The May 2023 closing of 181-year old Iowa Wesleyan University reverberated profound sadness throughout the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Our friendship organization was founded in the university’s Old Main on January 21, 1869, with the initial seven promises made in its second floor music room. This historic place was designated by the university for P.E.O. purposes in 1917, and first opened for guests in 1922. Additional exhibit, display and meeting spaces were also generously made available for P.E.O. usage in 1980.

In November 2023, the Mount Pleasant Community School District purchased the central campus where Old Main holds a prominent position. Chapter Original A has entered into a lease agreement with the school district to reopen the P.E.O. spaces for guests, tours and meetings. Annual rent comes from International Chapter’s 150 Fund established during P.E.O.’s sesquicentennial celebration; insurance costs will remain with Chapter Original A, owner of the contents and artifacts; interior maintenance of these rooms and docent responsibilities continue with the three local Mount Pleasant chapters, while the maintenance of the building will be the responsibility
of the school district.

P.E.O. Birthplace Re-Opens for Visitors, Tours and Chapter Meetings
A scheduled appointment is necessary.
Please contact
PEOMemRm@gmail.com

WELCOME HOME!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article Info

Topic

History

Article Type

Special Feature

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