Niagara Falls Chapter, NSDAR
Historic Preservation
Niagara Falls Chapter, NSDAR, took its name from the historical and mighty Falls and was organized by Etta Brown Payne Dudley, on April 4, 1922. The chapter was the 147th in the state and our charter was presented on November 5, 1932.
Historical preservation was of first importance, in 1922, with concerns about repairs to the French Castle at Old Fort Niagara. "It ranked second to Quebec in historic value on the continent," Regent Etta Dudley said. Castle restoration took several years and the help that the chapter gave to Old Fort Niagara's restoration, has never ceased.
After a long period of abandonment, Fort Niagara was well on its way to ruins. With the organization of the Old Fort Niagara Association and the support of many, Old Fort Niagara was restored between 1926 and 1934. In 1934, a plaque was placed in the French Castle, at the Fort, commemorating the names of NSDAR chapters who helped furnish the Council Chamber room, also known as the Johnson Room, during the restoration project.
"COUNCIL CHAMBER
FURNISHED BY THE FOLLOWING CHAPTERS
N.S.D.A.R.
ABIGAIL FILLMORE - BUFFALO
IRONDEQUOIT - ROCHESTER
KATHARINE PRATT HORTON - BUFFALO
NIAGARA FALLS - NIAGARA FALLS
ORLEANS - ALBION
NEWARK - NEWARK
DEDICATED
NINETEEN HUNDRED THIRTY FOUR"
On April 14, 2012, members from these chapters joined together to commemorate and celebrate 78 years of our chapters working together to further historic preservation. Special guest of honor was New York State Regent, Denise Doring VanBuren. Niagara Falls Chapter, NSDAR, Regent, Jan Johnpier, gave a toast to commemorate the occasion:
"At this time, I would like to propose a Toast,
To commemorate the work of our
DAR sisters who have come before us and to celebrate 78 years
of our chapters working together to further historic preservation. Hear Hear Ladies! "
Daughters raised their glasses in the spirit of commemoration. Immediately following, New York State Regent, Denise Doring VanBuren, gave remarks, followed by a closing prayer, which was given by New York State Chaplain, Carole Levering.
L:R: New York State Chaplain, Carole Levering; New York State Regent, Denise Doring VanBuren; Niagara Falls Chapter, NSDAR, Regent, Jan Brooks Johnpier
(April 14, 2012)
Members in front of the French Castle,
at Old Fort Niagara (April 14, 2012)