EuniceDennieBurrDAR.org - Chapter History

Chapter History

The Eunice Dennie Burr DAR Chapter was organized in April 1894 and the NSDAR officially issued their charter on May 11, 1894.

For over 100 years the Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter has promoted historic preservation, patriotism, and education in the Town of Fairfield. The chapter began restoration of the 1814 Powder House in 1898. A DAR member donated the property to the town in the name of the chapter and the project was completed in the 1920s with the installation of a bronze plaque. The Powder House fell into disrepair and the chapter again undertook its restoration in 2004 and completed it in 2009.

The lighting of Fairfield's official Christmas Tree, planted by the chapter in 1921 to honor its second
Regent Mary Kippen, has become an annual town celebration.

DAR members along with others, helped to save the 1804 Fairfield Academy from demolition in 1920. Many children have enjoyed visiting the replica 19th century schoolroom on the second floor of the Academy.

The annual Independence Day celebration was originated by the Chapter.

In 2007 the Eunice Dennie Burr chapter won an award for the best float for a service organization in the Memorial Day Parade.

In 2009 the chapter received the State Regent's Award for the best chapter in Fairfield County.

In 2010, the chapter won NSDAR 1st place award for print media.

Eunice Dennie Burr (1732-1805) and Thaddeus (1735-1801), married in 1759. They were the "first couple" of Fairfield in pre-revolutionary times. The Burrs lived in a stately home in the center of Fairfield, along what is now Old Post Road. With inherited wealth and social position, they were known far and wide for their amiability and hospitality. The constant flow of visitors to the Burr Homestead included John Hancock, his fiancee Dorothy Quincy, Samuel Adams, and George Washington.

During the Revolution, Thaddeus was often away on war related matters. However, he served the Town of Fairfield and the fledgling states in a variety of ways: Sheriff, First Selectman, Justice of the Peace, Commissioner to New York and New Jersey, Member of the Council of Safety, and as a delegate to the State's convention to ratify the Constitution.

The Burr's home was burned in 1779 by departing British troops from General Tryon's command. They disobeyed his orders, looted the home, and stole Eunice's rings, buckles, and silver buttons. They left the house to burn with Eunice hiding in the marshes behind her home.

After Thaddeus' death in 1801, Eunice helped establish a private school, the Fairfield Academy which was built in 1804. She was instrumental in ensuring that girls be educated there as well as boys.

The Burrs' memory lives on in their rebuilt home, the Burr mansion, the Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter NSDAR, and the Thaddeus Burr Society Children of the American Revolution.

Portraits of Eunice Dennie Burr and Thaddeus Burr by John Singleton Copley 1763 - courtesy of the St. Louis Art Museum.

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