Chapter AN P.E.O. Sisters celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the chapter’s organization with an Anniversary Tea on Sunday, Nov. 3, at Manvel Avenue Coffee Company.
The history of the chapter might well begin with its inception in the mind of Lola Stansberry Savage who moved to Chandler from Bloomfield, Iowa. She became a member of Chapter B, Bloomfield, in 1888 and was active there until Nov. 14, 1919 when she sponsored and became a charter member of Chapter AN, Chandler.
Initiated on the November day were Harriet (Mrs. C.M.) Morgan, Fay Armstrong, LaVanche Bruce, Winifred Adams, Lettie McLane, Nona Roberts and Myrtle Cunningham with Mrs. Savage by demit.
At present Chapter AN has 34 active members and eight nonresident members. This year the chapter will be co-hosting the state convention in Norman. Several ladies have also served the sisterhood on state boards. LaRetah Najera is currently the Chairman of State Cottey College Scholarship and Katherine Greenfield has served a past Chairman and board member of OPF.
On Jan. 21, 2019, the Philanthropic Educational Organization will celebrate the 150th birthday of International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Chapter A in Springfield will join the other 230,000 current members of P.E.O. from nearly 6,000 chapters across the United States and Canada in celebrating the historic milestone.
Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 105,000 women pursue educational goals by providing more than $321 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans and the stewardship of Cottey College.
Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together nearly a half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education, while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members.
What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America.