Community

Preserving History

Local DAR chapter celebrates 125th anniversary

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For 125 years the local Dorothy Q Chapter NSDAR has upheld the ideals of patriotism, historical preservation and historical education in Montgomery County.

On Saturday, the local DAR Society celebrated with an open house tea at the Elston Historical Home.

The 125th anniversary committee was comprised of Regent Michelle Borden, Vice Regent Susan Fisher, Treasurer Rachel Brown and Past Regent Terri Fyffe.

“We are grateful to be able to educate with historical presentations,” Borden said. “We are here to help preserve history and promote patriotism. We are proud to have served our community for 125 years.”

Founded Jan. 16, 1898, the chapter became the eighth Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in Indiana to organize.

To become a DAR member one has to document that your ancestry is linked to a veteran of the Revolutionary War against England.

One of the main missions of the chapter is to recognize those who served in the war. The Dorothy Q Chapter has documented 30 Revolutionary War veterans are buried in Montgomery County.

The local chapter has been active in honoring past veterans. Through the years, the local chapter has donated to many projects that commemorate veterans.

Their footprint can be seen on the David Wallace Memorial at the General Lew Wallace Study. Wallace was Indiana’s governor from 1837 to 1840 and father of Gen. Lew Wallace.

The chapter also honors Revolutionary War veteran Jacob Westfall with a monument at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Many other veteran projects across the United States have received monetary donations from the chapter.

During World War I the chapter helped sell war bonds, make surgical dressings, volunteered with the Red Cross, sold war stamps even donated toward the purchase of the Indiana DAR ambulance. The chapter also adopted a French orphan and helped with the restoration of Tilloly, France. Dorothy Q members repeated the same type of assistance during World War II and financial supported a girl from England.

The chapter is currently offering Montgomery County residents an opportunity to recognize veterans with a Military Tribute Banner program. The goal is to adorn city light poles with banners portraying veterans as a way to honor those who have served.

If interested in joining the Dorothy Q Chapter, or have questions about the banner project, contact Borden at
765-366-7708.


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