Delta Theta Tau

Non-college, non-sectarian, community based sorority

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (February 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

|

Delta Theta Tau

ΔΘΤ
Founded| October 16, 1903; 120 years ago (1903-10-16)
Muncie, Indiana
Type| Service, non-collegiate
Affiliation| Independent
Status| Active
Emphasis| Christian
Scope| North America
Member badge|
Colors|  Olive Green and  White
Symbol| Vertical Diamond
Flower| White rose
Jewel| Diamond and Emerald
Publication| GRIT
Philanthropy| National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia
Chapters| 72
Members| 180,000 lifetime
Nickname| Deltas, Delts, or Delta Theta
Headquarters| c/o Beth Wallis
500 S Colfax
Martinsville, Indiana 46151-2309
United States
Website| deltathetatau.org

Delta Theta Tau (ΔΘΤ) is a North American service sorority that is community based and non-collegiate. It was founded on October 16, 1903, in Muncie, Indiana. Delta Theta Tau was the first non-sectarian sorority.[1][2] Its members are only required to "believe in a higher power." The sorority has 72 chapters in the United States and over 50 alumnae chapters in the United States and Canada.

## History

[edit]

In the early 1900s, it was very common for Greek letter organizations to form in high schools.[2] Many of the high school organizations did not extend past their immediate schools. Delta Theta Tau would become much more. The organization began as the Tyrolean Club. its founders were:

* Nora Spurgeon Charman
* Olive Spurgeon Gage
* Ethel Busch Lesh
* Betsy Gordon Gibert
* Charlene Prutzman Rector

At the home of Betsy Gordon on October 16, 1903, thr group decided to change its name to Delta Theta Tau. That evening, Ethel Busch was chosen as the leader. They also selecte colors and drew up a constitution. The first pledges were Bess Staigers, Charline Knapp Murray, Anna Hilling, Della Ault, and Florence Jackson.

Initially, the organization was solely social but changed over time into a service sorority. The group's is now "dedicated to the advancement of philanthropy and charity, nonsectarian, nonacademic, promoting welfare for all and fostering the spirit of good fellowship."

The Beta chapter was installed on February 9, 1905, in Elwood, Indiana. Also in 1905, Winnie Hartley of Muncie, Indiana designed the badge, which has remained the same ever since. Nora Spurgeon Charman was the first of the founders to die and it was in her honor that the founders' names would be included in the sorority's ritual.

The first convention was held in 1906. In 1907 the third chapter was installed in Tipton, Indiana. By 1913, there were eleven active chapters.The sorority's newsletter, Grit, was first published in 1917. By 1920, Delta Theta Tau had eighteen chapters.

Today there are 72 active chapters and 53 alumnae chapters. There are 180,000 members who have been initiated into the sorority.

## Symbols

[edit]

The symbol of Delta Theta Tau is the diamond. The sorority's colors are olive green and white. Its flower is the white rose. Its jewels are diamond and emerald. Its motto is "Grit Wins", the motto of the founder's high school class.

## Philanthropy

[edit]

Delta Theta Tau Sorority is a service sorority that raises money through various efforts for many different charities. Over the last ten years, Delta Theta Tau has contributed time and money to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED).

The Delta Theta Tau Golden Hand Fund is a non-profit entity within the organization that provides charitable contributions to various philanthropies. Delta Theta Tau is unique in that it has a separate fund that is used for members entering their golden years who experience financial difficulties. Delta Home provides anonymous assistance to members who apply.

## Notable members

[edit]

### Honorary members

[edit]

* Shirley Temple Black, actress
* Mary Pickford, actress

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Jones, Imogene Mullens. The golden years of Delta Theta Tau. 1954
2. ^ a b Silver Years of Delta Theta Tau

* Delta Theta Tau Philanthropic Sorority website
* McAllister, Teresa. Diamond Years of Delta Theta Tau. Delta Theta Tau, 1979.
* Grit Quarterly (publication of Delta Theta Tau)

## External links

[edit]

* Delta Theta Tau Official Webpage