Daughters of the American Revolution members decorate Christmas Tree Lady

FALLBROOK – Santa's helpers in the form of members of Monserate Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recently spread Christmas cheer by decorating the Pittenger House Christmas tree. Those volunteers who participated were Regent Dawn Byrd-Beresovoy, LaDorna Bunt, Karen Youngdale, Laurice Johnson, Carol Anderson and Tricia Pederson. Monserate DAR has "dressed" the Christmas tree for a couple of years, and this year, the Christmas Tree Lady shows off a lovely full-dress of red and white sparkles amid the pine boughs.

While the Monserate DAR ladies worked on the tree, other volunteers gave the house a festive look. Carolyn Ganoe, Sherry Folsom, and Clara Coleman worked their Christmas magic throughout the house. The Pittenger House is an historical house located next to the Fallbrook Historical Society and is a treasure in the town. In March 2012, it was designated by the DAR as historically significant. The house was built by the Rev. William Pittenger who was a minister at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Not only was he a local minister, but he was one of the first Civil War soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor from President Abraham Lincoln. The house is furnished and decorated with period pieces and has posted hours for visitors.

Monserate DAR meets every month, October through May, on the third Thursday of each month. The next meeting will take place Thursday, Dec. 21, at Pala Mesa Resort, and those interested in the lineage organization are invited to attend.

DAR is a lineage organization; members must prove direct familial lineage to an American colonist who fought in the Revolutionary War or who gave supplies and food to the troops of that war. For those who believe that they may be directly related to a "patriot" and would like to pursue membership in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the members of Monserate DAR would like to meet them. The Monserate chapter supports the National Society DAR's commitments to education, patriotism and historic preservation.