The History of the Fort Reno Chapter
Fort Reno Chapter, NSDAR, was confirmed by the National Society on February 7, 2009, making it one of the youngest chapters in the state.There was a need for a chapter in Canadian County to serve the communities of Yukon, El Reno, Mustang, Piedmont, Union City, and Calumet. On September 27, 2008, about 30 interested women met with State Regent, Mary Duffe; state organizing secretary, Gail Barbre; state recording secretary, Deanna Ames; and Great Plains District director, Donna Drake, to discuss forming the new chapter.
State Regent Duffe appointed Quembe Robinson Walkingstick as organizing regent of the new chapter. Fort Reno was the most popular and so it was chosen to be the official name. The fort was established on August 9, 1874, to protect the Darlington Indian Agency just across the North Fork of the Canadian River. The fort was named for Major Jesse L. Reno, who fell at the Battle of South Mountain in Maryland, on September 14, 1862. His last words were, “Tell my command that if not in body, I will be with them in spirit.” He was 39 years old.
Connie Lee Dabney and Gloria Rice West worked tirelessly to assist prospective members with their applications, which resulted in 16 charter members. Regina Bullard Lagaly, assisted organizing regent, Quembe Robinson Walkingstick, with all notices, contacts, and press releases.
Fort Reno Chapter’s first officers: regent, Quembe Robinson Walkingstick; vice regent, Connie Lee Dabney; chaplain, Jane Allen Maytubby; recording secretary, Linda Kimbro Giles; corresponding secretary, Regina Bullard Lagaly; treasurer, Marsha Hudson Barnes; registrar, Gloria Rice West; and librarian, Lauri Robinson; were elected at the first official meeting and were installed by Honorary State Regent, Joyce Shults Hill.
The Fort Reno Chapter, NSDAR, meets on the third Saturday of the month from January through May and September through December. A meet and greet begins at 9:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning promptly at 10:00 am.
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