Port Lavaca Chapter No. 373, Order of the Eastern Star
Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The first Port Lavaca Chapter of the Eastern Star, No. 171, began in 1894, but ended 5 years later. On May 10, 1907, a second dispensation was constituted for Port Lavaca Chapter No.373. Members of the earlier chapter were among the 13 charter members of the new group. Bertie Best served as the first worthy matron. A later member, Annie Leggett, served as Deputy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Texas. Over the years, this organization has led in the support of numerous charities and benevolences. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The Eastern Star came to Port Lavaca first in 1894, and after that chapter lapsed a second was chartered as No. 373 in 1907, drawing in veterans of the earlier group. Bertie Best led as its first worthy matron, and a later member, Annie Leggett, rose to Deputy Grand Matron of the Texas Grand Chapter. For more than a century the chapter has anchored local charity and benevolence.
Why it matters
As the women's affiliate of Freemasonry, an Eastern Star chapter records how women organized their own civic and charitable life in small-town America long before many other public roles were open to them.
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Related people
- · Bertie Best
- · Annie Leggett
Themes & tags
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