Samuel Phoenix Celebrates 90 Years
On April 10, members of the Samuel Phoenix Chapter, NSDAR [National Society Daughters of the American Revolution], celebrated its 90th anniversary with a tea party and historical program at the Terraces of Lake Geneva. The guest of honor was State Regent Gena Selby.
Looking back, the year was 1936, a pivotal year in America, marked by New Deal reforms, natural disasters, cultural milestones and a decisive presidential election. The Great Depression was still deeply influencing our world. The Social Security act became operational. Our President Franklin Delano Roosevelt won a decisive victory over his opponent showing strong support for his New Deal politics. But here in southeastern Wisconsin, in Delavan, other monumental things were happening. Hazel Eugenia Vanderpool Elithorp was organizing a new chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They petitioned the National Society for adoption and it was accepted and adopted. The Charter read: Whereas certain members of the National Society of the American Revolution, did, under the authorization of the National Board of Management, on the 18th day of April, 1936, organize a Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in the City of Delavan State of Wisconsin. The chapter honored its organizing Regent, Mrs. George Elithorp, by naming the chapter after her ancestor, John Melchert Vanderpool. ancestor.
Other founding officers were Fannie Smith Spurling, Vice Regent; Agnes More Hazard, Secretary; Marvel C. Hobart, Treasurer; Nellie M. Castle Betzer, Chaplain; Miriam Kirkpatrick, Historian; and. Laura Sage Jones, Registrar. Other notable members were Florence Schuyler Ballantyne, Ruth Barker Crowe, Mary Alice Francisco and Geneva Bowler Llewellyn.
Thirty years later, a new board and members decided that the name was too long and petitioned the National Board again and this time asked for a name change to Samuel Phoenix Chapter. Samuel Phoenix and his brother were the founders of Delavan. The national board approved the name change and on April 18, 1936, it became official. Today our membership covers southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Presently, we have 47 members with a few more waiting approvals. We are a service organization that meets monthly. For more information, you may contact Peggy Schutt, Registrar, 608-201-8162, pjs3130@gmail.com. You can also see our announcements on Facebook by entering our chapter name.
Photo names:
Front, left: Sonette Tippens, State Regent Gena Selby, State Vice Regent JaNelle Powers, Peggy Schutt; Middle: Judy Bartlett, Barbara Fadowski, Joanne Laufenberg, Chris Brookes, Kay Sargent, Charlene Staples, Jennifer Muraski, Carolyn Schultz; Back: Janet Zimmerman, Joyce Pagel, Kim Kohls, Brenda Harmon, Kelly Talty, Mary King.
