Vermilion County, Illinois - Chapter 40: The D. A. R, 1911

The Centennial Celebration with a World's Fair in Philadelphia, had one evident result, the founding of several patriotic societies. Among them was the Daughters of the American Revolution. This society was formed with the distinct purpose of promoting patriotism and increasing interest in the country, both in the present and past.

The appreciation of the history of America needed fostering, and such a society had a place in the life of the women of the United States. The eastern states soon had a large membership, and even the middle west found that many of the daughters had wandered even so far from the scene of the revolution.

Certain objections arose to the management of this society, and another was formed, called the Daughters of the Revolution. This society, however, has never been very popular so far west, it being stronger along the Hudson than anywhere else. The qualifications for either of these societies are that one's lineal ancestors had fought in the war of the Revolution. It was but recently that there were found enough women eligible to membership in Vermilion County. It was in 1905 that twelve Hoopeston women organized a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This chapter was named the Barbara Standish chapter. Mary Hall Hamilton was elected the first regent. The Barbara Standish chapter now numbers twenty-five members. Each year a calendar is issued, and some splendid papers have been read before this chapter.

To encourage interest in American history as a study in the schools, medals are awarded for the best historical sketch and for the highest grade in the classes of American history. The chapter has sent its portion to the various state and national causes, and each year enthusiastic delegates return from the state conventions. It was in 1907 that an attempt was made to organize a chapter in Danville. Enough, who were eligible, did not respond, however, until in January of 1908. The chapter was organized at that time, and the charter* came the following May. The membership was limited in this chapter for a time, but this was corrected, and an active membership resulted. Mrs. Blose was the first regent, with Mrs. Ridgeley as the first secretary. Mrs. A. L. Lyons was elected regent in 1910. Miss Chesley has been secretary for two terms. The interest in the D. A. R. organization is enhanced in Vermilion County by the fact that there are four graves of Revolutionary soldiers within the county limits.