When the election was held for the new officers of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of the

Daughters of the American Revolution in 1995, Mary Pielemeier became First Vice Regent. Delores

Hillery had been elected Regent, but she resigned the position and moved to Tennessee before the

first meeting was held. Mary stepped up with some hesitancy, but knowing she had wonderful people

like her friend Miriam Miller and Flo Hoffman behind her, she accepted the challenge. She has no

regrets.

Let’s take a road trip. First we take I-70 to Terre Haute, Indiana; from here we travel due south on

US 41 for about fifty

minutes. Here we are:

Carlisle, Indiana, estab-

lished in 1815, one year

before Indiana became a

state; population 692 on

the 2010 census. Thirty-

seven miles from Terre

Haute (center to center) -

this is Mary’s hometown.

Mary was born on the Davidson farm on January

6, 1930, to Thomas Franklin Davidson, Jr. and Vesta

Jackson Davidson. She had one brother, Lee Stanley Da-

vidson, five years her senior. The picture of the farm was

taken in 1944. At this time, the City Limits sign for Car-

lisle boasted a population of 852. Mary was fourteen in

1944. Her dog Lady can be seen in the photograph as well

as her dad, “Frank”, leaning against the tractor and Vesta,

her mom, at the fence. The house was built in 1887 by her grandfather, Thomas Franklin Davidson, Sr. Mary’s dad farmed close to

200 acres. When this photo was taken, Mary’s brother, Lee, was in the Navy doing his part for Uncle Sam. He was on the USS Cap-

ricornus engaged in the invasion of Saipan in the Mariana Islands. You can hear the pride in Mary’s voice when she speaks of her

brother.

Mary’s desire to have a horse fell on deaf ears. Once the tractor replaced the plow horses, her dad vowed to never own an-

other horse. However, she did get a “motor bike”. Since Lee was not using his bicycle, Frank did a renovation on it. He removed the

bar, mounted a motor and did some reinforcing. The bicycle became a “motor bike” for Mary. Mary’s high school career included

three years of cheerleading for the Carlisle Indians. The school yearbook was named “Smoke Signal”. She graduated from Carlisle

High School in 1948.

Mary received her training as a medical lab technician at the Gradwohl School of Laboratory Technique in St. Louis, Mis-

souri. She then served her apprenticeship at the Rockville, Indiana, Tuberculosis Sanitarium Hospital. When she heard of an opening

at the VA Hospital in Indianapolis, she applied and got the job. She retired from there after 27 years of service.

It was New Years Eve when a girlfriend at the hospital talked Mary into going on a blind date. She was very skeptical of the

whole idea until she was told his name, Robert John Pielemeier. She recognized the name as a respected German family from the

area. When she told her mother who she was going out with, her mom informed her that she and his father had been in the same class

at Freelandville High School in Knox County--nine miles down the road.

Mary and Bob were married July 20, 1952. They are the parents of two sons: Robert John III, born September 15, 1959

and Thomas Franklin born August 15, 1961. John is a golf professional

in Carmel, Indiana. Tom works in the filming industry and lives three

miles up the road from Mary. Mary’s husband worked as a tool designer

at Allison Division of General Motors. Robert J. Pielemeier died March

3, 2010. Mary has six granddaughters, ranging in age from 20 down to

10. Three are Tom’s; three belong to John. The girls are named Rachael,

Heather, Emily, Hana, Danielle and Rebecca. Mary literally beams when

she speaks of each of them. She is hoping that at least a couple will in-

clude the DAR in their future.

Daniel Davidson, Mary’s great-great grandfather, came to Indiana and

settled several hundred acres in Carlisle about 1817. She has researched

him in the past, but has failed to prove his lineage back to the Revolu-

tionary war. She aspires to make an overnight trip back to Ft. Wayne.

Chasing Daniel Davidson has become her life challenge. A portion of

the land that he settled is still in the family. Mary owns this farmland

along with her brother’s two sons, Andy and Jon. Lee Stanley Davidson

died of lung cancer February 25, 1980. (continued on page 11)

Mary Louise Davidson Pielemeier

CSH Newsletter Page 7 Fall 2013

The following article is written and contributed by Zackary David Schweitzer,

grandson of CSH member Stephanie Schweitzer. Zack is a 5th grade student, a

Boy Scout with Troop 100 where he has achieved the Tenderfoot rank, and is a

new C.A.R. (Children of the American Revolution) member as of July 12, 2013.

He brings a fresh perspective to this annual event of Americanism at its best!

A Day To Remember When Grandma Schweitzer and I arrived at the Naturalization Ceremony I was

feeling really scared. I was not used to being with so many different people from

all the different continents of the world except Antarctica. I did not know the

Judge would be at the ceremony and I did not understand that only a judge could

make them new citizens. I knew there was a lot to study and also it took lots of

hard work and paperwork to become a new citizen.

As I helped to make up the cookies trays, I thought it was crazy to make 10

trays for everyone. I never expected so many people to be at the ceremony. As we

waited for the ceremony to begin, we approached the table with all the American

Flags. I had no idea I would see people from Asia, Europe, North and South America, Australia and Africa. There were 97 new citizens

from 37 different countries. China had the most new citizens. There were 13 people there who became citizens from China. I sort of

knew that the new citizens would be dressed up for the occasion, but I had no idea some women would have “bindi” on their foreheads.

I now know that only married women have this red dot on their forehead.

I was very impressed with Judge Sara Evans Barker and the words she spoke to the new citizens. She said them so naturally and only

a few people could remember all those words. She told everyone to take a look around. That under the big tent there were people from

everywhere, that this was what America was made of, people from everywhere. It was really neat that the kids got to pass out the flags

to the new citizens. I thought the DAR and adults or one of the politicians would pass them out. All the children were asked to hand out

the flags, and these would be a symbol to the new Americans of their citizenship. Even though my parents had told me not to talk to

strangers, this was the right situation to do so and shake their hands. After handing out several flags, I started to think of them as my

neighbors. As I heard the words of the Oath of Allegiance for the first time, I understood that something that well written would take

presidents, judges, and Congress to compose. If you do everything that is spoken you will become a model citizen. This was a very im-

portant oath. Many Americans today take this for granted.

As I helped to hand out lemonade, I noticed that some of the new citizens did not have family. I was sad for these people that their

family was not unable to be at the ceremony. If you were becoming an American it would be important to have your family. The Judge

gave everyone a box of sparklers to take home with them. It was so cool that these people were becoming citizens the day before the 4th

of July. Since that is when we celebrate our Nations birthday, these new citizens could better understand the pride of being an Ameri-

can. They made the choice to study hard and to learn how to join our country. They knew better than most how much it means to be an

American, and because of these 97 people, on July 3, 2013, I too learned more about what it means to be an American.

By Zackary Schweitzer

CSH Newsletter Page 8 Fall 2013

Constitution Week September 17th—23rd, 2013 Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect

Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility , provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to

ourselves and or Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America

C.A.R. member and Boy Scout, Zackary Schweitzer congratu-lates and shakes hands with a new American citizen, July 3rd

at the Naturalization court held on the lawn of the Benjamin

Harrison Presidential Site.

“To be a Daughter of the American Revolution for me is more than the confirmation, it is the journey of my families' origins. I need to show respect by visiting their grave sites, where I can celebrate and honor them. Susannah and Matthew Garrigues arrived in the port of Phila-delphia in 1713/1714. They attended Christ Church and are buried in the same cemetery as Benjamin Franklin. This is in within two blocks of the Liberty Bell and kitty corner across from the National Constitution Center. Life during that time period would have had few luxuries and daily trials. Abigail Adams wrote "Posterity who are to reap the blessings, will scarcely be able to conceive the hardships and sufferings of their ancestors." Agreeing with her sentiment,

I am forever grateful. Their son and grandson are my Patriots.” Stephanie Schweitzer

Getting to know..

Jessica (Jessi) Lei Vollmer was born in Baltimore, Maryland during the time her parents, Drs. Marvin Vollmer and Alicia Byers were there for her father’s residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. After her family moved back to Indianapolis, she attended Park Tudor and Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. She graduated with a Bachelors in Journal-ism at Indiana University and currently is completing her Masters in Labor and Public Policy. She recently received the “Rosa Parks Schol-arship Award for Excellence in Social Justice”, and is active in commu-nity service programs. Jessi lives in San Jose, California with her hus-band, John Tucker. She loves to bake, knit, read, and watch her favor-ite football team—the Colts! Jessi is a DAR Junior, joining with her mother and two sisters, Alix and Lilie last year. Jessi attended her first Continental Congress this past summer and was amazed to see all of the young women involved in DAR, and their commitment to service.

Stephanie Schweitzer

In Philadelphia at the

grave of ancestor

Susannah Garrigues

2013-2014 American Heritage Theme

"Honoring Our Heritage: Art Through the Ages"

The American Heritage Committee was established to preserve our rich American heritage in the fields of art and sculpture,

crafts, drama and literature, fiber arts, and music. The various fields include:

fiber arts: needlework, crochet, knitting, hand quilts, machine quilts, ar t quilts, wall hangings, weaving, histor ic costume,

other (rug hooking, lace making, etc)

crafts (clay, basketry, caning, metal work, jewelry, dolls, misc,),

paper crafts (scrapbooks, cookbooks, stamping ar t, greeting cards)

Literature: Poetry, shor t story, non-fiction short story, drama

Music: vocal, instrumental

There are wonderfully talented ladies in our chapter and I hope to see many entries. I know that there are ladies who quilt, cro-

chet and knit, etc. Last year, our chapter members won 1st place at state for Crochet, Embroidery and Needlepoint! This year’s entry

submission deadline is January 1, 2014. Please see me for additional details.

Jackie Murawski, American Heritage Chapter Chairman

CSH Newsletter Page 9 Fall 2013

1st Place INDAR State “Puzzle Pieces” Needlepoint by Jackie Murawski 1st Place INDAR State –Crochet by Liz Gruber

1st Place INDAR State - “Blackwork Pinwheel” Embroidery

By Jackie Murawski

CSH Newsletter Page 10 Fall 2013

The Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Cordially invites you to attend the Memorial Grave Marker Dedication For John Mitchell R evolutionary War Soldier Sunday, September 22, 2013 2:30 PM 299 Old Trails Road, Indianapolis, IN 46219 Reception following dedication R.S.V.P. by Vanessa Burkhart September 20, 2013 vwburkhart@aol.com

Looking around you can tell the McVey

Cemetery is but a small plot of ground sur-

rounded by a vast city. Yet, it’s very noticea-

ble that time and resources have been spent

repairing and replacing many broken head-

stones. Why? How important could it be

that this small area be preserved? The an-

swer in that lies in the lives of the thirty-six

known people buried here.

Six of those were children under ten. Six

more were teenagers. They barely had an

opportunity to live before they were gone.

This burial ground validates their existence.

While now called the Old Trails Cemetery

because of its location on Old Trails Road, it

was once named the McVey Cemetery. It

was called the McVey Cemetery for a reason.

Over one sixth of the graves belong to mem-

bers of the McVey family. Another six be-

long to the Staley family. The matriarch of

the Staley family was Mary McVey Staley.

They were very human – much like the

people we know today. Five were either

farmers or worked for a farmer. There was a railroad man. One

man sawed wood while another was a toll gate keeper. One was

a pauper. These men carved their lives out of the wilderness and

helped build our city.

Life was not easy for these people.

A young bride of one year is buried here. She

died at 19. Another lady immigrated from Germa-

ny seeking a better life. She is buried there, as is

her infant son. Yet there are others who endured.

Nine were over seventy years old when they passed

away. Two of those were in their nineties.

These were patriotic people. Fifty per cent of

the adult males served our country. Six Civil War

Veterans are buried there, in addition to one Revo-

lutionary War Veteran, plus one wife and son of a

different Revolutionary War Veteran. They de-

serve our gratitude and recognition.

Why should the Wayne Township Trustee De-

partment spend its efforts restoring a small insignif-

icant piece of ground? It is a current reminder of

the hardships endured and sacrifices made by our

ancestors to create a safe home and good life for

their families and us, their descendants.

Thanks should go to the township for restoring

the grounds for these early pioneers and for us.

You can show your appreciation by attending the

dedication of the DAR marker being placed on the

grave of the Revolutionary soldier, John Mitchell,

who is buried there. The dedication will be held September 22 at

2:30 p.m. at the McVey Cemetery located at 299 South Old

Trails Road, 46219, located on the east side, slightly west of

I465E and south of Washington Street. See you there!

By Joann Wasson

McVey Cemetery - A Little Plot of Ground

CSH Newsletter Page 11 Fall 2013

The CSH Historic Preservation Committee is making excellent progress on the Bell Cemetery restoration! Contact Kay

Nickey at kaynquilter@att.net if you are interested in joining this interesting and active committee.

Historic Preservation Committee Serves the Community At Bell Cemetery Restoration Site

Continued From Pages 5 & 7

(continued from page 5)

Caroline Scott Harrison persuaded Paul Putzki to move to

Washington and to continue classes in the White House where

he taught Caroline, her friends, family, and wives of her hus-

band’s cabinet members. The Washington Post April 29,

1890 stated, “A fine exhibition of china and watercolor paint-

ing by Mr. Paul Putzki and his pupils at his studio No. 1420,

New York Avenue, closed yesterday after having been visited

by a large number of art loving citizens. Among his pupils

here and specimens whose work were on exhibition are Mrs.

Benjamin Harrison, Mrs. Russell Harrison, and Miss Morton.

A salad set of thirteen pieces painted by Mr. Putzki, attracted

special attention, as well as a large number of orchids and

other flowers. Some of his paintings are among the collection

now on exhibition at the Cosmos Club.”

China painting at the time of the Harrison White House

was all the rage and there were china painting studios in all

the major cities. Paul Putzki was one of the top names in the

country and Caroline one of his prize pupils. Putzki is quoted

as having said that Mrs. Harrison was one of the most success-

ful pupils he had ever taught and “good critics have called her

work as perfect as the work of professional artists.”

It is telling that when The Society of Decorative Art in

New York City wrote to Mrs. Harrison asking for a specimen

for their exhibition. Mrs. Harrison, always humble, referred

them to Herr Putski.

Caroline Scott Harrison, with the assistance of Paul Putzki,

designed the presidential china of the Harrison White House,

and is the only First lady so credited. The Harrison china, with

its deep navy blue wide border is one of the most frequently

used patterns at the White House by current presidents. Caro-

line also organized the White House historic presidential china

collection for display, on view today in the White House Chi-

na Room.

A special thank you to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential

Site and CSH member Jennifer Capps, VP Curatorship & Ex-

hibitions for photo permission and research information.

By Vanessa Burkhart

(continued from page 7)

When Mary was Regent her goal was to get the newer

members involved. She asked them to be on committees in

order to hold their interest and to keep them coming back. Her

number one pick was Jane Klotz to be Membership Chairman.

She knew she had picked a winner the very first meeting.

“After she gave her “sales pitch” Jane “passed the hat” for her

project and everyone dropped in a quarter”, Mary averred.

“She puts her heart and soul in the DAR. That’s important,”

she added.

Mary recalls one particular highlight of her Regency. For

the National Defense Day chapter meeting, James L. White,

support pilot for former president, Richard M. Nixon, was

their speaker. The cement block walls of the chapter house

were covered with drywall and painted during her Regency

and the chairs that furnish the main hall were acquired. Three

chapter members banded together to present these chairs as a

gift for the chapter house.

I want to include in this article an interesting story con-

cerning Mary’s brother. Their dad, Frank, had taught Lee to

shoot. Lee taught his son, Andy, to shoot. Andy taught his

son, also named Lee, to shoot. In July 1963 Lee won the sin-

gles championship in the state trap shoot at McCordsville,

Indiana. He also captured the Class AA title. “The first time

he ever shot trap, he broke a 99 (out of a 100)”. This is a quote

from Lee’s son, Andy. Fifty years later, in June 2013, Andy,

along with 18-year-old Lee, participated in the 122nd Ohio

State Trapshooting Tournament. They are carrying on the

family tradition. Wouldn’t Lee

be pleased? He was inducted

into the Trap Shooters Hall of

Fame posthumously.

By Wanda Hartley

Wanda Hartley & Mary Pielemeier

September 22, 2013 2:30 pm Monument Dedication Ceremony for Revolutionary War

Soldier John Mitchell, McVey Cemetery

October 3, 2013 1:00 pm Chapter Meeting & Tea

October 12, 2013 1:00 pm Marker Dedication Ceremony for Caroline Scott Harrison,

Crown Hill Cemetery

October 13, 2013 NSDAR Day of Prayer

October 20, 2013 12:30 pm Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser, CSH Chapter House

October 25, 2013 9:30-3:30 INDAR Computer Workshop, CSH Chapter House

October 26, 2013 9:30-3:30 INDAR Fall Forum, Jonathon Byrd Conference Center

Greenwood, IN (Interstate 65 south, exit 99)

November 7, 2013 1:00 pm Chapter Meeting & Tea

November 11, 2013 10:00 am Veterans Day Parade

December 5, 2013 Noon Junior Bazaar, Chapter Meeting, & Tea

Caroline Scott Harrison Board of Management

Regent – Elizabeth Gruber

First Vice Regent – Joann Wasson Second Vice Regent – Cindy Zeunik

Chaplain – Jackie Murawski Recording Secretary – Kandy Kinker

Corresponding Secretary – Taylor Smith Treasurer – Priscilla Austgen

Registrar – Stephanie Schweitzer Membership Secretary – Elizabeth Haskett

Historian – Mary Pat McElhiney Librarian – Michaela Huesing

Chapter House Secretary - Marianne Stauffer

Elaine Sholty

Drummer Editor

Stephanie Schweitzer Wanda Hartley,

Elizabeth Haskett, Content and Publishing

Editors

Please accept our

apology for any errors or omissions.

The Drummer is pub-

lished three times a year: Winter, Spring, and Fall.

Articles are due by January 1st, May 1st and

September 1st, each year.

Articles should be sent to elainesholty@att.net or

7301 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46260

Caroline Scott Harrison

NSDAR

4635 North Illinois Street

Indianapolis, IN 46208

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