That's a DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) emblem at the top of that sign.
I have it on very good authority (she's asleep right now) that those ladies recite the American's Creed prior to the beginning of every meeting, nationwide.
It's never too late, fren.
If you can "connect" your ancestors to a documented DAR line to a patriot (would need someone with DAR member # and login to access their site)
SAR will accept DAR's documentation for membership, since it is more stringent than SAR.
Both groups, in my area, are very involved with the Wreaths Across America project.
DAR headquarters in Washington was not damaged too badly during the riots, but the United Daughters of the Confederacy headquarters in Richmond was badly damaged. The ladies received a windfall of donations for repairs and improvements as a result.
The most valuable asset at any of the heritage organizations is undoubtedly their libraries, having been left many personal book collections and family Bibles by members. The DAR HQ in Washington has an outstanding collection of very early American crafted furniture, clothing, and objects from the colonial era, most of which were also bequeathed to the DAR by members in their wills. The museum there will be open to the public again after this pandemic nonsense is in the past.
I encourage you to revisit your application at some point in the future. It's an enjoyable regular meeting to attend, with interesting speakers and good fellowship, and has been a nice addition to life at (ahem) my age now.
How wonderful to have grown up on family property that way; ours was sold off in the 70's by grandparents due to its proximity to Atlanta. The family farms were rezoned commercial after the sale, and that was that. Alas, it was sold for $1K an acre, and at the time no one would dreamed it would ever go for more. One parcel belonged to an ancestor who ran a ferry across the Chattahoochee River, and a major road in North Fulton county is named for him.
Wife & I are both genealogy hobbyists.
When it comes to death certificates, or the lack thereof, there are acceptable substitutes if the local government was not issuing DC's at that time.
Check your state archives' site to see if they have uploaded images of death certificates. I know that Georgia has uploaded thousands onto the "Georgia Virtual Vault" site, and we have found many there.
Death cert substitutes:
:: obituaries from Newspaper.com (accessible at some libraries and LDS church libraries)
:: family Bible entries
:: gravestone transcriptions
:: church records
A local genealogical society/club or a member of SAR will no doubt be happy to help.