DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS IN COWTOWN FOR 135TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
The 135th Annual Convention of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) concluded Saturday, May 30th, and saw many positive changes. Daughters from all over the Lone Star State descended on Cowtown to celebrate their Texas heritage and perpetuate the memory of their ancestors who settled and fought for The Republic of Texas. A slate of new District Representatives was installed to the Board of Management, a slew of new bylaws was adopted, the new topics for the 4th and 7th grade essay contest were announced, dynamic speakers shared their expertise, and many new members attended their 1st convention. The event was held at the Sheraton Downtown Fort Worth Hotel, Thursday – Saturday.
Changes to the DRT Bylaws are considered in even-numbered years at the Annual DRT Convention. Kay Allison Crews, CPP-T, PRP, Chair of the Bylaws Committee (Dallas), President Houston Chapter, presented the proposed bylaw amendments, which were then debated and voted on. The information will be posted on the DRT website and also mailed to Chapter Presidents by District Representatives so that all Chapters can update their Chapter Bylaws.
A huge success, the convention was under the direction of President General Ora Jane Johnson, a native of Wichita, Texas, and a member of the Collin McKinney Chapter in Plano. District II was the host Chapter, and District Representative Theresa Taylor (Waxahachie), a member of the Cedar Mountains Chapter coordinated all District II Chapters to plan and conduct the convention. District II Chapters are located in: Stephenville, Duncanville, Arlington, Bynum, Granbury, Fort Worth, Euless, Breckenridge, Wichita Falls, and Brownwood.
The convention was both educational and inspirational. A variety of breakout sessions allowed attendees to learn more about DRT and Texas history. The Fort Worth Police Department Honor Guard posted the colors and Quentin McGown spoke at the opening ceremony on Thursday night. At the luncheon on Friday, award-winning chapters and members serving 25 and 50 years were recognized. On Friday afternoon, a memorial service was held for deceased DRT members, a very somber service in which those that served with the member rise in her honor. The historical dinner highlight was a presentation by Dr. Don Frazier, of The Texas Center of Schreiner University in Kerrville. Awards were presented on Friday to the winners of the 4th and 7th grade history essay contests: Faryn Ellis and Sean Lackey respectively, and the winners of the Outstanding Teacher Awards: Tammy Ruether (Columbus Elementary), Cindy Jones (Crosby Middle School) and Joseph Fox (Rockport-Fulton Middle School). Representatives from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, Delvin Johnson and Joy Montgomery spoke of the Tribe’s contribution in Texas to those involved in the Runaway Scrape. The Virginia M. Law Award was presented to GeorgiAnne Brochstein and Mary Anthony Startzfor their book “Texas Before the Lone Star,” and Lillian Kay Cowan received the Mamie Wynne Cox Award for her essay on “George Washington Barnett, MD, A Life Well Lived and Fought for Freedom.”
The convention was attended by over 425 DRT members and guests, who each returned to their respective city/town/chapter ready to work toward achieving and promoting the objectives of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Next year’s convention will be hosted by District III, May 13-15, in Allen, Texas.
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) is a nonprofit organization of over 6,900 women descended from citizens of the Republic of Texas – a sovereign nation from 1836 to 1846. Organized in 1891, DRT continues to grow and through its committed volunteers and more than 90 chapters to perpetuate the spirit of Texas independence; encourage historical research; and aid in the preservation of documents and historically significant properties such as the Alamo Complex and French Legation. For more about DRT, visit www.drtinfo.org.