Molly Foster Berry Chapter DAR was organized in Fort Scott, Kansas, on October 19, 1911. The chapter was named for the wife of the Revolutionary ancestor of the first Regent, Miss Frances Hall. Molly Foster Berry was the wife of Samuel Berry, who gave Patriotic Service from Rhode Island during the American Revolution.
The chapter has always been involved in national defense efforts. During World War II, cookbooks were sold by the chapter to buy War Bonds, and members sold National Defense Stamp albums. In later years, as the National Cemetery at Fort Scott reached capacity, the chapter donated funds for the purchase of an additional ten acres.
In 1917, the chapter organized the local Y.M.C.A. and also the Red Cross Chapter and Canteen. In 1925, the chapter sponsored the Bourbon County Historical Society. By 1925, the chapter had placed 21 bronze plaques at historic sites, including the government buildings at the fort.
Chapter members were instrumental in getting the old Fort Blair Block House saved and repositioned on Carroll Plaza, the site of the old pre-Civil War fort.
The chapter takes credit for the vision and construction of a Memorial Hall in 1922 to honor all servicemen. In appreciation for the chapter's contribution, a meeting suite was designated in the building for DAR use, which is still in use by the chapter today.
Fort Scott City Council minutes reflect that the chapter spends about 3,500 hours a year, contributing volunteer time to Meals on Wheels, nursing homes, Veteran transport, hospital auxiliaries, VFW projects, gifts and assistance to the VA Medical Center at Leavenworth, genealogy projects, genealogical records, and numerous other activities benefiting the community and veterans.
Fort Scott is an area full of history, and Molly Foster Berry Chapter DAR is fully involved with its community, and with the National Society DAR.
Meetings are held at 1:30 p.m. on the third Friday of the month, September through June. Prospective members are welcome to attend. Please contact us for more information, using the link below.
Membership Information
Webmaster
Sidebar graphic courtesy Boogie Jack.
|
