Daughters of American Colonists celebrate 30 years

By Hal Johnson
Herald Writer

The Pennsylvania State Society of Daughters of the American Colonists were represented by Mrs. William C. Daugherty, state regent, and Mrs. William Cchanged 5-8. Burford, state treasurer and historian, at a 30th anniversary luncheon held in The Radisson.

Beverly Lenkner, Grove City regent, led a business meeting in which June Esquibel read the object.

An invocation was given by Mrs. Arthur R. Garrett, chapter chaplain. It was reported that Mrs. Daugherty was installed state regent in April in Washington, D.C. In a program, “Our Heritage and New Beginning,” she gave a description of the national headquarters located at 2205 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, which was purchased in May 1960. The society colors are colonial blue and yellow; the emblem is the oak leaf; a motto is “Past, Present and Future;” and the object is Patriotic, Historical and Educational.

The national society was organized Dec. 9, 1920, and incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia at its First General Assembly held April 25, 1921.

The local chapter, named in honor of Matthias Zahniser I, was organized in 1969 by Mrs. Joseph Trapasso, regent of Sharpsville. The unit’s members are descendants of Zahniser. Past regents include Mrs. Samuel J. Davis, first elected regent; and Mrs. Lawrence Honer, Mrs. William C. Burford, Mrs. Ralph A. Hassel, Mrs. John H. Reynolds, Mrs. Esquibel, Mrs. Paul M. Fleming and Leanna Graney.

Photos of past regents including Mrs. Trapasso; and the three living organizing members, Mrs. Gordon W. Harrison, Mrs. Burford and Mrs. Charles S. Quinby, were displayed. It was announced that Barbara Zahniser of Greenville, Ohio, traveled farthest to attend the meeting.

Mrs. Daugherty was given flowers and a gift crafted by Mrs. Mitchell. Several projects accomplished by the group include joining the Zahniser Foundation by placing a bronze marker on Zahniser graves in the family burial grounds, Jackson Township; a bicentennial project; dedication and placement of a bronze marker on the inside fireplace at Zahniser Lodge picnic shelter, Jefferson Township; assisting Mercer County Historical Society in building of Anderson House Museum; restoration efforts at Kidds Mills Bridge; participation in Naturalization Court in Mercer County Courthouse; and frequent donations to Butler Veterans Administrations Medical Center.

The anniversary committee included Mrs. Lenkner, Mrs. Hassel, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Howard F. Mitchell and Mrs. Esquibel.

Organized in 1921, membership requirements include persons who are descendent from ancestors who rendered civil or military service in any of the colonies prior to July 4, 1776. Golden Acorns include members who are under the age of 35.

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