Special Edition: Teaching the great, great-great, and great-great-great grandchildren about Sara Aldrich Richardson

          While I was not able to attend Continental Congress this year, God had an awesome plan for me at the end of Congress week.  Although I missed seeing so many of my friends that I have made over the years, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime once again.
          If you remember from my very first blog post explaining why I had created my project, "Reflections of Our Treasured Past," you will remember the story of how I ended up teaching the family of Grace Marshall about her work for God, Home, and Country.  You will remember hearing that by the end the tissues were being passed around.  It was an emotional time for all in attendance, and an event I will never forget.  Well, I had the opportunity to teach another family about the remarkable life and work for God, Home, and Country of a family member about which they know nothing or very little.

          This story begins following the first time I had my display about Grace Marshall at state conference.  My dear friend, Sara Stork, approached my mother who was manning my display and told her that she had the scrapbook belonging to her great-grandmother.  Since she had seen the display on Grace Marshall and had seen the love, care, and passion that I had for teaching others about our history, she wanted to entrust me with the scrapbook belonging to her great-grandmother.  Of course, my mother said we would love to have it without fully understanding the significance of the scrapbook.  The next sentence is what got Mama.  Sara then said that she was the namesake of her great-grandmother who had served as state regent.  I think my mother almost went into shock., and she told me that she couldn't get the message to me fast enough!
         I was performing my duty as then state historian; therefore, it took a few minutes for Mama to get the message to me.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic!  When I had the opportunity to speak with Sara, she told me that she didn't know very much about her great-grandmother and would love for me to teach her.  I went right to work doing research on Sara Aldrich Richardson and once again was amazed at what I learned.  I created my Power Point presentation about Sara as well as her corresponding display and presented it first to my chapter.  (I always present new programs to my chapter first in order to work out any kinks before showing it elsewhere.)  I invited Sara to come to this presentation, but a prior commitment prevented her from attending.
     
          With the approaching 125th anniversary of the SCDAR, I wanted to ensure that Sara and her sister, Tracy, had the opportunity to see the program.  I went to Sara's house and presented the program to them and Tracy's daughter.  They were amazed at what I had learned thus far, but I told them there was more out there.  The scrapbook was only one year of her time as state regent.
        Sara's children and grandchildren were going to be coming to Columbia over the Fourth of July holiday, and she told me that she would love for them to see the program.  I told her that I would make myself available to them to just let me know when.


The pictures purposely do not reveal the faces of the children.

        On July 1, I had the awesome privilege of teaching Sara Aldrich Richardon's great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren about her life and work for God, Home, and Country!  I took the program that I have for DAR chapters and extemporaneously adjusted the content to meet the levels and interest of the age range of the 7 grandchildren.  I will honestly admit that it wasn't my best, but I know the children understood the amazing work that she did by their response to a question I asked at the end of the presentation.  I asked each of the great-great-greats what their favorite part of Sara's story was.
          One said her escape from the burning of Columbia and being a part of the group that saved Wade Hampton's home during the War Between the States.

The Hampton Preston Home saved by Mother Superior Baptista and the nuns and students of Ursuline Convent.

One said how she persevered the 70 mile walk home from Columbia without having provisions to take with them.

map demonstrating the length of the walk from Columbia to her home in Barnwell

The one statement that got me was when the middle boy and next to the youngest of the group said that his favorite was how she brought women's rights to her and her husband's plantation.  He went on to add that she was ahead of her time.  Wow!

Oak Grove Plantation in Hampton County

          You see after the slaves were freed the former women slaves entered into another type of slavery, domestic violence.  Men not only received their pay but the pay of their wives and often times spent the money on alcohol and gambling.  With the money lost from gambling, there was no food for the families. In their drunken state, the men would beat their wives and children.  Sara put an end to this on her and her husband's plantation.  Women would receive their pay, and the men could not touch it.  If any man beat a woman or child, he would be arrested and put in jail.  Sara also worked diligently to teach these women skills: financial management, how to run a household, how to rear the children, how to cook, sew, provide medical care, etc.  which would give them self-respect, cleanliness, and industry.
          One Sunday afternoon when she and her husband were returning from church, the couple was hastened to their front porch to find a woman beaten nearly to death.  As Sara cared for the woman, her husband searched for the wife beater, had him arrested, and thrown into jail.  This act stopped domestic violence on their plantation!  The women had the greatest respect and love for Sara looking at her as a patron saint.  She brought women's rights to women before it was even in vogue.  Let me just say that it didn't stop there.  She continued to ensure women's rights in other work that she did.

          
          My favorite part of Sara's story will be revealed at our 125th celebration at state conference if all goes as planned.  You will have to come to state conference to hear it.  I will give you a hint, though.  Sara is connected to the Montana Spade that I shared with you in the Continental Congress Treasure Hunt.

I am also impressed with all of the work that she did for DAR Day at the South Carolina Interstate and West Indian Exposition.  Most South Carolinians have no idea about the World's Fair held in Charleston in 1902.  Sara's influence brought the cream of the crop from our national government and armed forces as evidenced by the hand written responses to her invitations that are in her scrapbook.  Reading these has been so interesting.

          Following the Power Point presentation, everyone had the opportunity to see the display, her scrapbook, and other items of interest.  The children then went swimming allowing the great-greats to  ask questions and get more in depth information.   They also found it fascinating that their mother is chapter regent of one of the chapters that was organized  under Sara Aldrich Richardon's term as state regent.

         SCDAR is blessed to have been led by so many phenomenal women, many of which were ahead of their times such as Grace and Sara!  I always look forward to the upcoming opportunities I have to share these programs with chapters and hear the comments of our members about our treasured past.  I can't wait to see what else is just waiting to be discovered!

Continental Congress Treasure Hunt: Flag

         Opening Night at Continental Congress is something special to see.  The pomp and circumstance of the evening is just breath taking.  The one aspect of the procession that every one want to see is the American flag unfurling from the ceiling at just the perfect moment that it looks like it will touch the top of the head of the President General just as she reaches the center.  It is something to behold!

           Have you ever wondered how that magic is accomplished.  I am going to share with you something that no one else will tell you.  The next time you are there, I want you to be sure to look to see if you see the hand holding the flag in the ceiling.  It is his responsibility to throw the flag at just the right moment in order for it to reach what seems like the President General’s head as she reaches center aisle.  The flag is then raised by its wire to the correct height to allow all in the auditorium to view the platform and screens.

          Each day, the flag has to be rolled in a certain way in order for it to unfurl correctly.  Prior to the procession, a gentleman must make his way in a small opening in the ceiling like a catwalk, lie down positioning himself with flag in hand ready to release, and then wait on the exact moment to let the flag fly.  The next time you are at Continental Congress look for the hand in the ceiling holding the flag.

This will be the last Continental Congress Treasure Hunt posted.  Tomorrow night is opening night.  The business of the society will begin, and many forums presenting information will be held.  You will be busy taking care of chapter business and probably won’t have time to see what I have posted.  I hope that you will take the time to see the few treasures that I have described for you while you are there.

          Just know that this is only the tip of the iceberg as the saying goes when it comes to treasures in our beautiful complex of buildings.  Be sure to take time to visit the Americana Room, the Museum, the period rooms, and the Library to see treasures.  As you walk around the building both inside and out, look up, look down, and notice the intricate details of our buildings.  Stop by the Founders Monument.  See what is blooming in the garden.  I can tell you that even if you spent every minute of your time looking at the treasures in our buildings, you won’t be able to see them all during your time at Continental Congress!

HAPPY HUNTING!

Continental Congress Treasure Hunt: National Historic Landmark plaque

Not only has our building served the DAR for many years and is an integral part of our story, but our building is also an integral part of America’s story as well.

          Our building has been used by Presidents to entertain foreign dignitaries, as the home of symphony orchestras, by the Red Cross during times of war, as sets for movies, television shows, and game shows, and as a concert hall for famous entertainers and shows.  There was one event held at Memorial Continental Hall, however, that would enable it to be named a National Historic Landmark!

         
          On Armistice Day, November 12, 1921, the five principal naval powers of the world at that time—the United States, Great Britain, Italy, France, and Japan—as well as Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, China, and the British Colonies—convened at Memorial Continental Hall to discuss disarmament as well as issues in the Pacific and Far East.  The agreements they reached would become the first arms limitation treaty ever signed.  

 

Based on this historic occasion, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated Memorial Continental Hall a National Historic Landmark with a plaque presented to Eleanor Washington Spicer, President General, at opening night of the 82nd Continental Congress, April 16, 1973.  The plaque stands permanently affixed on the north corner of Memorial Continental Hall on 17th Street.  

Don't forget to take pictures and share.

HAPPY HUNTING!

Continental Congress Treasure Hunt: Constitution Hall Memory Book

          Membership in DAR continued to grow and before long, we had outgrown Memorial Continental Hall.  A new auditorium was needed.  Ground was broken on June 22, 1928, and the corner stone was laid by Mrs. Calvin Coolidge October 30, 1928 with the same trowel that George Washington used to lay the cornerstone for the Capitol in 1793.  Once again, the daughters were asked to raise money for this new building.  Members sent money. States purchased state boxes.  Chapters purchased chairs.   On April 19, 1929, Mrs. Herbert Hoover addressed the assembly during the formal dedication of the building. 

          Constitution Hall is not the treasure today.  Instead, today’s treasure is the Constitution Hall Memory Book.  I love this story and once again, include it in my program “So You Think You Know the DAR,” just as all of the treasures I have presented thus far. 

In 1933, members decided that they wanted to honor all DAR members who contributed to the construction of Constitution Hall.  In 1933, they began a project which would not be completed until 1938 to do just that.  All of the states and many of the chapters overseas were represented with depictions of each state seal in full color along with a list of items contributed to Constitution Hall in this one of a kind volume.  Most gifts given consisted of cash, chairs, and other furnishings.

dedication page of Constitution Hall Memory Book

          The hinges attached to the binding are solid gold.  The insignia is partially cast in platinum.  The DAR committee responsible for the project asked DAR members to send them anything made of gold that could be melted down to make the binding.  Members enthusiastically contributed wedding rings, dental fillings—sometimes with the teeth still attached—and other assorted objects. 

one of the pages of the book demonstrating the artwork of the state seals and contributions

          This book resides in the Office of the Historian General, now the Department of Archives and History, in a glass case.  Tracy Robinson, Department Head, removes the book from its case and shows some of the pages of the book at the end of the week of Continental Congress.  I encourage you to go by and get the exact day and time that the book will be shown.  It is well worth your time to see it when she shows it.  The artwork in the book is absolutely beautiful.  What a treasure!

HAPPY HUNTING!

Continental Congress Treasure Hunt: Memorial Portico

Can you imagine our beautiful Memorial Continental Hall without its portico and columns?  It’s hard to do that, but at one time, those beautiful columns were not there.  

          Members had been called upon to raise money to construct our beautiful building.  Members made pledges, states held various fund raisers to raise the money and chapters even saved a penny a day for a year to help raise the money.  Other parts of the building were given naming rights.  Some of the larger states purchased entire rooms while smaller states purchased windows or doors.  By the first Continental Congress $650 had been raised and would grow to $109,000 by 1902.   In 1906, a debt of $300,000 was still upon the society, and the call to chapters for their continued fund raising efforts was insistent.  In 1908, Continental Hall was bonded for a sum of sufficient to complete the building allowing chapters to return to the work of their state.

          While the planning, selection of site and architect, and construction of Memorial Continental Hall was taking place in Washington, plans to place a monument on the State House grounds for the Revolutionary Generals of South Carolina were at work in South Carolina by the SCDAR.  When the call for funds to build Memorial Continental Hall went out, SCDAR stopped raising funds for the monument and began raising funds for DAR’s home.

Part of the design of the building was to dedicate thirteen columns on the portico in honor of the thirteen original states.  These monolithic columns have the name of the original state carved into its base as well as a beautiful design, but each of the thirteen original states had to pledge and then raise $2000 to pay for their column.

          By 1907, SCDAR State Regent Virginia Bratton was able to report at Continental Congress that SCDAR had raised $1,095 for its column.  At the dedication ceremony for the Memorial Portico in 1908, Bratton had the pleasure of announcing to those in attendance that SCDAR’s column was not a pledge but a reality.  As a result of being the first state to accomplish the actual payment of $2000 for its respective column, Bratton was accorded the honor of carrying the Palmetto Flag at the head of the procession with President General McLean.

          The result of each of the thirteen original states’ efforts is a beautiful portico that connects to the O’Byrne Gallery.  This combination of spaces provides the city with an elegant venue suitable for a variety of occasions including meetings, receptions, and weddings.  The portico’s resemblance to the White House also makes it a desirable location for shooting feature films and television series such as National Treasure and West Wing.

          Enjoy looking at Memorial Portico in a new light during Continental Congress.  SCDAR members, see if you can find the South Carolina column.  Be sure to pay attention to the portico’s grandeur and architectural details from top to bottom that make it so spectacular.   There is more to see out there than first meets the eye now that you know. 

      Also, take the time to view the intricate architectural details of the O’Byrne Gallery.  This is worth the time to see.  Did you know that this was the first location for the Museum?  That’s an entire story for another time.

HAPPY HUNTING!

         

Continental Congress Treasure Hunt: Coats of Arms

If you have heard my program “So You Think You Know the DAR,” then you have heard me read the words of Mrs. Cabell in the first speech in the interest of Continental Hall was made October 1891 at a conference of state and chapter regents.  “What the Society needs most and first is a home.  The women of America want a house where their historic records can be lodged – to grow, it is hoped, into the finest collection of Colonial and Revolutionary literature in the world – a spacious hall where debates and addresses can take place – fireproof apartments where the relics and treasures of the Society can be preserved – a commodious place of business where officers and members can meet for the transactions of their affairs.”

As you have learned already, the cornerstone was laid April 19, 1904, and construction began immediately.  However, the Daughters wouldn’t wait until their home was completed to move in it.  No, the Daughters held their first Continental Congress in Memorial Continental Hall in 1905.  However, special permission had to be obtained for the Daughters to meet in the building since it was not finished and temporary modifications had to be put in place to accommodate the ladies. 

It remained incomplete in 1908, as can be seen in this photo of the opening session of the 17th Continental Congress.  As President General Emily R. McLean delivers her welcoming remarks on Easter Monday morning, April 20th, temporary wiring supported fixtures to illuminate the hall, and bunting covered the walls and the box seating that would soon feature elaborate wrought iron railings that would cap the balconies and the spread eagles that would adorn them.

1908 Continental Congress

Additional decoration was needed for the auditorium.  In March 1907, Mrs. Annie Isabella Robertson, State Vice Regent of the SCDAR, was commissioned by DAR during its National Board Meeting.  It seems that the State Regents of the original 13 states of the DAR through the Memorial Continental Hall Committee commissioned Annie to paint the Coats of Arms of the thirteen original states to be used as decorations.  The committee and regents wanted these to be ready for the next month’s Continental Congress; however, that time frame was impossible.  First, she had to write each state regent of the states on the matter and receive the design of the official state seal which would take time in and of itself.  Then, materials for the coats of arms would have to be ordered, received, and prepared before any painting could begin.  As a result, she agreed to have them ready for the following Continental Congress in 1908.  It is interesting to note that payment of these shields was by the 13 original states and would be owned by the states as well.  These shields were to be placed along the balustrade of the gallery so as to conform to the color scheme of the interior decoration.  They were to be painted on a background of gold. 

Coats of Arms in Library today

          Great care and attention to detail was taken by Annie to make these shields perfect in design and color.  The coats of arms were made of poplar from North Carolina and were crafted by an expert cabinet maker in Asheville.    Engravings of the official state seals were obtained from the state secretaries and were enlarged with pain staking care by Miss Annie Cadwallader Coles.  The painting was completed by Annie, and the lettering of the mottoes of the States was done by Mr. Hamiter of Columbia, SC.

          Before leaving for Washington, these coats of arms were placed on exhibition at the Supreme Court room in the South Carolina State House for two days.  An article appeared in The State newspaper inviting the public to inspect them.   On April 10, 1908, Annie left for Washington carefully taking the 13 coats of arms with her.  She arrived in Washington, DC with time to spare to ensure the proper installation of the coats of arms in time for the opening of Continental Congress on April 20. 

          After completion of the building, the plans were for the original states to take their respective shields and present them to their states.  Annie even talks with pride how she planned to give the South Carolina shield to her state.  NSDAR is fortunate that the states did not take their respective coats of arms with them but left them to continue to adorn our beautiful building.  The coats of arms are hanging in what was the balcony of the auditorium which, as you probably know, is now our library.

         

      Somehow, the United State government learned about these coats of arms and requested the patterns.  Annie presented the designs which were to be cut into marble and used in the Memorial Post Office in York, Pennsylvania.  I am still waiting to receive this information.  When I receive the information, I will be sharing it with you.

          

     One more thing, Annie Robertson was named the heraldic artist for the SCDAR.  In addition, she was named the heraldic artist for the California DAR.  Her ability even had her elected to the newly created office of State Heraldic artist and referee for the Colonial Dames of North Carolina of which she was a member. 

          When you enter the library, be sure to look up on the back wall of the balcony to see the coats of arms from afar.  Have fun exploring the building as you make your way to that level to see the coats of arms up close.  They are beautiful.  SCDAR is especially proud of Annie and her work on this and so much more.  I think you can agree that every DAR member can beam with pride that those coats of arms are the work of a fellow DAR member painted with such precision and care to adorn our beautiful building.

HAPPY HUNTING!

Continental Congress Treasure Hunt - The Montana Spade andTrowel

     The next item in the Continental Congress Treasure Hunt is The Montana Spade. This spade is kept in a glass container in the Office of the Historian General, now known as the Department of History and Archives.  It is in the Americana Room to the left of the Historian General's desk.

     This small shovel was a gift from the Montana State Society.  It is beautifully crafted of special materials.  The spade of the shovel is made of Montana copper.  The handle is made of wood cut from the pathway of Lewis and Clark’s expedition when they first explored what is now the state of Montana.  This is to be inlaid with wood from other historic spots and adorned with silver and gold from the mines of Montana along with Montana sapphires of blue and white - the colors of the National Society. 

     The handle inscription reads: “Columbus, Makers of Farm and Garden Tools.”   The streamers of official ribbon decorating the handle and bearing the names of the thirteen colonies the gift of the Mary Washington Colonial Chapter of New York City.

     You may be asking yourself what is the significance of this small shovel.  The Montana Spade has been used for several historic and significant DAR ceremonies.   The first time is was used was on DAR founder Mary Lockwood used this shovel on October 11, 1902 to break ground for construction on Memorial Continental Hall.  The second time is was used was April 19, 1904 at the Ceremonies of the Laying of the Corner Stone Memorial Continental Hall.  This building served as DAR’s headquarters and was the first of the Society’s three buildings to be built on this property.  

     The spade has also been used by The DAR and the Mount Vernon Ladies Association to celebrate the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s birth with memorial tree plantings.  On April 25, 1982 the shovel was used to plant the Mount Vernon Ladies Association’s gift of a Spicebush in the NSDAR Memorial Garden.  Later the same day, DAR planted an American Holly Tree in honor of Washington at Mount Vernon.

     What is the significance of this spade to SCDAR?  You will have to come to the 2018 state conference to find out!  I will tell you this.  With all of the research that I have done thus far, this remains one of my favorite stories to share.  I will share the entire story with you in March and hopefully have something special to reveal as well.  You could say it is the culmination of the story.  Oh my!  I have said too much already.  

     The next item I want you to see that was used during the ceremonies was the trowel used to place the cornerstone into place.  Once the items were hermetically sealed as I described in the blog concerning the corner stone, this trowel was presented to the grand master Mr. A. J. Wetmore who made the following statement: "The trowel will be used in spreading the cement which shall unite this building into one solid mass.  Remembering that we are all the children of our Father in Heaven, who loves and pities all, may the trowel symbolize to us the spreading of the cement of friendship and affection which should unite the brotherhood of man into a sacred band, among whom no contention should ever exist save that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who can best work and best agree."  

     Mr. Wetmore then spread a trowel full of cement on the foundation after which a small quantity of cement was spread by President General Fairbanks, and Founders Desha, Walworth, and Lockwood.  The workmen completed the task of preparing the corner stone with cement; then, they swung it into position and lowered it into its place on the foundation where it proudly remains today.
            Happy hunting!