For 142 years, the vision of P.E.O. has always expanded. Forward-thinking sisters in each era have motivated others to strengthen, deepen and energize our dreams and progressive ideals. This year as we celebrate our sisterhood’s heritage and wear our emblems on
January 21, let us also tangibly reconnect with other days and other times. Please join me in listening to legacy voices from our rich past. Yes, as we encounter and prepare for opportunities and challenges for P.E.O. in 2011, timeless and wise encouragement remains vital and insightful. Loving words from sisters gone before us linger with motivation and meaning to “consider thoughtfully” now.
- Lulu Corkhill Williams, a March 1869 initiate, later reflecting upon stories of early growth, “Thus the small events of today may be the great things of tomorrow.”
- Winona Evans Reeves, President, Supreme Chapter, writing in The P.E.O. Record, October 1910: “As P.E.O.s we talk much of our ideals and how proud we are that they have always been so high. You know ‘One step up the mountain widens the horizon in all directions.’ It’s the high ambition that inspires us; it’s the books above our level that educate us; it’s the great responsibility which strengthens and develops. But an ideal which will not stand the strain of the real is of little use.”
- Helen White Pangburn, delegate, Convention of Iowa State Chapter, 1922: “The vision has come of the further opening of the way…we may have wonderful ideas, splendid plans and means of growth and development, but unless they are converted into action, they are useless. We must see large. We must act with breadth.”
- Hallie A. Newell, President, Supreme Chapter, greeting chapters in January 1937: “When we consider what we have done, we feel there is cause for gratification and we believe our Founders would heartily approve. We are not satisfied, however, for we believe we can do more. We enter the new year with the determination to carry on according to our highest ideals, always keeping in mind the precious traditions of our sisterhood.”
- Laura Storms Knapp, President Supreme Chapter 1949-1951: “More people are talking about P.E.O. today than ever before… P.E.O. has taken its place as an important world organization. Retrenchment is not in our picture. P.E.O. is going forward to a great future. With hearts and heads high we will not only fulfill our destiny but will help create a proud future.”
- Ethel O. Gardner, President Supreme Chapter 1967-1969:“Let each one of us see to it that we do, to the best of our ability, each and every duty that may come to us as P.E.O.s.”
- Marjorie W. Smith, President, International Chapter, extending birthday wishes to P.E.O. in 1981: “One of the greatest challenges of these seven Founders was to be steadfast in their standards for idealism. Today, thinking women are challenged by the knowledge that all good things in life which we respect and admire have come as the result of someone’s high ideals.”
- Mabel M. Otis, President, International Chapter, writing in September, 1995: “I challenge P.E.O.s this biennium to hold fast to your dream for the future growth of P.E.O., and I say with you—let us get on with the journey; let us look wider still for women of quality, dignity and character who will become our sisters; let us make the personal commitment that is required...”
From the Seven Originals in 1869 to the latest initiates in 2011, Mary Allen Stafford’s “love in action” moves onward. Today, each sister must do her own part to be/make the Sisterhood that will last longer than all of us.
May God bless P.E.O. in our 142nd year.
Forward!
Elizabeth E. Garrels,
President, International Chapter
Alice Bird Babb, speaking in the 1907 Convention of Illinois Grand Chapter:
“Our ‘objects and aims’ as set down in the first constitution remain the same today. The so-called ‘revisions’ to the Constitution have been to enlarge the garments to fit a woman, for the child grew and the clothes must be enlarged…”
