The chair in the painting also revixion to Washington and the pedestal and background cloth belonged to the Alexandria-Washington Lodge. President Benjamin Harrison, attended Miami University. May 8, Grace Colglazier Marshall of South Carolina was running for the office when she suddenly passed away in April One of Mrs. A national 5 woodwork revision job gathering of DAR ladies met for a memorial service for Mrs. She had a cabinet specially made for the collection.

On May 7, , the Grand Lodge of Virginia called upon all grand lodges in the United States to meet in Alexandria on February 22, , to discuss plans for organizing a George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association whose purpose would be to construct a memorial temple.

Nearly everyone involved in the project in its early years agreed the memorial temple had to be built in Alexandria due to Washington's extensive ties to that city. With land secured, the Masons began making plans to build a memorial.

Watres departed for New York City to interview architects. Corbett planned a three-story memorial temple topped by a three-story tower. The first three floors which constituted the temple and the base of the tower would be built in the Neoclassical style, while the tower would be a variation on the setbacks popular in Modern architecture.

Corbett's initial design was for a memorial about feet 61 m high. Additional details and apparent design changes were revealed in July Although the building was still just feet 61 m in height, the press now reported that the building would be built specifically in the Greek and Romanesque Revival styles and be constructed of white marble and white concrete.

A major revision to the memorial plans was made in February These plans were revised and elaborated on again by April Now the memorial was to stand feet m high. The final major change in the memorial came in early The height of the tower had been decreased at some point to feet 85 m. Given the size and weight of the memorial, even in its early design stages, a solid foundation for the structure was critical.

An initial test borehole into Shooter's Hill which reached a depth of feet 61 m found no bedrock, leading to concerns that the site might not be a suitable location for the building. Moran, the foundation engineer, further investigated the earth beneath the building. Ground for the memorial was broken at noon on June 5, Callahan, vice president, broke ground in a driving rain. This pad was 9 feet 2. The pad was allowed to set for several months before work began on the foundation itself.

By January the foundation was almost completed and the granite walls for the first floor were rising. Work proceeded very rapidly through June. Scotts and Sons of Ohio, and other trees, shrubs and landscaping products from C. Armiger of Washington, D. Each green marble column was A mortise approximately 3 feet 0. A small amount of mortar mixed with small flat discs of metal was used to help fix the tenon into the mortise.

Between the base and the first drum or section of the column , between the drums and between the top drum and the capital were placed wedge-shaped thin sheets of lead to inhibit slippage.

Laying of the memorial's cornerstone occurred on November 1, Planners had initially proposed that cornerstone be laid on November 4, —the th anniversary of George Washington's initiation into Freemasonry. A short time before the event, contractors discovered that the cornerstone for the memorial had been cut too small. Navy destroyer anchored at the Alexandria torpedo factory as part of the festivities. An estimated 14, Masons, dignitaries, United States armed forces personnel, police, and others marched in a parade from the Alexandria waterfront to Shooter's Hill to kick off the event.

Callahan was master of ceremonies, [77] and the Rt. Capitol building the trowel was owned by the Alexandria-Washington Lodge. Harding had used during the laying of the cornerstone for the Lincoln Memorial. Every U. Harding; a bronze plaque containing the names of the architects, consulting architects, landscape architects, engineers, and contractors working on the memorial; a Christian Bible ; a lambskin apron ; a copy of William Joseph Williams ' portrait of George Washington in Masonic regalia; several books and pamphlets concerning the life of Washington and the history of Freemasonry in America; and the names of the board of directors and officers of the GWMNMA.

Construction proceeded slowly after the cornerstone was laid. This was because construction stopped every winter to ensure that the memorial remained free of moisture, frost damage, and the effects of cooling to improve the fit between stones.

The topmost sixth terrace the "upper terrace", which encircled the building and its main entrance was constructed with Conway Pink Granite for a base. The base was The upper portion of this wall was concrete. More than 2, cubic yards 1, m 3 of concrete and 60 short tons 54 t of steel reinforcing bars were used in this part of the wall. The construction year ended in December with the installation of eight green marble columns each weighing 11 to 18 short tons Work on the building slowed in due to the difficult nature of completing the roof and raising the tower.

Genevieve marble , quarried in Missouri , were procured and placed around the perimeter of the second floor auditorium to help support the auditorium roof. The arch had two cross-members each consisting of five stones weighing a total of 70 short tons 64 t supported by four 3 inches 7. Fred Coles, who helped execute the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial, did the carving of the sculpture on-site in the summer of from Corbett's maquette.

By February , the tower section had risen to feet 58 m above elevation, 50 feet 15 m more than the construction schedule anticipated. Work on the exterior of the memorial ended on February 8, Claude Haynes, a steelworker employed on the memorial since and a member of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No.

Greenstreet Co. Sturtevant Co. Shore Co. Planners had hoped for a dedication date of February 22, —the th anniversary of Washington's birth. But since the number 13 was considered unlucky , May 12 was chosen instead. Even with an extra two months, the contractors still rushed to finish the building. Lee Co. Jackson Co. The memorial had been constructed without incurring any debt. From the start of the project, the Masonic bodies involved in the memorial's construction resolved not to sign any contract or begin any work until the money for such efforts was in hand.

A number of special events marked the dedication ceremony. More than special trains carried an estimated , spectators into Alexandria. Navy sailed the historic wooden- hulled , three- masted heavy frigate USS Constitution to Alexandria for the dedication.

Navy submarine also anchored in the Potomac River for the ceremony. A continuous heavy rain dampened the May 12 festivities. Due to the heavy rain, the ceremony was moved from the portico of the memorial to the newly completed auditorium. Capitol building, the Bible on which Washington took the presidential oath of office and a silver urn made by Paul Revere which contained a lock of Washington's hair. William J. Construction on some of the exterior and nearly all of the interior of the memorial continued after its May dedication.

Sheet metal for interior window sashes, doorjambs and other moldings, fixtures and fittings was provided by G. Van Norden Co. The Hires-Turner Glass Co. The lighting fixtures were supplied by the Sterling Bronze Works, while electrical supplies were furnished by the National Electrical Supply Co. Ladd of Alexandria. Four firms oversaw the plumbing and sewage work: Earl Riley, the D. Engineering Co. Somerville Co. The interior heavy hardware as well as some heavy internal equipment was supplied by Henry H.

Many of the non-marble floors were covered in cork provided and installed by the David E. Kennedy Co. Acoustic tile was used in many rooms to dampen the echoes produced by the granite walls. This tile was provided by the George P. Little Co. Terrazzo faux marble flooring work was done by the V. Foscato Co.

Much of the interior woodwork was supplied by W. Interior painting was done by the W. MacCallum Co. The aluminum for interior work was supplied by the Aerocrete Corporation and worked and molded into forms by the Aluminum Company of America. But by the end of , no heating had been installed in the second floor hall. Despite the immediate flurry of work on the memorial after its dedication, construction and decoration of the interior slowed significantly over the next two decades.

The association wished to complete the memorial hall, the north lodge room and the Alexandria-Washington replica lodge room on the second floor of the memorial. Although fund-raising for the effort began, in the organization learned that it had to complete the library and elevators in the tower first. Lemert, widow of Rae John Lemert, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of Montana, donated more than 6, books and manuscripts about Masonic history and Masonry to the memorial as a means of founding a national Masonic library.

Additional landscaping had to be done in order to reduce the fire danger in the area, walls had to be erected around the land to prevent the public from cutting across the property and roads had to be re-graveled and maintained. After the death of Louis Watres in June , Dr. Elmer R. Arn, Past Grand Master of Ohio, was elected president of the association as his successor. The sum also would cover the cost of finishing the room in the southwest corner of the second floor to house the Alexandria-Washington Lodge's Washingtoniana.

Additionally, the United States Department of Commerce provided, free of charge, equipment for lighting the building and tower as an aid to aviation. The association paid to have the equipment installed.

In February , Representative Sol Bloom donated an oil painting of Washington in full Masonic regalia to the memorial that year as well. Artist Hattie Elizabeth Burdette painted the picture in Actor Tefft Johnson modeled for the portrait, posing in the Masonic apron and wearing the same jewel Washington himself had worn. The chair in the painting also belonged to Washington and the pedestal and background cloth belonged to the Alexandria-Washington Lodge. The painting had been used to advertise the Washington Bicentennial and Bloom donated it to the memorial in memory of his wife who had died in During the following year, one of the granite columns in the memorial cracked and was repaired.

Work on the interior did not really begin in earnest until after the war. Fleming , a collection of jewels, and other items. Prior to this donation, the association was unsure whether appendant bodies of Freemasonry should be allowed to occupy rooms in the memorial. The Southern Jurisdiction's donation effectively ended this debate.

It also encouraged many Grand Lodges state organizations of Masonry to make large donations to the memorial, bringing new life to the memorial's fund-raising efforts. The association also agreed to expend funds to build a kitchen and dining room, hang bronze doors on the first floor and install bronze grillwork for the heating and ventilation system on the first floor. Long-time memorial architect Harvey W. Corbett presented his plans for completing the memorial's interior and sculptor Bryant Baker discussed his plans for a life-size statue of George Washington to adorn the memorial hall.

The association also began work on its first elevator. The Otis Elevator Company was awarded this contract on October 23, Designed to fit into the southeast stairwell, the company overcame the 7. The Grotto dedicated its finished room designed to house its archives on the third floor of the building in February These included designing, manufacturing and installing stained glass windows in the second floor memorial hall, designing and painting murals on the walls of the memorial hall, finishing the roof over the auditorium and portico, installing marble over the rough cement in the interior stairwells and replacing the large wooden doors at the memorial's entrance with bronze doors.

Truman [] presented the memorial with a replica of the Great Seal of the United States which was 7 feet 2. Truman's arrival at the presentation was significantly delayed, for he had spent the morning giving military orders to begin the Berlin airlift. By September , the memorial was still "nowhere near finished. But it had to be folded in order to fit in the room, which caused wear on the rug. The rug was removed after several years and reinstalled in the memorial hall on the second floor.

Metcalf were being installed. Bronze doors, grillwork and window sashes had been installed throughout the first floor, the first floor assembly hall was completed, the kitchen and dining room were finished, the north and south corridors on the first floor were completed and an addition to the heating plant installed.

This walkway on the upper level of the auditorium contained plaques depicting Presidents of the United States who were Masons. At some point during , Bryan Baker's sculpture of George Washington was changed from marble to bronze. Baker's foot high 5. A water tank was installed on the fifth floor to help ensure high pressure and plumbing extended to the eighth floor, and air conditioning placed in the second floor South Lodge Room. A spiral staircase was added between the third and ninth floors to provide an emergency exit.

Work on the memorial continued in , although most of the work was not finished until a year later. The ninth floor observation deck remained unfinished although money had been donated to enclose it in a suicide-proof iron cage , and only two floors were open to the public.

But the sixth floor library was dedicated on February 22, and later that year Allyn Cox's sketches for the memorial hall murals were approved. The building plans had called for two sets of stairs to descend from the second floor's memorial hall to the first floor's assembly hall. These stairs had never been completed, however, and the space had been used for storage for years. Now funds were available to build the staircases. In order to do so, the unfinished space beneath the main portico was turned into a storage room, and the stairs were installed.

Contractors also resealed the exterior of the tower and the second floor roof parapet to prevent water from leaking into the memorial. In , the rank Moller organ was installed in the main auditorium. It was clear now that there was no need for a "States Remembrance Room" on the fourth floor, and that the eighth floor did not have enough space to hold all the Washingtoniana in the possession of the Alexandria-Washington Lodge.

So the association resolved to make the fourth floor a Washington museum, while leaving the eighth floor open. Allyn Cox's mural on the south wall of the memorial hall was completed in early Although a mural on the ceiling of the memorial hall had also long been planned, the association decided to forgo this. The carvings were hung in the memorial library. Throughout the year, Allyn Cox continued to work on murals in the Royal Arch Masonry room and on the mural on the north wall of the memorial hall.

At the end of the year, the north and south steps from the parking lots to the first floor were completed. William and Annetta Childs of Oklahoma donated an electronic, automated carillon to the memorial, which was installed in the tenth floor. The following year, the north side elevator was finally completed. Some interior work was also needed. For example, holes had been drilled in the marble floor of the memorial hall so that electric plugs could be installed for lighting fixtures.

That year, the Grand Central Council of Cryptic Masonry agreed to sponsor the floor, and by year's end had raised half the funds necessary to complete and furnish the floor. At year's end, the second of Allyn Cox's murals for the memorial hall was completed. Work on the seventh-floor Cryptic Masonry room was well under way by late [] and the room was dedicated on February 12, The portico had been designed so that large bronze plaques could be installed on either side of the main doors.

Fundraising for these plaques had not gone well, leaving two gaping holes in the marble walls. The memorial association decided that marble, rather than bronze, plaques be installed in these spaces. Quotations from George Washington's Masonic correspondence were selected and inscribed on these marble plaques. In , a large bronze bust of Washington by sculptor Donald De Lue commissioned by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, and originally destined for their headquarters was donated to the museum.

In , artists Dwight Franklin and Robert N. Due to a dispute over the subject matter, 12 rather than eight dioramas were ordered. But despite these achievements, by the memorial still wasn't finished. More than , people a year were visiting the memorial, but the Washington museum was still unfinished. The late s saw the completion of the memorial.

In , the city of Alexandria changed the street layout around the memorial. As part of this alteration, the memorial granted the city a foot 3. These were removed in , as they were no longer fit for use. Finally, in , the year-old oil-burning heating plant was replaced with new natural gas -burning boilers, the city of Alexandria donated a back-up electrical generator to keep the tower lit in case of blackouts , additional lighting for the tower was installed, and additional landscaping work completed.

The memorial was considered complete in The memorial association finally raised the funds to finish the facing in July , and the facing was finished in March But the Grand Lodge of New York provided the funds to finish the lighting, and the final tower exterior illumination was completed in the summer of The memorial consists of nine floors. The first or "ground" floor appears, from the outside, to be part of the foundation. In the center of the first floor is the Grand Masonic Hall.

The Grand Masonic Hall features eight large green granite columns, four on each side of the hall. For many years, the Great Seal of the United States donated by President Truman to the memorial in was displayed in this hall, but it was removed in the late s.

All three rooms on the north side contain exhibits which document the history and activities of the Shriners. The second or "main" floor appears, from the outside, to be the main level of the memorial. Once inside the memorial, to the left is the Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. This room is used for meetings of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. The main feature of the second floor is the Memorial Hall, which is feet 30 m long, 66 feet 20 m wide, and 51 feet 16 m high.

Capitol building. Behind the Memorial Hall to the west is the semicircular Memorial Theater, [] which was designed to seat 1, The Memorial Theater features a fan-shaped ceiling and 16 St. Genevieve marble columns around its perimeter. Sol Bloom. In the balcony in the theater's eastern end is the Moller organ donated by Grand Lodge of New Jersey. The tower contains the third through ninth floors. The tower is divided into four sections, each smaller in circumference than the one below.

The third floor contains exhibits about the history, charitable activities, and socializing that various Masonic bodies engage in. Manning was challenged with guiding the DAR through a time of war. The battleship USS. Maine exploded and sank on February 15, , where it was docked in Havana Harbor, Cuba, shaking the already unstable relationship between the United States and Spain. Both countries declared war in April. The National Society eagerly offered to provide the government with any assistance needed.

Manning, Martha Sternberg and Annette Alger, as fellow officers. A reported total of 1, nurses were processed through the DAR Hospital Corps and received an assignment during the war. Thirteen nurses died during their service in the Spanish-American War, most of typhoid fever. In addition to organizing nurses, the Hospital Corps collected money from DAR members and distributed the funds to purchase supplies for military hospitals.

In July , Mrs. Manning received a letter of thanks from U. As a representative of the United States appointed by President William McKinley, she attended the unveiling ceremonies of two statues in Paris. Manning proudly unveiled this statue on July 3, The next day Mrs. Manning delivered an address at the dedication of a statue of Lafayette, a gift from American children. Both ceremonies welcomed large crowds with patriotic music by John Philip Sousa and flags of the two countries. After her distinguished participation in these celebrations, Mrs.

Manning met with the French president and received the Medal of the Legion of Honor. The DAR was also represented by an exhibit at the Exposition, for which it won a grand prize. Under her chairmanship, members attempted to locate a suitable site for the hall and raised more money to purchase the land and hire an architect.

Manning also sought to keep chapters involved with national projects. According to Mrs. The National Society continued to expand its international relations during Mrs.

Miranda, a Venezuelan revolutionary, fought against the British in Pensacola, Fla. The wreath-laying ceremony, complete with regimented troops and the national band, was attended by the president of Venezuela, his cabinet, and the United States Minister, Francis B. Formal documentation of these resolutions was prepared, bound in a white leather album with a DAR ribbon and sent to the King. The National Society later received an official letter of appreciation.

Manning in appreciation for her achievements as President General and as a token of admiration from all members.

Manning remained friends with many DAR members, as well as politicians and other notable figures. She served as president on the Board of Lady Managers for the St. Louis Exposition of Manning died in Albany on July 19, , at 83 years of age. Her National Number was When Mrs. Fairbanks became President General in , DAR rented office space from local businesses and held Continental Congress in theatres or auditoriums.

Before leaving office in , she presided over Continental Congress in a new building owned exclusively by the National Society—Memorial Continental Hall. Although the Hall would not be completed for several more years, she had overseen the purchase of the land, the choice of architect and design, and the first stages of construction. As an educated and outgoing woman, Mrs. Fairbanks to adhere to strict parliamentary procedure at meetings. She called a meeting at her own home to formalize decisions on a site and architectural plans.

A subcommittee on architecture, appointed by Mrs. Fairbanks, chose the basic elements for the layout and design. The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on a rainy day in October Fairbanks served as chairman of the Memorial Continental Hall Committee and supervised the work of all its subcommittees. She traveled to many different states, addressing the members one-on-one to convey the importance of this project and its meaning to the Society and the nation.

The ceremonial laying of the cornerstone occurred on April 19, The stage and seating area were decorated with flags, bunting and garlands. Ladies filed into their seats while a band played patriotic music.

Fairbanks gave the opening address. A trowel filled with cement was spread by Mrs. Workers lowered the cornerstone into place on the foundation. While Memorial Continental Hall was extremely important, Mrs.

Fairbanks could not ignore other responsibilities and interests. After a chapter dispute disrupted a National Board meeting and Continental Congress in , the National Board consented to the formation of a Judicial Committee. Members of the committee investigated the accusations made and established a code of ethics for future conflicts.

The Committee on Patriotic Education was also formed during Mrs. Making one of her first public appearances as President General, Mrs. Fairbanks, on September 6, , by anarchist Leon Czolgosz.

At the next National Board meeting in October, officers passed a resolution of mourning and authorized the wearing of a black ribbon to be worn with the DAR Insignia for 30 days. Several resolutions regarding historic preservation passed during Mrs. Fairbanks administration, including those to protect the historic site of Jamestown, Va.

Members also expressed concern over the wreckage of the USS Maine , which still rested in the water off the shore of Havana, Cuba, with crew members entombed inside.

Although it was not accomplished until , the Continental Congress recommended that the bodies be removed and placed in Arlington National Cemetery with other Maine casualties. DAR members continued to honor their Revolutionary ancestors by marking their graves. She never stopped campaigning for Memorial Continental Hall. Fairbanks died of pneumonia in after recurring bouts of illness.

The flag at Memorial Continental Hall flew at half-staff for her death. In funds from this investment were used to open Fairbanks Hospital in Indianapolis. She served as regent of New York City Chapter from — After faithfully attending every Continental Congress, she was an admired figure throughout the Society.

The ballot for President General in included Mrs. McLean as a nominee, but Mrs. Fairbanks received more votes. Four years later, however, the majority agreed she had earned the position. She was elected President General in , and then re-elected for a second term in While growing up in a historic area, Mrs. McLean developed lifelong interests in genealogy and American history. As President General, she contributed to important commemorative anniversaries and events.

For the celebration of the tercentennial of Jamestown in , DAR built a small house at the historic site and donated it to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.

Naval Authorities. Shortly after Mrs. The main body of the building was mostly finished, but the costly porticoes, roof, heating and ventilating systems, and interior could not be completed without more money. Most of the funds raised thus far had been spent and donations had stalled. The Memorial Continental Hall Committee rejuvenated interest in the project by instituting a program in which donations paid for specific features of the building. States and chapters collected money to purchase everything from light fixtures to entire rooms.

McLean advocated for DAR to take a bank loan so construction could be completed more quickly. McLean presided over her last Continental Congress in , Memorial Continental Hall was only a few months from completion. The National Society made great strides in charitable support and donations during Mrs.

Members generously donated several hundred dollars more during Continental Congress. Martha Berry, a DAR member, spoke at Congress in on behalf of the school she had established for rural boys and girls in Georgia.

Scholarship money was collected and used to sponsor the education of several children. Women of the National Society also recognized a responsibility in caring for a special group of their own members. Many elderly Real Daughters, or DAR members who were first-generation daughters of Revolutionary War patriots, had little or no income and did not receive any pension from the federal government.

While several chapters were already providing money and services for their Real Daughters, the National Society created its own general fund at the 15th Continental Congress to disburse on a case-by-case basis. Lectures were made available to everyone through the donations and subscriptions of members and interested parties. The Continental Congress in named Mrs. McLean an Honorary President General. McLean remained active in the DAR until she succumbed to an illness in and died at only 58 years of age.

Growing up in a prominent Kentucky family, Julia Green Scott became an intelligent, educated and assertive woman. She met her husband, Matthew T. Scott, while he attended Centre College, of which her father was president. After they married, the couple moved to Chenoa, Ill. The Scotts later moved to an elegant house in Bloomington, Ill. When her husband died in , Mrs. Scott took over the management of his property and business.

Scott was elected President General in and again in Her business and leadership experience were reflected in the no-nonsense, professional approach she used in managing the organization. You shall have your chance. Scott showed no hesitation in alluding to her own opinion at Congress in In her introduction for President William Taft, she stated:.

If this be true, we have every reason to believe that he has found himself forced to come to this decision as a matter of principle—for if he consulted his own personal advantage, he could not fail to favor giving the ballot to those millions of our sex, who always have felt such a warm admiration for Mr.

Taft, the man. Although Memorial Continental Hall was near completion when she took office, Mrs. States and chapters continued to donate money for specific features of the building and their state rooms. The National Society began issuing decorative Liquidation and Endowment Certificates to show appreciation to members who gave a certain amount toward the general repayment of the loan.

At the end of Mrs. In Mrs. Several new committees were formed during Mrs. Many Americans viewed a trip to Mount Vernon as a patriotic pilgrimage and a direct route was needed as more and more people purchased automobiles.

Congress to Publish Revolutionary War Pension Records influenced senators and congressmen to support widespread citizen access to pension records, land grants and other evidentiary documents. Finding little resistance to this recommendation, money was appropriated and the project moved forward. After a bit of discussion the recommendation passed, and the 19th Continental Congress Proceedings were the first to be published as a separate volume.

The Committee to Prevent Desecration of the United States Flag began promoting the use of flags in every classroom and school policies to teach the Pledge of Allegiance. When Continental Congress opened on April 15, , news of the sinking of the Titanic was just starting to reach the American public. After a touching farewell at the end of her term in , Mrs.

Scott returned to her home in Bloomington, Ill. For her work with war orphans in France, she received a commendation medal from French Ambassador Jean Jules Jusserand. Scott died on April 29, , at 80 years of age.

Story has the distinction of being the last President General to serve four consecutive years. She was elected President General in and re-elected in During her administration, the DAR Constitution was amended to extend the term of office to three years and that no member would be eligible for the same national office for two consecutive terms.

She was a prominent socialite and the granddaughter of Stephen Allen, a former mayor of New York City. Her national number being , she barely missed being a charter member; that is, one of the women who joined the organization prior to October 11, She was the first New York state director of C.

Story came into office in , the affairs of the Society were in excellent condition. In her final report, Mrs. In , the 23rd Continental Congress adopted a resolution creating a committee to select a design for a badge to be worn by the President General and her successors.

A beautiful, gold jeweled badge was presented to Mrs. Story at the 24th Continental Congress. The bar would be retained by the President General and the pendant would be affixed to a new bar, so it may be passed on to her successor. On October 11, , the National Society observed its 25th anniversary. The celebration of the Silver Jubilee was attended by nearly 1, members and the president of the United States.

State Regents brought gifts of substantial amounts of money to apply to the debt of Memorial Continental Hall. In the evening Mrs. Story hosted a brilliant reception in Memorial Continental Hall, at which she served a beautiful birthday cake with 25 silver candles to guests. Even as the Daughters celebrated the founding of their Society, World War I was in progress, and there was the possibility that the United States might become involved.

Story emphasized the need for increased national defense. The 25th Congress passed a resolution favoring a national defense program. Story reported to the Congress of , that the land between Memorial Continental Hall and 18th Street, with the exception of the two corner lots, had been purchased by the National Society during the year.

An exceptionally low price had been arranged, and generous Daughters raised enough money to make the first payment. It was a wise step to acquire the additional land, because the National Society was fast outgrowing the space in Memorial Continental Hall, and an additional building to be used for administrative purposes was becoming a pressing need.

Guernsey was considered to be one of the most thoughtful and earnest women of the National Society. She was the first President General to serve a three-year term.

She was born in Salem, Ohio, but she spent most of her life in Kansas, where her father, Rev. Daniel P. Mitchell, moved the entire family when he became the pastor of a church in Leavenworth. At 16 she began a career as a school teacher and eventually was elevated to the position as principal of the high school in the city of Independence.

Later, after her marriage to George Thatcher Guernsey, a successful banker, she became president of the school board. Guernsey was its president, and through its efforts the Public Library of Independence was founded. Her most important work, however, has been connected with the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

She was State Regent of Kansas from —, and again from — Her term fell during World War I, at a time when the Society faced serious problems.

The first and greatest responsibility was to determine how the National Society could deliver aid to the country during the war. Second was managing the affairs of the National Society so that the regular income would suffice for all needs.

Guernsey who first realized that a Society with a broad program of services should have its business conducted not as a social organization, but according to strict accounting and management principles. This would increase the activities and usefulness of the National Society. Two of Mrs. Committees with state chairmen were divided into six geographical divisions, with each division having one representative on the committee.

The State Chairman reported to the national committee and the latter reported to Continental Congress. The DAR Magazine had never produced sufficient income to defray the expense of publication, but it was maintained so that the chapters and members might have an official communication.

The Continental Congress of voted to send the magazine to all members who were current with their annual dues. During the year that followed, a tremendous debt was incurred, and Mrs. Before the end of Mrs. Guernsey proposed the construction of a separate building to provide additional space for offices for the DAR Library.

The National Society was finally financially stable enough that construction could be supported by the annual income, therefore any special plea for a building fund was unnecessary. Her plans were carried out, and it was Kansas, her home state, which paid for the furniture and equipment for these rooms.

Guernsey paid her own expenses during her term, including the cost of clerical assistance, office supplies and travel. Guernsey visited many states as President General, attending both state and chapter meetings. In order to see clearly what the situation and needs were at Tilloloy, the French village the National Society pledged to restore, she visited France to obtain information first hand.

She personally paid all the expenses associated with her journeys and reported all of her findings to Continental Congress. During her administration, Mrs. Guernsey became a prominent figure known as one of the best-dressed women in Washington. She was President General during a time when her courageous, meticulous and keen mind were needed most. When her term ended she was elected Honorary President General, and she subsequently served again as State Regent of Kansas. Because Mrs.

Minor faced no opposition in her bid for President General, her election was practically unanimous. While some of her predecessors were descended from clergymen or teachers and others from merchants, lawyers or men active in political life, Mrs. Minor was born April 7, , in the town of East Lyme, Conn. Her grandfather was a ship builder, farmer and owner of a saw mill.

In this environment they had all the simple necessities of life but few luxuries. At the age of 14, Mrs. After her grandparents died, it became necessary for this young businesswoman to become self-sufficient.

The opportunity presented itself when a clubhouse was built to relieve visitors from New York City of housekeeping duties while they summered in Connecticut. Minor was asked to manage the facility, which she did for several years. She eventually bought the property and continued her venture by purchasing land which she sold for building lots that made her a large profit.

She built summer cottages for rent or for sale and gained valuable business experience as well as insight into human nature. Later, after her marriage to Dr. George M. Minor, his father, Robert C. Minor, a well-known and very successful artist, encouraged her to take up painting as a career. She was a member of several societies of artists, and regarded painting as her real profession. She became a regent of the Lucretia Shaw Chapter in She served in this office for four years until her election as State Vice Regent of Connecticut.

In and again in she was elected Vice President General. During her second term as Vice President General, the National Society was under a heavy burden of debt incurred during — when the National Society was issuing the magazine free to every paid member. It had been thought that sufficient advertising would cover the entire cost of publication, but instead a very large deficit was accumulated.

In , Mrs. Minor was nominated for President General. When she came into office the National Society was facing the end of its arduous efforts connected with World War I. An optimistic spirit infused the organization, and it was ready to expand its usual activities. Several projects begun during the war were brought to completion during Mrs. In the summer of , Mrs.

Minor made a special trip to France to dedicate the fountain and water works given to Tilloloy by the National Society toward the close of Mrs. The dedication ceremonies took place on August 23, in the midst of the war-torn village where the destruction wrought by the German guns was everywhere to be seen. Minor also participated in another ceremony connected with France—the unveiling of the monument of Joan of Arc on Meridian Hill in Washington, D.

This monument was a gift from the women of France to the women of America. The National Society was selected to accept the gift for all the women of America, and the President General delivered the acceptance speech. The most ambitious task of Mrs. At Mrs. This booklet, now known as the Daughters of the American Revolution Manual for Citizenship , was published in many languages and was given free of charge to immigrants arriving at Ellis Island and other ports, and to others seeking citizenship.

The Administration Building was erected during Mrs. Minor occupied when in Washington. During her administration, the Society decided that a sum should be set aside annually for the expenses of the President General, to include clerical assistance.

At the close of Mrs. Cook was considered a wise, fair and tactful leader. She is most remembered for her instrumental role in the planning and financing of Constitution Hall. A native of Ohio, Mrs. Cook became a member of the Pittsburgh Chapter in She became State Vice Regent in and held the office until , when she was elected State Regent.

She was very influential in directing the war activities of the Daughters of her state during World War I. By , Mrs. Cook began to participate in Continental Congress, taking part in the discussion and debate on the floor. Cook was elected Vice President General in She gained much respect from the Daughters through her advocacy of the Caroline Scott Harrison Memorial, the monument to the Founders of DAR, and the resolution favoring a contribution of 25 cents per member to the fund to provide the Manual of the United States for the Information of Immigration and Foreigners.

The office of President General followed in , as both recognition and reward for her years of active service. Many projects previously undertaken were finished during the three years Mrs. Cook was in office. In , the Daughters of the American Revolution started the official movement to mark the old historic trails.

In , a well-paved road was completed and uniformly marked. At the 35th Continental Congress, the committee in charge reported that fundraising was complete and announced that the work would proceed as soon as a suitable design was chosen. During Mrs. The President General presided over the dedication on June 24, , in honor of the women of the Mayflower. At about the same time, a new dormitory for girls at the American International College was dedicated, and the cornerstone of the Caroline Scott Harrison Memorial in Indianapolis, Ind.

Another was the Student Loan Committee, created to help finance the college education of worthy boys and girls. The Manual of the United States for the Information of Immigration and Foreigners , prepared in the preceding administration, evidently met an urgent need, for nearly , copies were distributed during Mrs.

For the first time, a surplus in the accounts of the DAR Magazine was reported. Among the many important resolutions adopted during Mrs. A pamphlet on the correct use of the flag was distributed. By , the seating capacity of Memorial Continental Hall could no longer accommodate the increasing attendance at Continental Congress.

The Society was growing at a rate of nearly 1, new members per month and the membership had resorted to holding sessions of Continental Congress in the Washington Auditorium. Construction of a new auditorium, to be called Constitution Hall, had been authorized during Continental Congress in John Russell Pope designed the building without charge as a memorial to his mother, who was a DAR member. Cook for her leadership in the planning of Constitution Hall.

That same year, the Pennsylvania Daughters presented a portrait of Mrs. Cook to the National Society. Brosseau was born and raised in the busy manufacturing city of Moline. After completing school, Mrs. Brosseau became a writer for a local newspaper and gradually branched out into writing special articles and stories for a magazine.

After her marriage to Alfred J. Brosseau on December 20, , they moved to Kansas City, Mo. In , they were living in Albion, Mich. In she was elected State Recording Secretary. She resigned this position when she moved to New York City in The Continental Congress adopted a resolution recommending to the United States government that physical conditions there be improved, that adequate equipment for the use of detained immigrants be installed and that a personal service department be established.

Brosseau chairman of the Ellis Island Committee. Brosseau also served as national chairman of Transportation Committee. With the return of the railroads to private management, Mrs. Brosseau was elected Treasurer General. The Administration Building would be entirely paid off by the end of her own administration as President General.

Brosseau was elected President General in during the 35th Continental Congress. An outstanding feature of Mrs. One of these undertakings was the marking of the Old Trails Road. The committee in charge reported in that the national government had completed the road from ocean to ocean. It recommended that a monument be erected beside the road in each of the 12 states through which it passes.

By , 11 of the 12 Madonna of the Trail monuments had been erected, and on April 19, , the final one was dedicated in Bethesda, Md. Brosseau visited the village of Tilloloy, France, where she found the system of waterworks which the National Society had constructed there at the close of World War I in a shocking state of disrepair and disintegration.

Repairs were made, and the system was completely renovated. The Continental Congress of adopted a resolution to turn over to proper authorities the full balance of the Tilloloy fund after all repair bills were paid, to be used for a permanent waterworks fund, thereby releasing NSDAR from any further responsibility in the matter. The dedication service was held on April 17, Capitol, was presented to the National Society. Alfred J. Brosseau donated this beautiful tablet in honor of his wife, the President General.

This gift was placed in a corridor of Memorial Continental Hall. While in England she was presented at the Court of St. In Paris, she was entertained at a luncheon at the American Embassy. She generously paid all the expenses of her many journeys from her own funds and saved the Society many thousands of dollars. Edith Irwin Hobart, who succeeded Mrs. Brosseau held for two years, during which time the work of construction and furnishing was nearly completed.

Hobart had long been active in social and philanthropic work in her home state, and she brought that same generosity to the National Society. Both her official position as President General and her membership in numerous other societies brought Mrs.

Hobart many invitations to attend public functions and to cooperate with organizations with similar aims. During her term as Organizing Secretary General, Mrs. Hobart also served as chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. The first great work of this committee was the preparation of a completely new inventory of the contents of Memorial Continental Hall and the Administration Building.

Also, a survey was made to identify needed repairs. These repairs were made, necessary changes in furnishings and lighting system were effected, the Period Rooms were renovated as needed, and many gifts of furniture and other interesting antiques were received and installed. Hobart relinquished her duties as Chairman in , the entire property was left in excellent condition. Hobart was elected President General, the National Society had 2, chapters. At the close of her term in , there were 2, chapters.

Owing to the Depression, which began in , many members of the Society were obliged to withdraw from the organization; in spite of that many new members were admitted.

The admitted membership advanced from , to ,, and the actual membership grew from , in to , in By , it dropped to , due to the Depression. In , the most important task immediately confronting the new administration was the completion, furnishing and financing of Constitutional Hall. On October 23, , a dedication service was held in the new auditorium by the membership. The general public occupied it for the first time three days later to attend the International Oratorical Contest.

Before Congress met in , the Hall had been used 28 times. Constitution Hall not only paid for maintenance; it also began to help pay for itself.

Edith Scott Magna, the chairman of the Constitution Hall Finance Committee, secured the needed equipment for Constitution Hall: the voice amplification apparatus, doors, columns and draperies. As part of its gift, the Society presented to the Lee Mansion a copy of an oil painting of Martha Washington from an original owned by Washington and Lee University.

The salon was to be the new headquarters for Americans in Paris and a meeting place for the Paris Chapter and for all Daughters. President Benjamin Harrison, attended Miami University. An extremely interesting event in was a trip Daughters took on the chartered steamship Southland to Yorktown, Va. Jamestown, Williamsburg and other historic places were visited during the voyage of several days, which included the four-day pageant at Yorktown.

Distinguished guests from both France and England were present at the celebration, including descendants of General Lafayette, Admiral De Grasse and General Rochambeau. During this excursion, two bronze tablets were dedicated in memory of the American and French soldiers who lost their lives during the Siege of Yorktown.

Following the precedent established by former Presidents General, Mrs. Hobart traveled extensively during her term, Continental Congress having authorized a fund for traveling expenses. She attended meetings in 47 states and also visited Alaska, furthering the work of the Society wherever possible. Not content to be idle, Mrs. Hobart continued her activities in various other organizations. She rose to leadership roles quickly, first serving as regent to Mercy Warren Chapter from — and Massachusetts State Counselor from — Magna was elected Vice President General in Magna was born in Boston, Mass.

In , she graduated from Smith College in Massachusetts. Soon after, she married Russell William Magna. With a reputation as a fierce fundraiser, Mrs. Magna chaired committees and worked on numerous fundraising boards including that of her alma mater.

She continued to use her fundraising skills to support historic preservation efforts in her state, including restoring properties and placing historical markers.

The construction of a larger meeting hall—Constitution Hall—would be the solution. Magna was appointed national chairman. She oversaw fundraising for Constitution Hall for the next nine years. The cornerstone has been laid. As Librarian General, Mrs.

Magna oversaw the installation of the new DAR Library. Magna had a special interest in the development of the Library. She and her father, Colonel Walter Scott, gave many valuable manuscripts and books to the Society in an effort to increase the holdings of the DAR Library and collections. In addition to being known as a lineage organization, Mrs. Magna was passionate about the Society establishing itself as an educational center within Washington, D.

The library she would install as Librarian General would grow to be one of the premier genealogical collections in the United States. She quickly became engaged in her role, making it a point to visit every state during her term.

She took part in several marker placement and dedication ceremonies, including the dedication of Fort Necessity in Uniontown, Pa. Magna spoke to an audience of Pennsylvania state government officials, military officials and members of other patriotic societies. On behalf of the National Society, she dedicated a historical marker commemorating the location and the bicentennial of the birth of George Washington. President Herbert Hoover wrote Mrs.

Magna expressing his pleasure and support of DAR in this venture. Magna sent a delegation of DAR members to France in During the visit, the National Society presented a bronze plaque honoring French soldiers who died at the Battle of Yorktown. To celebrate the presentation from the National Society, Mrs. Magna was named as a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour.

Back at home, President and Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt frequently requested Mrs. Magna kept the Society involved in projects that supported the government. Through the census, countless members and nonmembers are able to trace their lineage. Magna took office during the worst economic crisis this country ever faced, the Great Depression. Despite the economic climate of the country, she successfully promoted the financial interests of the organization.

The Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine proved most fruitful during the hard economic times. The most successful financial accomplishment of the Magna Administration was the close of debt on Constitution Hall.

Throughout the administration, Mrs. Magna continued to solicit for contributions to the Constitution Hall fund. At the close of her administration in , the debt was retired.

Magna was elected Honorary President General. Edith Scott Magna died in October Constitution Hall is standing testament to Mrs. She held various chapter offices, including chapter regent. Becker served as New Jersey State Regent from — She was elected Organizing Secretary General in She was elected President General in Throughout her tenure, the United States would begin to see recovery from the Great Depression.

Many businesses and companies that survived considered updating their organizational and administrative standards to ensure their stability for the future. The DAR was no exception. Becker established a well-organized business foundation for DAR. Since the National Society was financially able, she oversaw the restoration of employee salaries to pre-Depression levels and developed an employee retirement fund.

Additionally, she secured a reserve fund for the Society and encouraged states to establish individual funds to maintain their interests in the DAR Museum.

Becker often spoke on the importance of the human spirit and personal relationships. She developed programs that cared for the educational and nutritional needs of children. Under the direction of Mrs. Becker endorsed education and vocational training. Her administration distributed scholarships, particularly for young women perusing degrees in home economics. Becker was a passionate advocate for patriotic education among young Americans.

Becker to compile a special report on Communist propaganda being distributed to young Americans by various groups. She continued to speak out against Communism as well as the societal challenges that pushed citizens to support the socialist movement. Becker advocated for the redevelopment of existing committees such as the Committee of Sons and Daughters of the United States, which became the Committee on Junior American Citizens.

She authorized new committees, including the Junior Membership Committee. Junior American Citizens and Junior Membership supported her theme of reaching out to young Americans. She encouraged the development of DAR chapters on college campuses across the country in an effort to promote patriotic education as well as membership in the Society. She briefly stopped in England before traveling to Germany. Alongside the government of the Third Reich, Mrs.

She continued to France, where she participated in the th anniversary celebration of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, accompanied by the Benjamin Franklin Chapter. Later on her European tour, Mrs. Back at home, Mrs. Becker traveled to various states and inspected national DAR projects including the continued care of patients at Ellis Island. In , she was elected Honorary President General. Becker was a native of Westfield, N. She graduated from Smith College in Massachusetts in Becker died in July She quickly rose to leadership positions within her chapter, serving as treasurer, registrar and eventually chapter regent.

She held various committee chairmanships within the Maryland State Society and was elected State Recording Secretary in Robert was an instructor in parliamentary law. She also served as the national chairman on Patriotic Education from — An enthusiastic promoter and advocate of patriotic education, Mrs. Robert traveled to every DAR-supported school. She advocated for continued DAR support of the schools in her reports at Continental Congress every year during her tenures as national chairman, Treasurer General and President General.

Robert was raised in Owego, N. She majored in American history at Syracuse University and graduated in She would go on to teach high school in New York and New Jersey. She married Henry Robert Jr. They later relocated to Maryland. She too became a student of parliamentary law and eventually assisted her husband by assuming some of his instructional duties. In previous years registration procedures were confusing, partially due to the varying Bylaws of each state.

After a review of the guidelines and Bylaws of each state, Mrs. Robert was able to simplify the registration process. She would also serve as chairman of the Credentials Committee from — before being elected Treasurer General in as part of the Becker Associates. She also held numerous national chairmanships during her tenure as Treasurer General. Robert ran unopposed for the office of President General. The Golden Jubilee President General, she promoted numerous projects to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Society.

The formal commemorative events, including a dinner and a historical pageant, were held on October 10—11, The DAR installed 17 new bells, bringing the total to 47, one to represent each state in the union.

Additionally, the Penny Pines project begun by the previous administration continued. Thousands of acres of national forest lands were replanted throughout the United States. She requested that state societies and organizations begin organizing War Relief Service Committees and supporting their local chapters of the American Red Cross. Domestic conflicts also arose during the Robert Administration. In , the National Society found itself tangled in a controversy.

Marian Anderson, a black contralto, was denied the use of Constitution Hall for a performance. Robert was traveling on official DAR business as the story went public. She spoke out on the issue to the 48th Continental Congress in Fearful that the National Society could be reprimanded on violation of its agreements with other venues, Mrs.

Although the District of Columbia was a segregated city in , not everyone agreed with the segregation laws. Robert recognized that the problem was bigger than her organization. Robert traveled to every state during her tenure as President General. She used it as her means to reach out to the membership. Robert was named Honorary President General in At the close of her administration, DAR was debt-free and well-organized, and membership had increased.

Robert was active in DAR parliamentary work throughout the rest of her life, even serving as National Parliamentarian in the Carraway Administration. She held memberships in various historical and patriotic organizations. Robert passed away in May in Annapolis, Md.

Helena R. She held various chapter chairmanships and chapter offices, including chapter regent from — She was national vice chairman of the Northern Division from — and also served as Vice President General from — In , she was elected national president of the National Society Children of the American Revolution.

Before being elected President General in , she served under the Becker Administration as Organizing Secretary General from — A woman of great courage and strong spiritual faith, Mrs. She devoted her entire administration to serving and supporting the United States during the Second World War. Believing it was the patriotic duty of the organization to comply with the needs of the government during wartime, Mrs.

Pouch gladly relocated all three Continental Congresses held during her term. She also rallied the members to do anything they could to assist with the war effort. Pouch often spoke of the importance of courage, faith and prayer. She requested that all DAR members pray daily for those serving in the armed forces.

Pouch encouraged all able members to volunteer with civil defense organizations such as the American Red Cross and even to serve within the ranks of the U. Pouch called it in her opening address to the more than 4, attendees, approved several committees to assist the war effort. These organizations provided American and Allied soldiers in prisoner of war camps with necessary food, clothing and medical supplies.

By this time, the United States had been fully engulfed in the war for more than a year and a half. Remaining resilient and faithful, Mrs. We now face greater sacrifices. Pouch addressed the need to expand the blood plasma collection program and to purchase more war bonds.

Outside of DAR, Mrs. Pouch was a member of several historical and social organizations, including the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York. She also served as vice president of the Staten Island Historical Society. A tennis champion, Mrs. Pouch held U. Open championships in both singles and doubles. Pouch was born in New York City in March She was married to William H. Pouch passed away in November She rose through the ranks in her chapter quickly, serving as treasurer and chapter regent.

She also held numerous national chairmanships and state offices in Georgia, including State Regent from — Talmadge also served as Recording Secretary General from — before being elected President General in The first President General to represent the South, Mrs. Talmadge brought a flare of Southern charm as well as strong leadership skills to the National Society. As service members returned home, many were hospitalized for extended periods.

The donation of more than two-way radio sets for bedridden patients were a help to hospital staff. Also, the donation of more than 30 motion picture machines to various hospitals gave those who had given so much for their country some recreational relief.

In the last year of the war, restrictions on civilian activities were at their peak. The cancellation of the 54th Continental Congress in was a reflection of the state of the country. Talmadge was proactive and held an extended National Board of Management meeting in April to assure that the business of DAR would continue.

National officers, national chairman and state regents were able to deliver their annual reports. All necessary business matters were reviewed by the Board of Management and the war efforts of the National Society continued. Several state conferences also were canceled. Talmadge was unable to make as many official state and international trips as her predecessors.

Representing the National Society as an observer, Mrs. This conference was attended by 50 Allied nations to develop what would become the United Nations Charter. Although the war was not yet over, Allied nations were taking steps to promote peace, international security and respect for human rights.

While on the West Coast for the conference, Mrs. Talmadge was able to attend DAR chapter and state meetings in several states. World War II formally ended in September The National Society had invested significant amounts of time, energy and resources to support the government, military and civil defense organizations.

The post-war support would continue well into the following year with the relocation of the 55th Continental Congress to Atlantic City, N.

Truman asked her to serve on the National Famine Emergency Council. The council, formed following the critical worldwide food shortage that stemmed from the war, was charged with promoting and developing methods for relief.

In the last months of her administration, Mrs. Talmadge took great interest in historic preservation.

Her project as President General was the erection of the Valley Forge Bell Tower, which would house the bells of the carillon. Talmadge also revived her interest in children and education. When it was evident that financial contributions to the war effort were no longer necessary, Mrs. The goal of the office was to promote and garner publicity for the Society. Racial tensions lingered from the well-publicized Marian Anderson incident. Talmadge sought to portray her beloved organization in a better light through the Press Relations Office.

At the close of her administration, she opened the 56th Continental Congress, which had returned to Washington, D. The Daughters also gave countless hours of their time to war relief efforts. Talmadge was born in Tennessee. She married Julius Young Talmadge, a successful businessman from Athens.

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