Muskegon Chapter, NSDAR
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Chapter History
On November 22, 1898, the Muskegon Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution was chartered, the eighth in the State of Michigan. Mary A. Wylie held the office of organizing regent. Twelve members joined to make up the membership roll of the original chapter.
As the chapter started at the time of the Spanish-American War, the ladies provided assistance and support to the troops and the families of the soldiers serving their country. They wrote letters of encouragement and sent supplies of clothing, bandages and other necessary items. They also found time to have programs with educational, historical and patriotic themes at their local meetings held in members’ homes.
During World War I the chapter renewed their efforts on behalf of servicemen and their families. They continued writing letters to those stationed overseas and sending packages, which now included hand-knitted sweaters and mittens for those serving in Germany and those serving in the Polar Bear Units in Russia.
Between 1924 and 1935 the chapter held card parties and memorial teas to raise more than $800 for a monument to honor 104 men from Muskegon County who lost their lives in World War I. The marker was placed on a large boulder in a small city park on Peck Street at Ransom Avenue. On November 11, 1935, the chapter dedicated the monument with an impressive ceremony. The monument was refurbished and rededicated in 2000. In addition, the chapter purchased a memorial plaque in the Veterans Walkway and contributed to the restoration of the World War I cannons at Veterans Memorial Park along the causeway.
The Muskegon Chapter, NSDAR, has awarded the Bronze medal to a top Muskegon High School JROTC senior for many years.
Each year the Muskegon Chapter, NSDAR, honors area high school seniors in the DAR Good Citizen program. The three top local essay winners receive scholarship money. In addition, the Muskegon Chapter Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who are qualified DAR descendants of chapter members.
