OUR CHAPTER
911
Memorial flags, Harry Dunham Park, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Photograph
by Sheena
Chi (written permission given to the Basking Ridge Chapter, NSDAR, to use
on our web site)
CHAPTER HISTORY
"Basking Ridge Chapter
chose to honor the town where it is located because of the historic incidents
which took place there and in the area. It was at Basking Ridge in 1776, that
General Lee, second in command of the Continental Army was captured by the British
at the Widow White's Tavern. In 1779 when Washington established his winter headquarters
in Morristown, the camp stretched over four miles to the south of Morristown on
the Kembel and Wick farms, which were between Morristown and Basking Ridge."
"Among
the famous names in the history of Basking Ridge is William Alexander who
later became known as Lord Stirling. At the outset of the war, Lord Stirling was
made Colonel of the first battalion of the Somerset militia, first body of troops
with arms and ammunition at his own expense. He was very close to General Washington
and rose to the rank of Major General. Washington and his officers were served
refreshments by the ladies of the Presbyterian Church under the shade of the ancient
Basking Ridge Oak which people today visit and recall the historic events it has
witnessed." [History of Chapter Names of the New Jersey State Society
of the Daughters of the American Revolution 1891-1985. ed. Ruth Mary DeBruin.]
The
first meeting of the Basking Ridge Chapter of the National Society
Daughters
of the American Revolution was on November 6, 1934. There were nineteen charter
members. Over the years, the chapter has promoted activities, which are historic,
educational and patriotic in nature. Members have been active in the community
and have facilitated many projects including updating vital statistics records
at local libraries and marking of revolutionary war sites and graves. The chapter
has endeavored to honor DAR Good Citizens, presented annual "excellence in
history awards" at local schools, supported the DAR schools program, and
various other programs, which promote the goals of the National Society. Currently,
the chapter is working in conjunction with Beacon Fire Chapter, of Summit, New
Jersey, local and state officials to place a marker in commemoration of the 225th
anniversary of the Washington-Rochambeau march through the area in 1781 that culminated
in the surrender of British forces in Yorktown, VA.
See:
Walking
Tour of Historic Basking Ridge Village - PDF
Web
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organizations, or individual DAR chapters.
