Founding Date

Mar 15th, 1879

Buchtel College was established in 1872 by the Ohio Universalist Convention. By 1907, the college became a private, non-denominational school. In 1913, plagued with financial difficulties, the Buchtel College trustees transferred the college and its assets to the city of Akron, and shortly thereafter became recognized as the University of Akron. On March 12, 1879, a letter from George Banta to Corinne Miller, Psi-Lewis School, discussed the idea of organizing a Delta Gamma chapter at the then Buchtel College. On March 15, 1879, Lillian Vawter, wife of George Banta, delivered a Delta Gamma charter to five women of Buchel College. In 1879, Eta chapter established itself on the top floor of the college hall. The first Convention of Delta Gamma was held on May 25, 1881 by Psi-Lewis School chapter in Oxford, Mississippi. The only chapters able to attend were Psi and Eta-Akron. It was the father of an Eta chapter delegate, Fanny Mulliken, that made the convention possible by providing his private railroad car for the transportation of the women to Oxford. The train car became a tradition for the next several years, and was referred to as the “Delta Gamma Special.” Two years later, Eta chapter hosted the Second National Convention at the Phi Delta Theta hall near the Akron campus. This convention decided: the color of bronze was to be added to the Fraternity colors, and Delta Gamma would publish a fraternity journal and Eta was chosen as the editor. The ANCHORA was first published by Eta chapter in 1884. Mary Thompson Stevens, Eta, was the editor. The 1885 Convention in Madison, Wisconsin decided that Eta was to remain editor of the ANCHORA. The celebration of Founders Day is one of the most precious traditions of Delta Gamma Fraternity. Since its inception in 1887, collegiate and alumnae groups have observed this occasion with banquets, luncheons or other appropriate celebrations. It has been a day for reunions with other members and a time for renewal and rededication to the Fraternity and its ideals. Abby Soule Schumacher, Eta, first introduced the idea for Founders Day in the March 1887 ANCHORA. At the 1888 Convention it was decreed that one day be set aside for the annual reunion. Eta chapter originated the candle lighting ceremony, which has become a Founders Day tradition. It was presented for the first time by its Eta chapter creators at the 1930 Convention. In 1935, Ruth Billow, a member who was blind, asked the Fraternity to consider aiding the visually impaired. Since 1936, the Foundation has been dedicated to sight conservation. By 1968 most if not all harassment of pledges had been obliterated by Eta chapter. Eta chapter of Delta Gamma was the first sorority on campus to initiate the non-harassment policy. May 18, 1976 was proclaimed “Delta Gamma Day” by Akron’s Mayor Ballard because of the culmination of 40 years of dedication to Delta Gamma’s philanthropy by Akron Delta Gammas. Eta chapter became the first Delta Gamma chapter to celebrate its 100th birthday during the weekend of April 21-22, 1979. Eta chapter celebrated 125 years in 2004. It is the oldest chapter in continued existence. In 1899, a fire destroyed the college hall. All furnishings and records from Eta chapter were lost except their original charter. In January 1905, Eta was granted the use of the suites on the third floor of Curtis Cottage, and Eta hosted its first reception in its new suite on January 20, 1905. In 1924, Eta chapter moved from Curtis Cottage to an apartment house across the street from the campus. They remained there until November 1930 when Eta chapter moved to its new house at 197 College Street. In Spring 1953, they moved to 357 East Buchtel Avenue, affectionately known as the “Red Barn.” On September 19, 1970, the groundbreaking ceremonies took place at 398 East Buchtel Avenue.