Rochelle Chapter

Patriotism

Veterans
As a Vietnam Commemorative Chapter, we are part of the Department of Defense's 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the War in Vietnam. Veterans have been honored through luncheons, sailing on an authentic WWII Higgins Boat, ceremonies recognizing their service, and individual recognition at local nursing homes. We also support veterans at the LaSalle Veterans Home, and send Christmas and birthday cards to veterans.

Read more on our service to veterans here.

Constitution Week
The week of September 17-23, commemorates the adoption of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. It is recognized by the chapter through the "Bell Ringing Ceremony," articles in the local paper, and a display at the Flagg Rochelle Library.

Members and prospective members of the chapter are shown at the Flagg Rochelle Library next to a display of Constitution Week posters. In honor of Constitution Week, the chapter met for a fascinating presentation on "DAR Constitution Hall: A historic gathering place" by Library Director Sarah Flannagan. Here is a short clip about the restoration of Constitution Hall.

Historic Preservation

Members of the chapter are shown in front of the original wing of the historic Flagg Rochelle Public Library. In 1912, the Andrew Carnegie Foundation contributed $10,000 to build a library in Rochelle. The library building is an excellent example of ‘Prairie School’ architecture and is often mistaken for a Wright building. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Taste of the Colonies
Traditional foods from colonial days such as shepherd's pie, spoon bread, corn bread, baked beans carrot salad, and gingerbread were served to acquaint members with the type of foods our ancestors would have eaten. Regent Lydia Roberts and member/speaker Mary Lou Kator are shown in colonial style dress.

Education & Service

Members, associates, and prospective members of the Rochelle Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, marched and rode in the Chapter's float in the Amboy Depot Days parade. The parade theme "Service is Golden" was reflected on gold medallions highlighting the Society's missions of Patriotism, Education and Historical Preservation through service to veterans, students, and community. The 100th anniversary of women receiving the right to vote was portrayed with some members dressed as suffragettes from 1919. The chapter's float won 2nd prize in the parade theme category!

DAR Good Citizen

One student per school is chosen each year from the local high schools of Amboy, Ashton-Franklin Center, Paw Paw, Rochelle Township, and Stillman Valley to receive the Rochelle Chapter, NSDAR, DAR Good Citizen award. These outstanding students are chosen by a process involving both their fellow students and teachers for exemplifying the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

Photo on the left: Nancy Detig, DAR Good Citizen chairman of the Rochelle Chapter, NSDAR, presented the 2018 NSDAR Good Citizen award to Claire Coffman from Ashton-Franklin Center High School.
Photo on the right: Lydia Roberts (far left, dressed in Colonial style), Regent and Nancy Detig (far right), Good Citizen chairman, are shown presenting the 2018 NSDAR Good Citizen award to Jacie Wyatt, Rochelle Township High School, and Kallie Appleman, Amboy High School.