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Formation of Valparaiso D.A. R. Unit Resulted From Efforts of Margaret Beer(RIr .MRS. A. n; PUTNAM) Intense patriotic intw est on the part ot Mrs. Margaret Cameron Reer accounts for tlic organization on May IS. 1803, or the' loeni fliaplur of the Daughters ot the American Revolution.Otic sniuuier affornaon )n 1DU1 Miss Beer hnU read an article In the Chicago Tribune about the Daughters of tha American Revolution tnid fin first president general, Caroline Scott Harrison (Mrs. Benjamin Harrison). For the wife of thc president of (he Unitedever gracious and kind, was the first one who spoke to Miss lieer about becoming a member, mid slio was the first to leave. Miss l.My Bull resigned iu the fall of 1803 and Mary R. Mile hell Boer was transferred to Chippewa Chapter or Iron Mountain, Mich.The roster for ) 905-0ti contain the names of Annie Barr, Jessie Drago Raualier (Mrs, Frank), C'cinanthla Berringer (Mrs. C. T.j, Genova Axe Brown (Mrs. H. B,l, Free love White Klatu (Mrs. JohnStates io serve as president general w.)p Ruby Miller, Nellio Clai gave a dignity and Importance totover, the organization. Miss Beer ro-Jmuch Impressed and wished Hint ■in-; she might belong to such an nr-Rryj'i'anizaliaii. After sonic time she ate j icmed that she hud tlie Tight to ore ask for nifinibershlp. SI id wrote to Nntinna) Head nun riots at Washington, I). C. ami asked for Information as to how to proceed. Tho inquiry was fur warder, lo Mis. James M. Fowler, at ate regent for Indiana, wlin advised Mias Tiecr to fill out her papers as a nieinher-at-large and return them lo her, land, when they were neceiitnil, P i Mrs, Fowler wovM empower Miss* Beer to organize! n rliapter In Yal-i paralso. Tills was done, and hori papers were nr copied by the national society. 1 Ter appointment us Chapter Regent of the Daughters of the Americaii Havoliiltnn In tlio city of Valparaiso hears the ! date of November 4, 1902, and is ’signed by Cornelia Cole Fairbanks (Mrs. Charles M.), Fits I dent General. Th o'seal of the national so-; nlety is attach pi) and carries the date 1S90 and the motto of the National ftnclety, Homo and Cnun-i [,.y1 ■_ The national soriely had been organized but twelve years when Miss floor received her appoint in ent as chapter regent.Members of the local chapter will never cncae to pay homage to Miss Beer for tier splendid leadership. She was a woman with a vision, and her groat determination and perseverance won for Valparaiso an organization of which everyone is jnsLlv proud to he a member.Miss Hoer began by putting a notice Ln the paper in the fait ot j 1902 stating that she wished to or-c I| gotiizc a chapter end asked that icsCj those who were In teres Led and v, 11 thought they were eligible.to nom-in ii ideate with her. It was not an nt! easy task to-locale twelve women.; who were willing In gtvo time, ef-tl,ej fort and expense to prove lineal age-descent from a Revolutionary an-: iris^ ceslur, a requisite for membership' in the organization. It was necessary that the papers he inWashington before the (irat of January. Mies Beer has recordedthat many mu using experiences nt tended the proper execution otthese papers and that it was with a feeling of both pride and Teliof that slio mailed them just before Christmas. It look some time for (he verification of the papers and on May 18. 1903, Miss Beer called ,an organization meeting at her ! home. Officers were named and inal j these twelve women became a pact ako’of the largest patriotic organization era I j in the world. The chapter was one of sixteen In Indiana. It was voted by the society to call the chapter the George Rogers Clark chapter. Very so oh, however, U was learned that lb ere was a chapter by this name anil the choice was made ot William Henry HarrisonParks Airs. John Shorn an Rhodes) and Myra Flnette Plniiey (Mrs, A i lies worth Clark). During the year Mattie Conley Harris (Mrs. Wm. E.) became a member of the chdptiAccurate reports, year hooka, mill newspaper clippings were kg pi or Liiesc early years, and the present membership as well as the general public recalls many pub-' lie receptions given l»y the chapter. The first one was held In the parlors of tho Presbyterian church in the fall of 1903, Miss Beer gave n history-of the organization, Mrs. Bowser gave a sketch of her Revolutionary ancestor. Captain Pan Nil who was with Lafayette. Mrs. Edith Arnold'I login i gave read 111: s. Jeanctto Barnes and Louise Rocsa-lor sang a group of songs. Joseph Hnrtholomek sang “My Own United Stales,” Win. K, Plniiey spoke on The Women of the United1 Si all's”, mid Mrs. *E. I), Cri.ni-packer on '•Tho Continental Cnu-gross, Prof. A. A. Hugh art talked on Lhe ,benefits of patriotism. O lb ci's who had a pari on I lie program were Ch pi. .1. W. Elam, B.years, which'change had been provided by the by-laws the previous year. The work of the society continued to grow as the twenty or m or q chapter com in It tecs were si in- , Hat- lo that of the paUounl society. June 23, 1929, was designated as Patriots' Day, ami Hid churches and all patriotic orders joined the chapter In memorial services following which a pilgrimage was made and bronze markers placed upon the graves'of Porter county's two known Revolutionary soldiers, Henry Hut tan and Joseph Jones.In October, I DSD, the chapter became sponsor of the Porter County Historical Society and the museum which is housed in tho Valparaiso public library,. This museum contains much of general Intt^Qy and the chapter his done a woftn=” ’ while-work in Its preservation.1 In June, 1930, Mrs. George F. Chester became regent and ilia chapter profited by ilie visits from I lie (tea surer general, Mrs. Klgdon; the state regents, Mrs. Urank-ahaw and Mrs. O’ By me; the state vice-regent, Mrs. McFadden; .and the nor [hern director, Mrs. Ats-pacb. Fifteen curly records wove placed by tho cluiplcr upon the library shelves and reports and records were donated by the regent. Through the Interest of the chapter tho library hoard added-four volumes of thn Compendium of First Fanil lies In America.Mrs. Alfred R, Pntuiun became regent In 1932; During her regime tlic elinpter was honored by visits from state regents, Mrs, (VTivrnn and Miss Fur well, Commit lee work was continued, A chapter student loan fund was vs-lahllslied, a nindnl wan awarded tho best lii story student In Junior high . Williams, and MiS3 Mantle Ur. Id-; retinal, and liberal gif Is were made win. As ttmo passed, the honicnito Constitution Hall. The chapter of Miss Beer, Mrs. E. 11. Criiiii-1 purchased a large silk flag andpacker Mrs. Win. M. Finney, Mrs.: staff. On November 9, 1932,Loomis, Mrs. W. C. Lefhcr-inmi, Mrs. H. B. Brown, Mrs. Jiihn W. Flam, Mrs. M. A. Gregory, Mrs. T. K. Whitlock -and others became the settings for many happy gatherings of friends ofTtre chapter and tho organization is held ■ in!society sponsored a George WtpQjt) mg to n Bl-Centennial tree-planting at the high school. The regent . was appointed county chairman of Indiana's Bi-Centennial Commission. An- elaborate-dinner meeting the homo ot Airs. J. W. Davishigh esteem by all who know of its marked the observance of tlie cliap-nbjecls and its accomplish meats. The first sale of Red Cross seals in Valparaiso was sponsored by the clia pier, tlie work being done by Miss Etta Mullins. Meetings with study programs were hold regularly and a flag was purchased. Each year tho chapter elected a delegate; to the state conference.Allss Beer served as Regent for twelve years during ■ which time the foundation was laid tor a great work.' She gave forty-two years to the teaching profession in Valparaiso and influenced lives ot many for good. Her interest In the chapter never si hated, even after her removal to Washing ton, D, w lie re she lived until her death two years ago. She yearly gave a flag as a Citizenship award in the Junior high scliool. As a mark of respect to her memory-the chapter continues this custom.In 1915 when Miss Beer wished not to continue as chapter regent, lho mantle of leadership fell upon Mrs. F). D. Crum pack or, whose time in Washington for sixteen years as tho wife of a congressman brought a wealth of experience to the chap-1 lor regency was marked hy hero of it11 added respect for heirlooms, and the Tippecanoe, first Governor of | costume parties were popular. In- j. u, stoncr-, Recording Secretary, the Territory of Indiana and th-s! the chapter bought and rlac-1 Mrs. Andreson: Corresponding Sector's thirtieth anniversary in May, 1933. Mrs. Putnam, Mrs. Morehouse, Mrs. Chester, and Mrs. Stoner served as official hostesses at D. A. R. headquarters at the Century of Progress.Tlie next ragout was Mrs. Harry ' Arnold. During her term, the chapter made its finnl gift to Const Hutton Kail. Flag codes iu color were purchased and framed and one tv a 3 placed In each commissioned high school ln the county, otio In each grade school of tho city and one iu the children’s voor*, at I lie Valparaiso public library. A good citizenship medal was presented to each successful contestant Ln the eight high schools which entered tlic State Good Citizenship Pilgrimage contest. The state chaplain. Airs. Selilosser, was a guest on Flag Day when Porter county chapters wore hostess _ to chapters from Lake and LaPorto routines, and a visit was made to the studio tU Frauk J. Dudley, Dunes artist.At tho final meeting on Fl^ff Day of this'year the present officers assumed their duties: Regent, Mrs. Leslie Lemhke; Vice-Re gent, Mrs. 11 ii wav ii Clark;'Chaplain. Mrs.ninth president nr Hie Stales. The chapter has always! been proud of Its name. TheUnited; e4j a tablet marking tlic Old Sac Troll, and gave a- program jointly with the Historical Society during Indiana Centennial Week (Sept. 27, 1910. The Porter County If Is tor leal Society placed a tablet on the site of the first sen not use In Valparaiso.Airs. H. I,. Loomis became the third regent of William Henry Harrison chapter in 192-i. Because of home responsibilities Airs. Naomis could not continue, but her year marked progress In Ihe adoption of tho budget plan and use of the ritual. Lineage bonks were presented to the chapter by Mrs. George f. Chester. Forestry leaflets were lt;li-dributed to the schools and more than one hundred tulip 1 rccs were planted.Mrs. J. D. Ktoner, ever an active m era her, served as treasurer•ontilor was granted on July 12, 5 803, i tho number being 61 S. Each wen j Daughter Is directly affllmled with oiii-|[he national society and has her ezer j own national number. iim} j Through authority vested iu her the i as Organizing Regent Miss Beer in re I appointed a hoard of mams sc me nt:But'Mrs. Ghnrlolle IjUC.hi Crum packer iself | (Mrs. E. D.l Mrs. Jessie Smith l.e-dls-j thermit ii (Mrs. V, f.) and -Miss dis-: Pearl Estelle Miller: Registrar,also;Miss Lily Hall; Treasurer. Mies I to i Etta Mullins; Smvlary. Miss is ter j Daisy Dick over (Mrs. K. A. Afitz-lroplnerl. Others of Ibn twelve chnr-ivlly!ter mam bars were EiizalsMh Noel the (Bowser (Mrs. I.nnls), Mary Tlmm-! as Collins (Mrs. A. L.L Nellie Mull-iins I.comls (Mrs. E. L.K FineUe '! Morrison Piliney (Mrs. Wm. E.)and Mary 11. Mitchell Beer. Ton much can not he said in tribute tho loyally of Hi esc chaTlcr mar4 hers. Miss Beer once wrote to t'present member shin' of her uppr = rial Lon. With Mrs. Fowler, stair-goal, Mrs. Cm 111 packin' had sloi as sponsor for Miss Beer, and si never on re failed her- Meniliwas made or Mrs. Bowser'a diizni-i mane,it record. The chapter scried bearing, miswording patriot- j RI)rP,j the Charlotte Linas Cruni-istn, and Christian character t| packer chair at 3150 in Conslltu-Mrs. Collins* faith fulness in pftr-jnon Hal), the funds being midrib forma lie c of duly: Daisy Dick over |)y ),er s/ns, Fred Man r if and I (is prmtipl. rnpnhlr, and efficient;'J. A. Mrs. Lot her in an as pailent. capable bing[and ’oh. so goncl nnLnred'; Airs.Loomis as rnpah'ie, cheerful, and ready to do whatever cuiim her way; Pearl Miller, always Interested and patriotic; and Rita Mill lins' marvelous la cl as the chapter's first treasurer. Mrs. Finneyrelary, Mrs. Fred Bartz; Treasurer Mrs. J. J. McGarvey; Registrar, Mrs. Leo Ella Fox worthy; Historian. Mrs. C. E, Barrett; and Librarian, Airs. R. B. Julian.The chapter was slgnnlly honored at the dedication of the George Rogers Clark Memorial at Vincennes by President Roosevelt on .Tune !4 when Mrs. I.cmbkc, as re- . gent, was invited to he seated on ibe platform with state D.-A. R. officers and regents. Tha D. A. R. officiated at tlie dedication of tho statue of Francis Vigo on this sam0 ocrnHioii.William Henry Harrison chapter mecla on tho third Monday, observing Go n at It ii Lion Day and Flag Day, and maintains an Interesting study program. Its official organ, the D. A. R. magazine, Is on file tn tlie library. Each year gifts areIndiana D. A. R- from 1921 toimnde lo rms or more ot the sev-192 7. Airs. George Chester f :is j outaeti approved .schools of the chairman of Historic Spots. Each jsonlety, lo mountain schools, and rendered valued service and . m Kills Island. Historic spots h\jj| brought credit to the local rliapter. I been marked and history presertL Mrs. M. E. Packman became rr. ;e,i, The organization stands for gent In J92flt; and tiier^ was la-1 noiioiial defense through patriotic crcajcd Interest in state and na-1 education. Its support has ever i inn n! v.ork. Each men her pie- been recognized hy our govern-pareiJ her genealogical Une for per- nvent.“ -- --- -- T]|e rf,apter now numberingabout fifty members will continue Its good record, ever keeping In mind that for which It was organized, ‘'To cherish, maintain, and extend the I its it in lions of Americanand Owen. Reprints ot the ship,Constitution” vvprc sold to cream| freedom anil to foster true patriot-funds for its re-bulldlng, and 1 Ism and love, of country.’’ericanization manuals were fur- (We have told of some of then I shed to new citizens. Tho local chapter was hostess to eleven c ha liters at the regional conference.Mrs. F. B. Chester became regent lu 192S and served for two■nrk or the organization.- To tell of Its programs and Its many delightful social a Hairs would require more space than this article permits,)
Newspaper Details
Valparaiso Vidette Messenger
Valparaiso, Indiana, US
Tue, Aug 18, 1936
Page 47
Full Page
Clipped by
Marlene P.
NA, 22 Apr 2025
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Valparaiso Vidette Messenger
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