1946-1958

Grand Conventions, 1946-1958: Through words and pictures

  • 450 X 450 1946

    Grand Convention, 1946

    Pasadena, Calif.

    "By Plane, by motor, Thetas began to arrive at the Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, June 23 ... then at 9 a.m. June 24 the THETA SPECIAL train brought most of the far distant officers, delegates, and visitors -- some 300 of them!"

  • 1948 pin

    Grand Convention, 1948

    Mackinac Island, Mich.

    Unknown Canadian delegate’s report:

    “At seven o’clock we lined up according to chapter installation for the banquet and marched in by twos to a very pretty banqueting hall, entirely lighted by candles and each table decorated with large pink lady-slippers and blue stars – the favors were small crested compacts. Mrs. Banta was a most able toast-mistress and the toasts were likened to fire-crackers, it being the 4th of July, starting with the flame through to the fuse, the rocket, and the stars – each speaker took her part nobly and well and we were especially proud of our Canadian delegate from Montreal.”

  • 450 X 450 1950

    Grand Convention, 1950

    Swampscott, Mass.

    Shanta Vasisht, Theta Fellowship recipient from India:

    “I liked the combination of gaiety and seriousness in the Convention. The light-heartedness of the Thetas made the atmosphere cheerful and lively … The plans and projects of the Thetas provided a note of seriousness and reflected the aims and objectives of Kappa Alpha Theta. Their emblem fascinated me, and I could imagine the kite – flying high, active and lively – symbolizing their aspirations and ideals.”

  • 450 X 450 1952

    Grand Convention, 1952

    Sun Valley, Idaho

    The Kite:

    “Have you noticed how it is harder to get up each morning as the Convention progresses? It’s funny how in the wee morning hours you can always think of more things that just have to be said.”

  • 450 X 450 1954

    Grand Convention, 1954

    Quebec

    The Kite:

    “It certainly did not take the Navy long to hear the Thetas were in port, because Saturday evening found the officers of the flagship of the Eastern Canadian Navy, H.M.C.S. Quebec, in the lobby. Last seen, they were escorting a group of Thetas down to the ship, with Pat Mooney chaperoning. Sunday morning the officers were again hosts when they showed their ship to another group of Theta actives.”

  • 1956 group

    Grand Convention, 1956

    Banff Springs, Canada

    The Kite:

    “Banff the Beautiful was brisk and chill, a delight to many who had sweltered at home. Of course, the blizzard that descended on those going up to the ski lift was overdoing it a bit, but the contrast in weather only impressed them with the fact that Banff was quite an exciting place to be."

  • 450 X 450 1958

    Grand Convention, 1958

    Wernersville, Penn.

    The Kite:

    "Rising to the surface is the joy of association with other Thetas from throughout the land … the sheer pleasure of spending a week in the glamorous surroundings of one of the world’s most magnificent resort hotels … the enthusiasm of the parties … the recognition accorded officers and outstanding Thetas."