Society Saturday - Happy Birthday to DuPage DAC!

At our Spring meeting of the Illinois State Daughters of the American Colonists, we had 2 things to celebrate!

First, this meeting was the official visit of our National President, Carole Rambo Holt.  Carole gave a very interested presentation about St. Mary's City in Maryland, the site of her National Project.  Although I have actually visited the archealogical site there, I learned a lot from her presentation. 

One fact that I found especially interesting was that a woman, Margaret Brent, actually spoke up for her rights.  She was unmarried, and owned property.  She was appointed executrix to the estate of Lord Calvert, Governor of the colony in 1647.  She acted as his attorney and appealed to the colonial legislature in 1648 - asking for "Vote... and Voyce".  Although this request was not granted, she is still regarded as the first female in Colonial America to lobby for her own rights.

State Regent Jane Schleinzer, National President Carole Holt, DuPage Chapter President Lorna Wright

Mrs. Holt's proposed project is to build a pavilion shelter at the historic site for the use of school groups.  It is to be named the "Margaret Brent Pavilion".

The other celebration was the anniversary of the organization of DuPage Chapter, DAC (the hostess chapter for the meeting).  We had a special Anniversary Cake for our dessert.

National President Carole Holt cuts the cake as DuPage Chapter President Lorna Wright, page Callah McLeod, and State Regent Jane Schleinzer look on

 

 

www.nsdac.org

Society Saturday - Illinois in the War of 1812

The John Kinzie chapter of the US Daughters of 1812 recently had a joint meeting with the Illinois Chapter Dames of the Court of Honor.

Our guest speaker was Gillum Ferguson, author of the book "Illinois in the War of 1812".  Gillum has researched events leading up to, and including the War of 1812 as they occurred in the Illinois territory.

 

When many think of the War of 1812, they think of the burning of the White House, Francis Scott Key writing our National Anthem, or maybe some of the ship warfare on the Great Lakes. 

There were actuallly several battles fought in Illinois as well - many of which were Indian uprisings, but there were ties with British forces who encouraged the uprisings.

 

Gillum gave us an informative talk about some of the individual acts of heroism and bravery that are included in his book.

John Kinzie USD1812 President Kimberly Nagy, Guest Speaker Gillum Ferguson, Illinois DCH President Miriam Giebel

http://illinoisdch.homestead.com/

http://usdaughters1812.org/

Society Saturday - The Town Crier

While visiting family in Ohio, it happened to be the same weekend as a meeting of my old DAR chapter.  I first joined the Fort Industry chapter, NSDAR in 1980.  I still maintain my associate membership with them, and receive their monthly newsletters.

 

My mother and I attended their chapter meeting and had a nice time.  The program was given by Michael Lieber, the official town crier for Sylvania, OH.

 

 

He began with a proclamation about DAR, and a little of the history of northwest Ohio.  Then he talked about how he became interested in being a town crier, a little about the competitions he has been in, and some of his other appearances.

 

 

Some of the interesting facts about town criers are:
1. They date from the time of the Norman conquest
2. It was illegal to harm the town crier if you didn't like what they had to say
In other words, "don't shoot the messenger"
3. Early town criers were often tried military officers who could read and write.
4. An official town crier can speak in place of a mayor for events such as proclamations and parades.

www.fortindustrydar.org

Society Saturday - A visit with Dolley Madison

At our recent State Council meeting of US Daughters of 1812, we were treated to a visit with Dolley Madison.  She was portrayed by history teacher Barbara Kay, who was very knowledgeable about Dolley, her family and her life in and out of the White House.

Here is "Dolley Madison" who is carrying around 2 handkerchiefs - one for show, the other for "business".  She is wearing one of her famous turbans.

Another highlight of the meeting was the gift of an 1812-era sword from the Illinois Society of 1812 (the men's group).  They gave it to the Illinois Daughters for presentation to the 1812 museum in Washington, DC. 

Illinois Society of War of 1812 President Jim DeGroff presents the sword to Illinois USD1812 President Lola DeGroff

 The sword was passed around the room for all to see the engraving on the shaft and the carved ivory handle.

Honorary State President Kathy Haas admires the 1812 sword.

Illinois Daughters of 1812 are at:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilusd/index.htm