The Wichita Chapter DAR was organized on December 13, 1916. The chapter is named for its city, and the Indian tribe which the city name honors. The Indians prounounced the name "Ouishita," or "oo-ish-e-tah," with the soft sound in the center. The meaning of the word is unclear; it varies from "tattooed faces" and "scattered lodges."
The chapter is proud to have contributed to the beautiful Kansas Chapel at DAR National headquarters. Brass altar vases were given in 1963. These are filled with flowers in memory of deceased members. The altar itself was given in memory of a young Navy flier, Richard Bennett, whose mother was a member of the chapter. The Flag of the USA was also presented to the Chapel to honor chapter member, Beulah Chesney, for her numerous contributions to the chapter and community.
The stunning stained-glass sunflower windows were originally designed by chapter member, Elizabeth Nevas, in 1915. The windows had resided for years in the city's Carnegie library, and at the request of Mrs. Chesney, the windows were removed in 1966 to be placed in the Kansas Chapel. The Eunice Sterling Chapter of Wichita paid the costs of shipping, cleaning, and reassembling the windows in Washington. Of the original twelve Sunflower windows in the library, those not used in Washington were placed in Kansas with societies and museums.
The chapter is especially interested in education and American History. A series of seven film strips were donated to the Wichita Public Schools, showing the events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These films have been widely used by schools and organizations.
The chapter is proud to offer its own Helen Hoen DAR Scholarship to a qualified student studying American History at Friends University in Wichita.
Meetings are held at noon on the second Friday of the month, September through May. Prospective members are welcome to attend. Please contact us for more information, using the link below.
Membership Information
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Border graphic courtesy Barracuda Backgrounds.
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