On the Town: One hundred years of sisterhood

It's not every day that an organization with ties to Glendale celebrates its 100th anniversary. But on Wednesday, Chapter AH of the Philanthropic Educational Organization held that celebration at the Glendale home of Marilyn Butler.

About 125 members of Chapter AH, former members of AH, visitors from other chapters and guests were ready to party — albeit in a lady-like way. An afternoon tea with tea sandwiches and sweets satisfied the palate.

Co-Presidents Jan Ashford and Betty Swift welcomed their audience. Leni Richardson, in charge of Reciprocity, was next in command, having reached out to other PEO chapters to join AH members in their celebration.

Among the revelers from Glendale were Judy Ritchie, Mary Margaret Smith, Peggy Cooley, Diane Johnson and Jeri Benton, with her guest Monica Sierra. Those with famous husbands included Sally Perkins, wife of former Glendale Mayor Jim Perkins, who was recognized at the recent Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. Also present was Valery Moorhead, widow of the late U.S. Congressman Carlos Moorhead.

Clara Mae Tronowsky was also present, having been a member of PEO for 67 years. AH Chapter Past President Anna Brewer brought daughters La Crescenta resident Cindy Kenyon, and Kathy Perasso from La Cañada Flintridge.

PEO was founded on Jan. 21, 1869 at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

AH Chapter was begun in 1912 by 12 women, and now has grown to 58. The original 12 friends were initiated at the home of Sala Logan. This new chapter was originally called “Chapter AH, Tropico.” Chapter AH became the first to assist the Red Cross and other local calls for help in times of emergencies. Soon AH became known as the “Mother-Daughter Chapter.” Later it became a “Mother-Daughter-Granddaughter-Great Granddaughter Chapter.”

The PEO financial obligation is primarily the Education Fund. Members sponsor girls who need loans from the financial fund to further their educations. The financial obligation of members to the fund is through dues.