The Susannah French Putney Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held their monthly meeting, April 19, at the Butler County Historical Society (BCHS) in El Dorado.
The program, “Stars Across America in Quilt Blocks,” was presented by member Sigrid Denchfield. On display was a handmade quilt by Denchfield which was based on a design by Eleanor Burns from her book, Stars Across America. Each block of the quilt contained a unique star pattern and each star honored a famous woman that made a significant contribution to American History. Women such as Clara Barton and others were featured and information was given about each unique woman. The quilt was done in various patriotic colors and prints. It was custom quilted by Tami Drader of Angelic Creations.
The Revolutionary War began when on April 19, 1775 when the battles of Lexington and Concord occurred. Massachusetts Colonists defied British authority, outnumbered and outfought the Redcoats, and embarked on a lengthy war to earn their Independence. Our country will soon be celebrating the 250th anniversary of gaining freedom from Britain. Quite an accomplishment!
The group learned about Susan La Flesche Picotte who lived from June 17, 1865 to September 18, 1915. She was the first Native American to earn a medical degree. She campaigned for public health and was an active social reformer. Her accomplishments are numerous.
Did you celebrate Earth Day on April 22 which was first celebrated in 1970? Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of other first-of-their-kind environmental laws, including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. It does not take an act of Congress for us to practice conservation practices in our homes. Adjusting your thermostat up or down depending on the season saves energy for the environment and saves money on your electric bills. Google some ways that can make a difference, or read about it at your local library!
Arbor Day encourages us to plant trees to honor our environment. Arbor Day originated in Nebraska by a man named J. Sterling Morton who proposed to the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture that a day be set aside to plant trees. It was estimated that on the first Arbor Day in 1872, more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska. Check out the website at arborday. org to learn more. All 50 states celebrate this holiday, although the dates may vary to match each local climate’s best time to plant trees. You can visit the Morton Family estate, Arbor Lodge, in Nebraska City, Neb. The estate and gardens are now a state historical park. Morton served as Secretary Of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland.
The next meeting will be held in El Dorado on May 17, at 1 p.m. at the BCHS. Visitors are welcome.
Members in attendance: Teresa Bachman, Sue Ann Brown, Kay Catlin, Carla Cook, Denchfield, Sue Flowers, Patty Goedecke, Nancy Gordon, Janet Green, Jean Groendes, Sharon McClure, Rise Russin, Marilyn Seymour, Nita Whiteman and Ann Wimberly.
(Photo courtesy of Sharon McClure) Derek Haines
Watershed Coordinator • Toronto & Fall River [email protected] 785-219-1855
