Building on Yesterday

1913

On May 24, 1913, 110 years ago, Omicron Chapter was installed at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign in Urbana, Illinois. Omicron Chapter is the first and only chapter founded by a Founder. After the death of one of her sons, Frances E. Haven found herself upset and needed a way to alleviate her sadness. Her husband, Charles Moss, suggested she establish a Gamma Phi Beta chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. And the rest is history! In 1915, Frances’ daughter, Alida Moss Skinner, joined Gamma Phi at the chapter her mother founded.

Omicron Chapter (Illinois at UrbanaChampaign) juniors in 1917, including Frances E. Haven’s daughter – Alida Moss – sixth from left.

Omicron Chapter (Illinois at UrbanaChampaign) Senior Breakfast, 1914. Frances Haven Moss (Syracuse, 1874) can be seen farthest left.

The Omicron Chapter facility in the 1920s.