While the DAR Celebrates 125 Years, the Clear Creek Militia Celebrates 25

The Mint Hill Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) hit a milestone for their chapter. While the DAR itself has been around for over a century, the local chapter began in 1992 with just 13 members. That membership has grown to over 70 enthusiastic and devoted members. There is also a chapter for children (CAR).

The DAR is an organization for women who can trace their lineage back to the American Revolution; not just as a connection to a soldier, but anyone who provided service to the cause. It is represented in all 50 states as well as other countries that have American expats. They are committed to preserving and honoring American history, and giving aid and recognition to American soldiers of all wars.

The Mint Hill chapter participates in activities that not only concern history, but also are involved in women’s issues, conservation, and the advancement of education.You will see them in the Mint Hill Memorial Day parade, you will see the flowers they planted at the Korean Memorial at Veterans Park. They are contributors to both Crossnore School in North Carolina, an immersion school dedicated to preserving the Cherokee language, once almost extinct, as well as Tamassee School, which is a combination school and nurturing home for children who are homeless or caught in a difficult situation. They have provided scholarships to students who have displayed true citizenship.

One of their biggest efforts is the restoring of Bain School, the historic clapboard building by Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. They have a vision of using the building as a community center which would be available for meetings and other events, possibly including a community playhouse–plus saving another piece of Mint Hill history.

They donate their time as well as funds by knitting scarves and hats for veterans, and making quilts for the veteran’s hospital. For the past three years, they have a recognition event to honor veterans of the Viet Nam War, who were not properly thanked and welcomed home. They are also preparing to install a plaque to honor Matthew Stewart (1720-1808) who was an army commander from North Carolina during the Revolutionary War.

Amelia Ford, one of the original founders of the Mint Hill DAR said, “We are about service, we are about history, and we are about remembering.”