Zeta Tau Alpha

In 1954 members of Zeta Tau Alpha maintained an extensive list of activities. To support their national philanthropy, the fight against cerebral palsey, members sold Kris Kringle seals at Christmas, hosted a beauty clinic, and held bake sales and rummage sales. Zeta Tau Alpha prepared for the newly- scheduled second semester Rush by redecorating rooms where they held events. In addition to the annual Pledge Dance and Tea and Winter Formal, members held card parties and spaghetti dinners. The chapter was led by Jean M. McAnally, president; Bette Lou Hoyle, vice president; Shirley A.

Members of the Dickinson chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha continued to dedicate themselves to philanthropic work related to cerebral palsey in 1953. Their efforts included fundraising and awareness through a published brochure. In addition, they continued to support their scholarship loan fund, which assists both Zetas and non-Zetas. The officers in 1953 were Patricia A. Bradley, president; Evelyn L. Sciotto, vice president; Barbara R. Mattas, secretary; and Kay M. Meyer, treasurer.

The officers of Zeta Tau Alpha in 1952 were Audrey M. Ridgely, president; Florence M. Williams, vice president; D. Elizabeth Parker, secretary; and Patricia A. Bradley, treasurer.

In an interview, Helen Alexander Bachman (Class of 1946) claims that a majority of the students belonged to a sorority, fraternity, or other organization on campus. Bachman estimates that 99 percent of female students belonged to one of the four sororities. The fraternities owned houses while sorority women had apartments in Carlisle. Fraternities "dried up" during the war due to the absence of men. Sororities, however, had meetings, social functions, bridge parties, suppers, and community service events.

Helen Alexander Bachman (Class of 1946) describes social events during World War II in a 1990 interview. Dickinson College had sororities and fraternities, which planned pledge dances and parties. As a Zeta Tau alpha, Bachman remembers using the fraternity houses for sorority pledge dances. Professors and their wives would chaperone dances and other student activities. When male students were drafted into the army, it affected the social life on campus. Female students went to the movies, played bridge, or went to dinner.

In an interview with Helen Alexander Bachman (Class of 1946), the Dickinson alumnus describes the rules for student conduct and dress codes during the World War II period. Dean Josephine Meredith supervised the women, requiring them to sign in and out of their dorms, to act in a lady-like manner, and to avoid drinking. Moreover, female students needed to receive signed permission from parents if they wanted to visit home for the weekend. Bachman explains that these rules "existed to protect the girls...." Dress codes for the female students were strict; they coudl not wear slacks.

The women of Zeta Tau Alpha, founded at Dickinson in 1924, continued to promote scholastic and philanthropic work among their members.  Many of their activities stem from the National chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, including the National Scholarship Fund, which has provided for the education of more than 300 girls; the Naitonal Society for Crippled Children and Adults, and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.  Mary Jo Edinger served as the chapter president, Dorthy Elizabeth Parker was the vice president, Elinor J. Pond was the secretary, and Louise M. Mixell was the treasurer.

Zeta Tau Alpha was the newest women's fraternity on campus in 1950.  After forming the local chapter Zeta Eta Phi Sorority in 1921, the girls decided to become a nationally-chartered charter organization in 1924.  Their projects include supporting Zeta Tau Alpha national projects such as a National Scholarship Fund which has provided funds for more than 300 girls since 1912.  Members of Zeta Tau Alpha who served on the executive board include Helen Benson, president; Pamela Burr, vice-president; Mary Waldron, secretary; and Polly Metzger, treasurer.