Danville, Indiana
Patriotism
Historical Preservation
Education
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Chapter History
Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter was organized in Danville, Indiana, in 1923. On September 5 of that year, a meeting was held to organize a local chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. It was held in the home of Mrs. Thomas R. (Kate Cofer) Barker. Mrs. Barker was appointed the first regent of the new chapter.
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Twenty-two ladies were present for this inaugural meeting which was presided over by Mrs. H. B. Wilson, the Indiana State Regent from Delphi.
The chapter was officially confirmed by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution on October 16, 1923.
In keeping with the new name, Wa-Pe-Ke-Way, Mrs. Blessing presented the chapter's first program, which was an account of the first settlers in Hendricks County, Indiana. According to the early minutes, the chapter studied the early history of Hendricks County and continued to grow its membership.
In 1924, less than a year after its organization, Wa-Pe-Ke-Way sponsored the Hendricks County Centennial. It was an enormous undertaking. Mrs. Julian (Etta Craven) Hogate, chapter vice regent, spent months writing a pageant; many school children and patriotic citizens practiced their parts for the presentation. A huge picnic was held on the courthouse lawn. The parade was filmed and later shown in the local theater. Husking bees and other fun activities also took place.
In 1929, the chapter made new plans for another big ceremony. A marker commemorating the site of the first Hendricks County settlement was placed on the Jefferson Miles farm near the Hendricks/Morgan County line. This was on the Plainfield-Mooresville Road (Old SR 267). On an early June day in that year, more than 300 persons gathered for the placement of a large native granite boulder that had been moved from the northern part of the county for the dedication. An 18" x 24" tablet bore the inscription, "On White Lick Creek in this vicinity, the first
settlement in Hendricks County was made in 1820 by Bartholomew Ramsey, Samuel Harriman, Harris Bray, John W. Bryant, James Dunn, Ezekial Moor. Placed by Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1929."
Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter has been well represented with state and national appointments.
The most noted was Mrs. J. Harold (Ruth) Grimes who was appointed central district
director in 1937, state vice regent in 1940, and State Regent in 1943. Mrs. Grimes was a
gifted and gracious lady who brought great honor to our chapter. After serving three years
as State Regent, she was further honored by being elected Vice President General in 1946.
Throughout the years, our chapter placed markers at the Revolutionary War soldiers' graves located in Hendricks County except one; it is inaccessible. Upon a recent survey of the grave sites, we have become aware that some of the markers are missing and will need to be replaced. Recent work has been done
at the location of the patriot grave that had not been marked and it is hoped that
in the near future a ceremony can be held to commemorate this grave.
The Wa-Pe-Ke-Way chapter gavel has a special historical significance. It was made
from the Van Buren Elm that was planted in Plainfield to mark the visit of Presi-
dent Martin Van Buren. When the tree finally succumbed to its old age, our
chapter received one of the many souvenirs made from it.
Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter has continued to maintain the ideals and spirit of its founding members with programs and activities that emphasize history, education, and patriotism.