At Point Vicente’s recent chapter meeting, Diane Stephens, CSSDAR Speakers Staff, CSSDAR Librarian and Honorary Regent of the Aurantia Chapter DAR, portrayed Mrs. Robert Morris. She and her narrator, DAR member Roseanna Weir helped us travel back in time to 1787 to visit the home of Mrs. Robert Morris, known to her friends as “Molly.”

Molly welcomed us in period costume while sitting at her writing desk penning her reflections on the Constitutional Convention that had just adjourned.

Her husband, Mr. Morris (as he is referred), was a wealthy merchant and financier who had given millions of dollars from his personal fortune in support of the Revolutionary War.  Mr. Morris was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence; Articles of Confederation and the document approving the proposed constitution for our new nation.

The Morrises lived in Philadelphia and frequently welcomed guests to their home during the summer of 1787 when the convention was meeting. General George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison were often guests in their home.  This gave Molly insight into the process of forging our new nation.

Although sworn to secrecy while the Constitutional Convention was in session, after the signing the members were free to share the difficulties and disagreements that were encountered during the long summer session.

Signed on the 17th of September in 1787, the document was soon being circulated in print and supported by prominent men throughout the colonies. The Constitution was ratified by all 13 original colonies on May 29, 1790.