The monthly meeting of the Pemaquid Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, took place on Sept. 10 at the Library of the Lincoln Home in Newcastle where the Chapter has met since 1932. Attendees were members Barbara Belknap, Sue Hochstein, Sara Fahnley, Elizabeth Printy, Diane Randlett, Eleanor O’Donnell and Audrey Miller. Associate members in attendance were Flora E. Hewitt, Shirley Peverly, Patricia Viles and prospective member, Susan J. Wilson. The Chapter was surprised by two visiting DAR daughters, Virginia James from the Jane Sheldon Chapter from New Smyrna Beach, Florida accompanied by Judith Evans and Noel Estridge from the Comte De Grasse Chapter in Yorktown, VA. Noel is the daughter of Marion Wright who was a past member of the Pemaquid Chapter. Both Noel and Virginia have summer homes in Pemaquid and New Harbor. Virginia James started as a CAR (Children of the American Revolution) when she was 7 years old. She has been a member of the DAR for over 80 years!

The meeting started with lively introductions and the DAR Ritual of a prayer, delivered by Sara Fahnley and the recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance, The Preamble to the Constitution, the American’s Creed and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner led by Elizabeth Printy. Well wishes and prayers were given for member Sara Crespi.

There was enthusiastic discussion around this coming Tuesday, Sept. 17, marking the two hundred and thirty-second anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America. At 4 p.m. on Tuesday citizens are asked to ring bells in honor of this occasion. All towns in Lincoln County have been requested by the Chapter to make a Proclamation to help celebrate this very important moment in our country’s history. Several members will be in local schools and libraries with displays and information.

The President General’s message was read by Shirley Peverly.

The National Defense minute called attention to Sept. 15, 1853 when the Congregational Church of South Butler, N.Y., ordains Antoinette Brown, America’s first female minister and future sister-in-law of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first American woman to graduate from a medical college. The DAR Good Citizen Award contest documents are going out to the high schools in the next few weeks.

Shirley Peverly, with assistance from Barbara Belknap, gave a very informative overview of The Maine Room at DAR National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. All of the items in the State Rooms are carefully selected and their origin is recorded and predate 1813. Several of the beautiful pieces of furniture in the room were made in Maine. If you are going to be in Washington, D.C., this exhibit is worth a visit.

The DAR History spot highlighted the life of Wintie Hanna Templeton of Round Pond who passed away on June 25, 2011. She was a past chaplain of the Pemaquid Chapter noting that she served in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II, volunteered at Miles Hospital, was a member of the Round Pond United Methodist Church and served on the Board of General Global Ministries for eight years. She belonged to the Beacon Chapter #202 of the Eastern Star and was a past Worthy Matron with the honor of a life time membership.

The Flag Minute, read by Regent Miller, “The U.S. added stripes and stars to the Flag when welcoming new states. When Kentucky and Vermont joined the union, it took on two more stars from the original, so that from 1795 to 1818, 15 stripes and 15 stars graced the flag. Anticipating a crowded field of stripes, lawmakers decided to honor each new state with a star, and leave the stripes at the original 13 after 1818.”

Regent Miller has asked all Chapter daughters to subscribe to American Spirit magazine.

A visit from Jessica DeLisle, new owner of The Tipsy Butler bed-and-breakfast, was Regent Miller’s “surprise guest.” Jessica is the daughter of Catherine Fisher, state ffficer and past state treasurer. The Tipsy Butler has been renovated and is full of special touches. For example, the bedrooms are all named after literary greats. She invited us to stop by for a tour.

Diane Randlett gave the Benediction, written by the late Earlene “Kitty” Chadbourne, past state chaplain. A delicious lunch was then enjoyed by all.

The Pemaquid Chapter, NSDAR, is a non-profit, non-political, volunteer women’s service organization.  It is dedicated to preserving American history, securing America’s future through better education and promoting patriotism.  DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to the securing of the independence of the United States of America. 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 to join. This chapter has proudly served our communities in Lincoln County since 1932. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PemaquidDAR/ or visit our website: www.mainedar.org/pemaquid If you would like to become a member and join us in service to our communities in Lincoln County, please contact Regent Audrey Miller, 207-633-7089.