Founder Question
 

Sisters,

I have a question about Stella. I have been to two separate workshops in local chapters where the leader told the group that Stella was Jewish...

I swear that somewhere I read that Stella's father was Jewish, not her mother...making Stella "of Jewish descent" instead of "Jewish" unless she so chose to affiliate. (Unless I am wrong about the descent of Jewish heritage...) In the 1898 Barnard Mortarboard, Stella is listed as a member of the "Barnard College Christian Association."

Do any of you know? I have begun to research our founders a bit. I find each of them fascinating in her own way, and I just can't seem to find an answer about this....

Also, have any of your read or have a copy of Stella's play that was performed at the 1915 Exposition?

Thanks,
Silver

I had heard a few years ago from an older AOII alumna that Stella was Jewish and that is why she didn't get into to Kappa at Barnard and then that is how AOII was founded....but I could have dreamed that up, because I can't find that in any history book or anywhere in a manual or anything...

Silver and I discussed it a week or so ago and I would have to agree that she is of Jewish descent rather than Jewish. You can only be Jewish through your mother or if you personally choose to 'affiliate'. I know the story about her not being offered a bid with Kappa because of her Jewish last name but I don't know if there is anything out there to 'prove' she was Jewish.

Silver, that can be one of our missions next week! Oh, by the way, I have June 22-27th off so I can come down to Nashville early if the other people from Louisville let me drive early (I"m assuming car pooling, etc).

Roses!

Sarah

Sarah and I have discussed this a bit in RL. There are some other pieces to this puzzle (even beyond the Kappa issue) that I did not post because they could be perceived as not-very-Panhellenic-esque...even though they happened nearly 100 years ago! ;)

Are there any living AOII's who were friends with Stella, maybe in her latter years?

Has anyone read or seen a copy of her play?

Silver

Stella wrote a play? Wow! Someone needs to write a book just about our Founders, or does one already exist? I just have the Celebrate the Century book. Where do you all find out your fun facts?

I am hoping that maybe Sarah and I can pull together an article for To Dragma with some fun facts. I spoke with Sherry about it, and she was encouraging. :) The play is mentioned in the history book, but I have as of yet to find a copy of it. I know for a fact that the history book does not list all of Stella's publications (Sarah, this is my "surprise" that I can't wait to show you! Speaking of which, we need to make plans, Girlfriend!)
Yes, I know, I get WAY TOO excited over AOII memorabilia!
:)
Silver

Katharine, I recall that same type of info while I was a pledge (all those eons ago :))

How facinating! I would love to hear the results of your research. If you don't feel as though you should post them here - please pm for my email as I would love to know more!

Actually, Nancy McCain knew Stella and the other founders. . .and I have her number at home! I'll try and see if she knows any information - or we can figure out another time for me to head down to Nashville and we can play in the basement at IHQ ;) We can also talk to Nancy and Joan at LI about the play.

Anywho, I'm going to get going home since we got in about 50 minutes early (!!!) and I'm getting home off a two day trip.

Roses!

Sarah