Submitted by ADeFrancesco on

The DAR School Tour - Tamassee DAR School

Dianne Culbertson, South Carolina State Regent

How exciting it is to be a part of the DAR School Tour!  And how honored we were to have President General Ann Turner Dillon, DAR School Chair Peggy Troxell, the National Board of Management, and all the others on the tour to visit Tamassee, the Place of the Sunlight of God!  Tamassee is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been serving children for 97 years.  South Carolina DAR started Tamassee in 1919 and NSDAR began supporting Tamassee in 1921.  South Carolina DAR maintains the South Carolina Cottage, the first building on the campus, and helps support the school in all areas of need as well as special activities for the children.

The buses arrived at Tamassee on Wednesday at around noon.  They were welcomed by the Tamassee students, staff and the South Carolina Daughters as they sang “Colorado-Paper Bird”.  Official welcomes were extended by Lori Bailey, Tamassee Chief Executive Officer and me.  Additionally we presented the South Carolina State Charm to Mrs. Dillon.

Following a delicious lunch provided by the South Carolina Daughters the Advisory Committee meeting was held in the beautiful stone North Carolina Gibson Chapel.  The “Steps of Hope” walking path and benches were dedicated by the Tamassee Advisory Council Chair 2013-2016 Kay Alston.  The “‘Hearts Desire” Playground Equipment was dedicated on behalf of the Texas Daughters, Judy Ostler, State Regent.  The Swing Set in honor of Amy Twitty was dedicated by the Tamassee Board of Trustees. The Pennsylvania Children’s Center Renovations were dedicated by the Pennsylvania Daughters, Cindy Sweeney, State Regent, and Bobbi McMullen, Vice President General.  Campus tours were enjoyed and the DAR Council meeting and the Board of Trustees meeting were held.  The Tamassee Boutique and Local Artisans provided shopping in the Hospitality Room in our historic Robert School Building.

Wednesday evening, the Tamassee DAR School Banquet was held at the Madren Center in Clemson.  It was a special time to be together.  We were entertained by the Tamassee Sunshine Singers.  Mrs. Dillon, Mrs. Troxell, and Mrs. Bisanz brought greetings.  Mrs. Bailey gave information about Tamassee and the keynote speaker was Tamassee student Shateka Robinson of the Illinois Cottage.  Mrs. Dillon was presented a Tamassee charm by Lori Bailey and Shateka Robinson.

Thursday morning the Founders’ Day Program was held in the lovely Georgia Talmadge Auditorium.  Our historic ritual with procession, prayers, and the National Anthem rang out in this historic space as it has for so many years.  Lori Bailey and I welcomed our guests.  Our honored guests were presented by Mary Lu Saavedra, Honorary Vice President General, Honorary Tamassee DAR School Board of Trustees Member, and one of the three M’s who have faithfully supported Tamassee for many years – Mary Lu, Marilyn Creedon, and Marian Miller.  Krystal Youmans, Tamassee DAR School Alumna, Class of 2005 gave the Tribute to the Founders.  President General Ann Turner Dillon brought a wonderfully inspiring message.  The many generous gifts given to Tamassee this year were dedicated by Mrs. Dillon for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Mrs. Bisanz for the NSDAR Junior Membership Committee, the State Regents for gifts from their states, the Tamassee Student Association, and the Friends of Tamassee.  DAR School Chair Peggy Troxell accepted the gifts and extended appreciation for them.

Following the recessional, the tour members received their box lunches and boarded the Arrow and Apple buses and headed out for North Carolina.  Onward and upward!  Moving forward in Service to America!  And the children treasured in their hearts the time spent with these lovely ladies who show them so much love.  Thank you all, you are giving such a gift to these precious children of God.