Our History

Chakchiuma: The Name Behind Our Chapter

Our chapter takes its name from the Chakchiuma, a Native American people who lived in this region long before Greenwood existed. The chief village of the Chakchiuma stood at "the Point," about two miles above the present site of Greenwood, at the confluence of the Tallahatchie and Yalobusha rivers.

When the chapter organized in 1911, the founding members chose the name deliberately — grounding their new society in the deep history of the land they called home.

December 20, 1911: A Chapter Is Born

The Chakchiuma Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized in Greenwood on December 20, 1911, through the untiring efforts of Mrs. Samuel L. Gwin, who became the chapter's first regent.

The chapter began with twenty charter members — described at the time as "the largest charter membership of any Chapter yet organized in the State of Mississippi."

From its earliest days, the chapter committed itself to the work of the National Society:

"To perpetuate the memory of men and women, who by their untiring energy and bravery maintained America's Independence."

Charter Officers, 1911

• Regent — Mrs. Sally Humphreys Gwin

• Vice-Regent — Mrs. Mary Dulaney Peteet

• Secretary — Mrs. May Whitehead Greene

• Registrar — Mrs. Amelia Mandeville Gleason

• Treasurer — Mrs. Lallie Hoskins Humphreys

• Historian — Mrs. Mary Nash Parish

Local Board of Management:
Mrs. Kate George Aldridge, Mrs. Hattie Montgomery Dulaney, Mrs. Nina Webb DeLoach, Mrs. Lottie Parish Keesler, and Mrs. Bessie Dunn Stokes

The Early Years

In its first years, the chapter established customs that shaped its character. Meetings were held on the third Wednesday of each month at the homes of members, in alphabetical order, at 2:30 PM. Hostesses served refreshments — often plum pudding, salted nuts, and coffee — and programs reflected the chapter's dedication to historical study.

Roll call was answered not with "present," but with names of Mississippi statesmen, or with historic homes along the Natchez Trace, or with Christmas customs in many lands. Early programs explored "The Discovery and Colonization of America," "The Natchez Trace and Related Subjects," and "Revolutionary Women."

By its early years, the chapter had grown to 26 members, with members expressing the ambition "to be equal to any Chapter in our State in membership and work."

"Mother" of the Chapter

No single member shaped the early Chakchiuma Chapter more than Mrs. W. T. Johnson, who served as regent for thirteen years — through the crucial years of World War I. She is affectionately remembered as the "Mother" of the Chakchiuma Chapter, "ready at all times to give of her time, knowledge and money to promote the activities of the society."

Her leadership carried the chapter through the Great War and into the vibrant decades that followed.

The Chapter Goes to War, 1917

When the United States entered World War I, the Chakchiuma Chapter answered the call. Under the leadership of Mrs. W. T. Johnson and Mrs. Alice Cain Guess, the chapter joined the national DAR's War Relief Service Committee in an urgent appeal to support 2,000 orphan children of France, at a cost of $36.50 per year for each child.

Members were also asked to:

• Purchase Liberty Bonds in support of the war effort

• Knit for sailors in cooperation with the Navy League

• Support the Red Cross and other wartime relief organizations

The chapter's historians noted the moment plainly:

"We may not be called to the trenches, or to the firing line, or even to munitions factories, but we can exert a moral and spiritual influence, a sentiment in favor of righteousness, of justice, and of sacrifice."

Patriotism in the Streets of Greenwood

The chapter's early decades were marked by public celebrations of American patriotism that drew the entire community.

The Great Patriotic Demonstration

During the World War I era, the chapter organized a patriotic demonstration that drew more than one thousand school children and thousands of spectators. Every residence and business along the parade route displayed flags. The parade ended at the Greenwood Theatre, where students performed a flag drill, sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and "America," and the audience rose to join them.

A newspaper account of the day concluded:

"It was a demonstration from the heart. It was started and fostered by the Chakchiuma Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and was taken up first by one and then another until suddenly the patriotic spirit spread to everyone and the demonstration became spontaneous."

The Flag Day Tradition

The chapter also established a lasting tradition of public Flag Day observances on June 14. In one early parade, the procession was led by the Greenwood Municipal Band, followed by American sailors carrying the Stars and Stripes, the Boy Scouts, and floats representing France, Belgium, Japan, Great Britain, and the United States — each carrying school children dressed in white, holding the flag of the nation they represented.

The parade concluded at the courthouse, where the American flag was raised as the band played the "Star Spangled Banner" and the Boy Scouts stood at attention. "Old Glory was raised to the top of the flag pole," the paper reported, "while the big crowd which had gathered to witness the celebrations gave hearty applause."

The chapter also held joint Flag Day meetings with the Sons of the American Revolution at the Rose Community Building, featuring speakers such as Prof. Cyril E. Cain of State College, who spoke on "The Flags of Mississippi."

Marking the Past

Historic preservation has been central to the chapter's work since its earliest years.

• Charley's Trace Marker — The chapter placed a marker at the point where Charley's Trace, one of the most famous of the old "swamp" roads, crosses the highway near Sunnyside. State DAR officials, Boy Scouts, and students from Minter City Consolidated School joined local citizens for the dedication.

• Williams Landing and Ft. Pemberton Markers — The chapter placed historical markers at these two sites, and sponsored an essay contest for Greenwood High School students on the dedication of the markers. Mary Elizabeth Barrett won first place, with Bunny Juillerat second and A. C. Dalton third.

• The Natchez Trace — The chapter's 1937–38 study theme was "The Natchez Trace and Related Subjects," and members traveled to Natchez to visit Rosalie, the DAR shrine on the bluff.

• Rosalie Support — The chapter actively supported Rosalie, the DAR shrine at Natchez. Members were asked to advertise the Natchez Pilgrimage, and they dressed old-fashioned dolls to be sold in the Rosalie gift shop. A "monthly letter from Rosalie" was read at chapter meetings. In 1938, the Mississippi Society DAR purchased Rosalie and converted it into a national shrine.

• Ellis Island — Members gathered donations each year for a box sent to Ellis Island, supporting immigrants arriving in America and the occupational therapy work at the U.S. Marine Hospital on Ellis Island.

• Community Support — The chapter sent Christmas boxes to the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School in Alabama and Tamassee DAR School in South Carolina, donated books and subscriptions to the National DAR magazine to the Greenwood-Leflore Public Library, and contributed to the Red Cross, March of Dimes, and tuberculosis seal campaigns.

A Legacy of Young Women

Among the chapter's proudest traditions was its sponsorship of the Good Citizenship Girl program, which recognized high school seniors for dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

The Glaser Sisters, 1938–1940

In 1938, Miss Jean Glaser of Greenwood High School was chosen as the chapter's Good Citizenship Girl — and then selected as Mississippi's Good Citizenship Girl. She traveled to Washington, D.C., in April 1938 as one of 49 young women from across the nation, guests of the National Society. Her trip included a reception at the White House, where the girls were received by Mrs. Roosevelt, and visits to Arlington, Mount Vernon, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court.

Jean wrote home that her autograph book — signed by all 49 girls — was her most treasured souvenir.

The following year, her sister Miss Martha Glaser was also chosen to represent Greenwood High School — making the Glasers the only family in chapter history known to have produced two Good Citizenship Girls in consecutive years.

Other Good Citizenship Girls

Through the years, the chapter honored many outstanding young women, including:

• Joan Houck (1951) — Greenwood High School; a member of the school band and Bulldog Broadcast staff

• Nena Doiron — Greenwood

• Betty Brister Branham — Itta Bena

• Doris Tollison — Minter City

• Doris Oakley Turner — North Carrollton

• Carol Ann Beck — J.Z. George High School, North Carrollton

• Martha Wade — Greenwood High School

• Erma Strain — Leflore County High School, Itta Bena

• Mary Elizabeth Barrett — won the state Good Citizenship Award

• Patsy Mullin — Greenwood High School

• Beverly Ann Dubard — J.Z. George High School, Carrollton

• Brenda Strain — Leflore County High School

Building Character in the Next Generation

The chapter's commitment to young people extended far beyond the Good Citizenship Girl program.

Junior American Citizen Clubs

The Chakchiuma Chapter sponsored Junior American Citizen Clubs in grades one through six in every school in Leflore County and at Carrollton Elementary School. At their peak, the chapter sponsored 91 clubs with 2,488 members in Leflore County, and 38 clubs with 1,350 members in the Greenwood colored schools — a total of 129 clubs and 3,838 young members.

Nationwide, more than 259,000 boys and girls were enrolled in 8,322 Junior American Citizen Clubs. These clubs taught loyalty to the United States, good citizenship, and practical service to home, school, community, and country. They were open to all boys and girls, regardless of race or creed.

The Colonel Richard Bland Society, C.A.R.

In 1942, the Colonel Richard Bland Society of the Children of the American Revolution was organized during the term of Regent Mrs. A. Y. Sturdivant. Mrs. J. B. Bealle was elected senior president and served until 1951. The C.A.R. provided young people with opportunities to develop leadership and patriotic service, and the chapter proudly supported its work.

Student Awards

The chapter presented annual awards to students for outstanding achievement:

• American History and World History Medal — presented to Barbara Davis for superior work

• Home Economics Certificates — presented to Jo Ann Propst (highest grade), Marilyn Lary (second highest), and Flojane Glover (medal for outstanding work)

• Good Citizenship Certificate and Medal — presented to Mary Elizabeth Barrett

• Homemaker Division Contest — Betty Jo Watson received a cash prize for a dress she made

The 1950 State Conference

In February 1950, the Chakchiuma Chapter hosted the 44th Annual State Conference of the Mississippi Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Greenwood.

Under Hostess Regent Mrs. Orman Kimbrough Gee and State Regent Mrs. Edward Cage Brewer, the three-day conference brought DAR members from across Mississippi to the Memorial Building for business sessions, memorial services, banquets, and pageantry. The program included a memorial service at 12:00 PM, a luncheon at the Greenwood Country Club, a conference banquet honoring chapter regents, and an evening open meeting featuring the Greenwood High School Band.

The 19th Annual C.A.R. Conference

Greenwood also welcomed the 19th Annual Conference of the Mississippi Society, Children of the American Revolution in March 1950. Mrs. Noel H. Malone of West Point served as senior president, Miss Barbara Henderson of Greenwood was junior president and president of the hostess chapter (Colonel Richard Bland Society), and Miss Mary Frances Humphries of Itta Bena served as the conference page.

The Chakchiuma Chapter and the Greenwood Chapter SAR assisted in entertaining the delegates, who arrived from across the state.

Honoring Our State Regents

The chapter's annual patriotic luncheons became a cherished tradition, often honoring the State Regent of the Mississippi Society DAR.

In one memorable year, Mrs. Louise Moseley Heaton of Clarksdale, State Regent, was the honored guest. The chapter also welcomed Mrs. Herbert Forrest of Jackson, State Regent, and Mrs. Samuel Talmage Pilkinton of Artesia, State Regent, who visited "River Oaks" — the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Kelly — for a Christmas meeting and program on "The Origin of Our Christmas Customs."

At these luncheons, the chapter introduced its Good Citizenship Girls and presented them as guests of honor, celebrating their achievements before the wider DAR community.

Answering the Call to Serve

Throughout the 1950s, the chapter maintained an active National Defense Committee, reflecting the DAR's commitment to protecting America's future through patriotic education.

The chapter hosted speakers including:

• Judge Thomas P. Brady of the Fourteenth Circuit Court District

• Otis Allen, Greenwood and Leflore County Director of Civil Defense, who spoke on America's preparedness during the Cold War

• Mrs. J. Allison Hardy of Columbus, State Chairman of National Defense

• Horace G. Kitchell, Past State President of the Sons of the American Revolution

The chapter also:

• Broadcast patriotic programs on WABG-TV during Constitution Week

• Wrote letters to legislators urging support of bills

• Contributed to the Red Cross, March of Dimes, and tuberculosis seal campaigns

• Served as blood donors

• Planted trees and shrubs through the Conservation Committee

In recognition of its work, the chapter received the Gold Award at the Mississippi Society DAR Conference in Jackson.

Celebrating Our Founding Document

Constitution Week has been a central observance for the Chakchiuma Chapter since its establishment. The chapter has:

• Secured mayoral proclamations naming Constitution Week in Greenwood

• Presented television programs on WABG-TV featuring Mayor C. E. Sampson and Representative Charles Deaton

• Hosted library displays and poster contests in the schools

• Distributed Constitution bookmarks and coloring books

• Rung bells on September 17 at 3:00 PM — the exact time the Constitution was signed

• Donated books on the Constitution to the Greenwood-Leflore Public Library

The chapter's Historian, Mrs. E. C. Buchanan, wrote eloquently of the importance of the observance:

"While not a perfect instrument, yet under its canopy and within its framework, a government has been formed that has afforded its subjects the greatest possible freedom and personal rights and liberties."

When the Chapter Danced for a Cause

Not all of the chapter's work was solemn. In its early decades, the Chakchiuma Chapter was known for elegant social events that raised funds for its mission.

The DAR Cotton Ball, held at the Elks Club, was described by the local press as "one of the most brilliant and successful social functions of the season." Guests arrived to a ballroom decorated with cotton stalks, and the evening began with a grand march titled "King Cotton." Costumed dancers performed sets representing "The Circus," "The Butterflies," "The Witches," and "The Ponies," all set to music by the Big Six Orchestra.

The chapter also hosted an annual Washington's Birthday Colonial Tea, where guests received little red hatchets, the centerpiece was a cherry tree with the hatchet "lying at its roots," and ices were served in the shape of "Martha Washingtons." Members dressed as colonial dames poured tea from a silver service.

These events were more than social occasions — they were fundraisers that supported the chapter's work in historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

From 1911 to Today

For more than a century, the Chakchiuma Chapter has remained faithful to the mission its founders embraced in 1911. The chapter has:

• Preserved and marked historic sites across the Delta

• Supported students through essay contests, awards, and scholarships

• Honored veterans and active-duty service members

• Celebrated America's founding through public observances

• Welcomed new generations of Daughters into its ranks

In 2026, the chapter proudly joined the nation in celebrating America's 250th anniversary with a community festival at the historic Cotesworth Cultural and Heritage Center in Carrollton — a project made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council.

The work continues, as it has for over a century — one meeting, one project, one community at a time.