Processed by
Wilma L. Moore
June 22, 2007
Manuscript and Visual Collections Department
William Henry Smith Memorial Library
Indiana Historical Society
450 West Ohio Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3269
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VOLUME OF |
One bound volume |
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COLLECTION |
1922–27 |
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PROVENANCE: |
Circle City Antiquarian Book, Indianapolis, IN, 5-16-2003 |
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RESTRICTIONS: |
None |
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COPYRIGHT: |
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REPRODUCTION |
Permission to reproduce or publish material in this collection must be obtained from the Indiana Historical Society. |
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ALTERNATE |
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RELATED |
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ACCESSION |
2003.0395 |
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NOTES: |
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The Lambda Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was incorporated in Indianapolis on January 6, 1923. The articles of incorporation were signed by six founders in the following order:
Phyllis Wheatley Waters, 941 N. California Street
Eugenia Dent Burbridge, 2110 Highland Place
Traqueelia Riley, 2721 Boulevard Place
Martha Selma Beck, 1019 N. West Street
Pauline R. Morton-Finney, 1022 N. West Street
Hazel J. Alexander, 870 W. Pratt Street
Other early members of the sorority include Lillian Lemon, Spaulding Pritchett, and Maryrose Reeves.
The graduate chapter held its first meeting on Monday, December 18, 1922 in the home of Phyllis Wheatley Waters. The members were graduates of various undergraduate schools. For example, Hazel J. Alexander and Martha Selma (Beck) Harry attended the University of Illinois and Phyllis Wheatley Waters attended the University of Michigan.
Alpha Mu Omega, also a graduate chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, formed in Indianapolis on February 16, 1929. Most of the organizers of Lambda Omega became members of Alpha Mu Omega. Patricia Watkins, a representative of the Alpha Kappa Alpha international office [located 5656 S. Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637 (773 684-1282)] indicates that Lambda Omega dissolved prior to the formation of Alpha Mu Omega. The Lambda Omega name was reassigned to a chapter in Newport News, VA. The chapter was founded in 1934.
Sources:
Materials in the collection.
Telephone interview with Charles Harry IV, June 13, 2007 (Son of founder, Martha Selma Harry)
Telephone interview with Patricia Watkins, Membership Department, Alpha Kappa Alpha International Office, 5656 Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637; 773 684-1282, June 13, 2007
The one-volume collection contains the articles of incorporation and minutes (1922–27) for the Lambda Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority organized in Indianapolis in 1922. The incorporation papers list the names of the organization’s six founders. The papers were filed with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office by attorney, Robert Bailey.
The minute book provides a good overview of the sorority’s activities from about 1923 through 1927. It suggests that the organization actively engaged the community by collaborating with other non profit organizations, especially sororities; sought to support social service agencies [e.g. Alpha Home for Aged Women, an orphan home (most likely Indianapolis Asylum for Friendless Colored Children), and Flanner House]; provided an annual scholarship for an African American female student; and regularly promoted cultural events. During 1925, the chapter decided that the Basileus (president) was required to appoint a social service committee and a public report was to be made concerning the chapter’s charity work. The sorority, when appropriate, also worked with area African American businesses to advance its agenda. The minutes make reference to regular correspondence between the chapter and the national AKA office and various affiliates.
Some specific information recorded in the minute book dating from the chapter’s first meeting (recorded on December 18, 1922) includes:
1. The chapter was invited to assist with a reception to be given to honor W.E. B. Dubois. [February 15, 1923]
2. On June 7, 1924, Spaulding Pritchett, a Butler University graduate, was initiated into the chapter and officers were elected for the Fall.
3. The chapter discussed bringing Alonzo Fields (who became a butler in the White House to five presidents) from Boston to Indianapolis for a recital. [December 27, 1924]
4. The first meeting of the Lambda Omega Auxiliary was held at the home of Selma Harry in February 1925.
5. It was reported that Trinity Hall had been secured for a Speedway Race dance to be held on May 29, 1926. [November 14, 1925]
6. The chapter and its auxiliary would collect fruit to give to the Tuberculosis Hospital on Agnes Street and the County Farm. [February 13, 1926]
7. Mae Belcher with the YWCA requested that the chapter assist with sponsoring a “Racial Pageant” for Spring, 1926. Also included a suggested list of programs and a calendar for 1926 (chapter meetings, book reviews, plays, recitals, current event discussions, Guest Night, charity projects, quartet rehearsals, and excursions to nearby cities). Visits were to cities conveniently scheduled in conjunction with programmed activities–e.g. Derby Weekend in Louisville and University of Illinois homecoming in Champaign-Urbana. [March 13, 1926]
8. The chapter voted to donate $5 to help furnish a room at Flanner House. [June 12, 1926]
9. During the Spring and Fall, 1926 planning and executing of a Marian Anderson concert. The concert was held at Caleb Mills Hall on November 2, 1926.
10. Voted to send a $10 donation for a sorority house to Gamma chapter at Urbana, IL [January 22, 1927]
11. The chapter’s Founder’s Day was celebrated with an “elaborate studio tea” at the Cosmopolitan School of Music on January 27, 1927. [February 26, 1927]
12. The chapter voted to give $10 for a pipe organ to Crispus Attucks High School (All secondary African American students were mandated to attend the newly opened school.) [December 21, 1927]
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CONTENTS |
CONTAINER |
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1923 Incorporation Papers; Minute Book, 1922–27 |
BV 3561 |
For additional information on this collection, including a list of subject headings that may lead you to related materials:
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2. Click on the "Basic Search" icon.
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