Daughters of the American Revolution sets reception Sept. 27 in Smyrna

The Delaware Daughters of the American Revolution Mary Vining Chapter in Seaford held a reception Aug. 30 honoring Ginger Trader, candidate for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution office of historian general, at the home of Cathie Dickerson, chapter regent.

This year is the 125th Anniversary of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the 122nd Anniversary of the Delaware State Society. In all of that time Delaware has had only one Daughter become a member of the National Executive Committee. Mrs. Erwin F. Seimes served from 1968 to 1971. The Seimes Technology Center in Washington, D.C., is named in her honor.

Almost one half of one century later, that distinction will apply to Ginger Trader as she represents Delaware at that exalted level. Her professional experience as a commodity trader specializing in poultry, her dedicated service to the organizations of which she is a member, combined with her devotion to Delaware and NSDAR Delaware Daughters will serve her well in her new capacity.

A statewide reception for all Delaware Daughters, their spouses, and invited guests will be held Sunday, Sept. 27, at historic Belmont Hall in Smyrna, where docents will conduct tours for all guests. Anyone interested in DAR membership is welcome to attend by contacting Geri Dorman at gerid@magpage.com.

In 1684 William Penn granted a 600-acre parcel of land to Henry Pearman, who named his property Pearman’s Choice. Thomas Collins purchased 91 1/2 acres of the original grant in 1771 from John Moore. At that time there was a house on the property that was referred to as The Manor House near Duck Creek. Collins finished building the Georgian house, as it stands today, in 1773 and named it Belmont Hall. It is called the first meeting place of the Delaware Assembly since the 1776 meeting held there when Tory and British hostilities made it too dangerous to meet in Delaware’s first capital city, New Castle.

The hall is special to NSDAR based on the efforts of Caroline E.C.P. Speakman in organizing the Elizabeth Cook Chapter, named after her great-grandmother; it was the second chapter formed in Delaware. She went on to become the first elected Delaware State Regent, succeeding Organizing State Regent Elizabeth Clarke Churchman. Her certificate remains on display at Belmont Hall.

For more information, go to www.delawaredar.org or www.dar.org.