History of DBE in Kansas
DBE in Kansas is a group of incredible women. War brides, teachers, stewardesses, a stewardess turned attorney, secret British intelligence workers, lawyers, a British movie star, government workers, CPAs, surgical nurses, artists, potters, physicians, and more.
It all started in 1964 when Gladys Alder, a Londoner, came to live in Kansas City in 1949 and established the first DBE chapter with articles of incorporation in Kansas. The first meeting of the chapter was held on Shakespeare’s birthday, April 23, and was named Bard of Avon Chapter. Bard was the only chapter for 9 years. The biggest fundraiser that year was a tea held at the H.M. Consul’s home…$1.00 a ticket for tea. (…when KC had a British Consulate…those were the days)
In 1968, a New Jersey DBE member, Marjorie Edwards, came to KC. Her ATT executive husband was transferred here. Marjorie immediately transferred her DBE membership to Kansas and the rest is history. No one can deny her intense influence on our group. She had been an office worker in British intelligence in World War II, as well as a pre-war English movie star, featured in “Tilly of Bloomsbury” and ”Hate in Paradise.”
Royal Arms Chapter started in 1973. Scottish lass Elspeth Pierce was a TWA stewardess who joined, as well as Marsha Norman, her sister Kathy Spencer, and their mother Alice Spencer. Marjorie Edward’s husband, Ralph, was flying TWA to London one night and struck up a conversation with Ann Robards, a stewardess on the flight. Ralph recruited her to join DBE. She joined the Royal Arms Chapter as well. Ann would eventually become State President as well as National President.
In 1976, the Magna Carta chapter was started by Sally Saar, who had been an active member of DBE in Hawaii. She later became State President, Midwest Organizer, Home Board President, and National 1st Vice President. Her daughter Karen Garrison would literally grow up at DBE meetings and would eventually become Home Board President and National 3rd VP.
Ann Robards, as state president, attended the DBE convention in 1983, held in Arizona. She had a brainstorm and suggested that instead of doing individual fundraising, chapters could unite and organize a British Faire. The first Faire was held in 1983 and featured a Punch and Judy Show, British antique cars, and lots of Charles and Diana merchandise.
Scot Pam Atwell joined in the late 70’s. She later became State Organizer and National Organizer.
The 1980s were the boom time for DBE Kansas. The Faire grew larger. Tea lectures and United Kingdom lectures were given to schoolchildren and other groups. Tea was served to DAR groups. The Bard of Avon Chapter wore red jackets to serve the DAR ladies. They threatened to throw our tea into the harbour. Magna Carta served tea in conjunction with Shakespeare Players. This fundraising allowed the chapters to donate an average of $10,000 a year to the British Home. Ann Robards studied for a law degree in the back of the TWA plane to and from London. She started practicing Family Law.
Mary Hawks joined in 1987. She was rather intimidated by a group called Daughters of the British Empire, but her fears were unfounded when she attended her first Bard of Avon meeting. The ladies were welcoming. Mary Dopp, longtime TBPA (Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association)…and War Bride, told a story about her mother, who worked in the kitchen of a mansion in Primrose Hill, London. Every day, the workers would watch out the window for the Prince of Wales, future Edward 8 (abdicated), who would visit his girlfriend, Lady Thelma Furness. So Mary was hooked! She has served as State Recording Secretary, State President, and National Recording Secretary.
The Bard of Avon Chapter was huge at this time - 35 or so members and a full lunch was served at meetings. Christmas parties were held in Magna Carta member Margaret Skaptason’s huge basement with 100 or more members attending. Margaret would make the brisket for 100 and members would bring the sides. The Queen’s birthday was often held in the backyards of members’ homes to accommodate the large membership.
The 90s continued the boom time. 6 new chapters were formed. Pam Atwell was one of the most active organizers. Lady Nancy Astor started in 1994, as well as Victoria Regina. Jewels of the Empire in 1996, Old Bailey in 1996, Manor House in 1998, and Holly and Ivy in 1998. Carol Reeves joined Lady Nancy Astor and a few years later, built a beautiful room in her home just for DBE meetings. Carol’s death was a huge loss. She served on the National Board as 2nd Vice President.
Lynda Krupp joined Lady Nancy Astor and eventually became State President, Midwest Organizer, and is now the National President. I knew she was a keeper when she volunteered to take over the brisket baking for our Christmas dinner when Margaret Skaptason could no longer host the party.
Chapters held teas and garage sales as hugely successful fundraisers. The Faire became even more popular. The British Home and various local fundraisers benefited. Kansas was the crown jewel of DBE Midwest.
By 2000, we had 9 chapters in the Kansas City metro. 5 of these chapters eventually disbanded, but the new decade brought 4 new chapters. Kansas was asked to form the 28th National Administration of DBE in 1998. The Board took over national duties in 2001. Under the leadership of Ann Robards, National President, the Board created a recruitment video for the States, initiated and obtained the 501c3 tax status, and a new idea—a national website for DBE was established by the Kansas administration.
Four months into our administration, 9/11 happened. National sent notes of condolence to Pennsylvania DBE, New York DBE, and Washington DC nearby states. One member wrote back, “Oh-- it was only one day. We used to have a week of bombs from the Germans.” British stiff upper lip.
Strawberry Field Chapter started in 2001, White Cliffs of Dover in 2003, Bess of Hardwicke in 2007, and Somerset House in 2008.
Chapters continue to be fundraising marvels. Teas of every sort were held in the 2000s and the addition of the boxed tea during the recent pandemic was a master stroke. The state has reached out to young people with recruitment materials and appearances at gatherings like the Midwest Tea Festival.
Now, on our 60th anniversary, six chapters stand strong; the original three: Bard of Avon, Royal Arms, Magna Carta, Lady Nancy Astor, Bess of Hardwicke, and Somerset House.DBE sisters, this is your legacy. Incredible women working together for a Cause. Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” May we continue to work together and give of ourselves freely and with commitment to the Cause.
Mary Hawks
DBE Kansas (Member 1987-Present)
Written for the 60th Anniversary for DBE in Kansas 2024