I met Sallie Colvin McClintock when I followed her as the Old New Hanover Genealogical Society Secretary. She had been a high school business teacher and was the most organized person I have ever known, so following her in an office was a pleasure. My sister and I shared an interest in genealogy and she had asked me to find a Revolutionary War Patriot so she could join DAR. When Sallie asked if I had a patriot and would like to join DAR, I had to say yes, for my sister. However, with children at home and a full life already, I just didn’t have time for DAR.
During a visit to Sallie’s house, listening to stories of her interesting family and life, and sampling her scrumptious sugar cookies, we did find one of my ancestors listed in the blue DAR Patriot books. It took me the whole year to make copies of proofs and work in time to type the application on the folded four page acid free application at my husband’s office on his electric typewriter during the weekends when the office was closed. I just didn’t have time for DAR.
Chapter meetings were for members only and it was then almost a year before my application was approved, but that was all right because I just didn’t have time for DAR. When I attended my first meeting and after I was inducted all alone in front of a room full of strangers, Sallie asked me to hand out pencils for the ladies to mark their ballots. I sat down next to a woman who turned out to be a distant cousin and she offered to share her Somersett research with me. I left feeling a bit disappointed and not very welcomed except by Sallie and Kathleen, but that was okay because I just didn’t have time for DAR.
I missed the next couple of meetings and Sallie called to inquire. I made up excuses for my absences and felt guilty. So I attended the next meeting. Then Sallie asked me to take over as membership chair for the girl who left due to work. Sallie had been so helpful and so nice, I could not say no to her. It wasn’t a big commitment so maybe I could squeeze it in my schedule. Next she asked if I would meet a prospective at the library to see if she had all her necessary proofs. Well, it was only one person and it shouldn’t take long. Over her application, Vesta and I became friends. Somehow I began to fit DAR into my schedule.
State Conference was in February at Pinehurst and Sallie wanted to go but didn’t drive out of town. She asked if I would mind driving her up just for the awards luncheon on Saturday. I agreed. Sallie, Vesta, another chapter member, and I rode to Pinehurst. The luncheon speakers were DAR school representatives. I left Pinehurst a changed person.
Now, I barely have time for anything else but DAR. By enhancing others’ lives, my life has been greatly enriched. If not for Sallie I would have missed an opportunity to have a truly full life. I am forever grateful to her and to others who have also mentored me in their own way. Mentoring each other is our special gift to DAR. Always remember, in so many ways…
Tying the Past to the Present is Our Gift to the Future.
Carole Nunalee Weiss, State Regent
Carole Weiss, State Regent
