Arizona State Society DAR History

The Arizona State Society has 42 chapters and 3000 plus members statewide.

Excerpts follow from the
ONE HUNDRED YEAR HISTORY OF DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN
REVOLUTION IN ARIZONA, 1900 - 2000 by Beth Jordan Haynes

The Daughters of the American Revolution is not just the name of a long established organization, it is the accumulation of the hard work of many dedicated women. Its history is the story of women such as Eliza Price Ainsworth, who through her tireless efforts, with the assistance of Henrietta Hubbard Talbot, established the first DAR chapter in the Arizona Territory [Maricopa Chapter in Phoenix].

As the territory grew, it became a full-fledged state admitted to the Union, February 14, 1912. Methods of transportation improved with the increased use of the automobile, and more women and their families from the east immigrated to America's 48th state. They too wanted to celebrate traditions and enjoy social activities. Three years after statehood, a second chapter was organized in Tucson [Tucson Chapter], which was the next largest populated area.

The early 1920's saw the Daughters marking and dedicating a boulder on one corner of the old wall surrounding Tucson, and a tradition of Christmas treats for the children of the Ochoa Indian School began. It was the beginning of the Americanism Committee's attendance at Naturalization Court and the presentation of American flags to new citizens. The Student Loan was established for a University of Arizona woman, and the Historic Spots Committee marked the first University of Arizona class tree. A painting of the Arizona State Seal was furnished for the American Embassy in Brazil, contributions for the payment of the box in Constitution Hall were made, and the famous Arizona section of the "Washington Elm" was consigned in a specially constructed case in the Arizona State Capitol. Simultaneously, Governor George W. P. Hunt appointed Nina Roberts Smith, Arizona State Regent, to finance and place Arizona's state stone of petrified wood in a designated crypt in the Washington Monument in the nation's capitol. This action required that a bill be passed, which was the first time in Arizona history that a woman had the honor of placing a stone in the great memorial to the "Father of Our Country." President Calvin Coolidge was the guest of honor at the dedication and gave the keynote address.

Arizona is a place of education with fine universities and places of learning, and it is populated with many patriots. Unlike any other state's ship, the USS Arizona seems to belong to all Arizonans old and new; and in reality, it belongs to a nation. It is symbolic of freedom and sacrifice. The Arizona Daughters, long before 1941, cherished these ideals, and our pioneer and present Daughters' achievements and commitments appear within these pages. Their dedication to history, education, and patriotism has always been the foundation of our Society. Yet, DAR is more than this. It is the fellowship of friends, who share our ideas and dreams, and believe that "God, Home and Country" overcomes all politics and stands for what we hold dear. And this belief is coupled with the hope that even greater accomplishments will be recorded in the one hundred years to come.

Beth Bugbee, Honorary State Regent and publisher, ONE HUNDRED YEAR HISTORY OF DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION IN ARIZONA, 1900 - 2000, has granted permission to post these excerpts.

The Arizona State Society Daughters of the American Revolution
has been active throughout our state for over 100 years.
Below you will find links for some of the history of the ASDAR as created by ASDAR members.