The Star Herald
KOSCIUSKO —
The Samuel Hammond Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, met September 13, 2012 at the Attala County Library.
Mrs. Martha S. Lawrence, chapter regent, and Mrs. Lawana P. Culpepper, chaplain, led the opening ritual. Mrs. Lawrence welcomed members and guests, David Oakes, Will Fiedler, Michael Cooper French, guest speaker, and his wife, Jo Ellen. Mrs. Mary M. Wamble was recognized as the newest member of the Samuel Hammond Chapter.
The Samuel Hammond Chapter and chapters around the state and nation are observing National Constitution Week, September 17-23, designated and adopted by Congress on August 2, 1956.
Mayor Jimmy Cockroft issued a proclamation recognizing the observance. An attractive display at the Attala County Library, designed by Mrs. Offie T. Oakes, Constitution Chairman, featured a replica of the Declaration of Independence and other pertinent information.
Bells rang across the nation in special recognition of the week’s commemoration. David Oakes rang the bell at the Mary Ricks Thornton Cultural Center on Sept. 17, at 3 p.m.
The celebration calls attention to the significance of the U.S. Constitution that guarantees the United States citizens’ rights and freedoms. The United States functions as a Republic under the Constitution, the oldest document that outlines the self-government of the people and offers the inalienable rights as individuals to be free.
Mrs. Oakes introduced Michael Cooper French, an artist from Meridian. He has shown his paintings at art galleries and museums throughout Mississippi. He presented the program on his artistic experiences in Washington D.C., as a painter/conservator. Working through the General Services Administration, his work for 18 ? years centered around the high-tech restoration/preservation at the Executive Office Building. He served two short-term tenures later to complete restorative projects.
Mr. French related his personal account of the intricate artistic skills required to restore the walls and ceilings of the centuries-old building. Decorated with ornate carvings, murals and gilt that entailed tedious skill, the artisan/painter’s work often centered around the 90-foot domes.
He stated, “Preserving and restoring the textures, paint and design of the original artists became a daily challenge.” Careful documentation was required in order to complete a masterful project. Often the preservation projects were made possible through private donations, involving no taxpayer money.
A power-point presentation enhanced his vivid portrayal of the work.
As Mr. French began his program, he presented to members an interesting account of the travels of the U.S. Constitution since its inception on September 17, 1787. The historical document is housed in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
He included humorous stories of happenings with people whose activities circulated around the Executive Office Building.
In her President General’s message, related by Mrs. Patricia R. Proctor, Mrs. Merry Ann T. Wright, called attention to the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.
Mrs. Sally S. Wasson gave a brief account of the wise leadership of Benjamin Franklin in following the principal examples of the Iroquois League, ancient democracies and the British Parliament in forming the Constitution.
Mrs. Annis G. Dickerson received the unanimous endorsement of the Samuel Hammond Chapter to serve as 2nd Vice-Regent on the MSSDAR 2013-2016 State Board of Management.
Mrs. Lawrence gave a brief report of the July MSSDAR Hills District meeting in Amory. She announced that the Samuel Hammond Chapter attained Level I, The Gold Medal Achievement Award and an award for Outstanding Print Coverage.
Mrs. Proctor presented to the Genealogy Department of the Attala County Library the book, “Tracing Your Irish Ancestors” by John Greham.
The meeting adjourned with the DAR Creed.
The October meeting will be October 4, at 2 p.m. at the Kosciusko-Attala Development Corporation (KADC) meeting room.
