History of Demeter
Demeter is a service organization established in 1917 and named for the Greek goddess Demeter – the goddess of agriculture and the harvest. It serves the University of Wisconsin-Madison, primarily the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), and the Madison area community.
Demeter reflects a continuing partnership of more than 100 years of friendship and services to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as the community.
Demeter Timeline
1917
On March 15, Daughter of Demeter was formed by wives of the University of Wisconsin, Madison College of Agriculture faculty. Dues were 75 cents.
1917-1925
Made over 500 quilts, initially for the Red Cross, later for various Charities
1919
Adopted 11 French orphans; money from several fund raisers was sent to France for support; $36.50 supported an orphan for a year
1919
Assisted Dane County Council of Defense in completing the war history of Dane County
1925
Women associated with the University of Wisconsin, Madison College of Agriculture and the State Department of Agriculture were invited to join.
1926
The Loan Fund was established with $25. (Originally for women in Home Economics)
1932
Lost all the Club’s money in the “Crash” when Capitol City Bank closed
1933-1943
Sent food and clothing to neglected and needy boys at The Wisconsin Home and Farm School, Dousman
1941
Served as hostesses at the USO Sunday Coffee Hour
1967
The Golden Jubilee was held in the Great Hall, Memorial Union.
1975
Sewing Workshop began making gowns for preschool Cancer patients at UW Hospital.
1975
The first Membership Directory was printed.
1976
On March 18, the “Articles of Incorporation” was granted by the State of Wisconsin naming Daughters of Demeter, Inc. a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization.
1976
The first Demeter CALS Scholarship was offered for $150.00.
1977
The Education Fund Committee was established.
1979
The Daughters of Demeter Endowment Fund was established at the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
1980
First Corn Roast held
1981
First logo design for the Directory was the result of a contest.
1982-1983
Staffed 64 Red Cross Blood Mobiles; Staffing continued until 2011
1983
Mailing list computerized
1989
Last noted donation to the Loan Fund, $400
1992
Celebrated Daughters of Demeter 75th year at Nakoma Country Club
1994
First Newsletter published
1995
Service and Welfare Group dissolved after many years sewing items for UW Pediatrics patients.
2001
First Bulb Planting at Allen Centennial Garden held
2016
Membership opened to all people interested in the agriculture and life sciences.
2016
Organizational name but not the legal name officially changed to Demeter to reflect membership of both men and women.
2016
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CALSDemeter established
2017
Celebrated 100 years – Tea at Oakwood Retirement Residence; Annual Spring Luncheon at Black Hawk Country Club; First Garden Party at Allen Centennial Garden; Babcock Dairy made Demeter Cherrity ice cream in honor of Centennial
2018
New logo design created
2018
Organizational email address demeter1917@gmail.com created
2018
Document storage initiated on internet on Goggle Drive
2018
Voting by quorum of the board further defined
2020
Covid 19 pandemic required cancellation of in person events; Board meetings and some membership programs continued using internet via Zoom; Voting by roll call established for virtual meetings
2021-present
Use of Zoom continued for Board meetings and some member programming as a convenience.
2022
The Education Fund Committee renamed Education Committee with a larger membership and enhanced responsibilities.
2023
First newsletter dedicated to student support published
2023
Demeter website https://demeterwi.org went live.