2008 Marks the 79th anniversary of the Chi Chi Chapter receiving its charter and 93 years of organized support for Alpha Chi Omega in Pittsburgh! Congratulations Chi Chi!
The Chi Chi Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega originally came to life as an Alumnae Club in 1915. Chi Chi was officially chartered October 18, 1929, and installed by National President Ethel Meade Van Auken. There were thirty active members. The instillation ceremony took place at the William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.
From The History of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity 1885-1921 by Florence A Armstrong
As a result of the action of the National Council in 1913 recommending the establishment of alumnae clubs in small cities or college towns, twenty-two alumnae clubs were established during the three years of 1914, 1915, and 1916. Six or more alumnae were then necessary for the formation of an alumnae club and the dues and duties were made lighter than for alumnae chapters.
Pittsburgh Alumnae Club, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Through the energy of Katherine Stanford Hair, Alpha, the Pittsburgh Alumnae Club was organized in November 1915, with the following charter members;Flora Goldsworthy Streamer, Nu;Lillian Nelson, Delta;Mary Patterson, Delta;Ruth Nebinger, Delta;Mildred Eiler, Zeta;Myrtle Porter Faas, Delta;Julia Jones, Delta;Caroline Parsons Boyd, Delta;Virginia Porter Nesbit, Delta;Mabel Leffingwell Walraven, Delta;Marjorie Fowler Fitzhugh, Delta;Francis Riethmiller, Delta;and Alice Faunce Bigham, Zeta.
During the years that the group has existed as a club regular meetings have been held, either at the homes of members or at a hotel, and Alpha Chis living in the many suburbs of Pittsburgh have found in the club a center of fraternity life. Because of the scattered membership the main propose of the club has been social. In 1919-1920 meetings were held on the second Saturday of each month at the homes of members. Alpha Chis aided in the organization of the Panhellenic Association which was formed in Pittsburgh in the spring of 1916, and Mrs. Hair, Alpha, served as its first recording secretary.
From Alpha Chi Omega The First Fifty Years 1885-1935 by Elizabeth Rhodes Dalgliesh
For fourteen years the Pittsburgh alumnae club met regularly for social purposes. Soon after its organization, it aided establishing a city Panhellenic association, in which it has taken an active interest. In 1929 the club petitioned for a charter, and was installed on October 18 by Ethel Mead Van Auken, Lambda, National President.
Monthly meetings are held at the Congress of Clubs, usually on the third Saturday , but occasionally lly in the evening on some other day. Programs are varied to suit the scattered members, dinners, teas, picnics, and benefit bridges all having their place. The march meeting is devoted to dressing dolls for the Children's Hospital in honor of Hera Day. A cash contribution is also made o the same institution. In 1932 the chapter gave two scholarships to high school girls.
Chi Chi has no direct contact with any chapter, but helps the active girls whenever possible. Rushing recommendations are sent to nearby chapters and the Pittsburgh alumnae have been well represented in national convention attendance. A number from the group assisted at the installation of Beta Mu in 1932.
From The History of Alpha Chi Omega 1885-1948 by Elizabeth Rhodes Dalgliesh
The Pittsburgh alumnae club, organized in 1915 became Chi Chi chapter on October 18, 1929. Ethel Mead Van Auken, Lambda, national president, presided at the instillation, using for the first time the ceremony written by Helen Cheyney Bailey.
As a club it aided in the establishment of a city Panhellenic association, of which it is still an active member. At fist monthly meetings were held in the homes of members or at central downtown places, but in 1937 the chapter was organized into four groups based on geographical locations. Group meetings alternate with general monthly meetings.
Altruistic work has always been a part of the chapter program, such as dressing dolls, making scrapbooks, and giving donations to the Children's Hospital. Scholarships have been awarded to high school girls, and money raised for the home bombed British children.
The group maintains no direct contact with any chapter, but helps active girls whenever possible. The chapter assisted in the installation of Beta Mu in 1932.
In 1955 the Carnation Award was established to recognize the Sister who assisted the chapter most during the year regardless of her Chapter Office. The award could be given for a specific project or for ongoing service.
In 1963 it was moved that Chi Chi give a 50 year award of recognition to members in good standing. Today Chi Chi purchases the 50 year pin for members in good standing. Chi Chi presented two 50 year pins in 2004 and one in 2005.