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
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.
The Gamma Phi Beta Story Pamphlet
This pamphlet provides information on Gamma Phi Beta, including its history, organization, policies, and values.
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.
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.
Founders at Convention Photograph, 1907
The Gamma Phi Beta Founders gather at the 1907 Convention in Syracuse, New York. This was the first time all four were together since their college days and would be the last time all four would meet.
