Organized December 8, 1894 | One of the oldest Civic Organizations in Windsor

History

What is our History?

When Abigail Wolcott married Oliver Ellsworth, she provided him with the strength and stability to continue his highly productive life.

A Short History of the Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth Chapter, NSDAR on our 100th Birthday, by Donna Holt Siemiatkoski / December 14, 1994

This month marks the Centennial of the Abigail Wolcott Ellsworth Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, one of the oldest civic organizations in Windsor. Our chapter began as a result of a nationwide movement of women in 1890 who envisioned a patriotic society in which they could work to express their ideals of service to God, home and country. On October 11, 1890 the National Society of the D.A.R. was formed in Washington, with Mrs. Caroline Scott Harrison, the First Lady, as first President General. Its object was, and still is, “to perpetuate the memory and the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; to promote the development of an enlightened public opinion; and to foster patriotic citizenship.”

Soon afterward the Connecticut Chapter was organized. In November 1894 the State Regent, Mrs. Keirn, with Mrs. Abbie H. Loomis of Windsor, discussed with Sarah Hayden Power of Windsor, a member of the Ruth Wyllys Chapter in Hartford, and her daughter Mary Power, the possibility of establishing a chapter in Windsor, the oldest town in the state. During the next month several discussions were held at the home of Miss Power, as they shared with their friends the idea of organizing this chapter. Soon more than the required twelve women were found and the organizational meeting was held on December 8, 1894 at the home of Mary Hatch Bell, who was then elected as the first regent of this chapter. As the State Regent was unable to attend, she sent the vice-regent, Mrs. A.H. Pitkin, also a member of the Ruth Wyllys Chapter. Thus, our chapter is closely connected to the Ruth Wyllys Chapter, the home chapter of our current state regent, Barbara Ulrich. Eighteen ladies met on that December night and made history by becoming the Charter Members of the chapter.

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