DAR Presents Plaque to Ferris House Museum Village

By Sarah E. Hartkemeier, Mariemont DAR Chapter Historian/Librarian

On November 16 at 11:30 a.m., the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Mariemont Chapter will dedicate an America 250! Celebration Marker to the Ferris House Museum, 3915 Plainville Road.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) established a project to raise public awareness of the men and women who achieved American independence. The National Society’s goal is to place at least one marker in every state in advance of the nation’s upcoming 250th Anniversary. The Mariemont DAR Chapter received grant money to purchase the plaque to honor chapter members’ patriots through their lineage.

There is a special connection between the Mariemont DAR and the Ferris House. Our DAR Chapter had its first meeting at the Ferris House on February 2, 1930, to form a chapter and then held subsequent chapter meetings. Our chapter purchased this marker to carry out the NSDAR mission, which is threefold: to educate, promote patriotism, and historical preservation. The Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) approved this project and chose the placement of the plaque.

The Mariemont DAR wants to welcome visitors to this museum site with this marker to inform them about Revolutionary patriots remembered by our chapter members. Our chapter wants to share and preserve our patriot ancestors’ history through this museum. We want to spark interest in patriotism, encourage the NSDAR mission, and keep American history alive.

Historical note: Jeduthan Ferris – the father of Eliphalet Ferris, who built this homestead - served in the Revolutionary War as a private in the 9th Company Connecticut Militia under Captain George Peck and Lieutenant Colonel Mead in 1776.

Please come celebrate on November 16th towards this achievement on presenting an America 250! plaque to the Ferris House Museum. Refreshments will be served.

For more information on the Daughters of the American Revolution Mariemont Chapter, please contact regent@mariemontdar.com or mary.s.holohan@gmail.com

DAR Honors Vietnam Veterans at Waldschmidt House

The Mariemont DAR Chapter honored Vietnam War Veterans on Saturday, September 22, at the Christian Waldschmidt Homestead in Camp Dennison during the Johnny Appleseed Family Fall Fest. There was a pinning ceremony for the veterans, which is a part of the National Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This pinning event was to thank Vietnam Vets as well as family members of deceased vets. Our chapter pinned eleven veterans and two family members, posthumously, for their veterans who served.

Mariemont DAR Regent Mary Jo Holohan welcomed all who attended, and Commemorative Events Chair Sherri Smithson introduced each veteran and their branch of service. Chapter member Kay Pope pinned each veteran/family member. Other Mariemont chapter members who assisted with this event include Sharon Conrad, Sarah Hartkemeier, Maxine Mace, Barb Boyd, and Jean Morrison.

Vietnam Veterans and their families toured the Waldschmidt Home and Civil War Museum. DAR members were available to provide historical information concerning the artifacts within the house and museum.

If you know of a Vietnam Veteran or family member of a vet who should be recognized for their service, please contact Sherri Smithson at (513) 312-3169 or sherrismithson@yahoo.com.