Chapter History

Chapter History

The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter was chartered on January 10, 1914, before collegiate Tri Delta chapters were established at Westminster College, Southeast Missouri State University, Washington University and the University of Missouri. At the time, the alumnae chapter was known as the St. Louis Alliance.

Early alumnae chapter presidents included Tri Deltas from Northwestern, Syracuse, Millikin, Texas, Arkansas, and Kansas State. In 1927, Mary Winchester Johnston, initiated at Drury and later a student at the University of Missouri, became the first Missouri collegiate member to serve as St. Louis alumnae president. Since then, both our presidents and our membership have represented Tri Delta chapters from across the country.

The chapter's earliest surviving records and scrapbooks date to 1941 and tell the story of decades of friendship, service, and involvement in the St. Louis community. During World War II, members participated in the War Council of St. Louis Women and volunteered with the USO and Red Cross. Over the years, chapter activities have included book reviews, tours of historic St. Louis sites, luncheons, social gatherings, and countless opportunities for sisters to stay connected.

Fundraising has also taken many forms through the years. Members hosted bridge parties, rummage sales, fashion shows, dinner dances, theater parties, arts and crafts shows and concerts, while also selling flowers, calendars, note cards and other items to support charitable causes.

One especially memorable event was a Christian Dior fashion show held at the Chase-Park Plaza Hotel in 1963, complete with a Champagne Premiere Party and a Saturday morning Café du Matin presentation. Proceeds benefited a local children's charity.

The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter has a long history of supporting collegiate Tri Delta chapters in Missouri. Members assisted the Washington University chapter with recruitment, Pansy Breakfast and advising; made initiation robes for chapters at Mizzou, Drury and Southeast Missouri; sent finals-week treats; and supported collegiate members in need. That tradition of connection with collegiate sisters continues today.

Philanthropy and service have remained important throughout our history. Over the decades, St. Louis Tri Deltas have supported children's charities, hospitals, libraries, Ronald McDonald House, scholarships, and many other community organizations through volunteer service and fundraising.

Some of our most enduring traditions continue to bring sisters together, including Founders' Day, luncheon gatherings, philanthropy projects, and special social events throughout the year.

At the heart of it all is the lifelong friendship Tri Delta offers. The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter has connected generations of women who may have attended different colleges and joined Tri Delta in different decades, but who share a lasting bond of sisterhood.

Adapted from the chapter history written by longtime member and past president Sanny Jackson Moore.