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HISTORY OF ADEAWMrs. McKee (Annabet), President General 1989-1992, passed away on 16 August 2006. Her passing left our ladies at a loss as Annabet was always in charge of our Nominating Committee obtaining officers for another term. Our History has been updated but only to add accomplishments of our five Presidents General since the writing of the History in 1996. Otherwise, in Annabet’s memory, “our written History” remains the same. (M. C. Austin, PG 2008-2010) Long was the dream of Mrs. Kline d'Aurandt Engle (Caroline). The Associated Daughters of Early American Witches came into being the eleventh of April 1987. Caroline held the office of President General for two years. She was elected Honorary President General at the April 15, 1989 meeting. Her death on March 23, 1990, was a great loss as we had relied on her guidance and friendship. At the April 1989 meeting, Mrs. Pleas M. McKee (Annabet) was elected President General. It was at this meeting, after the election of officers, the attending members voted to make donations to "Charles Cook Theological School" a permanent project of the Society beginning with an amount of $100.00 per annum until we became more prosperous. This was given in Honor of our Founding President and First Honorary President General, Caroline Engle. It was during the first administration that we selected the insignia that was designed by Mrs. McKee, and later J. E. Caldwell and Co. was selected as our official jeweler. Membership cards were printed and given to all members. And, it was in 1990 that California issued our Corporate Number 1538541; they having to wait until we proved our intent by living up to it. They also granted our tax exemption status and Mrs. McKee obtained our EIN number for us. Our third President General, Mrs. Charles Ernest Loucks (Barbara), was elected April 18, 1992, after serving as Registrar General since 1986. Mrs. Loucks hosted a tea at the Washington Club on October 13, 1987, honoring Mrs. Engle. This tea was for prospective members and friends. Mrs. Loucks prepared the two Directories and, in her travels, spoke to various groups about “Witches.” But, due to failing health Mrs. Loucks resigned that June (1992) and Mrs. William Alfred Smith (Barbara) assumed the office, which allowed a continuation of leadership without dire consequences. Membership continued to increase and attendance at the Annual Meetings held steady. Mrs. Paul George Molloy (Patty) served as our President General from 1994 to April 13, 1996 when Miss F. Marian Chambers was elected to serve as President General; she had previously served as Corresponding Secretary. Under Mrs. Molloy's leadership, we gained many new members and voted in new bylaws (April 1996). Under Miss Chambers’ leadership our membership gained over 20 new members and our recently voted, new, bylaws were published in the Directory for the first time. Also our History and Cook College charity was added to our Directory at the same time. Mrs. Nelson Vance Harper (Gloria) was elected President General in April 1998. Under Gloria’s direction, we were officially on the Internet with a web site that helped to gain over 30 new members and our Annual Meeting attendance increased. In April 2000, Dr. Marilyn F. Balmer was elected President General for the next two years when Mrs. Ronald L. Schaeffer (Ann) was elected for the 2002-2004 term. Mrs. John M. Power (Jane) was elected in April 2004. Under Jane’s leadership we again obtained over 30 new members and a second, additional but smaller, insignia. In April 2006 Mrs. Edward L. Wilkinson (Marlene) was elected President General after serving as Registrar for four years. During her term of office we added over 45 new members and HPG pins were designed by Mrs. Power and made by Caldwell. Here we are today, April 2009, with over 345 ladies admitted and working on additional membership. Associated Daughters of Early American Witches has been blessed with capable officers, peace, and congeniality that allows the membership to anticipate continued growth of ladies honoring their ancestors who were so mistreated. Mrs. Pleas Milton McKee (Annabet) President General 1989-1992 (updated April 2009) |