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Beta Chapter Scrapbook, 1980 - 1996, Rec'd 5/3/2019.

 Series — Box: 1 (AC-2019-077)
Identifier: AC-2019-077

Scope and Contents

The scrapbook represents aspects of the activities of the Beta Chapter of Alpha Beta Epsilon, an alumna sorority founded at what was then Western Michigan College of Education. Various chapters were founded around Michigan to enable alumna to reconnect with one another. The Beta Chapter was organized in May 1941 in South Bend, Indiana, but was later expanded to include alumna living in the Niles area in 1944. It was not until 1974, however, that the chapter was described as representing alumna the Michiana area instead of Niles or South Bend. From appearances it was a well-organized chapter with numerous committees to assist its mission and that of Alpha Beta Epsilon. By 1980, committees handled matters for finance, programming, membership, social events, publicity, auditing, scholarships, and health and happiness. Officers included a president, first and second vice-presidents, a recording secretary, a corresponding secretary, a treasurer, a chaplain, an historian, and an advisor. The number of committees fell in number as the year passed and with this the number of officers overseeing the chapter.

Much of this information comes from the booklets, documents, newspaper clippings, and photographs in this scrapbook. The Beta Chapter enjoyed an active social schedule between 1980 and 1996. The clippings provide much information for those events as well as aspects from the lives of various sisters. Events in the lives of sisters typically included employment, retirements, and deaths. The publications of these clippings are unknown, but some clippings were dated in handwriting. Events sponsored by the Beta Chapter included scholarships for local high school students, yard sales, educational programs, and recitals. The chapter was also active in the sorority, assisting with programs for the inter-fraternity council banquets and meetings. A number of members went on to serve on the council.

Additionally, the Beta Chapter regularly corresponded with fellow chapters and worked to coordinate activities with them. Photographs cover some of the same events the clippings do. More importantly, some are dated and captions beside them record the events and the persons photographed. Informational booklets provide the names of members and officers, meetings, past chapter presidents, and events the chapter attended or sponsored. Other documents include a copy of the constitution and by-laws for the chapter and a 1959 copy of those for the sorority.

Dates

  • Creation: 1980 - 1996
  • Record Keeping: Rec'd 5/3/2019.

Extent

1 boxes (1 Flat Box.)

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

J. Horville donated the scrapbook to the Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections on behalf of Pody Gherardi. It represents aspects of the history of the Beta Chapter of the alumna sorority Alpha Beta Epsilon from 1980 to approximately 1996 through a variety of documents.

Physical Description

The photographs, booklets, documents, and other items were glued to the pages. No signs were found of contents that were examined being loose or having fallen off from desiccated glue. The pages of the scrapbook are of thick paper, possibly cardstock, which have yellowed with age. Pages retain some flexibility but may crack or tear if bent too far. One page was found to be detached. An effort was made by a previous owner to hold it in place with packaging tape. The tape’s adhesive is no longer sticky. The covers of the scrapbook are in good condition within only small tears along the outer edges. A cut rubber band was being used for a bookmark and was discarded due to it being a preservation threat. The photographs show no signs of wear. Booklets and documents show wear along their edges with some yellowing on the pages but are otherwise in good condition. Newspaper clippings have yellowed slightly.

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490