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The
George Washington Gavel
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A Historic Day in
Greenville
By Paige Burns
Greenville - The George Washington Gavel, used by the nation’s first
president in 1793, visited Greenville on April 22, courtesy of Fort
GreeneVille DAR and representatives from the Gavel’s owner, Potomac
Lodge No. 5, located in Washington D.C. President Washington presented
the Gavel to the Lodge after he used it to lay the cornerstones of the
United States Capitol building.
The Fort GreeneVille DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) held a
95th Anniversary Breakfast Tea Party at Greenville’s St. Clair Manor in
the morning, with the centerpiece of the event being the Washington
Gavel. After breakfast, the local DAR presented Greenville Masonic
Lodge 143 with a Historical Preservation Appreciation Award for
sponsoring the Gavel for public display in the afternoon.
The Gavel was created for President Washington to use for the Capitol
building cornerstones, an event that was followed by Americans across
the country.
"It [The Gavel] represents Thomas Jefferson's views of life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness,” said Robert Heffelfinger, Secretary of
Potomac Lodge No. 5.
Since its creation, the George Washington Gavel has been used to lay
the cornerstones of several buildings. One building in particular was
the DAR’s Memorial Continental Hall in Washington D.C. It is the oldest
building in the DAR complex and has been recognized as a milestone in
global peace efforts. According to local DAR representatives, this
provided a tie to the Gavel, which helped to get approval to bring it
to Greenville.
The Gavel rarely leaves the U.S. Capitol Building, so when it does, it
is heavily guarded by police or military personnel. In Greenville,
security was provided by the City of Greenville Police Department and
the Darke County Sheriff’s Office. Because much security is needed when
the Gavel travels, any visit is rare and typically a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity.
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GreeneVille
DAR presents Greenville Masonic Lodge 143 with a Historical
Preservation Appreciation Award
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Robert Heffelfinger, Secretary of Potomac Lodge No. 5
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