Organization
of the Guadalupe Victoria Chapter, National Society of the
Daughters of the American Revolution, began on 23 February
1934, with Mrs. J. W. Stevenson as the organizing regent. The
charter was granted and signed 14 September 1936, with the new
chapter’s name being derived from the name of Empresario
Martin De Leon’s Mexican colonial grant, Nuestra Senora de
Guadalupe de Jesus y Victoria.
The Guadalupe Victoria Chapter acquired a permanent home in 1959, when Genevieve Power Stevenson deeded her home to the three historic and patriotic organizations of which she was a member. The home and property furnishes room for each group.
Guadalupe Victoria Chapter has been involved in many projects on the local, state, and national levels in the fields of historic preservation, education, and patriotic endeavor. Some of these programs include the American History Essay Contest for area school students, the DAR Good Citizen Award and Scholarship Essay Contest for area high school seniors, Service for Veterans, and Literacy Promotion programs. In addition to observing Constitution Week, the chapter donates books and magazines to libraries, donates Flags of the United States of America, and supports the DAR supported schools.
The
chapter participates in flag ceremonies, places wreaths, and
participates in other patriotic events. The chapter also
recognizes local citizens for their contributions to the
community and encourages the conservation of our natural
resources. Each year a scholarship is awarded to a deserving
student at Victoria College and the DAR Bronze Medal and an
ROTC Scholarship are awarded to outstanding students in the
Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program at
Memorial High School in Victoria.
Guadalupe Victoria Chapter has taken part in celebrations of freedom and commemorative events in Victoria for many years, including the placing of a granite monument on the Northeast corner of De Leon Square in 1936 to mark the original name of Main Street, "La Calle de los Diez Amigos" (The Street of the Ten Friends).