Peace Pipe Chapter, NSDAR Celebrates Flag Day

June 14th, 2011 was a very special celebration for everyone in attendance at the Flag Day celebration and raising of a flag for Peace Pipe Chapter. The flag raised was once flown over our nation's capitol.  This patriotic tradition goes back with the Chapter for 100 years at Genesee, Colorado. Members of the family of one the original participants were there to lend support and honor her.

This video captures many of the wonderful moments of this historic event. Shown is the great love so many of us have for our country.

Below is a link to original photos taken that day. You are invited to view each one and comment. Each picture has a story and speaks to patriotism, preservation and education.

God Bless The United States of America

Please enjoy.

"Travel to an Extrodinary Event Here"

Photography and video by Christine McClintock Hudspeth

Today's Colonial Gift

Today's Colonial Gift from Whiskers

Today's byte is especially tasty. It comes from his friend Mortimer who works with a NSDAR Genealogist, most wise. Mortimer told Whiskers that when you are looking to connect family members, look at land records. For in these records you will learn often, that a piece of land was willed to, or sold to a family member. Often times family member will also live nearby as well. Patriots of the American Revolution were often granted 'Land Patents' for their service. Anyone else would have a land deed. So if you are having trouble connecting people as relations, look for their land holdings! Thanks Mortimer!

Ancestry.Com "Who Do You Think You Are?"

When one begins the journey of finding those that have come before them, it is especially important to be ready to confront some of the realities of their life as it was. The series "Who Do You Think You Are?" is full of just such pondering. Below is the first episode in the long search for Actress Kim Cattrell. Please take a moment and listen to the beginning of her story as she searches for important answers in her life.

It is easy to get caught up in the emotional part of her story. Like anyone else we hope she finds the answers that she seeks, and that they are acceptable to her.

Many people find this, as the hardest barrier to researching their past.

What if so-in-so was a beggar man, thief? Or worse? What deep dark secrets has my family kept for all these years?

And the all important one? Do I really want to know?

The answer is yes.... You do. Why?

I have been doing genealogy research for a number of years with my mother and cousins. I can tell you unequivatably that what you will find, will strengthen you. Understandings are never too late in any one's life. Peace comes to those who seek understanding.

Genealogy does not define you as a person. Rather it gives you the power to define who you are, and where you came from. It explores why you eat what you eat, practice the faith you do, even wear the clothes that you wear. It answers where your family traditions came from. Why you think, and talk the way you do.

It lets you define yourself.

My research going back hundreds of years, has taught me more about the living part of history than any book could have. How? Because I am attached to people who lived that history. I know what part of history my family took part in. Whether you are a immigrant of the 1600's to America or a more recent patriot. You have a unique story that is beautiful in all of it's telling.

Because it is your story.

Yes, I have learned some things I never knew. The next important step is to put them into historical context. You may recognize the old adage, "You do not know someone, until you have walked in their shoes?" Genealogy puts this into action.

That is what genealogy is about to me. Putting on new shoes, learning new things, and most importantly learning what they mean to me.

So I encourage you to take classes in genealogy. Your local library is a good source. Look also for recognized organizations such as the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, The Sons of American Revolution. There are so many lineage societies and truly devoted and qualified genealogist who can help you on your journey.

It is a journey of a lifetime, and definitely one you should not miss!

Good luck!

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

This historic proclamation was issued by George Washington during his first year as President. It sets aside Thursday, November 26 as "A Day of Publick Thanksgiving and Prayer."

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas
"it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness: "

"Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.


Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

While there were Thanksgiving observances in America both before and after Washington's proclamation, this represents the first to be so designated by the new national government.

After their first harvest, the colonists of the Plymouth Plantation held a celebration of food and feasting in the fall of 1621. Indian chiefs Massassoit, Squanto and Samoset joined in the celebration with ninety of their men in the three-day event.

The first recorded Thanksgiving observance was held on June 29, 1671 at Charlestown, Massachusetts by proclamation of the town's governing council.

During the 1700s, it was common practice for individual colonies to observe days of thanksgiving throughout each year. A Thanksgiving Day two hundred years ago was a day set aside for prayer and fasting, not a day marked by plentiful food and drink as is today's custom. Later in the 18th century each of the states periodically would designate a day of thanksgiving in honor of a military victory, an adoption of a state constitution or an exceptionally bountiful crop.

Such a Thanksgiving Day celebration was held in December of 1777 by the colonies nationwide, commemorating the surrender of British General Burgoyne at Saratoga.

Later, on October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for the observance of the fourth Tuesday of November as a national holiday.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the third Thursday of November (to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy). After a storm of protest, Roosevelt changed the holiday again in 1941 to the fourth Thursday in November, where it stands today.

'Mrs. Abigail Adams' Service During Constitution Week

A Constitution Day program will be given at Timberline Elementary in Centennial Colorado. The children will be treated to a program involving questions and answers about the United States Constitution and the life of 'Mrs. Abigail Adams'. Mrs. Adams is portrayed by Christine McClintock.

Happy Constitution Week

Colorado and Company - Hosts Charlotte Hubbs, Colorado N.S.D.A.R. Regent

Colorado State Regent 2009-2011, Charlotte Hubbs

Our State Regent, Charlotte Hubbs, will be a guest on the TV show Colorado & Company airing live on Channel 9 KUSA-TV from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2009, Constitution Day!

She will be interviewed by Presenter, Denise Plante, as one of the guests regarding the DAR, Constitution Week and the DAR luncheon taking place that same day at 11:30 a.m. at the Denver Country Club featuring Judge, Colorado Court of Appeals, Stephen Carparelli.

Colorado & Company or "COCO" is a magazine-style show that airs live on Channel 9, KUSA-TV from 10-11am on weekdays. Some segments are commercially sponsored while others feature local community organizations, and entertainers, chefs, community leaders and perhaps even your neighbor!

Colorado & Company is the place to learn about our state's best companies, the services and products they offer and the people behind them. You'll see a variety of people who have made Colorado the best place to live in the country.

Presenter: Denise Plante is also the co-host of the KOSI 101.1 morning show. She's been in radio for 18 yrs, 11 of those years right here in Denver. Denise has won several radio awards and has been nominated for three Emmy awards, winning one in 2005 for Interviewer/Host. She has been the host for several national television commercial spots and two MTV projects. Denise was also the first Female in the nation in radio to use the Heil Pink Microphone during her show and on location, it benefits breast cancer through Susan G. Komen.

Piney Creek Chapter N.S.D.A.R, congratulates our State Regent, and joins her effort to promote the activities of the DAR to the citizens of Colorado.

Madonna Of The Trail

The idea of marking a highway was begun in Missouri about 1909 by a group of women who formed a committee to locate the Old Santa Fe Trail in Missouri. This committee was influential in securing an appropriation from the State of Missouri to mark the trail with suitable boulders or monuments.

This idea further developed into plans for a highway to be designated as the National Old Trails Road, by Act of Congress, and the work of marking was carried on in conjunction with the National Old Trails Road Association.

In 1911, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution established a national committee known as the National Old Trails Road Committee whose work was, primarily, to definitely establish the Old Trails Road as a great National Memorial Highway.

In 1912, the National Old Trails Road Association came into being and stated in its bylaws that,"the object of the Association shall be to assist the Daughters of the American Revolution in marking Old Trails and to promote the construction of an Ocean-to-Ocean Highway of modern type worthy of its memorial character." The Association, under the presidency of Harry S. Truman, guaranteed the expense of the erection of the monuments.

In 1924, the plan was changed from a proposed small cast iron marker on the Trails to that of erecting 12 large markers. In 1927, the Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress accepted the design -- The Madonna of the Trail.

The Madonna of the Trail is a pioneer woman clasping her baby with her young son clinging to her skirts. The face of the mother, strong in character, beauty, and gentleness, is the face of a mother who realizes her responsibilities and trust in God. It has a feeling of solidarity -- a monument which it is hoped will stand through the ages.

The figure of the mother is of heroic proportions - 10 feet high with a weight of 5 tons. The base upon which the figure stands is 6 feet high and weights 12 tons. This, in turn, rests upon a foundation that is placed on the ground, standing 2 feet above the level which makes the monument 18 feet above the ground.

The figure and the base are made of algonite stone (a poured mass) of which the Missouri granite is used as the main aggregate, thus giving the monument a warm, pink shade which is the color of the Missouri native granite. It was thought and expected that this stone had admirable aging qualities and, with time, would improve in color and solidarity.

On the two sides of the base are to be found words of historical data or local commemoration. These inscriptions are of the Revolutionary period or the early history in respective localities. These monuments were erected in each of the 12 states through which the National Old Trails Road passes. The design of the monument was that of sculptor August Leimbach of St. Louis and was offered by Mrs. John Trigg Moss, Chairman of the DAR National Committee.

The Daughters pay tribute to pioneer mothers as preserved in twelve like monuments in twelve states of our union. One can wish for no greater inspiration than to pause at the monument of a Madonna of the Trail and think of the mothers of the past whose pleasures and hardships, victories and privations we will never know. We may well cherish and perpetuate the many sterling qualities they hand down to us.

In the words of Mrs. Moss, "There's a long,long,trail awinding into the land of dreams" of an only highway from Colonial East through sands of the West, to the Spanish Southwest.

Created by sculptor August Leimbach and funded by contributions, the Madonna of the Trail monuments were intended to provide a symbol of the courage and faith of the women whose strength and love aided so greatly in conquering the wilderness and establishing permanent homes.

Dedicated in 1928 and 1929, with each of the 12 located in a different state, they became a source of local pride. Through the continuing efforts of local and national groups, all are currently in good condition and on display.

Locations
There is one monument in each of the 12 states along the National Old Trails HighwayNational Old Trails Highway. National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, was established in 1912, and became part of the National Auto Trail system in the United States. Much of which later became U.S. Highway 40 and U.S. Highway 66. The monuments in order of dedication are:



*Springfield, Ohio
Springfield is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Clark County, Ohio. The municipality is located in southwestern Ohio and is situated on the Mad River, Buck Creek and Beaver Creek, approximately 45 miles west of Columbus, Ohio and 25 miles northeast of Dayton, Ohio. Dedicated — July 4, 1928

*Wheeling, West, West Virginia
Wheeling is a city in Marshall County, West Virginia and Ohio County, West Virginia counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Most of the city lies in Ohio County, for which it is the county seat. Dedicated — July 7, 1928

*Council Grove, Kansas
Council Grove is a city in Morris County, Kansas, Kansas, United States. The population was 2,321 at the 2000 United States Census. It is the county seat of Morris County, Kansas. Dedicated — September 7, 1928

*Lexington, Missouri
Lexington is a city in Lafayette County, Missouri, Missouri, United States. The population was 4,453 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Lafayette County, Missouri. Dedicated — September 17, 1928

*Lamar, Colorado
The City of Lamar is is the county seat and the most populous city of Prowers County, Colorado, United States. Dedicated — September 24, 1928

*Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is the largest List of cities in the United States in the US state of New Mexico. It is the county seat of Bernalillo County, New Mexico and is situated in the central part of the state, straddling the Rio Grande. Dedicated — September 27, 1928

*Springerville, Arizona
Springerville is a town in Apache County, Arizona, within the White Mountains. Dedicated — September 29, 1928

*Vandalia,Illinois
Vandalia is a city in Fayette County, Illinois, Illinois, 69 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri, on the Kaskaskia River. Dedicated — October 26, 1928

*Richmond, Indiana
Richmond is a city in Wayne Township, Wayne County, Indiana, Wayne County, Indiana, in east central Indiana, which borders Ohio. Dedicated — October 28, 1928

*Beallsville, Pennsylvania
Beallsville is a borough in Washington County,Pennsylvania, The population was 511 at the 2000 census. Dedicated — December 8, 1928

*Upland, California
Upland is a city in San Bernardino County, California. Dedicated — February 1, 1929

*Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda is a census designated place in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, just northwest of Washington, D.C. Dedicated — April 19, 1929

As of 2005, all 12 monuments are still available for public viewing, although several have been relocated short distances due to highway improvements, etc. Many have been refurbished and re-dedicated since the 1970s. Community groups in each state are watchful for the conditions and security of each Madonna monument.

Trivia
A 20" × 24" color photograph of the "Madonna of the Trail" hangs in a place of honor in the Captain's Quarters of the U.S. NavyUnited States Navy. The Due to the positions on the site, Maryland's Madonna on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda has long been the only one facing east. In December 2004, it was necessary to remove the Madonna temporarily to repair a foundation problem. An alert reporter for the Washington Post newspaper noted that as it was placed on the flatbed truck, the Madonna faced west, believed to be the first time all 12 have done so. The report, however, is incorrect as the statue in Upland, California is a city in San Bernardino County, faces south, not west.

A longstanding joke about Maryland's Madonna was that she was placed facing east because no sensible American woman would think it a good idea to turn her back on Washington, D.C. our Nations Capital founded July 16, 1790.

Additional Reading
Bauer, Fern Ioula (1984) The Historic Treasure Chest of the Madonna of the Trail, J. McEnaney Printing; Springfield, Ohio