The regular monthly meeting of the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR, was convened by Regent Aleece McBay on Wednesday, March 14, at the Mexia Gibbs Memorial Library.
Following the DAR Ritual, the minutes of the February meeting and the Treasurer’s were recorded as presented; and the chapter registrar gave a membership update as did the chapter librarian.
The membership heard committee reports from the following chairmen: American Indian, Service to America, and Women’s Issues. Delegates to the recent TXDAR State Conference held March 8-11 at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio, TX, also gave reports. Chapter recognition certificates received at the state conference were on display and individual certificates were presented to members Kay Alston, Billie Bournias, and Nancy McSwane.
The meeting program was given by chapter member Carleen Willis on the TXDAR Forest and the U.S. Forest Service. Mrs. Willis was an administrative officer for the National Forest Service for 30 years.
In 1939, then President General NSDAR Mrs. Henry M. Robert chose the Penny Pine Program as one of her Golden Jubilee National Projects. Each state was to have a memorial forest, beginning in 1939 and ending in 1941 on the NSDAR 50th Anniversary. Each chapter across the country was to pledge at least one acre of pine seedlings.
Five dollars an acre at a penny a tree equaled 500 trees. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), supervised by the U.S. Forest Service, would actually plant and care for the trees. This work by the CCC would offer employment to Americans 18-26 during the time of a failing economy and it would help the National Forests which were in deplorable condition due to over-harvesting, devastating fires, and little replanting.
As a result the National Forest Service started its program of replanting and growing pines in National nurseries throughout the country. The pines were sold to organizations and individuals for a penny each to help fund the project. Hence the popular term “Penny Pines.”
The program was patriotic and popular because stores and post offices got help from a Plastic Bucket Supplier in order to provide buckets for pennies to be donated. It was at this time that the NSDAR became involved in the program.
Not every state could participate by having a memorial forest due to prolonged droughts in that state and the National Forest Service recommended planting many large trees on private lands.
During the 1931-1934 term of State Regent Mrs. Roundtree, the Texas Society received a 100-acre donation of forestland in East Texas. Subsequently, the Texas Society purchased 50 adjoining acres. The 150-acre forest was re-dedicated October 31, 1995, as part of the TXDAR Centennial Celebration. This forest is located in Jasper County near Buna, TX on Highway 8 in the deep Piney woods of southeastern Texas. The forest is maintained by the Texas Society of DAR.
Any woman 18 years and older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible for membership.
For more information about joining the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR, please contact Regent Aleece McBay at 254-729-5177 or Registrar Billie Bournias at 903-389-3592.
