Phi Chapter of Tennessee of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

HISTORY OF PHI CHAPTER

August 18, 1945 was a momentous day for sixteen women teachers of Giles, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Marshall Counties for on that day they met at the Giles County Library in Pulaski with Miss Mary Hall, a Tennessee State Founder and State Membership Chairman, and became charter members of Phi Chapter, Xi State, Delta Kappa Gamma. Miss Tommy Reynolds, past state president, and Miss Perry Williamson assisted Miss Hall.

It is doubtful that any of the sixteen except Mrs. Zumbro and Miss Myrtle, who were state members, had ever heard of Delta Kappa Gamma before she received her invitation. At that time an element of secrecy was connected with membership and because of this, those who received invitations hesitated to speak to friends about the invitation. Some who were close neighbors did not know the others had been invited until a few days before the Pulaski meeting. What a feeling of awe and wonder each one had that day as she was initiated!

The group immediately proved that they were persons of sound judgment by electing Helen Zuccarello as president. Other officers were: Grace Zumbro, first vice-president; Annie Mary Springer, second vice-president; Eliot Copeland, recording secretary; Elizabeth Reed, corresponding secretary; Elizabeth Parker, treasurer; and Evelyn McCrory, parliamentarian.

The first meeting of the chapter was held on October 6, 1945, at the home of Helen Zuccaarello in Campbellsville. This was a planning and business meeting. Upon arrival members were told of the passing of Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, the founder of Delta Kappa Gamma Society.

Last Updated October 26, 2012