Our History
The Mary Quisenberry Chapter, NSDAR, began with an organizational meeting in April of 1931. Eligible women from the Durant area attended, and the chapter was confirmed on June 3, 1931.
The chapter was named for the grandmother of the first regent. Her grandmother, Mary Quisenberry, was the granddaughter of Reverend James Quisenberry, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mary Quisenberry was married to Pleasant Tilman Gentry.
One notable chapter guest was Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spoke in Durant on March 18, 1937. As an active DAR member, she was welcomed with an orchid corsage presented by the local chapter. Later, a thank you note was received, signed by “Eleanor Roosevelt.”
The chapter has always endeavored to promote the ideals and objectives of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The chapter's strongest areas have been the programs involving youth, especially the Junior American Citizens (JAC) and the DAR Good Citizens Contests. The JAC entries have won many awards at the state, regional, and national levels. It has become a tradition that the May meeting is an after-school JAC awards party for those students who have won at the chapter level. Those who have won at higher levels are also recognized at that time. The students' family members and teachers are invited to attend the awards celebration.
Our chapter encourages patriotism in the community by the promotion of Constitution Week through radio, TV, and newspapers. Our chapter also participates in "Bells Ringing Across America."
Other chapter achievements include:
The chapter was named for the grandmother of the first regent. Her grandmother, Mary Quisenberry, was the granddaughter of Reverend James Quisenberry, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mary Quisenberry was married to Pleasant Tilman Gentry.
One notable chapter guest was Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spoke in Durant on March 18, 1937. As an active DAR member, she was welcomed with an orchid corsage presented by the local chapter. Later, a thank you note was received, signed by “Eleanor Roosevelt.”
The chapter has always endeavored to promote the ideals and objectives of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The chapter's strongest areas have been the programs involving youth, especially the Junior American Citizens (JAC) and the DAR Good Citizens Contests. The JAC entries have won many awards at the state, regional, and national levels. It has become a tradition that the May meeting is an after-school JAC awards party for those students who have won at the chapter level. Those who have won at higher levels are also recognized at that time. The students' family members and teachers are invited to attend the awards celebration.
Our chapter encourages patriotism in the community by the promotion of Constitution Week through radio, TV, and newspapers. Our chapter also participates in "Bells Ringing Across America."
Other chapter achievements include:
- An Oklahoma Society state regent
- Our chapter sponsored two winners of the Oklahoma Outstanding Teacher of American History Award.
- A Medal of Honor was awarded to a serviceman who served as an officer in one of the first Oklahoma Army Reserve units to be sent to Operation Desert Storm.
- The DAR Outstanding Oklahoma Junior Member of 1992-1993.
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