The history of DKG in Wyoming
The Chartering of Alpha Xi StateThe First Twenty-one Years reports "During the months of April and May of 1940, invitations were extended to many qualified teachers throughout the state. From this group, thirty-six women responded to the invitation, and met in Cheyenne to form the nucleus for Alpha Xi State--Delta Kappa Gamma. The various members of the group were designated either as charter members or Founders by Dr. Blanton."
The story continues in "A Past to Behold, A Future to Mold" as written by founder Francina Wymore. Excerpts from that booklet create a picture of what happened that day.
"It was June 1, 1940. The day was calm, beautiful, inspiring--one of Wyoming's wonderful days. It was a day that was to become more wonderful, inspiring, beautiful, and memorable in ways other than that provided by nature. The place was the Plains Hotel in Cheyenne. The room was the main dining room. A large table covered with a white tablecloth was near the windows. On the table was placed a large, golden-colored bowl filled with big red roses. The huge candle sticks, also golden in color with tall red candles, were near the flowers.
About forty women were gathered in small groups about the room. Most of these people had met each other at teachers' meeting or when in attendance at the University of Wyoming. The air was filled with expectancy and with curiosity. What was Delta Kappa Gamma? Why had we been selected to become members of this honorary organization for women educators?
As Annie Webb Blanton entered the room silence predominated and things began to happen.
Conversation was almost nil at the table. As she ate, Dr. Blanton took the time to explain the purposes of Delta Kappa Gamma, its responsibilities, and opportunities. As she spoke, members-to-be seemed to become inspired about the organization. She asked that these women give very serious consideration when they select the people who would guide the destinies of this newly-formed honorary organization. She strongly stressed the need for service in the formative years. She recognized the greatness of distances in Wyoming. She knew that chapters would be formed in various parts of the state if these first officers did their work effectively.
Dr. Blanton then said, 'It is my duty to appoint the people who will be the Founder of this Alpha Xi State, Wyoming. Great will be their responsibilities, individually, and collectively.'"
The name were called and the question "Do you accept without reservation the duties and responsibilities as the Founders of Delta Kappa Gamma of Alpha Xi State? If you do, answer 'I DO'" The answers were unanimous.
Then those present formed four lines in front of the table and were initiated into the Society.
For a complete account of this day, send $2.00 to cover copying and postage to Ann Hardesty,[email protected].
The story continues in "A Past to Behold, A Future to Mold" as written by founder Francina Wymore. Excerpts from that booklet create a picture of what happened that day.
"It was June 1, 1940. The day was calm, beautiful, inspiring--one of Wyoming's wonderful days. It was a day that was to become more wonderful, inspiring, beautiful, and memorable in ways other than that provided by nature. The place was the Plains Hotel in Cheyenne. The room was the main dining room. A large table covered with a white tablecloth was near the windows. On the table was placed a large, golden-colored bowl filled with big red roses. The huge candle sticks, also golden in color with tall red candles, were near the flowers.
About forty women were gathered in small groups about the room. Most of these people had met each other at teachers' meeting or when in attendance at the University of Wyoming. The air was filled with expectancy and with curiosity. What was Delta Kappa Gamma? Why had we been selected to become members of this honorary organization for women educators?
As Annie Webb Blanton entered the room silence predominated and things began to happen.
Conversation was almost nil at the table. As she ate, Dr. Blanton took the time to explain the purposes of Delta Kappa Gamma, its responsibilities, and opportunities. As she spoke, members-to-be seemed to become inspired about the organization. She asked that these women give very serious consideration when they select the people who would guide the destinies of this newly-formed honorary organization. She strongly stressed the need for service in the formative years. She recognized the greatness of distances in Wyoming. She knew that chapters would be formed in various parts of the state if these first officers did their work effectively.
Dr. Blanton then said, 'It is my duty to appoint the people who will be the Founder of this Alpha Xi State, Wyoming. Great will be their responsibilities, individually, and collectively.'"
The name were called and the question "Do you accept without reservation the duties and responsibilities as the Founders of Delta Kappa Gamma of Alpha Xi State? If you do, answer 'I DO'" The answers were unanimous.
Then those present formed four lines in front of the table and were initiated into the Society.
For a complete account of this day, send $2.00 to cover copying and postage to Ann Hardesty,[email protected].