Chapter X PEO celebrates 100 years

This spring, a philanthropic organization that has been woven into the fabric of the local community turns 100 years old. Generations of Moody County area women have been a part of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, or P.E.O. as members and others familiar with the organization refer to it, yet others likely have never even heard of it.
Let us introduce you, because the organization aims to do good things, especially where women and girls are concerned.
P.E.O. was founded in 1869 by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. It eventually expanded off campus and now extends across the United States and Canada to include more than a half million women. The aim of the organization has always been to advance women through education, while supporting and motivating them.
The Flandreau Chapter, when it was established, became the 24th in existence. It became known as Chapter X, and earlier this month, current members gathered to celebrate alongside organizational leaders as Chapter X turned 100 years old.  
“Since Chapter X’s founding in 1923, we have had a wide variety of fundraisers to support our P.E.O,” Cynthia Johnson says

“(For a) project that year, they made mincemeat to sell for $.50 a jar.  In 1927 Chapter X had men in the community play all the parts in a play called ‘A Womanless Wedding’.  It was highly successful and a $100 bond was purchased with the proceeds. In past years, we have had rummage and bake sales. We have sold dried bean soup, plastic solar daisies, and ice cream sundaes at the Flandreau ‘Old Fashioned 4th of July’ activities. We now raise funds by having free will donations given at the three socials we have each year.”
The women get together for Fall, Christmas, and Chapter X birthdays in May. Funds raised over time have supported eight grants for continuing education for local women and 15 education-based loans.  
“I’ve been involved with P.E.O. about 12 years; I find it rewarding that we can assist women in reaching their goals with further education. Others should know it is not a social organization for teachers only, as someone in the public suggested was their understanding of this group. With a variety of committees within the group, you can find an area of the organization which is most interesting to your interest and be as involved as you choose to be,” said local member Jo LaPlante.
Local members include some that have just gotten involved with the organization to those who have been members for more than 60 years.
Janna Ellingson, who has been a member of the local chapter for more than 40 years, said that there are so many different benefits to being a member. Among them, she included that P.E.O. provides pathways for friends when moving to new communities with the instant connection, it provides a network for support for members and even children who may need help while away from home, it includes a variety of entertainment and educational opportunities through programs, socials, and Book Club, and through Annual State Conventions, it offers a friendship network across the state.
“While our impact through our philanthropies is a big deal, we also make a positive impact on the lives of our chapter sisters when we are relentless in showing a loving concern for each other, look past our differences to find our commonalities, and provide support and encouragement for each other through the ups and downs of life,” added Elizabeth Freer, SD State P.E.O. President.
Nora Atherton was a Chapter X Sister who served in all the SD State offices culminating with her presidency for the 1941-42 year.  Nora was also an author of three books, Bird Stories for Children, Dakota Birds, and South Dakota Geography.
Membership is considered via invitation. You are encouraged to contact a local member if you are interested to learn more.

More photos and history can be seen on page 10 of the Enterprise.