These women met in Magnolia Hall, on West 7th Street, Oakland, for the express purpose of organizing a society for their mutual protection, and above all, perpetuate those noble and patriotic sentiments which are characteristic of the Portuguese women for many centuries past, and thus, the first Council was founded.

Within a period of six months, fifteen councils were organized. On August 12, 1901 delegates from the fifteen councils met in Oakland and instituted the Supreme Council. Since then, the Society has convened annually in various parts of the State.

The Society continued to progress and has expanded statewide with 70 Subordinate Councils, representing an affiliation of more than 9,800 in adult and juvenile groups.

September 8, 1950; establish juvenile class of insurance membership admitting girls from birth and upon attaining age sixteen, a juvenile joins the adult class of membership. Youth is an asset to our Society, and it is the aim of the U.P.P.E.C.^TM to encourage the interest of the younger generation to expand and prosper, and to carry on the ideals and traditions as future leaders of our great fraternal society.

1963 Annual Convention; established scholarship program to assist high school graduates to further their education.

1969 Annual Convention; adopted legislation admitting boys from birth and adult men with insurance protection.