I actually think this is an interesting question from a historical perspective. I would assume, that in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century as fraternities for women were growing, women would write letters of recommendations for their friends and family that were going to their college or another where they had a chapter to introduce them for membership. At some point, a National organization, maybe one at first, decided it would be a good idea to have a form for that purpose. The idea caught on and by at least the 1930's references were the norm. No facts, just my assumptions. They are still very important in areas where tradition is strong. In Dallas, we still have our Reference Boards who oversee all references that leave Dallas.
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