Chapter Regent Elaine Ortman welcomed everyone and opened the program by praising the chapter’s commitment to serving the community and the nation.
“A hundred years of community service work the members have performed is a hundred years of keeping the DAR strong and thriving,” Ortman said.
The chapter organization took place October 20, 1916 and it was chartered October 26, 1916. The name chosen was Caroline Scott, the wife of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president of the United States. The name honors the former First Lady using her maiden name in part because she grew up in Oxford but also her married name Caroline Scott Harrison had already been taken by the chapter in Indianapolis, where the Harrisons had lived after leaving Oxford and prior to his presidency.
In a history of the Oxford chapter, Lois Cocanougher told those in attendance Caroline Scott Harrison was chosen as the first president general of the National Society DAR while living in the White House, but served only one year before her death in 1892.
Cocanougher said the founding of the Oxford chapter had a unique start because it began with a hope of honoring Caroline Scott Harrison because of her roots in Oxford.
She explained that Mary Thompson Hughes attended the 1915 state convention of the DAR hoping to have the organization honor Caroline Scott Harrison with a memorial at Oxford College but they were reluctant because there was no chapter in Oxford.
“Plans were set in motion for an Oxford chapter,” Cocanougher said. “There were 23 charter members. Jennie Richey, an 1888 Oxford College graduate, was the first chapter regent.”
Oxford College became the home of the chapter and a plaque on the porch attests to that historical background. Caroline Scott’s father was the president of Oxford College and she was a graduate of the school. The family lived in a house across the street at the corner of High Street and College Avenue and she and Benjamin Harrison were married there in 1853.
Cocanougher noted the objectives of the DAR are historical, educational and patriotic and went on to summarize some of the projects the local chapter has undertaken over the years, such as:
• Contributions to preserve historic landmarks including the DeWitt Cabin and Oxford College for Women
• Ceremonial grave marking for Revolutionary War soldiers buried in the area
• Flags, books and supplies provided to students, schools and organizations
• Contributions to the Smith History Room at the Oxford Lane Library
• Awarding medals to Miami University Air Force and Navy ROTC outstanding cadets
• Giving Good Citizen Awards and American History Awards to middle school and high school students
• Donations of needed supplies and recognition of U.S. military veterans
• Support of conservation projects
• Encouraging patriotism and love of country with educational programs and participation in Oxford’s Independence Day parade
She noted the chapter has had 342 members over its 100-year history.
“The devotion and dedication of our members is amazing. The future of our chapter is now. We are ready for the next 100 years,” Cocanougher said, drawing laughs when she added, “We have a Facebook page.”
As part of the centennial celebration, organizers recognized members with milestone membership years in the local chapter, ranging up to Betty Wills who is a 67-year member.
Also on hand was Betty Barnhart, who served as chapter regent when the local DAR chapter observed its 40th anniversary.
About the Author