History of Peoria Chapter 2010

Sixteen charter members led by Miss Caroline M Rice, Organizing Regent, founded the Peoria Chapter NSDAR on Flag Day, June 14, 1896. The chapter continues to promote the DAR objectives: historical preservation, education and patriotism. The name was chosen to commemorate the Peoria Indians that once inhabited the area and to identify with the city. The new chapter sent a delegate to the Sixth Continental Congress in 1897 and since that time they have supported the NSDAR buildings in Washington D.C.

On June 14, 1996 Peoria Chapter celebrated its 100th year. Many dignitaries from the ISO-NSDAR and the City of Peoria were in attendance at the celebration. In honor of the Chapter Centennial, a chair was purchased for the Illinois box at Constitution Hall and the Peoria Chapter contributed money to become Friends of the DAR. A pin for Friends and a Chapter Centennial pin were purchased for the Chapter Regent’s ribbon. Mrs. Richard Gott purchased an American Flag and a DAR banner with standards in memory of her mother, former chapter member Mrs. Carolyn Martini. All past Chapter Regents were elected Honorary Regents. The Peoria Historical Society honored the chapter with the Centenarian Award at their 1996 annual dinner.

The grave of Real Daughter Lydia Moss Bradley was marked in Springdale Cemetery. Real Daughter Jane Whittaker was marked in 1975. The grave marker for Revolutionary soldier Lemuel Gaylord was repaired and rededicated by Peoria and Princeville-Illinois Chapter in 2004. In 1933 the Peoria DAR presented a flagpole and marker to the Girl Reserves Camp Lakeview. The Flag (38 stars) and marker were installed and rededicated at the Doering House, East Peoria Historical Society headquarters in 2006. In 2007 Peoria DAR and Zealy Moss SAR marked the grave of Revolutionary soldier Moses Hoskins at Dillon Cemetery in Dillon, IL . Moses had three true daughters: Mary, Ruth, and Hanna. Each daughter married a Dillon brother.

Peoria Chapter has contributed to the community: Help building the Soldiers Monument at the Peoria Court House; The partnership with the Peoria Historical Society in the purchase of Flanagan House, the oldest building in Peoria which now serves as Peoria Chapter Headquarters and a museum; The marking of Creve Coeur with a boulder that reads "Fort Creve Coeur 1680 Peoria Chapter DAR 1902"; Trees planted in Glen Oak Park and plaques placed on trees in Springdale cemetery commemorating the young men who fell during World War I; A boulder placed in Memory of Rebecca Eads (Mrs. Abner), who was the first white woman to arrive at the Peoria site; The site of the landing of LaSalle and Tonti was marked; The chapter hosted a reception for Joliet and Marquette Tricentennial Voyagers in 1974; They aided the Illinois State Organization in marking the giant burr oak that stands on High Street in Peoria; The marking of Constitution Gardens on the riverfront; A bronze marker was placed at the base of the Manual Training High School Flagpole that District 150 reinstalled in front of DAR headquarters in 1997. The flag pole originally stood in front of MTHS from 1909 to 1963.

The Illinois State Organization DAR and Peoria Chapter marked the graves of Honorary State Regents Jessie Stevens Page (1909-1913) and Georgia V. Sleeper Chubbuck (1915-1918) at a Flag Day ceremony in Historic Springdale Cemetery. Mrs. Chubbuck also served as Vice President General from Illinois (1920-1923). State and Division dignitaries, chapter members and special guests attended the marking and luncheon.

The chapter also marked the graves of Martha Edmiston Jackson, 50 year member and Chapter Treasurer for 46 years; Nell Watson Sherman, Chapter Regent (1956-1958); and 105 year old Norma Wolcott Smith, an active member from 1963-2007.

In September 2008 the marking and presentation of a granite Liberty bench was made to the City of Peoria. Located on Liberty Park’s riverfront, the bench was placed by Peoria Chapter members to honor Mary Ann Frances Watkins Middleton, Illinois State Regent 2005-2007. The inscription reads:

Councilwoman, Barbara Van Auken, accepted the bench for the City of Peoria. The ceremony was opened with the Posting of the Colors by Woodruff High School Navy-JROTC. The bench was paid in full by the Peoria Chapter membership.

Peoria Chapter has had members serving on National committees and as State officers: State recording secretary and State treasurer, two Division I Directors and State committee chairmen of hospitality, registration, finance, resolutions, press book and others.

The DAR Good Citizen Project began in 1932-33 and has continued to this day. We present certificates, pins, and cards to twenty schools in the Peoria area at a formal tea held each February at the Historic 1890s Peoria Women’s Club building for students, parents and friends. Peoria Chapter has had two DAR Good Citizen IL State winners in the past ten years. Our speakers have been federal judges, city mayors, politicians, and religious leaders. The DAR Good Citizen’s chapter winner presents his/her essay at the annual Peoria Memorial Day celebration.

The Chairmen of Peoria Chapter are dedicated: There have been many American History winners at Division, State and North Central; The Christopher Columbus entrants placed first at State in 2001, 2004 and 2009; The JAC participants have received numerous awards at State, North Central and National level; The National Defense chairman currently supplies five area high schools with J-ROTC medals; The Conservation Chairman brought home the silver tray in 1997and continues to be recognized by the ISO; The American Heritage Chairman has been recognized many times by the National Society.

Our members contribute to the DAR schools through memorials as well as honorariums and by sending items made or collected from the chapter daughters. Our veterans receive packages of personal items from the membership. Many members have contributed hand knitted items to the USA servicemen.

Peoria Chapter purchased a United States of America Flag for the Avenue of Flags in Historic Springdale Cemetery; Area organizations have been recognized by Peoria Chapter for flying the USA Flag at their establishments; Flags are given to each new United States Citizen at the numerous Naturalization ceremonies; The Chris Peterson Memorial Flag Collection is a part of the Peoria Chapter.

Zealy Moss C.A.R. Chapter was the first established in Illinois in 1905. Some time later it became inactive, but was started again in 1970 and continues to be a viable group to this day.

Peoria Chapter continues to work hard for membership. In 1993 the membership was 315. It is currently 187. To gain exposure a DAR display was a part of the 2009 Peoria Women’s Lifestyle Exposition. This was followed by a genealogy workshop and gained six prospective members.

A Chapter Regents Council was formed in 2008 by the nine Honorary Regents for the purpose of serving as liaisons to the Chapter Officers and Chairmen.

Members serve on boards of many civic organizations in the Peoria area and take part in many community projects. In 1999 Peoria Chapter worked hard for the city to be named a "George Washington Bicentennial Community." In 2008, a member served on the Tri-County Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and presented a program entitled "Tinsel Strength - Lincoln’s Final Journey to Springfield" at the 2009 DAR Good Citizen awards day.

The chapter makes Level One for Chapter Achievement at National. They receive the Gold Award for ISO Honor Roll, and their yearbook draws top honors.

Peoria Chapter continues to support all phases of NSDAR. We are proud of our heritage and work hard to preserve the past and prepare for the future.

Doris Ann Wilcoxon Larke (Mrs. Frederick H.)
December 1, 2009
E-mail: Doris Larke