DAR 125th Anniversary
Submitted by Holly Dunbar
“Celebrating 125 Years of Service” was the theme as members of Elizabeth Snyder-Continental Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently gathered for a belated observance of the chapter’s 125th anniversary.
Green Brook Mayor Jim Van Arsdale, DAR State Regent Bonnie Matthews and the State Board of Managers were honored guests at the event held on June 11 at the Dunellen Hotel.
“Today we celebrate our chapter’s many accomplishments,” said Regent Ashley Salsano. “As we follow in our ancestor’s footsteps, we look forward to carrying on their tradition of service.”
Continental Chapter was organized on January 23, 1896 in Plainfield and in 2002 merged with Elizabeth Snyder Chapter of Dunellen. Now based in Green Brook, the chapter continues to serve areas of Somerset, Middlesex and Union counties.
At the event, Barbara Navatto of Somerville was honored with a DAR Community Service Award for her years of service to the Somerset County 4-H Program. In addition, a donation of $300 was presented to the DAR State Regent in support of Semper Fido, an organization that trains service dogs for veterans.
Guests enjoyed a slide show retrospective of chapter history. The chapter is perhaps best known for its leading role in the preservation of Washington Rock in Green Brook. Chapter memorabilia was on display, including gavels made from the wood of the British warship, Augusta, sunk in 1777, and the chapter charters.
A highlight was a musical performance by Patricia Turse, harpist with the Metropolitan Orchestra of New Jersey.
Elizabeth Snyder-Continental Chapter sponsors students in DAR contests that promote the study of American history and good citizenship, collects holiday gifts for hospitalized veterans, and gathers supplies for the Plainfield Area Humane Society. Members support local conservation efforts, patriotic observances, and state and national DAR projects.
The DAR is a nonprofit service organization open to women 18 and over who can trace their descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. Elizabeth Snyder-Continental Chapter also sponsors the Pis-Cat-A-Qua Society of the Children of the American Revolution, open to girls and boys from birth to age 22. New members to both organizations are welcome. Learn more at DAR.org.
Courtesy photo
