Sorority brings back tea tradition

Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Chester brought an old and treasured tradition back to life on Oct. 14 at the historic Cohen Home, overlooking the Mississippi River in Chester.

The annual Preferential Tea had not been held by the local sorority for several years. This year Beta Nu Chapter hosted the event in honor of new pledges.

Beta Sigma Phi sorority began in Chester on April 6, 1938. The motto of the social organization is "Life, Learning and Friendship." Local chapters currently include Beta Nu (Jeanne Wagner, president); Alpha Upsilon Master (Andrea Costilow, president); and Omega Delta (Tammy Schroeder, president).

New pledges who were introduced at the tea were Jan Crow and Sharon Draves, both with Alpha Upsilon Master chapter; and Kaile Eggemeyer and Christie Modglin, Omega Delta Chapter. New pledges not in attendance are Robin Burton, Valerie Blechle, Cheri Boyd, Lindsey Hargis, Dianne Hecht, Missy Meyer and Chelsea Schroeder, all of Omega

Delta chapter.

Several members of newly chartered Omega Delta chapter arrived in clothing reminiscent of an earlier era, complete with hats and white gloves. Susie Lochhead displayed an appliquéd Baltimore Christmas lap quilt which she created for Beta Nu chapter's fundraising activities.

Andrea Costilow of Alpha Upsilon Master chapter shared memories of attending her first formal tea, given by Honorary Member Mariah Mullins in 1963.

Tea delicacies were enjoyed and it was decided that the tradition of the Beta Sigma Phi Preferential Tea will continue in Chester</group><group id="2DA460FB-A729-4538-AEDD-70E1AFDC8D7