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GASPAR de PORTOLA CHAPTER NSDAR
History
Gaspar de Portola Chapter was organized January 26, 1925 in Palo Alto, California.  The Organizing Regent was Emily Karns Dixon.  The chapter was named for Gaspar de Portola, who took office as governor of California in October 1767.  With the advance of Russia down the coast, Spain decided to establish missions in upper California with the presidios to afford military protection.  Portola was the commander of the expeditions sent from New Spain to colonize Upper California.  On July 14, 1769, Indians left San Diego to find Monterey Bay by marching overland.  Visciano had told of a "fine harbor," but none was found.  Portola, bewildered, concluded that some mistake had been made, and that the harbor must be further north.  So, he continued north up the coast ... until they reached Half Moon Bay where they recognized Drake's Bay in the distance.  In search of game, part of the party sighted San Francisco Bay.  "On the 4th of November the wayworn party descended to the Bay at Palo Alto."  Looking for provisions, the scout Ortega attempted to circumvent the Bay but "succeeded in getting north only to the neighborhood of Hayward.  Retracing their route to Monterey Bay, Portola erected a marker, and all continued to San Diego."

Gaspar de Portola Chapter is part of District VI in the Northern California Council of the California State Society of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.  We have members who live on the Peninsula from Belmont to San Jose.  Our meetings are held during the third week of each month from September through May, usually in the homes of our members.  Each regular meeting includes devotions, general order of business, President General's message, a three minute National Defense report and a program.  A light dessert and social time follows.  We extend a warm welcome to anyone interested in joining us at our meetings.
CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
Gaspar de Portola supports the NSDAR OBJECTIVES through the following activities:

  *  American History Essay Contest - open to 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade school students.

  *  American History Outstanding Teacher Recognition - for 6th -12th grade teachers.

  *  DAR Good Citizen Contest - open to Senior High School students.

  * Constitution Week - to emphasize responsibility of protecting the Constitution.

  *  ROTC Medals -  an annual award presented to an outstandiing ROTC Cadet.

  *  Patriotic Events -  programs for Veterans and other patriotic events.

  *  Historical Preservation -  dedication of historical markers and collection of records.

  *  Contributions -  to DAR Scholarships and DAR approved schools. 

  *  American Indians -  Scholarships - support resident Indian schools and local activities.

Gaspar de Portola Chapter participates in many committee activities on a local level in addition to those that are sponsored by the National and State Societies.  We also have special community projects from time to time.
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