Tri Delta’s Archives received a remarkable gift—32 handwritten journals belonging to Ernestine “Ernie” Block Grigsby, Colorado. Together, they paint an intimate portrait of one of Tri Delta’s most dedicated and visionary leaders, capturing her lifelong relationship with our sisterhood and her influence on generations of members.
A Legacy of Leadership
Ernie’s Tri Delta journey began at the University of Colorado, where she served as chapter president. From there, her leadership only grew—she went on to serve as province president, national president and Tri Delta’s delegate to the National Panhellenic Conference three different times, totaling 18 years of service.
Her impact extended far beyond Tri Delta. Ernie also served as secretary of the Interfraternity Research and Advisory Council and was honored by other fraternities for her service to youth in America, including awards from Theta Chi and Lambda Chi Alpha.
Modernizing Tri Delta
During her time as Fraternity President, Ernie helped modernize Tri Delta while honoring its traditions. She established a treasurer’s office, created a unified bookkeeping system for all chapters and introduced audits to strengthen financial accountability. She also developed continuous membership files and appointed district advisors to provide more personal support for chapters. (Photo to right from 1938 Convention)
Passionate about the member experience, Ernie visited chapters across the country and played a key role in enhancing chapter housing. She was also an early champion of what became the Crescent Fund, which continues to support Tri Deltas in times of need today.
A Heart for Sisterhood
Even with her national responsibilities, Ernie remained deeply involved at the local level, supporting both Alpha Pi Chapter at the University of Maryland and her local alumnae chapter. She often opened her home to collegians needing a break or alumnae who were new to the area, sharing stories about Tri Delta’s history, personalities and traditions.
To honor her legacy, Tri Delta created the Ernestine Block Grigsby Award, recognizing outstanding alumnae who embody her spirit of service and leadership. Those who received her hand-painted pansy plates as tokens of appreciation still treasure them today.
A Window Into Her World
Ernie’s journals, spanning from 1935 to 1981, offer a fascinating look into her daily life. Her entries capture everything from Tri Delta travels to major historical moments—the end of World War II, the assassination of President Kennedy and even an invitation to the White House, where she met First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, describing her as “a real person!”
Between notes on national events are glimpses of everyday joys—family dinners, children’s activities and the excitement of finding the perfect dress for a special occasion. Tucked among the pages are note cards, receipts and mementos that vividly bring her world to life.
Remembering Ernestine
In her later years, Ernie grew close to Sarah Ida Shaw, Boston, Tri Delta’s beloved Founder, and worked alongside other early leaders like Bessie Leach Priddy, Adrian, Amy Olgen Parmelee, Northwestern, and R. Louise Fitch, Knox. Her gift for storytelling helped preserve their legacies for future generations.
Sarah once described Ernie as a woman of “ability, stability, imagination and spiritual force.” Those qualities shine through in every page of her journals—a testament to her life of service, leadership and sisterhood.
Thanks to this extraordinary archival collection, Tri Deltas today can still learn from Ernie’s example—a reminder that one woman’s vision and heart can shape a legacy that lasts for generations.
From Ernie’s journals:
Feb. 24, 1935: “Slept at DDD house. RLF [R. Louise Fitch] & I had good visit.”
March 17, 1935: “Slept late. Meeting with [Sarah] Ida Shaw Martin til 3 pm”
April 4, 1937: “Went to see Ida Shaw Martin. Met girls [of Alpha chapter] for tea then talked til train time.”
Feb. 16, 1939: “Supper at the [Alpha Pi chapter] house. Meeting with pledges, such lovely girls. Left late.”
Oct. 12, 1939: “Dinner at club with Mrs. Roosevelt—sat across the table from her—she’s a real person!”
May 1, 1945: “Mothers’ meeting at the DDD house; Peace rumors still going on!!”
