Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Celebrating 70 Years

A group of women in Glenwood is celebrating their sorority’s 70th birthday this year.

Beta Sigma Phi was founded in Glenwood in June 1947. At that time there were 14 women and since then the group has fluctuated in size. At one point Glenwood had four chapters of the sorority. There is now only one, but it has the highest progressive title of “torchbearer.”

Joan Hammer, president of the sorority, is among the 14 current members and she has been in Beta Sigma Phi for 65 years.

“I love the members, the friendships, the socials and the working together,” Hammer said. “As well as doing things for the community.”

The 70 years have been filled with service and socials. 

Beta Sigma Phi is an active group in the community. They have always held fundraisers for groups in the area and helped the community in as many ways as they can.

The sorority gives books to the Head Start Children and donates school supplies to various Glenwood schools. They also donate money to worthy causes in the community, such as the Mills County Storehouse. Beta Sigma Phi also supports Davies Amphitheater for summer productions as well as the YMCA Strong Kids scholarship program.

Beta Sigma Phi likes to make fundraising enjoyable. One activity they do is a silent auction where they sell crafts they made with $5. Other fundraisers over the years have included more community participation, such as a bridge tournament and the dance and carnival held at the old National Guard Armory. Whereas more traditional fundraisers have included car washes, garage sales, silent auctions, ice cream and watermelon stands at the park during celebrations, and so much more.

Don’t forget - you can’t have a sorority without socials. These women never slow down. When they are not doing service to the community they are finding ways to spend time with each other and occasionally include their husbands.

The socials include themed dress-up parties, card parties, painted pumpkin parties and holiday parties. There is never a dull moment in the year for these ladies.

One particular party was a “hobo” party. The ladies dressed up as hobos, packed a lunch and tied the lunch on a stick as they headed out for a picnic.

To celebrate their 70th year of existence, Beta Sigma Phi decided to place a stone with a plaque next to the tree the sorority planted in Glenwood Lake Park three years ago. It will display the sorority name and when it was established.

The plaque will also give a representation of the history of the sorority.
If anyone is interested in joining or learning more about the sorority, they are welcome to talk to any of the members.

“We are open to anyone who would like to join,” Hammer said. “Just speak with any active member for information.”