The Mexico Missouri Chapter of DAR celebrated its 120th anniversary with tea on Monday, May 18 at the Carlson House.

Regent Deborah Wehrman welcomed the guests. State Vice Regent Becky Osbourn and Patricia Hale, State Purple Heart Committee Chairman, presented Wehrman with an award for being instrumental in Audrain County becoming a Purple Heart County.

The chapter members and guests recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and The American’s Creed. After the pledge and creed, Mary Ann Crowson gave the history of the chapter. Mary Ann, complete in costume from 1906, portrayed Miss Linnie Allison, Organizing Regent of the Mexico Missouri chapter. 

It was learned that through her efforts alone with the Mexico Missouri chapter, the Audrain County Court gave permission to have a ladies’ restroom installed in the courthouse. A free public library was established. The chapter gave support for the local hospital, and much support was given to the schools and to the military, as well as to the veterans.

Special music was provided by the Presser Pipes double sextet. They were led by director Miller. Those singing were Cara Miller, Chris Boelter, Sharon Nelson, Barbara Green, Francie Roseen and Donna Jean Purvis. The songs selected for this event were “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “This is my Country,” and “God Bless America.”

Chaplain Anne Vines gave the Invocation.

Those enjoying the delicious refreshments provided by the Carlson House were Osbourn, Hale, Miller, Boelter, Nelson, Green, Roseen, Vines, Wehrman, Purvis, State Parliamentarian Tina Sellner, East Central District Director Esther Rosner, State Registrar Janice Tappana, Ellen Sandhaus, Shirley Swearengin, Jan Watkins, Angela Helboa, Lori Franklin, Barbara Huddleston, Chyerl Varvil, Rebecca Reynolds, Peter Reynolds, Mary Ann Crowson, Jeannie Gray, Lynn Hillis, Liz Schutte, Susan Yelton, and Darla Haines.