Order of Calanthe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Order of Calanthe |
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| Founded | 1883 Louisiana, US |
| Type | Benefit society |
| Affiliation | Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia |
| Emphasis | African American women |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | "Fidelity, Harmony, and Love" |
| Chapters | 33+ courts |
| Headquarters | 4718 Wipprecht Street Houston, Texas 77026 United States |
The Order of Calanthe is a special group for African American women. It started in Louisiana in 1883. This group was created to help its members and the community. It was connected to another group called the Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The name "Calanthe" comes from a Greek story about a woman named Calanthe, who was the wife of Pythias.
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What is the Order of Calanthe?
The Order of Calanthe, originally called the Independent Order of Calanthe, is a group that helps its members. It was formed in Louisiana in 1883. The main goal was to improve the "social, intellectual, and moral welfare" of its members and the wider community. This means they wanted to help people learn, grow, and be good citizens.
How the Order of Calanthe Started
The first branch of the Order of Calanthe in Florida began in 1887. By 1888, there were 33 local groups, called "courts," across the United States.
A very successful branch was the Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas. It started on May 30, 1897. There is even a historical marker to remember its importance. Susie H. Norris helped create this Texas group. She was chosen as its first leader, called the Grand Worthy Counsellor, and served from 1898 to 1902.
After her, America D. Key led the group from 1902 to 1925. She helped the organization grow a lot. It became one of the biggest Grand Courts in the United States. After Key passed away in 1925, Fannie McPherson led from 1925 to 1934. Then P. E. Davis led from 1934 to 1944.
The University of Texas San Antonio has a photo of a parade with members of the Order of Calanthe. The group also had an office building in Houston, Texas. In 2018, the Texas court became the Calanthe Historical Society.
The Grand Court of Calanthe in Michigan started in September 1922 in Detroit. Anna T. Hyde was its first Grand Worthy Counsellor. Many groups like this faced challenges during the Great Depression. This was a time in history when the economy was very difficult. However, as of 2025, the Grand Court of Calanthe Texas is still active. Its main office is in Houston, Texas.
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Symbols and Meaning
The group was named after Calanthe, a character from the Greek story Damon and Pythias. She was the wife of Pythias. The motto of the Order of Calanthe is "Fidelity, Harmony, and Love." This means being loyal, getting along, and caring for each other. Members of the Order of Calanthe are known for wearing special fez hats. Each level of membership has its own unique symbols and teachings.
What They Do
The Order of Calanthe helped its members by providing important benefits. These included life insurance, money for when members were sick, and help with funeral costs. Beyond helping their own members, the group also does good things for the community. They support charities and work to make society fairer for everyone.
Who Can Join?
At first, only family members of the Knights of Pythias could join the Order of Calanthe. Later, any woman could join if a Knight sponsored her. Members of the Order are ranked in different levels, called "degrees."
Important Buildings
The Calanthean Temple in Shreveport, Louisiana, was built by the group in 1923. This building is part of the St. Paul's Bottoms historic district.
Famous Members
- Fannie Emanuel, an educator, businesswoman, and leader in women's clubs.
- Mame Stewart Josenberger, an educator, businesswoman, and leader in women's clubs.
- Vivian Osborne Marsh, an activist and leader in women's clubs.
- Carrie A. Tuggle, an educator, helper of others, and social activist.
