On Monday May 8, 2023 the Washita Chapter NSDAR meeting was called to order by Judy Tracy, pro tem regent. The daughters were led in an opening prayer then recited The Pledge of Allegiance, The American Creed, The Preamble to the Constitution and the Oklahoma Flag Salute.
A welcome service was performed by Tracy , pro tem chaplain Phillys Stevenson, Registrar Marci Grant and Kathryn Harrison for Ann Graham.
The President General’s Message was given by Virginia Reid. “This month, the National Society will honor and recognize the 7 million veterans and 10 million members of those who served in the Vietnam War by participating in the National Welcome Home event to honor and recognize Vietnam veterans. It is being hosted by the official United States of American Vietnam War Commemoration and will be held on the National Mall in Washington DC, from May 11-13. The DAR will host a tent that will be a welcoming place for our Vietnam veterans, their families, and guests to visit.”
She encouraged all chapters to support and show appreciation for teachers this month.
National Defender report: Around 1776, Fort Horn was built for the local militia somewhere on the Eastport peninsula near the mouth of the Severn River to protect Annapolis harbor from invasion by the British fleets during the Revolutionary War and during the War of 1812. It last served as a smallpox infirmary during the Civil War before disappearing. Archaeologists believe they have uncovered traces of the fort under the shallow water off Horn Point.
In the Horn Point Street End Park, a marker commemorates the Maryland forces being joined here by French troops under General Lafayette for the defense of the city of Annapolis during the Revolutionary War Robetha Fariss spoke about her fifth great grandfather, Michael Crose, who was 11 years old when the Revolutionary War began and 18 at war’s end. Being underage he was considered a “Minute Man” as someone under the age of 25 who could be used for duties like delivering messages behind enemy lines….
The program was given by Renee Trindle, Director at Sod House Museum in Aline, Oklahoma. Her topic was on “Feed Sacks”. The sacks were used for clothing after they started using cloth to package the feed. It would take 3 cloth feed sacks tomakeadress. Theywere also used for quilts and up to the 1950’-60’s the fabric cost .32 cents and the paper ones were 10 cents per bag.
Committee Reports: American Indians-There is a Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington state which resulted from the Fish Wars of the 1960’s.
DAR Good Citizens—Carol Ann Batterton has visited 12 schools honoring those students who received recognition as DAR Good Citizens. Women’s Issues—Judy Tracy reminded that May is Mental Health Awareness Month with goals to raise awareness and remove the stigma.
Patriot Records Project… Lu Eisler reported she has s pent 19 hours certifying Revolutionary War Records from Rhode Island. She has reviewed over 16,000 pages and has only about 9,000 more pages to go…… The meeting was closed with The Daughter’s Pledge.
Members attending: Carol Ann Batterton, Luanne Eisler, Robetha Faris, Ann Graham, Marci Grant, Kathryn Harrison, Virginia Reid, Linda Stewart, Judy Tracy, Deborah Whinery, Marilyn Wilson and a visit from member Rose Millspaugh.
