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Ks State Council
Lamplighters of the Kansas State Council of ESA
Past State Presidents of the KSC
The Lamplighters are the Past State Presidents of the Kansas State Council. Over the years this group of women have, for the most part, remained active in ESA. They give their support and encouragement to future leaders of ESA. The group acts as mentors and when needed they are ready to provide the needed support to ESA sisters. A Lamplighter president is elected each year and serves on the Board of Directors of the KSC.
Their money making projects have supported many projects of the KSC and in perticular the Endowed scholarships. They established and support the Memorial Lamplighter Endowment. In order to run for elective office on the International Council one must have served as a past state president. Kansas has had several of its past presidents earn the high honor of International Council President who leads all of ESA.(L) Lamplighters meet once a year to plan their ways & means to support our projects. Their attendance is always very good at board meetings. Pictured at the fall board meeting are (BR) Kay, Pam, Karen, Mary, Joan, Shirley, Donna, & Verneene. (FR) Coleen, Karen, Maureen, Denise and Susan. (Pictured Right) Lamplighter President for 2008-2009, Maureen Wells.
List of Past State Presidents of Kansas and their theme.
Each President that has contributed to "Cherished Memories" is linked to the section that she wrote. You can access this by clicking on her name.
- 1946-1947 - Zura Crockett Ditman (Deceased) "The Hands of Friendship"
- 1947-1948 - Zura Crockett Ditman (Deceased) "The Open Road"
- 1948-1949 - Pauline Cowger (Deceased 1990)"Finding Ourselves: Education-Sisterhood-Achievement"
- 1949-1950 - Grace Stoner (Deceased) "Hitch Your Wagon to a Star"
- 1950-1951 - Mildred Doll Keller (Deceased) "Seeking Treasures in ESA"
- 1951-1952 - Jessie McAdoo Little (Deceased 1999) "ESA in Wonderland"
IC PRESIDENT 1955-1956 "Friendliness" - 1952-1953 - Beryl Elliott "Ad Astra Per Aspera - To the Stars with Difficulty"
- 1953-1954 - Fay Jordan (Deceased) "Cooperation the 7th Pearl"
- 1954-1955 - Katherine LaVelle (Deceased 1999) "Friendship - Our Anchor"
- 1955-1956 - Irene Ramsey (Deceased) "Somewhere Over the Rainbow in the Land of ESA"
IC PRESIDENT 1966-1967 "ESA Hands in Many Lands" - 1956-1957 - Hazel Hayes "Happiness"
- 1957-1958 - Jerry Phillips "A Gay & Gallant Heart"
- 1958-1959 - Mary Booe "Around the World with ESA"
- 1959-1960 - Mildred Foley "The Praying Hands"
- 1960-1961 - Lois Mayall (Deceased 1992) "To Serve the Present Age"
- 1961-1962 - Betty Guthrie (Deceased 1970)"Symphony of ESA"
- 1962-1963 - Louise Woods "A Better World Begins with Me"
- 1963-1964 - Bonnie Gunter (Deceased 1992) "A Smiling Heart"
- 1964-1965 - Velma Harness "Reach for a Star"
- 1965-1966 - Dee Quade Hyle "Sea of Service"
- 1966-1967 - Katy Tyler Mills "Friendship in Orbit"
- 1967-1968 - Kathleen Lutz (Deceased)"Memories of ESA"
- 1968-1969 - Gladys Shook (Deceased 1972) "It's the Little Things that Count"
- 1969-1970 - Lorita VonNiederhausen (Deceased 1986) "The Art of Beautiful Living"
- 1970-1971 - Maxine Koerner McKeever "The Key to Tomorrow is Today"
- 1971-1972 - Anne Fields Langenfeld "The Dawning of A Great New Day"
- 1972-1973 - Jean Wells (Deceased) "ESA in Panorama"
- 1973-1974 - Betty Spicer "Silhouettes of ESA"
- 1974-1975 - Dorothy Keenan "Share the Bouquests From Your Garden of ESA"
- 1975-1976 - Mary Daniels (Deceased) "Jeweled Harmony - Our ESA Heritage"
- 1976-1977 - Florence Ellis (Deceased) "ESA in God's Wonderful World"
- 1977-1978 - Joan Friend "Beyond a Dream ... Circles of ESA - Love, Hope, Friendship & Giving"
IC PRESIDENT 1989-1990 "ESA Memories Opens Doors" - 1978-1979 - Opal Regier (Deceased) "The Reality of Sisterhood in ESA"
- 1979-1980 - Joyce Marrs "Take Time"
- 1980-1981 - Jean Beetem (Deceased) "Light Up Your Life with ESA"
- 1981-1982 - Judy Ary "Reach Out and Touch"
- 1982-1983 - Marilyn Herren "Happiness IS...ESA"
- 1983-1984 - Geri Benton "Let the Sunshine In"
- 1984-1985 - Joan Bourn Treasures from the Sea"
IC PRESIDENT 1998-1999 "Seek the Treasures of the Sea" - 1985-1986 - Kay Ross "For All Things, A Season in ESA"
- 1986-1987 - Verneene Forssberg "ESA, The Wind Beneath Our Wings"
- 1987-1988 - Shirley Campbell "ESA - An Adventure"
- 1988-1989 - Coleen Cape "ESA ... a love Song"
IC PRESIDENT 2004-2005 "Embrace the Power - Free Your Spirit" - 1989-1990 - Kay Foster "Clownin' Around in ESA"
- 1990-1991 - Charlene Hansen "ESA ... God's Hands"
- 1991-1992 - Margaret Shook "ESA ... Super Star"
- 1992-1993 - Donna Dawson "ESA ... The wings of Love"
- 1993-1994 - Shelah Goyer "ESA ... A Carousel of Hopes and Dreams"
- 1994-1995 - Susan White "ESA ... A Place in the Heart"
- 1995-1996 - Mary Hill "We are the World"
- 1996-1997 - Helen Stitt "ESA PANDAmonium"
- 1997-1998 - Karen Lowery "Earth's Special Angels"
- 1998-1999 - Cindy Rodman "The Power of the Dream"
- 1999-2000 - Linda Schmidt "We've Come A Long Way Baby"
- 2000-2001 - Connie Hoch (Deceased: 2008)"ESA: The Gift that Keeps On Giving"
- 2001-2002 - Susan Winters "ESA ... Magic in Motion"
- 2002-2003 - Phyllis Wheaton "ESA .. My Cup of Tea"
- 2003-2004 - Maureen Wells "ESA ... A Quilt of Memories"
- 2004-2005 - Karen Knorp-Brown "Believe"
- 2005-2006 - Denise Masterson "ESA ... The Colors of the Wind"
- 2006-2007 - Charlotte Combs "ESA ... A Beacon of Hope"
- 2007-2008 - Pam McElvain "ESA ... Love, Laughter, Leadership & Service"
Cherished Memories of the Lamplighters
Jerry Phillips
Interview with Jerry Phillips Kansas State Council President,
1957-58Jerry, formerly a charter member of Delta Delta #1101, Ulysses, was elected as first vice-president in Manhattan in 1956, and served as Kansas State President in 1957-58. She was installed as President at the state convention in Garden City in 1957 and presided at the state convention in Pratt on 18-20 April 1958.
Jerry was very involved in all phases of sorority, at all levels. She was responsible for copyrighting and adoption of the ESA Jewel Pin Song, as the official song of ESA. Rozanne Cechman of Ulysses wrote the words and illustrated the cover of the sheet music and Jerry went to Chicago to obtain the copyright. The song was sung by Jerry and officially adopted as the Kansas State song in Wichita. She repeated her solo in Memphis at the International Convention, and it was adopted as the ESA International song.
Jerry served as editor of the News and Views the year following her state president's term as that was the policy at that time. Due to other obligations and burn out, she went inactive in 1968-69.
Jerry had many positive things to say about ESA and has some fond memories of her years of fun and service in ESA. She first and foremost enjoyed the sisterhood that ESA afforded and the opportunity to become acquainted with women from all walks of life who fit many descriptions. . . "a cosmopolitan group". The philanthropic projects were important to her – Delta Delta sponsored a child's total expenses at the Institute of Logopedics for two or three years. She felt ESA was good for fellowship because the group usually tried to nip gossip in the bud. She had many treasured friendships and contacts state wide. Her philosophy was "dig deep to find the good in everyone".
This interview was conducted by Delores Currier - Zone 11 Roadrunner 1988-1989
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Interview with Maxine Koerner McKeever, President Kansas
State Council
1970-71Maxine Koerner McKeever served as Kansas State President from 1970-71. Her theme was "The Key to Tomorrow is Today". Maxine held all offices in the zone and all state offices except corresponding secretary.
Maxine's true loves were the Institute of Logopedics and St Jude Children's Research Hosptial. She worked hard to start the development of a playground at the IOL. This project started with benches and fences during her year. Vines were planted by the fences so the children could look up and watch them grow.
Maxine stated that she had the honor of meeting Danny Thomas which seemed to really add to the pleasure of all work for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Maxine's daughter, Bonnie, was the first DESA from Kansas. She was presented at the convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
Of all of the projects, Maxine loved being editor of the News and Views. She wanted and enjoyed this job more than being state president. She worked at the local newspaper office two days a month to do the job.
Maxine stated in her acceptance speech that we must all climb the steps to open doors. By watching the children at the IOL do tasks so difficult it inspired Maxine to go forward and accept the challenges that ESA had to offer.
Her goal for her year in office was that each member help open the door of ESA to a new member. She may need us as much as we need her.
Interview conducted by Connie Hoch, 1988-1989 Zone 12 Roadrunner
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Irene Lassen Ramsey
President Kansas
State Council
1955-1956Looking back through my scrapbook when I served as Kansas State President in 1955-56 was a cherished memory. I was installed on April 16, 1955, at the Kansas Hotel, Topeka, and chose as my theme "Somewhere Over the Rainbow in the Land of ESA".
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, There's a land I know A land of happiness for you and I. Down five highways we follow the shining light, For Friendship's golden chain we seek today. As your works, so your reward is In this beautiful land of ESA."
The symbolic highways represented virtue, honor, truthfulness, friendliness and loveliness, and as each ESA member strolled and explored each lovely land, they gave their best and the experience was most rewarding.
I appointed the first State Chaplain, Carol Steeples of Zurich, who did an outstanding performance of her duties. The first ESA Sunday was held October 13, 1955 and the members attended the church of their choice. During the year I visited all zones, and each Zone Chairman did a beautiful job to promote ESA. I installed two sister chapters in Arkansas City. During the year ten new chapters were organized for a grand total of 96. I was indeed proud of all chapters for we had 100% participation in our State Project, The Institute of Logopedics. My convention was held at the Wareham Hotel, Manhattan, April 13-15, 1956 with 278 members attending. Zone 4 members were hostesses with Lee Curtis and Norma Knowles as convention chairmen. To them I owe many thanks and also to Grace Acker for compiling my lovely scrapbook.
I was honored to be the delegate representing the Kansas State Council to the IC Convention held in Wichita, June 17-19, 1955, and had the pleasure of seeing our own Kansas ESA Sister, Jessie McAdoo, Little, installed as the new IC President. Kansas ESAers were indeed proud of her. The Kansas State Council won the philanthropic Trophy which was quite an honor. Delta Delta chapter of Ulysses placed first in the Song Contest which was sung by Jerry Phillips, past state president, and the Gamma Chi Chapter of Wichita placed first in the Yearbook Contest.
It is always a pleasure to visit another State Convention, which I did along with our IC President, Jessie, at Lincoln, Nebraska.
My chapter, Gamma Sigma of Wichita, was most supportive during my year as well as the Wichita City Council. My corresponding secretary, Lucille Harr Crossno, was my "right hand", and to her I owe my sincere thanks.
At the close of my year, I was married to Ralph Ramsey, following the IC Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico with many ESAers attending. Ralph was known as "Mr. Irene" to many Sorority Sisters. He was a member of "Men of ESA" and always enjoyed going to the IC Conventions. As you can see, Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority has always been my hobby, and I'm proud to be a member.
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Florence Ellis
President Kansas State Council
1976-1977Our theme for 1976-77 was "ESA in God's Wonderful World" and it was a wonderful year full of many cherished memories.
The first memory that comes to mind is a trip to Estes Park, Colorado for leadership seminar and dedication of the World Center Foundation Building in Loveland, Colorado. My companions on the trip were: Joan Friend, 1st Vice President, Mary Hill, Membership Director and Norva Sinclair, Volunteer Director. We shared a delightful weekend of fun and hard work.
The honor of representing the State of Kansas at the International Convention in Norfolk, Virginia, will always be one of the fondest memories. Excitement, agape' and the "Spirit of 76" were running rampant throughout the entire convention. The opening ceremonies, featuring the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic Drum & Bugle Corps, followed by the presentation of State Flags in the order they joined the union was one of the most impressive and moving ceremonies I have ever witnessed. At the business sessions, seven state presidents, The Minute Belles, wearing Uncle Sam hats and ringing a large school bell kept popping to the microphone...no matter WHO was speaking, to give funny 60 second Bicentennial quotes about famous people, to add spice and humor to the sessions. I hate to admit it...but I was one of the seven in on this gimmick. Sure was a lot of fun and a great memory.
We had a membership of 1,972 members and 132 chapters at the beginning of the 1976 year. Mary, you did a fantastic job...4 new chapters and a VIA chapter were chartered.
Kansas First Edition of the Association in the Arts was introduced in 1976. It was a huge success...thanks to a great committee, Elaine Taylor, Marilyn Herren and Sandy Broyles.
Another memory that stands out is the generous donations made by Kansas chapters to our Idaho sisters who were affected by the Teton Flood Disaster.
Our convention chairman, Joan Bourn, her committee and our Wichita chapters did an outstanding job and gave us more memories as we boarded "Flight #77" for an exciting trip in God's wonderful world of fun, fellowship, awards and education. Myre Starr, IC Past President was our IC representative. Jimy Wood, IC Chaplain also participated in our convention.
A beautiful memory that is proudly displayed on a table in my recreation room is the lovely scrapbook made by Kay Ross.
Our news & Views Editor, Virginia Bigbee won third place at the International Convention in Hawaii. All five outstanding issues are among my treasured possessions.
All of these memories were made possible by the cooperation and hard work of the state officers, board members and chapters in Kansas.
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Kay Ross
President Kansas State Council
1985-1986February 23, 1989 - One of my first memories of my year was my installation at Kansas City, being the first to use the colors of red and black, I received a lot of teasing from my incoming officers, wanting to know if they needed to learn to tango, or were they required to carry a rose between their teeth? It turned out to be a beautiful ceremony, and a wonderful start to my year, "For All Things A Season, In ESA". Other outstanding memories included traveling throughout all the zones, as Nita and I visited all but one that year. We also got to attend two of the three charterings of new chapters, in Parsons, and McPherson. Bad weather prevented us from attending the chartering of the new chapter in Anthony.
The IC Convention in Tulsa was one of the biggest honors I've had at representing Kansas. The convention was one of the largest for IC, with a total attendance of 1108, including 77 Kansas Sisters. The Oklahoma gals know how to put on a party, and were so gracious at being the hostesses, it made many memories for me to paste in my memory book.
The November Board meeting in Wichita was a favorite, as Shirley Campbell's "Teddy Bear Picnic" with the children at the IOL playing games, and sharing their picnic lunches such a great experience. The memories continued with my Board Meetings at Ness City and Hays adding many new "pictures" to my memory book.
Not many new happenings became facts in my year, except the beginning of the Founders in Kansas, through the hard work done by Verneene Forssberg, B. J. Clark held the first Founders Seminar in Manhattan, training 10 Kansas sisters, and three officers the best ways to start new chapters. Anyone who has ever been taught by B. J. knows the enthusiasm will just ooze from your pores to get going, and hopefully many new chapters will be started by this group.
Plans for my convention, hosted by Zone 9, were worked on for two years by Zone 9, and they made all my dreams come true, as we "Journeyed Through The Seasons" in Great Bend. Each function represented a different season of the year. As I journeyed home that Sunday afternoon after convention was over, I remember reflecting over the year, how fast it had passed, and having the feelings of a very rewarding year, many memories, friendships, and goals fulfilled.
I finished my year as State President by attending Kansas City and All That Jazz in KC. There were 108 Kansas members present to aid Verneene as incoming President, and helping Joan Friend with her bid for office. Kansas was honored to win many awards, among them were first place in Chapters Chartered; 2nd place Welcome Back award for reinstatements; and 3rd place in Greatest number of Pledges (Kansas had over 70 pledges that year). Its hard to eliminate all the thoughts and memories you receive with the honor of being a President of the Kansas State Council, I hope these thoughts will help you with your book. Love in ESA, Kay.
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Mildred Foley
President Kansas State Council
1959-1960In answer to your request for some of my memories of ESA as Past President, I am happy to oblige. As I look over my scrapbook and remember what a wonderful year I had I almost feel sad, because the years I was active in ESA were probably the happiest. An my biggest regret was when our chapter Delta Sigma, disbanded. But I will have my memories.
I was installed as State President April 12, 1959, at the Broadview Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. It was a wonderful year. We traveled a lot and I met such wonderful sisters of ESA. Lois Mayall was such a good traveling companion and Irene Ramsey was always there for me when I needed advice. One of the highlights of the year was attending the IC Convention in Portland, Oregon. To you who attended – do you by chance remember the big fresh salmon cooked over the hot coals? Oh, it was so good. Of course, Beryle Elliott was our Kansas candidate for office.
The 17th annual Kansas State Convention was held in Salina, April 22, 23 and 24, 1960, at the Lamar Hotel. Nathalie Harvey, Pauline Cowger and Jo Roquet were convention chairmen. Oh, what a great convention they planned. The attendance was good for those days, 350 members and 64 chapters were represented. Martin Palmer of the Institute of Logopedics was the featured speaker for the Saturday luncheon.
I have given you a few highlights from my year, and I realize there were many more things I could have written, but I want to close with a poem I used at the end of my report back in 1960.
"It has been my joy this year to find
at every turning of the road
the strong arm of a comrade kind
to help me onward with my load.
And, since I have no gold to give
and love alone must make amends,
my only prayer is, while I live,
God, make me worthy of my Friends."Return to LIST
Fay Jordan
President Kansas State Council
1953-1954When you served as State President in 1953-54, you really have to reach back in your memory...and with no state scrapbook to help your. At that time a scrapbook was made and added to each year – and I don't know what happened to it when they started making one for each year.
For several years back then, the State Board meetings held in Wichita were held in my house on a Sunday - the Board was much smaller then. I can remember Dr. Palmer coming over in the afternoon and accepting our check and vising with us. It was several years before we started the annual tea.
I tried to visit every zone, and I think I did...we did it as one day trips – out and back the same day, even as far away as Ulysses and Ellis...we would visit a zone meeting and then come on home.
I remember the IC Convention was in Columbus, Ohio, and I drove to Columbus with Irene Ramsey, Lucille Harr Crossno and you, Mary. Jessie McAdoo met us there, along with Frances Geist and Mary Francis Coffman from Lawrence.
The State Convention was in Hutchinson, and Hazel Hayes was in charge...a very nice convention as I remember it. Hazel had arranged for John Crutcher, Kansas State Representative to be our speaker at the banquet (we had speakers then and installation was Sunday morning) and we ended up with two speakers when Bob Palmer decided to visit us from Loveland.
We had a big money making project going then – JONQUIL HOSE – and almost the entire state was making money on hosiery sales.
I was State President and Editor of the NEWS & VIEWS; and then at the state convention in 1954, it was decided that the immediate past president would be editor – so I got to be editor for the second year. All papers were folded by hand and I would borrow an Addressograph to address the papers. I made all the new address plates we needed, going to the office where I worked part time. When I was president, I had one small son, and when I was past president and editor, I remember we put out the January NEWS & VIEWS the night before my second son was born!. I really appreciated the help I got from Lucille Harr Crossno, who was co-editor both years.
Lucille and I also worked on the IC Convention as co-chairmen when it was held in Wichita in 1955. I was installed as President in Hays, so every time I return there I have fond memories. Agape, Fay
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Shirley Campbell
President Kansas State Council
1987-1988
It's hard for me to single out highlights, as its been so recent that I feel the whole year was a high for me.
I was especially pleased that the first DESA chapter, Epsilon Chi, was formed in Wichita and I had the privilege of chartering it.
This was also the first year that the president's art work was presented to her by the client that had done the painting. The Tea and Tour has always been a special time for me, but this was especially gratifying.
At the state convention "Around Kansas in 88" which was held at the Holidome in Manhattan there were 430 in attendance. Linda Bottom, convention chairman, and her committee, did a super job. Liz White, First Vice President President-Elect of the International Council, was our IC Representative and Anne Fields Langenfeld was our ESA Foundation rep. Hopefully this will be a help.
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Anne (Fields) Langenfeld
President Kansas State Council
1971-72February 6, 1989 - This is in reply to a request of Marilyn Patterson for State President information. It was so good to get out the history book and go thru everything again! Sure brings back wonderful memories. One thing is the same, my typing is still lousy!
There are several things that really stand out in my mind for the year 1971-72. The first is that I was so honored and thrilled to have my acceptance speech printed in its entirety in the July 1971 Jonquil. I had no idea that this was going to happen and I can still remember the thrill and chills I got when I found it in the magazine.
Second is that we chartered 8 new chapters that year and I was able to be at each chartering. I also visited many of the preliminary meetings, prior to the charterings. When I think of the nights I drove home at 3 and 4 in the morning, hanging my head out of the window to stay awake, I realize how fortunate I was to have survived!
I remember how hard you worked on the bike ride. I was so proud of all your efforts and the results.
If I remember right we had 117-118 chapters that year and then the 8 new ones. At the June State Board Meeting it was announced that the News and Views had made the "Writers of the World Book" list.
At the State Convention in Topeka, although I did not realize it, I had hepatitis. A great way to conduct a convention. We had 648 in attendance. David Schmidt was the Headquarters Rep and Judy Lester the IC Rep. Ralph Harrison, who wrote "Where are You Going Pretty Woman" was also at the convention.
I know Kansas won quite a few honors at the 1972 IC Convention. The one that I remember is the second place that the News and Views won. I always have felt that it should have been first, because it was so different and so outstanding. Kathryne Howard and Dorothy Sawyer were innovative, clever and worked their buns off to put out a newspaper that people would read. Ah, memories! They are cherished more each year. Sunshine and love, Anne
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Jean Wells
President Kansas State Council
1972-73As I travel down Memory Lane, the year 1972-73 truly reflects "ESA in Panorama", which was my theme. Webster defines "Panorama" as a picture with a continuous view and it definitely was a year of continuous joys and experiences. My visits to the Zones throughout the State and my Board Meeting hostesses treated me so special, I felt like royalty.
I guess my first official duty was to proudly represent Kansas at the IC Convention in the Bahamas in July, and it was there I was unsuccessful in the bid for IC Recording Secretary.
A few weeks prior to that date a family emergency took me on my firsts trip from the mainland to Hawaii. While there for my short stay, the true meaning of ESA sisterhood was extended to me as Jo Jo Jim and her ESA sisters there made my visit a pleasant and memorable one.
One event that stands out in my memory was the Leadership Conference held in the Civic Playhouse that October, with Bethry Ingram as Ringmaster and you as the Circus Clown.
It was exciting to participate in the Million Dollar Bike Ride, which was a nationwide event and came through Wichita on July 16, 1972, for a 20-mile route locally. The kickoff was in Washington DC and ended in Los Angeles in September. You did a wonderful job as local chairman for Wichita, which was one of 500 cities that participated in this ride.
When I was second Vice President, I started "Fun in the Sun" for the Institute of Logopedics, and in 1972 a multi-colored polyhedron was placed on the grounds as a final project for this program. My husband, Bill, provided the labor and Epsilon Rho of Overland Park provided the materials.
This was the second year for the Men of ESA Chapter and Bill was a charter member and served as President along with me. ESA was our life that year. Since the mimeograph machine was in my possession, our basement turned into a printing shop that year.
Betty Standke agreed to be Chairman once again for the state convention and she and her committee did a tremendous job in planning "ESA in Panorama" at the Glenwood Manor, Overland Park. There were 498 in attendance and we were privileged to have Lois Printz, IC President, as our representative. In spite of the heavy rain during these days, I survived the rigid schedule and sleepless nights.
I must thank Lou Ann Summers and Shirley McHenry again for a beautiful scrapbook of the events of 1972-73. It was from perusing the pictures and events in my scrapbook that assisted me in compiling these memories.
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Katharine LaVelle
Kansas State Council President
1954-1955March 1, 1989 - Thank you for the excellent samples of past presidents resumes. Their achievements do sound great! After 34 years my memories are of mainly personal delights and the advancements of the state council in my year do not compare to the extra projects of the last few years.
I was state president of ESA the year of 1954-55 after being treasurer, second vice and first vice president. I chose Friendliness as my theme to stress during the year. Living the full meaning of friendliness will bring inner happiness as you forget self in thinking of others.
Eight new chapters were formed. I attended zone meetings in 8 of the 10 active zones. All active zones held four meetings. Revisions to the state constitution were studied and approved. It was a special thrill to have a song, written by Geneva Brown, and a cookbook - Chairman Irene Spangler - dedicated to me.
The happy memories were the fun of traveling with ESA sisters to meetings, parties and conventions. Time cannot erase these happy memories. Everything accomplished during the year was only possible due to the love and cooperation of every ESA sister, especially my own Alpha Lambda chapter of Hutchinson.
The saddest happening of my term was the tragic death midsummer of the elected state treasurer.
After years of inflation the budget of that time seems quite unreal – News & Views $1100, Delegate to IC Convention $125.00, Postage and stationery $100.00, Flowers, phone, gifts $100.
Being president of the Kansas State Council was the highlight of my life until that point, and it made me so proud I felt ten feet tall. I am still proud of our sorority and offer my congratulations for all we have done the past sixty years. I know we will continue to make forward progress with kindness and love. P.S. I was a member of Alpha Lambda, Hutchinson, when I held the state offices.
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Jessie McAdoo Little President Kansas State Council
1951-195223 February 1989 - Received your letter today in regard to History. Had to laugh at Jean's comment about the memory is first to go . . . quite true. It has been 38 years since I served as Kansas President.
Fortunately I do still have the News & Views which I edited as well as serve as president. I think we voted to take that burden off the president during Beryle's year.
I won 1st place with our editorial at the International held in San Antonio – first time for us to win. So proud I've held on to it all these years - surprisingly I've dug it out for reference several times.
Some place I have pictures, news clippings, etc. but unable to dig them out, nor am I able to pick out items for use from my copy of our News & Views. Maybe you can go thru it and make copies of articles that may be of interest. It possible, I would appreciate having my copies returned unless it is used as is.
I have been ill since December 28. Kidney infection in my lone kidney. I lost my right kidney in 1945. Having lots of dizzy spells, blacked out entirely yesterday. Bill has been so good to look after me. Have another culture report due back tomorrow, surely hope the antibiotics have done trick. My coordination has been affected since December 28, keep hoping each day it improved - it is better than it was. I have planned to be in Dallas, but now its a big question mark. Love, Jesse
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Marilyn Herren
President Kansas State Council
1982-1983
February 25, 1989 - Even though I have continued to be active on the Kansas State Council since stepping down as state president in June of 1983, it has been fun going back to "my year" to reminisce.
The first wonderful memory that immediately comes back is the IC Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. This was not my first IC Convention, but it was the first for me representing Kansas as its state president. My husband, Ab, and I drove to and from Cincinnati and it was great to have him share the fun and excitement even though I was so busy. Without Ab's love and support through the years, I wouldn't have achieved the position of state president.
I really enjoyed the traveling and visiting of chapters and zones. My ESA Sisters always greeted me so warmly wherever I went. I was privileged to install the officers of the newly formed City Council of Anthony and chartered our only new chapter that year, Omega Xi, Wichita.
I so looked forward to each board meeting that year. At the November board meeting weekend in Wichita, I enjoyed the pledge bike ride on Saturday around the circle drive on the IOL grounds. I'ms sure we, Kay Foster, Geri Benton, Mary Daniels and Joan Bourn and myself looked pretty funny dressed in costume riding in circles!
A stressful memory, if you can call it that, was the cancellation of my February board meeting. The weather was bad and we postponed it to the following week. But my ESA Sisters cam through and we had a great meeting in McPherson.
Approximately 100 ESA members served with me on the state board. Each past president can well remember loosing a board member or two for whatever reason sometime during her year. Not long into my year, a lady I appointed as state historian asked to be relieved of her position. Filling this position was not easy because it entailed a great deal of responsibility. However, I was fortunate to ask Marilyn Patterson to assume this position. She did so willingly and enthusiastically. The culmination of her acceptance was a job well done and a wonderful history book I'll cherish forever!
"Happiness Is . . " having served my Kansas sisters as their state president and taking a trip back to recall many "cherished memories". Happiness and rainbows, Marilyn
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Joan Friend
President Kansas State Council
1977-78
March 1, 1989 - I really enjoyed going through the history book and scrapbook of my year as Kansas State Council President. As I reflected back on that year, eleven years ago, I have come to appreciate even more my Kansas ESA sisters. In 1977-1978, my theme was "Beyond A Dream...Circles of ESA" and it exemplified what I hoped Kansas would accomplish during the year I served as State President. The ripple affect did occur as we went far beyond my dreams in the goals we reached for the year. At this time we had 126 chapters and during 1977-78 we chartered ten new chapters. This was truly exciting for me. As a state, Kansas raised a total of $118,829.48 on philanthropic projects throughout the year and donated 42,662 hours of service to people in our state. Our "circles" of love, friendship, hope and giving, were certainly growing throughout the year.
Many awards were given to Kansas chapters in 1977-78. The Outstanding Chapter in Kansas that year was Kappa Rho, Dodge City; Charmaine Nichols, Zone 5, Wichita, was the State Outstanding Sister. Sigma Tau, Wichita was presented the first annual Institute of Logopedics Appreciation Award at the State Convention in April 1978. Also for the first time ever, Kansas ESA received the Martin F. Palmer Humanitarian Award from the Institute of Logopedics for 1978. The Kansas Care and Share Fund was established that year to help Kansas sisters who need financial assistance when tragic events occur in their lives.
Circles of ESA, red, blue, white and gold, certainly filled the state through 1977-78. The year concluded with state convention held at the Ramada Inn, Topeka with Marge Ellingboe serving as Convention Chairman. This was especially meaningful for me as the first office in which I was installed was at the convention in Topeka where I was installed as State Auditor. The ESA year for me started with the Leadership Seminar held in Memphis, Tennessee, where we toured St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital. This seminar was held in June, and then in July I traveled to Hawaii where the IC Convention was held. These special trips really gave my year as State President an extra ingredient.
At the state convention in Topeka, the IC Representative was Lou Wolfe of South Carolina. A special note I would like to add here is while serving as our IC Representative, Lou ask me if I could serve on the IC board, at what position would I like to serve. I told her Philanthropic Chairman, and when Lou became IC President, she appointed me to the position of Philanthropic Chairman. Lou, along with our own Irene Ramsey, will be conducting my installation in Dallas this July. Irene was also one of my installing officers when I was installed as Kansas State President. The other installing officer when I was installed as State President was Mary Daniels, Ness City. My history book was made by Sue Ellen Woelk of Emporia and Ellen Clark, along with the help of Sonja Allen, Wichita, made my scrapbook.
"Beyond A Dream...Circles of ESA" will always be a special memory as I reflect back on my years of service in ESA. Much Love, Joan
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Hazel Hayes
President Kansas State Council
1956-1957I had to take some time to think back to my days of being a Kansas State Officer and State President. I did not get a history book that year so I will go a lot by memory. I enjoyed my years of serving the Kansas Council, I made so many nice friends, and the friendship has continued through the years.
I was installed in Manhattan in 1956. My theme for the year was "Happiness". Several years later the song "Happiness Is . . ." was very popular, and I always thought of the many ways Happiness was given to others through all the members of ESA.
I attended the IC Convention Albuquerque, New Mexico. That was the year the Jessie McAdoo Little was IC President. I felt it was a privilege to attend the year she was president.
As I went from 2nd Vice President to President, because Freda Philip was unable to continue in working up to President, I made special effort to visit all the Zones that year, going from the extreme heat of summer to the Zone Meeting in Holton to the ice and snow of a meeting in Colby. I certainly appreciated the work of the members of the Zones and their Chairmen in all the courtesies extended to me.
In January, I attended the Kansas Council of Women meeting in Topeka. That was the first year that ESA became a member of the Council.
In April, 1957, our convention was held in Garden City. Because of my work and the distance involved in traveling to Garden City, I only met with the convention committee twice before the convention. The first was in the summer of 1956 to start our plans, and the other time was in March at their Zone Meeting. I had very capable workers from the Zone, and the convention was a success. At that time, it was not possible to hold all meetings in a hotel, our meetings, means, and dance were at different locations but everything worked like a clock. At this convention, the first outstanding girl of ESA was chosen. If my memory is correct, she was Joan Ault of Iota Mu, Wichita. (You might check with Fay about this name, but I am almost positive that I am right).
I notice you are going to put these memories in a book form to be sold at the convention in May. I am not going to get to the convention this year, but I would like a book. Let me know the cost so I can send you the money. Love Hazel
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Joan Bourn
President Kansas State Council
1984-1985
Bright seashells on the sand,
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth
Still lingers on the land
The music stops, yet it echos on in sweet refrain
For every joy that passes –
Something wonderful remains...How true the words were during the year of my presidency – 1984-85 – and how little did I realize that as I was saying those words the sirens were sounding in Wichita on that April Sunday morning indicating a tornado was close by. I was told that it takes the wind and rain to make the sea rise, the waves to wash upon the shore and leave the sands clean and dotted with shells ... but I did not realize that on that particular morning I was to realize that happening. Well, I did proceed with my appreciation speech and the sirens continued and we were told that no one could leave the hotel, so everyone had to stay and hear me, even though I doubt that very little was actually heard. But despite the weather that morning and despite all other obstacles, ESA in Kansas had a very good year during 84-85.
My first official duty was to represent Kansas in Orlando, Florida, at the IC Convention in July. It was a wonderful experience and trip. Jim went with me and we stayed on an extra week and enjoyed the sights of Florida. Joan Friend began her rise on the IC Council and I was proud to be a part of her campaign that year and the years that have followed. For new it is 1989 and she will be installed as the IC President, and I will be installed as her Corresponding Secretary. This is indeed an honor for Kansas, for Joan and for me as well.
The Lamplighters raised and donated $1,000.00 the ESA Foundation in order for Pauline Cowger, the oldest ESA member alive, to be recognized as a "Dixie Palmer Lady".
Kansas had 115 chapters that year and 2 new chapters were chartered. We had 42 new pledges and 27 reinstatements. We again were successful in our philanthropic endeavors for the Institute of Logopedics and St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital, as well as local projects.
My convention was held at the Glenwood Manor in Overland Park, on 26-28 April 1985, with 470 in attendance. Pat Hansen was our IC rep and B. J. Clark was our keynote speaker. Sande Sleister was the convention chairman and everyone had a great time.
Every year of my 30 years in ESA has been outstanding and I have many treasured memories with more treasured memories to come – some of which will be in Dallas in 1989 and then again in Indianapolis in 1990. The friends that I've made and all of my ESA sisters are truly the greatest treasures of all.
So. . . as the sun goes down and leaves it gentle warmth on the land and as the music lingers in sweet refrain, all the joy that passes our way, something wonderful remains. . . and that is ESA!!!
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Louise Woods
President Kansas State Council
1962-1963In thinking back to my term as State President in 1962-63, two of the most outstanding events happened before that year. In 1960, I was elected Treasurer and after all the dues were received and membership cards mailed, the 2nd Vice President resigned and I moved up to fill that office in the early winter of 1961. Since most of the contributions to the Institute come in at the end of the year, it was a busy year for sure and most of my time was spent at the bank or the typewriter.
One of my chapter members had a daughter who was cerebral palsied and in an effort to raise money to help her go to the Institute of Logopedics, the Sweet Adeline Chapter, of which I was a member, put on a benefit show and the men's Cavalier Quartet were our guest performers. I had invited Charles Wurth from the Institute to be our guest and he and the quartet were dinner guests in our home. The Cavaliers were from Wichita so, of course, knew of the Institute but Mr. Wurth was not familiar with Barbershop Music and learned to love it that evening. Some months later, the "Society for the Preservation of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America" chose the Institute of Logopedics to be their national project. Over the last 27 years or so, they have raised many thousands of dollars for the Institute. We hope in some small way, our dinner conversation helped to promote that idea with Mr. Wurth.
The theme for my year as State President was "A Better World Begins With Me" a statement I still believe as we each have opportunities to help make better the lives of those around us. Two new chapters were formed that year, and we had 1,816 members in 105 chapters. I represented Kansas at the International Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Our state convention was held at the Jayhawk Hotel in Topeka. We were honored to have as special guests E. Robert Palmer, President of ESA Service Corporation: Myre Start, Ponca City, Oklahoma, Past IC President who was serving as an IC Director as was Beryle Elliott of Topeka, Beta Zeta Chapter, which has been my chapter since 19070. Lawrence was our home at the time of my presidency. Charles Wurth of the Institute was one of the speakers. The institute has always been very special to me and I'm so glad we are still supporting it so successfully.
Lifelong friends were made in those years and one of the special ones was Betty Guthrie who preceded me as President. As she turned the gavel over to me, she said "It is better to be a 'has been' than a never been at all". I've thought of that over the years as I've taken on new challenges. I'm happy to be a "has been" among the past Kansas State Presidents.
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Mary Booe
President Kansas State Council
1958-1959Oh Yes!! Memories – After 30 years it takes a bit of concentration. There wasn't a president's scrapbook made during my years, so I looked through my notebook used to conduct my meetings and visitations.
I represented Kansas at the IC Convention held at Denver. Kansas and I experienced a disappointment when Beryle Elliott lost her bid for IC Treasurer.
During my year as President, there were 13 zones and I was able to attend at least one meeting of all 13 zones. Kansas had 106 chapters and ix new ones were organized during my year. I attended the chartering and also jewel pin ceremony of the Frankfort chapter. I was a guest at the Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Epsilon Upsilon chapter, for a Hawaii party.
While visiting my brother and family at Alva, Oklahoma, I attended a North West district meeting. Their district meetings were the same as our zone meetings.
I represented Kansas at the Kansas Council of Women meeting held at Topeka. Pauline Cowger was president and Hazel Hayes was corresponding Secretary. Both are past state presidents of ESA.
My state convention was held 10-12 April at the Broadview Hotel in Wichita. The girls of Zone 5 did a super job for my trip "Around the World with ESA". 387 members attended convention with eight past state presidents. Beryle Elliott, International Director, was our official IC representative.
Myre Starr, IC Second Vice President, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, was a special guest at our convention. Many special "Thanks" to the Wichita girls and all members of Kansas ESA for making my year a very special one.
I have many happy memories of my year as president. But then the memories started before that year and still linger thru later years. "ESA is Special."
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Dee Quade
President Kansas State Council
1965-1966I have many great memories of my 40 + years in E.S.A. I have been a member of the Alpha Beta Chapter #140 for the entire time.
Being installed at State Convention in Liberal – was a little to the west – while I presided at the convention at the Baker Hotel in Hutchinson, with my Zone 7 Sisters as Hostesses in 1965-66.
My theme "Sea of Service" was used for many meetings and functions during the year. It was all fun. I attended a meeting in each zone and many special activities were enjoyed. The members used really clever ideas for themes such as fish, net, shells – you name it and the ships came in.
My Chapter supported me all through my years on the State Board by using the "Bee for Dee" theme. We used bees on everything from dresses – hats – tote bags and give away items. The chapter found it to be fun to be involved in such a way.
During my term and with the suggestion of the Institute of Logopedics, the E.S.A. Fund (Emergency Service Action Fund) was started. This was a good beginning for ESA and the children.
There were many other rewarding activities during my term but it takes all ESA Sisters working together to make it work – and it did.
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Cindy Rodman
State President
1998-99My theme for the year was "The Power of the Dream". I used houses to represent my theme with the belief that all dreams start young and with support of the family, friends, and menotrs throughout your life, anything is possible.
During the year some of the outstanding accomplishments were the implementation of the Prayer Chain through email and the establishment of the current Kansas website - ESAKS.ORG. We reviewed the long range plan that was implemented by Margaret Shook and made timely changes. These were adopted in 1999 along with a major state by-law revision.
Kansas was also privileged to have Joan Bourn serve as the IC President during 1998-99. Having the opportunity to serve on the executive board for nine years was a wonderful experience. It was a chance to become more familiar with the workings of the executive board as well as to meet so many wonderful ESA sisters across the state. Their friendship through the years has supported and sustained me. The challenges of each office presented new possibilities to grow and expand as an individual. It's an experience that I am thrilled to have been a part of!
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Donna Dawson
State President
1992-1993
Leadership: The leadership qualities that I have received in ESA has given me the confidence to try new things in the community and the work place. The letters to my employer informing him of my attendance at Certified Leadership Seminars helped me to be promoted to the Customer Relations Department. I was able to relate to store business managers and consumers.
Memories: The first great memory was attending leadership at Keystone, Colorado and meeting all the 92-93 presidents from the other states. The "Hats for Hope" project was introduced and has continued for many years. It was my privilege to represent the state of Kansas in Atlanta, GA. at I C Convention. I was excited to escort Joan Bourn in the installation ceremony as she was successful in winning her first elected office on the I C Board.
Donna Dawson - 2008
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