The Charleston-Institute Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
It is very important to recognize from the onset that it is our abiding friendship and program enthusiasm that has been the bedrock upon which our Chapter has thrived through more than seven challenging decades.
The Charleston-Institute Chapter of the Links, Inc. was established May 12, 1951. It was organized by a committee of five ladies: Links Julia Y. Hawkins, Gladys B. Johnson, Ruth S. Norman, Thelma S. Gregory and Grace I. Woodson. This committee extended invitations to seven outstanding women of the community. The installation of chapters by Link Claudine Lewis occurred May 12, 1951. Chapter members, including the organizing members were: Links Thelma B. Calloway, Helen Clement, Mary Gee Gray, Darlene Harvey, India Jennings, Helen J. Lonesome and Maude Peters. Link Harvey transferred to the Los Angeles Chapter. Link Clement transferred to the Detroit Chapter upon retirement of Connecting Link Professor Fred Clement from West Virginia State College.
The next several waves of members in the Chapter’s expansion included: Links Ruth Elaine Broadnax, Laura J. Brown, Charlene H. Byre, India W. Harris, Eunice S. Moore, Elizabeth Nelson (Mother of our alumnae Link Barbara Nelson Carroll), Ruth B. Newsom, Della B. Taylor Hardman and Constance “Dit” Davis Welch. These members were followed by Links Mildred Bateman, MD., Mildred T. Holt, Lucia B. James and Beatryce Mickey who were followed by Links Deborah B. Billups, Gloria G. Carper and Lucy M. McNeil.
Compiled by Link Ruth Mildred Holt.