History

Organizational History

The year was 1885. Grover Cleveland was inaugurated the first Democratic president of the U.S. since the Civil War. It was also the twentieth anniversary of the surrender by the Confederacy to Union forces at Appomattox. To celebrate the event, five women met in Massillon, Ohio and founded the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (DUVCW). The group, which was organized on Memorial Day 30 May 1885, held its first official meeting on 3 June and was incorporated 12 December the same year.

Originally known as the National Alliance of Veterans, the organization later became the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War in 1925, and the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861—1865 in 1944.

The DUVCW is one of the five Allied Orders of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). The other four Orders are: Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, Women’s Relief Corps, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

The GAR endorsed the DUVCW in 1900, and granted it a federal charter the year of its 100^th anniversary, 1985.

The mission of the DUVCW is: To spread widely the teachings of patriotism, that those who dwell in this broad land of ours will so live that, in peace or in war, there shall be no stain on “The Flag Our Fathers Saved.” Its Motto is: Fraternity, Charity & Loyalty.

Today the DUVCW is a national organization headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. Its members reside in several states and meet in what we refer to as local Tents (or chapters). States with three or more Tents form a Department. The New York State Department was organized 27 July 1895, and Tent #36 Kady Brownell Long Island is a member of the New York Department.

All members are direct lineal descendants of Veterans of the Union Army and Navy who fought in the defense of and for the preservation of our Nation during the American Civil War. Our goals are to perpetuate the memory of our ancestors through services, exhibits and other special projects that may include: locating Union Veterans grave sites and obtaining suitable markers for them; observing and participating in ceremonies on national and local holidays; and keeping alive Civil War history, music, literature and art.

We also support and honor the service of all American Veterans who have bravely fought to keep our nation free. Our projects include community service at the local, state and national levels, participating at memorials and volunteering time at veterans hospitals, homes and medical centers.

Much in the spirit of our parent organization, members of Tent #36 continue to honor our Civil War ancestors and veterans in several ways. Throughout the year we meet in the New York Metro area to discuss ongoing and new projects, to share information and to consider business matters. Some of us are active in New York Department and National organizational affairs. Members remain involved with local veterans groups and other patriotic organizations; celebrate Memorial Day, Veterans Day and other days honoring our armed services; participate at the annual Grant’s Tomb ceremony in April; attend special events at Gettysburg each year; and plan outings to local events and exhibits celebrating the Civil War.

Tent History and Organizational History by Mary F. Cordato, Ph.D. | Photo of Dr. Emma L. Balcom from goldstarmoms.com