The Letitia Coxe Shelby Chapter NSDAR commemorated the 75th anniversary of the founding of its chapter in October with a formal tea keeping with a tradition started by the inaugural chapter in 1949.
The well-attended event included current members, past regents, and members from other California chapters. La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis presented a proclamation (pictured above) by the City of La Mesa to current regent Vikki Greishaber making Oct. 21 this year and every year as Letitia Coxe Shelby Day.
A brief history of the chapter and its significant accomplishments over the past 75 years was presented by past regent Darlene Cook. A copy of the original chapter charter was on display as well as other chapter memorabilia including photos of the chapter’s original board.
The first formal organization meeting and tea was held Friday Oct. 21, 1949, at the La Mesa Youth Center.
Mrs. Leo Myers, regent of the San Diego Chapter, the sponsoring chapter, presented the newly organized chapter with a gavel still used by the chapter today. Each member signed the organization report on a colonial desk of the revolutionary era and with a quill pen both articles loaned by Mrs. Lulu Matteson the first chapter Chaplain. State Regent, Mrs. Charles Danforth, installed the first corps of officers headed by first regent Martha Simms.
The chapter is named for the wife of Brig. Gen. Evan Shelby, Letitia Coxe Shelby, whom Mrs. Simms is a direct descendant of.
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