On May 21st the Bucks County Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), gathered at the historic Moland House in Warwick Township to plant a tree memorializing the patriots who served during the American Revolutionary War. The chapter’s conservation committee chair, Susan Hotham, choose a white oak tree because it was native to the area when William Penn arrived in 1682 and can live for hundreds of years.
Gaspar Home and Gardens in Richboro made a special order for the tree, which was planted by Rick Baum of the Moland House. At the tree dedication ceremony, chapter regent Lucina Verish gave opening remarks to explain the significance of the site and introduced Elaine Paxson, President of the Warwick Historic Society in appreciation of the society allowing us to plant the tree.
Dr. Marion T. Lane read a land acknowledgement statement reminding us that this land was first settled by the Lenni Lenape, who had lived here for thousands of years before William Penn arrived. Marijane Meckling, chapter historian, read a short history of John Moland and the connection to George Washington. George Washington encamped at the Moland House for 13 days during August 1777.
Terri Androutsos, America 250 chair, who organized the event, read a tribute to Revolutionary War patriots, stating, “As this tree grows and waves its proud leaves may all who stand beside it remember the bravery of the Patriots encamped at the Moland House. In honoring the Patriots, we also pay tribute to all men and women who serve our country with integrity and devotion. We dedicate ourselves anew to a faithful stewardship of the blessings we enjoy today.”
Established in 1925, the Bucks County Chapter, NSDAR, has a long history of serving the greater Doylestown community to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. If you would like more information about becoming a member, visit www.buckscountydar.org or e-mail buckscodar@gmail.com.