Milestone of service: Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the DAR celebrates its 60th anniversary

During its celebration on Monday, May 18, the chapter paid tribute to its legacy and inducted its new officers for 2026-2028.

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In the same year that the United States of America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the local chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has reached a significant milestone of its own — 60 years in Ormond Beach.

The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the DAR celebrated its 60th anniversary on Monday, May 18, at the Anderson-Price Memorial Building. The chapter paid tribute to its legacy, inducted its new officers for 2026-2028 and hosted a reenactment presentation of Capt. James Ormond by retired Col. William Ashmore, president of the Daytona-Ormond Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Susan Demorsky, chapter regent for 2024-2026, thanked members for their support of the organization and the community.

"Only through your efforts can we achieve great things and I am humbled to have served as your regent for the past two years," Demorsky said. "It has truly been a pleasure, an honor and a privilege." 

The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the DAR was founded in 1966 by Pauline Hamilton Schrager. She was born in 1903 in Iowa, but grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. Her mother and sister were active in their local DAR chapter, and Schrager later joined. 

Schrager enlisted in 1945 at the rank of sergeant with the Aviation Women's Reserve Squadron at the U.S. Marine Corps Airport Base in California. She later married Col. Arthur Schrager and they spent most of their married life in Arlington, Virginia.

Schrager was very active in the National DAR during that time, serving on several committees, said Demorsky. After her husband retired in 1963, they moved to Ormond Beach.

A close friend later suggested a chapter be formed in Ormond Beach. 

On June 9, 1966, the Capt. James Ormond Chapter was established. They had 18 founding members and Schrager served as the organizing regent. 

"In its first year, the chapter set remarkable standards of achievement at both the state and national level," Demorsky said. "Membership grew from the original 18 members to 49 and four associate members. The chapter strongly emphasized the three DAR objectives of historical, educational and patriotic service."

Throughout the 1970s, the chapter's membership continued to grow, reaching 79 members. In the 1980s, membership increased to 102, and in the 1990s, to 135. 

The chapter continues its mission in the 21st century, Demorsky said. They celebrate Constitution Week, participate in Wreaths Across America and Memorial Day ceremonies, and award ROTC medals to cadets at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. 

"We have a strong foundation on which to continue our exceptional service to the DAR and the community," Demorsky said. "I know our daughters will continue shining in extraordinary ways in the years to come." 

Present at the celebration was Florida State Society DAR Regent Kim Zeman, who reminisced about pop culture in the 1960s — from the Civil Rights Movement to the introduction of the Chevy Camaro and the popularity of the Beach Boys.

Who can imagine what the next 60 years will look like, she asked.

"Whatever the future holds, you can be sure DAR will be there," Zeman said. "... The impact you have today will be celebrated by those who follow in your footsteps."

 

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