BLADENBORO — Bladenboro Historical Society President Ricky Walters noted similar goals shared by the Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution when he spoke to the local chapter on Saturday.
Both organizations place an emphasis on historic preservation, education and patriotism, as Walters illustrated in his presentation of the history of the Society and its efforts to preserve the former site of Bladenboro High School.
The Battle of Elizabethtown Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at the Bladenboro Historical Museum, located in the former farm life school; the building will celebrate its centennial on September 9th during the annual Fun Day. Chapter members learned of its early history educating the children from area farm communities starting in 1917, its status as the largest school of its kind in the country at one point, its conversion to a public high school until being closed in 1989, and community efforts to save the building from demolition. The facility now houses historical exhibits on area military, farm, school and family history; it also provides rental space for community events and small businesses.
Walters and other guests from the Bladenboro Historical Society joined chapter members for lunch. These guests included William and Louise Butler and their son, Donald Butler. The Butler family was instrumental in organizing the society and leading early preservation efforts. William Butler served as the society’s first president. He joined chapter members in a photograph honoring another theme of the day: Wear Red for Women’s Health. The theme was promoted throughout the décor for the lunch.
Following lunch, chapter members participated in the business meeting. Regent Linda Smith noted that annual report documented the chapter’s efforts this past year; a particular highlight was the amount of volunteerism and donations provided in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Plans were made to appoint delegates for the state convention in Durham in April. A committee was selected to nominate candidates for officers to be elected in May. The chapter suggested a future program on World War I and participating in a new park project in Elizabethtown.
Committee chairs reported on recent projects. Constitution Week chair Brenda Gooden announced plans to expand activities next fall. Veterans chair Amber Bordeaux sent information about local Boy Scouts providing Christmas cards for the VA hospital in Fayetteville; chapter members are currently making Valentines for Veterans. Vice Regent and DAR Schools chair Terry Smith reminded members to save ink cartridges, Box Tops for Education and thrift store donations to provide funds for the schools. Children of the American Revolution chair Gayle Watson encouraged members to save pull tabs from cans for the CAR project; she announced the children’s chapter would like additional members.
The next meeting, to be held in Elizabethtown in March, will honor student winners for essay writing contests. It will also pay tribute to students who earned the Good Citizen award.
