The Daughters' Reflections
Volume 23 Issue 3
A Note From Our President
Upcoming Events
Republic of Texas Museum
Art Contest Awards Program
Mar 19th
DRT Convention
May 12-14th
Crown Plaza Riverwalk – S.A.
CRT Convention
June 24-25th
Sheraton Hotel - Arlington
As 2010 ends and we welcome
2011, it is an honor to remember our
fallen heroes and celebrate 175
years of Texas Independence. The
Daughters of The Republic of Texas
can be proud of an outstanding job
preserving our past and looking
forward to shaping the future of the
oldest women’s organization in our
great state.
It has been my distinct pleasure to
travel crisscross Texas attending
many
functions,
speaking
engagements, and all but one District
workshop. Chartering new chapters
stands out among the many activities
your
President
General
has
attended. New chapters added thus
far are Goliad, and Dublin with Llano
being added January 22, 2011. Trips
to San Antonio and Austin are adding
up at a rapid rate.
Over half of DRT Chapters have
either made or pledged a $1,000
donation to the Vision in hopes of
making The Republic of Texas
History Complex a reality. I urge all
chapters to share the enthusiasm for
the future of DRT and the
preservation of Texas History.
Reflections Deadline
March 15, 2011
All submissions MUST be
made electronically to
[email protected]
NO EXCEPTIONS
One trip to San Antonio in October
was especially memorable, attending
The Alamo Gala, honoring John
Wayne as his daughter and
granddaughter
represented
the
Wayne family. Having the Gala in
Alamo Plaza with the Shrine as the
focal point on a fabulous moon lit
night was a true goose bumps
moment.
Attendees
are
still
commenting on that special evening.
from Sarah Reveley and BOM
members regarding her expulsion.
Mrs. Reveley was properly notified of
the hearing but did not attend. The
result of the hearing was Mrs.
Reveley’s permanent removal from
The Daughters of The Republic of
Texas.
Due to some individual’s complaints
many hours and much expense is
still being spent complying with the
ongoing requests coming from the
Texas Attorney General. As can be
expected DRT suffers in many areas
because
of
this
ongoing
investigation. This administration will
continue to comply with all requests
even though it requires personal
expense and many hours that could
be spent working toward our mission.
Now is the time to save the date for
March 5th. The175th anniversary
remembering the battle of The Alamo
concert will be held in Alamo Plaza.
According to our bylaws, your
nominating committee is asking
chapters to search their members for
volunteers to fill the few vacant
offices for the upcoming term. It is
an honor to serve DRT on the BOM
and I encourage every eligible
member to serve.
DRT annual convention is just a few
months away. Please make every
effort to attend this year’s convention
May 12-14, 2010, at the Crowne
Plaza hotel in San Antonio home of
The Alamo, Shrine to Texas
Freedom.
If I can be of assistance to any
member please email or call
anytime. My door is always open.
In The Spirit of Texas,
Your BOM was honored to be special M.P. Patti Atkins, President General
guests of the William Barrett Travis
Chapter during their annual founder’s
day luncheon.
A hearing was held in executive
session for the purpose of hearing
Vision Project Update
by Nancy Shurtleff, Chair
RTHC Vision Project Team
The Vision Team is pleased to report that last month we
received a grant from the Fondren Foundation in
Houston for $100,000 to go toward the purchase of the
historic lot adjacent to the French Legation Museum.
We are very hopeful that this is just the beginning! We
have only two months remaining to raise the $1,400,000
needed to purchase 810-1/2 San Marcos Street, and we
are working hard to make it happen! We continue to
submit grant requests to foundations and corporations.
The President General’s Challenge to hapters to give
$1,000 to the Project so far has yielded at least $1,000
from 46 chapters and 4 Chapter Pledges for $1,000. We
hope the remaining chapters will join the Challenge
soon!
Throughout DRT there are chapters and individual
members working in different ways to raise funds for the
Vision. San Saba River Chapter is raffling off a 37”
Sanyo Flat-Screen TV on December 11th. Tickets: $5.00
each, 6 for $25.00. The Hills Country Club has
donated a Golf Package for 4 at their Flintrock Falls Golf
Course located between Lakeway and Austin, drawing to
be December 1st. Tickets: $10.00 each, 3 for $25.00.
Joy Vazquez, Villa de San Agustin de Laredo
Chapter, has donated a week’s stay in a 2-bedroom,
Treasurer General Update
by Karen Clogsten
The Native Texan License Plate sales continue to allow
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas to preserve
Texas historic sites or fund educational programs that
teach Texas History. By placing a Native Texan License
Plate on your vehicle you are both financially and
visually supporting the mission statement of this great
organization, and you have made possible the following
new NTLP grants:
Grantee
Amount Purpose
French
Legation
Museum
Texas
Star
Chapter
Emily Little of the Clayton, Levy & Little Architect
Firm, and a neighbor of the French Legation
Museum, has prepared a feasibility study on the 810
San Marcos Street Property, and this will be
available on the DRT Website soon. This was a
pro-bono study.
$600
Texas Historical Commission Historical
Marker of May Leon Dyer, Army of the
Republic of Texas
The Cradle
$4,974
Elgin
Historical
Assoc.
$10,000 Purchase of the Mary Christian
Gonzalis
Chapter
$34,169 Replace Roof on the J.B. Wells Home
2-bath apartment in Oropesa, Spain. Tickets: Relics, Old
$10.00 each, 3 for $25.00. The winner for this Trails
&
Sites
raffle will be drawn at the 2011 DRT Convention in Historic
Committee
San Antonio. Please go to “Announcements” on
the DRT Members Only website for more details.
There is much more fundraising going on, from the
“This Little Piggy Supports the Vision” piggy banks
donated by Judy Day, William Barret Travis
Chapter, to a luncheon given by Jean Sitterle, Miss
Ima Hogg Chapter to a multi-chapter meeting
hosted by K. Jenschke, Charles G. Davenport
Chapter.
$30,000 Restoration
$605
Maintenance
Honor Veterans of the Republic of
Texas by marking their graves.
Volume 23 Issue 3 dedicated
in Loving Memory of
Kayla Lee Roberts
Past President General CRT
1986-2010
The French Legation
By Gayla Lawson, Chairman
We have a glorious opportunity before us; we must not let it escape us.” These were the words written by Jean Pierre
Isidore Alphonse Dubois de Saligny to the king of France in order to persuade his home country to recognize Texas as the
Republic of Texas. Dubois was successful and later appointed charge´ d´affaires to Texas. And so, in 1841 the French
Legation was built. Using Dubois’ words as its theme, the Glorious Opportunity Preservation project for the French
Legation Museum has begun. To launch the preservation project, a highly successful Wine and Cheese Soirée was held on
the grounds on a lovely evening in September. The highlight of the event was the raffle of a week’s stay in a beachfront
condo in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. A grand affair that promises an evening to remember is currently being planned
for January or February 2011. This elegant gala will be a chef’s dinner, delightful entertainment and an incredible live
auction. Intermittent, smaller events can be expected as newly-formed friendships with French delegations from
Villefranche and Angers as well as French-American groups across Texas come to the aid of what was once French-owned
property.
The French Legation Museum was recently recognized by the Austin Parks & Recreation Department as a 2010 Partner in
the Arts and Humanities for its’ collections loan to the new Joseph and Susanna Dickinson Hannig Museum in Austin. In
addition to this exciting honor, our museum was chosen as a field workshop site for the National Trust for Historic
Preservation Annual Conference held in late October.
October 12th was a particularly outstanding day to honor Miss Lillie Robertson in collaboration with the William B.
Travis Chapter to which she belonged. A group of dedicated daughters from several chapters and the FLMC were joined
by Robertson descendants to unveil the memorial marker on Miss Lillie’s grave in Oakwood Cemetery. A reception
followed at the Legation under the shade of trees very likely to have shaded that remarkable model of the DRT’s mission
in action when she lived in the house!
The little mansion on Robertson Hill was the first fine home in Austin and stands proudly as the oldest home in the city
now. With a protected view of the Capitol from the front porch, it commands respect and reverence as a treasure of the
past and an anchor to the future. It is keeping history alive and well in our great state. Come see for yourself; enjoy its
journey toward restoration! Become a part by becoming a Friend. www.FrenchLegation.com
************Chapter News *************
James Bowie
September, the James Bowie Chapter of
Texarkana met at the historic Ace of Clubs
House. The Italianate-Victorian style house
has 22 sides with 3 octagonal wings and one
rectangular wing. It was built by pioneer and
local lumberman and Confederate Veteran,
Captain James H. Draughon in the shape of the
ace of clubs playing card. It is a National
Register property and a Recorded Texas
Historical Landmark. This house is considered
one of the most unique in the country.
DRT Trivia … Do you know?
Who founded DRT?
Look for the Answer in next Reflections issue.
Last Issue:
How many Daughters Strong is DRT?
Answer: 7054 Daughters Strong
France Cook Van Zandt
Frances Cooke Van Zandt Chapter’s program on September 11 paid
tribute to 2 chapter members who served as President General of DRT –
Harriet Vandervoort in 1951 and Naomi –Ray Morey in 1969.
After the tribute, Chapter Past President Nancy Stowe told of her longtime friendship with Naomi-Ray Morey, who grew up in Fort Worth, was
active in many civic and lineage associations, and retired from Atlantic
Richfield Oil Co. She was admitted to DRT in 1958 and served on the
BOM as 1st Vice President, traveling thousands of miles across Texas to
establish at least 12 new chapters during her 2-year term. After being
elected President General in 1969, she began acquiring gifts for the
Alamo, Museum & Library. Her President General’s project was the
restoration of the Carriage House at the French Legation and she was
also involved in the restoration of the Cradle in Galveston. Naomi-Ray
Morey’s exciting life ended in tragedy on the night of January 12, 1984
when she was trapped inside her home which was engulfed in flames.
Her love and devotion to DRT was immeasurable and her service to our
chapter
(including 2 terms as chapter president) will long be
remembered. None of our present members had a personal relationship
with Harriet Vandervoort; therefore, she was not discussed further.
Baron de Bastrop
Villa de San Agustin de Laredo
On Saturday, September 11th at the McDade
Cemetery, the Baron de Bastrop Chapter of The Daughters
of the Republic of Texas held a dedication of a memorial
medallion at the grave of Mary Elizabeth Turner
Billingsley. Mary Billingsley is Bastrop County’s only
Real Daughter. A Real Daughter is a member of The
Daughters of the Republic of Texas whose parents lived in
the Republic of Texas before Texas became a State.
The Texian Legacy Association provided a color
guard. Chapter Secretary, Alyce Ferguson gave a scripture
reading and the invocation. Vice-President, JoNell Majors,
led the pledges to the flags of the United States and Texas.
President, Mariann Laughlin, gave the welcome and
introduction. Chapter Registrar, Evelyn Wolf, recited the
Call to Remembrance.
Baron de Bastrop treasurer, Kay Valenta,
delivered a biographical sketch of Mary Billingsley. She
told the crowd that Mary Billingsley was born in 1856, the
only child of Edwin Turner and Mary Kinney O’Neal
Turner. She married Samuel Wilson Billingsley of Bastrop
County in 1875. Mary died on April 27, 1941. Her father
came from Missouri to Texas before the Revolution and
fought in the battles of Gonzales in 1835 and Salado in
1842. Mrs. Billingsley’s DRT certificate is #1070, and
was approved in 1920.
The descendants of Mary Turner Billingsley also
participated in the ceremony by unveiling the tombstone
with its new medallion. Family members present were:
Rosalie Swenson, granddaughter of Mary Billingsley,
Rosalie’s son, Mike, his wife, Cecilia, and their daughter,
Laura Swenson, who is presently a law student at the
University of Texas.
Dressed in authentic costuming from the 1836
Texas Revolution, The Texian Legacy Association
delivered a three gun, powder ball salute, adding to the
dignity and color of the occasion. Afterwards, members
and guests were treated to a reception and refreshments at
the Faith Lutheran Church in McDade, provided by the
members of the Baron de Bastrop Chapter.
It is one of the privileges of DRT Chapters to seek
out the graves of Real Daughters in their areas and see that
they are maintained and that their Real Daughters are
honored, thereby helping to keep alive the history and
sacrifices of those who worked and fought so hard to make
Texas a Republic.
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Villa de
San Agustin de Laredo chapter hosted the District VII
meeting October 1-2. Friday night, the group gathered at
the beautiful Falcon International Bank Lake House, where
Mayor Raul Salinas welcomed the group to what was
dubbed Fiesta Noche de Loteria. included a delicious buffet
of Mexican food prepared by Cindy’s Catering, followed by
games of Loteria,the popular Mexican-style Bingo.
Mariachi Alegre during dinner.
On Saturday, Melinda Navarro, District
VII Representative, presided. Gloria Guajardo gave the
Invocation. The Laredo Border Patrol presented the colors
and Dr. Ray Keck gave the welcome. Dr. Keck’s mother,
Mrs. Joyce Littlepage Keck, was instrumental in helping
charter the Laredo chapter. the meeting, Linda Austin of the
Presidio La Bahiachapter in Goliad, was elected to be the
new District VII representative. During lunch, Jose Lopez
held the group spellbound with musical renditions on his
trumpet.
State officers attending included President
General Patti Atkins, District VII Representative Melinda
Navarro, Past President General and Laredo Chapter
Madrina,Virginia Van Cleave and State Recording
Secretary General Stephanie Gault.
Laredo Daughters who helped included Co-Chairs
Ana Flores and Amparo Compton; Committee Chairmen
Martha Fenstermaker, Keri Garza, Stephanie Gault, Gloria
Guajardo, Annabelle Hall , Letti Martinez, Annie Ochoa,
Jennie Reed, Julia Ruhlman and Joy Vazquez.
James Butler Bonham
Moon-McGehee
On Thursday, November 4, the Moon-McGehee Chapter of
San Marcos honored one of the two men for which their
chapter is named.
Family members, DRT members and SRT
members met in the San Marcos City Cemetery to dedicate
a Memorial Veteran's Medallion on the headstone of
Thomas Gilmer McGehee. McGehee, born in 1810 in
Georgia, moved to Alabama where he married Minerva
Hunt in 1832. Shortly thereafter, they settled in Milam’s
colony.
In 1836 McGehee joined the Mina Volunteers and
served under Captain Jesse Billingsley in the First
Regiment of Texas Militia. After his discharge the family
remained at their farm near Bastrop until 1846, when
McGehee took up his headright for service in the revolution
and established a farm in Hays County where the Blanco
River runs into the San Marcos.
On June 11, 2010, members of the James Butler Bonham Chapter attended a presentation by Alexander Olson, PhD
candidate at the University of Michigan and recipient of the Chapter’s Research Grant in Texas History at the DeGolyer
Library, Southern Methodist University. Mr. Olson spoke about his discoveries related to the correspondence of Henry
Nash Smith (American Studies pioneer, former faculty member at SMU, and former editor of Southwest Review) and Mary
Austin (famed author and activist). While the Smith-Austin letters are held in archives in California, DeGolyer Library's
material allowed Mr. Olsen to contextualize the events described in their correspondence and further his doctoral
dissertation arguments. Mr. Olson plans to write an article on his research for the Southwest Review.
Joshua D. Brown
The year has started with a bang in Kerrville! Ten
members of the Joshua D. Brown Chapter, Kerrville traveled to
Columbus for the District VIII Workshop on September 18, 2010
hosted by The Dilue Rose Harris Chapter of Columbus, Texas.
Members attending were Shirley Smith, Joy Putnam, Stu
Adamslundy, GayNell Wells, Nancy McLarry, Billie Bryant,
Judy Morris, Carol Harwell, Wanda Halmon, and Martha
Batchelor.
Stu and Judy’s husbands attended the reception,
along with the ten ladies.
Seven members of the Joshua D. Brown Chapter
gathered Saturday, September 25, 2010 to display our Traveling
Texas History Trunk at the Texas Living History Day at the
Schreiner University, and to tell about the early Texan’s way of
life. Approximately 1500 students and adults signed pledge
cards with quill pens and berry juice. The contents of the Trunk
were examined by the children and many questions were asked
and answered. The students enjoyed touching the various fur
pelts and trying on the coon skin caps as well as the bonnets.
They listened in awe as Joy Putnam explained that the many
patches on her skirt were to patch the holes caused by sparks
from the fires as the pioneer women cooked their meals, and that
since this was most likely the lady's only skirt, she wore a white
apron when they went somewhere to hide the patches. They
loved the clay marbles and other toys. Members attending
dressed in period costumes were Shirley Hagley, Shirley Smith,
Joy Putnam, Eva Smith, Wanda Halmon, Denise Ramirez and
Judy Morris.
Donna Beth McCormick, docent of the Texas
Governor's Mansion, was the speaker at the October meeting.
She presented a video about the history of the mansion, including
the fact that Temple L ea Houston (daughter of Sam Houston)
was the first child born there, and other historical facts. She also
discussed the fire at the mansion. A bottle of gasoline was
thrown to start the fire at the right side of the porch. The fire was
so intense that the steel roof girders were warped and twisted and
had to be removed by hand. Cranes couldn't get in there to
remove this stuff. So the clean up took up much time. Luckily
all the furniture and artifacts had been removed so they could
renovate. The mantles, staircase banister, and other surfaces had
been protected for the renovation so the fire didn't hurt them.
They are now beginning the repair phase of the project, which is
scheduled to be completed sometime in 2012. Also at the
October meeting, the Chapter voted to donate another $1000. to
the Vision.
Six member of the Joshua D Brown Chapter attended
the Oc tober meeting of the Kerrville Genealogy Society: Shirley
Hagele, Joy Putnam, Judy Morris, Carol Harwell, Linda Patten
and Shirley Smith. They presented the book "Founders and
Patriots of the Republic of Texas, Vol. 9" which was donated by
the Chapter. Thus far over the years the Chapter has donated
Volumes 2- 9. The Genealogy Society members were most
appreciative and said the books are used all the time.
On Thursday, November 4, Shirley Smith, Carol
Harwell, Peggy Tombs, and Linda Patten attended the Stephen F.
Austin luncheon hosted by the William B. Travis chapter at the
Austin Woman's club.
The November meeting of the Joshua D Brown
Chapter, Kerrville will be held on Monday, November 22. The
birthday of Stephen F Austin will be commemorated along with
DRT Founders Day, and the guest speaker, Gerald Irion, will
present a program on "Climbing the Family Tree."
Dr. Wilhelm Keidel
As Daughters of the Republic of Texas, one of our
goals is to encourage historical research into the earliest records
of Texas, to foster the preservation of documents and relics, and
to encourage the publication of source material for the history of
Texas.
The Dr. Wilhelm Keidel Chapter members of
Fredericksburg are pleased to announce the recent publication
Rural Cemeteries of Gillespie County, Texas, Volume II. The
book is a collection of 52 local cemeteries' records and will be
beneficial to anyone doing genealogical research of this area's
ancestors. Also available in limited supply is Rural Cemeteries
of Gillespie County, Texas, Volume I which is a collection of 90
smaller, some on private property, rural cemeteries' information
and was published in 2003. Volume II does not duplicate any of
the information contained in Volume I.
Many DRT members and Fredericksburg
Genealogical Society members helped canvass cemeteries as well
as research additional information such as names of parents and
spouses. The DRT Chapter feels that the printed copy is another
method of record preservation for posterity and is beneficial to
anyone not using a computer for research.
Copies are available for purchase and may be
ordered from Cemetery Book Committee Chairperson Kay
Daigle, at
Cost for Volume I is $15.95 plus $4.00 for
shipping and handling, and Volume II is $25.99 plus $4.00 for
shipping and handling. Both books are available for purchase at
the Gillespie County Historical Society Pioneer Museum
Bookstore in the historic Dambach-Besier House located at 325
West Main St in Fredericksburg or via the website at
www.PioneerMuseum net.
The Dr. Wilhelm Keidel Chapter members
encourage all interested descendants of persons buried in local
cemeteries to visit and help maintain the sites.
Hiram Bennett Chapter
Get you pin “T E X A N” pin from the Hiram
Bennett Chapter, with a picture of the Alamo and a Texas
flag in the background. Every DRT member will be proud to
honor their ancestor by wearing this pin upon their ribbon.
$ 25 each Make check or money order payable to
HIRAM BENNETT CHAPTER, DRT.
Send quantity request along with your name and
full mailing address including phone number to: Joe Ann
McIver,
Sterling C. Roberts
The Chapter hosted a table at the fiftieth anniversary
conference of Texas State Genealogical Society in November.
of Waco was among the exhibitors, chosing to sponsor a table
to provide information about The Daughters of the Republic of
Texas and to promote new memberships among the conference
attendees. Brochures and other literature about DRT, SRT, and
CRT were available, as well as a list of chapters so potential
new members could determine the one nearest to their home
towns.
Collin-McKinney
Our year began in August with a board meeting where the board discussed the
upcoming year and the exciting plans for our Chapter. It was apparent from the
beginning that our year would encompass an array of many exciting activities.
Our programs this year are proving to bring in many new visitors each month!
At our September meeting, Dr. Dottie Woodson from Texas A&M
Extension service gave a program on WATER ... Texas's precious resource ...
that was very enlightening to us all.
Our October meeting with Jim Gatewood, author of several books on
local Dallas / Fort Worth history, gave a fascinating talk on the Top of the Hill, a
wild speak-easy and gambling house in the 20’s, as well as on local characters,
movers and shakers, whose interesting lives related to that period of our history.
Speaker Cheryl Smith from the Plano genealogical library will take us
on a Genealogical adventure in November.
Officers and members attended the District III meeting in Mesquite
and enjoyed meeting ladies from other chapters throughout the district and
sharing tips on reaching new prospective members as well as interesting chapter
activities.
Our Chapter always enjoys participating in one of our favorite
community activities … our annual trip to Heritage Old City Park in Dallas
where members and prospectives decorate the Doctor's House for the Christmas
season in pre-1900 style. This year we also plan to decorate the Young House at
the Farmstead Museum in Plano, Texas.
In January, we are having a VERY exciting program: Helen Garrison
will be reenacting “Belle Starr”, In February, Ranger Ray Martinez author of
Ranger Ray will be the program speaker. In March, we have Bill Covington,
"The Continental Soldier" coming to educate us on the ties from the American
Revolution to the Republic of Texas. We are inviting other local DRT chapters
and the Sons of the Republic of Texas to join our meetings to hear these
outstanding speakers. We were grateful they have made time for our chapter.
We feel very blessed to have such a vibrant Chapter!
The Collin McKinney chapter of the DRT is Alive and Well in Plano!
We are proud to report that we have welcomed many new members over the past
year, bringing our total membership to 50. From April 2009 to April 2010 , we
experienced fantastic growth with 7 new members giving us a 25% increase in
membership! We have 38 prospective members working on papers. We expect
another great growth year as at our first meeting we had 3 introductions, and 1
installation Pending.
We are proud to sponsor the Col. John McGarrah CRT Chapter, with
Kelsey Bolgiano as President, with 12 members.
Each year we participate in the DRT essay contests and last year we
judged entries from Murphy Middle School and Allen Boyd Elementary. At the
end of these contests, we gave a participation party for the children with Food,
Fun, and Games (Texas Bingo) where we all had a great time! At the conclusion
of the Murphy school contest, our chapter was recognized as a historical
organization in Collin County for a second year. Our 7th Grade District Essay
winner also won the district level!
Our historian is writing a Texas history column for the Bi-weekly
“Murphy Messenger” newspaper and sponsors a Facebook page on the chapter.
This is a GREAT opportunity to educate the community not only about Texas
but about the DRT.
The Collin McKinney Chapter is proud to present the sale of our
Chapter Pin. Our beautiful pin is shaped in the state of Texas and its banner
presents the Texas Declaration of Independence and the proud name of Collin
McKinney. On the tip of the quill pen is a lovely blue stone making this pin
truly unique. If you’d be interested in supporting our Chapter through the
purchase of this pin, please make a check payable to Collin McKinney DRT and
mail it to: Kimberly Fogle
. The cost of the
pin is $25.00 + 3.00 shipping and handling.
Ferdinand Lindheimer
The Ferdinand Lindheimer Chapter
is selling raffle tickets for a hand stitched red,
white & blue Texas Flag Quilt with all the
names of the Alamo Defenders hand stitched
on quilt. The quilt is approximately 4’ x 6’
size. Raffle tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 tickets for
$10. The drawing will be held at the DRT
Convention in San Antonio, May 2011 (you do
not have to be present to win). You can’t win
if you don’t buy a ticket! Contact Karen Boyd
or Susan Sonier for more information. Other
chapter news, we along with the New
Braunfels SRT Chapter dedicated the Stephen
F. Austin (oak tree) Marker on the Comal
County Courthouse Grounds on Nov 3 rd,
which was organized by Delitha Guenzel.
Cradle of Texas
A Celebration and reception honoring
Stephen F. Austin's Birthday hosted by the
Cradle of Texas Chapter was held November
3, 2010. Co-Chairman were Charlene Buck,
Ramah O'Garman and Patricia Schwebel.
Despite the inclement weather, the
turn out was wonderful and had to be held at
the American Legion Hall in West Columbia
instead of the beautiful park dedicated to his
memory.
The Wild Peach 4th and 6th graders
entertained guest with dancing and singing.
Ceremonial Flag raising was conducted by the
Brazoswood Jr. R.O. T. C.. The Brazoria
Historical Militia was present firing a salute in
honor of Austin's birthday. Attendees were
honored with the presence of Austin, who was
portrayed by Stan Murray dressed in period
costume. Dignitaries included Majorie Lee
Burnett, Register General DRT who placed a
wreath in Austin's honor, as well as some of
Austin's decedents.
Sidney Sherman
We just has to brag on Catherine Polk, a 2year member and retired teacher!! She has
made the Texas Trunk come alive! She has
presented the trunk to five elementary
schools and five junior highs with more than
one presentation on the same day in some
schools. She was invited to speak for a
church seniors group . They were thrilled
and could remember their grandparents using
some of the items. She also gave programs
for the Texas City Ancestors Searchers and
the George Washington Chapter of the DAR.
Last year she included a nursing home.
We hope her excitement will be contagious
and inspire others.
"Way to go, Catherine!"
Charles Calvin McCoy
Rolling Hills Country Club in Arlington Texas was the setting for the 2010 Distric t II Daughters of the Republic Wor kshop The Charles Calvin M cCoy Chapter had the
privilege of hosting this year’s workshop held on August 21st Attendees were invited to a casual buffet dinner Friday evening provided by the Charles Calvin M cCoy chapter
members
District II Represe ntative, Betty Gosdin, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a m The invocation was given by Past Chaplain General, Billie Beth Moore The
pledges to the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Texas wer e led by Edith She linbarger and by Gina Ferren of Arlington The singing of Texas Our
Texas was led by Debra Pearson of Fort Worth
Faye Elder, president of the host chapte r, welcomed the guests and extended a spec ial welcome to Past President General, Helen Burleson Kelso Ms Elder
introduce d those se ated at the head ta ble which included: President Gener al Patti Atkins from the Franklin Hardin Chapter, Liberty; Parliamentar ian General Connie Cole
Surrency from the Robert Henry Chapter, Bryan; Past Chaplain Genera l Billie Beth M oore from the Frances Cooke Van Zandt Chapter, Fort Worth; District II Representative
Betty Gosdin from Comanche Peak Chapter, Granbury; and, acting secretary Cherry Williams from the Charles C alvin McCoy Cha pter, Arlington Every chapter in District II
was r epresented
The minutes of the 2009 District II meeting were a vailable to each person present They stood approved as submitted
Shirley Simpson gave the report of the Workshop Credentials Committee There were 82 in attendance, which included two guests, and two CRT members There
were 55 voting members present
Ms Gosdin next called for the e lection of a District II Representative and an alternate for 2011 She ca lled upon Parliame ntarian Gener al, Connie Surrency, of the
Robert Henry Chapter of Br yan, to outline for those pre sent the proper voting procedures Ms Surrency read the pertinent section from the by-laws Ms Gosdin then read the
only endorsement which was from the Wichita Falls cha pter recommending that Linda Marie Frazier Jackson be placed in nomination for District II Representative The vote
was unanimous to elect Linda Jackson as District II Representative Next, Ms Gosdin read the only endorsem ent for Alternate which was from the Comanche Peak Chapter of
Granbury for Rhonda Myers Duffey This vote, too, was unanimous
President General, Patti Atkins stated that DRT is doing well The review of DRT books was both nee ded and welcomed since the opinion of the AttorneyGeneral's office was required concerning the necessary IRS schedules The other c oncern, that of licensing souvenirs sold at the Alamo, is a tr ademark issue This is a business
negotiation which would allow the Alamo to sell licensed Texas items unique to the Ala mo Ms Atkins announced that Billie Dawson had stepped up to fill the vacancy in the
office of Third Vice President
1st Vice President General Hele n Kelso reported on changes in sever al DRT chapters during the year A new District II chapter was organizing in Dublin to be
chartered as the Hill Countr y Chapter with Marla Hill Bush as organizing pr esident There is a new chapter in District VII chartered as the Presidio La Bahia Chapter of
Goliad The Texian Chapte r of Austin in District VIII is now in the process of disbanding District VIII is gaining a chapter a s well, however, since the Llano Pioneers Chapter
is organizing under president Arlene Spann Garey
3rd Vice President General Elect Billie Dawson expressed appreciation for the help she has received since taking over this position She recomme nded that the
CRT me et in convention next year in Arlington
5th Vice President General Shir ley Burnett reporte d on the school projects The subject for 4th grade essays will be "The F all of the Alamo " The subject for 7th
grade essays will be "The Fall of the Alamo Through the Eyes of Davy C rockett "
Treasurer General Karen Clogston gave a report on the requirements for maintaining tax exempt status Ms Clogston emphasized that each chapter treasurer is
responsible for filing Form 990 Chapter s must re port to the Tr easurer Genera l total volunteer hours and the total number of individuals who volunteered The counting period
for is June 1 of the current year through M ay 31 of the following year To facilitate the r ecord keeping due s are now due as of October 1 Dues are to be mailed to the 2nd
Vice President General
Registrar General Marjorie Lee Burnett of Smiley reported 631 applications were approved with 407 new members There were, in addition, 213 supplem entals
and 11 posthumous honors
Custodian General Betty Bird extended greetings from Headquarters and obse rved that most of the problems with the building a nd gr ounds have been resolved
The r oof is repaired The a ir conditioner, which wa s stolen, was repla ced with most of the cost being covered by insurance The LDS records preservation group will digitize
our r ecords at no cost Ancestor pictures are still being accepted to include with the records The new Manual of Procedure is now available for $14 50 The Annual
Proceedings is available for $22 00 Binders for the MOP will be available to order
Parliamentarian Genera l Connie Surrency of Bryan reiterated the importance of following by-laws She noted that we should be familiar with the Manual of
Procedure, called MOPS, as well as with Robert's Rules of Order
District I Representative Doris L Williams of Midland reported on the work they a re doing with DRT and CRT membership drives
District II Represe ntative Betty Gosdin thanked the Charles Calvin McCoy Chapte r for hosting the 2010 workshop She also expressed gratitude for the
cooperation of that chapter a s well as others in District II as she carrie d out the duties of her office
District IV F aye Eddins of Center reported for her district
District VI R epresentative Sandra Meier extended an invitation to attend their workshop in Webster She expressed gratitude for all who attended the convention
in Houston in May
Liz B enevedes reported for the Alamo Committee Structural issues have been a concern but the struc ture has been deemed safe for the public Diana Arias,
serving as chairman for the Gala, plans an exclusive showing of the m ovie The Alamo Suzie Brooks is heading up plans for a silent auction A celebration also is being
planned for the 275th anniversary of the Texas Revolution
Linda Cooper, reporting for the Cradle Committee, invite d all to visit the birthplace of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas
Betty Bird reported for the Headquarters/Museum Committee She said that a new webmaster had be en e mployed by DRT The web address is www drtinfo org
Additiona lly, each office will now have an email address P rojects include a Te xas wildflower book by Eliza Griff in which is to be reprinted a s a fund raising pr oject The 5th
of the twe lve planned wildflower pins is a vailable for purchase Summer cam p for third through eighth-graders will be continue d In addition to the art contests for c hildren,
the over 55 art contest has proved successful The museum is still accepting Republic of Texas a rtifacts for preservation and display
John Ellen Becker, RHTC member, reported for the Republic of Texas History Complex Vision Committee The group has signed an option to purchase
agreement with one year to raise the purchase price of $1,425,000 The current am ount raised by the committee is $300,000
Christine Berklan reported for the French Legation Committee that income is up Their committee continues to f ocus on preservation, collaboration and
sustainability
Doris Johnston reported for the B y-laws Committee She encouraged members to purc hase their MOP She also recognized Lisa Kight who is a member of the
By-laws Com mittee and is a member of the host chapter
Billie Beth Moore reported for the Senior Members Committee She rem arked with enthusiasm on what a thrill it is to receive 25- 50- and 75-year recognitions at
the S tate Conventions She urged Chapters to keep up with membe rs and their years She also noted that copies of yearbooks should be submitted
There was no report from the San Jacinto Battlefield but President General, Patti Adkins, commented that the Battlefield Committee had been able to ac quire
property adjac ent to the Battleground and congratulated the committee on this
No one from the Historical Publications Committee was in attendance A submission for the minutes stated that The Texas History Educational Fund had a bala nce
on hand of $156 27
Margaret Anderson reported for the Legislative Committee that "My TLO" and the website www c apitol state tx us provide c urrent information on bills introduced
and being considered by the State Legislature
Judy Tannehill reported for the Alamo STF Capital Campaign She gave a brief summar y of activities and asked for those present to stand as a show of support
Support was unanimous
This conclude d the committee reports and Betty Gosdin recognized Faye Elder who recognized e ach chapter in the district by asking them to stand as their chapter
name was called Betty called attention to the presidents' reports which were provided to each person in attendance
Elaine Dippel issued an invitation to the 2011 District II workshop to be he ld in Brownwood
Following a blessing given by B illie Beth Moore, lunch was served
After lunch, P resident General Patti Atkins provided clarification of some points of procedure She thanked members for studying by-laws and for asking
questions Nancy Stowe brought several questions concerning six star qualifications These were answered with one point, concerning the date dues are due, deemed as
possibly needing further action by the BOM
Betty Gosdin called for adjournment following the singing of Blest Be the Tie, led by Debra Pearson and the benediction by Billie Beth Moore
Daughters of the Republic of Texas
510 E. Anderson Ln.
Austin, TX 78752
Jane Wells Woods
A DRT Grave Marking Ceremony for Audrey Ardelia Hahn Smith was held November 6, 2010, at the Bethel Cemetery in
Burnet County.
Eighteen Chapter members and dozens of family and friends gathered to honor the memory of Charter Member
Audrey Smith (1919-2008) in the community where she spent her childhood, attended school and devoted her talents and
labor.
Audrey was a great-great-great granddaughter of Zadock Woods and Minerva Cottle Woods, members of Stephen
F. Austin’s Colony. Zadock Woods was killed in the Battle of Salado Creek. His son, Norman Woods was wounded and
captured during this battle and taken to Perote Prison in Mexico where he died. His remains are buried on Monument Hill in
La Grange. The Jane Wells Woods Chapter bears the name of Zadock Woods’ daughter-in-law.
Also remembered on this occasion are JWW Chapter members who have passed since Chartering in 1997. Those
are: Ann Hill Glimp, 1998; Hazel Baker Johnson, 1998; Billie Shelburn Winner, 2002; June Smith Zimmerman, 2008;
Jeane Hughes Roberts, 2008; and Katherine Spiller Waddingham, 2010.
William Carroll Crawford
Like many of our sister chapters, the William Carroll Crawford Chapter of Center pledged $1000 to the Vision. The chapter members
brainstormed ways to raise the money. On Friday, November 12, they met at their First Ladies in Texas building and peeled potatoes,
chopped onions, celery and carrots, browned piles of beef cubes to make gallons of beef stew for their “lunch on the square.” Pre-sold
orders were delivered to businesses in town and walk-up diners were encouraged to enjoy their stew, drink and dessert at tables under
the trees on the Courthouse Square. By the end of lunch time enough stew had been sold to enable the chapter to increase their original
pledge by 50%. Isn’t it great that people like to eat?
In November the Chapter placed a memorial medallion on the gravesite of Barbara Cockrell Wright, a faithful DRT member
who passed away last year. Joining the William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the DRT in honoring Barbara were members of the
Gateway to Texas Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and the Nail Creek Volunteers, who gave a blackpowder rifle salute.
Mike Wood played the bagpipes and Darien Hribal of the JJE Gibson Chapter of the Children of the Republic of Texas led the pledges
to the United States and Texas Flags. At the conclusion of the program cookies and drinks were served to the guests.
In September the Chapter held a “get acquainted” luncheon for prospective members who wanted to learn more about DRT.
Fay Eddins, District IV Representative gave a brief history of the organization. Maggie Casto, Chapter Registrar, explained the
application process and gave suggestions on finding those last proofs that seem to elude all research. Billie Dawson, Chapter President,
told about the Chapter projects and goals, particularly the annual Republic of Texas Celebration. Jean Corbell, the newest member, was
welcomed into the chapter at the luncheon.