The year was 1938 and America was just recovering from the Great Depression; Franklin Roosevelt was president of the United States and many countries in Europe had embarked in actions which would lead to World War II. This time in our history we were known as Negroes.
It had been twenty-five years since our great sisterhood was founded. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was under the leadership of our seventh National President Vivian Osborne Marsh (1935-1939).
At this time the sorority had three types of chapters: Alumnae, Undergraduate and Mixed. The change in types of chapters became effective in 1975. The Alumnae remained the same; the undergraduate became collegiate and the mixed chapters were dispelled. There were a total of twenty-six mixed chapters: first one, Omega established in 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio and the last was Delta Theta in Sacramento, Ca. in 1950. Each mixed chapter followed the nomenclature that is used today with the collegiate chapters.
In 1938 seven women from Northwest Indiana petitioned Grand Chapter for a charter for a mixed chapter for Gary, Indiana. During this time many young women who went away to school went to schools which did not have chapters of Delta Sigma Theta. They would be initiated when they were home for breaks and vacation.
The first president of Beta Nu was Edna Johnson Morris. Of the seven charter members two are still living: Julia Ballinger and Natalie Ousley. These women were primarily teachers in the Gary school system. Keep in mind that the early members of Beta Nu did not have the career choices which are available today. Those who were not in education did social work. Edna Johnson Morris was in the funeral industry. These women were looked up to, because they were college graduates.
Edna Johnson Morris wrote a rough draft of the history of Delta Sigma Theta. She also served as National Secretary during the second term of National President, Sadie T.M. Alexander.
During the early years of Beta Nu, the National focus was working with the NAACP and the Urban League in the areas of education.
Segregation was alive and well and by joining forces with NAACP and Urban League, many members could participate.
Beta Nu encouraged many youth to go to college and provide financial aid.
In a quote from IN SEARCH OF SISTERHOOD by Paula Giddings “Two of the most outstanding projects were realized by chapters in Michigan and Gary, the later which purchased a house for $13,000 for the use by the Sorority as well as community organizations.
THE BEGINNING: THE DELTA HOUSE
In order to purchase this elegant two-story house and to maintain its elegance, funds came from both the chapter treasury and generous contributions from sorors.
The Delta House was located on a site in the 2600 block of Harrison Street.
The large living and dining rooms served as the chapter meeting room and the bedrooms were used for committee meetings and storage for Delta properties.
The Delta House was not only used for chapter meetings and activities, it was also rented to other Greek organizations for their activities as well as the place for hosting wedding receptions.
In order to oversee the property, the House Director, an office of the chapter, was a very important office. Both Soror Edna Morris and Soror Edith Franklin served for many years in this key position as House Director.
As years passed, more and more work was required on the Delta House. Of course, money became more important as repairs became necessary. It was decided by the Chapter to transform the Delta House into rental property which contained four rental apartments. “Some of the tenants were great but there were those who proved to be a liability by damaging the apartments and others who refused to live up to their financial agreemenet.” With all of these challenges, the Chapter continued to work hard to keep up the Delta rental property.
Because of the needed repairs, the house no longer was used for meetings. Sorors opened up their homes for meetings and activities. Soror Edith Franklin opened up her home often for meetings and activities. Soror Ana Broomes of East Chicago also graciously opened up her beautiful home where many Founders Day celebrations were held as well as other Chapter events. Soror Broomes’ home became known as the “East Chicago Delta House.”
CULTURAL EVENTS
Beta Nu and Gary Alumnae have always been known for bringing cultural events, Broadway theatrical productions and world renowned musicians to Gary. Before West Side High School and the West Side Theater Guild, Delta was on the move. Many of these events were held at Roosevelt High School and at the historic Memorial Auditorium. Some of the outstanding theatrical productions presented were; “Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope”, “Bubbling Brownsugar”, “The Wiz”, and “Where Were You In 1965?” Let’s not forget comedienne Moms Mabley, the great voices of Duke Ellington, Nancy Wilson , Billy Eckstein and Wes Montgonery. Yes, the list goes on……. With the increase in prices for artists and productions, the Chapter united with the West Side Theater Guild in bringing cultural events to Gary.
THE UNIQUENESS OF BETA NU AND GARY ALUMNAE
Three of our own have held national offices: Soror Edna Johnson Morris (National Secretary 1921-1923) under National President Sadie T. M. Alexander; Soror Ruth Sloan Taylor (National Secretary 1975-1979 under National President Thelma T. Daley); Soror Ethel Pannel, a little lady but filled with strength, boldness and fortitude, was appointed Sergeant At Arms and served in this position for many years. Soror Hortense House served as State Coordinator and represented Gary Alumnae well with her commitment, knowledge and love for Delta.
Not only did Beta Nu/Gary Alumnae have members who served as National officers, many National officers also came to Gary. Each praised the Sorors for the royal treatment that they received and they looked forward to returning to our fair city. National Presidents who came to Gary: Sorors Lillian P. Benbow, Mona H. Bailey, Thelma T. Daley. Hortense Canady and Marcia L. Fudge. Other Sorors of National and Regional prominence who came to Gary: Sorors Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Barbara Curtis, Carol Ware and Darlene Pollard. Yes, the list goes on…………
It goes without saying that Gary has a unique chapter of extraordinary, dedicated, committed Sorors. Those who have relocated to other cities and chapters voice the same sentiment: “There is no place like home.”
From 1963-1975, twenty-two (22) presidents served Beta Nu; since 1975, seventeen (17) presidents have served Gary Alumnae.
Thanks to our rich history and the outstanding legacy, the projects, programs, the commitment, the love, and the dedication enable us to be the “Cream of the Crop.”
