Delphian Club

Organizational History

The Delphian Society formed in Chicago around 1910 to promote women's education in the arts, literature and history. Following the formation of the society, several chapters formed across the U.S., including a local chapter in San Jose.

On January 30, 1931, the San Jose chapter received their Charter from the national organization and at that time the seventy-nine members named their branch the Alpha Chi Chapter. The goal of the members was to promote higher education, personal improvement, and social progress. The Delphian Study Club, a women's book club, offered specific courses in the humanities. The members were required to purchase the complete set of books though the meetings were non-scholarly. As part of their membership, the women were required to present what they learned during their assigned readings and were encouraged to speak briefly from direct knowledge and understanding rather than reciting a prepared speech. The Delphian Society published several volumes of books containing an outline of human knowledge from ancient history, literature, drama, art, modern literature, poetry, and music.

In 1947, the Alpha Chi Chapter spilt from the National Organization to form a separate autonomous organization, which they renamed the Delphian Study Club. This spilt allowed the women the ability to charter their own study course based on subjects of interest and speakers of their choice.

The Presidents of Delphian Study Club (1942-1985) include: Alice Fuller 1942, Thelma Carter 1950, Helen Miller 1960, Beth Leese 1955, Bobbie Powell 1954, Gladys Scarborough 1964, Hazel Lambrecht 1962, Eileen Murphy 1963, Norma Spalding 1975, Fuji Takaichi 1966, Tody Dahleen 1967, Kay Schilla 1964, Frances Lenz 1978, Marcia Vosti 1973, Sadye Lewis 1981, Helen Hughes 1977, Marion Rumbolz 1976, Diane McLaughin 1979-1986, Carol Johnson 1981, Jacqui Smith 1982-1983, Geraldine Payne 1984-1985.

From the guide to the Delphian Study Club Records, 1931-2011, (San José State University. Library.)