Louise Porreca was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the daughter of immigrants from Calabria. She was very active in civic affairs and, as a teacher of hairdressing, was twice appointed to the Pennsylvania Board of Cosmetology. Both she and her husband, Alphonse Porreca, were active in the Order Sons of Italy in America local lodges. Louise Porreca went on to become the first female on the National Council when she was elected Supreme Trustree in 1921. In 1948, she was appointed as Supreme Deputy to Delaware, the first woman ever to be appointed to that position. For the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge, she served as Vice President of the Dante School for Children from 1939 to 1947.
Papers (1919-1969) of Louise Porreca consist of biographical notes and clippings about her, and various photographs of her, her daughter Elvira Porreca-John, a Columbus Day celebration, OSIA officers, and the Dante school.
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