each of which some girl goes once
a week to teach songs and folk-dances, read or play games. The
entire force of Sunday-school teachers is supplied, thirteen girls
going out for this purpose every Sunday afternoon. The children
are invited to college on various occasions, as the Halloween and
May Day performances.

A Christmas party at the Orphanage was given with a simple but
different gift for each child, and was much enjoyed, as was also
a "cob-web" party given at the Alpha Omicron Pi House. This
work gives the much needed individual love and attention to these
affectionate and responsive children.

Besides the work among the orphans, we are interested in teaching
and helping the maids. Annie Earle Reed, '17, is the proud teacher
of a gymnasium class of sixteen waitresses, as she says "of all shapes,
ages, and descriptions." Every Monday and Wednesday nights they
eagerly come down to the gymnasium, and their interest in arm and

278 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

leg exercises, vaulting and climbing ropes is marvelous, when we
think of how we cut our gym on the slightest provocation. But
when Annie Earle says, "Get the basketball," they are completely
happy. They enter into basketball with such a vim that an onlooker
would believe herself a spectator of a Thanksgiving championship
game. They form an interesting and enthusiastic class, and Annie
Earle is hoping to persuade others to join it.

During the summer vacation we do not all waste our time. The
most successful in her attempts to make good use of her time last
summer was Margaret Atkinson, who had an Eight Weeks' Club
at her home. She was so successful that the Y. W. C. A. thought
her club worthy of being described in the Association Monthly. She
had thirteen girls about fifteen years of age, and they worked as
well as played. They circulated books among those who had none,
and in tins way kept the people interested in something worth while.
The people of a country district generally use lamps for their
lighting purposes, so the Club decided to give a play and put
acetylene lights into the school building. They cleared $ 1 0 9 from
the play and were so pleased that they started working for a macada-
mized road from the school to the railroad station, a distance of
about five miles. They held a "Good Roads" meeting and got the
people interested, and when Margaret left the right of way was
about cleared for the force to begin work.

We wish that we could tell you all about our work, but we must
leave time and space for others. When you read this letter, we shall
all be in the midst of commencement and vacation plans. Kappa
wishes for all her sisters a memorable commencement and a happy
summer.

H E L E N HARDY, Chapter Editor.

ZETA, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

Edna Froyd, '16 Dorie Deyo, '18
Helen Wehrli, '16 Winnifred Moran, '18
Gladys Dorainy, 'i6 Lillian Dickman, '18
Ethel Chace, '16 Edna Hathway, 'l8
Erma Hauptman, '16 Orena Ohlsen, '18
Doris Deyo, '18 Lydia Dawson, '19
Jeanette Adams, '18 Mildred Gillilan, '19
Helen Ayers, '18 Helen Johnson, '19
Carrie Marshall, '18 Marie Studts, '19
Verna Kean, '18 Gladys Whitford, '19
Marie Ohlsen, '19

At last, dear friends and admired relatives, mid-semesters axe
over and we are going home to recuperate. University life has been

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 279

a busy one since Christmas vacation. There has been so much to
which to attend besides our school work. Among other things, there
were several University events, in which the whole school took part—
Kismet Club play (three of our girls were in i t ) , and University
Night, a sort of vaudeville program, and then a week ago, a Uni-
versity Ak-Sar-Beu. This last was under the auspices of the
Y. W. C. A. and Y. M . C. A. I t was a mixture of fair, carnival
and circus. Several of the fraternities and sororities contributed
to the evening's entertainment. There were a shooting-gallery, a
confetti booth, and a fortune-teller's tent. The Delta Zeta's had a
telegraph office, and the T r i Delts sold pop. We had "a nice cream"
stand, and lots of fun. We have not yet heard how much money
was made, but at least we know we had a share in making it. This
week we have had a vocational conference—a series of talks by
several capable women, who have been successful in various occupa-
tions. I t has been the aim of those who planned the conference, to
assist university girls in choosing the vocation for which they are
most suited. The principal speaker was Miss Helen Bennett, director
of the Collegiate Bureau of Occupations of Chicago.

The eleventh of March we had our formal dancing party, and
plan to have our banquet the twenty-ninth of April. A number of
our alumna? are coming back for that, and we are anticipating a
happy reunion.

So much for things in general. Since the May To DRAGMA is a
Practical Social Service number, it would be a fitting time to speak
of our efforts along that line, in the University of Nebraska.

In the first place, you must know about the Girls' Club. I t is
a branch of Y. W. C. A. for university women—just as its name
signifies. Nearly all of our girls belong either to the Y. W. C. A.
or the Girls' Club. You remember how happy we were to have our
dear Eddie Froyd elected as Girls' Club president. The member-
ship dues are fifty cents a year. A part of each half dollar goes to
a loan fund for girls in needy circumstances. I t is used to help them
to go through the University. The fund is comparatively small, two
or three hundred dollars, but it is growing steadily. But more
important than this, is the opportunity the Girls' Club offers of
meeting on equal terms girls of every station in life. I t is a certain
cure for the snob.

The Silver Serpent, a junior society composed of a representative
of each fraternity, and two nonfraternity girls, has done some prac-
tical social service. A t Christmas time the members had tag-day, and
gave many poor families Christmas dinners. They had twenty dollars
left. Recently they decided to spend it for subscriptions to the

280 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

Youth's Companion which were to be given to boys. Doris Scroggin
is our representative to this society.

Last Christmas we gave Mrs. Gaynor's The House That Jack
Built at the Orthopedic Hospital. A l l of the dear familiar Mother
Goose people were present, and gave the little folks much pleasure.
So we have been trying to do our part in this big, busy world.

Now it is time to say goodbye. Where do you suppose we will
be when the next To DRAGMA is printed? Back at school with
the girls, we hope. "Auf Wiedersehen."

E D N A HATHWAY, Chapter Editor.

SIGMA, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

Alice de Veuve, '15 Rosalinda Olcese, '17

Ruth Brownlie, '16 Gertrude Schiek, '17

Francis Corlett, '16 .Marie Butler, '18

Elizabeth Elliot, '16 Ella Crawford, '18

Vira Georgeson, '16 Christine Finnell, '18

Kathleen Mains, '16 Bernice Hubbard, '18

May Preuss, '16 Marguerite Neely, '18

Marion Bachman, '17 Elsa Oberdeener, '18

Helen Clowes, '17 Gertrude Day, '19

Gladys Goeggel, '17 Thelma Donovan, '19

Alice Cranston, '17 Margaret Forsyth, '19

Kathryn Hubbard, '17 Lucile Graham! '19

Ethel Moroney, '17 Helen Schiek, "19

Dorothy Weeks, '19

Sigma is in the midst of mid-term examinations, but that does not

prevent her from rushing to the utmost for the coming semester.

For some time we have felt the need of knowing our rushees better

before they come to college and so we have organized a system of

weekly teas. I n this way we can meet the ones who expect to come

far in advance and come to know them in a more natural and friendly

way. The teas have proved so satisfactory that we have been able

in many cases to make up our minds ahead of time whether the

girl will be worthy of an Alpha O bid. Parthenia, the women's

spring festival, is one of our best rushing dates. We usually give

a lawn party, serving luncheon, and then go to the pageant in a body.

The weather has always favored us and so we are looking forward

to that date quite eagerly. Next Wednesday we are having a dinner

party when Sigma hopes to do her best.

You know we have wanted a home for many years, a real Alpha 0

house, that belongs to us. Last Monday night we took the first out-

ward steps in that direction when the active chapter gave power to

the committee to purchase a lot. I t is on Channing Way, close to

the campus. The lot is not very wide, but we expect to make up m

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 281

height what it lacks in breadth. Various of the Sigma parents have
been so kind in giving us advice, helping us to incorporate, and
smoothing over the difficulties of the way.

At the beginning of the semester we initiated Alice Cranston, from
Santa Ana, and Gertrude Day. from San Diego. Alice is a junior
while Gertrude is a freshman. We also initiated Ora Fulton, who
is from our Washington chapter. Ora is taking a postgraduate
course at our University.

The entire campus has been active in social service work this
semester. There have been innumerable "tag" days for Belgian
relief. The Red Cross work has been supported by the entire chap-
ter. A number of the girls have done the active work of furthering
the campaign, while all Sigma has supported Red Cross financially.
A l l those, who could spare them, have sent clothes to the petitioning
societies. Ethel Moroney and Ruth Brownlie have classes in teaching
defective children in the city. They go there once a week. Gladys
Schmidt, besides a class, does active work in the Associated Charities
of Berkeley. Several of the girls are taking an eight weeks' course at
Y. W. C. A. where they receive the training which will enable them
to teach or do effective social work the next semester. We have found
that many of the girls, who are willing and glad to work, are not
qualified. The aim of the club is to give them proper instructions
how to work effectively.

Isabelle Henderson Stewart has paid the chapter several visits.
You know she lives in the mountains where there is from eighteen
to twenty feet of snow. I n order to reach the railroad station she had
to travel twenty-two miles on skis. The trip took two days, but, she
says, the scenery was worth the trip. Most of us know so little
about snow that to hear of such a trip is quite an experience. She
gave us several profitable talks during her visit.

Sigma wishes all the best success in examinations and a glorious
summer vacation.

GLADYS GOEGGEL, Chapter Editor.

THETA, DE PAUW UNIVERSITY

Florence Foster, '16 Ann White, '18
Clara Dilts, '16 Merle Huffman, '18
Frances Kelly, '17 Marguerite Bennett, '18
Georgia Gilkey, '17 Jessie Jones, 'l8
Edna McClure, '17 Margaret Douthitt, 'l8
Beatrice Woodward, '17 Esther Canaday, '18
Esther Morris, '18 Mary Hedde, '19
Luella Worthley, '18 Wilhelmina Hedde, '19
Mary Kibele, '18 Ethel Tike, '19

282 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

Luella Driscol, '19 Avanelle Carter, '19
Maurine York, '19 Gertrude Jayne, '19
Melva Hendrix, '19 Agnes Lakin, '19
Dorothy Dunn, '19 Ruth Little, '19
Vev Ville Hasman, '19 Mary Bicknell, '19
Bernice Wilhelm, '19 Jessie Bicknell, '19

PLEDGES

Ruth Layne, '18 Bernice Mitchell, '20
Helen Lange, '19

Theta has been so much carried along with college activities in
general since the beginning of this semester that she has been the
busiest ever. However, at the same time we have been wide awake,
and have pledged three, very dear girls, Ruth Layne, Bernice Mitchell
and Helen Lange from North Vernon.

The university has been offering us some rare opportunities this
year by bringing very noted men here on the lecture platform.
Three have already been here, Dean Bimey of Boston, Hugh Black,
- the noted writer, and Bishop Bashford. I t is hard to say which was
best for they all were so very much worth while. John R. Mott
will be here to complete the series soon.

We are all so enthusiastic over our new gymnasium, which was
dedicated March 8th. Our much beloved Dr. McConnell was
with us to deliver the dedicatory address proper. Governor Ralston
presided over the morning ceremonies, and Hon. Chas. W. Fairbanks
in the afternoon. I n the evening the building was open for a recep-
tion to both town and college people. A great spirit of democracy
was plainly expressed.

Even though college affairs have been numerous, they have not
kept us from our own individual work and life. When we came
back from our joyous Christmas vacations, we found that our
chaperon had left us. We made steps at once toward getting another,
with whom we had already contracted for second semester; she came,
Mrs. Nell C. Colborn from Tacoma, Wash., and was settled with
us within a week. We did our best toward a cordial welcome and
kindness to her until we could arrange for her reception. We were
sorry, but this had to be postponed until February 5th on account
of finals. We gave a reception in the afternoon, for the towns-
ladies and at night for the faculty. Mrs. Colborn certainly meets
with a hearty approval from us as chaperon. She has filled the
place with great-ease, seemingly as well satisfied and at home with
us as we are with her. She has been very interested, and has always
been ready to lend her hand when we wanted advice or help. The
great thing we have to regret is that we are going to lose her at the

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 283

end of next month, for she is to be married. We feel glad f o r

her, even though we are terribly sad to think of our subsequent loss.

Just a few days ago we gave a little Cupid dinner for her, and her
fiance and they in turn entertained us at a theatre party. We are
very glad that she will not have to leave Greencastle, but will be
here as a staunch friend to us.

Unfortunately, we are not able to do very much toward making the
May number of To DRAGMA a social service number. Organizations
and attempts in that work are only in the bud here. Y. W. C . A.
is the constant advocate, however. Last month Beatrice Woodward
and Mary Kibele were on a social service committee whose duty was
to visit and try to make more happy the homes of the poor. Ann
White was elected Editor of the Associated Navs on the Y. W. C . A.
cabinet.

I have left the event which is now uppermost in our minds until
the last, simply because I thought you would like to hear the whole
story later rather than here it bit by bit in its stage of planning.
No doubt you can guess that it is our formal party which is to be
in the form of a cafeteria, April 8th. We are just as busy as can
be putting the finishing touches on the final preparation.

Fraternally in A O I I ,
E D N A M C C L U R E , Chapter Editor.

ALUMNA NOTES

BIRTHS

To Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hazlett (Nell Savage, ' 0 9 ) , a son.

DEATHS

Mrs. Edwin McCracken (Gladys Whitaker, ' 1 0 ) , March 20, 1916.

DELTA, JACKSON COLLEGE

Ruth Burbank, '16 Kennetha Ware, '18
Madeline JefTers, '16 Elizabeth Sargent, '18
Marion Hall, '16 Margaret Durkee, '18
Emelie Osborne, '16 Ruth Brooks, '19
Lydia Piper, '16 Margaret Kimball, '19
Marjorie Dean, '17 Inga Little, '19
Marion Jameson, '17 Elizabeth Miller, '19
Helen Rowe, '17 Martha Neale, '19
Mildred Simpson, '17 Madeline Parker, '19
Madeline Perkins, '18 Ethel Richardson, '19
Lorna Tasker, '19

Dear Sisters in A O I I :
Spring again—so soon ! Already, plans for Class Day and gradua-

lion are well under way.

284 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

We have had so many real good times this last half just by having
little "get together" parties after fraternity meetings. On "Stunt
Night," the seniors did their share of the fun-making by presenting
a mock wedding. Another night we had Professor Fay speak to
us on "Reminiscences of the H i l l , " as it was fifty years ago. I t
was very interesting to hear the point of view of a student of Tufts
at that time.

Last week, the freshmen presented the play, Marrying Belinda.
Several of our alumnae were back, and the non-fraternity girls of
Jackson came. We feel that we ought to congratulate ourselves on
the new fund of dramatic talent that our freshmen have bestowed
on us.

The sophomores and juniors had the most exciting basketball
game. I t was the first year for four years that J's with sweaters were
the reward of the winning team. After a good hot contest, which
was tied nearly up to the end, the juniors won 11-7. The sophomores
won the game with the freshmen, and the outcome of the track-
meet will decide the question of the flags.

Last week, Miss Eschenlerenner, Membership Secretary of the
National Child Labor Committee, spoke to the Jackson girls on the
great army of hundreds of thousands of children who are wasting
their lives in sweatshops, factories, etc. We cannot prevent the
slaughter going on in Europe at the present time, but we have it
in our power to arouse public sentiment against this inhuman treat-
ment of childhood. Once we get this sentiment aroused, it will
not take twenty years to pass a law preventing eight and ten year
old children from remaining in a straight-jacket twelve and fifteen
hours a day.

On the eighth of April, we are going to have our dance. We
expect to have quite a number of our alumnae back with us. Of all
the good times during the year, we always look forward to this with
the most enthusiasm.

Instead of the operetta, which we have given the last two years
on Jackson Day in May, we are going to present several scenes from
different plays of Shakespeare on a stage set up in front of our ivy-
covered chapel cloister. The scene of Puck dancing in the forest
from Midsummer Night's Dream, and the trial scene from The
Merchant of Venice are two numbers on the program.

Best luck to you all in your final examinations! Delta sends
heartiest wishes for a happy vacation.

MARJORIE D E A N , Chapter Editor.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 285

ALUMNAE NOTES

MIRTHS

To Mr. and Mrs. Hall (Pauline Lamprey, '12), a son, in January.

ENGAGEMENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Albion Bartlett of Lynn, Mass., announce the engagement
of their daughter, Dorothy, '13, to Rev. Frederick E . Ituck, assistant minister
of St. Stephen's Parish, Pittsfield, Mass.

G A M M A , U N I V E R S I T Y OF M A I N E

Zella Colvin, '16 Jessie Sturtevant, '17
Doris Currier, '16 Ruth Chalmers, '18

Florence Greenleaf, '16 Pauline Derby, '18
Madeline Robinson, '16 Fannie Flint, 'l8

Sibyl Russell, '16 Vera Gellerson, '18
Grace Sawyer, '16 Mona MacWilliams, *i8
Evelyn Winship, '16 Vera Mersereau, '18
Elizabeth Bright, '17 Emma Perry, '18
Leola Chaplin, '17 Gladys Reed, '18
Helen Danforth, '17 Helen Stinchfield, '18
Alfreda Ellis, '17 Joyce Cheney, '19
Flora Howard, '17 Madeline Gould, '19
Lillian Hunt, '17 Ruth Jordon, '19
Frances Lougee, '17 Faye Smith, '19
Doris Savage, '17 E l l a Wheeler, '19

Dear Sisters:

Now that fraternity examinations are over, we are ready to take

up the chapter work in earnest again, and I strongly believe that

Gamma is resolved to make herself a more potent factor in the college

community than ever before.

The Woman's Club of the University has done much to bind the

girls together in the bonds of deeper love and comradeship. The

spirit of the fraternities here toward the non-fraternity girl is com-

mendable, and it is this organization, I think, that is responsible

for it to a large extent. Last Saturday, a reception was given by the

club for the mothers and faculty women in order to establish more

intimate and helpful relations between them. Due to the untiring

efforts of the President, Zella Colvin, who is one of our senior

Alpha O girls, and the committees in which other Alpha O's were

active, the affair was a great success.

Another event which you will be interested to know about was the

concert given by the Girls' Glee Club at the Insane Hospital in

Bangor. In this, also, we are glad to say that Alpha O's were

prominent. Frances is leader of the Glee Club, and Mona, leader

of the Orchestra. I t was certainly worth while just to see the smiles

of appreciation spread over the faces of the audience. The sweet

286 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

voice of Madeline, our soloist, and the humorous selections of our
reader, Joyce, were received with special enthusiasm.

We spent a very enjoyable evening not long ago, overcasting and
folding bandages for the soldiers. Vera had a big box f u l l sent out
for us from the Red Cross Society in Bangor, and after our regular
business meeting, we had a delightful cozy sewing-bee. How our
fingers, and needless to say, our tongues flew! Now, we are planning
to sew for a worthy family of small children, who are in dire need
of aid. We would like to help them financially, but we are trying
so hard to have a chapter house. Our funds are increasing slowly
but surely, and we soon hope to be able to tell you all about it.

Yet we realize that "a chapter needs more than a house," as our
Editor-in-chief states it. As we have already written you, we have
tried to show that we stand for character, scholarship and service
by giving the Elizabeth Balentine Scholarship of thirty dollars each
year to that girl chosen by the faculty for character, scholarship
and need of financial help. We have also offered the g i f t of a
silver cup as an impetus for a girls' tennis tournament this spring.
Athletics for girls here at Maine surely need a helping hand.

It is Gamma's wish that in the future she may more faithfully
live up to the ideal of service, and show that she is making the
world better by being in it.

L E O L A C H A P L I N , Chapter Editor.

ALUMNvE NOTES

BIRTHS

Mr. and Mrs. Lester W. Jacobs (Margaret Flint, '12) announce the birth
of a daughter, Bernice, January io, 1916.

To Mr. and Mrs. Martin Burke (Frances Webber, '06), a boy, Paul Webber.
To Mr. and Mrs. Everett Harvey (Luella Woodman, '12), a son, Robert
Willis.
To Mr. and Mrs. Harry Woods (Annie Gilbert, ' 1 1 ) , a daughter, on April 6th.
To Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Markle, (Florence Brown, ' 1 1 ) , a son

ENGAGEMENTS

Margaret Lillis Holyoke, '15, recently announced her engagement to Mr.
Harold P. Adams, «t> K 2, Maine, '14, by sending out their cards tied together
with white ribbon.

GENERAL

Luella Woodman Harvey, '12, of Bar Harbor, was a recent Orono visitor.
She will soon go to Maiden, Mass., where she is to reside.

Antoinette Webb, '13, who is teaching English at Norwood, Mass., visited
us recently.

Genevieve Boland is now Dean of Women at Adrian College, Adrian, Mich.
Elizabeth Hanly, '15, has had several of her poems accepted.
Joyce Cheney, '19, has had a poem accepted by The Designer.

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 287

Balentine Hall, the new dormitory for women, is to be ready in the fall.
It is a very attractive building, situated to the right of the library, and it
will accommodate about one hundred and thirty women. North Hall is to
be given to a new fraternity for a home, and the girls will then be accommo-
dated either at Mt. Vernon House or Balentine.

Commencement at Maine this year will take place June I 0 t h - I 4 t h . We
would urge a large number of alumna; to be present. Special plans are now
being made for their entertainment both by the active and the alumna? chapters.

The Bangor Alumna; Chapter has not been installed as yet but the members
have regular monthly meetings. At the May meeting they are to entertain
the active chapter, although what form the entertainment may be has not
been decided.

EPSILON, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Gladys Combs, '16 Margaret Conlon, '18
Viola B. Dengler, '16 Joanna Donlon, '18
Lucy C . Hawley, '16 Evelyn Hieber, '18
Jesse K . Peters, '16 Calista Hoffman, '18
Katherine Lyon, '16 Matilda Loeffler, '18
Bertha F . Yerke, '16 Dagmar Schmidt, '18
Mary Albertson, '17 Florence Coupe, '19
Sarah L . Campbell, '17 Helen L a Forge, '19
Bettina Outterson, '17 Anna Graeffe, Spec.
Anne Morrow, '17 Helen Langdon, '19
Dorothy Shaw, '17 Jean ShefTer, '19
Jeanette Short, '17 Eleanor Sharp, '19

Now that spring is here, it is difficult to do much logical thinking
about past events, for the future with its hopes and possibilities looms
so high before us.

But many events of importance to the chapter and to the univer-
sity have taken place. First of all I must tell you that we have a
new member, Matilda Loeffler, whom we initiated March 19th, and,
whom we were all anxious to have for our sister.

On February 25th, the Cornell Women's Dramatic Club presented
Quality Street, by J. M . Barrie. I t was the first large public per-
formance given at the Lyceum by this organization, and it proved a
splendid success. We were very proud of the leading lady, Katherine
Lyon. Dagmar Schmidt also was in the cast. Bertha Yerke, Gladys
Combs, and Margaret Conlon were ushers.

Somewhat along the same line was the performance of Vaudeville
a la Mode. I t is a show given by the town people for the benefit
of the associated charities of Ithaca. Students are invited by them
to take part in the production, which consists of a number of stunts.
For an amateur performance of this kind, it was quite successful.
Katherine Lyon and Viola Dengler took part in it.

288 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

Last week the last Pre-festival Concert was given under the man-
agement of the Music Department. Such artists as Louise Homer,
Alice Nielson, and Ossip Gabrilowitch were here for these concerts.
The Music Festival comes April 27th, 28th, and 29, with Madame
Schumann-Heink, Grace Bonner Williams, Florence Hinckle, Evan
Williams, and others singing the solo parts. Five of our girls are
in the chorus—Bertha Yerke, Betty Outterson, Jean Short, Jean
Sheffer and Viola Dengler.

Mary Albertson has the honor of election to senior presidency
for next year.

Basketball was the cause of great excitement a week ago. This
year the games were run off in a series. March 13th, the seniors
won from the juniors, and the sophomores from the freshmen.
March 15th, the seniors won from the sophomores and the freshmen
from the juniors. March 18th, the sophomores won from the juniors.
The seniors and the freshmen had a tie, but the freshmen won the
first point.

According to total points, however, the seniors won. The classes
voted that the championship be awarded the seniors, but the seniors
have not accepted it. I t is still under discussion. Joanna Donlon
was on the sophomore team, Evelyn Hieber was captain of the
sophomore team, and Jean Short captain of the junior team.

Recently there has been a lengthy discussion on rushing rules.
We have felt that the present system at Cornell is not all that is
to be desired, and so we have been trying to find some better
way. We do not feel ready for second term rushing, so a compromise
on the present system has been offered. For the first three or four
weeks there is to be natural intercourse so that the entering girls
may have university matters presented to them without the complica-
tion of fraternities. Following this there is to be a short intensive
rushing period, and pledging before Christmas vacation. The
suggestion has been made that initiation is not to take place until
the second term, after twelve hours of work has been passed by the
candidate. These suggestions are before Panhellenic now but noth-
ing has been definitely decided.

Another question of much interest at the present time is fraternity
houses. The dormitories are not large enough to accommodate all the
girls so it has been decided that juniors and sophomores live outside
in houses under university ruling. I t is a problem, however, to
successfully manage so many girls, scattered through the town and
the question of fraternities going out into houses has been raised.
In this way the authorities would have a few groups to deal with,
which would be much easier for them than a large number of

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 289

individuals not belonging to or governed in a group. Most of us
are unprepared for going out, but it will have to come unless new
dormitories are provided.

We were to tell about the social service work, but we have done
little since Christmas time, and that was described in the February

number of To DRAGMA.
A tea for the faculty is the next problem on our hands. There

are so many university events scheduled, that it is truly a problem
to find a suitable time for it. We have decided that it shall be soon
after Easter. Our fraternity dance is May 5th, and we are beginning
to plan for it now. No doubt the other chapters are also making
such plans.

In the recent elections to Phi Beta Kappa we are glad to announce
two of our members, Katherine Lyon, '16, and Viola Dengler, '17.

Epsilon wishes you all success and happiness in this last and
important part of the year.

VIOLA B. D E N G L E R , Chapter Editor.

RHO, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Ruth Bond, '16 Alice Jane Wilson, 'l^
Leonora Doniat, '16 Kate Blum, '18
Mabel Gastfield, '16 Kathryn Brown, 'l8
Athene Nachtrieb, '16 Jane Kennedy, 'l8
Gertrude Nizze, 'l6 Mabel McConnell, 'l8
Ruby Peek, 'l6 Edna Mclnness, Spec.
Jean Richardson, '16 Margaret Ariess, '19
Alma Siegmiller, '16 Edith Brown, '19
Marion Abele, '17 Margaret Jeleffe, '19

Louise Hoffman, '17 Dorothy Kerr, '19
Alice Kolb, '17 Faith Morse, '19
Grace May, '17 Helen Ralston, '19
Miriam Smock, '19

Rho constantly grows in enthusiasm and in numbers. On February
19th we initiated our seven splendid pledges (before mentioned)
and Jane Kennedy of Beardstown, Illinois, and held our initiation
banquet at the new Evanston Hotel. The freshmen now enjoy
meeting with us in fraternity room on Monday nights, and glory
in the fact they no longer have to "do" the dishes all alone after
Friday "cozies" or monthly "frat-suppers." They even retaliated by
entertaining their upperclass sisters at a delightful vaudeville show,
St. Patrick's day at the home of Dorothy Kerr, and surprised all of
us by displaying their talents and originality.

At present we are busy, planning for our spring informal dance
to be given May 12th at the Wilmette Country Club. The following

290 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

day, the Chicago Alumna3 will entertain the active girls, and then
comes the mad round of gayeties, including our Mothers' Party,
which always attends that dearest and saddest time. Commencement.

Meanwhile, we are engulfed in our college work and various duties.
Esther Vincent is teaching music to the Polish children at the
Northwestern University Settlement; Ruth Bond and Louise Hoff-
man also have classes there, while Gertrude Nizze has a German class
at the Girls' League in Evanston; Jean Richardson is teaching her
interesting Greek youths the modern dances at H u l l House. A
number of the girls are attending the preparation lectures for the
Eight Weeks' Club work, that they may be better qualified to organize
those clubs among their younger girl friends at home this summer.
Easter time, we will again remember our poor family, with whom we
keep in touch throughout the year.

But best of all, is the beach party we are planning for twenty-
five little Camp Fire girls from the tenements near our Settlement.
Just imagine how they will enjoy it all (for they seldom see the
lake), roasting "wienies" in the bon-fire, watching the moon rise over
the lake (there must be a moon to order), singing songs, telling
stories, and doing stunts, in short, having a real good time. But i f
they enjoy it, I am sure that we will all enjoy it even more, and we
hope to be better "Big Sisters" hereafter.

LOUISE K . H O F F M A N , Chapter Editor.

ALUMNiE NOTES

MARRIAGES

Ruth Herberger, ex-'l6, and Mr. Peter L . Muckian, A T A , were married

on J a n u a r y 21st in Chicago. M r . M u c k i a n died in the W e s t Side Hospital three

weeks later, and Ruth is now at home with her parents.

ENGAGEMENTS

H a r r i e t Dolsen, ' i 8 , announces her engagement to M r . J o h n Vanderwort,
Salem, Ore.

LAMBDA, LELAND STANFORD UNIVERSITY

M a r t h a W o l f f , '14 R e a Gilbert, '17
H a r r i e t Maines, '15 Mildred Cowdrey, '17
E m i l y Poindexter, '15 L a u r a Wilkie, '17
L u c i l e C u r t i s , '15 Marian Gilbert, '18
Marian Boal, '16 Abbie Wood, '18
H a z e l H a r t w e l l , '16 Elizabeth Wood, '18
Muriel T u r n e r , '16 Constance Chandler, '18
Alice Moore, '16 Marguerite Odenheimer, '18
M i n n a U r a n g , '16 Jeanne Stoddard, '18
E d n a B r o w n , '16 Ruth Chandler, '19
Genevieve Morse, '16 Ruth Taylor, '19
Marguerite Fogel, '17 Marjorie Coil, '19

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 291

I am to tell, this time, of the Social Service Work in which we
are interested, so I shall "dive" right in without further preliminaries.

The work that we do is conducted through the Y. W. C. A. in the
university. Just lately a Big Sister Movement has been organized,
and Minna Urang has been placed at the head of it. She has also
been elected to Y. W. C. A. Cabinet as chairman of the Social
Service Committee for next semester. Alice Moore will be on the
cabinet too, as chairman of the Meetings Committee.

I n Mayfield, a very poor district not far from the campus, there
is an orphanage—the Maude Booth Home—and it is toward this
institution that the Big Sister Movement is to be directed. The
poverty among the children is extreme, and one may readily under-
stand that a child in such an mi fortunate environment is not capable
of having the morals, the ideals, or the physical strength, which will
enable him to rise above his surroundings. The object of the move-
ment is not to try abstract and theoretical tactics of reform upon the
children, but to get at the very hearts of them, and impress them,
above all, with the fact that there is someone who cares whether or not
they are good and happy. Four girls from each sorority, and ten from
each of the two halls, are to be Big Sisters to children ranging from
four to seventeen years of age. I t shall be each girl's duty to go
and see some one child, write to him in the summer, and make him
interested in life in general. Most of the children live in dark, bare
rooms, without a vestige of brightness and cheer, and their whole
existence is just as colorless. Such a small thing as a picture for
the room, or a vase for flowers might serve as the first step toward the
knowledge of a life that is more worth living. The essential thing
is to reach the child by starting with him on his own level, and
gradually drawing him up to higher ones.

The four girls from our house who have undertaken this work are,

Jeanne Stoddard, Marguerite Odenheimer, Elizabeth Wood and Ruth

Chandler.

Another large field of work open to Stanford Students is in con-
nection with the Lane Hospital and Stanford Medical College in
San Francisco. The Student Body supports a Settlement nurse, who
does the "follow-up" work after the poor have left the hospital.
They go back to the same squalid, unhealthful ways of living to
which they have been accustomed, and the important thing, then,
is to follow them up and give them a start in the right direction.
This is why the Stanford students support the clinic, and although
they can only contribute indirectly to the work of betterment, yet
every individual has an opportunity to be a part of the big work.

2 9 2 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA 0M1CR0N PI

Where individual effort shows more is in the school at Mayfield.
Elizabeth Wood and Ruth Chandler go there one afternoon a week
and instruct the small boys in athletics. That is, they help them
organize baseball teams, umpire their games, and teach them to
be good sportsmen and to play clean athletics. Two other girls
also go to Mayfield once a week and give sewing lessons to the
third, fourth, f i f t h and sixth grades. This sort of work amongst
unruly, actually dirty little children is not the most pleasant in the
world, but it receives its reward through the knowledge that someone
is being helped by i t ; and it is an awakening to the girls to the
poverty, misery, and privations of the world.

Besides the Social Service work, the girls are doing various other
things. Martha Wolff is in the Junior Opera this year; Marguerite
Odenheimer has just been elected a member of the Gymnasium Club;
Abbie Wood is out for the varsity crew, and a number of girls for
the varsity basketball team. On St. Patrick's Day the university
had a The Dansant for the Belgian Relief Fund, and Laura
Wilkie was at the head of the committee for the arrangement of
music. Lambda has been struck by the spirit of reform so you
see, we are doing our best to enter into the activities of our university.
Why, the reform movement is even so wide in its scope as to include
the practice of—now don't laugh—clapping for elbows on the table!

Lambda sends greeting to you all.

CONSTANCE CHANDLER, Chapter Editor.

ALUMN/E NOTES

GENERAL

Mrs. Bryant Burdette Hakes ( R u t h Crippen, 12) of Coronado recently
spent a week in Los Angeles visiting Marguerite Knox.

Mrs. Otis Collins (Helene Montague, '13), is recuperating from her long
illness at the home of her sister in Hollywood. She expects to be able to
r e t u r n to S a n F r a n c i s c o w i t h her h u s b a n d by the first of September.

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Goodan (May Chandler, '14), are building a charming
D u t c h Colonial House in the W i l s h i r e district of L o s Angeles.

E r n a T a y l o r , '16, entertained her L o s Angeles L a m b d a classmates at a
delightful luncheon last month.

Florence Scott, '09, has a splendid position as domestic science teacher in the
Glendale H i g h School.

Marie Warren, '16, recently spent a few days in L o s Angeles.

BIRTHS

Horn on J a n u a r y 1, 1916, to M r . and M r s . M i c k e l s o n ( L o i s W a l t o n , ' i 3 ) »
a son.

Born on J a n u a r y 6, 1916, to M r . and M r s . L e e Scott Border (Chetenna
Nesbit, '12), a son, Carl Frederick Border.

B o r n , F e b r u a r y , 1916, to M r . a n d M r s . J . H . L o c h r i d g e ( E l e a n o r A d a m s ,
' i i ) , a son, John Emerson Lochridge.

I

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 293

MARRIAGES

Katherine Barnes, '10, and D r . D a v i d Hibbs were recently married in Oak-
land, Cal. D r . and M r s . Hibbs spent a few days in L o s Angeles on their way
E a s t to their n e w home at C i t y P o i n t , V a . D r . H i b b s is a surgeon in tht
Dupont Powder Works.

ENGAGEMENTS

M a r g u e r i t e K n o x , ' i i , announced h e r engagement to H e n r y L o u d , '12, of
E l Centro at a beautifully appointed luncheon A p r i l 1st.

IOTA, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Ethel Brooks, '16 H e l e n Brauns, '19

Nellie Hedgcock, '16 Gladys Saffell, '17

Opal Frost, '16 Minnie Phillips, '17

Leota Mosier, '16 Mate Giddings, '17

Louise Woodroofe, '17 Golda Wadsworth, '17

Isabel M c K i n n e l l , '17 Elaine Buhrman, '17

Florence Mass, '17 Marion Gregg, '17

Maybelle Dallenbach, '17 Bertha Stein, '18

Nellie Janes, '18 R u t h Percival, '18

Velda Bamesberger, 'l8 N i n a Grotevant, '18

Aileen H u n t e r , '18 Mary Caldwell, '18

Martha Hedgcock, '18

PLEDGES

Marion Kenney, '19 Marie Stejskal, '19
Hazel Stevens, '19 M a r y Putnam, '19

Since the last To DRAGMA, Iota has celebrated her fifth birthday.
The celebration was quite an elaborate one for a little girl entering
her sixth year, but we felt her quite worthy of all the splendor we
could add to the occasion.

We invited our alumna? back, making it a reunion for them as well
as a birthday party. We felt as i f our cup had been filled to over-
flowing that week of February 26th. I t was during that week that
Professor Barton, head of our Classics Department, and Mrs. Barton
accepted our invitation to become our patron and patroness. We
pledged a new girl, Mary Putnam, '19, of Chicago, a cousin of one
of the Rho girls. Then came our reunion, initiation, and birthday
party.

On the night of February 25th our alumna; began to arrive.
A delegation of us met them at the train, and escorted them to our
new chapter house, which most of them had not seen before. We
turned the house over entirely to the visitors, the active town girls
being kind enough to take in those of us who live in the house. We
heard rumors of a meeting that night after the rest of us were gone;
we don't know what took place, but we think it must have been a l l
right.