Our Chapter

130 Years of Service

In 1898, during the early months of the Spanish-American War, Multnomah Chapter, NSDAR then with only 31 members, worked with the Oregon Emergency Corps providing hospital garments to Manila, Philippines, and donated funds to the 2nd Oregon Volunteer 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.

From 1914 to 1915, Mary Woodworth Patterson, the wife of the future Governor of Oregon, Isaac Lee Patterson, was the regent of our chapter. After her passing, her family gave her insignia pin to the chapter and over 105 years later, each chapter regent still wears Mrs. Patterson’s original DAR insignia pin during their term.

During World War I, our 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. Members worked diligently in partnership with the American Red Cross, hosted luncheons, aided families in our communities whose 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 1916, the chapter placed their first historic marker at Multnomah Falls in honor of Oregon Pioneers. Over the years 44 historic markers have been placed by Multnomah Chapter, NSDAR.

In 1918, Portland’s Rose Festival had been canceled due to the war. In 1919, it returned and the chapter entered a patriotic float, “The Spirit of 1776” in the Victory Parade that was held in celebration of the end of the war.

In September of 1925, the Montgomery Fountain was unveiled with the help of Mrs. Montgomery’s 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.”

During 1929-1931, our regent was Ruth Rose Richardson, a renowned Portland attorney. Through her efforts, historic markers were placed throughout the state marking the graves of many founders and pioneers of Oregon. Under her leadership, the 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, members organized to sew for the needy. They were provided space in the Bedell Building. It was here they refurbished coats, dresses, and other garments. Members also met weekly at the home of Mrs. Charles Waldo to make quilts, and gathered apples donated by farmers and delivered them to a local market where 1,900 quarts of applesauce was collected and given to families in need.

During World War II, the chapter reported that 100 percent of its 192 members were also members of the American Red Cross. During 1942, through their hard, work members knitted sweaters, mittens, shawls, and beanie hats. They also sewed garments and made surgical dressings. Additional support and aid were provided to local families and especially to children.

In 1956, our chapter with 726 pages of genealogical records collected during the previous year, took first place among Oregon chapters in research data collected.

In May of 1966, we celebrated our diamond jubilee anniversary at the Meier and Frank auditorium. Displays and exhibits included historical documents, Americana, and antiques. Patriotic music and American Indian dances were performed by the Chemawa Indian School students.

From 1970 to 1971, the chapter purchased property on the river bank in Columbia City creating the Ruth Rose Richardson Memorial Park and later, Pixie Park was added. 

After damage was found, the chapter rededicated a bronze marker in 1982 for the Unknown Pioneer Woman’s Grave, which was originally placed in 1936. The marker is located in the Mt. Hood Wilderness near the summit of the Barlow Road. This road was the primary route Oregon Trail pioneers used to traverse the mountains into the Willamette Valley.

The memorial drinking fountain placed in 1925, honoring Mary Phelps Montgomery, was rededicated by chapter members in 1987 and is now located 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 Oregon State Society annual conference.

Work for the Vietnam War Commemoration continued for the chapter. In 2016, the chapter presented certificates of appreciation to several Vietnam veterans, including two who were transitioning out of homeless shelters. A moving “Welcome Home” letter written by one of our members and a commemorative pin was also presented.

The United States Navy made plans for the 2018 commissioning of the USS Portland LPD-27, named after the City of Portland. Our chapter was an Ensign sponsor of the commissioning events which were held on April 21 of that same year. Many chapter members attended various commissioning events and dinners with dignitaries and the ship’s crew.  The chapter presented a special plaque that is displayed in a special room on board the USS Portland LPD-27. 

Multnomah Chapter, NSDAR has continued to serve throughout the decades even during the Covid-19 pandemic, members found ways to serve and February of 2021, in the middle of a pandemic, the chapter celebrated its 125th anniversary.

In 2022 members of the Portland Chapter joined the chapter as the two completed a merger. The Portland Chapter was the third chapter to be formed within the city of Portland, and was organized by Mrs. James G. Walker Jr, a Multnomah Chapter member on March 5, 1930.   

Chapter members continue to serve and contribute in meaningful ways. As we approach our 130th anniversary in February 2026, our members look forward to many more years of continued service to our National Society, State Society, and our community.  Contact us to learn more!