Fayetteville in Washington County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Chi Omega Chapter House
Psi Chapter is the mother chapter of the Chi Omega national organization. It was founded in Fayetteville on April 5, 1895, by Jobelle Holcombe, Ina Mae Boles, Jean Vincenheller, Alice Simonds, and Dr. Charles Richardson. All were University of Arkansas students except Dr. Richardson, who was a Fayetteville dentist interested in student life. He had assisted the four students to such an extent in getting the new sorority started that he was made an honorary member. More than 100 years after its founding, Chi Omega is the largest women's Greek organization in America, with 175 chapters in 42 states.
The Chi Omega House is a three-story building plus basement, with Colonial Revival and Classical Revival influences. The original building was made to accommodate 45 young women, a house mother, a guest room and a house manager – in addition to a chapter room, living room, dining room, kitchen, reception room, and laundry.
Plans for the original part of the house were prepared by Charles L. Ellis, the former superintendent of buildings and grounds at the University. Construction was by the Wages Brothers, contractors from Fayetteville, working in conjunction with James Dinwiddie, the city's building inspector and architect.
When construction began in 1928, Miss Jobelle Holcombe, a charter member of Chi Omega, and at that time an associate professor of English at the University, turned over the first shovel of dirt. Total investment in the house was $35,000. These funds came from fees assessed for a "house fund," benefit parties, friends, and bank loans. The gift that started the house fund was a $2,000 bequest from Dr. Richardson.
Growth of both the University and the Psi Chapter made it necessary to enlarge and remodel the house several times. In 1941 an addition was built on the west side. Architects were Edwin C. Price of Fayetteville, and Haralson and Nelson of Fort Smith. The contractor was the E.F. Bird Construction Co. of Fayetteville. In 1958 came additions to the northern, or rear, elevation of the house. The architect was Paul Young, Jr. of Fayetteville, and the contractor was the W.H. Patterson Construction Co. These two additions enabled the building to house a total of 75 young woman and a house mother. In 1987 and 1988 the plumbing, wiring, and heating systems were improved.
In April 1995, 100 years after the founding of Chi Omega at the University of Arkansas, the chapter house was accepted for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected 2012 by Campus History Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 36° 4.235′ N, 94° 10.416′ W. Marker is in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of West Maple Street and Oakland Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Maple Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 940 W Maple St, Fayetteville AR 72701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chi Omega Fraternity (a few steps from this marker); First Biological Herbicide (within shouting distance of this marker); Delta Delta Delta 1913-2013 Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker); The $300 Million Gift (within shouting distance of this marker); Campaign for the Twenty-First Century (within shouting distance of this marker); The Leflar Legacy (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Development of ‘Arksoy’ (about 400 feet away); Clintons on Law Faculty (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fayetteville.
Also see . . . Chi Omega Chapter House (PDF). National Register nomination and photographs submitted for the house. (National Archives) (Submitted on May 30, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.