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DAR Founders Day celebrates 120 years

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The Jacob Bennett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is celebrating the 120th anniversary of the founding of the chapter in Silver City on June 10, 1903 at the Fort Bayard Theater starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 with the doors opening. The program starts at 11, the luncheon is at noon and a tour of the Fort Bayard Museum is at 1 p.m. To RSVP for this event contact Lucy Whitmarsh, Jacob Bennett Chapter Vice Regent at whitmarshlucy@gmail.com or 575-574-8394.

 There were 17 Charter Members, six of whom were descendants of Jacob Bennett, a private from the state of New York, who served in the Revolutionary War.

In 1905 the chapter purchased a vacant lot for back taxes on College Avenue in Silver City and developed a public park where trees were planted and a flag pole erected. Logs from three of the first log cabins built in Silver City were donated to the chapter. It was hoped that a building for the chapter could be constructed at the park using the logs but the logs were stolen and the dream was never realized. The College Street Plaza currently occupies the park once owned and maintained by the Jacob Bennett Chapter members.

Currently the Jacob Bennett Chapter members are involved with numerous community service projects. Members participate in the “Toss No Mas” trash collection program, visit with veterans in the Veterans Wing at Fort Bayard Medical Center, participate in the July 4th Parade, and Memorial Day Ceremony and Wreaths Across America at the Fort Bayard National Cemetery.

During the first half of 2023 the chapter members recognized the local Vietnam Veterans with the presentation of a flag, certificate and pins for Vietnam War Veterans, and had an education outreach table at the New Mexico Historical Society History Conference, Armed Forces Day Celebration and the Earth Day Celebration.

Members also continue to work to educate the public about the United States Constitution by celebrating Constitution Week. In addition the Good Citizen Chapter Chair coordinates the Daughter of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award that is presented annually to an outstanding High School Senior.

At the June 10 Founders Day Celebration the Jacob Bennett Chapter will honor the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society and the Village of Santa Clara for their contribution to Historic Preservation with their involvement with the Fort Bayard Museum renovations.


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