Daughters of the American Revolution chapter celebrates 100 years

Daughters of the American Revolution is a service organization open only to women descended from someone involved in aiding the American Revolution.

Yet its Sara De Soto chapter is itself a part of Sarasota's local history. 

Regent Patricia Rook said the organization, which has a focus that includes patriotism, education and history preservation, has been serving the local community since 1925, including through awards and scholarships. 

On March 28, at Marina Jack, the chapter held a celebration of its centennial anniversary, which was attended by State Regent Cindy Addison.

"Do you know how hard it is to keep a chapter going for 100 years? It is no easy feat," said Addison. "It requires generations of dedicated women who are willing to share their gifts as a chapter officer, a chapter chairman, or simply someone willing to give their time every day of every year of every decade until we get to today."

Addison said the chapter first met on March 25, 1925, the 1,669th chapter to organize in the United States and the 12th in Florida. She also said one of its most illustrious members was Princess Julia Grant Cantacuzène, the second granddaughter of President Ulysses S. Grant.

Rook said the chapter is the only one in Florida to have a dedicated house. This is located next to the historic Whitaker Cemetery, which members help to maintain.

"Not all chapters last that long, and I just think if we had the founding ladies that started Sara De Soto, what they would think of all this, I'm sure they would be very proud," Rook said.