The Brunswick Chapter NSDAR was founded on Feb. 12, 1903, a date that the members selected because of its historic meaning. General James Edward Oglethorpe made his historic landing at Yamacraw Bluff on this day in 1733. There were twelve charter members: Mrs. J.A. Butts (Organizing Regent), Mrs. D. D. Atkinson, Mrs. Edwin Brobson, Mrs. Hugh Buford, Mrs. E. T. Coney, Mrs. W. H. Dyer, Mrs. R. R. Hopkins, Mrs. H. M. King, Mrs. E. H. Mason, Mrs. J. A. Montgomery, Mrs. J. D. Sparks, Mrs. Courtland Symmes, and Mrs. Bolling Whitfield.
The roster of members in the Brunswick Chapter included prominent women in the community. These women were leaders, even then. They included the wives of doctors, attorneys and businessmen in Brunswick whose wives were active in civic affairs.
In the beginning, meetings were held at the grandest location in the town, the Oglethorpe Hotel, and the ladies dressed in their Sunday finest to attend the meetings. The DAR awarded yearly prizes in the local schools for the best historical essays, an activity that foreshadowed the contemporary practice sponsored by the national organization. The American History Essay contest that is held each February.
Over the years the chapter has been responsible for placing ten historic markers throughout the county. These markers not only honor their recipients but also serve to educate tourists and locals of the significance of the person or location it commemorates.
The Brunswick Chapter has hosted the Georgia State DAR Conference on two occasions. First in 1909 at the Oglethorpe Hotel when delegates arrived in Brunswick by train and were welcomed by Mrs. R. R. Hopkins, and Brunswick's mayor, then again in 1990 when Brunswick Chapter hosted the meeting on Jekyll Island. Mrs. Raiferd L. Drew and Mrs. Donald McClain were the chapter co-chairmen of the event.
The Brunswick Chapter has made a lasting impact on the surrounding community. Children, students, veterans, and visitors to the community are only a few who have benefited from her work. The chapter is the third oldest chapter in the state and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in Feb. 2003.
History notes taken from article written by member:
Barfoot, Patricia. The Brunswick News, "DAR's 94th Birthday," 6 Feb. 1997, 6A.
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