Skagit’s Daughters of the American Revolution celebrate 100th year

Ken Stern | Oct 20, 20210

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THE ROARING 20s RETURN FOR A SECOND CENTURY – Skagit County’s only Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, the Ann Washington Chapter, named for the great grandmother of President George Washington, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Addis Gaches was the founding regent. Her spirit lives on in great granddaughter Susie Deyo and chapter members, above, channeling their ancestors. – Photo by Ken Stern

The Ann Washington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution had a surprise keynote speaker highlighting their 100th anniversary celebration Saturday: Adda Gaches, founding Chapter Regent. Of course, it was a reenactment, since there were no video, much less internet, connections in 1921 when the only chapter in Skagit County formed in Mount Vernon.

The January installation was at “the home of Mrs. Roger Hannaford, overlooking the famous La Conner Flats,” the chapter historian recounted.

At the celebration at the Skyline Beach Club in Anacortes Saturday, Susie Deyo appeared in a 10 minute video at her home, Westshore Acres, in 1920s clothing and speaking in the persona of her great-grandmother, Adda Gaches. Deyo shared family documents and photos and recounted incidents from Gaches’ diary. Deyo is also related to the Dunlaps and Hulberts, some of whose ancestors first came to North America in 1634.

Also dressed up among the over 75 attendees were seven chapter members dressed as 1920s flappers, and nine members of the George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution attired in colonial uniforms and pioneer clothing. The latter began the program with a fife and drum processional.

The Harmony Northwest Chorus, also provided music, singing four numbers, opening with the national anthem and closing with “God Bless America.” They are Skagit County’s only Sweet Adelines a cappella group.

“I am the American Flag” was recited by Lee Schuirman, American Legion Marine Corps League 1043 member.

At the end of the program attendees were invited to “be a part of history” by writing a note with their names and a patriotic quote or words of wisdom for a time capsule to be opened in five years.

Displays arrayed around the room included the chapter’s scrapbooks going back to 1921, press clippings highlighting chapter events, historical documents and history books. Attendees sat down to ample refreshments.

Everyone was invited to pick up a small bag with a sign, “Ann Washington Chapter ‘ROCKS’” that contained handfuls of painted and decorated stones, many with “Skagit Valley DAR” on the bottom. Attendees were asked to take and place the stones on trails and elsewhere.

The video was scripted, directed and produced by Vice Regent Kim Kimmy and Pamela McCunn.

The DAR is a lineage-based membership service organization for women with ancestral ties to patriots in the American Revolution. Membership has doubled in the Ann Washington Chapter in the last three years, to 56. Eligible women are welcome to attend meetings.