100 Years of The Anchor

By Carole Bicking Keily (Alpha Xi 1975/Mansfield)

Behold the fruit of our labor! We await your greeting of this first edition of ‘The Anchor’ with great interest but much trepidation. If we have strengthed the Alpha Sigma Tau friendships we shall have been repaid.
—Louise Glade Bohlen (Alpha 1914/Eastern Michigan), Associate Editor, 1925

1925:
The First Edition of The Anchor

In 1925, Alpha Sigma Tau took a big step with the launch of The Anchor. The magazine set the stage for promoting connections among members; pages were filled with updates on collegiate and alumnae chapters, the Sorority’s colors, hymn, and even the “Footpath to Peace.” The chapters shared their histories, membership lists, and activities, often with songs and poems that reflected each chapter’s spirit.

1949:
Growth and Camaraderie

By 1949, The Anchor was brimming with content in just 34 pages. The April 1949 issue highlighted the forthcoming National Convention and offered member-submitted articles on topics ranging from “book therapy” to the dynamics of alumnae cooperation. Readers met Alpha Sigma Tau members, including a Homecoming Queen. The steady growth of the Sorority was evident, as were the well-dressed and poised women featured in the issue’s photographs, reflecting the elegance and camaraderie that defined the era.

1974:
A Time of Achievement and Reflection

By 1974, Alpha Sigma Tau was flourishing. The Fall issue of The Anchor showcased the Convention Queen, Nancy Dmoch (Zeta Tau 1972/Longwood), and documented Convention through extensive photo coverage. National President Sybil King’s (Psi 1947/James Madison) speech was featured, along with updates on Convention awards and newly elected leaders. Collegiate members’ achievements were celebrated, and a thought-provoking section, “What AΣΤs Think Now and in the Future,” asked collegiate members how they thought the Sorority was adapting to contemporary values while remaining true to its core values.

1999:
Embracing the Centennial

As the 20th century drew to a close, the Fall 1999 issue of The Anchor commemorated Alpha Sigma Tau’s centennial with a blend of nostalgia and forward-looking vision. The magazine included updates on the National Foundation, the new headquarters building in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Sorority’s ongoing commitment to various philanthropic and community service endeavors. A timeline of significant milestones topped each page, celebrating a century of sisterhood and service.

Reflections on Change and Continuity

While there have been many changes in clothing and communications styles over the decades, The Anchor has also evolved in content and in the way it has been produced. From handwritten or typewritten articles in 1925 to floppy disks to the desktop publishing revolution of the 1990s, the magazine’s production mirrored the technological advancements of the times. What remains constant is the magazine’s role in uniting and inspiring Alpha Sigma Tau Sisters.

As we celebrate 100 years of The Anchor, we honor the rich history and enduring legacy of Alpha Sigma Tau, a Sisterhood that continues to thrive and adapt, always looking forward while remembering our past.

Carole Bicking Keily was the Editor of The Anchor from 1990 to 1995 and the Associate Editor from 2012 to 2016. She knows about that feeling of “great interest but much trepidation” before an issue is delivered.

Find more Alpha Sigma Tau history

Explore All Anchors

If you loved this overview of Anchors through the ages, you might be interested in reading through the issues yourself! We are excited to be able to share each issue of The Anchor with you, in its entirety.

You can find all issues of the magazine, from 1925 onward, online here.

Explore our history museum

For 125 years, Alpha Sigma Tau has collected and preserved a wealth of historical materials, including photographs, documents, memorabilia, and publications that illustrate the life and growth of the Sorority.

In 2023, Alpha Sigma Tau launched our digital museum with 400+ digitized pieces of our rich history. This museum will ensure that our artifacts and items, including copies of The Anchor, will be preserved digitally and made available to all Sisters in perpetuity.

Explore the museum and learn more about digitization efforts here.