Publisher's Synopsis
The History of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, written by Elizabeth Allen Clarke Helmick and originally published in 1915, is a comprehensive account of the founding and development of one of the oldest and most prestigious women's fraternities in the United States. The book traces the origins of Pi Beta Phi back to its founding in 1867 at Monmouth College in Illinois, and follows its growth and expansion over the next five decades.Drawing on a wealth of primary sources, including letters, diaries, and official records, Helmick recounts the early struggles of the fraternity to establish itself in the male-dominated world of higher education, as well as its efforts to promote scholarship, leadership, and service among its members. She also provides detailed profiles of the fraternity's founders and early leaders, as well as its most distinguished alumnae.Throughout the book, Helmick highlights the important role that Pi Beta Phi played in the women's suffrage movement, as well as its contributions to the broader social, cultural, and political landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She also explores the challenges and controversies that the fraternity faced during this period, including accusations of elitism and exclusion, and the changing attitudes towards women's organizations in the wake of World War I.Overall, The History of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity is a fascinating and informative account of one of the most influential women's organizations in American history, and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of women's education, social activism, and leadership.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.