Caption: Smith House Board of Directors: First row (l to r): Martha Summers Vache ’67, Cindy Reeves Allison ’85, Ann Kraatz ’91, Marge Ewert Puck ’65 and Jessica Grammer Wells ’18. Second row: Annette Simmons ’86, Janet Williams Chipman ’75, Martha Thomason Varble ’61 and Ginny Bramley Fanning ’75. Third row: Connie Schramm Charlesworth ’77, Janet Waddill Hopper ’72, Pam Carney Martin ’82, Charlene Anderson ’87 and Dr. Beth Capo. Fourth row: Kathleen Romang English ’66, Nancy Homann Lindsay ’79, Diane Taylor Hollendonner ’76, Sandy Stallings Bellatti ’70 and Jennie Ater Castlebury ’72. Not pictured: Melanie Berg ’86, Adah Coultas, Pam Coates Painter ’71, Mary Ann Sieber Pollitt ’66, Suzanne Hartman Verticchio ’67 and Emily Dahlem Wright ’01.

Built in 1854 and purchased in 1924 by the Woman’s Building Association, Smith House has become a cherished second home for members of Illinois College’s three women’s literary societies: Gamma Delta, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Chi Beta.

For thousands of young women, Smith House has been more than just a meeting place. It’s where friendships were forged, leadership skills developed and lifelong memories made. From rush events to Judges’ meetings, its walls echo with the voices and traditions of literary society life — an invaluable part of the Illinois College experience.

In conjunction with the centennial celebration, the Smith House Board launched a fundraising campaign to install air conditioning, a $120,000 project that will help preserve the home and provide comfort for all who gather there. Thanks to generous donors, over $60,000 has already been raised, but further support is needed as the group hopes to reach the goal this year. Your contributions help to ensure Smith House remains a vibrant space for future generations, and every gift secures the legacy of this beloved home for years to come.