Local DAR chapter celebrates 100 years

On March 9, 2024, members of the Benjamin Cleveland Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) celebrated its 100^the birthday at an Anniversary Tea at the historic Royster House, on South Washington Street in Shelby. State DAR officers, local officials and chapter members dressed in appropriate 1920s attire, including hats and gloves.

DAR daughters are active women who emphasize community service, educational initiatives, preserving history,  and honoring those veterans who have served or now serve the nation. Members are documented descendants of those who served to form the country in 1776, fighting in the Revolutionary War, which included French woman.

The celebration honored the accomplishments of their Founder and First Regent, Fay Lamar Webb Gardner, who served as First Lady of N.C. while her husband, O. Max Gardner, was N.C. governor from 1928-1932. The Memorabilia Room contained photographs, articles and scrapbooks commemorating the 1924 original founders, as well as later DAR chapter members and activities during the past 100 years. At the conclusion of the meeting, members visited Sunset Cemetery to place a wreath on the tombstone of “Miss Fay.”

Stan Anthony, mayor of the city of Shelby, presented a proclamation recognizing the historic role and contributions of the Benjamin Cleveland Chapter over the past 100 years. Anthony is also the great grandson of a founding member. These contributions include planting trees at Shelby City Park, placing grave markers for Revolutionary soldiers, and donating books to the library.

The chapter is particularly interested in encouraging young women. One notable donation was a $10,000 bequest by the family of member Francis Clay. Through dedicated donations and fundraisers, scholarships have been awarded to outstanding students and distinguished Jr. R.O.T.C. cadets to area high schools. Additional projects include supporting Crossnore School in western North Carolina, doing service projects for veterans and military families and distributing Constitutions booklets at various events.

At the 100^th celebration, membership certificates were given to the following members: Montrose Meacham Ballard – 60 years (Note: a member of her family was been a member of this Benjamin Cleveland Chapter of DAR since its inception in 1924.). Other members receiving certificates were Mary Ann Powell Goins, Lydia Elliott Hamrick, Rebecca Ballard Higgins, Angela Dudley Teer and Nancy Anthony Poston. Other chapter members were recognized as descendants of founding members.

The DAR was founded in 1890 by four women and recognized by an Act of U.S. Congress in 1896.

There are 41 current members in the Benjamin Cleveland Chapter, and over 1 million women internationally are members of this non-profit organization. There are over 3,000 DAR Chapters in all 50 states, 12 European countries and several South American countries.

The 2024 Regent is Felicia Stroud. The chapter email is DAR.BJ@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Local DAR chapter celebrates 100 years