Greencastle in Putnam County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Kappa Alpha Theta
First Female Greek-letter College Fraternity
Side one
On January 27, 1870, Bettie Locke, Alice Allen, Hannah Fitch, and Bettie Tipton established first female Greek-letter college fraternity, Kappa Alpha Theta, at Indiana Asbury University. Fraternity fostered unity, promoted scholastic achievement, and provided social outlet. House built after 1940, when prior chapter house on site demolished.
Side two
Indiana Asbury University founded 1837. Locke and Allen were two of first women enrolled on limited basis 1867. Women were opposed and ostracized by many male students, faculty, citizens of town, and students at local female seminary. Based on success of these early women, university allowed women to take classes "on the same terms as" men 1871.
Erected 2006 by Indiana Historical Bureau & Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta Facility Corporation. (Marker Number 67.2006.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Events • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 27, 1870.
Location. 39° 38.164′ N, 86° 51.759′ W. Marker is in Greencastle , Indiana, in Putnam County. Marker is at the intersection of South College Avenue and Park Street, on the left when traveling south on South College Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 904 South College Avenue, Greencastle IN 46135, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The U.N. Tree (approx. half a mile away); Putnam County Playhouse (PCPH) (approx. half a mile away); Indiana Asbury - - DePauw University (approx. half a mile away); Minshall Laboratory, DePauw University (approx. half a mile away); Putnamville United Methodist Church (approx. half a mile away); John Dillinger Was Here (approx. half a mile away); Donald J. Cook (1915 - 2005) (approx. half a mile away); The Founding of the Lilly Family in Greencastle, Indiana (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greencastle.
Also see . . . Photos of Dedication (Courtesy - Indiana Historical Bureau):. (Submitted on January 21, 2013, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,399 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 11, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.