DBE is a Non-Profit,
Non-Political Organization
© 2000 - 2011 DBE Texas.
All Rights Reserved.
Non-Political Organization
© 2000 - 2011 DBE Texas.
All Rights Reserved.
"Not ourselves
but the cause"
but the cause"
1948 - Edith Cavell Chapter was organized in Houston on October 13, by 21 Charter
Members. Mrs. K. W. Tideman was the first President. The State Board would remain in
Houston for the next 28 years until 1976.
1949 - Charter granted. A second chapter, Piccadilly, was added. It was made up largely of war brides and career girls. Membership up to 49. The State's first fundraiser was held in February. Empire Day Fete held in May, raising $75 for the DBE Home in Florida - Bramfilles House.
1950 - Three more chapters started. All five chapters participated in an October Garden Fete, raising $500 for the Home. Pickwick and Edith Cavell Chapters pledged to furnish a room each, at a cost of $250 per room. Texas members became the first to pay National dues-25 cents per person.
1951 - Mrs. J.K. Stirton President.
1953 - In March, members participated in hosting the officers and crew of the cruiser HMS Sheffield, as well as British Ambassador Sir Roger Makins and Lady Makins. John Bull Chapter started in Dallas.
1954 - Mrs. A. Jago President.
1955 - Mrs. F.R.C. Brown, Edith Cavell Chapter, awarded the MBE by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II.
1957 - Mrs. K.W. Tideman President. Mrs. J.K. Stirton, Edith Cavell Chapter, awarded the MBE and appointed Southern District Organizer.
1958 - After 10 years, the State had 7 chapters, 76 members.
1960 - Mrs. B.T. Withers President. Mrs. W. Goy, Piccadilly Chapter, awarded the MBE.
1961 - Mrs. J. Keith, Edith Cavell Chapter, awarded the MBE.
1963 - Mrs. F.E. Cartwright President. Mrs. B.T. Withers appointed Southern District Organizer.
1964 - The National Convention for the 15th Administration, based in New York, was held in May in Houston. Events included an official luncheon with local VIP's, a barbecue with a poolside fashion show featuring members as models, cocktails at the British Consul's home, and a tour of NASA. In October, members participated in events related to the "Britain in Texas Fortnight" and the International Trade Fair in Houston.
1965 -Mrs. F. E. Cartwright, Edith Cavell Chapter, awarded the MBE. An honorary MBE was awarded to Mrs. F. E. Wegener, Piccadilly Chapter, for her many years of service in the British Consulate in Houston. Many members had the privilege of meeting HRH Prince Philip at a cocktail party in Houston.
1966 - Mrs. J.C. Ryan President. Three new chapters were formed, including two outside the Houston area, Boadicea in Dallas and Thames in San Antonio. This brought the number of chapters to eight and total membership to 118.
1967 - A reception was held for all DBE members at the Warwick Hotel in Houston for HRH Princess Alexandra and the Hon. Angus Ogilvy. The entire membership (111) was presented to Her Royal Highness.
1968 - Mrs. J.C. Ryan President (first one to serve back to back terms). Members of Thames Chapter became the first British organization to march in the Alamo Ceremonies in San Antonio. After 20 years, the State had 10 chapters, 179 members.
1969 - Membership exceeded 200 for first time as four new chapters, including one in El Paso and the first Junior Chapter in the USA, brought the total to 14 with 214 members.
1970 - Mrs. G. Englesmith President. A record eight new chapters were started this year.
1971 - For the first time, the DBE National Board is headquartered in Texas forming the 18th Administration: Mrs. Ben T. Withers, President; Mrs. James C. Ryan, First Vice President; Mrs. David Marrack, Second Vice President; Mrs. Frederick Maxwell, Third Vice President; Mrs. S. Victor Heath, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Alex Gol, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. C. K. Monroe, Treasurer, and Mrs. Edwin Higgins, Organizing Secretary.
1972 - Mrs. Wyndham Evans President. Texas hosted its second National Convention in Houston.
1973 - 25 years: 26 chapters, including the first one in San Angelo, with 476 members.
1974 - Mrs. D.R. Scotton President. First Houston Bazaar held. This annual event would become the Texas DBE's top fund-raising event. 33 Texas members attended the Triennial Meeting in New Orleans - a record!
1975 - Mrs. B.T. Withers, immediate past National President and member of Pickwick Chapter, awarded the MBE. It's not often that DBE Chapter members meet the person for whom their Chapter is named. However, members of the Douglas Bader Chapter met Group Captain Bader at a reception. The State created a cookbook - "British Cooking with an International Flavour" which has sold over 1500 copies. Josie Toogood, Boadicea Chapter Dallas, appointed Southern District Organizer.
1976 - State Board based outside of Houston for the first time in Dallas with Mrs. G. Townsend President. Board remained in Dallas until 1982.
1977 - State President Margaret Townsend attended a reception in honor of HRH Prince Charles in Houston and spoke with him at length.
1978 - Mrs. O. Pinsker President. 30th Anniversary. The goal of 500 members was met during November in 28 Chapters. State President, Officers and Dallas area members attended the Celebration of Faith and Culture held during the State Fair of Texas in October. DBE members placed first and second in the Ethnic Food Contest (British Classification) with their Maids of Honor and plum pudding, respectively.
1979 - The State Board held its first out-of-town monthly meeting in San Angelo on September 22nd. Land was purchased for a new Southern District Home in the Houston area.
1980 -Mrs. J. Richeson President.
1982 - State Board based in Houston until 1988. Mrs. Alex Gol State President. DBE hosted a tea for HRH Princess Anne in Houston, where she unveiled a plaque that revealed the new name of the Southern District Home: Mountbatten House. The tea raised $9,400 for the Home. Also that year, President Joan Gol attended a reception for the Rt. Hon. George Thomas, PCMP, Speaker of the House of Commons.
1983 - Mountbatten House officially opened on May 19.
1984 - Mrs. Joan Gol State President. Many distinguished visitors to Texas: Lord and Lady Harewood; Princess Alexandra; Dame Mary Donaldson CBE, Lord Mayor of London; Lord Romsey, grandson of Lord Mountbatten, and Lady Romsey. Lord and Lady Romsey attended the Mountbatten House Endowment Ball and other events which raised a total of $35,000, a tremendous start for the MBH Endowment Fund. Cynthia L. Ryan, Pickwick Chapter, awarded the MBE. Margaret Townsend appointed Southern District Organizer.
1985 - Mrs. Barbara Higgins, Pickwick Chapter, awarded the MBE for efforts in establishing Mountbatten House. Houston hosted the National Convention for the 22nd Administration based in Louisiana.
1986 - Mrs. Alice Cutsinger President. HRH Prince Charles visited MBH. After his visit, paperweights were made with his approval and sold with all profits going to the Home.
1987 - Members were saddened by the death of long-time Edith Cavell member Minnie Brown, who was the first Texas DBE member to reside in Mountbatten House.
1988 - State Board based in Dallas until 1992. Mrs. Pat Bell President. At the State's 40th Anniversary, membership hit 578 in 31 chapters.
1990 - Mrs. Pat Adams President. Members attended luncheons for Duchess of Kent and Countess Mountbatten in Houston.
1991 - 35 chapters, 586 members. State President Pat Adams attended dinner hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Houston. Dallas/Fort Worth-area members attended a concert honoring the Queen and Prince Philip. For the second time in 3 years, Texas received the Marjorie Kirkland award for the greatest increase in membership for a state with over 150 members.
1992 - State Board based in Houston until 1998. Mrs. Mavis Sanders State President. New wing opened at Mountbatten House.
1993 - Past Home Board President, June Everett, Dame Margaret Rutherford Chapter, awarded the MBE.
1994 - Mrs. Joan Gol State President.
1995 - Houston's Annual British Festival has best year ever, raising $36,429.17.
1996 - Mrs. Joan Gol State President.
1997 - State President and Coldstream Guards Chapter member Joan Gol awarded the MBE. Houston hosted the National Convention for the 26th Administration based in North Carolina and concluded the event with a Texas BBQ at the Livingston Ranch of the Cartwright family.
1998 - State Board based for first time in San Antonio until 2002. Mrs. Shirley Bailey State President.
1999 - Golden Anniversary celebrated by the State's 32 chapters and 508 members in Dallas. Records of DBE in Texas to be added to archives of Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio.
2000 - Mrs. Shirley Bailey State President. Texas DBE Website, designed by Katy Springer and her husband JD, is launched to provide information and improve communication.
2001 - Members attended tea for Princess Alexandra and the Hon. Angus Ogilvy in Houston.
2002 - State Board based in Houston until 2006. Mrs. Barbara Batten State President. Shirley Bailey appointed Southern District Organizer.
2003 - Mountbatten House brochure digitized and placed on Website.
2004 - Mrs. Barbara Batten State President. San Antonio Chapters hosted the Southern District Organizer's meeting.
2005 - Texas members contributed time and opened their homes to evacuees fleeing hurricanes in Louisiana.
2006 - State Board based in Dallas/Fort Worth until 2010. Katy Springer President.
2007 - New National Board Members, all from Texas, were sworn in at National Convention in Long Beach, California to form the 30th Administration. Joan Gol MBE President, Sharon Pruitt 1st Vice President, Dorothy Norlund 2nd Vice President, Rilla Chaka 3rd Vice President, Jan Odam Recording Secretary, Sheila Gilbert Corresponding Secretary, Norma Lloyd Treasurer, Eunice Edelstein Organizer. The State Board worked hard to update the Articles of Incorporation, allowing the State to utilize the benefits of its 501 (c) (3) status. Documents in the possession of the State Recording Secretary, dating back to 1948, were placed into protective sleeves and binders.
2008 - Katy Springer State President. Dallas/Fort Worth Chapters hosted Southern District Organizer's Meeting on November 8. The State finished the year with 27 Chapters, 370 Regular Members, 8 Life Members and 1 Junior member.
2009 - National Convention held in Houston for the 6th time, during which the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the DBE was celebrated in grand style. 60th Anniversary Convention held in San Antonio. State had 342 members in 25 Chapters.
2010 - State Board based for first time in Austin. Julie Westcott State President.
1949 - Charter granted. A second chapter, Piccadilly, was added. It was made up largely of war brides and career girls. Membership up to 49. The State's first fundraiser was held in February. Empire Day Fete held in May, raising $75 for the DBE Home in Florida - Bramfilles House.
1950 - Three more chapters started. All five chapters participated in an October Garden Fete, raising $500 for the Home. Pickwick and Edith Cavell Chapters pledged to furnish a room each, at a cost of $250 per room. Texas members became the first to pay National dues-25 cents per person.
1951 - Mrs. J.K. Stirton President.
1953 - In March, members participated in hosting the officers and crew of the cruiser HMS Sheffield, as well as British Ambassador Sir Roger Makins and Lady Makins. John Bull Chapter started in Dallas.
1954 - Mrs. A. Jago President.
1955 - Mrs. F.R.C. Brown, Edith Cavell Chapter, awarded the MBE by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II.
1957 - Mrs. K.W. Tideman President. Mrs. J.K. Stirton, Edith Cavell Chapter, awarded the MBE and appointed Southern District Organizer.
1958 - After 10 years, the State had 7 chapters, 76 members.
1960 - Mrs. B.T. Withers President. Mrs. W. Goy, Piccadilly Chapter, awarded the MBE.
1961 - Mrs. J. Keith, Edith Cavell Chapter, awarded the MBE.
1963 - Mrs. F.E. Cartwright President. Mrs. B.T. Withers appointed Southern District Organizer.
1964 - The National Convention for the 15th Administration, based in New York, was held in May in Houston. Events included an official luncheon with local VIP's, a barbecue with a poolside fashion show featuring members as models, cocktails at the British Consul's home, and a tour of NASA. In October, members participated in events related to the "Britain in Texas Fortnight" and the International Trade Fair in Houston.
1965 -Mrs. F. E. Cartwright, Edith Cavell Chapter, awarded the MBE. An honorary MBE was awarded to Mrs. F. E. Wegener, Piccadilly Chapter, for her many years of service in the British Consulate in Houston. Many members had the privilege of meeting HRH Prince Philip at a cocktail party in Houston.
1966 - Mrs. J.C. Ryan President. Three new chapters were formed, including two outside the Houston area, Boadicea in Dallas and Thames in San Antonio. This brought the number of chapters to eight and total membership to 118.
1967 - A reception was held for all DBE members at the Warwick Hotel in Houston for HRH Princess Alexandra and the Hon. Angus Ogilvy. The entire membership (111) was presented to Her Royal Highness.
1968 - Mrs. J.C. Ryan President (first one to serve back to back terms). Members of Thames Chapter became the first British organization to march in the Alamo Ceremonies in San Antonio. After 20 years, the State had 10 chapters, 179 members.
1969 - Membership exceeded 200 for first time as four new chapters, including one in El Paso and the first Junior Chapter in the USA, brought the total to 14 with 214 members.
1970 - Mrs. G. Englesmith President. A record eight new chapters were started this year.
1971 - For the first time, the DBE National Board is headquartered in Texas forming the 18th Administration: Mrs. Ben T. Withers, President; Mrs. James C. Ryan, First Vice President; Mrs. David Marrack, Second Vice President; Mrs. Frederick Maxwell, Third Vice President; Mrs. S. Victor Heath, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Alex Gol, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. C. K. Monroe, Treasurer, and Mrs. Edwin Higgins, Organizing Secretary.
1972 - Mrs. Wyndham Evans President. Texas hosted its second National Convention in Houston.
1973 - 25 years: 26 chapters, including the first one in San Angelo, with 476 members.
1974 - Mrs. D.R. Scotton President. First Houston Bazaar held. This annual event would become the Texas DBE's top fund-raising event. 33 Texas members attended the Triennial Meeting in New Orleans - a record!
1975 - Mrs. B.T. Withers, immediate past National President and member of Pickwick Chapter, awarded the MBE. It's not often that DBE Chapter members meet the person for whom their Chapter is named. However, members of the Douglas Bader Chapter met Group Captain Bader at a reception. The State created a cookbook - "British Cooking with an International Flavour" which has sold over 1500 copies. Josie Toogood, Boadicea Chapter Dallas, appointed Southern District Organizer.
1976 - State Board based outside of Houston for the first time in Dallas with Mrs. G. Townsend President. Board remained in Dallas until 1982.
1977 - State President Margaret Townsend attended a reception in honor of HRH Prince Charles in Houston and spoke with him at length.
1978 - Mrs. O. Pinsker President. 30th Anniversary. The goal of 500 members was met during November in 28 Chapters. State President, Officers and Dallas area members attended the Celebration of Faith and Culture held during the State Fair of Texas in October. DBE members placed first and second in the Ethnic Food Contest (British Classification) with their Maids of Honor and plum pudding, respectively.
1979 - The State Board held its first out-of-town monthly meeting in San Angelo on September 22nd. Land was purchased for a new Southern District Home in the Houston area.
1980 -Mrs. J. Richeson President.
1982 - State Board based in Houston until 1988. Mrs. Alex Gol State President. DBE hosted a tea for HRH Princess Anne in Houston, where she unveiled a plaque that revealed the new name of the Southern District Home: Mountbatten House. The tea raised $9,400 for the Home. Also that year, President Joan Gol attended a reception for the Rt. Hon. George Thomas, PCMP, Speaker of the House of Commons.
1983 - Mountbatten House officially opened on May 19.
1984 - Mrs. Joan Gol State President. Many distinguished visitors to Texas: Lord and Lady Harewood; Princess Alexandra; Dame Mary Donaldson CBE, Lord Mayor of London; Lord Romsey, grandson of Lord Mountbatten, and Lady Romsey. Lord and Lady Romsey attended the Mountbatten House Endowment Ball and other events which raised a total of $35,000, a tremendous start for the MBH Endowment Fund. Cynthia L. Ryan, Pickwick Chapter, awarded the MBE. Margaret Townsend appointed Southern District Organizer.
1985 - Mrs. Barbara Higgins, Pickwick Chapter, awarded the MBE for efforts in establishing Mountbatten House. Houston hosted the National Convention for the 22nd Administration based in Louisiana.
1986 - Mrs. Alice Cutsinger President. HRH Prince Charles visited MBH. After his visit, paperweights were made with his approval and sold with all profits going to the Home.
1987 - Members were saddened by the death of long-time Edith Cavell member Minnie Brown, who was the first Texas DBE member to reside in Mountbatten House.
1988 - State Board based in Dallas until 1992. Mrs. Pat Bell President. At the State's 40th Anniversary, membership hit 578 in 31 chapters.
1990 - Mrs. Pat Adams President. Members attended luncheons for Duchess of Kent and Countess Mountbatten in Houston.
1991 - 35 chapters, 586 members. State President Pat Adams attended dinner hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Houston. Dallas/Fort Worth-area members attended a concert honoring the Queen and Prince Philip. For the second time in 3 years, Texas received the Marjorie Kirkland award for the greatest increase in membership for a state with over 150 members.
1992 - State Board based in Houston until 1998. Mrs. Mavis Sanders State President. New wing opened at Mountbatten House.
1993 - Past Home Board President, June Everett, Dame Margaret Rutherford Chapter, awarded the MBE.
1994 - Mrs. Joan Gol State President.
1995 - Houston's Annual British Festival has best year ever, raising $36,429.17.
1996 - Mrs. Joan Gol State President.
1997 - State President and Coldstream Guards Chapter member Joan Gol awarded the MBE. Houston hosted the National Convention for the 26th Administration based in North Carolina and concluded the event with a Texas BBQ at the Livingston Ranch of the Cartwright family.
1998 - State Board based for first time in San Antonio until 2002. Mrs. Shirley Bailey State President.
1999 - Golden Anniversary celebrated by the State's 32 chapters and 508 members in Dallas. Records of DBE in Texas to be added to archives of Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio.
2000 - Mrs. Shirley Bailey State President. Texas DBE Website, designed by Katy Springer and her husband JD, is launched to provide information and improve communication.
2001 - Members attended tea for Princess Alexandra and the Hon. Angus Ogilvy in Houston.
2002 - State Board based in Houston until 2006. Mrs. Barbara Batten State President. Shirley Bailey appointed Southern District Organizer.
2003 - Mountbatten House brochure digitized and placed on Website.
2004 - Mrs. Barbara Batten State President. San Antonio Chapters hosted the Southern District Organizer's meeting.
2005 - Texas members contributed time and opened their homes to evacuees fleeing hurricanes in Louisiana.
2006 - State Board based in Dallas/Fort Worth until 2010. Katy Springer President.
2007 - New National Board Members, all from Texas, were sworn in at National Convention in Long Beach, California to form the 30th Administration. Joan Gol MBE President, Sharon Pruitt 1st Vice President, Dorothy Norlund 2nd Vice President, Rilla Chaka 3rd Vice President, Jan Odam Recording Secretary, Sheila Gilbert Corresponding Secretary, Norma Lloyd Treasurer, Eunice Edelstein Organizer. The State Board worked hard to update the Articles of Incorporation, allowing the State to utilize the benefits of its 501 (c) (3) status. Documents in the possession of the State Recording Secretary, dating back to 1948, were placed into protective sleeves and binders.
2008 - Katy Springer State President. Dallas/Fort Worth Chapters hosted Southern District Organizer's Meeting on November 8. The State finished the year with 27 Chapters, 370 Regular Members, 8 Life Members and 1 Junior member.
2009 - National Convention held in Houston for the 6th time, during which the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the DBE was celebrated in grand style. 60th Anniversary Convention held in San Antonio. State had 342 members in 25 Chapters.
2010 - State Board based for first time in Austin. Julie Westcott State President.
Timeline