Monmouth in Warren County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Founding of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 19, 2012

1. Founding of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Marker

Inscription. On April 28, 1867, the National Women's Fraternity Movement began here in the home of Jacob Holt. In a second floor bedroom, shared by Ada Bruen and Libbie Brook, twelve Monmouth College co-eds founded I.C. Sorosis, known today by its Greek motto, Pi Beta Phi. The organization was similar to men's fraternities, and it quickly expanded with two new chapters added in 1868 and 1869.

The fraternity’s 1940 Convention voted to preserve the home as a memorial to its founders. The renovated Holt House opened on April 26, 1941.

Erected 2009 by Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 2008.

Location. 40° 54.661′ N, 90° 38.642′ W. Marker is in Monmouth, Illinois, in Warren County. Marker is on East 1st Avenue east of South 3rd Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 East 1st Avenue, Monmouth IL 61462, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Stephen A. Douglas in Monmouth (approx. 0.2 miles away); Monmouth 1850-1930

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Wyatt Earp Birthplace (approx. 0.2 miles away); Monmouth Rotary Club (approx. ¼ mile away); Public Square / Central Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Joseph Smith Trial / Soldier Monument (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Wyatt Earp Birthplace (approx. 1.4 miles away).

Also see . . . Holt House: Pi Beta Phi's Founding Home. Sorority website (Submitted on May 18, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 19, 2012

2. Founding of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Marker

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 19, 2012

3. Holt House

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 521 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 17, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.