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 History of ESA in Kansas
INDEX: KSC History District A District B District C District D District E District F District G District H District I District J
Epsilon Sigma Alpha International has enjoyed a long and rich history in Kansas. Our members have supported many philanthropic projects under our motto "the only right we have is to be of service to others." The 60th anniversary history of the Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha was prepared with love by the Kansas Volunteer Roadrunners. The basic history was researched by Bethry Porter Ingram (deceased) of the Iota Kappa Chapter, Wichita, when she served as Kansas State Historian in 1979. We have added additional history to her work that was compiled by Past State President, Cindy Rodman. This work is designated by indented italized entries throughout the history.

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In 1930 Epsilon Sigma Alpha came to Kansas. Chapters were chartered in Hutchinson, Salina, Topeka and Wichita the same year the charter was issued to ESA in the state of Missouri. Today, only two of the original charter chapters remain active: Iota Kappa and Iota Mu of Wichita, 1933. Only two charter members remain, Pauline Cowger of Omicron, and LaGreta Bute-Brown of Iota Kappa. Today, within the borders of Kansas, membership is contained in 97 chapters with more than 1500 members.
During the early years, Kansas chapters were "islands unto themselves". Contact with other chapters did not exist, each functioned individually. Chapters within the same town seldom joined together in sorority activities.
In 1941 Iota Kappa and Iota Mu of Wichita hosted the Fourth National Advisory Council (NAC) convention in Wichita. Letters and flyers were printed and mailed to every chapter within the United States. Attendance was good, with many states represented. Officers from our National office in Kansas City were also in attendance. The next convention was scheduled to be held in Dallas, Texas, in 1942. However, due to the war, conventions were cancelled. Hildegarde Jaeger-Brook, NAC President, and her board were frozen in office until the 1947 National Convention in Oklahoma City.
A Kansas member, Bethry Porter-Ingram, Iota Kappa, Wichita, served as Second Vice-President of the NAC in 1947. In 1948, Bethry ran for the office of President with Faye Jordan, Iota Mu, running as her corresponding secretary. Unfortunately, Bethry was defeated.
Kansas members attending the convention in Oklahoma City were easily identifiable by their large Sunflower badges. The sunflower badge and hat became a Kansas tradition.
ESA in Kansas took an upswing after the 1941 National Convention held in Wichita. Chapters and members emerged from their "cocoons" and began working together. There was a war to contend with, however new chapters were organized and meetings held all over the state. Members became better acquainted and assisted chapters in obtaining new members. ESA enthusiasm began to "jell" in Kansas. Only gasoline and tire rationing prevented the ESA members from accomplishing more during this time. By 1946, there were 40 chapters within the state.
The Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha was officially organized in 1946 at Hutchinson. Zura Crockett-Dittman, Iota Kappa Wichita, was elected as our first president. She was re-elected at the second council meeting in March 1947 at Wichita.
Eighteen months passed before the third council meeting was held in September 1948 in Salina. The Kansas State Council Constitution and Bylaws were adopted at Salina in September 1948. There have been changes and revisions through the years, but the guidelines were set, and the nucleus of our state council established. Now Kansas had the go-ahead to build a strong organization. Serving as President in 1948-1949 was Pauline Cowger, Omicron chapter of Salina.
For those of you who are too young to remember those days, they were the years immediately following World War II and everyone was exhilarated to have their sweethearts home from the war. The nation was beginning to prosper. It was at the 1948 Convention that the Institute of Logopedics - now Heart Spring - was adopted as our state project. That same year, ESA became an international organization when a chapter was organized in Holland.
Our fourth state council meeting was held in April 1949 at McPherson. Grace Stoner of Garden City, was elected president. Since then, the Kansas State Convention has been held in the spring of each year.
Beryl Elliott served as the 1952-53 state president. Beryl sent some interesting highlights of her year. As president of the Kansas State Council, one of her duties included editing the News & Views, a bimonthly newsletter which she hand addressed and foled for mailing. The IC Convention was held in San Antonio. Thirteen members from Kansas attended and they all wore "sunflower hats". She shared the following: "The day before I left for convention in Hays, I received word that a sister from McPherson had died. The council had never had a memorial service at convention, so while riding on the train, I wrote the first memorial to be given at our state convention." Former World War II General Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected the 34th President of the United States.
The following year, 1953-54, Fay Jordan of Wichita was installed as our State President. Her theme was "Cooperation - the 7th Pearl". She also was editor of the News & Views but adds that during her year it was determined that the News & Views job requried too much time of the President and so that task was passed on to a Junior Past President - so she got to do it twice! At the time she presided over the Kansas State council, there were no elaborate installation ceremonies and no banners. robert Palmer, the Executive Director of ESA from 1941, attending Fay's convention in Hutchinson. Because of Mr. Palmer's important role in the growth of ESA, he is recognized as our international founder.
The ESA chapters in Wichita Kansas hosted the 1955 International Convention at the Broadview Hotel. Convention chairmen was Faye Jordan and co-chairman was Lucille Harr-Crossno. Jessie McAdoo-Little, a member of the Alpha Alpha chapter in Dodge City was installed as the International Council president at this convention. In 1966 another Kansas Member, Irene Lassen-Ramsey, Gamma Sigma, Wichita, was installed as the International Council president at the convention in Kansas City Missouri. A large Kansas delegation attended that convention. In 1989, Kansas again will be honored with the election of Joan Friend, Plainville, to the office of President of the International Council.
In the ensuing years, Kay Harris LaVelle, Irene Lassen Ramsey, Hazel Hays, and Jerry Phillips led our council. At the 1956 International Convention, the ESA Disater Fund was established for the benefit of our sorority sisters. 1958-59 brought Mary Booe to the leadership of our council. Her theme was "Around the World with ESA".
Mildred Foley, Lois Mayall, Betty Guthrie, Louise Woods, Bonnie Gunter and Velma Harness followed as State Presidents from 1959-1965. These ladies all made significant contributions to our sorority as they led by example. During this time period, an exciting series of awards programs were introduced: the First Pearl and the Pallas Athene. As many of us will remember, the sixties saw the beginning of the "space race" between the United States and the USSR. LTC John Glenn was launched into space, February 20, 1962 and became the first astronaut to successfully orbit the earth. His capsule was named the "Friendship 7".
The first Kansas Leadership Conference was held in 1966 following the first State Presidents Leadership Conference held by headquarters staff in Colorado. In 1974 and 1975 there were two conferences, one in the eastern section and one in the western section of the state. This was done to accommodate chapters in each section and avoid excessive travel miles.
Dee Quade-Hyle served as our State President in 1965-66 - her theme was "Sea of Service". It was during Dee's year that the ESA Fund for the Institute of Logopedics was established. The ESA Fund is an acronym for - Emergency Service Action Fund. This fund assisted the children who attended the Institute and added financial support. Martin Palmer, the director of the Institute of Logopedics passed away that year and Charles Wurth was named to replace him. She shared that the dresses warn at her installation in Liberal were blue and yellow and have long since been tossed away!
Katy Tyler Mills's theme in 1966 reflected the image using "Friendship in Orbit". Other news items during the late sixties highlighted the conflict in Vietnam. Kathleen Lutz, Gladys Shook, Lorita VonNeiderhausen and Maxine Koerner McKeever served as state presidents during that period. This time frame also saw the addition of the Outstanding Youth Award and the DIANA Award to honor young people and women outside the sorority who have made significant contributions to humanity.
In 1948 the state was divided into eight zones, according to the proximity of chapters, and considering the membership within the area. As new chapters were organized and chartered, revisions and amendments were required to the zone boundaries. In 1949 eleven zones were established; in 1956 thirteen zones were established in order to group chapters into shorter traveling distances; finally in 1966 the boundaries were redefined for 12 zones. Today (1989) the state remains divided into 12 zones. Chapters within each zone elect a zone chairman prior to the annual convention. The elected zone chairmen are installed at the annual state convention and are considered a member of the Kansas State Council Executive Board. Prior to the first Kansas State Council Board Meeting, each zone chairman prepares a zone roster, listing all the chapters in their respective zone. The roster identifies chapter officers and individual members mailing address and telephone number. Copies of the zone roster are made available to all Kansas State Council Board Members.
Most zones schedule four meetings during the fiscal year (June 1 through May 31). Each zone has its own Constitution and Bylaws. The Kansas State Council First Vice President serves as the zone chairman advisor, providing assistance to the individual zone chairman.
State conventions, held in the spring of the year are hosted by chapters within the selected zone. The zones bid for the annual state convention at least three years in advance. It is the responsibility of the current year Recording Secretary to secure the bid for the upcoming convention three years hence. This assumes that the person serving as Recording Secretary will serve as President of the Kansas State Council three years hence.
The Kansas State Council Board meets four times per year. The second meeting is hosted by the Wichita City Council - Zone 5 and is identified as the Tea for State Officers. The fourth Kansas State Council Board Meeting is held in conjunction with our annual convention. The Kansas State Council Board meetings are open meetings, and members are encouraged to attend and participate. This has proven very productive, and provides a means of better communication between the members, the chapters and the Kansas State Council.
NEWS & VIEWS is our state publication. News and Views had its beginning in 1945, as a one page mimeograph bulletin published by the Publicity Chairman of Iota Kappa. It was a round-robin letter, keeping members up-to-date on who had transferred or moved because of the war. Copies were mailed to the membership, to other chapters upon request, and to the National office in Loveland, Colorado. Marie Miebrugge, our National Supervisor, suggested the NEWS & VIEWS be enlarged to include items from other chapters, and thus provide a means of keeping the entire state membership informed. Following our state meeting in 1946, it became three and four legal pages in length.
In 1947 the News & Views was adopted as the official state publication, however, no provision was made for printing and postage expense. Ruth Wright continued as the Editor of News & Views, with the Wichita chapters assisting. That year the Wichita members sold newspapers, old magazines, and sold raffle tickets, raising money to defray expenses. State chapters mailed checks to help defray expenses. Many chapters sent in news items. Issues were mailed to the chapter presidents to be distributed to the members.
In 1948, it was voted the publishing cost would be paid by the members in the form of State Membership dues. It was also decided the State President would edit the paper during her term of office. This was later changed and became the responsibility of the Junior Past President. Later, this position changed again, to a board appointment.
The first printed issue of News & Views was released in March 1949. Issues were mailed direct to all members who had paid their state dues. Today, the News & Views is published five times a year, August, October, January, March and June. From its small beginning, it has become an outstanding publication. It was awarded first place in International competition in 1953 and 1967, and has received other place awards through the years. The News & Views has consistently placed in the top ten News Bulletins at the International Convention.
In 1947 the first Kansas State Philanthropic Project was to provide VIZ projectors for Veterans Hospitals. More than $400.00 was raised during the year, and machines were purchased for several hospitals
In 1948 the Institute of Logopedics in Wichita was chosen as the Kansas State Philanthropic Project.
The Institute was founded in 1934 by Dr. Martin F. Palmer, a pioneer in the field of speech handicapped, for the purpose of bringing "Speech to the Speechless." Today, as then, the program is retraining and rehabilitation of the speech handicapped; training teachers in the profession of logopedics; conducting research as to cause of speech defects and development of new and improved techniques for prevention and correction. Hundreds of people condemned to a lifetime of silence are speaking today, because of work and training at the Institute.
The Kansas State Council Second Vice President serves as chairman of the state philanthropic project. Each year the chairman presents a fund raising goal and each year the members surpass the goal. In 1977 over $8,000.00 was contributed. In 1979 the goal was $10,000 to commemorate the Golden Anniversary of ESA. and in 1988-1989 the goal was $35,000.
In the beginning, Kansas ESA financial support went to individual children. In 1960 monies over and above the goal were placed in a Scholarship Fund for trainees at the Institute. In 1964, the Emergency Service Action fund was established. This fund is available to the Institute to provide assistance to clients experiencing financial difficulty. It is exactly what the name implies – an Emergency fund – it allows the Institute to take immediate action, to continue or to provide service to handicapped children when there is no other alternative. In 1964 $5000 a year was placed in the fund, with overage going to the scholarship fund. Kansas ESA members provide the only such funds available to the Institute without restriction.
1970 saw the beginning of the ESA Foundation. This is a tax-exempt, 501 C 3 non-profit arm of the organization. The ESA Foundation draws most of its members (men or women) from ESA but the membership is open to anyone interested in the mission of the Foundation. Members work unselfishly to develop programs beneficial to all people, including an extensive scholarship program which has experienced continuous and outstanding growth. The theme for the ESA Foundation is "Serving the World Community ... Because We Care".
In 1971 Anne Fields Langenfeld was installed as our state President. Her theme was "The Dawing of a New Day" and used the sun as her logo. Anne says her most memorable moments was that the "Fan for Anne Dance" was retired. She also discovered she had hepatitis immediately following her convention and was admitted to the hosptial for treatment! Anne now resides in El Paso, Tx and continues to be active in ESA. She has served as the New Mexico State President as well.
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In 1972 a new program was launched –– "Fun in the Sun", to improve the playground area. The Institute personnel presented suggestions and ideas – a shelter house; walks wide enough for wheel-chair students; tractor tires filed with sand and shaded by umbrellas; a stripped-down car; see-saws; a 6 foot polyhedron for climbing – picnic tables; slides; swings, etc. Kansas Chapters really became enthused with this project and had special money making plans to purchase equipment and shrubbery. By the end of the year most of the items were in place. The project was completed within the next two years; an outside water fountain was installed; tables and benches placed in the shelter area; an "Old Woman's Shoe" playhouse-slide; and more paved runs so children could ride their "wheelies."
Jean Wells was our 1972 State President. Her husband, Bill, built and painted a large shoe slide that resembled the nursery rhyme drawing of "There was an old women who lived in a shoe", which was donated to the Institute of Logopedics. During that year, ESA responded to Danny Thomas's request to adopt St. Jude Children's Research Hosptial in Memphis, Tennessee to help fight childhood cancer. Since that time, members have been actively involved supporting the hospital in a variety of ways. In 2005 ESA celebrated giving $100 million to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
"Have a heart, lady", a small boy asked at an ESA Day of Love. The heart was a candy heart that had been held too long in a small crippled hand. It once was red, but now a faded pink. One leg was misbehaving for Danny, but he was having a wonderful time at the party. Money can't prevent these children being born with handicaps, but money can help them adjust to halfway normal lives. Kansas ESA members realize this, and every year contribute more and more to help these children.
Betty Spicher Hawkins was elected Kansas State Council President in 1973. Her theme was "Sorority Silhouettes".
Dottie Keenan served our council in 1974. Flowers overflowed throughout the year as we, "Shared the bouquets from Your Garden of ESA". One of the first summer leadership conferences was held under her tutelage. It was held in August in Dodge City. IC Headquarters sent individuals to lead this event. They also hosted a "Miss Kitty Night" at the Longbranch Saloon! Dottie, Joan Friend and Opal Regier made a trip to Memphais for a leadership conference and guess what? They were caught in a tornado! Memphis lost electricity so, needless to say, it didn't become much fun walking down eight flights of stairs in heels and carrying suitcases. However, the real highlight of the trip was a tour of St. Jude Children's Research Hosptial. Dottie's convention was held the following spring in Hays!
Mary Daniels, our 1975-76 State President moved from Ness City to live in Lexington Kentucky in her retirement years to live close to her daughter. Florence Ellis, from Junction City led our state in 1976 with a theme of "ESA in God's Wonderful World." Florence also ran successfully for many IC elected offices but never achieved the office of International Council President.
In 1977, Joan Friend was installed as our 31st State President. Her logo that year was clouds with circles and rainbows which fit perfectly with her theme, "Beyond a Dream ... Circles of Friendship". Elvis Presley died shortly after Joan's election, but she was fortunate to visit Graceland that same summer! The Kansas Care and Share Fund that assists Kansas members in times of disaster or extended illness was just getting off the ground. There were 130 chapters in Kansas at that time. Her convention was held in Topeka, the same town in which she won her first elected office. Joan went on to win election on every International Council office including IC State President. In her professional career she started as a teacher and is currently a principal in western Kansas. Opal Regier followed Joan as our State President in 1978-79. Her theme was "The Reality of Sisterhood in ESA".
In 1979, Kansas ESA members received the Martin F. Palmer Humanitarian Award; the highest honor presented by the Institute for outstanding service and contri-butions given through concern for communicatively handicapped children and adults. Kansas ESA members have given freely of themselves since 1948. Contri-butions since that time total well over $500,000 (total monetary and gifts in kind participation).
Joyce Marrs led Kansas in 1979-80. Her theme, "Take Time", made an impact on may of us. During that year Joyce challenged Judy Ary to our own "Bike Ride" at the Institute of Logopedics during our November Teat and Tour. (Do any of you remember those bike ride events? The ESA Bike Rides were started to raise money for St. Jude's and Geri Benton from Kansas was a Bike Ride chairman.) Joyce also represented ESA with the IOL presented Martin Palmer Humanitarian Honor to our sorority. She participated in ESA's 50th year celebration at the International Convention in Denver and was on stage with Danny Thomas. She traveled extensively during her year as President as well as the Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma State Conventions.
The seventies also saw the introduction of the AMBASSADOR Program designed to recognize those members who promote the growth of our organization.
Jean Beetem and Judy Ary followed as state leaders in the early eighties. 1982 saw the Internatinal Council adopt Easter Seals as our second philanthropic project. Marilyn Herren, our 1982 state president, remembers that the February Board meeting had to be postponed because of a bad snow storm. "Happiness is ... ESA" was Marilyn's theme. During her convention, Kansas recognized our first Diana Award recipient and that we had five outreach Seminars that year. Geri Benton was our 1983 president, "Let the Sun Shine In".
Joan Bourn, was giving her acceptance speech, when the tornado sirens began to howl in Wichita. It was Sunday morning and it was anything but sunny and no one was allowed to leave the hotel. The 1984-85 theme was "Treasures from the Sea" and yes, you guessed it, seashells were in abundance. Attendance at that convention was between 500-600 members. During her year, Kansas ESA gave the largest cash/gift in kind donation to the IOL to date. It was also the last year the the Bike Rides were held on that beautiful campus. The ESA Court project was started. Joan continued her journey in ESA being elected IC President in 1998-99. She said, "..that as a state president this one thing she did not aspire to but was honored to serve and a year she'll never forget." Ronald Reagan was President and George Bush (George W's dad), the Vice-Presiden, when she was state president. She also shared that a new car cost only $8,800, a gallon of gas was $1.10, a gallon of milk $2.26 and minimum wage was $3.35 - remember those days?
Many remember Kay Ross and her "ladybugs". Her colors were red, black and white and her theme, "For All Things a Season in ESA". The valentine parties and dances were started as part of our Day of Love activities at the IOL during her year as president. Florence Ellis, Kay's Parliamentarian, helped to get our state dues increased. Kay started the Lamplighter raffle ticket sales project and it's still going strong.
In 1986, Verneene Forssberg was installed as our State President. She challenged the membership to respond and raise leadership ideals with her theme, "ESA .. The Wind Beneath our Wings". Her logo was the Pegasus and her colors, blue and white. The ESA court was dedicated and many gifts were given to benefit the living areas for the on-campus residents by beautifying the landscape and updating the residence houses of the IOL. You might recall two BEAVERS showing up to entertain the children of the IOL in the Fall activity - the kids loved them! Verneene has served three elected terms on the ESA Foundation Board of Directors since her term as state president. She served in many positions on the Foundation Board of Directors, including two years as its chairman. This lady is height impaired making it difficult to see over the podium but a box helps. Verneene will also serve on many appointed position on the International Council always staying active in ESA.
In 1987 ESA was again honored by the Institute with the establishment of an ESA Residential Court. Through the years benefactors of the Institute have been selected for this unique honor - to have a residential court named in their honor. We are proud of this accomplishment, and have donated funds for the landscaping of our court. The ground breaking ceremony, held on June 24, 1987, was participated in by 35 Kansas members.
Shirley Campbell, our 1987-88 state president, chose teal and rose for her colors and used hot-air balloons as the logo for her theme, "ESA ... An Adventure". The Kansas State Council Scholarship Fund began that year. Shirley's district (J) gave her the initial money as a gift towards that endowment. She really enjoyed visiting the zones and having the opportunity to visit with those members you might not otherwise have a chance to see. Shirley worked for Kansas State University for many years before her retirement. Both Shirley and husband Joe are avid "purple" fans. Joe was almost as active in ESA as Shirley being a member of the "Men of ESA" & putting on many convention skits that delighted everyone.
The next lady to lead our state, is very eloquent with the English language. She selected a red heart with a staff of music notes for her logo. She sang songs of love for ESA all year. Coleen Cape, our 1988-89 state president chose, "ESA ... A Love Song" as her theme. Both of her son's and a daughter in law sang at her installation. One of the first challenges Coleen took up was to participate in the 155 mile bike ride from Memphis to Little Rock. She packed up her van and along with Joan Friend, Verneene Forssberg, and Sondra Messenger - they rode and helped other bikers ride across these miles into the convention site in Little Rock Arkansas. It was an adventure as over 65 ESA Bike riders road accross the bridge into the convention hotel parking lot. Not being a person that can tolerate the heat (and it was HOT) Coleen was pretty ill that day. Coleen took her love song to the international level serving in many appointed IC appointments, working her way through the elective offices and served as the International Council President in 2005. Her theme for that year was "Embrace the Power ... Free your Spirit".
The Institute of Logopedics is not the only philanthropy of our Kansas sisters. Chapters contribute both time and money to other projects within their own area and community. Kansas members also serve and support the International Projects: the ESA Disaster Fund, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Easter Seal Society.
The following year, 1989-90 - we brought in the clowns! Kay Foster's installation saw blue, white, and brightly colored balloons to fit her theme, "Clownin' Around in ESA". In fact, her dog "Bridge", was in the installation - masking as a circus dog. Clowns were abundant that year - you could find them everywhere. Kay participated in the second International bike ride that ended at the Southfork Ranch in Dallas Texas that summer. Kay recalls in particular the summer council meeting in Pratt where members were entertained and swam at the CROMER PIG FARM! Overall, Kay insisted that every should have fun in ESA! And she still does. This was also the year that Joan Friend was installed as the IC President!
In 1949 Pauline Cowger set aside time for a "Remembrance Hour" at her convention in McPherson. In 1955 Irene Lassen-Ramsey appointed the first State Chaplain (Carol Steeples) to serve on the Kansas State Council. The chaplain would be in charge of future memorial services at the state convention. The first "ESA Sunday" was observed November 13, 1955. For ten years Kansas ESA members observed ESA Sunday during the Thanksgiving season. At the 1965 International Convention in San Antonio,a Kansas Resolution "That ESA International observe the first Sunday in May as ESA Sunday" was adopted.
In 1990, Charlene Hansen was installed as our president. Her theme was "ESA .. God's Hand's" and used a background of purple and white with praying hands for her logo. One of her most memorable moments was her church choir traveled to Wichita to sing at her installation. Charlene is very talented as she is a lady who stitches our All faiths Flag which she presented in the opening ceremonies. The US congress voted to deploy troops to Saudi Arabia to shield the mid-east from the insurgent forces of Saddam Huessain, which resulted in a very short lived conflict called "Desert Storm."
The Kansas State Council became a member of the Kansas Council of Women on January 26, 1957. This council is made up of 29 other women organizations of Kansas and has national affiliations. It represents several hundred thousand women in Kansas. The Kansas Council of Women, through the present and past state presidents of member organizations, carry on an effective progressive program, which contains special interests of each of the member groups, educational, cultural, citizenship, professional, patriotic, and auxiliaries to medical groups. The field of interests are well covered and there always is an active, interested group on the alert and aware of the many needs and how best to attain the ultimate goal.
It is quite an honor for the Kansas State Council to be a member of this organization. A meeting is held in January of each year in Topeka, and since 1957 the Kansas State Council has had good attendance at this meeting.
Margaret Shook took the helm for Kansas in 1991 and everthing was royal blue and silver as we celebrated "ESA ... Superstar". At Margaret's installation her honor guard dressed in Tuxedo's and a video of all the chapter member's children played a starring role. Stars were abundant that year. The Executive Board decided to establish a long range plan for Kansas to aid in setting some goals to help our council become more effective.
In 1957, at the convention in Garden City, the past state presidents of the Kansas State Council decided they would start meeting as a group, twice a year. The first meeting would be in January in conjunction with the Kansas Council of Women meeting; The second meeting would be at the annual state convention. They chose "The Lamplighters" as their name, and designed a lovely badge for their members to wear in recognition. One of the purposes of this organization is to work with, and assist, the Kansas State Council board when needed. In 1963, the Lamplighters prepared and published a booklet, "The History of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority."
In 1992, "ESA ... The Wings of Love" prevailed with Donna Dawson as our state leader and butterflies flourished. The "Hats for Hope" project was introduced and has been a successful undertaking for Kansas ESA and the many people it assists since that time. Joan Finney, the Kansas governor, was the first woman to sign the ESA Proclamation. Donna represented Kansas at the IC convention in Georgia and was pleased to escort Joan Bourn as Joan had won her first elective office on the IC Board.
When the Juniorette program was instigated, Kansas was quick to form Juniorette chapters. Then when the Juniorette program was abandoned and the VIA program established, several VIA chapters were chartered throughout Kansas. Members of these chapters have served as pages at state convention. The very first DESA member was Bonner Koerner, daughter of past state president Maxine Koerner McKeever. Bonnie was presented at the convention in Phoenix Arizona. And now that the DESA program has been re-emphasized by Headquarters, Kansas is proud to have a DESA chapter in Wichita, KS. The DESA chapter was sponsored by Chi Epsilon #4925, and chartered in 1988.
Shelah Goyer charmed the membership in 1993-94 as we rode a "Carousel of Hopes and Dreams". Shelah organized and held the first Executive Board retreat to offer the opportunity for the board to build strong teams and set plans and goals for the year. The Executive board met at the Bicycle Club then went to the resident homes of the IOL for team building exercises. Reteats have been held every year since this time. Shelia represented Kansas at the IC Arizona convention that summer. Bill Clinton was elect President, and there were big floods in Kansas City and Manhattan that year.
With teddy bears and hearts abound, Susan White, our 1994-95 state president helped us to find "A Place in the Heart". Three mini-leaderships were held that summer in Topeka, Hays, and Hutchinson. During the Hutchinson leadership, the International Council President Cathy Holsted showed up as a surprise guest! Susan presided at the 50th Kansas State Council Convention in Hutchinson. B.J. Clark, ESA Executive Director was the keynote speaker and Judy Johnson was our IC Representative. Kansas received the Million Dollar Plaque for total donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital during the IC convention. On April 19, 1995 - our hearts as well as those of millions of people across the country went out to the families and victims of the Oklahoma City bombing. This was an unbelievable disaster that we remember vividly even today.
"We are the World" is the theme used by Mary Hill, our 1995-96 state president. Her logo was a heart with the earth imprinted on it. During her year, we established designated council meetings to recognize and emphasize the importance of our various state and international projects. During her conventon, Kansas's first St. Jude walk was held raising $6,000. Mary's family is a four generation ESA sisterhood - her mother, her daughter Cheri and her granddaughter, Michelle who is a DESA. Mary's mother Lucille was a Past State President. Mary is retired after 40 years of service to Boeing but is still keeping busy with ESA and other various community projects.
In 1996, we saw "ESA ... Pandamonium" across the state. Our president, Helen Stitt, encouraged members to help our environment and endangered species. Chapters responded with recycling projects and donations/adoptions to local animal shelters and zoos. This was our first STATE PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE. During her installation, Helen was startled as the "panda" on stage came to life - which was a definite surprise to her. Kansas was in the TOP 10 Circle of Life states recognized at International Convention. We also participated in the capital campaign to build a new campus for Heart Spring. Our two yeaer commitment to achieve a $10,000 goal for a hearing treatment room was achieved and exceeded in one year! Helen's son, Jason, received the Kansas ESA Outstanding Youth Award during her convention.
Karen Lowery, represented Kansas in 1997-98 as we commended "Earth's Special Angels". Since Karen was using angels as her logo, her executive board decided she needed a little stimulus and showed up at the first council meeting of the year with little horns - devil's horns that is! IC challenged the membership to begin, or continue with a long range plan. Kansas had one in place but it needed some fine tuning. This was the year the world lost Princess Diana in a fatal car crash and the Pathfinder landed on Mars.
"The Power of the Dream" and houses dominated during 1998-99. Our president, Cindy Rodman followed up with the long range plan which was adopted in 1999. Karen Knorp-Brown, in particular, spent many hours designing, then implementing, the specification we now use. Our prayer chain was established and has become a regular email transmission thanks to then Chaplain, Joy Pierson. ESAKS.ORG (ESA Kansas.ORG), our very own website was launched this year due to some very innovative women who are very computer literate - Susan Winters and Joy Pierson. Our Parliamentarian, Helen Stitt, was faced with by-law reviews and updates. Kansas celebrated the installation of Joan Bourn as the IC president. We also celebrated 50 successful years with Heart Spring and chapters were recognized at state convention for thier lasting contributions. Verneene Forssberg created a delightful history that combined our generations and Kansas ESA which she shared at convention. Terrorists invaded Kosovo and "ethinic cleansing" was rampant. US forces were sent to act as peace keepers and are still in the region today.
Linda Schmidt encouraged all of us, as women, to begin new endeavors - new challenges that we many have always wanted to do but didn't have the time or encouragement to try previously. 1999-2000 was definitely a year to acknowledge that we had "Come A Long Way Baby". Linda's logo was babies and the evolution of womanhood was evident at all the council meetings. Kansas had a big part in the 1999 IC convention in Portland as our own Joan Bourn presided at that convention. Verneene Forssberg leaving the ESA Foundation board after two consecutive terms was honored as a Dixie Palmer lady along with Joyce Maars. There was a Y2K scare with the coming of the year 2000 but little if nothing happened to computers and electronic systems around the world.
A list naming all the Kansas ESA members who have served on the National Advisory Council, the International Council, either elective or appointive, and appointments by World Headquarters, would be a quite lengthy. It would cover 48 years from 1941 to date, and would include one or more from Kansas for each of those years.
Kansas is proud of its ESA history. Members today are grateful for the work of the founders of our state organization – for all those members who continue to work and serve since the first chapter was chartered in 1930. The Sunflowers of Kansas will continue to carry the ESA torch in years ahead, and history will record even greater accomplishments in the future.

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District History
The history presented here was published in 1989 by the Kansas Roadrunners. At this period of time the State was divided into "Zones" - This classification changed to Districts in 1995.
Zone 1 - Now known as District A
There are five chapters in Zone 1 - four in Topeka and one in Horton. Prepared by Sandy Wohler, 1988-1989 Zone 1 Roadrunner
Alpha Chi #4428, chartered with 11 members April 8, 1974. One member, Polly Owens Coulter remains active. There are five active members in this chapter. The following is a list of some of their philanthropic projects:
- Festival of Trees - major money making project for Sheltered Living, Inc.
- Breast Check at Shawnee County Health Clinic.
- Service Awareness Day - public awareness of available emergency group or organizations for public use.
- Information booth on ESA at White Lakes Mall honoring women's organizations sponsored by the Everywomans' Resource Center.
Beta Theta: (#640) Chartered with five members in August 1946. One member, Marilyn Keener, is still active. There are presently 22 members. Here are some of their philanthropic projects: The International Project - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; the Kansas philanthropic project - The Institute of Logopedics; Local projects include Toys for Tots for the Horton Community Hospital; Brown County Day Care Center; Horton Public Library and Girls State. Over the years many worthwhile projects have been accomplished and many lifetime friendships formed.
Beta Zeta: (#634) Cchartered with 15 members August 4, 1946. The chapter is made up of 17 active members in 1989. As a young chapter they had a worthy project of making curtains for Capper Crippled Children's Foundation. They all got together and sewed and hung the curtains, which was just the start of many rewarding experiences for all of the members of this chapter.
During the 1951 flood in Topeka, the IC President asked that clothing, food and money from all chapters in the United States be sent in care of Beta Zeta chapter. This turned into a huge project, but it helped many Topekans who lost everything as well as helping some of our ESA sisters in Topeka. As the gals in Beta Zeta say "we've been do-gooders all through the years sharing with our less fortunate sisters."
They purchased a refrigerator and donated it to the Women's section of the Veterans Administration Hospital; they've helped in the Waco, TX flood; the Udall tornado; the floods in Marysville, California and Yuba City Arizona; one Christmas bought clothing for all the Spanish children at St. Vincents Orphanage; March of Dimes; Rescue Mission; as well as the IOL and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Currently they participating in a recycling project - all the members save their newspaper, glass bottles and tin cans. They are paid a small amount of money, but the big lesson is - utilizing your "cast-offs".
Beta Zeta has always been a harmonious chapter, and have truly lived our motto - "All for One and One for All."
Theta Kappa (#4978) Chartered with eleven members on August 30, 1981. They have 9 active members at this time (1989).
The activities which Theta Kappa regular participate in include: State Office Building Sale in May and October. These sales are used to raise money to send to the IOL and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, as well as support our local KNI projects.
Emergency Service Awareness day in April and October. The chapter, through this service, provides the Topeka and Shawnee county communities with a chance to review the emergency service programs available to them. These include the police, KBI, fire, hospital, etc. KTWU (public television) two and three times a year this chapter answers the telephones for the station pledge drive. Sheltered Living Christmas Tree Decorating and Sale. Soup labels, various bake sales, ice cream socials to raise additional funding. Prepare scrapbooks for some doctor waiting rooms and KNI.
Epsilon Eta (#2001) Chartered with 12 members on May 24, 1953. This chapter presently consists of 14 members. The members are active at all levels or our organization... chapter, city, zone and state.
Philanthropic projects supported by this chapter include: St Jude Children's Research Hospital; Institute of Logopedics, Easter Seals; Topeka Association for Retarded Children; Topeka State Hospital; County Home; Stormont-Vail Hospital; St. Francis Hospital; Head Start; KNI; KTWU public television; Families Together; March of Dimes; Rescue Mission; Lung Association; Heart Association; Leukemia Society; Christmas Bureau; Let's Help; Salvation Army; and the Disabled American Veterans. Support is provided in the form of fund raising, gifts in kind and volunteer hours. Epsilon Eta is what sisterhood is all about.
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Zone 2 - Now known as District A
*Zone 1 and 2 were combined.
(Prepared by Marilyn Patterson, 1988-1989 Zone 2 Roadrunner) when Zone 2 was formed, surrounding the Kansas City area, it consisted of five chapters: Beta Tau, Epsilon Rho, Gamma Gamma, Gamma Tau and Zeta Epsilon. Since that time we have lost Gamma Gamma and Gamma Tau, but gained Delta Lambda.
Although Zone 2 has lost many of the early years records, the memories still live in the hearts of some of the members who are now inactive, and those active members that still spur us on. For instance:
Florence McCormick remembers how Zone 2 got the nickname of the "pie and coffee" zone. Mary Kepner used to bake pies from the fruit from her apple and cherry trees and serve them at zone meetings.
Mary Kepner remembers riding to Wichita in May Lipp's van with Opal Regier blowing up balloons, putting them in trash bags and then giving them to the children at the IOL. Mary was also chosen outstanding sister for the state of Kansas. She over heard in the restroom several sorority sisters discussing how that lady couldn't possibly have all those philanthropic hours and she still remembers how hurt she felt. The award was discontinued the next year.
Betty Standke (Epsilon Rho) remembers being involved by hosting four state conventions and helping Missouri host an international convention. She remembers how Kathleen Lutz had her baby and couldn't preside over her state convention, and that Gladys Shook did a wonderful job. She also remembers at the international convention when Jean Phillips presided over her convention, and then got married on Sunday.
Guila Monk (Zeta Epsilon) remembers when Zone 2 delivered phone books and loaded Sharon Goodman's station wagon so full they broke the springs on her car.
Jean Antweiler, Virginia Smith and Ginny Snider (Beta Tau) remember long hours making crafts for the "BIG" craft bazaar that Zone 2 used to participate in. This bazaar was the ways and means project that provided the money for Zone 2 to donate to the international and state projects. Now each chapter donates individually to the philanthropic projects.
Although we are a small zone we enjoy the friendship and comfort of each sorority sister. Because we all live so close together, it makes it easy to get together for four meetings a year and share working together.
Beta Tau #2468 was chartered 5 February 1956. For many years their main ways and means project has been a garage sale. Garage sales also started them on a project for the IOL. They and many of their friends bought dolls at the garage sales and the members of Beta Tau cleaned, repaired and dressed them and one year they gave 110 dolls to the IOL. They meet on the 4th Monday at 11:30 and have six members.
Epsilon Rho #2512 was chartered 12 May 1956. When Epsilon Rho's membership reached 30 members they closed their membership and kept it closed for several years. In 1974 when 11 members split into an Athene chapter it opened up again. Epsilon Rho has a strong belief that if they "teach and involve" the husbands in ESA, the home life will be happier. Forty percent of their socials and activities are attended by husbands, and one social a year is handled entirely by them. They even hold their own garage sale. Therefore, Epsilon Rho has a very strong Men of ESA chapter.
One local project they will never forget. They were going to a battered persons shelter in Kansas City, KS, to decorate a bedroom with matching bedspreads and curtains, and really make it a sharp looking room. But when they arrived they found bars on the windows, mattresses on the floors and newspapers for toilet paper. They knew instantly this place needed ESAs help and they still send donations to them. They currently have 6 members and meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday.
Gamma Gamma was always a small chapter of three, then two and then disbanded. Because a family member of Jean Lindley attended the Kansas School for the Deaf, they became very active by donating money and a lot of their time to that school. Lucille James is still active, whenever possible.
Gamma Tau also a disbanded chapter, had an interesting way of making money. Montgomery Ward hired them to shop their store, buy merchandise, take it to the office, get their money back and fill out an evaluation form on the clerk's performance as a sales clerk. It was called the "Secret Shopper".
Zeta Epsilon #2344 chartered 11 June 1955. We offer a long range of years of service from our members, from 36 years to 3 months. We are very proud of our Kansas State Council President, Opal Regier 1978-1979, and all of our involvement of committee chairmen and committee members through the years. Currently, Shelah Goyer, is the 1988-1989 Kansas State Auditor.
We have had many interesting ways and means projects such as packing a merchandise showroom for moving, running a concession stand for the Chiefs football and Royals baseball professional teams, decorating Christmas Trees in May and running the bingo games twice a month at a bingo parlor. We meet twice monthly for a meeting and a social.
Delta Lambda #5163 chartered 14 December 1986. Our newest chapter has brought to our zone new ideas. For instance, when the members were given their pledge test they were taken into the living room two at a time not really given the test, but told to put on yellow trash dresses and yellow cup hats, and given a gift as a sign of passing and becoming ESA members. When they were gearing up for a garage sale as a ways and means project they held their meeting in the garage and dressed as bag ladies with the goodies for the sale. They have already been a big asset to Zone 2.
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Zone 3 - Now known as District B
(Prepared by Edith Traxson, 1988-1989 Zone 3 Roadrunner) Mary Booe was instrumental in the formation of Zone 3, which was formed in the Fall of 1954 at Chanute, KS. She also served as the first zone chairman.
The first meeting was held at the Tioga Hotel in Chanute with chapters from Baxter Springs, Independence and Chanute in attendance. Mary said, "Our first meeting was not very well attended, with more state officers in attendance than zone members, but a good time was had."
In the ensuing years, Coffeyville, Ft. Scott, Pleasanton and Caney became members of the Zone. Coffeyville formed a City Council with three chapters in May 1972. At the present time Coffeyville and Independence chapters are the only remaining members of Zone 3. They still meet for a fall and spring meeting.
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Zone 4 - Now known as District J
(Prepared by Linda Bottom, 1988-1989 Zone 4 Roadrunner) There are seven chapters with 124 members and 14 pledges to date in Zone 4. The Zone includes Junction City, Gamma Phi and Zeta Phi chapters; Frankfort, Beta Epsilon and Manhattan, Alpha Pi, Delta Omega, Gamma Lambda and Gamma Omicron. The oldest chapter in Zone 4 is Gamma Omicron, which was chartered in 1948. Next is Delta Omega which was formed in 1951, then Gamma Phi in 1953, and Zeta Phi in 1957. Three charter members remain in Zeta Phi. We skip a few years and go to 1964 for Beta Epsilon, which has one charter member remaining,; 1976 for Alpha Pi and 1981 for Gamma Lambda, which has three charter members remaining active in the chapter. Zone 4 has had four state presidents. Bonnie Gunter, Florence Ellis, Jean Beetem and Shirley Campbell. We also have a member that is planning on going up the ladder and, if all goes well, will be president in 1992.
Some of the most memorable events have been the picnics at members' farms; dinner dances when snow was coming down and we thought we might have to spend the night (and the Zone Chairman even wore long johns under her long dress!). Our men like to be involved in everything, too, and when they are it's always a memorable occasion.
Other memorable events camp out that turned into a rain out, but they didn't go home, they toughed it out. A "Come as you are party" that turned into a surprise for the hostess since everyone came an hour earlier than planned. Dances that were held for benefits and there was such a good attendance, the people couldn't dance, there wasn't enough room in the building. Slumber parties have been held and they have lasting memories for the chapters.
When all the years of membership are combined, Zone 4 can boast a total of 1790 years spent in love for ESA. With all these years, our sisters say that the fellowship, love, friendship, caring and sharing and many more benefits have been ours through ESA.
The Institute of Logopedics and St. Jude's is always at the top of the list when it comes to philanthropic projects in Zone 4. Each chapter has a special local project it supports and these are always in our hearts. When presentations are made in the chapters about these projects, good responses are heard from all the members.
When it comes to state conventions, members of Zone 4 have attended 603 times. International Conventions have been attended 149 times by our members.
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Zone 5 - Now known as District D
The Wichita City Council – Zone 5 was formed in February 1949. Charter members were: Iota Kappa, Iota Mu, Alpha Omicron, Alpha Theta, Beta Alpha, Gamma Chi, Gamma Psi and Gamma Theta. Iota Mu and Iota Kappa are still very active and Iota Kappa has one charter member remaining active, LaGreta Bute Brown, who has been an ESA member since 1933. Today the Wichita City Council – Zone 5 has 11 chapters.
On February 28, 1949, representatives from all the chapters met for the purpose of nominating and electing the first slate of officers for Wichita City Council – Zone 5. They were installed on March 20, 1949, at the Twentieth Century Club. Total membership at that time was 175. The late, Zura Crockett Dittman, was the first Wichita City Council – Zone 5 president.
In 1955 Zone 5 hosted it's first national convention. Fay Jordan and Lucille Crossno were chairman and co-chairman. The state newspaper, News & Views, originated in Wichita. It started as a chapter bulletin in Iota Kappa in 1945, and was accepted by the state as the News and Views in 1947.
Zone 5 has been host to numerous state conventions. Five members have held the office of State President, and several in other elected offices and committees. Wichita will host the State Convention in 1990 when once again a Zone 5 member, Kay Foster, will be installed as State President.
At international convention in Dallas in July 1989, Joan Bourn, Eta Phi, will be installed as International Corresponding Secretary. Irene Ramsey a member of Gamma Sigma served as International President in 1967-68.
In November each year, the Wichita City Council – Zone 5 chapters host a tea honoring state officers, and a residential shower for the Institute of Logopedics.
Zone 5 has been an active sponsor of the Institute of Logopedics, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for many years. In 1967 the Wichita City Council – Zone 5 sponsored a one night showing of the original David O. Selznick movie "Gone with the Wind," starting Clark Gable, Olivia DeHaviland and Vivian Leigh. The proceeds ($1,472.00) were presented to the Institute of Logopedics. This project was repeated in 1974 with the release of the moving "Funny Girl" staring Barbra Streisand, and again a check for $1,472.00 was presented to the Institute of Logopedics.
We participated in the ESA Million Dollar Bike Ride effort in 1972 with a local ride, raising over $5,000. When the national riders reached Wichita they were honored with a reception at A. Price Woodard Memorial Park on the banks of the Arkansas River, next to Century II. A local band provided music for the event, and the riders were presented by the Mayor of the City of Wichita.
For the past several years we have co-host a radio/telethon for St Jude Children's Research Hospitalwith two Wichita Radio stations and a TV station, In 1989 the event was held March 4-5, at Towne West Square Shopping Mall. $101,000 was raised during this 36 hour event. Sponsors are KQAM/KEYN and KSAS Channel 4 and of course Epsilon Sigma Alpha.
Some Zone memorable events include Chi Epsilon, Chi Omega, Delta Beta and Sigma Tau being honored as the State Outstanding Chapter. Chi Omega has won this honor on four occasions. Sigma Tau reports their booth at the Kansas State Fair each year has been a memorable event. Eta Rho set a precedence with the first Cow Pattie Bingo fund raiser which is now in the ESA Idea Book. Gamma Sigma reported having a member serve as International President as its most memorable occasion; and Iota Mu as their fiftieth anniversary celebration.
Three local members are recognized each year at state convention for their continued attendance and support - Faye Jordan (43 conventions), Lucille Harr Crossno (40 conventions), and Mary V. Hill (38 conventions). Lucille and Mary have not missed a convention since joining ESA.
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Zone 6 - Now known as District C
(Prepared by Marsha Barnes, 1988-1989 Zone 6 Roadrunner) The first meeting for Zone 6 is recorded as November 18, 1951. Over the years, many chapters have made up Zone 6. No list could be found of the original chapters when the zone was first formed, but seven chapters are mentioned in the first two or three minute reports. Those mentioned were: Alpha Delta, Winfield; Alpha Gamma, Zeta Kappa, Zeta Zeta, Arkansas City; Beta Sigma, Augusta; Delta Chi, Caldwell; and a Wellington chapter.
The first several meetings of Zone 6 were spent planning the State Convention that was held in Arkansas City April 25, 26 and 27, 1952. One Zone 6 member recalls that Jessie McAdoo was the State President at the time. She also remembers that during the convention there was a tornado warning, and they spent part of convention in the hotel basement. This also reminded some other members of the year Joan Bourn was installed at the Broadview Hotel in Wichita, when a tornado warning was also sounded. The 1953 Convention wasn't quite as exciting as far as weather was concerned, but it was noted that it was held at the Lamer Hotel in Hays, with a registration fee of $7.00. The publicity for the convention stressed that this included four meals.
In October of 1953, the Wellington chapter disbanded; but, Alpha Xi, Cedar Vale was added to the role. Four more chapters joined the zone in 1955. They were Epsilon Sigma, Conway Springs; Beta Mu and Epsilon Lambda of Harper; Beta Sigma of Augusta announced the formation of a new sister chapter, Zeta Upsilon, Augusta. At the 1956 state convention, the state was re-zoned and Caldwell, Conway Springs and Harper were moved to Zone 12. Not much more was recorded on disbanded chapters, or new chapters joining Zone 6 until 1966 when nine chapters were listed as being in the zone. Those listed were: Alpha Gamma, Beta Kappa and Zeta Zeta, Arkansas City; Beta Sigma and Zeta Upsilon, Augusta; Alpha Xi, Cedar Vale; Eta Iota and Gamma Gamma, El Dorado; and Alpha Delta, Winfield.
Alpha Omicron, Wellington, became part of Zone 6 in 1969, just in time to help host the 1971-72 state convention in Wichita. Many months were spent collecting items and stuffing them in "loot bags."
In 1972, two more chapters were added. Beta Nu, Arkansas City, and Delta Theta, Udall. Later that year Zeta Upsilon, Augusta, and Alpha Gamma, Arkansas City, disbanded. In January 1974, Oxford formed a new chapter, Alpha Epsilon. A year later Alpha Xi, Cedar Vale, also disbanded.
In 1966, Zone 6 welcomed Beta Beta, Andover, while in 1979, Gamma Gamma, El Dorado; and Zeta Zeta, Arkansas City, disbanded. The following year, Delta Chi, Caldwell, transferred from Zone 12 back to Zone 6 where they had been before the re-zoning of the state in 1956. Alpha Psi, Winfield, became the newest chapter in Zone 6 when they joined in 1984.
There are currently 103 members in the eight chapters that make up Zone 6: Alpha Delta, Winfield; Alpha Omicron, Wellington; Alpha Psi, Winfield; Beta Beta, Andover; Beta Kappa, Arkansas City; Beta Sigma, Augusta; Delta Chi, Caldwell; and Delta Theta, Udall.
Dorothy Higginbottom, Winfield, was the first Zone 6 chairman. By the second zone meeting, lack of attendance was already a concern as only two chapters were represented. Many ideas were tried to increase attendance at the zone meetings. One of these was an attendance trophy which was bought at the first of the year and then presented to the chapter with the best yearly percentage of attendance at the last meeting of the year. Some of the items used for the trophy were a silver tray, a table cloth, a bible and candlesticks. Attendance is still one of the main issues dealt with 38 years later. At first, Zone 6 had only a Chairman and a Secretary/ Treasurer; then, in 1962, it was decided to also elect a Co-Chairman. The Zone now elects a Chairman, Co-Chairman and a Secretary/Treasurer on a rotating chapter basis.
A variety of workshops, socials, banquets and entertaining have always been found in Zone 6. Some recorded from earlier days were Talent Night Workshops, film and slide programs, Sweet Adelines, a Western Band from Cedar Vale, flute recitals, a dice game of "Bunco", piano and vocal solos, tap dancing, pantomiming, lip sinking, and there was even a hat style review.
The crowning of the Zone Outstanding Sister is still a special event for everyone. Betty Grant, Alpha Delta, was the first Outstanding Sister for Zone 6. This special sister is recognized each year in many ways, although a dance in her honor seems to be a favorite of many. In 1968, Arkansas City hosted the first dance to honor the Zone Outstanding Sister or "Zone Queen", as it was called. It was held March 16, 1968, at the VFW Hall in Arkansas City. Music was provided by the Chaparrels. A traveling trophy for the Zone Outstanding Sister was also started at this time.
The chapters in Zone 6 have always kept busy raising money for chapter, state and international projects. One project from the past that seemed interesting was the ESA Retirement Home, but not much information could be found on it. Money making projects were discussed at earlier zone meetings to giving members ideas to take back to their local chapters. Some of the ideas suggested or tried were: Ham and Turkey Raffles, Home Talent Shows, Selling Jonquil Hose, Rummage and Candy Sales, serving banquets, selling raffle tickets for an unfinished chest and linens , and dressing a Toni doll.
In 1971, Alpha Delta's philanthropic project was collecting Butternut Coffee coupons for the Toys for Tots program. They are still actively involved with this project. Many hours are spent collecting and restoring old toys, purchasing new toys and raising funds to purchase gift certificates to help needy families in the area. For 17 years they have also operated a 24 hour concession stand at Winfield's National Bluegrass Flat Picking contest. The proceeds are used for local needs as well as state and international projects.
Gamma Gamma, El Dorado, was recognized in 1971 for their work for the Mothers March of Dimes. They were awarded a plaque in recognition of their 5 years of service and the thousands of envelopes they had stuffed.
Alpha Omicron, Wellington, also had a special philanthropic project in 1971. They sold 50 cent chances on a $25.00 Savings Bond with proceeds going to a local girl with leukemia. Today one of Alpha Omicron's big projects is taking orders for home made pies at Thanksgiving. Lots of work goes into these pies that are made from scratch each year. Yes! Even the delicate crust!
Zone 6 is well known for it's annual Make-N-Bake Auction that is held at the November zone meeting. This year, a new Ways and Means project was tried – chances were sold for 100 lottery tickets or $100.00
The Zone has not only kept busy raising money for local, state and international projects, but has also given of their time to help with many state activities over the years. Besides hosting the convention in 1952 and stuffing tote bags for the 1971-72 convention in Wichita, they also helped fill and distribute tote bags for the 1983 convention which again was in Wichita. Several chapters have been asked to put together and present The Resolutions" at some State Conventions. Although this is a large task, all who have participated have come home from convention with a special feeling. Many sisters have also given of their time and selves by serving as State Board officers or on committees.
Zone 6 is very proud of their past history, but we are especially proud of the sisterhood that we are able to develop year after year. Zone 6 Chairmen:
- 1951-52 Dorothy Higginbottom, Alpha Delta, Winfield
- 1952-53 Patricia Swaney, Beta Sigma, Augusta
- 1953-54 Ilean Shanks, Alpha Gamma, Arkansas City
- 1954-55 Alma Mangil, Delta Chi, Caldwell
- 1955-56 Norma Knowles, Alpha Xi, Cedar Vale
- 1956-57 Carolyn Jahn, Alpha Delta, Winfield
- 1957-58 Rose Mary Wood, Arkansas City
- 1958-59 Betty Grant, Alpha Delta, Winfield
- 1959-60 Juanell Sweaney, Alpha Xi, CedarVale
- 1960-61 Gladys Shook, Eta Iota, El Dorado
- 1961-62 Norma Bartholomew, Zeta Upsilon, Augusta
- 1962-63 Ailene Lower, Zeta Zeta, Arkansas City
- 1963-64 Marilyn Casebolt, Alpha Delta, Winfield
- 1964-65 Shirley Mills, Alpha Xi, Cedar Vale
- 1965-66 Barbara Dunsford, Beta Sigma, Augusta
- 1966-67 Eva Luck, Gamma Gamma, El Dorado
- 1967-68 Linda Ormiston, Alpha Delta, Winfield
- 1968-69 Margaret Wahlberg, Beta Kappa, Arkansas City
- 1969-70 Wilma Reedy, Alpha Gamma, Arkansas City
- 1970-71 Beverly Williams, Gamma Gamma, Arkansas City
- 1971-72 Nancy Hodges, Alpha Delta, Winfield
- 1972-73 Donna Fitzpatrick, Beta Kappa, Arkansas City
- 1973-74 Betty McMillan, Alpha Omicron, Wellington
- 1974-75 Sheila Rutherford, Alpha Delta, Winfield
- 1975-76 Linda Ormiston
- 1976-77 Sue Gosslin, Alpha Omicron, Wellington
- 1977-78 Charyl Wahlenmaier, Beta Kappa, Arkansas City
- 1978-79 Karen Osborn, Beta Beta, Andover
- 1980-81 Myra Graves, Beta Kappa,
- 1981-82 Deanna Tiller, Delta Theta, Udall, 1982 Dorothy Sarchet, Alpha Omicron,
Wellington
- 1982-83 Linda Ormiston, Alpha Omicron, Wellington
- 1983-84 Sheila Rutherford, Alpha Delta, Winfield
- 1984-85 Bev Barnhart, Beta Beta, Andover
- 1985-86 Clara Ginn, Delta Chi, Caldwell
- 1986-87 Sarah Martin, Delta Theta, Udall
- 1987-88 Georgia Larson, Alpha Delta, Winfield
- 1988-89 Janet Boyer, Beta Beta, Andover
Zone 6 Outstanding Sisters:
- 1956 Betty Grant, Winfield
- 1958 Norma Hope, Zeta Kappa, Arkansas City
- 1959 Mary Atkins, Alpha Gamma, Arkansas City
- 1960 Mary Kimme, Alpha Gamma, Arkansas City
- 1961 Norma Bartholomew, Zeta Upsilon, Augusta
- 1962 Georgia Kubat, Zeta Zeta, Arkansas City
- 1963 Imogene Leach
- 1964 Doris York, Zeta Zeta, Arkansas City
- 1965 Jeanne Blevins, Alpha Gamma, Arkansas City
- 1966 Betty Beshears, Eta Iota, El Dorado
- 1967 Esther Wareham, Alpha Gamma, Arkansas City
- 1968 Linda Vroman, Zeta Zeta, Arkansas City
- 1969 Wilma Reedy, Alpha Gamma, Arkansas City
- 1970 Linda Blatchford, Beta Kappa, Arkansas City
- 1971 Sharon Shurtz, Beta Kappa, Arkansas City
- 1972 Jeanette Arnett, Alpha Gamma, Arkansas City
- 1974 Sharolyn Chamberlain, Gamma Gamma, El Dorado
- 1975 Carol Purchell, Beta Kappa, Arkansas City
- 1976 Myra Graves, Beta Kappa, Arkansas City
- 1977 Jane Mathiasmeier, Arkansas City
- 1978 Brenda Gilbert, Beta Beta, Andover
- 1979 Beverly Barnhart, Beta Beta, Andover
- 1980 Patty Branddenberg, Beta Kappa, Arkansas City
- 1981 Cindy Black, Delta Chi, Caldwell
- 1982 Lani Young, Beta Beta, Andover
- 1983 Peggy Ginn, Delta Chi, Caldwell
- 1984 Beverly Barnhart, Beta Beta, Andover
- 1985 Sandy Keener, Beta Beta, Andover
- 1986 Sarah Martin, Delta Theta, Udall
- 1987 Janet Boyer, Beta Beta, Andover
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Zone 7 - Now known as District I
(Prepared by Nancy Knapp, 1988-1989 Zone 7 Roadrunner) Zone 7 is comprised of nine chapters in Central Kansas. The chapters are: Alpha Beta, Salina; Beta Omicron, McPherson; Beta Xi, Minneapolis; Epsilon Xi, Hutchinson; Epsilon Omega, Minneapolis; Zeta Lambda, Salina; Eta Tau, Lincoln; Kappa Lambda, Newton; and Kappa Nu, Newton. There are total of 120 women in the zone. The zone meets three times per year, hosted on a rotating basis.
Alpha Beta: This chapter was founded October 16, 1938, and celebrated their 50th anniversary in the fall of 1988. There were six charter members including Cleo Dodd, Ferol Brown and Maxine Carter, none of whom remain active. The Omicron Chapter in Salina assisted in the formation of this chapter. Currently Alpha Beta has 15 members, but at one time they were up to 28 members. The chapter meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month with only one meeting in July and August. Their major money making projects include ribbon sales; bake sales; and serving dinner parties and taking store inventories. Annually Alpha Beta supports the Institute of Logopedics, Kansas Care and Share, Disaster Fund, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and locally awards two nursing scholarships. They also support other local charities including Crisis Hotline, Ronald McDonald House and the Emergency Food Bank.
Alpha Beta feels very honored to be the 140th chapter in ESA and have "hung together" for fifty years! Three of their members have over 40 years of continuous active service. Several of their members have earned third Degree Pallas Athene awards.
Alpha Beta has been active on zone and state levels since their formation. Dee Quade was Kansas State President 1965-66. Lorita Von Niederhausern (deceased) served as state president in 1969-70; Joyce Marrs served as state president in 1979-80. Prior to these dates, each of these ladies moved up through the chairs serving as auditor, treasurer, second vice president, and first vice president. Dee has served as parliamentarian twice and zone chairman once. Joyce has also served as parliamentarian twice. Alpha Beta also produced three outstanding zone sisters: Frankee Huiett in 1963 and 1984 and Lorita Von Niederhausern and Lorene Evans in the 1960's.
Beta Xi: This chapter was founded October 14, 1976 with the help of Zeta Omega, Bennington. They had 14 charter members: Karen Barefield, Pam Coulson, Mary Ann Dennisen, Carla Farrington, Lola Holl, Ruth Johnson, Margaret McGavian, Dee Meall, Marilyn Meikler, Corine Schur, Pat Schur, Carol Slavik, Linda Smith and Sharie Zuker. There are four charter members still active: Margaret McGavian, Dee Meall, Corinne Schur and Sharie Zuker. The chapter presently consists of 8 members, but were up to 30 at one time.
Beta Xi meets the second Wednesday of each month. Their major money making projects are quiet raffles and other raffles, which they use to support the IOL, and local projects such as museum fund, library, need families, ambulance fund and the bloodmobile. Beta Xi also holds a bowl-a-thon for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Corky Schurr was zone outstanding sister in 1981.
Beta Omicron: The chapter was founded October 1, 1947 with the help of the Alpha Psi chapter. They had 11 members: Harriet Berg, Margaret Darrah, Berniece Dixon, Eleanor Erickson, Delores Geren, Joyce King, Dorothy Liggett, Janet Owen, Maxine Paulsen, Carmine San Romani, and Joyce Wilson. Joyce King is the only remaining active charter member. Currently the chapter has 22 members, but once had 36 members. Beta Omicron meets the second Monday of each month. Food concessions are the major money making projects with the proceeds going to the IOL, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, ESA Foundation, Care & Share, Disaster Fund, and local charities, such as: American Red Cross; Hospital Auxiliary, MCDS, Hope School, Ronald McDonald House, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Kids with Dreams and Carol Likely (a cancer victim).
Beta Omicron has had three members serve on the Kansas State Council - Dorothy Younger, Patty Engle and Joyce King. Joyce King was selected as zone outstanding sister, as well Delores Renberger.
Epsilon Omega: Founded in Minneapolis on September 1984 with the help of Beta Xi, Minneapolis. They had 19 charter members: Betty Aloyo, Paula Baker, Dana Beauchamp, Gloria Behrendt, Karla Davidson, Denise Drummond, Susan Drummond, Pam Feldt, Cindy Hartger, Angie Leech, Sherry Kline, Donna McDuffee, Kelly Plus, Mary Rarig, Nancy Ringer, Wanda Robins, Janie Struble, Carolyn Wedel and Toni Wiggins. The girls who are underlined remain active.
Epsilon Omega has 13 members, and they meet the first Wednesday of each month. Bake sales, and Bessie Bingo are their major money making projects. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Boy Scouts, Library School, Junior Miss, and the Hospital enjoy the benefit of Epsilon Omega's money making efforts. They also participate in the Adopt-a-Child program.
Eta Tau: The chapter was charter October 20, 1960 with the help of the Bennington chapter. The original charter was signed by 11 members, and the chapter was called Epsilon Tau. National informed the chapter in late October that their name should have been Eta Tau, so they sent a new charter which was signed by those present at that meeting. So only 9 of the original 11 signed the Eta Tau charter: They are underlined - Betty Anderson, Beverly Childers, Delores Cromwell, Mary Lou Hogg, May Louise Judd, Hadya Keller, Virginia Lewick, Pat Rasmussen, Jean Sheppard, Elaine Walters, and Alice Wilcox.
The only remaining active member is May Louise. Eta Tau's main fund raising event is an annual spring tasting luncheon, which they use to support local charities like needy families or children, Library, Scholarships, Hospice and Lincoln County Art Collection.
Recently the chapter has held an annual Bike-a-Thon for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Eta Tau supports the soup label program and gifts-in-kind for the IOL. The chapter meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month except in the summer. Currently they have two members on the Kansas State Board: Donna West, Zone chairman, and Nancy Knapp, Roadrunner.
Zeta Lambda: The chapter was founded September 15, 1955, with the help of a few members that had gone Inactive from Alpha Beta. They had 12 charter members: Willie Crawford, Beulah Bell, Louise Slagel, Fern Adams, June Stigall, Mary George, Verna Altmann, Charlotte Roberts, Betty Serrault, Loretta Hein, Harriet Richardson and Dolores Holmgren. Dolores Holmgren and Charlotte Roberts remain active.
Zeta Lambda meets the first and third Thursdays. Bazaars, food sales and dances are the major money making projects. Zeta Lambda has had three zone outstanding sisters. Jean Lemon 1980, Marilyn Riley 1987, and Deena Horst 1988. The IOL, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Kansas Care and Share fund are supported annually along with local charities such as: Kelly Mead Fund and Leisure Years Center.
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Zone 8 - Now known as District H
*Zone 8 and Zone 9 were combined.
(Prepared by Roberta Powell, 1988-1989 Zone 8 Roadrunner) The records of Zone 8 are incomplete, and we must go on hearsay and what we could find. We do know that the original zone 8 included chapters from Ellis, Hays (2), Plainville, Russell (2), Salina (2) and Stockton. There were a number of members from these chapters who served on the state board and held elective office. These chapters aided in various community activities and played an active part in service projects.
Pauline Cowger, a member of the first chapter in Kansas, Omicron, was one of several members to become State President. Mildred Doll Keller, Kathleen Lutz, Dorothy Keenan, and Coleen Cape are others who have gone on to become State President. Several others ran for office; Freda Phillips of Hays withdrew after being second vice president because of her health; Lora Long was defeated at the first vice president level. Many members of Zone 8 have been active on committees and in other ways.
Zones were reorganized in 1956 with Zone 8 consisting of chapters from Ellis, Great Bend, Hoisington, Hays and Russell. Some new chapters have been chartered and some have disbanded, leaving the chapters Alpha Rho, Ellis; Epsilon Mu, Hays; Delta Tau and Zeta Gamma, Great Bend.
In 1953 the state convention was held in Hays. In 1962 state convention was held in Great Bend; in 1976 in Hays; in 1981 and 1986 in Great Bend; and in 1989 the state convention will be held in Hays.
Zone 8 meets three times a year with the members and zone chairman deciding on meeting places on a rotation basis. The zone chairman is also selected upon a rotation basis by chapter in alphabetic order.
Zone 8 is a small zone at present, but we are active in that there are several members on the state board and serving in various ways.
Zone 8 has had several outstanding sisters, and most chapters are represented at State Conventions, and many attend IC conventions. Most Zone 8 members enjoy the fellowship and getting to know others, plus the incentive of doing philanthropic work to help others.
Alpha Rho was chartered in May 1945 with nine members. There are present 21 members (this includes five pledges).
Zeta Gamma was chartered January 1955. There are presently 15 active members.
Delta Tau chartered April 1980 with 18 members. The chapter now has fourteen members.
One zany event at the zone level was a "How-To" demonstration for the program, with a member demonstrating how to cut up a chicken, and she had never cut one up before. It was hilarious. We have had many varied programs, educational, informative, entertaining and emotional. But all very well received.
Zone meetings keep us in closer touch with our chapters, and we can further our friendships and fellowship.
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Zone 9 - Now known as District H
*Zone 8 and Zone 9 were combined.
(Prepared by Joan Friend, Zone 9 Chairman 1988-1989 Unfortunately the files for Zone 9 have been lost sometime in the past years so the history that is available will be somewhat abbreviated. At the present time Zone 9 has nine active chapters. A newly chartered chapter in Plainville, Omega Chi, is not affiliated with the zone. In the 1970s there were two chapters in Plainville, four in WaKeeney, one in Hill City, one in Colby, one in Bird City, and four in Stockton. Then in the early 1980s we lost our Bird City and Colby chapters, but gained a chapter in Stockton. We also lost two chapters in WaKeeney but gained another chapter in Plainville. In 1981 the total members was 195 members in twelve chapters; in 1982 we had 194 members in thirteen chapters. By 1986 we had only 174 members in eleven chapters, and now we have 137 members in nine chapters.
Several Zone 9 sisters who have and are now serving on the Kansas State Council. Zone 9 has two past State Presidents: Joan Friend, Gamma Alpha, Plainville, 1977-78 and Kay Ross, Beta Upsilon, Plainville, 1985-86. Two State Corresponding Secretaries were Judy Blecha 1977-78 and Nita Basgall 1985-86. Mary Wheeler, Gamma Alpha, Plainville, was the State Chaplain in the early 1970's.
Zone 9 and the Kansas State Council will be honored to have Joan Friend, Gamma Alpha, Plainville, installed as the International Council President in Dallas Texas in July 1989.
In 1976 when the state convention was held in Hays, Zone 9 assisted Zone 8, and then in 1986 Zone 9 hosted the state convention in Great Bend.
Gamma Alpha, Plainville celebrated their 35th anniversary in 1986. Four charter members remain active in this chapter. This chapter along with Epsilon Beta, Stockton, are the oldest chapters in Zone 9. Both chapters were chartered in 1951. . . Epsilon Beta in September and Gamma Alpha in December. In April 1952, Gamma Eta, WaKeeney, and Gamma Upsilon, Hill City chartered. Zeta Mu, Stockton, charters in October 1955 and next came Eta Nu, WaKeeney in January 1960. Beta Upsilon, Plainville chartered in April 1968 and Sigma Phi, Stockton was organized and chartered in December 1980. Our newest chapter, Delta Rho, Plainville, chartered in May 1985.
Zone 9 meets three times a year. . . in October, January and March. The Zone Chairman is chosen on a rotation basis, with each chapter responsible for a Co-Chairman each year when the rotation comes to it. The Co-Chairman automatically assumes the position as Chairman.
This northwest Kansas Zone has included Outstanding Sisters, and Outstanding chapter honors, along with many awards given annually at the state convention. With a variety of ages and life styles in its members, Zone 9 is a special group of ESA members, who continue to share their love and concern for others through their ESA involvement.
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Zone 10 - Now known as District F
Zone 10 was organized as Zone 7 in 1948 with Jessie McAdoo, Alpha Alpha, Dodge City, as chairman, Pauline Cowger, State President, was the Zone 7 sponsor.
Zone 7 covered all of Western Kansas to the Colorado line. Zone 10 then consisted of chapters in Ulysses, Garden City, Goodland, Dodge City and Kinsley. in 1950 Zone 7 was divided and Zone 10 was organized with Jessie McAdoo as Chairman. Zone 10 then consisted of chapters in Dodge City, Dighton, Ness City, Jetmore and two chapters in Kinsley.
Jessie McAdoo was elected State President in 1951, and in 1955 she was elected International President.
Zone 10 currently has eight chapters: Delta Omicron, Ness City; Delta Pi, Jetmore; Gamma Nu, Kinsley; Kappa Rho, Dodge City; Sigma Pi, Utica; Theta Chi, Greensburg; Theta Pi, Jetmore and Zeta Pi, Dodge City.
Several state conventions have been held in Dodge City, with Zone 10 chapters hosting. Many of Zone 10's members have served on the Kansas State Council through the years.
Members serving as State President from Zone 10: Jessie McAdoo, Mary Daniels and Judy Ary.
Alpha Alpha #518: Alpha Alpha was chartered February 1, 1946, in the Jade Room of the Lora Locke Hotel, Dodge City, Kansas. Miss Evelyn Umbreit, field representative of Denver, Colorado, installed the following officers: Kynta Kennedy, president; Winifred O'Dell, vice president; Dorothy Douglas, recording secretary; Loma Morton, corresponding secretary; Ethel May Moody, treasurer; Maxine Keith, historian, and Opal Achmire, educational director. Charter members were: Kynta Kennedy, Billie Denton, Winifred O'Dell, Maxine Keith, Elinor Lix, Reba Hull, Opal Achmire, Ethel May Moody, Dorothy Douglas, Loma Morton and Eileen Palmer.
The chapter's first project was a Frontier Dance at the Lora Locke Hotel on April 1, 1946, with the proceeds going to the Cancer Fund. Since that time the chapter has contributed annually to various benevolent funds including Red Cross, Community Chest, Polio, Institute of Logopedics, Christmas baskets to needy families, scarfs to Trinity Hospital of Dodge City, and supplies for the sewing room of the State Hospital at Larned, Kansas.
Alpha Alpha organized a sister chapter, Beta Kappa, in Dodge City in the fall of 1947, and in February 1954 organized Epsilon Phi chapter in Meade, Kansas. Alpha Alpha and Beta Kappa chapters of Dodge City were hosts to the eighth annual State Convention, April 13, 14, 15, 1951.
Delta Omicron: Delta Omicron was chartered June 25, 1950 with fifteen members. Three charter members remain: Molly Marie Antenen, Ruby Mellies and Eileen (Casey) Eilts.
There are presently sixteen members which includes one pledge, Darlene Snyder. When all of our members years of service are combined they total 302 years.
Some of the most memorable events include a zone meeting where an elaborate "gift wrapping" demonstration was presented by a member of the chapter. The most outstanding chapter event is our annual Salad Supper and Fashion Show.
The most memorable zone meeting for our chapter was when Molly Marie Antenen was chosen Outstanding Sister of Zone 10. The craziest memory or event by this chapter in Zone 10 is a "Barn Dance" at the residence of Jessie McAdoo, and a chapter gambling party at a local restaurant -- that was raided (all in fun, of course).
Through the years this chapter has: sponsored teenage dances (10 years); planned and presented a Halloween party, parade and poster contest for Ness City youngsters; supported the Outstanding Youth Award; donated to the Institute of Logopedics each year with both money and articles for the school and cottages; donated to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Easter Seal, Cancer Society, Red Cross, March of Dimes Drive by Mail, supported needy families, and made donations to the Recreation Department for the swimming program for children.
Kappa Rho: This chapter was chartered on June 1, 1974 with 17 members. Three of the original charter members remain. When all the members of this chapter's years of service are totaled they equal 122. The chapter presently has 12 member.
Their most outstanding thought about ESA is the fellowship with others and our sisterhood. Their most memorable event was affiliation with the Dodge City Scholarship Pageant. Although this chapter did not provide much information we do know they have been recognized as the State Outstanding Chapter on several occasions; and at the 1987 State Convention they were honored for this accomplishment.
Sigma Pi: Sigma Pi was chartered on November 7, 1974 with 13 members. There are still 4 charter member active in this chapter. Two of the original charter members have moved and are still active ESA members.
The membership today stands at 7 with 1 new pledge. The members of Sigma Pi believe that ESA develops friendship and closeness among the members. One comment from this chapter about memorable events was an ice storm on installation night coming home from Dodge City. Another was a Feast in Pepper Park. Although no detail was provided as to these events, I'm sure if you ask one of the members she will be happy to enlighten you.
They also provided a couple of crazy memoirs/events of their chapter in Zone 10. One was going to zone meeting in a van that wouldn't run....second was running a red light on the way to zone meeting. Another time they were unable to attend a social because of fog, so they had the meeting at the bank (basement) and the bank furnished milk duds for refreshments. Sounds kind of interesting doesn't it. Other comments from this chapter include: We have given 5 Zeus awards; Placed park equipment in the park; Member from Sigma Pi served on state Board; Members of Sigma Pi have served as zone 10 chairman.
Zeta Pi: On April 26, 1956 Zeta Pi was chartered with 14 members. Two members, Eilene Gilbert and Kathryn Hicks, remain active in this chapter. Six members have moved away and their affiliation is unknown. The chapter presently consists of 12 members. Their most memorable event was described as the chapters 30th anniversary celebration in 1986.
Theta Pi, Jetmore: Theta Pi of Jetmore was chartered on August 15, 1975 with 22 members. Eight of the original members remain active in this chapter. When all the members' years of service are combined they total 156. The chapter now boasts 17 members with 1 pledge. Some of the outstanding thoughts shared are: Sisterhood, philanthropy, sharing personal strength, ability to work together and dedication.
Their most memorable event was State Convention in Dodge City...and hosting the fall zone meetings in 1982 and 1983. This chapter also started a Santa House and Easter Egg Hunt for the children of the community. They also helped establish a community wide 4th of July Celebration in the hope it will be an annual event.
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Zone 11 - Now known as District G
(Prepared by Delores Currier, 1988-1989 Zone 11 Roadrunner) Zone 11 has an active core of seven chapters that attend zone meetings with enthusiasm for ESA. The seven chapters are Alpha Omega #1206, Scott City; Alpha Phi #4420, Elkhart; Delta Delta #1101, Ulysses; Epsilon Iota #1572, Garden City; Delta Eta #1118, Elkhart; Eta Beta #2676, Liberal, and Sigma Nu $4769, Satanta.
Zone 11 has had at least 14 other chapters over the past 40 years. They are: Delta Kappa #1193, Syracuse, chartered 9/15/49, disbanded 1/88; Epsilon Upsilon #2154, Liberal, chartered 1953, disbanded 1980; Zeta Nu #2420, Scott City; Delta Mu, Garden City; Alpha Mu #3348, Sublette; Beta Eta #3630, Garden City; Alpha Nu, Hugoton; Delta Epsilon #4507, Garden City; Delta Gamma #4899, Johnson, Chartered 6/24/80 disbanded 7/83; Kappa Eta #4932 chartered 11/26/80, disbanded 11/3/88.
Zone 11 hosted a state convention in April 1965 at the Holiday in Liberal. Velma Harness of Scott City was Kansas State President at the time. Zone 11 has had three other state presidents: Grace Stoner, Garden City, Gamma Nu; Jerry Phillips, Ulysses, Delta Delta, 1957-58; and Gladys Shook, Gamma Mu, Garden City, 1968-69.
Zone 11's chairpersons from 1953 to 1989 include:
- 1953-54 Andora (Toni) Snell
- 1954-55 Barbara Nordline
- 1955-56 Berniece Dunn
- 1956-57 Elizabeth Jones
- 1957-58 Edna York,
- 1958-59 Blance Briggs, Satanta
- 1959-60 LoRee Folger, Hugoton
- 1960-61 Clara Vulgamore, Scott City
- 1961-62 Arlene Maddox, Garden City
- 1962-63 Phyllis Goss, Garden City
- 1963-64 Celeste Helfrich, Ulysses
- 1964-65 Betty Little, Liberal
- 1965-66 Beverly Strickert, Scott City
- 1966-67 Lilia Shearmire, Garden City
- 1967-68 Leila Hagler, Garden City
- 1968-69 Mary Doornbos, Scott City
- 1969-70 Jeannie Orth, Sublette
- 1970-71 LaVelle Wheatcroft, Liberal
- 1971-72 LouAnn Summers, Ulysses
- 1972-73 Naomi Fox, Syracuse
- 1973-74 Kay Thompson, Garden City
- 1974-75 Emily Young, Scott City
- 1975-76 Dean Green, Hugoton
- 1976-77 Dorothy Miller, Liberal
- 1977-78 Helen O'Hair, Elkhart
- 1978-79 Bev Hooker, Barden City
- 1979-80 Pat Erwin, Garden City
- 1980-81 Gladys Ellis, Elkhart
- 1981-82 Carol Turley, Scott City
- 1982-83 Nancy Bowman, Liberal
- 1983-84 Phyllis Van Meter, Ulysses
- 1984-85 Shirley Kenner, Satanta
- 1985-86 Mary Ploger, Garden City
- 1986-87 Sue Ebbeson, Liberal
- 1987-88 Delores Currier, Ulysses
- 1988-89, Karen Stinson, Ulysses
Alpha Omega #1206: Scott City was founded in 1949 with ten charter members. Pat Lewis was in the first pledge group in 1949 and is still active. They currently have 25 members and one new pledge. The current president is Kate Macy.
Alpha Omega is very active at the zone and state level. They have one member on the state board. They were State Outstanding Chapter once, and in the "Top Ten" ten times.
Some of the chapter's most memorable and crazy events include: in one week served four banquets and left for state convention on Thursday; took Santa, Food, and gifts to a family that had never celebrated Christmas.
Epsilon Iota #1572: Garden City, had seven charter members when it was founded in 1951. It was sponsored by Gamma Mu. The combined years of the current 20 members is 180 years in ESA. The current president is Barbara Atkinson. They have four pledges.
Some of the chapter's most memorable moments are: showing up at a meeting wearing left over rummage sale clothes; bringing daughters into the group; the chapter being brought closer together upon the death of a very young person in the chapter. As a chapter they spent lots of time with her and her family.
Delta Delta #1101: Ulysses, was founded May 16, 1949 with 12 charter members. One of these charter members, Jerry Phillips, was the 1957 Kansas State Council President and still resides in Ulysses. They currently have 17 members and one pledge. The current president is Janet Williams.
Delta Delta is still every active at zone and state levels. They currently have three state board members.
Some of the chapter's most memorable and crazy events are: Phyllis VanMeter buying eight or more items at a zone auction; waiting eight hours for a cow to "plop" for Cow Pattie Bingo, Karen Stinson's 30th birthday party - complete with the movie "Dirty Dancing", a male dancer, a rose, and a kiss; Harold DuPree trying to belly dance at a Luau rush party; white elephant gifts that keep popping up year after year; the fuzzy blue slippers that Delores Currier received for Christmas after stating she didn't want fuzzy ones; a "Murder Mystery" dinner, and our "Ladies of the Evening" party with a calling card of "Have You Tried to Buy it In Ulysses?". The combined state convention attendance is 90 and IC conventions attended is 10.
Delta Eta #1118: Elkhart, was founded on June 1, 1949 with sixteen charter members. They still have two active charter members, Ruth Wetcher and Jeanne Daniels. They currently have 23 members and the current president is Helen Hinch.
Some of the chapters most memorable and crazy moments are: a "Suppressed Desire Party" where Pat Ridenour came dressed as Eve (complete with fig leaf) and the three Harvey House Shows that they put on in conjunction with the county fair. The themes of these shows are Vaudeville, Our Country's Evolution, and You've Come a Long Way Baby - a style revue of the history of America's Women.
Alpha Phi #4420: Elkhart, was chartered June 7, 1974 with ten charter members. The combined years of the current members is 77. The current president is Glennis Bookstore and they have two pledges.
Some of the chapter's memorable and crazy moments are: several different rush parties and the many hours spent making candy for a booth that was a flop (it was fun to do though).
Sigma Nu #4769: Satanta, was founded on October 17, 1978, with thirteen charter members. There are still three active charter members Zona Harlow, Shirley Kenner, and Jean Ann Trout. The combined years of the current members is 92. The current president is LaDonna Robinson.
Sigma Nu is active on the zone and state level. They currently have three members serving on the state board.
Some of the chapter's most memorable and crazy moments are: the chapter's charter installation, Zone 11's officer installation in Liberal, the beautiful pledge ceremony for six pledges, and when some husbands dressed up like cheerleaders for a meeting.
Eta Beta #2676: Liberal, was chartered in November 1957 with eighteen charter members. They still have one active charter member, Betty Little. Eta Beta was started by Epsilon Upsilon. The combined years of the current 8 members is 131. The current president is Avis Brown and they have two pledges.
Some of the chapter's memorable and crazy events are: preparing a pheasant hunters' breakfast, and hosting a radiothon for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Their combined attendance at state convention is 37 and combined attendance at IC is 1.
The most outstanding thought about ESA can be summed up in one word, "love", as it relates to friendships made while working together on philanthropic projects for the benefit of those less fortunate. The closeness that develops between ESA sisters provides for treasured friendships and a caring support group in time of need while at the same time providing for opportunities for developing leadership qualities, making possible a networking system at the local, zone and state level, and having fun together when working toward a common goal. ESA is LOVE!
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Zone 12 - Now known as District E
(Prepared by Connie Hoch, 1988-1989 Zone 12 Roadrunner) Zone 12 was established with the zone changes adopted in February 1956. The original chapters were Pratt, Cheney, Harper, Caldwell and Conway Spring. At the beginning of the 1988-1989 year, we had 158 members.
There are eleven chapters: Alpha Eta, Pratt; Alpha Iota, Medicine Lodge; Alpha Nu, Argonia; Delta Nu, Anthony; Epsilon Iota, Pratt; Eta Alpha, Anthony; Eta Theta, Cheney; Gamma Beta, Pratt; Gamma Chi, Spivey; Gamma Kappa, Pratt and Gamma Omega, Kingman.
The zone meets four times a year. Norma Stevenson was the current zone 12 chairperson when this history was written.
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