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The Official Newsletter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas

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Message From the President General

February 2016

Message From the President General: Our Journey ContinuesIt is an honor to serve as your president general and to travel across this state renewing friendships and making new ones as I visit our chapters and the Daughters who comprise them.

As I’ve made these journeys and as I have worked on the challenges our organization faces, the days and hours often grow long, but I am heartened when I think of that day 125 years ago when Betty Ballinger and Hally Bryan conceived of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas at the Cradle in Galveston. They could hardly have envisioned the cumulative contributions the Daughters would make in the name of the Republic 12 decades later. Nor could they fully appreciate the bonds to the state of Texas and between Daughters that their vision would produce. When I recall their bold commitment, I am sustained by the thought that we carry on their cause and that they would be proud.

As we begin a new year, we march forward with the same courageous dedication of Betty and Hally.

We enter 2016 during perhaps the most transformational era in our organization’s history.

We’re no longer custodians of the Alamo, but our hearts and souls will remain there forever. We will soon finalize moving the DRT Library to a new location. We’re stepping up our efforts to secure funding for and build the Republic of Texas History Center. We’re working with state leaders to seek support for our role in maintaining the French Legation. And we’re working to enhance how our organization is perceived and to create new opportunities and support for our efforts to preserve and perpetuate the history of Texas.

Our efforts in the coming year will have a lasting effect on defining the continuing legacy of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. We will never forget nor depart from the vision of our founders, but we are called upon to evaluate, adjust and strengthen how we may best maintain our pursuit of their hopes in an evolving state and world — and indeed, this is what they would expect from us.

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In the coming months, I will ask our leaders and members to lend their hearts, spirits, ideas and support to help build upon the tradition of our organization. The world is changing, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas aren’t just along for the ride. As we march forward to tell about history, let us seize the moment to make it as well. There is much work to do, many decisions to be made and exciting plans to be carried out.

I look forward to working with all of my sisters as we spread knowledge, pride and honor on behalf of Texas, One and Indivisible.

Thank you for being a part of the journey.

An Update on the DRT’s Fight to Keep Its Library Collection and ArchivesThe trial date for the DRT litigation against the Texas General Land Office (GLO) over ownership of the DRT Library Collection has been rescheduled for April 11, 2016. The case has been reassigned to Judge Michael Peden to be tried in the 288th District Court of Bexar County. The DRT is currently in discussions with the GLO and its attorneys in an attempt to find a satisfactory resolution to the dispute and avoid protracted and expensive litigation, but the organization does not intend to back down from its defense of a collection that dates back to the early days of its existence. The organization is also moving forward with plans to move the collection to a site in San Antonio that will be announced in the near future. How We Got HereWhen the state ended the Daughters’ 106-year custodianship of the Alamo, it was a bittersweet time

for the DRT. The Daughters cherished their long history of managing the Shrine, but recognized that a greater role from the state was required to address its increasing financial needs.

While the Daughters were pleased to see the state’s heightened interest, the membership was shocked by what would follow — an attempt by the GLO to claim jurisdiction over the DRT’s Library Collection. GLO Commissioner Bush claimed entitlement to this private property after holding office just 10 weeks. His claim conflicts with events in 2013, when the DRT documented its ownership of collection items to the GLO with acquisition records it has retained for decades.

As background, the Daughters began assembling and managing the collection in 1945. The collection today has more than 38,000 books, maps and historical documents. It is housed on the Alamo grounds in a separate facility


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the Daughters built and furnished with private funds around 1950. It is open to the public, and is heavily used and well-regarded by Texas authors, historians and archivists.

The Daughters acquired items for the Library Collection over the years through private donations made to the DRT, and through purchases from private and organizational funds. Donations are often given in memory of one of the organization’s passed members, or to honor a member, family or friends. The DRT has maintained records of these acquisitions. For these reasons, and to abide by the DRT’s original mission to educate about the history of Texas, the DRT feels deeply obligated to protect its oversight of the library.

A Conflict of Interest?As additional background, GLO auditors for Commissioner Bush’s predecessor, who are financial accountants and not trained archivists or librarians, reviewed acquisition records for a sample of 300 items from the collection. They instituted a default mechanism: If an auditor subjectively believed a record did not meet archival standards, which they did not define, the item defaulted to state ownership. The GLO auditors then extrapolated their conclusions to all 38,000 items in the collection.

An independent expert previously employed by the state of Texas as its top archivist reviewed the DRT’s documentation in 2014 and challenged the conclusions reached by GLO auditors, suggesting the agency might have a conflict of interest in determining ownership. The DRT does not know if Commissioner Bush was shown the expert’s report that addressed the auditors’ methodologies and conclusions.

In any event, after Commissioner Bush announced entitlement to the library collection in March 2015, the GLO placed immediate restrictions on the DRT’s access to its collection. The DRT sensed an imminent lockout and reluctantly filed suit in order to retain oversight of the library.

It Gets WorseAs if the GLO’s behavior to date wasn’t enough, additional actions not only deepened the DRT’s disappointment in the agency and its leader, but also eroded confidence in matters dear to this state: the right to own private property with no fear of a governmental taking.

As the DRT had expected in March, the GLO locked out the DRT from the library. Discovery in the lawsuit establishes the GLO entered the building on Sunday, August 23, 2015, and changed the locks. When library staff arrived on Monday, August 24, their security credentials had been deactivated. The GLO told DRT Library staff they must become state employees. All declined. The first to arrive was made to gather his things and, after 27 years of loyal service, was escorted off the Alamo premises by a GLO marshal.

The DRT obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Commissioner Bush and the GLO later that morning that restored the DRT staff’s access to the library. When the library director arrived back at the library, she walked in on two state information technology (IT) contractors downloading DRT Library materials from DRT-owned computers onto external hard drives. The DRT’s computers were password-protected. The GLO-hired contractors acknowledged they had overridden the DRT’s passwords or, more impolitely, hacked into the computers, in order to copy DRT information at a time the state thought the building would be empty because of the lockout. The state contractors left with their external hard drives, but later returned them. They had been erased, making it hard to know the extent of the materials the state had taken. A GLO-employed marshal was there but would not stop either their hacking or downloading.

Archivists Rally to Support the DaughtersMembers of the state’s archivist community have committed to writing their validation of the Daughters’ management and preservation of the collection. They are critical of the GLO’s actions and are concerned Commissioner Bush’s conduct could jeopardize established practices of private ownership recognized by libraries and universities across the state. They are also disappointed the GLO’s actions will deprive individuals the pleasure and significance of researching our state’s history while on the Alamo grounds. Because of the commissioner’s announcement in March, the DRT is contractually obligated to the state to remove the library collection from the Alamo by July 2016.

A Separate CollectionDuring this dispute, the DRT has made clear it is not attempting to claim the magnificent Alamo artifacts and relics as part of its library collection. The rifles, knives, bullets, cannons, flags and other items donated to the Alamo were carefully preserved by the DRT for the past 106 years as part of its custodial role. The DRT ensured those items were properly identified as state-owned on


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the state-mandated property listing. Since 2011 the state has controlled those items, removing some to storage. The same is true for the remarkable items donated to the Alamo by Phil Collins.

The DRT Library Collection is a completely separate collection. Its items are not on the listing of state-owned property. Protecting What Belongs to the DaughtersThe GLO’s attempt to claim ownership of the DRT Collection is wrong and amounts to an overreach by the government to claim private property.

The Daughters are not looking for special treatment. The DRT enjoyed its long custodianship, but after managing the shrine of Texas independence with minimal state funding, it now only wants to retain what it has always owned: its beloved library collection.

The organization’s leadership and board of management remain firm in their commitment to continue to fight the state’s unjust and unwarranted attempt to take control of the DRT Library Collection.

Please consider sitting down now and writing a check for $50 or more to contribute to the DRT Library Collection Legal Fund. With your help, we will be able to fully fund the legal battle that will be necessary to preserve what is ours.

From the DRT Library: An Invitation to Governor Sam Houston’s 1859 Inaugural Ball After raising private funds to build it, in October of 1950 the Daughters of the Republic of Texas established the DRT Library to house the earliest pieces of its Texas history collection. Over the decades, the Daughters have grown and preserved the collection, receiving praise for the management of the library from those who have used it. Today the collection includes more than 38,000 separate items, including books, maps and other artifacts associated with the history of the Republic and state of Texas, the city of San Antonio and Bexar County.

Although the collection is filled with many amazing artifacts, one of the truly unique and rare pieces is an original invitation to Governor-elect Sam Houston’s inaugural ball in 1859. We recently reproduced this stunning historical artifact and hand-delivered copies of it to members of the Texas Legislature as a keepsake of Texas history. Given the increasing attention on the DRT Library Collection, we wanted to use this piece of Texas history as a way to introduce and demonstrate the nature of the collection to legislators, many of whom are not aware of the collection or the Daughters’ efforts over the years to assemble and preserve it. On these copies, we included information about the original piece, as well as a link to our historical Texas micro-website (http://thetexasstory.com/) as a reintroduction of the DRT and our collection to legislators and their staffers. Our plans

Invitation to Sam Houston’s Inaugural Ball, 1859. Due to partisan interference, the inauguration was held publicly on the steps of the Capitol in Austin. A full formal ball was the popular way to celebrate an official occasion.


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are to continue to provide legislators and other Texas leaders with information about and, when possible, keepsakes from the collection that will build recognition and appreciation for the DRT’s role in preserving it.

We also want to shine the spotlight on unique pieces of the collection for the enjoyment of the DRT membership and will be featuring items in future newsletters. In keeping with that goal, included is a bit of background on the Houston inaugural invitation.

After serving as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas (1836-1838), Sam Houston became the seventh governor of the state of Texas, taking office on December 21, 1859.

Houston had run as an independent on a relatively moderate platform as what he called a “Union Democrat.” He won a relatively close race, 33,257 votes to 27,500, despite the increasing unpopularity of his stance against secession. His opponents decried his election.

According to Marquis James in his biography of Houston, The Raven, the extremists in the Texas legislature reacted negatively to the new governor. He wrote, “In the legislature an appropriation for furnishings for the Executive Mansion was obstructed by a controversy whether Sam Houston, who had lived in a wigwam, should be surrounded by civilized luxuries at public expense. The House debated whether it should offer its quarters for the inaugural ball and, if so, whether the carpet should be removed.”

James continued, “Houston made his own inaugural arrangements. Instead of taking the oath in the House chamber before the Legislature and a select few, he delivered his inaugural address on the portico of the Capitol.”

The invitation was donated to the DRT by Madge Thornall Roberts from her mother’s (Madge Hearne) papers on July 28, 1959. Both ladies have served as president general of DRT. The invitation remains one of the most valued pieces of the DRT’s Library Collection.

The DRT’s Future Home: Moving Forward with the Republic of Texas History CenterThe Republic of Texas History Center (RTHC) team has launched two fund-raising efforts to raise money for a new RTHC facility at the corner of East Ninth Street and Embassy Drive in Austin.

The Flag Pole Chapter Challenge started January 1, 2016, and will end May 1, 2017. The flyer and guidelines for this challenge can be found on the DRT member website. Chapters have been assigned to one of three groups according to their membership number, with each group


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tasked to raise a minimum amount. A winner from each group will be rewarded by having their chapter name put on a plaque at the base of a flagpole located at the new facility. The three Flag Pole Chapter Challenge winners will be announced at the 2017 DRT Convention.

The Approved DRT Ancestor Paver Contest involves the purchase of a paver (paving stone used as exterior flooring) in honor of an approved DRT ancestor at the new facility. By February 15, 2016, DRT members will be able to review on the DRT member website a list of ancestors who have been honored with a paver. On May 1, 2017, chapters that demonstrate that 25 percent or more of their membership has purchased a DRT ancestor paver will be rewarded with an 8”x 8” paver (valued at $400) and be recognized at the 2017 DRT Convention.To date, the two campaigns have raised about $500,000. While the project’s total cost will be around $5.5 million, the building will likely be constructed in two phases to help make the expenses more manageable.

Phase one is estimated to cost approximately $3.5 million, which will cover the “Daughters’ House.” This will include the construction of a first floor (reception area, multipurpose room, family research center, museum store), second floor (offices, conference room, workroom) and third floor (museum storage).

Phase two would complete the facility’s construction and include the buildout of the Republic of Texas Museum, a pavilion, kitchen and public restrooms.

The timeline for the new facility includes an estimated two years for fund-raising and one year for construction (plus permitting).

The organization has secured about $1.55 million, which includes designated on-hand funds, pledges and estimated profits from the sale of the existing DRT headquarters building. In order to start the first phase of construction, an additional $1.95 million must be raised. The DRT leadership and RTHC team express their appreciation to all Daughters who have supported efforts to establish the DRT’s new home and preserve our Texas heritage. Special acknowledgment goes out to the Ferdinand Lindheimer Chapter in New Braunfels for kicking off the Flag Pole Naming Contest with the first $1,000 donation. We encourage all chapters and members to participate in the two fund-raising campaigns so that we can continue our mission to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas.

For more details on how you can help, visit the DRT member website at http://drtinfo.org/members/.

Chapters Coordinating 2016 Texas History ContestsOver the last couple of months, DRT chapters across the state have worked diligently with students and teachers in public, private and home schools to complete their entries for the Texas history contests.

The Education and Flag Committee of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas conducts two sets of contests each year: Texas history essay contests for both fourth and seventh grade students, and outstanding Texas history teacher contests for both fourth and seventh grade teachers.

Each sponsoring chapter sets its own deadline for receiving the submitted essays, which is usually in February. This allows chapter representatives time to judge their winning essays before they are due to their district representative on March 1. The Picketville Chapter presents certificates and Susan B. Anthony

coins to the 2015 South Elementary winners in Breckenridge, Texas.


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The topics for this year’s Texas history essay contests include:

• “James Butler Bonham, the Messenger of the Alamo” (fourth grade)

• “European Immigrants in the Republic of Texas” (seventh grade)

Winners from both sets of contests will be recognized at the DRT Convention in Dallas in May.

For more information, visit the links below or contact Fifth Vice President Judy Wolfe at [email protected] or 254-559-3030.

Texas history essay contests: http://www.drtinfo.org/education/essay-contests

Texas history teacher contests: http://www.drtinfo.org/texas-history-teacher-awards

General Edward Burleson’s Life in Early Texas Recognized by Descendants and the DRTMembers of the General Edward Burleson family were joined by members and leaders of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas at a special ceremony in Austin on December 15, 2015, in recognition of Burleson as one of the state’s early forefathers. The event included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Texas State Cemetery, an educational program by Dr. Burt Burleson at the Gallery of the Texas State Cemetery, and an open house and reception at the Republic of Texas Museum.

Burleson served as the third vice president of the Republic of Texas. When Texas was annexed into the United States, he was elected to the state Senate. Before his government service in Texas, he was a military commander during the Texas Revolution. Prior to his move to Texas, Burleson served in militias in Alabama, Missouri and Tennessee and fought in the War of 1812.

“General Burleson performed many honorable duties for Texas as a citizen, soldier and statesman,” said DRT President General Betty Edwards. “He was a leader in 32 battles, and he helped shape Texas into the great state that it has become. Perpetuating and honoring Texan founding fathers like Burleson is a large part of the DRT’s mission, and it’s something we are proud to do.”


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DRT 125th Annual Convention Set for May 11-14 in DallasMark your calendars! The DRT’s 125th Annual Convention will be held in Dallas on May 11-14, 2016, at the Intercontinental Hotel (15201 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75001).

Don’t delay — make plans to attend now. Attendee and vendor registration forms are both available to review and download on the DRT member site at www.drtinfo.org/members/.

Registration is open until May 5. Those who wish to register after the deadline must do so in person at the hotel during the convention.

Registration and payment made before May 5 should be submitted to:

Sue Mathios 2802 Blackwood Dr.Arlington, TX 76013

For more information, contact Sue at [email protected] or 817-683-3611.

February 19: Texas Statehood Day* – The legal entry of Texas into the Union was December 29, 1845, but the decade-old Republic of Texas did not formally transfer the authority to the new state of Texas until February 19, 1846.

February 25: The Frontier Families Symposium and luncheon will be presented by the Republic of Texas Museum at 10 a.m. at the Austin Club on 110 E. Ninth St., Austin, TX. Featured speakers are Dr. Caroline Crimm, James Haley and Mary Margaret McAllen. For more information, please contact Jean Sitterle at 979-542-3104 or [email protected].

March 1: Deadline for chapters to submit their winning Texas history teacher applicant AND student essay contest applicant to their district representative.

March 1-31: Texas History Month – enacted by the state Legislature June 20, 2003.

March 2: Texas Independence Day* – On this date, the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at Washington-on-the-Brazos. This day was also Sam Houston’s birthday. An annual pilgrimage is held in San Antonio by the Alamo Mission Chapter to celebrate the

Calendar of Upcoming Events


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occasion. Please arrive before 11:30 a.m. if you wish to participate. For more information, contact Alamo Mission Chapter President Sharon Skrobarcek at [email protected] or contact the Chapter directly at [email protected].

March 6: Alamo Heroes Day* – On this date in 1836, the siege of the Alamo was ended when Santa Anna’s forces stormed the Alamo and killed all of the defenders. The Alamo Mission Chapter holds an observance at the Alamo to honor the patriots who died there. An annual pilgrimage is held in San Antonio by the Alamo Mission Chapter to celebrate the occasion. Please arrive before 2:30 p.m. if you wish to participate. For more information, contact Alamo Mission Chapter President Sharon Skrobarcek at [email protected] or contact the Chapter directly at [email protected].

March 27: Goliad Heroes Day* – Following the fall of the Alamo, the Mexican Army, under the command of General Santa Anna, attacked Colonel James W. Fannin’s men at Goliad. Fannin was forced to surrender.

April 21: San Jacinto Day* – On this date, General Sam Houston and the Texas Army defeated Santa Anna’s Mexican troops in the Battle of San Jacinto. An annual pilgrimage is held in San Antonio by the Alamo Mission Chapter to celebrate the occasion. Please arrive before 4 p.m. if you wish to participate. For more information, contact Alamo Mission Chapter President Sharon Skrobarcek at [email protected] or contact the Chapter directly at [email protected].

April 22: Battle of Flowers Parade – The Battle of Flowers Parade is the oldest event and largest parade of Fiesta® San Antonio, attracting crowds of more than 350,000. It is the only parade in the United States produced entirely by women, all of whom are volunteers.

May 11-14: DRT 125th Annual Convention at the Intercontinental Hotel (15201 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75001).

June 1: Garden Party at the Alamo – an evening on the grounds.

*Texas Honor Days

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