James Harlan Chapter DAR Celebrates 100 Years

MT. PLEASANT — On Thursday, March 24, 1923, a group of women led by Ella Rosemond Mackin gathered in Mt. Pleasant to form the James Harlan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and they still gather to this day.

The James Harland Chapter of the (DAR), in Mt. Pleasant, invites the community to help commemorate the chapter’s 100-year anniversary.

The chapter will hold this celebration Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1-3 p.m. at the Ashford Park Clubhouse, 1801 Ashford Avenue, Mt. Pleasant. The event is free and open to the public.

The celebration will kick off with an open house followed by a program beginning at 1:30.

The program will consist of the Women in American History Award honoring two local women and Iowa author Cheryl Mullenbach presenting on “Mischievous Women of the Progressive Era.”

James Harlan DAR member Cathy Helman, from Salem, will add information about local “mischievous” women.

In celebration of this 100-year milestone, patrons may view displays at the Mt. Pleasant Public Library or the lower level of the Henry County Courthouse.

The display in the library contains a patriotic quilt made by James Harlan Chapter member Becky Wright.

Vice Regent Charlene Seggerman assembled items illustrating DAR’s goals and activities for the display in the courthouse.

The Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, non-political volunteer women's service organization.

Each of the women who belong to the DAR can document their ancestry back to at least one patriot who played a role helping to win independence during the Revolutionary War.

The organization is dedicated to three main goals: promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.

According to James Harlan Chapter Regent Gayle Olson, there are currently 59 members in the local chapter who work to accomplish these goals through a combination of committee work, recognizing community members and continuously learning.

“We are an involved group with many activities and partners,” Olson said. “Each month, we work on a specific service area. If you have an interest in history, education or patriotism, we always have projects in progress.”

For information on joining DAR, contact Carol Klopfenstein, 319- 257-6987. For information on the anniversary celebration, contact Gayle Olson, 319-257-6967.