The historical Morgan log cabin was the backdrop for the Pack Horse Ford Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s picnic on the evening of Tuesday, June 3. The Morgan Cabin, built 1731-1734, is the second home of Colonel Morgan Morgan, the first European settler in West Virginia, and sits on 108 acres that were once hunting grounds for Native Americans. Members and guests enjoyed fried chicken and homemade salads, vegetables, and desserts. The hostesses for the picnic included Treasurer Katherine Genung, Cheryl Losh, Joanne Huntsberry, Mary Davis, Tara Fritz, Darlene White, Kara Gibson, April Funkhouser and Laura White.

The guest speaker was Todd Funkhouser, President of the Berkeley County Historical Society and Chairman of the Berkeley County Historic Landmarks Commission. Funkhouser spoke about the Pack Horse Ford Trail that runs from Shepherdstown, through Berkeley County, and ends in Petersburg. He explained how important the route was in colonial times and how difficult it is today to follow the exact route.

During the evening chapter members participated in a purse auction organized by Corresponding Secretary Polly Wharton and her husband Stewart Wharton. Also auctioned was a table runner made by Chaplain Mary Wood. Proceeds from the auction were given to the American Cancer Society.

Regent Cheryl Brown reminded attendees about the chapter’s participation as the “DAR Daughters Team” in the Jefferson County Relay for Life survivors’ luncheon and charity walk on June 21 in Charles Town. She also asked for volunteers to provide baked goods for the yard sale supporting the historic Peter Burr House at 11 Uvilla Road in Harpers Ferry on the same day.

Discussion of the results of the May 3 chartered bus trip to Monticello also occurred. Over 50 participants enjoyed a visit to the Thomas Jefferson home in Charlottesville, Virginia. Just a short distance away, lunch was served at the historic Mitchie Tavern. A tour of the tavern and a dance lesson of the Virginia Reel completed the day’s activities.

To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org or www.youtube.com/TodaysDAR. For more information about membership in the Pack Horse Chapter, NSDAR, contact Regent Cheryl Brown at 304-876-3817 or FrankK5600@aol.com.