Mrs. W.E. Blaeser was the first Paullina P.E.O. Chapter FX hostess on February 27, 1922. The newly formed chapter boasted 15 charter members. Those 15 members were: Loretta Browning, Jean Cowan, Susan Bachman, Alberta Raw, Ida Oldag, Litta Closson, Evelene Blaeser, Jane Metcalf, Bryde Harris, Ethel Draper, Grace Cannon, Jennie Scott, Hilma Thatcher, Zula Dudley and Neva Camrey. Marcus Chapter FM sponsored the new Paullina Chapter FX.
Current members of both Marcus FM Chapter and Paullina Chapter FX came together Saturday May 7 for a luncheon, sisterhood and a program recognizing the 100 anniversary of the Paullina Chapter FX.
Mariah Oliver opened the program outlining the first meeting of P.E.O. Chapter FX and noting its sponsorship came from P.E.O. Chapter FM of Marcus. The program given by Vickie Frisbee, Oliver, Pat Menke and President Lauri Struve shared highlights of life in 1922. Leading politicians, individuals born in 1922 who later became famous talent, popular movies, boos, sporting events and common prices.
P.E.O. is an organization founded by seven young women associated with Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. P.E.O. Chapters work to advance the education of women. P.E.O. established a loan fund to provide that assistance for women at the time to complete higher education efforts. That tradition continues today.
Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri is the only college in the United States that is wholly owned by a women’s organization, the P.E.O. Sisterhood. P.E.O has grown to become an international organization. The Iowa Sisterhood maintains a home in Mount Pleasant for aged members known as the Sarag Beckwith Porter Home. They also feature a memorial library.
Marcus Chapter FM P.E.O. is holding a raffle for a hand made quilt to assist with their scholarship fund. The drawing will be held June 7. Tickets are 2/
$5, 5/$10 or 10/$15. Tickets can be purchased by mailing your check with name, address and phone number to Betty Rutter at 5968 E. Avenue in Marcus.