Excerpt from: Minnehaha – A History 1901–2026. Celebrating 125 Years of Sparkle, Service, and Sisterhood
Minnehaha Chapter No. 227, O.E.S., New York
Fifty Golden Years (1901–1951)
The historians of Minnehaha Chapter have faithfully performed their duties in recording the events which were of interest to members of the Chapter, and it is from these pages that this condensed history is derived. It is regrettable that all members do not have the opportunity of reading the original histories, for as the story of Minnehaha unfolds, it reveals the success which has attended our beloved Chapter from the very start. Brilliant receptions, jolly social events, and innumerable honors made possible by constant practicing of the principles of the Order and the ever-present feeling of harmony fill the pages.
It was on the evening of August 12, 1901, that District Deputy Grand Matron Nellie Mac L. Wildey met with eleven ladies and two gentlemen in the parlor at Ascolon Castle. Here Minnehaha received her name and the first officers were elected. They were Mrs. Emma C. Davis, Matron; Mr. Franklin T. Davis, Patron; Mrs. Kathryn M. Rhoades, Associate Matron.
Ten days later the petitioners met again and the following officers were appointed: Mrs. Carrie E. Joseph, Conductress; Mrs. Eugene Brown, Associate Conductress; Mrs. Euphenia Tomlinson, Secretary-Treasurer; Mrs. Mary A. Donaldson, Adah; Mrs. Sarah A. Bell, Ruth; Mrs. Sarah Campbell, Esther; Mrs. Martha Davis, Martha; Mrs. Emily C. Knapp, Mrs. Emma C. Stewart and Mrs. Burr Davis, Trustees.
Following four stated meetings of Minnehaha Chapter, U.D., the first regular meeting was held in the Masonic Temple on Fourth Avenue on October 31, 1901, at which time the Grand Matron and her staff installed the officers and the charter was conferred. Minnehaha’s star had begun to show a feeble ray of light.
Working “Each for all and all for each,” the star soon began to glow with a brilliant light attracting the notice of the Grand Officers who saw fit to bestow honor upon Minnehaha during the first year of her history. “Harmony” was the watchword of the Chapter from its birth and much praise is due Sister Nellie Wildey, the mother of the Chapter, for her constant aid and assistance. At the end of the first year the membership had increased from twenty-one to seventy-four members.
The years that followed were filled with receptions, Master Masons’ nights, barn dances, rummage sales, bridge parties, patriotic observances, and steady growth. Membership flourished, the Chapter gained a reputation for hospitality, and Minnehaha became widely known as a gracious hostess whose entertainments were both elegant and joyful.
Through prosperity and adversity — including the years of World War I and World War II — the Chapter remained steadfast. Drill Corps were organized, patriotic projects undertaken, and members supported one another during times of separation and service. Even during difficult years, attendance remained strong, harmony prevailed, and Minnehaha’s light continued to shine.
By the mid-century mark, Minnehaha had weathered war, celebrated peace, honored leaders, initiated hundreds of members, and built a legacy of devotion to the principles of the Order.
Thus closed the first fifty years of Minnehaha Chapter — years truly golden in spirit, accomplishment, and love.
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The Minnehaha Historians
Minnehaha Chapter No. 227- The Beginning
A message from our current Worthy Matron Nina L Colon
Hello and thank you all for Joining Minnehaha Chapter No. 227 as we celebrate 125 Years of Service. Your continued support makes this milestone not only meaningful, but truly memorable. Our yearlong celebration is the result of the dedication, creativity, and heartfelt effort of our Chapter Members, who worked diligently to honor our our rich past and present in a way that could be shared, appreciated, and remembered by all.
My sincere thanks to the Historians of Minnehaha Chapter and to R.W. Susan Winter for beautifully preserving our history and making it so easy to share. Below is an excerpt from our 125th Anniversary Journal for you to enjoy.
As we honor 125 years of Harmony and Sparkle, we look ahead with gratitude, hope, and excitement for a bright and shinning future. Thank you to all our members for electing me to serve as your 125th Anniversary Matron and entrusting the vision of this year's festivities with me.