History: History of the Eau Claire Chapter of the DAR, Eau Claire, WI, 1918 ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Nance Sampson 13 April 1999 ==================================================================== DAR Chapter Marks 50th Anniversary Celebrating its 50th anniversary this spring (1968) will be the Eau Claire Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, more commonly referred to as the DAR. Fifty years is a long time -- long enough to forget a great deal -- long enough to lose many members -- and long enough to gain many more. Founded on May 7, 1918, the chapter has grown and flourished in its activities and goals. A Mrs. Kestin was active in the early formation of the organization although no formal mention is made of her anywhere in the chapter's records. A couple of notices were placed in the local paper and two organizational meetings were held at the public library. Mrs. Jeanette (Putnam) Fulton had been a DAR member in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Her aunt was organizing a chapter there and needed to fulfill the membership requirements so she gave her niece a lifetime membership. This was in 1894 when the DAR was only four years old. Mrs. Fulton's National number is 4250, the earliest in Wisconsin. Miriam Eastman and her mother had been DAR members in Plymouth, Wisc., when Miriam came to Eau Claire to teach. Having been a charter member while in Plymouth, she organized a chapter here in Eau Claire after her marriage to Louis Arnold, a young engineer. It was at their home on South Farwell Street that the first meeting was held, with Mrs. Fulton serving as the organizing agent. Other early members include Mrs. Emil Winfeld who moved to the city from Menomonie, where she had been a member of the Chippewa Valley Chapter. She brought her daughter, later Mrs. Herman Lasker, into the chapter. Dr. Roy Mitchell went East and came back with a bride. The bride, the former Emily Judson, was a member of DAR at her home in Goshen, N. Y., so she became active here. A few years later her mother moved to the city to be with her. Mrs. Ida Hainer had been active in a chapter while living in Portage, Wis., so she joined when she moved to the city. When the group had their papers ready for chartering they had 18 members, more than twice the number needed for recognition. At the 25th anniversary, five of the charter members were still living. The five were Mrs. Jeannette Fulton, Mrs. Louis G. Arnold, Miss Frances Bostwick, Mrs. Herman Lasker, and Mrs. Fanny Wood. The other charter members were Mrs. Bonetta Savage Blake, Mrs. Ada Brockway Cooper, Mrs. Clara Brownlee Dearth, Mrs. Martha Elizabeth Field, Mrs. Kate Smith Green, Mrs. Mallie Sherman Jackson, Mrs. Mary Grassie Keith, Mrs. May Bostwick Kelley, Mrs. Helen Bostwick Mason, Miss Selma Monroe, Mrs. Pearl Brooks Pope, Mrs. Fredrica Wood Thompson, and Mrs. Juanita Wood Wiese. The Eau Claire Chapter is the 31st in Wisconsin. Milwaukee was the first, founded in 1893. Four of their charter members were original members from the chapter in Washington, D. C. Going back into history the Sons of the American Revolution were actually responsible for the organization of the DAR. In 1890 the SAR invited the ladies to attend a meeting but they weren't satisfied with just being allowed to visit. The ladies wanted to become active members and participate in the activities of the organization but the men said no. This "no" was the beginning. Early promoters of the organization reminded the men that while the men were fighting for their country, the women wee serving with equal patriotism at home. Soon eighteen women took over and organized their own chapter. The wife of President Benjamin Harrison served as the chapter's president-general. She remained in office until her death two years later. They chose the national colors of Washington, blue and white as their colors. The National Society is now 78 years old. It took only three years to spread to Wisconsin. But it took 28 years for it to reach Eau Claire. About one-half million women have belonged to the national society since its creation 78 years ago. The National Society owns $7,500,000 worth of property in the middle of Washington, D. C. This land occupies a full block and is used as a cultural center containing Memorial Hall, the Administration Building, and Constitution Hall. It is the largest group of buildings in the world owned and financed by women. These buildings were used by the government in both World Wars and during the International Disarmament Conference. In the early days the women could choose from a wide variety of activities. Since the club was just beginning members were allowed to set up their own program. They searched and charted the old trails. They placed the marker honoring Old Abe at the steamboat landing; marked the grave of a daughter of a Revolutionary War soldier; and raised large sums of money for other historical projects in the city. The unveiling of the steamboat landing marker is one of the historical highlights of the chapter. Mayor Barron, in accepting the marker for the city, assured the Daughters that "It would be preserved and guarded as a memorial to deeds of patriotism and sacrifice, revering ever the memory of Eagle Company and the place which has such sacred associations." A speech given by Mrs. Ada Cooper followed the dedication. She emphasized that the primary aim of the DAR is the preservation of local history. During World War II the national organization began to exert pressure on the local chapter and urged them to channel more of their money into DAR projects. To enable the organization to maintain its DAR scholarship, which was the first scholarship ever given at the university, Lyla Flagler, an instructor, turned over to the chapter all the proceeds she received from giving talks on her European trip. This scholarship is still awarded at the university today. Northland College in Ashland is also on the budget of the chapter and is given financial help yearly. Mrs. E. M. Hale, an active chapter member, and her husband also have made financial gifts to Northland College. Several of the local chapter members have been officers or chairman of the state or national societies. Mrs. Fulton was honored in 1944, Mrs. L. G. Arnold in 1957, each having been with the organization 50 years. Some of the highlights of the Eau Claire chapter include the sponsoring of the largest number of girl Good Citizens in Wisconsin at their annual March meeting. Mrs. David Barnes has been chairman of the committee since it was originated in the 1930's. Mrs. E. M. Hale and Mrs. H. H. Barker have both served as state regents. The DAR has also promoted writing of history essays by eighth graders in the city schools, and has given recognition to the winners. The chapter also helped with the start and work of the Chippewa Valley Historical Museum. State board members from the local chapter include Mrs. R. E. Mitchell, historian; Mrs. David Barnes, treasurer; Miss Lois Williams, secretary; Mrs. L. G. Arnold, corresponding secretary; and Mrs. E. M. Hale, librarian. Present officers (1968) include Mrs. B. A. Kortier, regent; Miss Winnifred Gilman, vice regent; Mrs. H. V. Adams, chaplain; Mrs. W. N. Davenport, secretary; Mrs. P. E. Riley, corresponding secretary; Mrs. W. E. McEachern, treasurer; Miss Gertrude Sparks, register; and Mrs. A. D. Friedman, historian. --Taken from the Eau Claire Leader / The Daily Telegram, Progress Edition, 1968