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
Cleveland Alumnae and Alpha Eta Founders' Day Luncheon Program, July 6, 1954
This program provides a copy of the minutes from the first Gamma Phi Beta meeting, as well as the menu and schedule of events for the 1954 Cleveland Alumnae Chapter and Alpha Eta Chapter (Ohio Wesleyan) Founders' Day Luncheon.
Golden Anniversary Banquet Program, June 25, 1924
This program lists the toats, menu, song lyrics, and committee members from the Golden Anniversary Banquet at the 1924 Convention.
Fannie E. Haven and Mira E. Haven Cabinet Card
Frances Elizabeth Haven Moss (Syracuse, 1874) is a Founder of Gamma Phi Beta and Mira E. Haven Draper (Syracuse, 1876) is a member. The photograph was taken while their family lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Omicron Chapter Founders Day Banquet Photograph, 1937
A newspaper clipping regarding the Founders Day Banquet is attached to the back of this photograph. It identifies the women in the photograph as (seated from left to right) Alida Helen Moss Skinner (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1915), Loi…
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.
Sisters of Delta Kappa Chapter to Gamma Phi Beta International Headquarters Card and Envelope, November 11, 1994
Delta Kappa Chapter (Lehigh) sends greetings to the Gamma Phi Beta International Headquarters on Founders Day.
