Abstract
Philanthropic and educational society for women
Administrative/Biographical History
The P.E.O. Sisterhood was established January 21, 1869, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan University. The organization was established as a philanthropic and educational society for women. Although comprised of only seven members at its founding, P.E.O. now has chapters and members throughout the United States.
The first Grand Forks chapter, known as Chapter D, was established April 7, 1913. Charter members included Ada Bek, Chrissie Budge, Lillian Budge, Mable French, Margaret Gillette, Eva Libby, Carrie Simpson, Leila Sturtevant and Gertrude Sturtevant. The president of Chapter D at its founding was Carrie Simpson.
Chapter D was a very active chapter in North Dakota. It hosted several state conventions, participated in many P.E.O. sponsored activities on local, state and national levels, and provided several state chapter presidents. It also has been responsible for sponsoring several other P.E.O. chapters in the area. Chapter D has hosted many educational lectures and meetings for both its members and the greater community at large. It also raised funds for several P.E.O. projects, including the Peace Scholarship Fund and the Educational Fund. In the aftermath of World War I, Chapter D adopted a French war orphan. During World War II, Chapter D and the entire P.E.O. organization was very active in raising funds and boosting morale for the war effort.
