The Delaware State Conference
Barbara Seningen, Delaware State Regent

Joining State Regent Barbara Seningen and the Delaware Daughters at their state conference March 11 was a joy! Barbara’s attention to detail from the paper daffodils to antique silver made the Diamond State sparkle! I will always cherish the special song, Sparkling Queen and remember the new chapter Battell and Read that organized on my birthday last October. Special thanks to my friend Ginger Trader and her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Foxwell, for providing my transportation to and from DC - a true labor of love.

- Pamela Wright, President General

Neither rain nor snow dampened the smiles of the Delaware Daughters on the President General’s visit to the First State! We began on March 10th with a tour of Winterthur Museum and Gardens, where we were guided through the175-room mansion, stopping to see American Revolutionary War related objects and the NSDAR Awards presented to Henry Francis Du Pont. We were delighted to see Delaware fields and Winterthur Garden daffodils in full bloom. A tranquil setting of historic rooms laid the foundation for a lovely dinner, enhanced by a sparkling centerpiece composed of blue “chapter books” and golden candles.

Why the blue and gold colors? The 1st Delaware Regiment, known as the Blue Hens, date back to the American Revolution where the three lower counties on the Delaware River of Pennsylvania not only broke away from Great Britain, but also from the State of Pennsylvania. Captain Jonathan Caldwell said the 1st Regiment bred gamecocks known as the Kent County Blue Hen. The reputation of this regiment became one of courage and ferocious fighting. One quote says it all: “To sum up – you don’t measure the amount of men in the fight. Instead, you measure the amount of fight in the men.” 

The Delaware State Conference on March 11th was energetic and collective! A lovely setting, inspiring music and beaming faces sparkled throughout the day! The tables in the ballroom of the Du Pont Country Club were graced with silver and gold centerpieces. Mirrors reflected the hand-made paper daffodils bouquets, antique silver tea pots, and miniature gold wreaths encircling Delaware profiles. It was wonderful to share the love of daffodils and antique silver!

In the morning, the sparkle of the centerpieces was reflected in every welcome and state report. After lunch, Mrs. Wright spoke to the Daughters and guests of the “Diamond” state. The comradery was felt in the room as she reviewed our DAR history as we celebrated our founders and their wisdom. Mrs. Wright elaborated on her plans concerning the Administration building and other aspects of her project. Although Delaware is small, the chapters are very active community service providers.

The afternoon continued with the veteran’s ceremony, including two women veterans. Next, the Good Citizen winner, a young woman, read her moving essay. The last segment was a memorial service that included Honorary President General Merry Ann Thompson Wright.

Throughout the day, the newly formed Delaware Chorus “Diamond Daughters” performed two songs written by chorus members. These special songs included We are the Daughters and Sparkling Queen.  Later, we all clapped and stomped our feet to John Phillip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. The music left all of us with memories we will treasure forever. This was just one more way for us to enhance our DAR ties of service and friendship!

send-a-commentSend Us a comment

State Visits

Connect with DAR

Stay Up-to-Date

Subscribe to the blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Search, Subscribe, & Send us a comment

Genealogical Research System (GRS) logoDAR on FacebookDAR on XDAR on YouTubeEmail DAR blog feedback

Get Involved

 

Historic Preservation,
Education, Patriotism

Through restoring historic properties, funding scholarships and supporting our troops, DAR makes a difference in local communities.