Week 12 – Membership

 

It is truly uncanny how Membership is the topic for this week, as I am just ending an almost week long conference celebrating God, Home and Country as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. I am a proud descendant of Joseph Anthony; William Blythe; Howard Cash; Stephen Cash; David Cashion; Thomas Davis; William Haley; Henrietta Hillegas; Michael Hillegas; Michael Kern; John Patton; Robert Pennington; and Martin Turman (and possibly more). Each of whom aided in the cause for American Independence during the Revolutionary War.

When I was younger, I had heard of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Having no idea what they did, I likened them to an old ladies’ social club. I expected that they had stringent criteria for membership and that it was probably hard to provide proof of eligibility, but I did think it must be quite an accomplishment to be a member. That being said, when I discovered a Revolutionary Patriot in my family tree, my absolute first thought was, “I’m going to join DAR so I can have a membership certificate to hang on my wall.” Period. I was excited and called my brother. I told him of my plans to join the DAR. He asked, “Why?”  My response, “Because I can.”

I was living in Oklahoma City at the time, and I found contact information to a chapter in my area. They met on Saturday, which worked well for me, so I gave them a call. I spoke with a delightful woman who invited me to their next meeting. The group was small, probably around ten to twelve ladies. They were so welcoming. As a Blue Star mother, I loved how they were involved in projects in support of our military; they were raising funds for a scholarship; and they would all be attending a luncheon in the near future in honor of George Washington’s birthday. I explained that I really only wanted a membership certificate and had no plans to become involved. “That’s just fine” they said, and the chapter Registrar gave me an application, told me to fill it out, gather the documentation, and bring it back.

I knew I was a direct descendant of a Revolutionary Patriot because the internet told me so. Finding the documentation to prove it was another story. In the summer of 2002, my youngest daughter and I packed the car and headed out on a three-week genealogy trip. We started in Moberly, Missouri, on to Pittsburg, Huntingdon, State College and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From city and town, we traced our family tree generation by generation. We gathered up birth and death records, probate files, church records, land deeds – you name it. By the end of our trip, I had all the documentation to submit my application to the Daughters of the American Revolution.  My genealogy quest had begun shortly after my dad passed away, on 12 April 1998. My membership to the DAR was approved five years to the day – on 12 April 2003. I had my certificate and hung it proudly on my wall.

I still had no desire to become involved in DAR, but one of the ladies would call me and energetically say, “We’re having a picnic at Council Grove in celebration of Flag Day. I hope you’ll come!” And I would go. The next month, “We’re making greetings cards for the military. I hope you’ll come!” And I would go. Then, “We’re having a garage sale to raise money for our scholarship. I hope you’ll come!” Once again, I would go. And then I just went because I wanted to. 

Less than two years later, I found myself moving to Vernon, Texas. There was not a DAR chapter in Vernon. The two closest chapters were about an hour one way, but with the encouragement and support of the first lady that I called when I first contacted DAR in Oklahoma City, I decided to try and organize a chapter in my new hometown.  I knew so few people, and those that I did, had heard of DAR, but like me initially, had no idea what they did. The, then State Regent of Texas Lynn Young, put her faith in me and submitted my name to the National Society, as an Organizing Regent. Having to find all the documentation to complete my own application, I learned quite a bit about genealogy research. Although I have always loved research of any kind, it isn’t for everyone. After all the time I spent trying to prove my descent, I decided to make it my personal mission to help anyone that I can, to join. Since we had to have twelve members to organize, it took me four years before we had enough members to start. By the end of the first year, we had doubled our membership. The small town of Vernon, Texas now has more than 50 members.

And then there’s the pins. My mother wouldn’t let me be a Girl Scout because in her opinion, their uniforms were ugly. As a member of DAR, I have opportunities to collect pins for specific work, or service, for each of my proven patriots, the states where they served, just a lot of different things. Let me be clear – pins are a personal choice for members. They are not required and no one thinks any differently if you don’t wear them. I just choose to do so. While the pins I’ve collected may seem ostentatious, they are my DAR resume. I’ve worked hard for those grown-up Girl Scout badges.

Although you must prove lineal descent from a man or woman who aided in the cause of American Independence in order to join, the Daughters of the American Revolution is foremost a service organization. In every corner of the world, the DAR objectives of Patriotism, Education and Historical Preservation can be felt. Since its founding on 11 October 1890, DAR has admitted more than one million members. Check out their website at www.dar.org  to see all the ways in which these members have given of themselves. I have now been a member of DAR for almost twenty years (in two weeks and 3 days – but who’s counting?). Never once have I regretted it. I have grown as a leader, a citizen, a humanitarian and an American. I have made lifelong friends who support me at every turn. My three daughters, and my four granddaughters who are of age, are members. Each of us is as involved as our time and interest allow.

And speaking of my daughters and granddaughters – DAR isn’t your great-grandmother’s organization. Young women are joining DAR by the droves as they are committed to serving in the many ways available through programs and committees offered. There are committees for just about every avenue of interest you could think of. It is a fact - there is literally something for everyone as a member of the DAR.

By now you’re thinking this is a commercial for the Daughters of the American Revolution. You would probably be correct. I’m a member of DAR because I want to honor my ancestors and what better way to do so than by giving of myself in service to my community, state and nation. I believe that everyone that is eligible should be a member. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible. If you think you might be interested in joining, let me know. If you’re interested but don’t think you descend from any Revolutionary Patriots, I’m more than happy to go climbing around in your family tree.

Let’s see if we can get you one of those membership certificates to hang on your wall.