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[Knox, Indiana] This fall, a one-hundred-twenty-five year milestone was celebrated in Starke County by the members of Chapter B of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Chapter B is the oldest philanthropic organization for women in Starke County and the second-oldest of P.E.O.’s 135 Indiana chapters.
The chapter has been operating in our community since September 14, 1898, when ten prominent Knox women were initiated into a fast-growing national organization called P.E.O. The sisterhood quickly doubled its local membership and became a force in projects to support education, especially of women, in the county.
In the early 1900s, P.E.O. played a major role in the development of a public library in Knox, continuing by supporting reading programs and local authors. Members played a significant role in county-wide committees during both World Wars and provided financial support for many county events. Members dedicate themselves to learning about Starke County and its place in the world while they invest in their own personal growth.
Chapter B of P.E.O. presently awards an annual continuing education scholarship to local women who are returning to college after an interruption in their training. Chapter B also supports P.E.O.’s international projects like the P.E.O. STAR Scholarships, which have given $20 million (20 million dollars) to support women’s education worldwide.
Past presidents of Chapter B include a “walk-of-fame” of leaders in Starke County like Flora Reiss, Jennie Lundin, Olive Koffel, Sylva Jonas, Mae Long, Helen Whitson, Nita Hinz, Eleanor DeNaut, Mary Craigmile, Ann Nichols, Bonnie Howes, Katharyn McSherry, Julia Hite, Jane Beeson, Appolonia Zechiel, Opal Heilman, Bev Bortz Brown-Clark, Barbara McLaughlin, Lynette Altman, Mary Kleinfehn, Melissa Bourff, Kathy Ward, Jacalynn Ciboch, and Cathy Raab. The current president of Chapter B of P.E.O. is Catherine Phipps.
Nearly 200 Starke County women have become members of Chapter B of P.E.O. during its 125-year history. Current members, along with Indiana State P.E.O. President Pam Barnett of Crown Point, many other state officers, and Illinois and Indiana chapter leaders, enjoyed a celebratory program and brunch in October.
