From collection Member List
Founder Nellie Gamble (Alpha, DePauw University) was born in Martinsville, Illinois, on May 12, 1867, and spent most of her life there except for what she called "that fateful time" at DePauw. An adventurous child, Nellie gradually subdued her early wild impulses and began studying piano. Fellow Founder Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University) described Nellie as "the loveliest girl I had ever seen in all my life. Tall, slim, and graceful, with fair hair and blue eyes - gentle in voice and manner. At first she seemed timid, but acquaintance awakened a most friendly and sweet response. She was admired by all who knew her for her fine good qualities and personal charm, and loved by all her friends with rare devotion."Nellie was an eager participant in the formation of the Fraternity from its earliest days. She was part of the committee chosen at the first meeting to consult with Dean Howe to plan for the future and was elected the first corresponding secretary. By February 1886, she had been elected President.No explanation is known for why Nellie left DePauw early. She returned to Martinsville and soon after married Edward W. Childe, settling down to lead "a life of quiet influence for good." A naturally quiet and retiring person, Nellie seemed reluctant to accept the special honor and appreciation that Alpha Chi Omega reserved for its Founders. Nellie Gamble Childe died in 1960 at the age of 93.
Related Items
Alpha Chi Omega Golden Jubilee Program, June 26, 1935
This program is for Homecoming Day of the 1935 National Convention, which took place at DePauw University where the Fraternity was founded. It includes a poem by Founder Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University), the words to the Toas…
Leonard, Childe, Clark and Orndorff at Convention Photograph, June 26, 1935
Founders (left to right) Estelle Leonard (Alpha, DePauw University), Nellie Gamble Childe (Alpha, DePauw University) and Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University) pose with Ruth Orndorff Darragh (Gamma, Northwestern University) at DeP…
The First New Members
In the fall of 1885, the seven original founders invite eight friends from the School of Music to join Alpha Chi Omega.
Jewelry Belonging to Founder Nellie Gamble Childe
White gold filagree ring with oval-shaped blue stone and raised coat of arms, diamond-shaped gold pendant with black enamel inlay and raised coat of arms
Founders with 50th Birthday Cake at Convention Photograph, June 1935
Founders (left to right) Bertha Deniston Cunningham (Alpha, DePauw University), Estelle Leonard (Alpha, DePauw University), Nellie Gamble Childe (Alpha, DePauw University) and Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University) pose with a birt…
Pendant belonging to Founder Nellie Gamble Childe
Diamond-shaped gold pendant with black enamel inlay and raised gold coat of arms belonging to Founder Nellie Gamble Childe
Alpha Chi Omega Goes Public
The members of the new women's fraternity, Alpha Chi Omega, announce their presence by parading across campus to attend chapel at Meharry Hall in East College.
Ring belonging to Founder Nellie Gamble Childe
White gold filagree ring with oval-shaped blue stone and raised coat of arms belonging to Founder Nellie Gamble Childe
Award of Distinguished Service, Nellie Gamble Childe
Established in 1914, the Award of Distinction was to recognize the 29 sisters who served overseas in World War I. In 1924, the criteria was broadened to include sisters who had given “constructive service to the Fraternity.” Ma…
