Colonial Daughters Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, honored Martha Wasgatt, left, on the occasion of her 100th birthday recently. Chapter member Kay Seefeldt presented her with a handmade lap robe.

DAR chapter honors long-time member

FARMINGTON – The Colonial Daughters Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, met at the Pierce House on Jan. 27 to honor Martha Wasgatt, a long standing chapter member who celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 24.

The occasion was also a special event completing the yearlong celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Colonial Daughters Chapter.

A birthday cake was presented by the chapter and shared with 18 members and several residents of the Pierce House, which provided tea, coffee and punch.

Wasgatt received cards and a hand-crocheted red, white and blue lap robe made by chapter member Kay Seefeldt.

Wasgatt was born in Rockland, Dec. 24, 1908, graduating from Rockland High School. She received a BA degree from the University of Maine in Orono. After graduation, she accepted a position of dietitian at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York.

Later on, she decided that the teaching profession would provide her with more time to pursue other interests and she enrolled at Columbia University. After receiving her master of science degree, Wasgatt taught at a junior college in Pennsylvania for several years.

An opening became available at the University of Maine at Farmington, where she taught in the Early Childhood Department until her retirement in 1972.

Wasgatt is a member of the National Society of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Mt. Blue Garden Club, Colonial Daughters Chapter and the Franklin County Extension.

Gardening was a big part of her life and for many years she provided fresh flowers for various occasions, including flowers for the Colonial Daughters Chapter Good Citizens Awards Luncheons each March. Until recently, she crafted note cards with fresh flowers from her garden, which were sold as fundraisers.

Jeanette Stevens presented a program on “Antique Valentines,” which included her father’s collection from his school days in the early 1900s. A guest at the meeting, Ernestine Dupont also shared her collection of vintage valentines dating back to the 1800s.

Following the festivities a business meeting was conducted by Regent Theo Ross and the residents were invited to attend. A nominating committee was chosen to select names of new officers for the upcoming term, to be voted on at the next meeting. Committee members are Connie Hiltz, Melanie Farmer and Wilma Rector.

The next meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Wilton. The program will be on the “North Church Restoration Project,” presented by Taffy Davis of the Farmington Historical Society.