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How Gamma Phi Beta was "Founded Upon a Rock."
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In the late 1800s, the few women that were admitted to colleges and universities
in the United States were admitted reluctantly and negatively, facing harsh opposition from their conservative friends, family
and faculty. The few "appropriate" and "genteel" careers open to women included dressmaking, teaching music and china painting,
and instructing elementary classes - all with low pay. It took a truly ambitious woman to succeed.
Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis and Mary A. Bingham were courageous women that could see beyond the limits of their time. They recognized the opportunity a womens society
presented, and aimed to establish one that would promote literary culture and social improvement among its members.
On November 11, 1874, the four founders met in Dr. J. J. Browns study
for the first official meeting of Gamma Phi Beta. As The University Herald, Syracuse Universitys newspaper, reported
the following spring, "A new ladies society made its appearance at the close of last term, and is to be known as Gamma Phi
Beta . . . The ladies have started on the right principle, are select in the choice of members, and we see no reason why a
prosperous future is not in store for Gamma Phi Beta."
The years that followed were full of growth. The society drafted a constitution,
decided on rituals and expanded membership. The women took intellectual advancement seriously, taking time at every meeting
to discuss current world issues and share new ideas. In those days, new members were initiated for the high price of $2.50,
and tardy members were fined a nickel.
Eight years after their first meeting, two members of the Alpha chapter
went to the University of Michigan to charter the Beta chapter. Upon their return to Syracuse, Professor Frank Smalley commented,
"I presume that you young women are now members of a sorority." Thus, Gamma Phi Beta became the first womens fraternity
to be called a sorority.
As Gamma Phi Beta and other sororities grew in membership and popularity,
they faced unique challenges. The changing status of women was threatening to many, and womens groups were targets of abuse
and criticism. A series of harsh articles appearing in Century magazine in 1912 attacked fraternal chapters and threatened
membership. Around the same time, a bill was introduced to the Ohio State Legislature that proposed to remove all Greek-letter
societies from state supported institutions. The bill was defeated. Sororities across the country celebrated their success,
and proved to the world that they were here to stay.
Today, Gamma Phi Beta continues to grow across the country and internationally. The legacy that our Four Founder's
left behind continues to encourage Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty among it's members. Read more about our four founder's
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Our four founders, Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curits, and Mary A. Bingham.
A Little History on our Founders
Helen Mary Dodge was born September 26, 1850 in Verona, New York. She
was a member of the second freshman class at Syracuse University, took the classical course and graduated in 1876. A talented
musician and member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and other organizations, Helen's chief interest was the mission
work sponsored by her church. She married the Reverend J. V. Ferguson, who preceded her in death. Helen died October 21, 1937,
leaving a substantial bequest to Syracuse University for scholarships for members of Gamma Phi Beta.
Frances E. Haven was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on May 27, 1854, while
her father was teaching at the University of Michigan. When he became president of Northwestern University, Frances entered
with the first group of women students. After he was named chancellor of Syracuse University, she transferred there and graduated
in 1877. Her diploma, signed by her father, is displayed in Gamma Phi Beta International Headquarters. Frances married Charles
M. Moss in 1878 and moved with him to the University of Illinois where she was instrumental in establishing Omicron Chapter.
She died June 16, 1937.
Eunice Adeline Curtis was born on December 22, 1854 in Moravia, New York.
She graduated from Syracuse University in 1878 with a bachelors degree in music. She married Frank Curtis and they had one
son, Edward. Adeline was the soprano soloist at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Syracuse for 33 years. She died January 14,
1923.
Mary Alice Bingham was born in Watertown, New York on August 30, 1856.
She graduated from Syracuse University in 1878 with a degree in art. In 1883, she married M. E. Willoughby, who died in 1913.
They had two children, a son Francis and a daughter Ernestine. Mary Willoughby and Helen Ferguson were the only Founders who
were able to continue their close association after their college years, as both lived in Utica, New York. Mary died on January
14, 1916.
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