John Hoyle Hoe Down

At our October 11th, 2016 meeting, John Hoyle Chapter American Heritage Committee members Harriet Bannon and Suzanne Williams and guest Denise Baxter-Yoder presented a program featuring banjo, flute, fife, lap harp and vocals that harked back to pre-Revolutionary Days when European music was first brought to America by early settlers and adapted to their own taste.

Moderator Bannon told us early American music was primarily about the fiddle and banjo, but music was played on anything that could beat a rhythm.  Old tunes were passed from generation to generation, especially in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.  Many of the songs tell stories of murder most foul.

With the rise of the merchant class in America, settlers wanted dances less formal than the aristocratic line dances done in Europe.  Contra-dances (such as square dance) evolved from this desire.

Musicians Williams and Baxter-Yoder strummed and sang their way through a sampler of types of early American music.

John Hoyle Purchases Books for Backpacks for the Fourth Year

The John Hoyle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution once again has provided approximately $400 of new books to be placed in the backpacks of Southwest Middle School and Longview Elementary School students, K-8, who receive weekend and summer nutrition assistance from the Catawba County Social Services.  The Chapter's goal is to see that the 120 children in the program own at least one book with an emphasis on American history. 

Amanda Freeland, Backpack Program Coordinator/Social Worker III, Prevention Unit of the Catawba County Social Services said that some of the children are reluctant to receive food in their backpacks, but when they know they are getting a book, you can't hold them back!  Some of the students do not have one book in their homes. The teachers have commented on the quality of the books.

The table display represents a sampling of the titles we were able to purchase for the children.

Vietnam veterans appreciation reception March 29, 2016

Below is a short video of the proclamation read by Brad Lail 

Over 60 veterans attended the event and enjoyed refreshments provided by John Hoyle chapter members.  They also each received a commemorative pin and a personalized certificate of appreciation. 

Normandy Remembers D-Day 70 Years After Landings

Our January meeting was in turns joyous, uplifting, emotional, and inspiring. Vice Regent, Kathy Hobbs, introduced us to Glennie McDonald Sims who gave one of the most inspirational programs our chapter has had.

Glennie was Director of the US/Normandy Remembrance Project with the Patton Foundation prior to founding Normandy Remembers in 2014.  She has made several trips to Normandy interviewing both citizens and World War II veterans and has been amazed to see the love and gratitude the French people have for our American soldiers.   

The goals of Normandy Remembers are to:  honor all WWII veterans for their sacrifices; honor the people of Normandy; help US WWII veterans understand the deep appreciation of the Normandy people and help them visit Normandy if they desire; educate US students about American sacrifices and the love and respect given to our soldiers; and to create a cultural bridge between schools in France and those in America. 

Glennie has helped many WWII veterans find some degree of closure on a painful period.  You can view some of her activities on her Facebook page under “Normandy Remembers”.