From collection Member List
Frances Elizabeth Haven Moss (Syracuse, 1874) was born on May 27, 1854, to Dr. Erastus O. Haven and Mary Frances Coles Haven. Erastus served as president of the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, and Syracuse University. He was an active supporter of women’s education and so was very supportive of Frances seeking higher education. She started at Northwestern but moved her enrollment to Syracuse University when her family moved to the area. Frances was invited to join Alpha Phi Fraternity, but she declined.
In 1877, Frances graduated with a degree in fine arts. She worked as a teacher until she married Charles Moss in 1878. Charles was an instructor of Greek at Illinois State Normal University until 1891, after which they moved to Urbana, where Charles was the head of the Classics department at the University of Illinois. While there, Frances was active in the University of Illinois Women’s League, the local Social Science Club, the local League of Women Voters, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement.
In 1912, Frances and Charles welcomed a group of 20 girls into their home to hold meetings and, in 1913, this group became Omicron Chapter (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), making it the only chapter that was founded by a Founder. Frances remained very involved with Omicron Chapter until her death in 1937. The members of Omicron Chapter still place white roses, Frances’ favorite flower, and pink carnations on her grave every year.
In 1877, Frances graduated with a degree in fine arts. She worked as a teacher until she married Charles Moss in 1878. Charles was an instructor of Greek at Illinois State Normal University until 1891, after which they moved to Urbana, where Charles was the head of the Classics department at the University of Illinois. While there, Frances was active in the University of Illinois Women’s League, the local Social Science Club, the local League of Women Voters, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement.
In 1912, Frances and Charles welcomed a group of 20 girls into their home to hold meetings and, in 1913, this group became Omicron Chapter (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), making it the only chapter that was founded by a Founder. Frances remained very involved with Omicron Chapter until her death in 1937. The members of Omicron Chapter still place white roses, Frances’ favorite flower, and pink carnations on her grave every year.
Related Items
Toast to the Four Founders of Gamma Phi Beta, July 6, 1956
Pearl Marie Pangborn Vanhorn (Idaho, 1924) gives a speech toasting the four Founders at the 1956 Carnation Banquet.
Professor and Mrs. Moss Information Sheet, March 1940
Nina Vivian Gresham (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1913) writes a brief history of Founder Frances Elizabeth Haven Moss (Syracuse, 1874) and her husband.
Gamma Phi Beta 75th Anniversary Press Release, October 1949
This press release provides a history for the first 75 years of Gamma Phi Beta.
Alida Moss Skinner Centennial Convention Speech, June 17, 1974
Alida Helen Moss Skinner (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1915) speaks on the founding and history of Gamma Phi Beta, as well as her personal history with the Sorority.
Silver Bud Vase, December 1874
The Founders presented this vase to Mary Clara Worden Wilcox (Syracuse, 1875), the first new member of Gamma Phi Beta.
Frances Haven and Adeline Curtis Photograph
Frances Elizabeth Haven Moss (Syracuse, 1874) sits on the left, and Eunice Adeline Curtis (Syracuse, 1874) sits on the right.
