Christmas Luncheon
Chapter members came together for our traditional Christmas luncheon and meeting on December 11 with a presentation by Rusty Eisenhower on the hidden history of Lonoke County. Rusty searches local history and maps to determine where to search for lost Civil War relics. Using a metal detector, he has found numerous miniballs (bullets), uniform buttons, and other metal Civil War items. Honorary State Regent Junelle Mongno won a Civil War 58. cal. Sharps miniball during his talk. A silent auction was also held of items donated by members raising additional money that can be put back into the community.
Veterans Shoeboxes
Major Jacob Gray members packing and wrapping shoebox presents for veterans.
Veterans Day
The Major Jacob Gray Chapter held a Veterans Day presentation at the Jacksonville Museum of Military History with representatives from the city and Little Rock Air Force Base. This year, the recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was included by the ringing of the bell 21 times.
September Meeting
September 11, 2021 – Jessie Johnson and Mary Ford presented a program on the DAR Schools throughout the United States including the Crossnore School and Children’s Home in North Carolina that has a master weaver on staff teaching skills to students. Shown is a stole made by the students.
August Board of Management Meeting
August 13, 2021 – Chapter members, filling state committee roles, attended the Arkansas Board of Management meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Little Rock hosted by State Regent Gretchen McGee. Also, in attendance was Denise Doring VanBuren, President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
February Meeting
February 13, 2021 – We had a wonderful program from our Arkansas State Regent. We also inducted a new junior member. The chapter has seen such growth lately. So many women dedicated to serve.
Eleanor Swineford
January 25, 2021 – Major Jacob Gray Chapter, NSDAR, lost a beloved member, Eleanor Swineford, this week. She joined Major Jacob Gray Chapter, NSDAR in April 2002. Her patriot was William Rutan (Ruton). Eleanor was born 27 Feb 1928 in Ohio and died January 25, 2020 in Colorado. Thoughts and prayers are lifted up for her family and friends as they grieve her loss.
MJG Book Club
January 2, 2021 – Another meeting of the MJG Book Club. With sickness still abound and few members willing to risk it, we met by zoom. Lively discussion on The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Richards. We voted on our next books: Fever 1793 by Laurie Halsey Anderson and Mary Ball Washington: the Untold Story of George Washington’s Mother by Shirley Craig. Craig is to be the highlighted author at the Continental Congress in June. Next meeting will be March 27th.