The Fort Lewis Chapter NSDAR is a multi-generational chapter comprised of women from many differing walks of life. You will find retirees, juniors (those under the age of 35), professional women, and community volunteers all working together to make a difference in our community.

 

The Fort Lewis Chapter was organized May 18, 1925, with eighteen members.  These members dedicated themselves to historic, patriotic, and educational objectives of the National Society.

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The Fort Lewis Chapter has proudly supported two of its members that have become Virginia State Regents. Kathleen Price Repass served as the 16th State Regent 1947-50 and later as Vice President General of the National Society.  LeAnn Fetherolf Turbyfill served as the 41st State Regent 2019-22 and then as Vice President General.  Various other members served as state officers and state chairs over time.

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A decision by the members of the Fort Lewis Chapter and the Margaret Lynn Lewis Chapter in the spring of 2022 approved a merger between these two chapters.

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Historically, the Margaret Lynn Lewis Chapter was the first organized in the Roanoke Valley on February 15, 1894. Named for the wife of Pioneer John Lewis and the mother of General Andrew Lewis, the Chapter grew from its fifteen organizing members while emphasizing historic, patriotic, and educational endeavors.

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The members of this early chapter supported the efforts of three Past State Regents. Mrs. Samuel W. Jamison served as the 5th State Regent 1906-13 and as later Vice President General.  Mrs. James Reese Schick, served as the 9th State Regent 1925-29. Mrs. Arthur Rowbotham served as the 12th State Regent 1935-38 and as then Vice President General and Honorary Vice President General. Other members served as state officers and state chairs over time.

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The membership grew over time thanks to the leadership provided by the many chapter regents who served so ably.  Some of the chapters in the area can trace their organizing membership to the efforts of these early members.  While declining membership numbers in recent years precipitated the merger, the dedication of the current membership to blend their chapter history with that of another chapter is to be commended.

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This history is now part of the legacy of the Fort Lewis Chapter.

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We generally meet the second Saturday of the month, September through May. A social time precedes each meeting. We would love to have you join us so we can get to know you and you can get to know us. Please contact us for more information.