Indiana D.A.R. Founded Fifty Years Ago

Text and Drawing by Frederick Polley

The Caroline Scott Harrison chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in this city on Feb. 21, 1894, and one week from tomorrow will be its 50th birthday anniversary. It had its beginning in the old Propylaeum building that was located in the section now occupied by the War Memorial plaza. Mrs. Merrick F. Vinton was the first regent of the chapter, serving one year as was the custom at that time. The chapter was incorporated Feb. 2, 1901. Mrs. Charles Warren Fairbanks, member of the local chapter, served as president general of the national society from 1901-1905, and officiated in Washington, D.C., when Memorial Continental Hall, national society building, cornerstone ceremonies were celebrated.

The building shown above at 824 North Pennsylvania street is the home of the Caroline Scott Harrison chapter of the D.A.R. It was purchased during the regency of Mrs. Mary Maud Darrach, 1921-25, and the auditorium is named "Darrach Hall" in her honor. The building contains besides the auditorium, the office of the chapter, a library, a museum, committee rooms, and rooms occupied by the Indianapolis Literary Society, Indianapolis Free Kindergarten Society, and the Convenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Herbert R. Hill is regent of the Caroline Scott Harrison chapter and with other members of the official board of control are planning the reception and tea this afternoon in honor of the president general of the national society, Mrs. William H. Pouch of New York.

The purposes of the Daughters of the American Revolution given in the official statement of the society follows: "To cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom; to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all of the blessings of liberty."
Source: The Indianapolis Star 13 Feb 1944

Links to additional information about Caroline Scott Harrison

Brief Biography
Info from the White House on First Ladies
Address to the 1st Continental Congress
Orchids and Art