Day 65 of 110: Early History

I was rummaging through some files, and stumbled across some old chapter papers. They're types pages on yellowed paper, and obviously the kind that was typed with carbon paper. Since we are currently talking about our chapter's 110 year history, I thought it might be interesting to share some of the content. While some of this may repeat earlier blogs, it adds more information and more color to our chapter history.

History

Of

The General Joseph Winston Chapter

D.A.R.

 

     During the Centennial Celebration of Salem College, June, 1902, Mrs. Donald McLean, later President-General of the national D.A.R., and then a candidate for that office, through the charming hospitality of Mrs. Lindsay Patterson, was a honored guest on that occasion. Mrs. Patterson living in a town whose history dates back to Colonial days, being then president of Salem College Alumnae Association, sensed the need of a local D.A.R. Chapter. She knew the public spirited women of the town realizing the importance of a local organization, would be glad to cooperate with her and form a chapter. Miss Mary Love Stringfield, at that time State Regent, was also a guest of Mrs. Patterson. A number of ladies were invited to attend a meeting in the interest of a local Chapter, at which Mrs. McLean and Miss Stringfield were present. The meeting was held in the Salem College Library. Mrs. McLean charmed with the old town of Salem, the College and its historic background, suggested the name "Salem Centennial," which as accepted, though no formal organization was then effected.

 

Pictured above, Salem College Centennial in 1902 from Digital Forsyth.

 

     Later Mrs. Patterson, then a member at large, began work as an Organizing Regent. A great deal of work devolves upon an organizing regent, searching among old records, deeds, wills, family bibles, now almost a thing of the past, in dusty garrets among dusty letters and papers, and in neglected overgrown graveyards. In this arduous yet necessary work, she was very ably assisted by the late Miss Claytor Candler, a charter member and by Mrs. J.M. Rogers, also a charter member.

 

     In October, 1903, a formal organization was effected. Mrs. Patterson was chosen Regent, Mrs. William N. Reynolds, Vice-Regent, Mrs. J.M. Rogers, Registrar, Mrs. Henry Roan, Secretary, Mrs. Charles Shelton, Treasurer. Though only twelve names were required to form a D.A.R. chapter, there were thirteen. May I honor them by the name, "The Original Thirteen?" Surely it was a good omen to follow in the footsteps of the original thirteen States that formed the nucleus of the greatest nation on earth, carrying out the simile this chapter has indeed a great work ahead of it.

 

     The following were charter members, their names coming in order of their national numbers:

• Mrs. Henry Roan
• Mrs. J.L. Patterson
• Mrs. Hoffman
• Mrs. J.M. Rogers
• Mrs. J.F. Morris
• Mrs. John Dillard
• Mrs. Wm. N. Reynolds
• Mrs. Chas. Shelton
• Miss Ada Dalton
• Mrs. H.V. Horton
• Miss Minnie Slocomb
• Mrs. Alex Galloway
• Miss Claytor Candler

..............................................to be continued...........................................