Daughters of America

[citation needed] Both the JOUAM and the Daughters of America are descended from the Order of United American Mechanics, founded in 1845.

Later, in a pamphlet described as "recent" in 1979, the order was described as open to "PATRIOTIC, WHITE MALE AND FEMALE CITIZENS OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER, WHO BELIEVE IN A SUPREME BEING AS THE CREATOR AND PRESERVER of the Universe and who favor the upholding the American Public School System and the reading of the Holy Bible in the schools thereof, must be opposed to the union of Church and State; must be literate and capable of giving all the secret signs and words of the Order, or of explaining them if unable to give them by reason of some physical misfortune or defect.

"[10] The Daughters had as part of their association various ritual activities, about which there was maintained a strict code of secrecy as late as 1970.

Those members wishing to reside there had two options: turn over all their income and properties to the home or join a "contributing plan" which required a monthly fee of $275.

[13] Instead of an orphanage, the Daughters of America created an early form of foster care called the "Helping Hands System".

A manager would find suitable homes for the children and a stipend for their support was paid out of the funds of the department, raised by voluntary contributions from the local branches.

[15] An insurance concern, the Daughters of America, National Council, was established in 1907 and admitted men and women.

Council of the Daughters of America, a patriotic fraternity, which seeks to aid in preserving and perpetuating the Public School system; to instill a spirit of patriotism into the youth of our land; to place our flag over every schoolhouse; to promote the reading of the Holy Bible therein; and to protest against the immigration of paupers, criminals, and the enemies of our social order.

I SOLEMNLY PROMISE TO KEEP SECRET--ALL I HAVE SEEN OR HEARD,--OR MAY SEE OR HEAR,--DURING MY INITIATION.According to its 1978 regulations, the Daughters of America professed the following principles for its members:[18] 1.