Daughters of the American Revolution celebrates 110 years in Oxford

The Oxford Caroline Scott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) observed its 110th anniversary on Oct. 20.

The Oxford chapter was established in 1916 to honor Caroline Scott Harrison, an Oxford native who became first lady of the United States in 1889 and first president general of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). 

Former Oxford DAR member Lois Cocanougher presented the Caroline Scott Chapter’s history during their monthly meeting on Oct. 12. 

Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison was born in Oxford in 1832 to John Scott, a professor at Miami University. Her family later moved to Cincinnati, where she met Benjamin Harrison. When her family returned to Oxford in 1849, Benjamin Harrison transferred to Miami University to be with Caroline Scott Harrison. 

The couple married in 1853 and Benjamin Harrison went on to become president from 1889 to 1893. 

While she was the first lady, Caroline Scott Harrison also served as first president general of the NSDAR. 

Mary Thomson Hughes, an Oxford Female College alumna, conceived the idea to honor Caroline Scott Harrison and her historic roots in Oxford by establishing a DAR chapter in her name.

The chapter later became connected to the Caroline Scott Memorial Building, now known as the Oxford Community Arts Center, which remains its longtime home.

Members originally supported a plan to construct a dormitory, but financial difficulties changed those efforts. The money they raised went toward renovations to the existing building and the addition of a ballroom. 

The original chapter contained 23 founding members. Its membership peaked in 1957, at 111 members. By 2010, the number had fallen to 35, but has since grown to 64 active members. 

Over the years, the Oxford chapter has supported NSDAR initiatives, including contributions toward Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Members have also participated in preserving genealogical and historical information for national archives. 

Alison Haskins of the Oxford DAR said the group is both a historical group and a modern service organization. The chapter focuses on active community involvement and service. 

“I think everybody has an idea that they think it's like their grandmother's DAR, and we're not like that anymore,” Haskins said. “We try to be more active. We do thousands of hours of volunteer service.”

The chapter supports the Oxford Food Pantry and has donated American flags to the fire department. 

The chapter also raises funds for the annual Talawanda Middle School trip to Washington, D.C., Wreaths Across America and supports active duty personnel and their families. 

Through these efforts, the DAR aims to educate younger generations about the importance of honoring veterans and remembering their service.

“One of those components of the Wreaths Across America is to educate young people about the people who have gone before them to protect our country,” Haskins said. “So we get … the local 4-H clubs to come out and help us with that, and we want to … teach them and help them remember our veterans”

Haskins said members also participate in cleaning up nearby neglected cemeteries.

“There was a little cemetery out near Collinsville on private land, so no one was maintaining it, and it was completely grown up with honeysuckle and stuff,” Haskins said. “We got permission from the landowners to go in there, and we cut down all the honeysuckle and pulled it out.”

Environmental projects have also become a part of the chapter's work. Through participation in Earth Fest, members have distributed native bee boxes, birdhouses and plant seeds to encourage conservation and wildlife prosperity. 

While there is no celebration event planned, the Oxford Caroline Scott Chapter is recognizing its 110th anniversary, giving members an opportunity to reflect on the organization's history and growth through the years.