The Anthony Smith Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) convened on November 4, 2023, at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall to discuss the organization’s significant contributions to conservation. The meeting featured a presentation by Jonathon Gerland, executive director of the History Museum in Diboll, who highlighted the history of conservation efforts initiated by the DAR.
Gerland began with the establishment of the Texas Forest Service in 1915, aimed at assisting private landowners and safeguarding state forests. He noted that practices such as slash and burn had led to a substantial decline in timber acreage across Texas. In response, both state and national initiatives began to promote conservation and reforestation.
The Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution made a pivotal move in 1929 by acquiring a tract of land in Jasper County. This marked the beginning of the organization’s active commitment to conservation and reforestation. Today, the society manages a conservation area within the 1,722-acre W.G. Jones State Forest, which features a wildlife viewing area and interpretive signage about local species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
In addition to conservation, the meeting also featured a report by Ina Jane Thames, America 250 Chair, who discussed Diego de Gardoqui. Gardoqui, an official representative of the Spanish government, played a crucial role in supporting the American cause during the Revolutionary War by supplying weapons and gunpowder. After the war, he maintained connections with key Founding Fathers, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington.
Membership in the NSDAR requires individuals to be at least 18 years old and to prove their lineal descent from an ancestor who contributed to American independence. Those interested in joining the DAR can find more information by emailing [email protected].
The meeting also celebrated the ongoing legacy of service within the community. In August 2019, the Junior League of Lufkin established an award to honor Sustainers who exemplify exceptional commitment to the League’s mission. The term “legacy” refers to something passed down from predecessors, and this award recognizes individuals who have positively influenced their community.
Since its inception, two remarkable Sustainers, Virginia Winston and Thalia Tierney, have received the award. Recently, the League announced that the 2025 honoree is LaJune Bradley, a lifelong resident of Lufkin and a 1950 graduate of Lufkin High School. Over her 92 years, she has made significant contributions to her hometown in various ways.
Her involvement with the Lufkin Service League included organizing educational plays and puppet shows in local schools and volunteering at the Wilson McKewen Physical Rehabilitation Center. Bradley’s commitment to education is evident through her 30 years of active participation in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), where she was awarded Lifetime PTA Membership for the State of Texas in 1981.
Bradley has also been an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin, contributing to the chancel choir and participating in numerous church activities. Married to Franklin Bradley for 41 years, she is a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, with a family that continues to grow.
The Junior League of Lufkin takes pride in presenting the 2025 Legacy Award to LaJune Bradley, whose enduring legacy of faith, family, and community service continues to inspire others.
