Daughters of the American Revolution - La Crosse Chapter History

DAR Membership Requirements:

Any woman is eligible for membership in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution who is not less than eighteen years of age, and who is lineally descended from a man or woman, who, with unfailing loyalty to the cause of American Independence, served as a sailor, or a soldier, or civil officer in one of the several Colonies or States, or in the United Colonies or States, or as a recognized patriot, or rendered material aid thereto.

History of the La Crosse Chapter DAR:

La Crosse Chapter was Organized December 11, 1896. The Organizing Regent was Mrs. Angus Cameron.

Prairie La Crosse was the site which was chosen for the inter-tribal game, "LaCrosse," played there by the Indians.

In February of 1896 it was announced that six local members of the DAR would entertain friends, thought to be eligible for the DAR, at Norden Hall. Much interest was shown and on December 11, 1896, a chapter was organized at the home of Mrs. Cameron. Mrs. James S. Peck, first Wisconsin State Regent, was there for the occasion.

Charter Members:

Mrs. Angus Cameron Mrs. W. R. Sill

Mrs. Gysbert van Steenwyk Mrs. P. S. MacArthur

Mrs. D. S. MacArthur Mrs. George W. Scott

Miss Nannie Colwell Miss M. L. Tourtellotte

Mrs. James McCord Miss May Conant

Mrs. Ellis Usher Miss Olive A. Webb

Mrs. Mary W. Shadbolt Mrs. Ida A. Johnstone

Miss Francis E. Sill

Mrs. Cameron was elected Chapter Regent, but before her second year was over she was elected Vice President General, in 1898, and had to resign. Her Vice Regent, Mrs. van Steenwyk, took her place.

The chapter became interested in marking historical spots and a boulder was secured with the idea of marking the site of the first trading post in La Crosse. After much research and many conferences with the park board, it was found that the middle of State and Front Streets was no place for a large boulder. This was put in Spence Park and a bronze marker placed on the Funk Building.

After WWI things went back to normal. In 1921 silver medals were given to 7th grade pupils for excellence in American History. Miss Helen Dorset was chosen as delegate to the Peace Conference in Europe. It was thought that peace should come through education.

In 1975 some members formed a second chapter in Onalaska which was named the Rebecca Myrick Chapter. This chapter was successful for several years. In 2002 the two chapters again combined to form one chapter, which is now named the La Crosse-Rebecca Myrick Chapter.