The Ellis Meredith Chapter, NSDAR, was the 13th of Colorado’s 47 NSDAR chapters. We are a patriotic, non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting the National Society’s objectives of patriotism, education, historic preservation, and service to our community.
With more than 125 years of tradition, over 1,000,000 members admitted since its founding, and a vast array of service work and countless activities in our communities, there is much to learn about the NSDAR, and we are excited to continue our celebrations as a strong chapter in the Denver area.
We welcome any woman, 18 years or older, who can prove her lineal descent from any individual who helped achieve American independence. Interested women are encouraged to attend one of our meetings so they may learn more about us and all that we do.
Our History
Mrs. Gredene-Smith was the organizing regent of the Ellis Meredith Chapter, NSDAR, (Formerly Peace Pipe) in Denver Colorado. On June 1, 1910, seven ladies were present to be the proud members of the 13th chapter in Colorado.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution had given approval for the chapter to be named “Santa Fe Trail” but before the actual charter time, it was learned that Trinidad, Colorado, was organizing a new chapter. Since Trinidad was on the old trail, the name was relinquished to them.
Mrs. Greylene-Smith suggested the name Peace Pipe because of its historical significance in the development of the west. The term was also indicative of “a first meeting.”
On May 3, 1917, Peace Pipe Chapter along with two other chapters, planted and dedicated the first Washington Elm tree in Washington Park.
Flag Day is celebrated each year on Genesee Mountain where a flagpole and a monument were erected by our chapter. The first ceremony was held June 14, 1911. Each year two flags, flown over the U.S. Capitol, are given to the city and county of Denver through the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, who oversees the flying of the flag. The flag base was designed and patented in 1927 by member Miss Annette Newcomb and is still in use.
“Peace Pipe Chapter Flag Pageant” chartered to Peace Pipe Chapter, NSDAR, is fully documented and copyrighted. It was compiled by Mrs. Arthur D. Wall with art work by Patricia Roth.
The Flag Pageant was presented the first time at the state conference in Pueblo, Colorado, and then taken to Washington, D.C., and shown before the NSDAR Continental Congress in 1929. The pageant has been shown from coast to coast as well as overseas.
In 1941, the Peace Pipe Chapter began supporting the “I am an American Day” and we continue to support it although it is now known as “Citizenship Day.” The chapter continues to attend ceremonies at the Naturalization Court of Denver and Arapahoe Counties to present flags and Flag Codes to new citizens.
In 1945, the chapter received a red stone pipe that was reported to have been used at a conference between government commissioners, Chiefs of the Sioux, and other tribes in 1867. Robert R. Peale, son of Franklin Peale, who received the pipe in 1882, presented the pipe to the Peace Pipe Chaper, NSDAR. The chapter presented it to the DAR Museum in Washington, D.C., where it is was displayed in the Colorado Room until 2016.
Our Future
After a century Ellis Meredith Chapter, NSDAR continues the traditions and the mission of the NSDAR. The Daughters in the Ellis Meredith Chapter proudly continue the traditions of this truly historical chapter. Ellis Meredith Chapter, NSDAR continues to grow in Denver and to share in education, patriotism, and historic preservation that encompasses the proud history of the chapter, founded by amazing Daughters. Current Daughters are proud to continue this legacy, learn, share, provide community service, and cherish our future as the chapter goes forward.
