LAMBDA CHAPTER HISTORY          

Lambda Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma was organized under the sponsorship of Gamma Chapter.  In an impressive afternoon ceremony at Gerlinger Hall, January 10, 1948, ten women were initiated:  Elsie Anderson, Laura Bailey Kirk, Meta Mae Coleman, Jule Crume, Nellie Davis, Zilda Hayes, Stella Holt, Nina Kitts, Ola McDermott Merrell, and Nora Robertson. 
          Two others from Roseburg were invited to membership but were unable to be present because the highway between Roseburg and Cottage Grove was closed by flooding rivers.
          Officers of the new chapter were elected that same afternoon and installed by Gamma Chapter officers:  President, Laura Bailey Kirk; Vice- President, Ola McDermott Merrell; Secretary, Zilda Hayes; Treasurer, Stella Holt.
          Because the group was small, members of Lambda Chapter met most often in homes.  A special esprit de corps was soon established among these teachers who came from three school districts.
          Over a period of a dozen years membership grew to 41, and state officers realized the chapter had come of age and was ready to host the State Convention in 1961.  It soon became apparent that the local chapter would provide the convention chairman and have responsibility for organizing, financing, and conducting the event.
          Alpha Rho State determined the program and assumed the costs of travel and accommodations of major speakers.  To raise money for other expenses, our group had a traveling goodie surprise basket delivered to “sisters” for a special event.  The recipient then contributed to the kitty.  Another project was making, decorating, and selling candles in glass holders.
          The convention was held at the Eugene Hotel with over 150 registrants.  Margaret Stroh, International Executive Secretary, was speaker at the banquet.  A profusion of red roses decorated tables for the banquet; the roses were remembered for years by guests.  It was a stroke of ingenuity that the chairman of the decoration committee remembered that a local department store had used red roses to decorate their store for the Christmas season.  Lambda was able to purchase dozens of long stem roses, garlands, and sprays.  After the event, guests purchased the decorations to use in their own initiations and chapter special events.
          This first introduction to a major state event was a great opportunity for Lambda members to come to know state officers and members state-wide.  Inspiration, camaraderie and a broader outlook of Delta Kappa Gamma were established.  
          Lambda Chapter member Florence Ferebee was elected as President of Alpha Rho State for the 1965-1967 biennium.  We are very proud of Florence and the wonderful job she did as our state president.  It is a privilege to have her as an active chapter participant and mentor to our members today.    
                                                          Jule Crume, Charter Member
                                                          Written in 1991