P.E.O., Chapter B M, Records of

Series

P.E.O., Chapter B M, Records of

• 1959-1998 (Creation)

Quantity: 1 12 ½ x 10 ½ blue-gray box

Arrangement: Chronological

Background Note: P.E.O was founded at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa on January 21, 1869. The first Grinnell chapter was organized on July 7, 1898. There are currently 3 chapters in Grinnell. The program books in this collection are from BM chapter.

P.E.O. espouses friendship, support, and the promotion of educational opportunities for women. Education is the primary philanthropy of the sisterhood, and support is given in the form of loans and scholar awards. Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri is a fully accredited liberal arts college for women owned and operated by P.E.O. Regular meetings of BM chapter are held on the second and/or fourth Tuesdays of the month from September-June. Each program booklet includes the aims and objectives of the organization, meeting dates, committees, officers, and programs. In its opening ode the sisters give thanks for the star and its message of purity, justice, faith, truth and love.

Container List: 30 program booklets, short history reprinted from Collection #35 (Early History of Grinnell Diamond Jubilee), pages printed from the P.E.O. website, and a humorous article from the Sun Tattler entitled Explain Once by David Healy. Copy of handwritten members’ lists, partial only: (1) Member list “through September 1907”; (2) Member list “through 23 March 1915.” Membership card for Ann Bohstedt, March 1988; receipt for $20 membership dues, 2/13/1989. Luncheon napkin from 50-year anniversary of founding of Grinnell chapter (1898-1948).

Donated by: Esther Bethel; Claudia Bloom (daughter of P. E. O. member Elizabeth Ann Bohstedt)

Name of Preparer: Harriet Adelberg; L. Cabelli
Date of Preparation: 7/20/2007; 9/13/2016