Worthington Memory http://www.worthingtonmemory.org Contributor: Worthington Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution --------------------------------------------------------------------- Bicentennial Program Thomas Worthington High School Worthington Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution July 5, 2003 Immediately following Homecoming Parade @ Thomas Worthington High School (12:30 p.m.) [DAR logo] Daughters of the American Revolution Bicentennial Program Music.......................................................... Thomas Worthington High School Band Worthington Kilbourne High School Band Pledge of Allegiance........................................... Hon. Harvey Minton - Mayor, City of Worthington Greeting, Welcome & Introduction of Guests..................... Hon. Harvey Minton - Mayor, City of Worthington History of Famous Charter Oak Tree............................. Joyce Brand - Worthington Chapter NSDAR History of Oak Tree Re-Dedication.............................. Dr. David P. Cavanaugh - Former Principal, Thomas Worthington High School Opening of Time Capsule........................................ Dr. Richard Liffell - Principal, Thomas Worthington High School Presentation of Charter Oak Tree............................... Melanie Brown - Regent, Worthington Chapter, NSDAR Closing Remarks................................................ Hon. Harvey Minton - Mayor, City of Worthington Music.......................................................... Thomas Worthington High School Band Worthington Kilbourne High School Band History of the Charter Oak The history of the Charter Oak is one of the most colorful in American history. On May 30, 1662, King Charles II granted the colony of Connecticut a Charter which confirmed their Constitution, granting them political rights and "containing more liberal provisions than any yet issued from the royal hand". The Charter had been won through the clever diplomacy of Governor John Winthrop, Jr., who had presented his majesty with a ring that Charles I had given to his grandfather. The Connecticut Colonists enjoyed their liberties for twenty-five years until King James II succeeded to the throne, sending an agent, Edmund Andros from New York to Connecticut to take back the Charter. The Colonists were reluctant to give up their Charter, and delayed submitting it to the British agent by hours of debate, with the Charter on the table between the two opposing parties (10-31-1687). At a pre-arranged time, the candles in the room were simultaneously extinguished and in the moments of darkness that followed, the Charter disappeared. Captain Joseph Wadsworth of the Connecticut militia is credited with having rescued the Charter, and fleeing from the meeting place, took it to the nearby Willys' estate. Fearing a search of the house, Mistress Wyllys' suggested that he hide it in the hollow of an old white oak tree close by. This he did, and there the Charter remained for two years. Although the tree fell during a storm in the summer of 1856, the roots of the tree still lie buried in Hartford, Connecticut soil. In Appreciation Dr. David P. Cavanaugh Davey Tree Service, Mr. Tom Bowman HER Real Living, Worthington Office, Mr. Tom Holcombe Dr. Richard Liftell Hon. Harvey Minton Thomas Worthington High School Band Thomas Worthington High School Faculty & Staff Worthington Bicentennial Committee Worthington Kilbourne High School Band ********** Special thanks to our Corporate Sponsor, HER Real Living - Worthington Office [HER Realty corporate logo] Buying or selling your home? It's got to be real. ********** Worthington Chapter, NSDAR - Bicentennial/Capsule Committee Mrs. Joyce Brand, Mrs. Melanie Circle Brown, Mrs. Linda Bushman, Mrs. Angela Carr, Mrs. Martha Elech & Mrs. Polly Tewart The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on October 11, 1890. Objectives: Historical - to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; Educational - to carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the American people, "to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge, thus developing an enlightened public opinion..." and Patriotic - to cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty.