History of Richmond Chapter
Founding Members
In 1944, a group of
young woman residing in Richmond, VA who had been high
school and college friends formed a club. The founders of
the Richmond club were:
Mary Hewlett Brown, Elsie Taylor Brown, Thelma
Johnson Hall, Ruby Ellis Mitchell, Eddie Nicholson Patrick
Throughout the years, the group changed as its members moved
to various parts of the country. In order to keep old
friendships alive and make new friends, it was suggested by
Bernice Davis Winston and agreed upon by the group that a
National organization be formed.
On March 28, 1951, the
Richmond Epicureans applied for a charter and became
National Epicureans, Inc. The charter was issued by State of
Virginia on February 13, 1952.
The purpose of this
organization is to promote the social, cultural, literacy,
civic, moral and benevolent interests and welfare of its
members.
The founders were charter members of the
National Epicureans: Helen Sampson Brooks, Elsie Taylor
Brown, Florence Perkins Dagner, Themla Gilliam Fields,
Ellalee Fountain Flowers, Ollie B. Gee, Thelma Johnson Hall,
Ruby Ellis Mitchell, Eddie Nicholson Patrick, Grace
Blackwell Perkins, Gwendolyn Dawson Robbins, Thelma Mealey
Robinson, Bernice Davis Winston, Alberta Howell Tyson.
These young woman selected the name Epicurean with the
meaning, "Eat, Drink and Be Merry". This name was suggested
by Thelma Johnson hall.
Pictured to the right our
deceased founders: Eppies Elsie Taylor Brown and Thelma
Gilliam Fields. Founders residing in Richmond are Eppies
Thelma Mealey Robinson, Eddie Nicholson Patrick and Ellalee
Fountain
The Epicurean Story
A Tale of Friendship
The city...Richmond, Virginia... the year... 1944... best
friends in high school and college pals decided to form a
club. They named the club Epicureans, depicting their motto,
"Eat, Drink and Be Merry". Their colors...ebony, ivory and
their flower the red rose.
Through the years, the
group changed as the friends moved to various parts of the
country...And so it was... In an effort to maintain their
friendships, and make new friends; the club became a
national organization. The club evolved... it became... "The
National Epicureans, Incorporated" February 13, 1952. Today
there are: 22 chapters, yearly conclaves, a National
Project, a National Choir, a website and chapters continue
to induct many, many new, young, members.
The
Founders' principals (etched so long ago) remain the guiding
force of National Epicureans. The sisterhood continues to
promote: Social, cultural, literary, civic, moral,
benevolent interests and the welfare of its members.
Chapters across the nation are constantly engaged in
numerous civic and social activities i.e.: working with the
Sickle Cell Foundation, providing for the needy, the
homeless, the elderly, as well as advocating volunteers for
various women's and children's groups.
...Turn the
pages... enjoy the... atmosphere of celebration... As together... we
journey down memory lane, reflecting on our glorious
history... A history that is under girded and steeped in
eternal friendship and sisterly love.