Downers Grove Chapter DAR

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Downers Grove Chapter DAR This site is dedicated to supporting and highlighting the activities of the Downers Grove DAR Chapter and is not an official NSDAR website. Margaret Drake (Mrs.

Formation of the Downers Grove Chapter can be credited to Mrs. E. H.) De Groot who had been called upon by the Illinois State Regent to form a chapter in this area. After countless hours contacting possible members, the Downers Grove Chapter held their first meeting on the bitterly cold evening of January 22, 1910 with the required 12 charter members in attendance:

Mrs. Margaret Drake De Groot, Regent
Mrs. Maude E. Cobb Whiffen
Mrs. Mary Stuart Burns
Mrs. Addie Summers Downer
Mrs. Luella Lyon Roe Lamb
Mrs. Olive Lamb Drew
Mrs. Bess Lewis Cook
Mrs. Bessie Louise Pickens
Miss Carrie Barmore
Miss Florence Clifford
Miss Helen Clifford
Mrs. Julia Mitchell Allison
The name chosen for the chapter perpetuates the name of our village’s founding settler, Pierce Downer of Vermont, who came to this area in 1832, staking a claim to 160 acres of government prairie timber land. Mrs. Addie Summers Downer was a daughter-in-law of Pierce Downer. Later his granddaughter, Miss Helen Downer, joined the chapter. On February 11, 1996, the Downers Grove Chapter was pleased to sponsor the Pierce Downer Society of the Children of the American Revolution which was established with eleven charter members.

The Downers Grove Chapter DAR hosted speakers MSC (SW) Danny Edgar USN Retired and BMC/ (SW/EXW) Danielle Wilton USN to ...
10/11/2026

The Downers Grove Chapter DAR hosted speakers MSC (SW) Danny Edgar USN Retired and BMC/ (SW/EXW) Danielle Wilton USN to learn more about "Challenge Coins" at the October monthly meeting.

The Downers Grove Chapter DAR hosted speakers MSC (SW) Danny Edgar USN Retired and BMC/ (SW/EXW) Danielle Wilton USN to ...
10/11/2026

The Downers Grove Chapter DAR hosted speakers MSC (SW) Danny Edgar USN Retired and BMC/ (SW/EXW) Danielle Wilton USN to learn more about "Challenge Coins" at the October monthly meeting.

Challenge coins are widely recognized within the U.S. Armed Forces, yet their origins predate the modern military. Over the centuries, these small medallions have symbolized identity, loyalty, and recognition. Originally used as ancient rewards, challenge coins have become a valued tradition among service members across all branches, including elite special operations units.

39 veterans from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War that are unable to make a trip to DC for health reasons were t...
10/08/2026

39 veterans from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War that are unable to make a trip to DC for health reasons were treated to a virtual Honor Flight Chicago Wednesday at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL. Besides being honored for their sacrifice, they received mail call tributes, handmade quilts, challenge coins and other treasures.

The Downers Grove Chapter DAR were delighted to participate and welcome them home and thank them for their service in the US military.

Find out more at Honor Flight Chicago's FB page.

10/07/2026

Here's just a sample of some of the great "Welcome Home!" greetings these Korean War and Vietnam War veterans received as they finished up their virtual "Honor Flight Chicago" celebration at Cantigny Park in Wheaton Wednesday afternoon.

More photos will be posted tomorrow - it was indeed a well-deserved time of honor and recognition. Thank you from the Downers Grove Chapter DAR!

Want to find out if your ancestors were a part of America's Revolutionary War? Here's a great place to start ...
10/01/2026

Want to find out if your ancestors were a part of America's Revolutionary War? Here's a great place to start ...

Genealogy is by far one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. Expertise and skill levels vary considerably from novice to professional genealogy gurus. Joining the DAR does not require an interest in genealogy, but it helps to have some knowledge of one’s ancestry. At the very least, y...

Downers Grove Chapter DAR is honored to participate in a special Honor Flight Chicago ceremony at Cantigny Park in Wheat...
10/01/2026

Downers Grove Chapter DAR is honored to participate in a special Honor Flight Chicago ceremony at Cantigny Park in Wheaton October 7, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

We are participating in the ceremony's "Mail Call," and will be recognizing the veterans and showing appreciation for their service in the military. It will be a special time. Join us!

Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett proclaimed September 17 - 23, 2026 Constitution Week as part of America's 250th Birthday...
09/23/2026

Downers Grove Mayor Bob Barnett proclaimed September 17 - 23, 2026 Constitution Week as part of America's 250th Birthday Celebration.

If you weren't at last week's Village of Downers Grove, Illinois, Municipal Government Council meeting, you may not know...
09/22/2026

If you weren't at last week's Village of Downers Grove, Illinois, Municipal Government Council meeting, you may not know that Downers Grove recognized "Constitution Week" Sept. 17-23, 2026.

Congratulations, Mayor, for leading the way!

At last night's Village Council meeting, Mayor Barnett proclaimed the week of September 17 - 23, 2026, as Constitution Week.

View the proclamation: https://bit.ly/4AfUleB
Downers Grove Chapter DAR

This Saturday, September 26, the Downers Grove Chapter DAR will be discussing Kit Sergeant's novel "355: A Novel: The Wo...
09/22/2026

This Saturday, September 26, the Downers Grove Chapter DAR will be discussing Kit Sergeant's novel "355: A Novel: The Women of Washington's Spy Ring" over lunch. Want to join us? Drop a note to [email protected] for more details.

Find the book on Amazon or on Audible.

Downers Grove DAR's first meeting for the 2026-27 season featured a special lesson on DAR insignia protocol. Do you wear...
09/15/2026

Downers Grove DAR's first meeting for the 2026-27 season featured a special lesson on DAR insignia protocol. Do you wear yours at the right time, right place and in the correct way?
Thanks to Downers Grove DAR's Electa Finley-Chonko for sharing her expertise with us, and Treasurer Eileen Hayman for her assistance.

We also heard from several DAR committee leadership, including Susan Devick!

In addition, an exciting year of service opportunities is in the works!

Reach out to [email protected] for more details!

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Downers Grove, IL

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