The History of the Daughters of Penelope
The Daughters of Penelope was the realization of Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfelds’ dream. Her desire was to create a woman‘s organization and because of her perseverance and the encouragement of her husband Dr. Emanuel Apostolides, a devoted AHEPAN, she formed EOS Chapter #1 with 25 charter members on November 16, 1929 in San Francisco, California. She was elected the first Grand President of the organization in 1931.
Alexandra envisioned a new beginning for the Greek American woman. She drafted the basic principles of our organization which became an inspiration to all women.
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The objectives of the Daughters of Penelope are to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family & Individual Excellence. The Daughters of Penelope encourages and promotes loyalty to the country in which they live; cultivates the ideals and traditions of Hellenism; promotes opportunities of education; promotes a spirit of cooperation and works closely and in harmony with the whole AHEPA Family – American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
In 1938, the establishment of the first Canadian Chapter in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, by Sister Cleo Girgulis, paved the way for the DOP to become an international organization. The first DOP chapter in Greece was formed in 1956 by Past Grand President Adeline Geo-Karis, making our bonds to the mother country even stronger.
Today, our headquarters are located in Washington, D.C. We have become a leader in philanthropic, educational, and cultural activities with over 250 chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece and Cyprus. (Daughters of Penelope in Europe: Stuttgart, Germany, Paris, France, Brussels, Belgium, London, UK, Vienna, Austria)
The DOP not only help through monetary contributions, but also through countless hours of volunteer work in hospitals, senior citizen homes, women’s shelters and daycare centers. Further, they organize educational seminars, award scholarships, sponsor HUD housing, help the less fortunate, support their local churches, and make a huge difference in their communities.
The AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Maids of Athena and Sons of Pericles, The Daughters of Penelope is non-partisan and non-denominational.
The Story of Penelope
In ancient Greek mythology, Penelope was the wife of Odysseus, King of Ithaca. Odysseus left her with their son, Telemachus, when he went to the Trojan War. After the war ended, numerous mishaps and weary wanderings kept him from returning home. As time went on and he did not return, many suitors tried to claim her hand. For a long time, she put them off with the plea that she must finish a robe for Laertes, her father-in-law; but every night she unraveled what she had woven by day, thus remaining faithful to the memory of Odysseus and steadfast to the sanctity of her home. Finally, Odysseus appeared after an absence of
twenty years.
The name of our Order, Daughters of Penelope, symbolizes all the noble virtues that made up the character of Penelope.
Daughters of Penelope Logo
The Head of Penelope, in ancient headdress, symbolizes friendship and womanhood, and is significant to the very foundation of life, home and country. The Olive Wreath, encircling the head of Penelope, is symbolic of the only prize given to the Olympic victors, participating in the ancient Olympic Games. The Cross is a symbol of our Christian Faith, and the Crossed Sabers are taken from the Shield of the Greek Nation. The Eagle symbolizes the United States, where our Order was founded. The letters ΘΠ (Theta-Pi) stand for ΘυγατÎρες της ΠενÎλοπης thus we are known as the Daughters of Penelope.
Chloris #40
KHLORIS (Chloris) was the goddess of all flowers and a nymph of the Islands of the Blessed. She was the daughter of Amphion and Niobe and wife of Zephyros the West-Wind and the mother of Karpos (Carpus), god of fruit. Her Roman name was Flora. The word chloris translates as green-yellow, pale green, pale or fresh.
The Chloris chapter was chartered on August 16, 1935. Our members were initiated by the officers of Themis Chapter of Akron, Ohio. Sister Nellie Bourlas was our first chapter president.
Charter Members of Chloris #40 were: Katherine Mangeris Goglos, Angela Bozeka, Frances Michalos, Angeline Beyoglides, Mary Beyoglides, Nina Bozeka, Ann Chuchanis, Hronicky Gunias, Kathryn Gunias, Theana Lambros, Katherine Michalos, Ida Niarchos, Katherine Niarchos, Anna Poulos, Katherine Trifelos, Stella Trifelos, Mary Zenallis, and Margaret Johnson.
The sisters of Chloris designed and made seven Amalia outfits and six Evzone outfits and were often called upon to perform at various civic events. Penelopian Dancers included: Joanne Nicholas, Susie Manos, Flora Anderson, Irene Gianakis, and Stella Vallos.
Chloris had a traveling Degree Team consisting of members: Kathryn Lazarides, Susie Manos, Evelyn Kontanides, Sophie Usner, Sophie Effantis, and Sophie Klide.
The Debutante Ball, created in 1967-1968 with Sophie Usner serving as its first chairman, supported Scholarships for Stark County Girls of Greek Decent. Early charities supported by Chloris #40 included Massillon State Hospital, Applecreek State Hospital, and Fairmount Children’s Home.