Club News

The Washington Chapter D.A.R. met on Monday, Sept. 14, at Halcyon House in Washington. Fourteen members and two pending members attended. Thirteen members met for lunch at the Bistro.

Regent Denise Preston called the meeting to order. Chaplain Dorothy Miller led in the ritual and closed with a prayer for our nation. September 17 marks the beginning of Constitution Week. Dorothy stated this is the 228th year of the constitution and it is the oldest constitution still in use in the world today.

The President General report was read by Regent Preston. October 11 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of DAR. Every chapter is encouraged to do an act of community service on that day. A plea for funds for the endowment of the guardian trust was also noted.

The 2015-16 program books were given to members. The end of World War II will be the program themes for this year.

Julie Mangold will serve as chaplain for 2015-16 and Ellen Krueger as registrar.

Julie Mangold and Denise will discuss the Good Citizen and scholarship opportunities associated with this committee. Ellen Krueger will be the American Indian committee and Marj Lins will be the DAR Historical Site chairperson. It was mentioned that the Alexander Young cabin was featured in the latest issue of The American Spirit DAR magazine.

Julie Mangold reported on cabin cleaning and noted the workers replacing the log have made some progress but more is needed. The security system is installed but one attempt at vandalism has been reported since. The logs do need rechinked but total replacement would be unaffordable. Repairs in certain areas will be done as needed and as funds are available.

Proceeds from the upcoming jewelry sale will be placed in the general fund for cabin repairs and upkeep. Members were reminded of scheduled workdays for the October Vintage and Preowned Jewelry sale. The sale is open to the public and will be held on Friday, October 23, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 24, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Washington Public Library. Marj Lins and Ruth Ann Stacy will create a display using various jewelry pieces in the Washington Library display window to promote the sale.

The meeting was closed in due form and the date of our next meeting will be Monday, Oct. 5, at Halcyon House at 1:30 p.m., preceded by lunch at the Bistro at noon for those who wish to attend.

Rosemary Harris in the persona of Phyllis Propp 1908-2000, presented a wonderful program entitled WAC, ?I?ll Show ?Em." Ms. Propp was a well-educated Iowan determined to make her mark as a woman during the war. She had obtained her law degree and wanted to serve in the JAG Corps. Women serving in the Army was discouraged by the Catholic Church, menfolk as head of the household and by male soldiers. As the war progressed the need for women to serve in various capacities became a necessity?but they were NOT to serve in the Army, but with the Army. They were first called the WAAC?Women?s Auxillary Army Corps. Rosemary gave many interesting facts regarding Ft. Des Moines, the Army training center in Des Moines where Miss Propp trained. Though the road was not easy, Miss Propp?s determination helped her to overcome obstacles and retire as a lieutenant colonel in the Army spending many of her later service years in Germany.

The Washington Chapter of D.A.R. welcomes new members. Anyone interested should contact Julie Mangold at 319-698-2033 or any of the other members