Submitted by Kerry Coombs, Chapter Regent
On March 19, 1904, twelve women gathered at the home of Miss Sue Darragh in Beaver, PA to celebrate a piece of history they all shared – they were descendants of soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Together, these women organized a Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
They decided to name their chapter “Fort McIntosh” Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution after the important fort which stood near the corner of First and Market Streets in Beaver during Revolutionary times. 115 years later, the Chapter is still active as a non-profit volunteer women’s service organization and has over 73 members. Women who are at least 18 years old and can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, whether it be a soldier or someone who aided the cause, are welcome to join. Throughout the Chapter’s history, its members have participated in many noteworthy community service projects focused on historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
For example, in 1916 the Chapter erected the 9-foot Granite Pillar that marks the site of Fort McIntosh. They planted 120 American Elm trees along Brodhead Road from Monaca to the Allegheny County line with a Daughters of the American Revolution marker to celebrate the 200th birthday of George Washington in 1931 as well. A year later, the Chapter marked the site of General Anthony Wayne’s Camp during the winter of 1792-1793 at Logstown in Harmony Township with a 15-ton boulder. Over 500 people attended the marker’s dedication. To celebrate the country’s bicentennial in 1976, the Chapter buried a time capsule in front of the Beaver County Courthouse to be opened in 2076. In more recent years, the Chapter dedicated a marker at Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Dedicating markers and milestones, though, is just the tip of their community-service iceberg. The Chapter participated in a Bible Copying Project in partnership with the Beaver County Genealogy and History Center during Beaver County History Day Weekend too. Some of their ongoing efforts include packing humanitarian aid for soldiers with the Yellow Ribbon Girls, awarding high school seniors the DAR Good Citizens Awards & Scholarship, awarding a local teacher the Outstanding American History Teacher Award, hosting genealogy workshops, awarding a Distinguished Citizen Award and JROTC Medals, donating and visiting veterans in Butler, participating in community parades, serving meals at Veterans Day lunches, and much more. The organization participates in service projects at the state and national level as well.
To celebrate the Chapter’s rich history and their 115th Anniversary, they will host their 3rd Annual Garden Party fundraiser in the Spirit of 1776 with all proceeds benefiting local community programs and services of the Fort McIntosh Chapter.
The 3rd Annual Garden Party will be held on Sunday, July 21st from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. at the Beaver Station Cultural & Events Center. The event is open to the public. Many attendees will don hats, gloves and or/period clothing during the luncheon. A gift basket raffle and musical entertainment by the Wayward Companions is also planned. State officers, the Fort McIntosh Garrison, and George Washington himself will be in attendance.
For more information, please call Chapter Regent Kerry Coombs at 724-774-1522.
