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HISTORY OF THE DBE
Founder Mrs. J. Elliot Langstaff's vision of a group of British-born women in a foreign country united in a common cause culminated in her founding the Imperial Order, Daughters of the Empire in the USA in 1909. In 1920, the society was reorganized as the DBE in the USA. During the early years, much philanthropic work and assistance was given on an individual basis to the elderly in need. Mrs. Langstaff suggested that a home for the aged would serve as a "cohesive philanthropy in which each and all chapters could have a common interest". And so was born the concept of "Homes for the Aged" eventually to become the main objective of the DBE. Chapters formed in rapid succession across the country. Throughout the twentieth century, members maintained an extraordinary standard of volunteer work. During the First World War, one chapter sold over a million dollars in war bonds, and raised money for a British plane inscribed with the name "Imperial Order Daughters of the British Empire in the USA". The Second World War saw members in all states working unceasingly. Six ambulances and a mobile kitchen were provided. Members worked with many relief organizations, and sent food and clothing parcels directly to families in Britain. The DBE has approximately 5,000 members in 31 states and the District of Columbia. DBE states are divided into four Districts, each supporting a District Home. ©1999-2003DBE in Louisiana, Inc. All rights reserved. Questions/Comments? Contact the Webmaster Betty Calzada. |