125th Anniversary Celebration - Frances Mauldin

The Fort Prince George Chapter Regent shared this story with me.  I have broken the story into two parts: one to describe the setting as the members reached the grave and performed the Ceremony of Remembrance and the second to tell how the members were moved by this State Regent's accomplishments.  I hope you enjoy what was shared. 

     " We turned into the dirt, tree-lined road, finding the family cemetery at the end of the short drive.  It was shaded and cool, with a large dogwood tree guarding the iron entrance gate.  As we stepped out of the cars, we were met with a choir of wild turkeys, who serenaded us during the rest of the service.

     "Two of our members, Una Welborn and Marianne Holland, had actually known Ms. Mauldin; but it was decided that Marianne would have the honor of placing the flower on the gravesite because she has been a DAR member longer - 65 years.

     "We gathered around the obelisk; and I quietly began to read the service and accomplishments of Ms. Mauldin.  The turkeys had stopped calling, as if they too wanted to hear about Ms. Mauldin and to be a part of the remembrance...."

Frances Hagood Mauldin

Mrs. Thomas Joab Mauldin

State Regent 1933-1936

#80144

          1870

          26 Feb 1954

          Aged 83-84

                   Hagood Family Cemetery

                   Midway Road

                   Pickens County, SC 29671

                   N34 56.573  W82 42.110

                   www.tourpickenscounty.com

Coming into the regency with bank holidays and dark depression, the outlook was not encouraging.The President General in her address to the State Regents at the first Board meeting admonished the state regents, however,not to become discouraged; that if the regents held our State Society together all would do well. This South Carolina was able to do most successfully. Five chapters were disbanded, but two new ones were organized.  Many new members throughout the State were added.

Response was made to every call of the National Society with much relief work accomplished through human conservation,and the adoption of     C.C.C. camps, and Becker boys and girls. The historical work was outstanding. The copying of the wills in the old county seats was accomplished.  Sixty-five volumes were placed on the shelves of the University for ready-reference, and a copy was placed in a library in each county seat.

Many historic spots were located and marked which showed a great awakening to our duty in this line. She had the pleasure to participate in all of the dedicatory exercises.

         Graves of Revolutionary soldiers had been given attention,and old cemeteries reclaimed.

The outstanding achievement of her administration was placing in the State House the handsome Memorial to the Four Signers of the Federal Constitution from South Carolina at a cost of $1,600. Dedicatory exercises, marked by great ceremony and dignity, were held in the Hall of the House of Representatives in 1936. The Washington Light Infantry of Charleston carried the historic Eutaw Battle Flag, and many dignitaries were in attendance and proved to be a most successful accomplishment.

     "We stood in silence for a minute of two and then began to ask questions of the two members who had known "Queen."  How tall was she?  Was this land part of the family homestead?  When did she marry Judge Mauldin?  She was how much older than he?  I wonder if she would be proud of the chapter today?  And then we drifted away to explore the rest of the cemetery.

     "As we were about to leave. Mildred Brewer, our DAR certified Genealogist, said she thought the obelisk looked a little dirty.  She immediately headed for her car and retrieved a brush and some cleaning fluid, and commenced to washing down the front of the stone. 

     "I think "Queen" would be pleased."

No, I KNOW that "Queen" would have been pleased!

And just like many DAR members, another chapter found itself exploring the cemetery.  What I want to know is how many other DAR members have the supplies with them in their cars needed to clean a gravestone?  Now that's what I call a dedicated DAR member who is prepared for anything.

Last but not least, congratulations to Marianne for her 65 years of service to God, Home, and Country as a member of the DAR!  What  tribute to both Frances Mauldin and to Marianne Holland.

125th Anniversary Celebration - Mary Elizabeth Vaughn

     A wonderful group from the Martintown Road Chapter gathered on a beautiful sunny afternoon to remember our state regent from 1979-1982 who was also a member of the chapter.  The chapter regent stated that the chapter felt honored to have had a state regent from their chapter as not every chapter has had that privilege.

Mary Elizabeth Davenport Vaughn

Mrs. James Carlton

State Regent 1979-1982

#313436

                   1913 May 9

                   2011 Jun 4

                   Aged 98

                             Sunset Hill Cemetery

                             600 Alta Vista Avenue

North Augusta, SC

The theme of the administration of Mary Elizabeth Vaughn was "Growing in a Spirit of Unity", the chief objective being growth of the members in the knowledge of the DAR through participation in work and giving.  In order to increase rapport between the State Regent and Chapters, a Chapter Regents Club was organized. This proved to be a helpful and popular addition to our State Society.

Major repairs to the SC Cottage at Tamassee took place and badly needed bathrooms were installed during the first year of the project. Tamassee faced a crisis when the entire endowment fund was lost due to the misappropriation of funds by the stockbroker.  Strong leadership by our State Regent, who became Board Chair, and a lawsuit recovered all of the funds plus interest.

The State Society accepted the invitation of the Old Exchange Commission to furnish the north room on the first floor of the building. It was officially called the "South Carolina State Society DAR Room" which was furnished with reproductions of the original furnishings. Dedication of the room took place when the Old Exchange Building was opened to the public on October 5, 1981.

Martintown Road Chapter members attending Ceremony of Remembrance

For many years, funds had been collected and saved in hopes of having a SC Period Room at National headquarters. In June 1980, a room became available. Since South Carolina was the only one of the 13 original colonies without a Period room and since no other space would be available for many years, it was voted to accept this space.  The room was dedicated and presented to the National Society during Continental Congress 1981. It is furnished as a Southern bedroom and will be an ongoing project of the SC State Society.

125th Anniversary Celebration - Malvina Waring

    When the South Carolina State Society of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was organized, it was Malvina Waring who served as the Organizing Chapter Regent of the Columbia Chapter, the first chapter of our state.  It is interesting to note that in the GRC Waring is listed as a member of a DC chapter.  Her application was examined and approved on April 5, 1892 by Founder Eugenia Washington who was serving as Registrar General.  Her official membership start date was April 9, 1982.  

     As Chapter Regent, she worked tirelessly to grow the Columbia Chapter and to keep it strong as the state society was taking root in our state.  For many years, the work of the Columbia Chapter was the work of the SCDAR.  Without the work and dedication of the organizing members of the Columbia Chapter and those that followed in the early years, it is doubtful that the SCDAR would be as strong as it is today.  To those members, we thank you for your love of DAR when it was just finding its way in SC, your dedication to its success which established such strong roots,  and your hard work in demonstrating to the state of SC just how important patriotism, historic preservation, and education are to our society.

Malvina Sarah Black Waring

Mrs. Clark Waring

State Regent 1897-1900

#1489

                   12 Nov 1842 – Newberry, SC

6 Dec 1930  – Columbia, SC

aged 88

                             Elmwood Memorial Gardens

                             Columbia, Richland County, SC

Columbia Chapter Regent preparing to place flower on Waring's grave.

     In 1897, the SCDAR reluctantly accepted the resignation of Mrs. Bacon as State Regent, and Mrs. Malvina Waring, was elected to succeed her. She had worked with Bacon in the early days of the D. A. R., being the first Organizing Regent appointed for South Carolina, organizing the first chapter in the state, and serving as its first Regent.

     As State Regent, she continued to keep the existing chapters strong and growing while organizing five chapters. For nine consecutive years, the annual conferences of the SCDAR were held at her Columbia home during State Fair Week.  Following the business meeting was an informal reception, with Malvina Waring always the charming hostess.

     In 1901 she was elected Vice President General, serving until 1903. She served on the Memorial Continental Hall Committee but is best known for her service on the Revolutionary Relics Committee, the forerunner to our NSDAR Museum. She presented to Continental Congress a valuable collection of relics, the largest offered by any state, and received a rising ovation for her work during Continental Congress. It can be said that the success of the Museum was largely due to her work in gaining such a fine and large collection of relics.

     Although in later years handicapped by physical infirmity, she did not lose her interest in the work of the society.  She came to love Tamassee and donated generously to promote its success.  A large classroom at Tamassee was dedicated in her honor. 

125th Anniversary Celebration - Doris Dunn

There is a special story connected to this Ceremony of Remembrance.  It is shared after Mrs. Dunn’s summary of her service.  I hope you are as touched by this story as much as I continue to be.

Doris Allen Dunn

Mrs. Langdon Barmore

State Regent 1985-1988

#393281

                   24 May 1914

                   5 Mar 2007

                   Aged 92

                             Magnolia Cemetery

                             Latta, Dillon County, SC

Doris Dunn served during the NSDAR Centennial Administration under the Centennial Theme, "A Century of Service to the Nation.”  A special emphasis was placed on the second fifty years, 1940-1990.  A history of Tamassee including the renovation of the SC Cottage was asked to be written. This history would be used in the book pertaining to the history of the SCDAR for the Centennial celebration to be concluded April 1988.

In the book for the celebration of the Centennial, SCDAR was asked to prepare the section of the South Carolina Centennial report relating to the Old Exchange Building restoration in Charleston as well as to prepare the history of the SC Period Room in Washington. The History of the South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution Volume IV, 1976-1988 Condensed Highlights for the Centennial will include these special projects of the SCDAR. The main state project of this State Regent was the publication of a Roster of Membership, S.C. State Society, NSDAR 1954-1988 and Ancestral Roll.

The SC State Society honored her by refurnishing a bathroom in the SC Cottage at Tamassee and the State DAR School Chairman, Mrs. Lipscomb, by restoring the playground behind the SC Cottage and placing suitable equipment there. In addition, other updates were made to continue to make Tamassee a wonderful place for the children to live. A linen drive for all cottages was held, and all tables in the dining room were restored in the condition that was demanded by the SC Health Department.

In the South Carolina Period Room, a pair of original Charleston andirons were donated and placed in the room adding to its charm.

Doris Dunn stated that serving as State Regent was a distinct honor, a high privilege, and a great pleasure.  

If you are a church-goer, then you have often heard that God is working behind the scenes putting people and situations in position for things to work out for you according to His will.  When something comes to fruition in my life, I love to look back and see how it all came together.  Often times though, you don’t know how you are being used by God to bring about certain things in other people’s lives.  Recently, I have been reflecting on this and seeing how God is using me to help others through my project "Reflections of Our Treasured Past."  Today’s blog post is just one of those stories which is thanks to a white carnation tied with a blue ribbon.

In this story, God started using me to work on this one special assurance for this person many years ago with the creation of my project “Reflections of Our Treasured Past.”   You know my passion with my work on this and how it naturally led Dianne to select me as the SCDAR 125 Chair.  In planning for the 125^th celebration at state conference, the thought, “You need to do something on the actual anniversary day,” kept coming to mind.  Then, last year, an idea was placed in my mind about putting a flower on each deceased state regent’s grave at a set time on the actual day of the 125^th anniversary of the SCDAR.  With all of the preparations toward state conference, this really went to the back of my mind.  Then, after state conference, it was time to catch up on everything and still it was not at the forefront.  BUT, God had a plan and put this strongly upon my heart, and I quickly went to work to make it a reality. (I mean quickly!)

Just because it was part of God's plan didn't mean it was smooth sailing the entire time.  Yes, things happened.  Oh my goodness did things happen, and at one point, I was not sure it was going to be accomplished for every state regent.  However, through it all, the one person for whom this event was meant would find her assurance from God all from placing a white carnation tied with a blue ribbon on a woman's grave.

We have several chapters in our state that had multiple members from their chapters who had served as state regents.  Sometimes these state regents were buried in the city/town where the chapter is located, and sometimes they were not.  God put in on my heart that is was important to have as many chapters in the state participate.  He also put it on my heart to have the chapters participate who were closest to the burial locations when not in the same county as the chapter.

Honorary State Regent Doris Dunn was a member of the Blue Savannah - Swamp Fox Chapter which is located in Marion; however, she was buried in Latta in Dillon County.  I contacted the Rebecca Pickens Chapter in Dillon to see if they would agree to conduct the Ceremony of Remembrance for Doris Dunn.  An e-mail correspondence began as questions about Mrs. Dunn were asked.  The Chapter Regent wanted to know if Mrs. Dunn had lived in Marion, and she sent a picture of Mrs. Dunn.  The picture was a class picture of Mrs. Dunn's 6th grade class from 1963.   

both pictures on display at the chapter meeting

As soon as I saw it, I responded that there was no doubt in my mind that that was Mrs. Dunn.  I sent to her the picture of Mrs. Dunn as State Regent.  This answer along with seeing the picture for herself almost brought the chapter regent to tears.  You see, Mrs. Dunn was her 6^th grade teacher in Marion!  

I asked her to send me some information to include.  Here is what she said.

“I loved having Mrs. Dunn as my teacher.  I had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Dunn many years before she became SC State Regent.  She was a wonderful and gracious lady, who cared about children.  I contacted my best friend from school and we shared memories of Mrs. Dunn.  Mrs. Doris Dunn taught the 6^th grade at Easterling Elementary in Marion, SC in 1963.  Fortunately for us, she became our teacher.   She exemplified the teacher, all parents wanted for their children.  Mrs. Dunn was fun, energetic, fair, and enthusiastic.  Mrs. Dunn made history and literature leap off the pages, and come alive to her students.  An appreciation for learning grew.   There was the opportunity to read aloud at least once a week, building our skills in public speaking, conquering shyness, and building confidence.  In November of 1963, we learned of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, during school.  An event such as this had never occurred in our lives.  Discussions about the act and the man responsible helped us all cope with the tragedy.  I am not surprised that she was such a success at being the SC State Regent.   At our last DAR meeting for this year, I was so excited to tell the members this story.   I had my 6^th grade picture and Mrs. Dunn’s State Regent picture sitting on the table.   All of the ladies kept looking at them, so I finally told them my story.   Upon their request, I passed the pictures around, so they could look at them. Mrs. Dunn shaped the lives of many children through the years.  I feel so privileged to have been able to honor my 6^th grade teacher and a wonderful SC State Regent.”

In several e-mails, I learned that Mrs. Dunn is buried in the same cemetery in which her in-laws are buried.  She said her daughter had discovered that Rebecca Pickens is in their family tree and that she had given a program on Rebecca Pickens when she first joined that chapter.  With being in the Rebecca Pickens Chapter, having Rebecca Pickens as an ancestor, and being asked to conduct the Ceremony of Remembrance for the State Regent who was her 6th grade teacher, she said, "I am where God wants me to be right now."  It brought tears to my eyes and brings tears to my eyes as I write this.

I could not have planned this if I had tried.  This was totally God at work.  The simple act of placing a white carnation tied with a blue ribbon on the grave of one of our deceased state regents reconnected a woman with a favorite teacher from her past and secured her believe that she was where she was supposed to be!

Who knew that the discovery of one scrapbook would not only affect my life but have me to affect the lives of others.  I have long felt that God is using me through my project “Reflections of Our Treasured Past,” and this was another confirmation to that fact.  What a privilege it is for God to use me to affect so many people in such special and unexpected ways!

125th Anniversary Celebration - Elizabeth Esposito

Our own State Regent, Dianne Culbertson, decided that she wanted to take an active part in the SCDAR 125^th Anniversary Celebration Ceremonies of Remembrance.  She decided to pay tribute to the service of Elizabeth Esposito.  Dianne, along with Honorary State Regent Ann Crider, and Cosette Harley traveled to Piedmont, SC to the Greenville Memorial Gardens.

What an honor to have our State Regent organize the Ceremony of Remembrance for one of our deceased State Regents!  She felt this was such a meaningful tribute on the day of the SCDAR’s anniversary that she wanted to take an active role.  She stated that the grave is between two beautiful oak trees just behind the “Jesus in the Temple.”  As they performed the Ceremony of Remembrance for her, the breeze was gently blowing. 

Elizabeth Jackson Esposito

Mrs. Joseph Anthony

State Regent 1994-1997

#388587

                   5 Jan 1920 – Bardolph, McDonough County, IL

                   10 Oct 2010

                   Aged 90

                             Greenville Memorial Gardens

                             7784 Augusta Road

                             Piedmont, SC 29673

Elizabeth served in World War II in the Women's Army Corp and earned the Meritorious Service Unit Insignia, WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

She  served as Behethland Butler Chapter Regent three times 1980-1982, 1984-1986, 1993-1994  and as District 1 Director from 1985-1988.  She also held the office of SCDAR Corresponding Secretary from 1982-1985, and SCDAR Recording Secretary from 1988-1991.  She further served the SCDAR as Vice Regent from 1991-1994, and as State Regent from 1994-1997.

Following this SC State service, she was recognized as Honorary SC State Regent, and elected to NSDAR Vice President General service from 1997-2000.

Throughout all her many years of DAR service, and until her death, she remained a faithful member of the Behethland Butler Chapter.  A fitting lasting tribute was left by her with her SC State Regent's Project - the carillon bells at Tamassee DAR School.  The memory of her many contributions can always be refreshed each time these bells are pealed.

The next time you are at Tamassee and hear the bells, fondly think of Elizabeth Esposito who made possible the music that floats through the air bringing a greater sense of peace to those who hear its uplifting tones.

Update: While at the 2018 Awards Day at Tamassee, I had the opportunity to capture the sound of the Esposito Carillon.  I have posted the video below in order for you to hear the beautiful sound that emanates from it.  Of course, it doesn't compare to actually being there to hear it.  I hope you enjoy.

125th Ceremony of Remembrance - Ilda Patrick

What a wonderful day yesterday was for the SCDAR!  This morning, when I checked my e-mail, the inbox was full of pictures from yesterday’s Ceremonies of Remembrance!  I am so excited at what I have so far and will spend time downloading the pictures and organizing them to share with you in the next weeks.  Just so you will know, there will be no planned order.  I will post the pictures and corresponding information randomly.  If any special information is shared with me concerning the tribute, I will include that as well.  As a result, what is shared will be dependent on what is received.

 As I was leading my chapter in the Ceremony of Remembrance, I kept thinking throughout the event how members across the state were recognizing our deceased state regents who faithfully served our state society for 125 years.  It was all I could do not to get choked up as I led our Ceremony of Remembrance for our assigned State Regent.  To all who organized their chapter’s ceremony and attended the event, I cannot thank you enough!!!  As our State Regent, Dianne Culbertson said, “It is a wonderful tribute to those who have served.”  I can’t begin to tell you how pleased she was to have so many chapters agree to hold the ceremonies!

To give chapters time to send me any additional information they would like to include, I will begin by posting information for the Ceremony of Remembrance for Ilda Jane Nixon Patrick.

The sun was shining brightly without a cloud in the sky making Fairfield County hot this day.  Since our members were traveling out in the county to our location, Mama and I decided to take refreshments for the occasion.  Just outside the gate of the cemetery, we placed a table with lemonade and cookies along with Ms. Ilda’s picture, one of the corsages Mama had made for the family of deceased State Regents to wear at the Friday night banquet of state conference, and the flower that would be placed at her grave.

As we arrived, a wonderful cooling breeze began and remained the entire time we were there.  It was as if Ms. Ilda herself had sent the breeze for us from heaven above. 

The members who were able to attend moved to her grave to be ready to begin the ceremony at 3:00.  Below is information concerning Ilda Patrick.

Ilda Jane Nixon Patrick

Mrs. Matthew White

State Regent 1955-1958

#134378

          23 Nov 1890

          24 Mar 1981

          Aged 90

                   White Oak ARP Cemetery

                   White Oak, SC

Ms. Ilda was a 64 year member in the Thomas Woodward Chapter where she served her chapter in almost every capacity.  She served the SCDAR as State Regent from 1955-1958 and concurrently served as Chairman of the Tamassee DAR School Board of Trustees.  She was elected to the position of NSDAR Vice President General from 1958-1961.

          Her church, the White Oak ARP, and all phases of the women’s work of the church knew her loyalty and appreciated her long active service.

          As a citizen, she gave generously of her time in many civic organizations in the county serving as an officer in most of them.  Winthrop College honored her as a Master Farm Homemaker.

          Ms. Ilda was a native of St. Claire County Illinois.  She graduated from Erskine College and taught school for two years before marrying Matthew White Patrick.  She and her husband were married for over 60 years and spent their entire married life here in White Oak.

          Her life could be described as one of dedication to God and Country, devotion to family and friends, loyalty to principles of historical appreciation of the past; patriotic service in the present and wholesome education for the future; a life of service to the betterment of community, state, and nation, and a life of inspiration to strive onward and upward till the goal is reached.

The flower was placed.  

Pictures were taken.

And, then…DAR members do what they always do when they are in a cemetery, the members started looking at the gravestones to see if there were any that might be family connections to their own lines!  Of course, genealogical discussions were then the topic as well as the history of White Oak, the Patrick family who are the overwhelming majority buried in the cemetery, and the historical church.

We were sad to discover, but not surprised, that the DAR marker placed during the Crider administration is missing.  All of us feel that this was a result of grave robbers going around stealing copper to sell for quick money which has been a problem in cemeteries nationwide.

It was a delightful afternoon, and it was a pleasure to be a part of the 125^th anniversary celebration!  One of our HODARs asked when the next big anniversary was.  I told him that we would turn 150 in 25 years.  He asked me if I would be in charge of that one.  My response was, “Noooo, I would be in my 70s.”  One of my members looked at me and said that she would be pushing up daisies by then!  She is one of our newer members and was truly glad that she was able to participate in this special anniversary of the SCDAR.