DAR chapter marks 42 years
Coeur d’Alene members of the Lt. George Farragut chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently celebrated their 42nd anniversary.
Helen Naslund, one of the founding members who helped establish the local chapter in 1965 and now serves as parliamentarian, said, “we’ve come a long way since the early days when our membership was only 12. Today we have approximately 60 members; our objective is still the same – historic preservation, patriotism and education.”
According to regent Sandra Coultrap, education is important to the DAR. “The American history essay and Christopher Columbus essay contest for middle and high school students (are ways) DAR encourages young people to become more interested and aware of our American heritage,” she said.
Coultrap proudly points out last year’s state winner; sponsored by the Lt. George Farragut chapter was from Coeur d’Alene High School. Along with the essay contests the DAR Good Citizen award is also presented every year to a high school student for his or her contributions to their communities and schools.
Coultrap points out another award winner – Lt. George Farragut member Jean Van Bockel, who entered and won the regional, state and national award for her ancestry quilt. “This was a wonderful honor for Jean, and for our chapter,” said Coultrap. According to DAR literature, the collection of American antique quilts is one of the most historically important collections in the world. The earliest quilt dates from the 1760s, the most recent from 2000.
Phoebe Hruska, 91, has lived in Coeur d Alene since 1936 and became a member of DAR in 1983. She remains active with her DAR chapter because she continues to learn so much about American heritage at the monthly meetings and wants to do her part in helping other citizens learn about American history. Hruska points to the pin on her lapel showing a church, flag and house and says it represents the DAR motto: “God, Home and Country.”
The chapter serves the community by buying flags to put on gravesites, and by visiting wounded and elderly veterans. “We collect toiletries and other needed items to pack in bags and mail to the military in Iraq,” Coultrap, says, adding they also contribute funds to Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Ore. According to Coultrap, Chemawa is the nation’s oldest boarding school in continuous operation for Native Americans. DAR helps support various projects and operating expenses for the school.
Daughters of the American Revolution have admitted more than 800,000 members since its founding in 1890. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove she’s a descendant from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. Liz Jones, program chairman said, “We’ve had some fairly prominent members in DAR. For instance, Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, Susan B. Anthony, Grandma Moses, and Ginger Rogers.” Jones continued, “Many of the wives of presidents have been members, including Laura Bush, Rosalynn Carter and Nancy Reagan.”
Jones lights up when asked about her experience in DAR.
“It’s been an amazing experience and offers so many rewards,” she said. “I’ve met ladies I’ll be friends with the rest of my life.”