ROSCOE — The Beaverkill Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), held their 100th Anniversary Celebration and luncheon at the Rockland House in Roscoe on August 19, as they continue to promote historic preservation, education, patriotism and honoring the patriots of the Revolutionary War.

Nearly 70 members and guests were in attendance to share in the festivities, including the oldest Beaverkill Chapter member, Mary Isso, age 94, who attended with her daughter. Currently the Beaverkill Chapter has over 40 active members.

Beaverkill Chapter Regent Carol Norris served as emcee of the event, introducing officers and dignitaries. Among those attending were Sullivan County Legislative Chairman Luis Alvarez, who spoke of the opportunities available to him here even as a native of Puerto Rico. Nancy Buck, Sullivan County Treasurer, shared a story about preserving a local Revolutionary cemetery.

Representatives of the Minisink Chapter DAR were also present.

The Beaverkill Chapter's history, compiled by Lynn Priebe and Joann Madden, was displayed among sprays of stars and stripes in the dining room, decorated by Bambi Meadow, Helen Hoering and others, with centerpieces of red, white and blue flowers adorning the tables.

The 100th anniversary cake was decorated with a picture of the Beaverkill Covered Bridge, from a painting by local artist Elise Hornbeck. Helen Hoering also designed the programs and printed displays.

Honored guest and speaker Mrs. Nancy Zwetsch, New York State Regent, addressed the attendees after lunch, reflecting on how much has changed since 1917 when the chapter was formed. The average hourly wage in 1917 was 22 cents; the average price of a car was $400; only eight percent of homes had telephones.

Being originally from Ohio, she complimented the beauty and remoteness of this area, and noted how dedicated the founders of the Beaverkill Chapter must have been. She recounted that, since its founding in 1917, with Fannie Decker Palen as the first regent, the chapter's activities have included: feeding the National Guardsmen who were guarding the railroad bridges during WWI, forming a Red Cross unit, adopting a French orphan, investing in Liberty Loans, and locating Revolutionary soldiers' graves in the area.

Today, the Beaverkill Chapter's work continues as they donate food to local pantries, contribute to the Wounded Warrior Project and the Guardian House (for female veterans), and present awards for community service and conservation, and to students for good citizenship.

As New York State Regent, Zwetsch is focusing much effort on preserving historic documents from towns, courts and churches. She reminded those attending of the need for each chapter to do their part.

During the luncheon, in a touching presentation by Regent Norris, Michelle Bone was honored with her great-grandmother's DAR ribbon and chapter pin. Her ancestor, the late Mildred Cooper of Youngsville, was at one time regent of the Beaverkill Chapter, as was Cooper's daughter, Shirley Bone, who attended the ceremonies.

Historic musical presentations by Darren Wilson delighted the audience, including an old campaign song, “Get On a Raft with Taft,” and others. Violin selections performed by Kismet Ai-Hussaini, a Beaverkill Chapter member, provided additional music for the ceremonies.

As the luncheon drew to a close, State Regent Zwetsch wished the Beaverkill Chapter another 100 years of active service. The benediction was given by Francis Fuller, Beaverkill Chapter Chaplain.