DAR Celebrates 110 Years in Fort Scott

Loretta George

3 years ago

A local organization is celebrating 110 years in Fort Scott.

“The Daughter of the American Revolution organization itself is 131 years old being founded in 1890. Our chapter was founded in 1911 and thus we are 110 years old,” Martha Scott, a group member said.

The objectives of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the local Molly Foster Berry Chapter are to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of county, (and) to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty, according to information provided by Scott.

“In selecting a name for the chapter, they chose to honor the first regent, Miss Frances Hall, by selecting the wife of her Revolutionary War ancestor, Samuel Berry,” Scott said. “They chose the name of his wife, Mary Foster Berry, as the name of their chapter.”

Since its founding in 1890, the national DAR has admitted more than 950,000 members.

Currently, the Molly Foster Berry Chapter has 27 members.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a heritage group whose members have a direct lineal descendant of either soldiers or those who aided the cause of independence during the American Revolutionary War.

Over the last 110 years, the chapter has participated in numerous activities to benefit Fort Scott, according to Scott.

Here are highlights of the group’s activities through the years provided by Scott:

They organized the local YMCA and Red Cross Chapter and Canteen.
They sponsored the Bourbon County Historical Society

They take credit for the vision and construction of a Memorial Hall after World War I, to honor all servicemen. In appreciation of this effort, a meeting suite was designated in the building for DAR’s group use and is still used today for their meetings.
They placed 21 bronze plaques at historic sites including the government buildings at the fort.

They published and sold cookbooks during World War II in order to buy War Bonds.
They sold National Defense albums.
They donated funds for the purchase of ten additional acres at the National Cemetery when it reached its capacity.
They were instrumental in getting the old Fort Blair Block House saved and repositioned on Carroll Plaza.

The volunteer efforts of members in the past 110 years continue today with members volunteering for activities in our community, she said.

“Molly Foster Berry Chapter members welcome new members and if you have an ancestor who served in the Revolutionary War or provided support to the War and would like to join our organization, please contact the current Regent, Barbara Ritter, 913-636-4892 or the Registrar, Dee Ann Davis 620-215-1358,” Scott said.