Founding of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity
On April 28, 1867, the National Women's Fraternity Movement began here in the home of Jacob Holt. In a second floor bedroom, shared by Ada Bruen and Libbie Brook, twelve Monmouth College co-eds founded I.C. Sorosis, known today by its Greek motto, Pi Beta Phi. The organization was similar to men's fraternities, and it quickly expanded with two new chapters added in 1868 and 1869.
The fraternity’s 1940 Convention voted to preserve the home as a memorial to its founders. The renovated Holt House opened on April 26, 1941.
Marker is on East 1st Avenue east of South 3rd Street, on the left when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
