Lt. Col. Paul J. Fardink, Lafayette (portraited by Mike Day), with DAR members.

Sunday, June 1, turned out to be a beautiful day after a very dreary and rainy May. The tables were set as the Benjamin Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution together with the Chautauqua County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution hosted a Tea in honor of the 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to America. The Marquis de Lafayette was very instrumental in the victory of the American Revolution. He made a tour of the new United States from New England to New Orleans and back, visiting Fredonia June 4, 1835, meeting with several American Revolutionary soldiers that fought with him along the way.

Myra Johnston, Regent of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR with Jeff Crossley, President, Chautauqua County SAR, with Brenda Johnson, Vice-Regent of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR and member of the New York State Lafayette Committee, welcomed everyone and introduced several speakers.

Paul J. Fardink, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) presented “A Salute to Lafayette and the Native American Warriors.” Lafayette was very fond of the warriors that fought with him. Lt. Col. Fardink also commented on the work the SAR has been doing placing Pomeroy signs at cemeteries where American Revolutionary soldiers were laid to rest in Chautauqua County.

The Marquis de Lafayette, portrayed by Mike Lee, presented an interesting biography on the Marquis’ life. “Lafayette and the Ladies” featuring the several ladies in his life.

Everyone enjoyed tea with croissants filled with chicken salad or ham salad, Perrier, macaroons, eclairs, decorated truffles, and crème puffs. A basket raffle was held for charity and was won by Sandra Haskins, a member of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter NSDAR.