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Finding Aid

Pi Lambda Theta Records, 1947 to 1992

UM-49

Size: 1.5 linear feet

Provenance: Mary Ann Heinrichs, February 15, 1993

Access: Open

Related Collections:  

Processing Note:

Condition: Good

Copyright: The literary rights to this collection are assumed to rest with the person(s) responsible for the production of the particular items within the collection, or with their heirs or assigns.  Researchers bear full legal responsibility for the acquisition to publish from any part of said collection per Title 17, United States Code.  The Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections may reserve the right to intervene as intermediary at its own discretion.

Completed by: Susan M. Blumensaadt, February 22, 1993

Historical/Biographical Sketch

Pi Lambda Theta, National Honor and Professional Association in Education, recognizes persona of superior scholastic achievement and those having a high potential for professional leadership.

At a Pi Lambda Theta meeting in Jackson, Michigan, in the spring of 1939, Frances Wandel of Toledo felt that there were enough Pi Lambda Thetans in Toledo to form an Alumnae Chapter. She consulted with the National President, Beulah Van Wagenen, who instructed Frances on how to proceed. In June 1941, the idea of forming a chapter was presented to prospective individuals and in the fall there was an organization meeting at Whitney Vocational High School. It was decided that a chapter would be formed and the National Office granted a charter for the Toledo Area Alumnae Chapter which was signed on May 23rd, 1941, in the library of Whitney Vocational High School.

At the end of a successful first year, the Toledo Chapter was asked to host the next Biennial Council. It was held at the Commodore Perry Hotel with the Toledo Chamber of Commerce assisting in the preparation.

The chapter was involved in many projects which included volunteer services for the war effort such as knitting, the Red Cross, and Rationing Boards. They planted a victory garden in the Ashland Avenue, Warren School District, and also participated in a statewide collection of several thousand dollars and musical instruments for the military during the war.

Originally, members met each May in Jackson, Michigan, and it was here that the idea of regional conferences originated.

In 1947, Ethel Wooden looked into the possibility of organizing a chapter at the University. However, the Department of Education sis not qualify. During the 1960s, the idea was proposed again and ground work for establishment if a chapter was laid by Dr. Helen Holt. The chapter of Beta Eta was chartered and became active May 16, 1965. In 1972, the idea of alumnae chapters initiating members was proposed and this practice began in 1976.

A local education group, the Pilotans, petitioned in December 1961 and September 1964 to become members of Pi Lambda Theta, however, documentation is incomplete as to whether or not membership was granted. 

Scope and Content Note

Collection contains records pertaining to Pi Lambda Theta, National Honor and Professional Association in Education. Included are newsletters, biennial council records, alumnae chapter activities, constitutions and by-laws, correspondence, informational booklets, newspaper articles, membership lists, schedules, annual reports, chapter’s history, officers’ information, a biographical book on the life of Elle Victoria Dobbs, and miscellaneous documentation.

The collection also contains the records of the Pilotans, a local education group that petitioned to become affiliated with Pi Lambda Theta during the 1960’s.

The collection is arranged alphabetically by folder.  

Folder List