Susie Rebecca Gentry, Organizing Regent, founded Old Glory, the ninth TSDAR chapter, in October 1897 in Franklin, Tennessee. Along with fifteen charter members, Miss Gentry chose the chapter name based on a family story about John Paul Jones’ naval battle with the ship Serapis. Family legend said when the flag was struck and heading downward to the sea a sailor rescued it, saying, “Old Glory shall never be lowered on land or on sea.” The founding motto of the chapter was, “Our Glorious Banner! the Hope of the Free!”
Seven years earlier, during an organizational meeting of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the four founders resolved “to use their minds, their hearts, and their means to perpetuate the memory of the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; to encourage patriotism and engender the spirit of Americanism; to teach patriotism by erecting monuments and protecting historical spots, by observing historical anniversaries, by promoting the cause of education, especially the study of history … and all that makes for good citizenship.” – Story of the Records, p.24. It is to those ideals that Old Glory was dedicated and throughout the years has remained true.
From the beginning, Old Glory Chapter NSDAR has demonstrated its commitment as a service organization promoting Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism. Old Glory daughters have registered over 14,000 hours in the four years since NSDAR has been tracking volunteer hours for the committee Service to America. The dedication of members of Old Glory to serving our community and our country is evident through receiving frequent state and national recognition, including three recent NSDAR first place national awards:
- Outstanding Service of a Chapter in Literacy Promotion (2013)
- Outstanding Public Relations Report (2014)
- Outstanding Use of Social Media (2017)
Historic Preservation
In 1915, Old Glory undertook the restoration of the Old City Cemetery in Franklin where 340 pioneer men and women are buried. On October 29, 1916, the Memorial Gateway was dedicated, the custom wrought iron gates and the inscribed stone tablets on the gateposts unveiled. One hundred years later, in October 2015, Old Glory Chapter NSDAR refurbished the wrought iron gates and, along with the members of the Matthew Fontaine Maury Society Children of the American Revolution, rededicated the tomb of Revolutionary War veteran Guilford Dudley and his wife, who are buried there.
At least sixteen memorial plaques have been placed throughout the community to designate sites such as the route of the original Natchez Trace (1905) and to commemorate the arrival of four Revolutionary War families who settled in Williamson County (1925). In 2016, Old Glory placed a granite marker on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Williamson County commemorating both Miss Susie Gentry and the family of Revolutionary War veteran Lieutenant Andrew Crockett.
Education
Throughout its long history, Old Glory Chapter NSDAR has presented American Flags to schools and classrooms as well as to members of the public during parades. In celebration of American citizenship, Old Glory Daughters attend naturalization ceremonies in Nashville every month, welcoming the newest citizens with Flags and handshakes. On historic holidays, Old Glory organizes commemorative bell ringing and oral presentations in Franklin churches and other locations. During Constitution Week members visit schools and share lessons about the writing and adopting of the Constitution of the United States.
American History essay contests have been sponsored by Old Glory Chapter NSDAR in many grades for over 100 years with at least one national award winner (1981) from Old Glory. Beginning in the 1920’s Old Glory has given portraits of Founding Fathers and framed copies of the Declaration of Independence to schools in Williamson County, echoed in 2015 with the completion of a five-year project gifting framed portraits of George Washington, accompanied by a history lesson, to every school and public building in the county.
Old Glory members have generously supported DAR schools and members have enjoyed repeated site visits to Kate Duncan Smith, Tamassee, and Crossnore schools. Old Glory Daughters have been involved in classroom experiences through essay contests, Good Citizens awards, and DAR scholarship presentations. The Matthew Fontaine Maury Society Children of the American Revolution, organized by Miss Gentry in 1927, remains vital in 2017 with 32 active members.
Patriotism
Members have enthusiastically supported the military through work with veterans in both Nashville and Murfreesboro. Beginning with the World War I financial support of French orphans and continuing to the present, hundreds of gift packages have been sent overseas. Old Glory has honored veterans of many conflicts with commemorative services, including most recently the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Currently, members meet monthly to knit helmet liners for service members deployed in conflict areas – an act of service that Old Glory members began during WWI.
Chapter Life
In its 120-year history, Old Glory Chapter NSDAR has received over 650 members representing more than 525 patriot ancestors, including six female patriots. These patriots represent each of the original thirteen colonies plus Vermont. With ongoing genealogical research support provided to prospective members by chapter volunteers, Old Glory is among the fastest growing chapters in the state.
Current members proudly foster the hope expressed in an article in the Williamson County News dated October 14, 1897. “This grand old historic county has a chartered organization of which she may well be proud, for by it patriotism will receive new life and vigor. This organization is the ‘Old Glory’ chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.”