Local storyteller brings P.E.O. founder to life in Schaumburg

Lulu Corkhill Williams, known as the builder of P.E.O., paid a visit to Schaumburg P.E.O. Chapter P-LK in celebration of the organization’s founding on Jan. 21, 1869. The “visit” was made possible through re-enactment by Lynn Rymarz, a member of the chapter and a noted local storyteller.

Rymarz, dressed in vintage clothing and wig, provided the group with an abbreviated history of the founding of P.E.O. She recounted a “recent luncheon conversation” she had with one of the seven founders, Franc Roads, at the Walnut Room in Marshall Field’s, in November 1919, in which they reminisced about the growth of P.E.O.

“Lulu” (who was only 15 when she joined the fledgling sorority, about three months after its establishment) recalled that in the beginning P.E.O. was a secret society, formed by seven friends who wanted to remain bonded together. Today, P.E.O. (Philanthropic and Educational Organization) is an international organization of 192,000 active members who are passionate about supporting and motivating women in their educational goals.

P.E.O. opens its membership to all women who acknowledge a belief in God, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, national origin, sexual orientation, age and abilities. For more information, go to peointernal.org.

A storyteller, Rymarz provides insightful re-enactments of an array of female historical figures. For more information, go to lynnrymarz.com.