De Anza DAR Celebrates 79th Anniversary

The De Anza Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) celebrated its 79th anniversary on April 6 at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club with a luncheon meeting, cake and informative talks. Members were encouraged to dress in period costumes, which ranged from former Regent Jody Bray’s 1920s flapper costume to 1st Vice Regent Marti Meiner’s elaborate and historically-accurate 1776 vintage outfit.

Attendees enjoyed presentations on conservation, Native Americans, and several hilarious jokes about grandchildren. Prospective member Polly Martin displayed her greatgrandmother’s DAR certificate dated 1917. A short biography of Margaret Haughey, known as the “Angel of the Delta,” preceded lunch. Her portrait adorned the De Anza chapter’s anniversary cake.

Former Regent Francie Spears gave an enlightening speech on Thomas Jefferson’s prodigious gardening and culinary endeavors. De Anza Daughters and guests enjoyed Jefferson trivia, from his 23 varieties of garden peas to his irreverent attitude toward seating guests and dignitaries in a first-come, first-seated pell-mell fashion.

Cheri Myron was inducted as a new member into the De Anza Chapter DAR. Her patriot ancestor, Captain Samuel Fitz Randolph, served in the Second Regiment, New Jersey militia in the American Revolution.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. De Anza Chapter was founded in 1934 and is named for Juan Bautista de Anza, an early explorer of California. Members live in Rancho Santa Fe, North County coastal communities and other nearby areas. A woman over 18 years is eligible for membership who can prove direct lineage from a patriot who gave service during the American Revolution. For further information visit: https://www.deanzadar.org.