Friendship Oak Chapter celebrates 40 years
The Friendship Oak Chapter of the National Daughters of the American Revolution in Long Beach turned 40 on March 31, 2023. On that date in 1983, Mrs. William Sanders, State Regent of Mississippi, administered the oath of office to Mrs. John C. Elkins, Organizing Regent, as thirteen members gathered under the over-500-year-old Friendship Oak Tree located on the Gulf Park campus of the University of Southern Mississippi.
A 40th Anniversary Celebration was held by the Chapter at their meeting on March 8 at the Great Southern Club. The celebration included a luncheon with decorated cake for dessert, as well as a presentation created from the 1983-1984 Chapter yearbook and stories of the organization of the Chapter and of its namesake, The Friendship Oak tree, which is between five hundred and six hundred years old.
Commemorative favors of a leather bookmark were given to all who attended, and attendees were also given the opportunity to purchase a commemorative pin.
A placard underneath the Friendship Oak Tree states, “I am the Friendship Oak. Those who enter my shadow will remain friends through all their lifetimes.”
