Local Chapter of Colonial Dames receives proclamation from Mayor

Mayor Joe T. Parker presented a proclamation to be presented to Margaret Merritt at their meeting last Saturday. The proclamation was read by Lynda Harris. (photo left to right) Margaret Merritt, Lynda Harris and President Othodell Smith. The New England Colony Chapter of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century met at the Meadowbrook Country Club with President Othodell Smith calling the meeting to order. The visiting state chaplain, Elizabeth Grambling, opened with prayer.

The report of the fall workshop in Salado on Sept. 4 and 5 was given by Othodell Smith. The state conference in Richardson the last weekend in February was discussed. The chapter is to help with the table decorations. A motion was made to send money to help with the decorations. It was seconded and passed.

There were 23 new members this year in state. Total membership in the state was 1,296.

The silent bidding netted $516 for the Texas Scholarship Fund.

Lynda Harris read the Mayor of Kilgore Proclamation for the chapter's 35 years of service and it was received by Organizing President Margaret Merritt.

Charter Members of the Colonial Dames of Kilgore are, from left, Merita Barbee, Dorothy Brooks, Margaret Merritt and Mable Clark. Brochures were handed to each person which give information about the Colonial Dames to be used to inform prospective members of the organization.

A motion was made to send the same amount of money to state as in past years. It was seconded and passed.

A program was given on the organization of the New England Chapter in 1972. There are 9 original charter members still in the local chapter. Margaret Merritt brought the chapter charter for viewing and also the first chapter history book was on display.

Peggy Nader gave out 35-year certificates to Merita Barbee, Dorothy Brooks, Mabel Clark, and Margaret Merritt. Also receiving 35-year certificates were Judy Carpenter, Meriam Eakin, Winter Elder, Helen Griffin, Susie Merritt, and Julia Staggs. Frances Cox received her 25-year certificate. The chapter received nine recognition certificates for last year.

The next meeting will be Saturday, Nov. 15, with each lady bringing a Christmas ornament.

A delicious meal was served with Margaret Merritt as the gracious hostess. Members attending were Othodell Smith, Dorothy Brook, Jean Jones, Peggy Nader, Nancy Fletcher, Mary Aikman, Mabel Clark, Merita Barbee, Lynda Harris and Margaret Merritt. Visitors attending were State Chaplain Elizabeth Grambling, Laura Omer, Marina Roe, Rosemary Thomas, Rosemary Bagwell, Patty Clark, Martha Clark and Sylvia Nelson.