History of the Patriots Chapter USD 1812

60th Birthday Celebration ~ October 2007 (L ~ R) 
Joyce Sizemore, State President; M. E. "Beth" Wilson, Chapter President and State Chaplain; 
Lois Swan, Past Chapter President, Honorary State President and Registrar National; Maxine Behrens Hardee, Past Chapter President

The organizational meeting of the new Jacksonville chapter was held on November 4, 1947 at 2:30 PM in the home of Mrs. Robert W. Perdue with State President Mrs. Ray O. Edwards presiding.  Eight members were present.  Membership included Miss Mamie Graham, a Real Daughter, who was honored with gifts at her birthday and Christmas.  The meeting opened with the pledge to the flag and the Americans’ Creed.  Mrs. James R. Boyd was appointed President of the new chapter.

 By January of 1948 the fledgling had lost one member to death. A gavel was presented by Mrs. James R. Boyd.  The name “Patriots” was chosen for the chapter, honoring the band of soldiers who held North East Florida for the United States against the Spaniards.  The chapter initiation fee was set at $2, National at $3, chapter dues at $1.50, National at $3.50; total annual dues of $4.00.  Associate members were assessed a $1.00 fee.

In February the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and the reading of the Purposes of the Society were added to the opening ritual.  Regular meetings were set for the 4^th. Tuesday of November, January and May. 

March brought a visit from Mrs. James Fairing, former Curator National and Chairman of Real Daughters.  She announced that there were 32 Real Daughters living around the country.  The United States Navy Presented a cannon ball from the War of 1812 which was found at Fernandina.  It was later placed in an historical marker.  It was announced that the Col. William Carroll Lee Chapter in Miami dedicated a bronze marker at the Miami Courthouse in honor of 1812 patriot Major Francis Langhorne Dade.  It was the second dedication by USD 1812.  The chapter was diligently working on raising funds to place a marker in honor of Gov. William Duval for whom the county was named.  At the close of the meeting Mrs. John Lovejoy, a physician’s wife and President of the Duval County Medical Auxiliary, urged opposition to a bill on compulsory health insurance which would impair the right of the individual to free choice and interfere with a democratic form of government.  The chapter voted to go on record as being in opposition to socialized medicine.

At the end of the first year there was $96 in the treasury with contributions designated to Caney Creek Mountain School, Bacone Indian School, History awards, and Naval Hospital.  Clothing had been sent to Caney Creek, magazines to the Naval Hospital and books to the Merchant Marine Library in Savannah.  It was noted that programs were presented on the important occasions of the birthday of Frances Scott Key, Constitution Day, Armistice Day and Bill of Rights Day.

Sixty years later we have 23 members and several prospective members working on applications.  We still meet in the same four months and are engaged in many of the same projects.  We have a strong emphasis in giving many medals to youth in ROTC .  Our members attend school functions to award these medals and show our presence to the community.  It is our goal to continue to honor our War of 1812 patriots into the next century and beyond.