Chapter History

Gamma Iota-DePauw Chapter History

Fast Facts:

Installation date: December 3, 1949
Location: Greencastle, IN
Region: 4

From the January 1950 ANCHORA, “DePauw tells the tale”:

“On the campus of one of the nation’s finest ‘small schools,’ DePauw University, Delta Gamma installed its seventy-fifth chapter December 3.

Following the usual installation procedure carefully laid out by fraternity First Vice-President Dorothy Knight Wildasin (Mrs. L. R., Alpha Omicron), Gamma Iota colony’s preparation for the occasion gained momentum as the weeks following the new group’s first rush season flew by. Local chairman was charming and efficient Charlotte Chance Cartwright (Mrs. John, Alpha Omicron) assisted by “old” DG Dorothy Steele (Mrs. Richard, Theta). On hand as the fraternity’s representative to assist her was Field Secretary Margaret Thomson, Beta Xi, who continued the chapter training program begun last spring by colonizing field secretaries, Patricia Hegman, Lambda, and Sue Langstaff, Gamma Alpha (now Mrs. William Bowman).

The picture story of the whirl which merely skims the weeks of plans, invitations, meetings, worries and thrills begins at bottom left as reception invitations are popped into a Greencastle mailbox by charter members Sandy MacLean, Maxine Hofmann and San Elliott. Above, the final touch to the sign post- by Betty Jane Bell, Nancy Cessna, Joan Foster and Janet Stevens. Phyllis Price, chapter president Carol Firchau and Rosemary Greg reflect the chapter’s thrills as the first gift arrives- silver candelabra from the Indianapolis alumnae chapter. And as the “official” moment nears, congratulatory telegrams and letters are read by Barbara Ryrholm, Maxine Hofmann, Martha Ruddick, San Elliott, and Joan Foster.

The big weekend began officially at noon on December 3 with initiation of 36 collegiates and six alumnae… [list of all initiates].

Time was the inspirational theme for the formal installation banquet which followed at Old Trail inn. The familiar DePauw clock in its tower formed the centerpiece of each of the twelve tables- each clock striking a different hour. Roberta Abernethy, Epsilon, executive secretary was the guest speaker, and toastmistress was Charlotte Cartwright. Presentation of the charter was made by Dorothy Wildasin while Margaret Smallpage Banker (Mrs. Carleton, Sigma) presented the membership certificates to the new members.

Sunday morning while Gamma Iota was holding its first real chapter meeting, the Greencastle alumnae formed an association under the direction of Margaret Rueger (Mrs. Milton J., Xi), province alumnae chairman.

Weekend festivities closed Sunday afternoon with the fraternity’s reception honoring the new Gamma Iota chapter at the house.”

The current Gamma Iota house is located at 801 S. Locust Street.