Local DAR chapter celebrates 60 years

The Don José Verdugo Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, marked 60 years in the national society with a celebratory tea at state DAR headquarters in Glendora. Members of the local chapter prepared tea sandwiches and desserts to serve visitors, state and district officers and prospective members during the special event.

Today the local chapter has 70 members, according to Chapter Regent Elaine La Marr of La Cañada Flintridge. It all started with an organizing meeting in 1953 at the home of Grace Carpenter, La Marr said, which was attended by 30 women eligible for DAR membership. Evoking local heritage, the women selected the Don José Verdugo name. The chapter was dedicated on March 27, 1953, with Mrs. Guy Warren Hull named the first Regent.

“The women who founded our Chapter were dedicated to following the objectives of the DAR,” La Marr said. “It’s an honor to follow in their footsteps as a Regent. Not only that, I am blessed to have five former Regents as members of our chapter.

“The principles of [DAR] are to perpetuate the memory and spirit of men and women who fought for and achieved American Independence. To preserve historical landmarks, documents, relics and records of service by Revolutionary soldiers and patriot,” she said.

The organization promotes Constitution Week with displays in local libraries, participates in Memorial Day parades, supports veterans groups, donates 9/11 flags to city offices and presents local students with monetary awards.

Women who are 18 and older and who can prove lineal, blood-line descent from an ancestor who aided in the American independence effort are eligible to become members of DAR. To learn more about the Don José Verdugo Chapter, call (818) 249-5472.
-- Carol Cormaci, carol.cormaci@latimes.com

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