Organized by Mrs. James H. Dooley
January 25, 1892
Old Dominion was the first chapter organized in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the seventh in the Nation. The charter was issued February 1, 1892. The name “Old Dominion” was chosen because it is the sobriquet of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Old Dominion Chapter was organized on January 25, 1892. Mrs. Sallie May Dooley, wife of Major James H. Dooley, was the founding regent. She lived on Franklin Street and later at Maymont. The chapter charter, issued on February 1, 1892, has been lost twice and – alas – found only once. There were 13 charter members recorded.
Throughout the 125 years, Old Dominion has adhered to the National Society motto of “God, Home, and Country.” Generous support has been given to the DAR schools, projects, conservation, and preservation. Our chapter has attracted members of various ages and talents who combined efforts to contribute to the strength of Old Dominion.
The first Virginia State Regent, Mrs. William Wirt Henry, was a member of Old Dominion. Old Dominion Daughter, Mrs. Ralph E. Rhodes served as Virginia State Regent and later was elected Vice President General and Chaplain General of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Old Dominion led a move to recognize the birthday of George Washington, first president of the United States. February 13, 2020 will mark the 113th year the chapter has had a wreath laying ceremony, either in the Capitol Rotunda or at the equestrian statue in Capitol Square.
On June 7, 1910, a gold plate was placed upon the door of the Patrick Henry’s pew in St. John’s Church to honor his contributions during the American Revolution. After many years of physical contact by church visitors the plate was removed to be re-engraved. The plate is now located on the wall to the left of the pulpit.
For 50 years, Old Dominion was custodian of a cornerstone of the Washington, DC, boundaries, placed when George Washington surveyed it in 1791 – 1792. In 1969 this custodianship was legally transferred to the care of Thomas Nelson Chapter, DAR, and Washington-Lee, C.A.R., with appropriate ceremonies to mark the occasion.
During World War I, Old Dominion gave an ambulance to the United States Hospital at Westhampton (University of Richmond). The ambulance was given in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette. They also adopted a French orphan, Andre Lacome, for the war years.
Two Wedgewood plates were presented to the Virginia Room by Old Dominion Daughter, Mrs. Robert L. Throckmorton.
Our Bicentennial project was a tablecloth representing the fifty United States. The embroidered squares were done and signed by chapter members. Mary Ruth Northrop coordinated this project. This tablecloth has been used for special chapter celebrations.
In 2017 our chapter celebrated our 125th birthday by contributing $500.00 to Maymont in memory of Sallie May Dooley in thanksgiving for having her as our founding regent.
It is with gratitude for the past and excitement for the future that Old Dominion looks forward to her next 130 years!