Saratoga Battle Chapter History

DEDICATION

This Chapter History and Highlights is dedicated to our beloved and respected compatriot

Carlton Ellsworth Covell

In preparing this story of the first twenty-five years of our chapter, it became clear that Carl's devotion to this Society is one of the primary reasons we even exist today. In 1977 he rescued the chapter from certain extinction by stepping in and holding a crucial reorganization meeting. Carl has served our chapter as President, Registrar and Chaplain. In spite of advancing age and occasional ailments, he has always been there when we needed him. We owe him a lot, and we are all richer for having known him. Thank you, Carl.

INTRODUCTION

When I first became chapter President in March of 1997 and took custody of what chapter records existed, I was dismayed to see how little of even our recent past had been documented and preserved. Some records were filed in folders by year, and others were unorganized. Over the past one year, I have attempted to put all of the records into chronological order, with a folder for each year. Then, using these as a base, I have compiled this timeline of what has transpired since the earliest records from 1974.

I at first hesitated to call this a history, as the surviving records are quite sparse for some years. However, this is what we have to work with and, for better or worse, is all that is available to record where we have been and what we have done.

Our chapter has had a precarious existence over the past twenty-five years, nearly going defunct more than once. This should be an object lesson to all of us as we near the end of the 20^th century: all that is required for a viable organization to become irrelevant and inactive is for its members to stop caring whether or not it does so.

These are perilous times for lineage organizations such as the SAR. Younger members, our lifeblood, find that life presents many demands upon their time and resources, and can find it difficult to justify the time and expense that membership can entail. Our older members, who have shepherded the chapter through many difficult times, will not be with us forever. The last thing that we can afford to do is to lose our institutional memory, that sense of belonging to an organization that is larger than any one of us. It is hoped that this chronicle will put in place a foundation for the Saratoga Battle Chapter to maintain and add to its own history, for the benefit of us all, present as well as future members.

Dennis F.M. Marr, Compiler

31 December 1998

President 1997-1999

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Dedication and Introduction
1974|1975|1976|1977|1978|1979 |1980|1981|1982|1983|1984|1985 |1986|1987|1988|1989
1990|1991|1992|1993|1994|1995 |1996|1997|1998
Conclusion | Rosters of Officers

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1974

The earliest records of our current chapter date from 1974, when it was known as the Admiral George Browne Capital District Chapter. There is reference to a $600 grant from the Empire State Society in 1972 to assist in organizing a chapter in the Capital District Area.

We have an undated list of officers and members describing the individuals thusly: "all are charter signers except William C. Dixon III and Wayne F. Wilson, and they have indicated they will sign the charter, which is being held open, at the time of the installation affair." Officers and members are listed as follows:

President - Delbert Victor Browne, Albany, NY

Vice President - LaVerne W. Getman, Albany, NY

Secretary - Rafael Scheibley Figueroa, Menands, NY

Treasurer - Mark Hoyt Fish, Chestertown, NY

Members:

Dr. Gordon L. Barclay - Albany, NY

Kent H. Brown - Slingerlands, NY*

Delbert Victor Browne - Albany, NY

William Collins Dixon III - Ballston Spa, NY

Louis N. Fickeisen - Saratoga, NY

Rafael Scheibley Figueroa - Menands, NY

Mark Hoyt Fish - Chestertown, NY

James B. Gardiner - New York, NY

LaVerne W. Getman - Albany, NY

Marcus J. Greene - Scotia, NY

Dr. Robert S. Hayden - Saratoga, NY

Wynton T. Hotaling - Greenwich, NY*

Robert W. Leavitt - Lake George, NY

Albert Shaw - Shushan, NY

Frederick T. Stiles - Delmar, NY

Alex Wiltse - Catskill, NY

Cyrus H. Woodbury - Diamond Point, NY

Ralph Hoyt Bacon (Dr.) - Pleasantville, NY (ESSSAR Registrar)

Handwritten added member:

Harvey H. Moses - Sabbath Day Point, NY

Typed Note:

"James B. Gardiner and Dr. Ralph Hoyt Bacon are retaining membership in their home chapters. They joined our chapter in an honorary way and should be billed for our chapter dues until further notice".

*(Compiler’s note: compatriots Kent Brown and Wynton Hotaling are still members of our chapter as of 31 Dec 1998).

In a letter to chapter members dated 1 July, chapter Secretary Everett S. Willoughby informs the membership that the vote regarding the (SAR) monument to be placed at the Saratoga National Historic Park (Saratoga Battlefield) was favorable; subscriptions received towards its cost were also favorable.

The unveiling of the monument was held on 4 August. The Spirit of '76 Ancient Fife and Drum Corps of West Sayville, NY provided the music for the ceremony. Representatives of the US Army, Air Force and Navy presented the colors. The keynote speaker was US Rep. Samuel S. Stratton.

The bronze plaque affixed to the monument commemorates the 200^th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga in 1777. The US Bicentennial celebrations were ongoing in 1974, and the monument apparently was the chapter's tangible recognition of the significance of these events.

On 9 August, chapter President/Registrar Delbert V. Browne resigned both of his positions in a one-sentence letter to Secretary Willoughby. We have no written evidence of the reasons for this action. Empire State Society President Robert B. Newcomb wrote to Secretary Willoughby on 2 September indicating that he had written to Mr. Browne asking him to reconsider, but that he had received no reply President Newcomb points out that the chapter has 20 members, and that continuity of leadership is imperative. On 18 November Mr. Browne writes to Secretary Willoughby informing him that, since no one else has stepped forward to assume the presidency, after long consideration he will resume that position.

Secretary Willoughby, in a letter of 15 September to Ray Perry of the ESSSAR refers to the resignation of President/Registrar Browne and that no successor has come forward. He states that he gathers that the chapter has "always" been a passive organization. He had joined just during the past year and knows nothing of the events of the chapter's founding. He has so far met only Mr. Browne and one other member. He concludes: "I regret that I cannot give you further information but at present the inactivity appears to be total."

In another letter the same day to ESSSAR President Newcomb, Secretary Willoughby stated that he did not know the reasons for Mr. Browne's resignation. He then goes on: "The chapter appears to be a completely passive organization. Perhaps that is what the members want: I don't know We made an attempt at meeting in Saratoga in May but canceled it since only three or four members ___________attendance. The officers have not met since I have been a member and there is no active program."

1975

An undated member roster labeled "Fall 1975" indicates that the chapter had 31 members. On 1 April chapter President Browne informs Secretary Willoughby that he is "ceasing my (SAR) activities."

On 17 May Secretary Willoughby forwarded to ESSSAR Registrar Ralph Bacon the application of Carlton E. Covell. Carl, as we know, would go on to become one of our chapter's most distinguished and active members, serving variously as President, Registrar and Chaplain.

In a letter to a prospective member dated 22 August, Secretary Willoughby described the chapter as follows: "There are about two dozen members scattered over a rather large area. The chapter is not active. There have been no meetings of the membership."

1976

On 4 January, Secretary Willoughby transmitted the chapter's records to Vice President Laverne Getman, stating that he was discontinuing his membership.

Mr. Getman received a letter from ESSSAR Past President E. Fred Dougherty. He (Dougherty) has been asked by State President J. Wesley Pullman to "contact your chapter with respect to what appears to be its present moribund state." In this, the Bicentennial year, it seems that SAR should be at the top of the list of active organizations in observing this great event, says Mr. Dougherty.

Mr. Dougherty continues: "We were most hopeful that the formation of the Albany Chapter would fill in the gap in the Capitol (sic) City area which had been long felt. It does not appear that such hopes have been fulfilled." He suggests a meeting to see what can be done to get things going.

On July 4 (how appropriate!), ESSSAR Past President Dougherty replied to a letter from Carl Covell with reference to reviving the Admiral George Browne Chapter. SAR needs good representation in the Capital District. Compatriot Laverne Getman is Vice President and is Acting President since the President is not active. If compatriot Getman calls a meeting with a view to getting things going, Mr. Dougherty would be happy to attend.

Everett Willoughby also wrote to Carl Covell in a letter dated August 22: "The chapter has never been an active one and exists mainly on paper, I believe. I am no longer a member since I transferred my membership to At-Large status this year....I can agree with you that it is rather sad to see chapters lapse, especially in the time of the Bicentennial and in a location so historically rich……I believe Mr. Getman would be greatly interested in your offer of help and I suggest that you talk with him about it."

1977

In a form letter to members of the Admiral George Browne Chapter dated March 10, chapter Treasurer Mark H. Fish informed the membership that the status of the chapter had been a topic of discussion at the February 5 ESSSAR Board of Mangers meeting in White Plains:

"It was felt that since the chapter is not active that it might become affiliated with the Stone Arabia Chapter of Ft. Plain, which is a very active chapter. It is doing very well, has interesting meetings with speakers… Members are being invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Empire State Society, SAR, to be held in April at the Johnstown Hotel one advantage of this would be that we would not lose the money in our treasury. If we do not become active it is likely that Empire State will ask the return of the $600 it granted us in 1972…….”

At the bottom of this letter was a clip-off form to be returned indicating whether or not the compatriot was in favor of "becoming affiliated" with the Stone Arabia Chapter SAR.

On 22 March, the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs confirmed to Carl Covell that it has reserved a room for an SAR meeting and luncheon on April 3 for 16 persons.

Note of 25 March from ESSSAR Registrar Bacon to Carl Covell:

"Dear Compatriot Covell

Have just received Compatriot Fish's note of March 22. Am so glad that you are taking over. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

With best wishes, Sincerely,

Ralph H. Bacon"

On April 3, a meeting was called to order by Vice President Laverne Getman at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs. Motion was made and seconded that Carlton Covell be elected President of the Admiral George Browne Chapter. Also nominated and elected were:

Charles Carroll - V. President

Dr. John R. Moon - Secretary

Mark Fish - Treasurer

The Annual Meeting will be held in Saratoga. There will be at least four meetings per year. The Treasurer reported $670.12 in the treasury: $366.76 in the savings account and $303.37 in the checking account.

A letter to members dated May 9 from President Covell described the April 3^rdmeeting as a "reorganizational meeting." Carl states: "It is only by your participation that the chapter can become successful. As officers alone, we cannot do much, either in the way of obtaining new members, nor in conducting the affairs or our chapter. Stop to consider one important fact: you cannot buy membership in this Society."

At a meeting in Saratoga on June 5, Mr. Fred Dougherty of ESSSAR inducted the recently-elected officers. Discussion was held as to how best to recruit new members. According to a press release dated June 6, other dignitaries on hand included: Past Pres. James B. Gardiner of New York City; Pres. Norman H. Dieter of Stoneycrest; and Registrar (ESSSAR) Ralph H. Bacon of Brewster. The Rev. Robert Field, rector of Christ Church in Ballston Spa, acted as Chaplain. Plans were made for a special program to mark the Surrender of Burgoyne in 1777. The chapter is presently named in honor of a World War II naval officer; it is seeking a name more closely connected with the area in honor of battles, skirmishes or local Revolutionary heroes.

1978

There is nothing of note in our files for this year.

1979

In a meeting notice dated January 1, Secretary Dr. John R. Moon revealed that "a number of compatriots have suggested that we change the name of our chapter."

On January 5, Treasurer Mark H. Fish's wife wrote to Secretary Moon that compatriot Fish was developing cataracts and was no longer able to drive at night. She stated that he asks to be relieved of the duties of Treasurer for the chapter, as his eyesight makes the carrying out of these duties extremely difficult.

At a dinner meeting in Albany on January 26, the issue of a new name for the chapter was discussed. "Although all agreed on a change, almost each compatriot had a different suggestion." Suggested new names included: Phillip (sic) Schuyler; Saratoga Battle; Yankee Doodle; Lafayette-Capital District; Livingston; DeWitt Clinton. A committee consisting of Compatriots Covell, Bradley and Moon was formed to study the matter further. In attendance at this meeting were the ESSSAR President Dieter and ESSSAR Registrar Bacon, who presented rosettes to three new members. Lauren Bradley was appointed Treasurer to replace Mark Fish.

On May 11, five members convened a meeting in Albany. Compatriot Bradley presented his research on the history of "Yankee Doodle." The majority of compatriots present (!) voted for "Yankee Doodle" as a chapter name that would not be geographically constricting. Mr. Bradley Stevenson was voted in as a new member and elected Vice President; compatriot Lauren Bradley became the permanent Treasurer.

President Covell proposed Bruce Arnold and John Gormley to "receive our first honor awards" (i.e., the NSSAR Law Enforcement Medal).

At the ESSSAR Board of Managers meeting held in Ithaca on June 9, Registrar Bacon brought up the formal change in our chapter's name to "Yankee Doodle Chapter. " This choice is described in the minutes as "somewhat lacking in dignity for some compatriots."

In August of 1979 letters were sent regarding the awarding of the Law Enforcement Medals. The proposed recipients' names are now given as Bruce Arnold of the New York State Police and John Connelly of the Mechanicville Police Department (it is possible that the "Gormley" rendering of this name was simply garbled in the chapter records).

These two awards were presented on September 7 at a meeting held at the Watervliet Arsenal Officers' Club. The February 1980 issue of the ESSSAR newsletter contains the details of the heroic actions of these two law enforcement officers. Lt. Arnold was shot and wounded in answering a call involving a hostage situation in New Salem, NY; the perpetrator was later shot and killed. Patrolman Connelly was wounded in the eye by a sniper who had barricaded himself in a building on Main Street in Mechanicville; the officer subsequently lost his sight in the injured eye.

1980

Eleven compatriots met in Albany on January 11; among the four prospective members in attendance was Col. George W. Chesbro, who would go on to become chapter President and a member of the ESSSAR Board of Managers. Robert Crocetta was elected President at this meeting and Carlton E. Covell Vice President; compatriots Moon and Bradley were re-elected Secretary and Treasurer respectively. The installation was performed by National Trustee Norman Dieter.

Compatriot Covell presented the NSSAR War Service Medal to President Crocetta in recognition of his service in World War II.

The Washington's Birthday dinner was held in Albany on February 22. Treasurer Lauren Bradley resigned that day as Treasurer due to his being transferred to White Plains in connection with his job with the Boy Scouts of America. Compatriot Bradley was recognized by Vice President Covell for his work on behalf of the chapter, as well as for suggesting the "Yankee Doodle" name. Everett Willoughby was elected as the new Treasurer.

A meeting was held at the Watervliet Arsenal on September 19. It was reported that three NSSAR ROTC medals were presented at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy on April 19. Concerns were raised over the amount of time spent by the state society in wrangling with the New York City chapter over repayment of a loan advanced by ESSSAR for the purchase of the Odell House, an historic structure. Vice President Covell raised the idea of moving the ESSSAR Headquarters to the Capital District.

1981

At the Washington's Birthday meeting on February 20, a discussion was held regarding one of the more colorful individuals that we have ever had as a chapter member. Ira Gray, "Adirondack Ike" to all, had written that he was now age 94 and confined to a nursing home at a cost of $600 per month. Because of this, he was unable to meet his dues requirement of $17. A motion was passed to have the chapter take care of his dues for him.

President Crocetta noted that the chapter and state society would be hosting the Atlantic Middle States SAR conference in Albany on July 24 and 25. This would be a large undertaking, comprising the NY and NJ societies of the North Atlantic District and the DE, DC, MD, PA and VA societies of the Mid-Atlantic District.

This conference was chaired by Yankee Doodle President Crocetta and was, by all accounts, a rousing success. This compiler had an opportunity to discuss this event with compatriots Crocetta, Covell and Clyde Childs in June of 1997. It seems that they had been able to arrange for all elements of the conference on very favorable terms and generated a nice profit for the chapter treasury.

Another significant event of this year occurred on September 19: the first ESSSAR Board of Managers meeting in the new state headquarters in Schenectady. After having shared space with the New York City chapter for many years, it was decided to move the headquarters upstate. For one thing, only 25% of the state membership belonged to the New York City chapter; for another, rents upstate would be much lower.

The September 1981 issue of the ESSSAR newsletter praises Yankee Doodle Chapter and, in particular, compatriots Crocetta and Covell. It was Carl Covell who went to New York City and brought the state records to Schenectady. Work done at the new office included repairing and repainting ceilings and walls; sanding and refinishing the woodwork; constructing built-in cabinets; complete cleaning of floors; and installation of new carpet. Total hours expended were reported as follows:

Robert Crocetta………... 60

Carl Covell…………….. 60

Kathleen Crocetta.... …….6

Lewis Decker…………...10

Webster Frederick.... …….4

Gregory Frederick..………4

Clyde Childs……………...5

1982

The Washington's Birthday meeting was held on February 19. The number of offices filled at the election indicates a high level of activity in the chapter. In addition to the traditional official posts, the chapter had an Historian, Sergeant of Colors, Publicity Chairman, Public Relations Chairman, Educational Chairman and Grave Research Chairman.

President Crocetta reported that two years ago there were only 6 members in the chapter, whereas it presently has over 40, with 8 or 9 applications pending. President and Mrs. Crocetta presented American and SAR flags to the chapter for its use at meetings.

Six chapters held a combined excursion to the Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown on May 22; dinner was at the nearby Otesaga Inn. Participating chapters were: Binghamton; Oriskany Battle; Columbia; Stone Arabia Battle; Syracuse and Yankee Doodle. Carl Covell, ESSSAR State Vice President, gave a presentation on "The Female Paul Revere."

In July the chapter again played host, this time to the North Atlantic District Conference held in Albany on the 24^th to the 26^th.

At a meeting in Albany on November 5, President Crocetta informed the members that Treasurer Willoughby had recently had a heart attack. Registrar Covell reported that Yankee Doodle was at the top of the ESSSAR list in member recruitment; the chapter currently exceeds 50 members. Carl also had the sad duty to report the death of "Adirondack Ike" Gray on August 1.

1983

Bunker Hill Day was observed by the chapter with a meeting in Albany on June 17. This was the first meeting of the year. New members introduced included Tom Nesbitt, past National Vice President of the CAR-New England Region; Lewis Slocum, who would later serve as chapter President; and Ronald E. Newton, Chairman of the Albany County Eagle Scout Program for the Boy Scouts of America, who belongs also to the DC Chapter. Ron would go on to a distinguished SAR career as chapter President, ESSSAR President and Vice President General- New England District.

A "Fall Festival Dinner" was held in Albany on October 28. Honored guest R. Wendell Lovering, ESSSAR President and Vice President General-North Atlantic District, praised Yankee Doodle as "the most active and growing chapter in New York State." Ron Newton was appointed Chairman of the chapter Eagle Scout Program, a post he would hold until moving to the state of Maine in 1997. Citations were presented to two ladies for their untiring service to our chapter: Kathleen Crocetta and Iva Covell; presentation was made by State President Lovering.

1984

In a somewhat unusual departure from established procedure, the chapter held two dinner meetings in February. The first, on February 17, was held at the Century House in Latham and is described in the meeting program as "In Honor of the Birthday of George Washington." The program was "dedicated to the fine efforts of Compatriot Ron Newton and his Eagle Scout program." Ron presented three SAR Bronze Good Citizenship medals to three Eagle Scouts.

On February 22, another dinner meeting was held at the Watervliet Arsenal Officers' Club "In Honor of the Actual Birthday of General George Washington." The program consisted of a portrayal of three Revolutionary War soldiers by the local chapter of the Company of Military Historians.

A Spring Dinner was held in Albany on May 18. Two medals were awarded on this occasion. The SAR Martha Washington medal was presented to Nancy Childs for her leadership in the efforts to raise funds to purchase additional land at the Saratoga Battlefield. The Good Citizenship Medal (presumably bronze) was presented to Michael Jenkins, ESSSAR Eagle Scout competition winner. The annual election of officers took place at this meting. National Trustee and ESSSAR President Charles Skeele swore in the slate of officers:

Joseph Pierce - President

George W. Chesbro - Vice President: South

Ernest L. Kendall - Vice President: North

Arthur McAuley - Secretary

Everett Willoughby - Treasurer

Rev. Robert Field - Chaplain

Several appointed positions and committee chairmanships were also filled.

A chapter roster from ESSSAR dated September 21 listed 39 active members, two of whom had actually recently died, including Treasurer Willoughby.

On October 7 a Memorial Service was held at the Saratoga National Historical Park. The program, entitled "A Tribute to the American Dead at the Battle of Saratoga," was jointly sponsored by the Yankee Doodle Chapter and the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Saratoga Battlefield (Nancy Childs, Chairman). A memorial wreath was placed by the SAR and DAR. A dinner meeting followed at the Spa Brahaus in Ballston Spa. At this meeting U.S. Rep. Gerald Solomon presented a flag that had been flown over the US Capitol. The back page of the meeting program is an "In Memoriam" to Everett Willoughby. In addition, Secretary McAuley was reported to have recently taken ill: Lewis Slocum was appointed Treasurer and George M. Briggs as Secretary.

At this meeting, President Pierce asked the membership to think about the chapter's name: he felt that "Yankee Doodle" was a "strange" name for an SAR chapter in an area where the most important battle of the Revolution was fought, the Battle of Saratoga. In fact, the SAR had initiated the establishment of the battlefield site as an historical one in 1923.

1985

The Washington's Birthday Dinner Meeting was held on February 22 at the Watervliet Arsenal Officers' Club. Ron Newton reported on the Eagle Scout program, indicating that he had given out 106 Eagle Scout recognitions to scouts from 5 councils.

At this meeting there was considerable discussion of a proposal to change the chapter name to "Saratoga Battle." Past President Crocetta argued in favor of retaining the "Yankee Doodle" name as it is easily remembered by the public and easily associated with the good works done by the chapter. If the name is changed, there should be a gradual transition. President Pierce repeated his contention that "Yankee Doodle" was a "silly" name: he said he joined in spite of, not because of, the chapter's name. A vote was taken to change the name, but it stalemated at 6-6. It was decided to get a "sense of the membership" by putting the proposal in with the annual dues billing.

On June 15 five SAR chapters again held a combined outing, this time to Hyde Hall at Glimmerglass State Park in Cooperstown. Dinner followed at the Otesaga Inn. Participating chapters were: Columbia; Oriskany Battle; Syracuse; Stone Arabia Battle and Yankee Doodle.

The annual Memorial Service was held on October 6 at the DAR monument at the Saratoga National Historical Park. A dinner meeting followed at the Ash Grove Inn in Saratoga Spa. Registrar Covell reported that the chapter had 6 new members, placing it second in the state in recruitment.

Eagle Scout Competition winners for the year were:

Adirondack Council - Luke D. Ludovico, Troop 19

Governor Clinton Council - Carl D. Wirth, Troop 72

Mohican Council - Raymond R. Sharkey IV, Troop 63

Saratoga Council - Eric C. Pelletier, Troop 24

Schenectady Council - Andrew P. Balet, Troop 50

Yankee Doodle Chapter winner was Eric C. Pelletier, who went on to become the ESSSAR Runner-Up.

1986

This year marked the tercentennial of the granting of a charter forming the City of Albany; internal documents reveal a desire on the part of the chapter to participate in the commemorations surrounding this event.

The Washington's Birthday Dinner and annual election of officers was held on February 21 at the University Club in Albany. President Pierce noted that there had been a compromise in the matter of the changing of the chapter's name: "the matter is resolved by the compromise of calling the chapter by the transitional name of Saratoga Battle-Yankee Doodle." Bob Crocetta pointed out that the DAR had been involved in sponsoring the ceremonies at Saratoga Battlefield. They apparently wish to relinquish this role, and it is proposed that the SAR conduct these memorial services around October 17-19 in the SAR's name. President Pierce appointed Carl Covell and Bob Crocetta to study the matter.

New member Stannard Butler stated that on the following day, February 22, the first meeting of the George Washington Chapter of Louisiana will be held in New Orleans with 100 members; Dr. Bruce Butler is the founding President. [Complier's note: Col. Bruce Baird Butler, DDS, of Louisiana is the son of Stannard Butler. In 1998, Dr. Butler, currently Registrar General and candidate for Secretary General in 1999, joined Saratoga Battle as a dual member in honor of his late father's membership in our chapter.]

President Pierce swore in the new slate of officers:

Col. George W. Chesbro - President

Ernest L. Kendall - Vice President

George M. Briggs - Vice President

George M. Briggs - Secretary (temporary)

Maj. G. William Glidden - Treasurer

Carlton E. Covell - Registrar

Board of Managers: Robert Crocetta, Sr.; Webster C. Frederick; Ronald E. Newton

At a dinner meeting in Albany on June 20 it was noted that the chapter had participated in "Heritage Sunday" at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Albany. Registrar Covell discussed the possibility of cooperating with several other heritage societies in a program at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on September 17. Compatriot Covell also addressed the need for a National Cemetery in upstate New York: he would like to see one near Saratoga Battlefield.

The matter of changing the chapter's name proved more involved that originally thought. On April 3, Secretary Briggs informed the ESSSAR that the chapter had changed its name to "Saratoga Battle-Yankee Doodle." On April 30 the ESSSAR Chancellor, Herbert Forbes, wrote to ESSSAR President Charles Lee regarding this matter. Chapter President Chesbro had reported at the ESSSAR Annual Meeting at West Point on April 12 that the chapter had changed its name; some discussion ensued as to whether or not this action required State Society approval. The Chancellor pointed out that, while the ESSSAR Constitution does not specifically address this situation, a reading of Article IX in the whole strongly suggests that such approval is required. He goes on: "The local chapter is a creature of the State Society and can exist only so long as its charter remains unrevoked by the State." While the more proper procedure would have been to seek approval before enacting the change, if the chapter now submits a resolution authorizing the change, the Board of Managers may ratify such action at a subsequent meeting. The requested resolution was transmitted to ESSSAR on May 29; on July 18, ESSSAR notified the chapter that the Chancellor had reviewed and approved the resolution; at a Board of Managers meeting, the motion was passed.

Registrar Covell was Chairman of a combined presentation by several area lineage societies.