Author Carol Webb Slater talks about her first non-fiction book "Letters of the Heart" at a recent joint meeting of Pushmataha and Samuel Dale chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

    Author Carol Webb Slater shared details about her first non-fiction book “Letters of the Heart” at February’s joint meeting of Pushmataha and Samuel Dale chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

    According to Slater, the book is essentially her parent’s love story. It also details World War II, her family’s history and her own research. Slater said she had not intended to write a book, but was given such a rare opportunity that she felt the story needed to be told.

    After her mother passed away, Slater claimed her cedar chest, which was filled with all sorts of memorabilia: bronzed shoes, dollies and her father’s love letters. There were 250 letters written from 1943 to 1946, from her father’s heart to her mother, Slater said.

    Once the letters were placed in chronological order, Slater made copies and sent them to her two brothers, who encouraged her to write a book about them. It required about 10 years research, including the European war fought in the air as well as events happening in the world during those three years.

    The first few letters were from Slater’s father to his parents and described his life as an aviation cadet. They also detailed how he met her mother.

    Slater stated that she learned a lot from the letters about her father and the war.

    The joint meeting was held at noon Feb. 13 at Northwood Country Club. 

    Regent Kay Wolfe called the meeting to order, and she and Glaniece Roberts, chaplain led members in the DAR Ritual. Maddie Angelo and Polly Roberts led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Anne McKee led the Salute to the Mississippi Flag, and the American’s Creed. 

    Kay Wolfe blessed the meal by reading an excerpt from John F. Fedders’ 1943, and lunch was served.

    Glenda Thomas, Samuel Dale Chapter DAR, read the President General’s message. President General Young encouraged chapters to work with prospective members and to encourage others to join DAR and participate in service projects for Celebrate America. The Celebrate America committee was formed to encourage DAR members to honor their heritage.

    Mary Billups read the National Defense Report, which was about the first woman to receive the Medal of Honor, Mary Edward Walker.

    Walker received the Medal of Honor in January 1866. She was the first female to serve with the Army Medical Corps. She treated the sick and wounded in Tennessee at Chickamauga, and in Georgia during the Battle of Atlanta.

    Each member received a copy of the Pushmataha Minute, which contained the Constitution minute, the American Indian Report, and the Conservation Minute. The Constitution minute detailed the ratification of the Bill of Rights; the Indian Minute discussed the Oneida Indian tribe and how they were known as the “First Allies.” The Conservation minute discussed the Big Black River. It is one of the only remaining undammed rivers in the United States and it runs through Mississippi.

    Louise Williamson was featured in the Sunshine report. She has been a daughter since 1977 and chapter registrar for 17 years. She has made membership in Pushmataha Chapter NSDAR possible for so many. She is an active member at First Baptist Church and has single handedly revitalized the chapter’s Service to Veterans Committee.

    Williamson will retire this year and the group would like to extend their appreciation for her hard work.

New business

    Wolf extended a special invitation to Samuel Dale Chapter to attend Pushmataha Chapter’s next meeting, “How does your Garden Grow.” Liz Moore from Plant the Earth will be guest speaker.

    Maddie and Polly modeled the hats that will be worn at the meeting. Each guest will receive a hat to wear at the meeting, which will be held April 14 at 4 p.m. at Northwood Country Club.

    Kay thanked the meeting’s hostesses: Sue Thompson, chairman, Marilyn Bell and Angela Howington.

    The meeting was dismissed with the reading of an excerpt from Dr. William Apperson, 1966.