Clearwater Chapter, NSDAR
The Clearwater Chapter in Pinellas County was organized on April 18, 1932, through the dedicated efforts of our first Regent, Mrs. Samuel Graham Webb, and 15 Charter Members. When the downtown Clearwater Post Office was built in 1933, a cornerstone box was placed within its structure, containing a list of the Charter Members and current officers of the Clearwater Chapter:
Regent: Mrs. Samuel Graham Webb
Vice Regent: Mrs. Julius D. Dreher
Chaplain: Mrs. Newton A. Hamman
Recording Secretary: Mrs. John S. Wells
Corresponding Secretary: Mrs. W.E. Campbell
Treasurer: Mrs. Samuel Mulloy
Registrar: Mrs. Hamden H. Baskin
Historian: Mrs. Drury James Gill
Preserving History Through Historic Markers
Some of the primary objectives of the NSDAR are to mark historic sites and preserve our nation’s rich heritage. The Clearwater Chapter remains actively involved in identifying and commemorating significant locations in our community.
We have proudly placed, and continue to work on, notable historic markers throughout Clearwater. One of our ongoing projects includes an America 250 Marker at Crest Lake Park, honoring the patriots and families who fought for America’s independence.
Among our most distinguished NSDAR Daughters is Abbey Crawford Milton, a trailblazing advocate for women’s suffrage. In recognition of her contributions, we have placed a historical marker at her gravesite in Sylvan Abbey.
Additionally, our chapter has marked the Belleview-Biltmore Hotel, an iconic landmark of local history, and contributed to the restoration of the McMullen Family’s historic log cabin, the oldest of its kind in the area.
Through these efforts, we proudly uphold our mission to preserve and celebrate the stories of those who shaped our nation’s past.
Contributions to Heritage Preservation
During 1976-1978, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Rives furnished the parlor in one of the historical homes relocated to the Pinellas County Historical Society’s Heritage Park.
In 1993, our chapter further contributed to Heritage Village by adding furnishings and later renewing the parlor, presenting a flag, and donating a new flagpole. Some of our members have also served as docents, sharing historical insights with visitors.
In 1998, we proudly sponsored the newly formed Clear Water Harbor Society, Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), welcoming 29 charter members.
Ongoing Chapter Support
Our chapter continues to support our armed forces by sending Christmas cards and phone cards to service members. We also present ROTC awards, chapter scholarships, and Good Citizenship Awards, reinforcing our commitment to education, patriotism, and community service.
Commitment to Patriotism and Education
In addition to historic preservation, two other core objectives of the NSDAR are Patriotism and Education. The Clearwater Chapter was honored to receive the Ellen Hardin Walworth Award for Patriotism at the national level for the contributions of Barbara Green and HEP.
Our chapter actively supports and participates in Honor Flights, Vietnam Veterans events, Shoe Boxes for Active Duty, Tampa USO, and Naturalization Ceremonies at the Tampa Federal Courthouse, as well as collaborating with the Clearwater SAR.
In the area of Education, the Clearwater Chapter was nationally recognized for our program on the 8666 Battalion. We are proud to support Clearwater High JROTC, Sea Cadets, and local schools, including Ponce de Leon, Shady Lane, and Skycrest Christian School, as well as the Clearwater and Largo public libraries.
Through these initiatives, the Clearwater Chapter continues to honor the NSDAR’s mission of historic preservation, patriotism, and education, ensuring that the legacy of those who shaped our nation is remembered and celebrated for generations to come.