The April 11, 2022 Washita Chapter NSDAR meeting was opened by the Regent Carol Batterton and assisted by the Chaplain Virginia Reid.
The group participated in the American Creed led by Kathryn Harrison; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Kay Hagerman; Preamble to the Constitution by Phillys Stevenson; Oklahoma Flag Salute by Robetha Farris; Barbara O’Neill accompanied the group in the singing of a patriotic song.
Linda Stewart gave the President General’s Message
She compared the blooming of Spring to the chapters and the potentials they have for the year ahead. She committed on the visits that she had made in the last month or so to the various state conventions and their accomplishments
As the flowers coming in our yards and their beauty, so as the chapters blossom by planting seeds of new members and “then nurture them through kindness, encouragement and plenty of warm sunshine”
She encouraged each one to “bloom wherever you are planted as we together Rise and Shine for America!”
Ellena Womack gave a message from the NSDAR National Defense Committee Chair Laurie Nesbitt.
“It was founded in 1926 and for almost a century has helped promote an enlightened public opinion by bringing our members information pertinent to preserving our American heritage of freedom through protecting the U.S. Constitution ensuring the survival of our national sovereignty, and maintaining a strong military defense. Its roots was what was know as the Patriotic Education Committee, the National Defense Committee’s work is based on education, awareness, and appreciation.”
Doris Minor gave a Commemorative Report based on Klina E. Casady’s book, Once Every Five Years.
A History of Cheyenne, Oklahoma and the upcoming celebration –Old Settler’s Reunion April 18-23 2022.
Mrs. Casady described the event: New had gone out the “Free land, Cheyenne-Arapaho Country, open noon, April 19,1982.”
People came on horseback, in wagons, on foot to participate in a race that had not been seen before.
They carried the stakes with their mark on it and at the appointed time, the cavalrymen fired the shot that set them off.
After they staked their claim, they were required to live on the land for five years and make improvements, then they could receive the title, but the government sent men to interview not only the homesteader but two of his neighbors to verify these events.
Sometimes it took as long as eight or ten years before a person would receive his patent.
Doris also invited the group to the Old Settler’s Reunion in Cheyenne beginning April 18-23.
The first one was held on April 19, 1912 and has been held on or about that date every five years with the exception of 1942 due to WWII.
She introduced Scott Martin and Jeff Hensley for their program Troop J.
A most informative and entertaining time was had by the group as they heard the history and stories concerning their organization.
The Daughters recited the Daughters Pledge and closed the meeting.
Those attending: Barbara O’Neill, Marci Grant, Evelyn Hart, Phillys Stevenson, Judy Tracy, Ellena Womack, Virginia Reid, Marilyn Wilson, Kay Hagerman, Kathryn Harrison, Doris Minor, Nancy Lisle, Linda Stewart, Robetha Fariss, Carol Ann Batterton .
Prospective members were Debra Lippencot, Debbie Holland and Betty Schumacher. Guests Scott Martin and Jeff Hensley.0