James Blair Chapter, DAR

James Blair Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, met Jan. 14 in business session. Regent Geneva Davis received annual reports of committee chairman. Delegates to the Texas Daughters of the American Revolution Conference were elected. Delegates elected were Gelene Simpson and Geneva Davis. All reports indicated progress in areas of service to home and country. The meeting began with prayer led by Christine Williams, the pledges led by Gelene Simpson and the national anthem accompanied at the piano by Mary Love Sanders. Hostesses for the day were Mary Alice Hendryx, Jan Warren, Donna Davis Couch and Geneva Davis.

DAR members are anticipating the 3 p.m. Feb. 11 meeting at Kinsloe House when American history essay winners will be present to receive awards from chairman Ruth Nelson. The topic this year is “What message did the Gettysburg Address communicate to our war-torn nation in 1863? How are the ideals articulated in the speech still relevant for our country today?” DAR Good Citizens from the high schools in Navarro County will be introduced by chairman Margaret Thomas. This meeting is a highlight of the year. Students, their parents, and school administrators are invited to attend to celebrate the success achieved by these Navarro County youth. Hostesses for the meeting will be chairmen Laura Love and Virginia Ray. Other hostesses will be Peggy Sims and Ines Waggoner.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is an historical genealogical heritage organization open to female descendants of American patriots who served or gave service to the American government during the American Revolutionary War. For more information regarding membership, contact chapter registrar Barbara Shore at (903) 872-9529 or go online to the James Blair Chapter Web site at www.geocities.com/jamesblairtxdar.



Navarro County Republican Women

The next meeting of the Navarro County Republican Women will be held at noon Feb. 24 on the seventh floor of the Bank of America building.

Navarro County Republican Women is part of the 167 member clubs of the Texas Federation of Republican Women. The president of TFRW, Toni Dashiell, has declared 2009 as the year of “our VOICE” — voices for a clear message that can empower women to communicate in a positive and productive way.

The organization is open to all Republican women in Navarro County. Everyone who is interested to attend the meeting and learn more about the organization is invited.

The club is seeking donations for postage and collecting items for the military troops. The donated items will be sent in May to a military unit deployed from Texas.

Lunch will be $7 each and paid at the door. For reservations, contact Anne Curtis at (903) 874-0056 or e-mail to jraycurtis@netzero.net.



Woman’s Club House Association

Myra Lanier, chairman of the Kinsloe House furnishings committee, has announced that Billy Tallant will provide the program for the Feb. 4 luncheon.

Tallant, known as “The Indian Trader,” has a national reputation as a collector of Indian artifacts and as an artist who focuses on carving. A native to Navarro County, Tallant met his wife Louise when her family moved here from Arkansas. Shortly after their marriage, they moved for one year to a seaside home in Venice, Calif., where Billy worked on jet airplanes and Louise finished her education. It was, however, impossible to ignore the call of Texas. They have been “back home” for over 60 years. Married for 66 years, Louise is still teaching school.

A riveting speaker, Tallant will have many examples of his art and Native American collection.

Lanier’s committee members are Cecelia Alexander, Marsha Banks, Sandy Chambers, Ruth Scott and Mary Steely.

Luncheon reservations for this interesting program should be made by noon Feb. 2 by calling Kinsloe House at (903) 874-5791.



Thomas Meredith Chapter

Thomas Meredith Chapter, Colonial Dames of the XVII Century, will attend the Kinsloe House luncheon at noon Feb. 4. The program will be on Indian artifacts. Thomas Meredith Chapter members need to call in their reservations by Jan. 30 to Gelene Simpson at (254) 578-1656.