The Order of Calanthe, originally titled the Independent Order of Calanthe, is a fraternal benefit society for African American women. It was established in Louisiana in 1883 as an auxiliary to the
. Calanthe was the wife of Pythias in the Greek legend
Damon and Pythias
The story of Damon (; , gen. Δάμωνος) and Pythias (;
or
; or Phintias, ) is a legend in Greek historic writings illustrating the Pythagorean ideal of friendship. Pythias is accused of and charged with plotting against the tyrannical Dion ...
.
History
The Order of Calanthe, originally titled the Independent Order of Calanthe, is a fraternal benefit society for African American women. It was established in Louisiana in 1883 as an auxiliary to the
. Its purpose was promoting "the social, intellectual, and moral welfare of its members and the community at large".
Courts
The Grand Court of Florida was established in 1887. By 1888, there were 33 courts in the United States.
The Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas, established on May 30, 1897, was a highly successful branch and is commemorated with a historical marker. Susie H. Norris, who helped organize the Grand Court of Texas, was elected the first Grand Worthy Counsellor of the organization and served from 1898 to 1902. In 1902, America D. Key led the organization until 1925 and dramatically expanded the organization making it one of the largest Grand Courts in the United States. After Key died in 1925, Fannie McPherson led from 1925 to 1934 and P. E. Davis from 1934 to 1944.
The
University of Texas San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA or UT San Antonio) is a Public university, public research university in San Antonio, Texas, United States. Established in 1969,Anna T. Hyde as the first Grand Worthy Counsellor. During the 1920s, Texas grew to become one of the largest courts in the United States. However, many fraternal and benefit societies struggled to survive the
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe global economic downturn from 1929 to 1939. The period was characterized by high rates of unemployment and poverty, drastic reductions in industrial production and international trade, and widespread bank and ...
. As of 2025, the Grand Court of Calanthe Texas is still active. Its headquarters are in Houston, Texas.
Symbols
The organization was named for Calanthe, the wife of Pythias in the Greek legend
Damon and Pythias
The story of Damon (; , gen. Δάμωνος) and Pythias (;
or
; or Phintias, ) is a legend in Greek historic writings illustrating the Pythagorean ideal of friendship. Pythias is accused of and charged with plotting against the tyrannical Dion ...
. The organization's motto is "Fidelity, Harmony, and Love." The Order of Calanthe is known for its distinctive fez hats. Each degree has its unique symbols, teachings, and rituals.
Activities
The organization provided life insurance, sick, and death benefits. Members provide community service, support charities, and advocate for social justice and civil rights.
Membership
Membership in the Order of Calanthe was originally opened to family members of the Knights but was later widened to any woman sponsored by a Knight. The order's members are ranked by several degrees.
Buildings
The Calanthean Temple in Shreveport was built by the group in 1923 and is part of the
St. Paul's Bottoms
St. Paul's Bottoms was a section of Shreveport, Louisiana established by African Americans. It had hotels for blacks in what was a segregated city as well as offices and saloons. Known as a redlight district there was prostitution in the area. T ...
Fannie Emanuel
Dr. Fannie Hagen Emanuel (July 31, 1871 – March 31, 1934) was an American medical doctor and civic leader active in Chicago over the early decades of the twentieth century. In 1908 she founded the Emanuel Settlement House in Chicago.
Biograp ...
, educator, businesswoman, and
clubwoman
The club movement is an American women's social movement that started in the mid-19th century and spread throughout the United States. It established the idea that women had a moral duty and responsibility to transform public policy. While wome ...
clubwoman
The club movement is an American women's social movement that started in the mid-19th century and spread throughout the United States. It established the idea that women had a moral duty and responsibility to transform public policy. While wome ...
*
Vivian Osborne Marsh
Vivian Osborne Marsh (September 5, 1898 – March 8, 1986) was an American clubwoman based in San Francisco, California. She was president of the California State Association of Colored Women, and national president of Delta Sigma Theta.
Early l ...
, activist and club woman
* Carrie A. Tuggle, educator, philanthropist, and social activist