Day 98 of 110: Ellis Island

We will soon mark the 125th anniversary of the Ellis Island Immigration Station. The Federal government assumed control of immigration on April 18, 1890, when President Benjamin Harrison designated Ellis Island as the first Federal Immigration Station. By the time it closed on November 12, 1954, twelve million immigrants had been processed by the U.S. Bureau of Immigration. Today, over 40 percent of Americans can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.

When I first heard about this anniversary, I also learned of DAR's involvement in Ellis Island via activities such as donating person items for immigrants at Ellis Island. I've been eager to find some documentation about this, and finally did discover a reference in the 1951 NCSDAR State Yearbook.

At the State Conference that year, a report was given by the Ellis Island Committee, a nationally recognized committee. Following is the text from that report.

It is a privilege to be able to report this year far more interest and enthusiasm manifested by chapters throughout the state. Chapter Chairmen have cooperated with the State Chairman in trying to carry out the constructive work of the Ellis Island Committee in building stronger bodies, minds, and the morale of men.

I sent letters to all Chapters outlining the aim of the committee and giving suggestions for the year's work. Copies of the questionnaire sent me by National Chairman were included. Our occupational therapy work in the U.S. Marine Hospital at Ellis Island has received greatest emphasis. 65 Chapters sent in reports of which 57 had Chairmen, an increase of 30 over last year.

Three Chapter used the film, one broadcast; three Chapters used the newspaper for publicity; three used the exhibit, amount sold from exhibits $20.00; Christmas gifts, 7 boxes contained yarn, looper clips, cotton material, crochet cotton, wool, Christmas gifts, 8 lbs. of looper clips and one weaving loom, 100 Christmas carol booklets. These 7 boxes were valued at $33.00. Chapters donated $243.00 in addition to the material listed above.

It was a privilege and a pleasure to have visited the Colonel Robert Rowan Chapter in Fayetteville on the 12th of December. After my talk, the Chairman's daughter showed pictures of Ellis Island and the patients at work there. I also attended district meeting in Elizabeth City, Jacksonville and Durham, used exhibits from Ellis Island that were sent to State Chairmen.

I attended National Ellis Island Breakfast at Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C. in April. The Fifty-Ninth Continental Congress.

I assisted in organizing the Halifax Resolves D.A.R. Chapter in Scotland Neck. Made on talk on "What the Daughters Do" and "Ellis Island." Made talk on Ellis Island to the Miles Harvey Chapter, my very own.

 

(Mrs. W. L.) Lula Agnes Fountain Goodwyn, Chairman