Processional Meeting was called to order by Mrs. McMullen, State Regent.
Devotionals by Mrs. C. H. Mullin, State Chaplain.
Flag Salute led by Mrs. Walter O. Johnson, State Chairman of the Flag Committee.
American Creed Song--"Star Spangled Banner," led by Mrs. Wescott.
Minutes of the Board Meeting, March 18th, 1930, were read and approved.
The following State Officers
were introduced:
Vice Regent--Mrs. E. H.
Wescott.
Recording Secretary--Mrs. Horace J.
Cary.
Corresponding Secretary--Mrs. Frank
Baker.
Treasurer--Miss Fanny DeBow.
Historian--Miss Mabel Lindly.
Registrar--Mrs. R. E. Knight.
Auditor--Mrs. Fred C. Laird.
Librarian--Mrs. Roy Northup (not
present).
Chaplain--Mrs. C. H. Mullin.
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Report of the Credential Committee was given by Mrs. Baker:
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National Officers |
1 |
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Past Presidents General |
2 |
|
Past State Regents |
7 |
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State Officers |
9 |
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Regents |
28 |
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Delegates |
43 |
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Alternates |
28 |
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Guests |
80 |
Total Registration |
198 |
A very delightful reading was
given by Miss Cleora Cooper.
Reports of the State Officers
followed. Mrs. E. H. Wescott presiding during the report of the
State Regent, Mrs. Adam McMullen.
REPORT OF STATE OFFICERS
Annual Report of Mrs. Adam McMullen,
State Regent,
To The 28th Annual Conference Of The Daughters Of The
American Revolution in Nebraska
Cornhusker Hotel, Lincoln, Nebraska
March 18, 19, 20, 1930.
Another year in the life of our
state society has passed into the land of memory. Another chapter
has been written and closed. It is the hope of all who have had
even the most humble part in writing its pages, that it will add
something worth while to a record already enshrined in our
hearts.
From the moment of my confirmation
as your state regent, in Washington last April, and up to the
present hour, I have been increasingly conscious of the
responsibilities of my office and of the opportunities it affords
for effective service to the state and nation. To be able to
arouse a deeper interest in the principles of our government, and
to help create a better understanding of the provisions of our
Constitution, should be regarded by us as sacred privileges rather
than duties. While it is true that our work is carried on in a
quiet
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and dignified manner, in accordance with the established policy
of our national society, yet we feel amply rewarded when we know
that results are far-reaching and that benefits attained are
praiseworthy and permanent.
After a year's official experience,
I am convinced that the strength of our national organization can
be no greater than the strength of each local chapter. Hence, our
most urgent work is always nearest at hand. I was impressed,
forcibly, with this idea during the sessions of our last
Continental Congress. Beginning with the national board meeting
and continuing on through memorial services, special ceremonies,
luncheons, receptions, and finally, routine business, the action
of the states ruled the proceedings, and the will of the chapters
at home governed their course.
After the events of the
continental congress, last spring--a detailed account of which
will be given by our national vice president general, Mrs.
Paine--I began the work of the year with a study of our finances.
It did not take long to ascertain that we were confronted with a
problem. During the latter part of 1928 our state funds, to the
amount of $994.00, deposited in a bank at Coleridge, were made
unavailable on account of the bank's failure. It was from those
funds we were to have paid expenses incurred during most of 1928
together with the expenses of the conference of 1929 and other
current expenses accruing at the beginning of last year. The
depleted condition of our treasury was called to the attention of
the last state conference and through its official action your
Regent and Treasurer were authorized to borrow whatever amount was
urgently needed to meet bills past due. Accordingly, we borrowed
$400. Then in November, 1929, we received a payment of $298 on our
deposit in the failed bank, and that amount was immediately
applied on the loan mentioned. No report has reached me showing
further payments. In the meantime, our President General, Mrs.
Hobart, was appraised of our straitened circumstances and through
her good offices we were excused from contributing to the national
patriotic projects for the current year excepting our national
dues--and we were able thereby to use that amount from the budget
fund, thus overcoming the necessity of borrowing more money, and
avoiding the need of making a special assessment on our members.
Further, through this procedure, each chapter was notified that
whenever appeals were received for contributions to national
activities, reply could be made that our state budget covered such
items.
Incidentally, let me say, we have
made full payment on the cur-
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rent year's pledges for chairs and book units in our new Constitution Hall. Those who attend our national congress next month will be thrilled with the experience of having the first session held in that memorable building. The main auditorium of which will seat 4000 delegates the alternates will have places in the tiers, and the guests will occupy the boxes. I hope many from Nebraska will be in attendance. I want to report the purchase of a platform chair by Mrs. Anna Cornish Metcalf of Omaha chapter.
My first official visit to chapters, after returning from Washington, was to Major Isaac Sadler chapter in Omaha on May 18th, when we were delightfully entertained at a luncheon at the Fontenelle Hotel. Later a business session was held in the ball room and I had the honor of installing the chapter's new officers. This ceremony was followed by a series of moving pictures shown by Mr. D. S. Dalbey, covering scenes in Washington and including group pictures of Nebraska's delegates to the last national congress. On September 2nd, Mr. McMullen and I were guests at a lovely luncheon at the home of Mrs. Stanley in Aurora. In the early afternoon we drove three miles south of Aurora where the first marker of the old Nebraska City-Fort Kearney cut-off trail was to be dedicated and afterwards formally presented to the State Historical Society. The marker is a stone replica of the old well formerly at Deep Well ranch which was a famous government relay station 60 years ago. The well curb is of stone, and the old oaken bucket stands in cement with the customary rope running through the pulleys. During the ceremony, your regent extended greetings and referred to the interest our society always has taken in marking historic spots.
On September 17th, Stephen
Bennett chapter at Fairmont entertained a district meeting
comprising fourteen neighboring chapters.
There were 150 present for the
splendid luncheon served in the basement of the Federated church,
and all were in attendance at the afternoon meeting in the
spacious church auditorium. Your regent was invited to take charge
of the program. Interesting greetings were expressed by many
representatives, while 12 of our 24 state chairmen of national
committees reviewed the year's work they had outlined for the
chapters. From Fairmont, Miss Lindly and Mrs. Dalbey accompanied
me to North Platte where we were house guests of our former state
regent, Mrs. York A. Hinman. We arrived in time for a charming
dinner party to which Mrs. Hinman had invited her chapter
officers. After dinner we spent an interesting informal
evening.
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At noon, September 19th, we drove to the country club where Sioux Lookout chapter was hostess at a district meeting luncheon to which members of eight surrounding chapters were invited, some of the members of one chapter driving over 100 miles to attend. After luncheon an interesting program was carried out, followed by a round table discussion. Plans were made for a similar meeting to be held this year. In the evening Mrs. Hinman gave another dinner party at which Mr. Dalbey and Mr. McMullen, who had driven us over, were guests. We were having such a delightful visit in Mrs. Hinman's lovely home, that we were sorry when the morning came and with it preparations for our departure. On October 1st, I attended the unveiling of a bronze marker at the grave, in Hastings, of a real daughter, Mrs. Barbara Fishburn Hood. The exercises were in charge of Niobrara chapter and Mrs. G. V. Diehl, as regent, presided. Your regent was asked for a message and responded. Preceding the unveiling, a delicious luncheon was served. After the ceremony at the grave, an informal meeting and social hour was held in the beautiful woman's club house. I was happy to have Mrs. Dalbey with me on that occasion. On November 12th, I was the guest of the Omaha chapter, greatly enjoying a luncheon with Mrs. R. C. Hunter and several guests including Mrs. Dalbey who had driven with me from Beatrice. After the luncheon we went to the beautiful home of Mrs. Anna Cornish Metcalf, where the chapter held their annual musicale tea. The day was enjoyed to the utmost.
It was with deep regret that I was compelled to forego the meeting with Deborah Avery chapter on December 6th. I sincerely appreciated their thoughfulness in sending me the corsage they had planned to give me had I been present, and also a copy of the interesting biography of Henry the Eighth.
On January 20th, our state board met with me for luncheon at the University Club in Lincoln. Our capable state historian, Miss Lindly, previously had reported that the new state history, toward the compilation of which she had given so much of her time, was completed, and bids for printing would be opened on that date. The contract was let to the lowest bidder, Jacob North & Co., at the stated price of $2,765.00 and it was understood and agreed at the time that copies of the book would be ready for sale and distribution at this conference. On January 30th, I devoted the day in Lincoln in consultation with Miss Lindly concerning the general arrangement of the state history, and with Mrs. Marshall in connection with the conference program we are now following. On February 3rd, I visited
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Crete chapter in company with Mrs. S. D. Kilpatrick. We were most pleasantly entertained at luncheon at the home of the regent, Mrs. E. B. Hardeman, and later enjoyed being present at the chapter's regular business meeting. February 4th, I attended the annual dinner of St. Ledger Cowley chapter at Oak Hall in this city. An able address was delivered by Prof. N. W. Gaines of the university. The lovely memorandum book presented to me that evening by the chapter is now filled with notes and is being put to good use at this conference. February 10th I attended a delightful colonial luncheon given by Quivera chapter in Fairbury, where our national vice president, Mrs. Paine, also was a guest. After luncheon we enjoyed an interesting house party with Mrs. Merrill as hostess. February 18th, I attended the annual colonial luncheon given by Ann Froissart chapter in Auburn. Before leaving the table, short addresses were made by Mrs. Kilpatrick, Mrs. Tucker, former state registrar, and your regent. Later on a most entertaining program was presented, with the chapter regent, Mrs. Cline, in charge.
During the latter part of February, your regent found herself with a severe attack of the prevailing grip and reluctantly abandoned plans, previously made, of attending the annual colonial dinner party of David Bryant chapter at York, a colonial party given by Margaret Holmes chapter at Seward, an evening colonial party by Betsy Hager chapter at Grand Island, and a banquet by the Sons of the American Revolution in Lincoln. These events happened to be arranged most conveniently as to days and dates, and my disappointment at being housed-in when they took place, was manifestly real.
On March 10th, my own chapter, Elizabeth Montague, entertained at a guest night dinner in my honor. Our regent, Mrs. H. E. Sachett, presided. Coming with all the thrills of a real surprise, a beautiful recognition pin was presented to me. The occasion will long remain in memory as a happy evening with the home folks.
District meetings were held for the first time during the current year. The plan was suggested by our past state regent, Mrs. Hinman, and endorsed by our last state conference. Credit for holding the first meeting of the kind goes to Stephen Bennett chapter at Fairmont. Similar meetings have been held in Omaha, Wayne and North Platte. At the four meetings, over 50% of our chapters were represented. I am inclined to think that the plan is a good one and should be continued. In this I am joined by all who expressed themselves
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at the meetings held. Such group meetings not only should help
us become better acquainted as individual members of our society,
but also should arouse in each one of us a keener interest in the
activities of our respective chapters. For the coming year, I
would suggest the following as a tentative grouping: 1--Crawford,
Chadron, Alliance, Scottsbluff and Minatare; 2--North Platte,
McCook, Gothenburg, Cozad, Lexington; 3--Kearney, Shelton, Grand
Island, Hastings, Franklin; 4--York, Fairmont, Sutton, Aurora,
Superior, Hebron; 5--Seward, Crete, Lincoln, Fairbury, Beatrice;
6--Sterling, Auburn, Falls City, Peru, Nebraska City, Weeping
Water; 7--Major Isaac Sadler chapter of Omaha, Blair, Fremont,
West Point, Plattsmouth; 8--Omaha chapter, Neligh, Norfolk, Wayne,
Coleridge; 9--Stromsburg, David City, Osceola, Genoa, St. Edwards,
Columbus.
In the reports sent to me from chapters over the state, I find many commendable things accomplished, and many admirable features undertaken. Almost without exception, chapter programs have contained high degree of merit and have been managed to the very best advantage. Good programs aid materially in maintaining proper interest in our work. Another item in our chapter reports that causes a sense of pride, relates to the increase in our membership. New members to the number of 175 have been added to our rolls. On the other hand, as shown by the report sent to me by our national registrar, we have lost through deaths, resignations and transfers, a total of 105. While we are pleased that the year has produced a substantial gain, still we feel that the increase should be greater, and that renewed efforts should be made by each chapter to enlarge the circle. At the same time, care should be exercised in adding only those members who give promise of sustained loyalty to our cause. As in any other organization, indifferent members do not contribute much to the spirit of the enterprise. While new members are desired in the chapters, we must not lose sight of the fact that new chapters also are welcome. Our state has reached the point in its history when none of our 93 counties should be without a chapter. At any rate, we should work toward that end, and in the course of time our hopes will be realized.
It has been many years since the first state history of our society was compiled. As a reference book of the early days, it will always be found interesting and valuable. But as histories are essentially records of the times, it is well for them to be as recent as possible.
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Hence, there is need of the history brought down to date through the diligence of our historian, Miss Lindly. Her work is now in our hands and speaks more eloquently for itself than anything we could say. But my report would not be complete if I did not convey to Miss Lindly, in this formal manner, and in behalf of our state organization, an earnest appreciation of her fruitful labors.
In witnessing the reception of new members by our various chapters, I always have felt that something was lacking. I also think the new members felt the same way. While there is nothing secret in connection with our work--no obligations or signs or pass-words still it seems some little ceremony should be carried out when a new member takes her place for the first time in her chapter. With that end in view, Mrs. Carrie M. Spellman, past regent of Elizabeth Montague chapter, kindly prepared a tentative ceremonial that may be used by our chapters on the occasions mentioned, if they so desire. Printed copies are now at the disposal of the delegates, with my compliments. To Mrs. Spellman I wish to extend my thanks and congratulations for the concise and attractive manner in which she arranged the subject matter.
I am indebted to Mrs. J. B. Reynolds and to Mrs. J. W. Gill, state chairman of the national Americanism committee, for their kindness in personally presenting awards to students with winning essays; the first in connection with the Reserve Officers Training Camp at the University, and the second the Citizens Military Training Camp at Fort Crook.
Invitations have been received from practically all our states to attend their respective conferences. About half are held in the Fall and the other half in the month of March. On account of conflicting dates, and distances to travel, it has been impossible for your regent to accept any of them although a real disappointment in not being able to do so. In turn, we have sent invitations to all national officers and state regents to be our guests at this time, and in responses received, hearty greetings were extended this conference. We are most happy that Mrs. Andrews, state regent of New Mexico, is with us.
My files show over eleven hundred letters written during the year, not including my general letter to the chapters; also, I have sent
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