The Okemah Chapter, NSDAR, and Its History
As proud members of the Okemah Chapter, NSDAR, we honor the organizer of our chapter, Emma B. Kennedy from Okemah, Oklahoma. Mrs. Kennedy invited a group of friends to a get together in her home in January of 1927 to discuss the possibility of starting a DAR chapter in Okemah. At that time there were already six DAR members who lived in Okemah who belonged to another chapter. These six daughters agreed to transfer to this new chapter if it could be formed.
At that time Josephine Hickam was the Oklahoma State Society Regent and at the January board meeting she asked Mrs. Kennedy if she would be the organizing regent for the new chapter. Mrs. Kennedy graciously agreed, and the new chapter was formed when she entertained nine ladies in her home for the first official meeting of our chapter on February 4, 1927, over 90 years ago! After much discussion the members of the new chapter agreed to call it, the Okemah Chapter, NSDAR. The name Okemah honors an old Creek Indian Chief, Okemah, and the name means “Big Chief,” according to town history. This new brave chapter was officially chartered on February 9, 1927, with twelve eager members.
At that time Josephine Hickam was the Oklahoma State Society Regent and at the January board meeting she asked Mrs. Kennedy if she would be the organizing regent for the new chapter. Mrs. Kennedy graciously agreed, and the new chapter was formed when she entertained nine ladies in her home for the first official meeting of our chapter on February 4, 1927, over 90 years ago! After much discussion the members of the new chapter agreed to call it, the Okemah Chapter, NSDAR. The name Okemah honors an old Creek Indian Chief, Okemah, and the name means “Big Chief,” according to town history. This new brave chapter was officially chartered on February 9, 1927, with twelve eager members.
From its beginning, Okemah Chapter, NSDAR, has actively participated in many civic events. In those early years, one noble cause was sending clothing to Civil War veterans and immigrants who were detained at Ellis Island, New York, before they entered our country. Later during war years the chapter supported the Red Cross with participation in wartime aid. Okemah Chapter, NSDAR, also has devoted much time to youth in the area, both in schools and in Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations.
In the 1950s, the members toured such Oklahoma cultural attractions as the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa and the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore. Many projects were undertaken such as baking and taking cookies and paperback books to veterans who were in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers and making ditty bags for soldiers serving overseas. Veterans Administration Voluntary Service (VAVS) representatives from the Okemah Chapter, NSDAR, have continued this effort. Our chapter is now supporting our women veterans in the VA Medical Center by donating articles of clothing and other items for their personal needs. |
I am bound to them,
Though I cannot look into their eyes Or hear their voices. I honor their history. I cherish their lives. I will tell their story. I will remember them. -- Author unknown |
During the 1996 administration, we designed and sold DAR watches by advertising in the NSDAR magazine, Oklahoma Society DAR newsletter, and by word-of-mouth.
In the 1960s through the 1990s, our chapter continued to work hard and supported many civic projects; however, ill health, deaths, and members relocating to retirement centers, contributed to less members and fewer activities.
In this new century, we have rallied and are rebuilding. Four past regents are still active in the chapter: Sheldon Starr, Theo Crawley, Ann Jackson, and Velda Jo Bradley. We appreciate their leadership and dedication that has kept our chapter alive and active.
Our chapter continues to grow and participate in more activities than ever: hosting naturalization ceremonies, visiting veterans in nursing homes, donating articles of clothing and personal items to veterans, sponsoring youth in essay contests, volunteering in a local classroom, and educating the public about the Constitution by obtaining a proclamation for Constitution Week, and decorating a display case of patriotic historical items at the Henryetta, Oklahoma Library. Our membership has now increased to over 50 members with several new junior members to carry on the traditions of DAR. We are proud Daughters!
In the 1960s through the 1990s, our chapter continued to work hard and supported many civic projects; however, ill health, deaths, and members relocating to retirement centers, contributed to less members and fewer activities.
In this new century, we have rallied and are rebuilding. Four past regents are still active in the chapter: Sheldon Starr, Theo Crawley, Ann Jackson, and Velda Jo Bradley. We appreciate their leadership and dedication that has kept our chapter alive and active.
Our chapter continues to grow and participate in more activities than ever: hosting naturalization ceremonies, visiting veterans in nursing homes, donating articles of clothing and personal items to veterans, sponsoring youth in essay contests, volunteering in a local classroom, and educating the public about the Constitution by obtaining a proclamation for Constitution Week, and decorating a display case of patriotic historical items at the Henryetta, Oklahoma Library. Our membership has now increased to over 50 members with several new junior members to carry on the traditions of DAR. We are proud Daughters!
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Hyperlinks to other sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations, or individual DAR chapters.