On February 21, 1896, a group of 17 women met under the guidance of Mary Phelps Montgomery in order to form the first Oregon Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This chapter was named “Multnomah” to honor the great Indian Chief Multnomah, who lived on an island in the Columbia River, now known as Sauvie Island.
In 1898, during the early months of the Spanish-American War, Multnomah Chapter then with only 31 members worked with the Oregon Emergency Corps providing hospital garments to Manila and donated funds to the Second Oregon Volunteers for their hospital stores for the sick and wounded.
In 1909 the Chapter organized a club among the city’s newsboys “to teach a high standard of civic honor and patriotic citizenship.” It was called “Children of the Republic and had 113 members enrolled.
During World War I, Multnomah Chapter along with other local chapters was instrumental in their support of the war efforts within our community and nation. Volunteer sewing rooms were organized to make hospital garments, comfort kits, shoulder wraps and clothing. They worked diligently in partnership with the American Red Cross, hosted luncheons, aided families in our communities who husbands, fathers and sons who were called to duty. They encouraged rationing of food and gasoline, invested in liberty bonds and it was reported in 1918 that “In all Multnomah Chapter has raised for war purposes nearly $272,000.00.”
In 1914-1915, Mary Woodworth Patterson, the wife of the future Governor of Oregon, Isaac Lee Patterson, was the Regent of Multnomah Chapter.
In 1916 Multnomah Chapter erected their first historical marker at Multnomah Falls in honor Oregon Pioneers. Over the years 44, historical markers have been placed by Multnomah Chapter.
In September of 1925, the Montgomery Fountain was unveiled with the help of the Montgomery grandsons. The fountain, on the corner of Broadway and Madison, was accepted by the city and received a deed of presentation. The fountain was tiled in blue and white, the chapter colors, and the marker read, “On this site Multnomah Chapter, first in Oregon DAR was organized by Mary Phelps Montgomery, February 21, 1896.”
Total membership reported for the year ending 1927 was 288.
In 1929-1931, our Regent was Ruth Rose Richardson, a renowned Portland attorney. Through her efforts historical markers were placed throughout the state marking the graves of many founders and pioneers of Oregon. Under her leadership, Multnomah Chapter participated fully in the restoration of the three local DAR museums: Pioneer Mothers’ Memorial Cabin, Robert Newell House and Caples House.
During the depression years, Multnomah Chapter organized to sew for the needy. They were provided space in the Bedell Building. It was here they refurbished coasts, dresses and other garments. Members also met weekly at the home of Mrs. Charles Waldo to make quilts. Members also gathered apples donated by farmers and deliver to a local market where 1,900 quarts of applesauce was called and given to the needy.
In March of 1943 Mary Phelps Montgomery passed away. Her DAR insignia pin was giving by the family to the State Society to be worn by the chapter regents. Each chapter Regent still wears Mrs. Patterson’s original DAR insignia during their term.
In 1956 Multnomah Chapter with 726 pages of genealogical records for the past year, took first place among Oregon chapters in research data collected.
In May of 1966, Multnomah Chapter celebrated its diamond jubilee anniversary at the Meier and Frank auditorium. Displays and exhibits include historical documents, Americana, and antiques. Patriotic music and American Indian dances were performed by the Chemawa Indian School students.
In 1970-1971, Multnomah Chapter purchased property on the river bank in Columbia City creating the Ruth Rose Richardson Memorial Park.
In 1985, a memorial drinking fountain, honoring Mary Phelps Montgomery, was dedicated by Multnomah Chapter in the foyer of the Portland Center for the Performing Arts.
In 1996, Multnomah Chapter, NSDAR celebrated its 100th birthday with an afternoon tea marking the beginning of the OSSDAR state conference.
In February of 2021 Multnomah Chapter will celebrate its 125th birthday.
Multnomah-Portland Chapter, NSDAR 