Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, NSDAR

Chapter Scrapbook

Members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, NSDAR, spent a fun and rewarding day at The Eagle's Nest of St. Clair County in East St Louis. The facility provides transitional housing, trauma-informed care, and wrap-around services and support for homeless veterans in and around the Bi-State area. Its' mission is to empower homeless veterans to achieve self-sufficiency. The Looking Glass Chapter donated some much-needed new kitchen equipment, games and puzzles, handmade blankets, and furniture for the day room. Before that, however, it was time for chow! The DAR members provided and served the veterans a full meal, including home-baked treats! With full stomachs, the veterans and Daughters played bingo and visited, sharing stories and fellowship. Chapter regent Kimberly Dalrymple said, "Each veteran also received a special goody bag. The best thing about the whole day, however, were the hugs and smiles all around the room."

Chapter members delivered sweet treats to first responders in Collinsville, Lebanon O'FAllon, Shiloh and Scott AFB to commemorate the founding of the DAR on October 11th, 1890.

In April 2010, the Looking Glass Prairie DAR Chapter was organized with 19 members and Marion Rose as the regent. Recently the chapter celebrated 15 years of service to God, Home, and Country with a party for members, past members, prospective members and family/friends. Chapter members accomplish the Society’s work of historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Since the chapter’s beginning, members have participated in parades, naturalization ceremonies, and local community events; donated books to local classrooms and sponsored teachers for classroom grants; awarded DAR Good Citizen medals and DAR American History Essay Awards; presented medals to JROTC cadets, honored Vietnam War veterans and World War II heroes; and marked graves of Revolutionary War Patriots. We were so pleased to have State Regent Marria Blinn and District VI Director attend our party. And now, our work continues.

Four Looking Glass Prairie Chapter members attended the Naturalization Ceremony in Belleville on Friday, September 19, 2025. There were 39 new citizens from 22 countries.

Constitution Week (September 17-23) is always an exciting week. Chapter members set up a display in the O'Fallon Library; gathered in front of City Hall for Bells Across America, and received proclamations from four local mayors.



The chapter hosted a visit by State Regent Marria Blinn on September 11, 2025. She discussed her project to construct an addition to the Flag Day monument in Batavia, Illinois. "It will provide a devoted space for reflection, discussion and learning," she said. The project honors the United States 250th birthday.

July 2025

Many thanks to chapter member Peggy Sternberg for presenting a program on flag retirement. Peggy was assisted by her husband, Ray. Several U.S. flags were given a proper retirement ahead of Flag Day, June 14th.

Five members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, NSDAR, attended the spring District VI meeting on June 4th. Shown are Melissa McArthur, Margaret Truitt, chapter regent Susan Haas, State Regent Christina Bannon and chapter vice regent Kimberly Dalrymple.

May 2025

Melissa McArthur and Margaret Truitt represented the chapter at the Illinois DAR State Conference in Bloomington, Ill., May 29-June 1. They received a certificate recognizing the chapter's 100% contributions to the President General's project.

April 2025

Congratulations Cadet Colonel Sean P. McMurphy who received the Bronze DAR JROTC medal from the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, NSDAR. The award was presented during an awards ceremony at the Milburn O'Fallon High School on April 30. Presenting the award to the cadet were chapter members Amy Chrisenberry and Carol Gorecki. Several other chapter members also attended.

March 2025

January 2025

Rain doesn’t stop our military from doing their duty and today’s rain didn’t stop members of the Looking Glass Prairie and Belleville DAR Chapters. Members of both chapters, along with some spouses, placed 120 wreaths on veteran graves in the Shiloh Cemetery today as part of the nation-wide Wreaths Across America program. Some of those who participated posed in front of the grave site of Revolutionary War veteran Risdon Moore. Moore was born in Delaware, Nov. 20, 1760. He entered the United States Navy at the age of 16 years and served during the war. He removed to North Carolina, then to Georgia, and later to St. Clair County, Illinois. He was speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in 1814, and was a member of the first, third and fourth Legislatures. He was strongly opposed to making Illinois a slave state. He was the great grandfather of Gov. Charles S. Deneen. He died in 1828 and is buried in the Shiloh cemetery. (Historical Information Source: Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois by Mrs. Harriet J. Walker) Note: some participants left before the photos were taken.

November 2024



DAR Museum Docent Julie Woller presented the program 'Songs of Christmas Past' in a program on November 2, 2024 sponsored by the Belleville and Looking Glass Prairie DAR Chapters.

October 2024




Whenever Looking Glass Prairie DAR Chapter members are given a challenge, they respond! Margaret Truitt, chapter chaplain challenged chapter members to Stuff the Shelves of the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School in honor of the school's 100th anniversary. Chapter members responded with a trunk load of supplies which were personally delivered to the school by Truitt, Marion Rose and Cindy Blanchette and/or delivered via Amazon Prime. They are shown with Jason Hodges KDS Development Director. KDS DAR School is located high on Gunter Mountain in Grant, Ala. It was established in 1924 by the Alabama Society DAR and later became a DAR supported school.

Looking Glass Prairie Chapter member Cori served as a Guardian for her friend, Fred, on his day long Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. Upon their return to Lambert International Airport, members of the Looking Glass Prairie DAR Chapter were on hand to welcome them home.

September 2024


Three chapter members, Melissa McArthur, Marion Rose, and Cori Croteau attended the September 24, 2024 naturalization ceremony in front of the Veterans Memorial Fountain in Belleville IL on September 24, 2024. The event is part of Belleville's Oktoberfest and Constitution Week. It is an honor for the chapter to welcome these new citizens.

Thanks to O'Fallon IL Mayor Herb Roach for again presenting the chapter with a Proclamation for Constitution Week.

Thank you Lebanon IL mayor Cheri Wright and Collinsville IL mayor Jeff Stehman for presenting Constitution Week proclamations. Shown are members Melissa McArthur and Tina Ballard with Mayor Cheri Wright. Prospective member Alexandria and Melissa are shown in Collinsville and a photo showing Constitution Week on agenda of Collinsville board meeting.

At the September meeting, members brought a family heirloom to discuss - DAR version of Show and Tell.

A huge thank you to Shiloh IL mayor Bob Weilmuenster for presenting our chapter a Constitution Week proclamation. Accepting the proclamation is chapter regent Susan Haas and member Tina Ballard.

Chapter Margaret Truitt, Melissa McArthur and Tina Ballard created a beautiful display at the O'Fallon IL Library in honor of Constitutoj Week, September 17-23.

August 2024

Chapter members Margaret Truitt, perspective member Alexandria, Cindy Blanchette, Marion Rose and Melissa McArthur at O'Fallon City Fest in front of the chapter display.

Chapter members Melissa McArthur, Regent Susan Haas, Margaret Truitt and Marion Rose at O'Fallon City Fest.

Chapter members Marion Rose, prospective member Alexandria and Carol Gorecki at O'Fallon City Fest. Thanks to all who stopped to talk to us.

July 2024


Three members of the Looking Glass Prairie DAR Chapter joined Daughters from others local chapters today at McKendree University to welcome 70 new citizens from 26 countries.

May 2024

Several chapter members participated in the Belleville Memorial Day parade.

Chapter officers Margaret Truitt (left) and Kimberly Dalrymple (right) attended the O'Fallon Senior High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) awards night. They presented the Bronze DAR JROTC medal and certificate to Cadet Major Jelena A. Gong. The DAR Bronze JROTC medal is awarded to either a junior or senior student in a high school/secondary school JROTC program.


During the chapter meeting on May 2nd, chapter regent Susan Haas presented the DAR Good Citizen medal and certificate to Allison Corbitt, a senior at Lebanon High School. Allison is the Valedictorian and class president. The DAR Good Citizen award recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.


Marie Schaefer School Girl Scouts

Hinchcliffe School Girl Scouts
Chapter members Beverly Comeaux and Stephanie Bontemps attended meetings of two local elementary school Girl Scout chapters. To foster interest in the upcoming semiquincentennial (250th anniversary of the United States in 2026), they told the story of the American Revolution and the DAR. They also handed out coloring book pages featuring male and female Patriots and a packet of crayons to each girl.

December 16, 2023





On December 26, 2023, members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter participated in Wreaths Across America ceremonies at Shiloh, Ill. cemetery (top) and at Jefferson Barricks National Cemetery. The ceremonies are held at the exact same time across the national to  Remember, Honor, and Teach.

November 2023




Members of the Cahokia Mound Chapter joined members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter to participate in the O'Fallon, Illinois Veterans Day parade.

October 2023 DAR Day of Service




Delivering sweet treats to first responders in Aviston, Ill.






It was 133 years ago today, October 11, 1890, eighteen women gathered in Washington, D.C., to organize the Daughters of the American Revolution. Today, we honor their creation and celebrate the founding of DAR with chapters around the world participating in the National DAR Day of Service. Our chapter filled goodie bags which were distributed to local first responders.

 
The chapter was pleased to host Jason Hodges, Development Director of the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School in Grant, Alabama, at their October 5th meeting. Hodges is a graduate of the school. Shown are Hodges with chapter regent, Suzie Haas.


Hodges is shown with chapter member/chaplain Margaret Truitt, who is also a KDS DAR School graduate.

CONSTITUTION WEEK 2023




Thank you O'O'Fallon mayor Herb Roach for presenting the chapter a Constitution Week proclamation.

Constitution Week Tea

Mayor Bob Weilmuenster presented a proclamation from the village of Shiloh.


Chapter member Peggy Sternberg presented a program on first ladies Martha Washington and Abigail Adams.


Chapter members Rhonda Leach and Susan Haas provided musical entertainment.


At 3 p.m. all in attendance rang their bells as part of Bells Across America.



Thank you Mayor Cheri Wright for signing a proclamation for Constitution Week and reading it at the Sept. 11 Lebanon City Council meeting. Shown are Mayor Cheri Wright on left and chapter regent Susan Haas on right.

Thanks to chapter members Bev Comeaux, Ellen Hays, Stephanie Bontemps, and Kim Dalrymple for setting up the chapter display for Constitution Week at the O'fallon, Illinois Library.

August 26, 2023

August, 2023

A big thank you to Larry Strube for presenting an excellent program on the food pantry.

December 17, 2022

Looking Glass Prairie Chapter members were joined by members of the Belleville Chapter participating in the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Shiloh Cemetery in Shiloh, Illinois. Several Revolutionary War Patriots are buried there. Other chapter members participated in the ceremony at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.

September, 2022


Many thanks to O'fallon, Illinois Mayor Herb Roach for presenting a Constitution Week proclamation at the city council meeting on September 19, 2022. Shown L-R: Beverly Comeaux, Marion Rose - Regent, Kim Dalrymple, Melissa McArthur and Mayor Roach.



On September 17, 1787, at the then-Pennsylvania State House, now better known as Independence Hall, the framing of the U.S. Constitution culminated at about 4:00 o’clock -- after 100 days of intense conversation and deliberation. Today, September 17, 2022 at 4:00 Pennsylvania time, Looking Glass Prairie Chapter members and spouses gathered at O'fallon City Hall as part of the nation's Bells Across America celebration on Constitution Day. Left to right: Kim Dalrymple, Marion Rose, Mac McArthur, Michaela Sinks, Melissa McArthur, Cindy Blanchette, Amy Chrisenberry, Debbie Sinks, Stephanie Bontemps, and Carroll Sinks.  (Photo by Steve Dalrymple.)

Thank you Mayor Weilmuenster for presenting the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter NSDAR with this proclamation for Constitution Week. Shown, L-R are Mayor Weilmuenster, Melissa McArthur, Michaela Sinks, Debbie Sinks, Marion Rose, Nikki Drayer, Mary Kearney, and Tina Ballard. 3) Thanks also to Collinsville Mayor Miller for presenting a proclamation for Constitution Week to members of the Looking Glass Prairie and Cahokia Mound DAR chapters. Shown in third photo are: Collinsville Mayor Miller, Nikki Drayer and Melissa McArthur (Looking Glass Prairie Chapter) and Kathryn Barnsley and Julie Bartsch (Cahokia Mound Chapter).


Look for the chapter Constitution Week display at the O'fallon Library.

November 4, 2021


CONSTITUTION WEEK, SEPTEMBER 17-23

Constitution Week display at O'fallon library the month of September.




Many thanks to O'Fallon Mayor Herb Roach for presenting a Constitution Week proclamation to the chapter.



Many thanks to Shiloh Mayor Bob Weilmuenster for presenting a Constitution Week proclamation.

Many thanks to Lebanon Mayor Cheri Wright for presenting a Constitution Week proclamation

Many thanks to Collinsville Mayor John Miller for presenting a Constitution Week proclamation


September 11, 2021


September 9, 2021

At our September meeting, Robert O'Brien presented a program on his Military Museum Memorabilia. He is shown with chapter members Melissa McArthur, Cori Croteau, Kim Dalrymple, and Regent Marion Rose.


September 1, 2021





July 2021

Chapter Member Donates Lap Robes to Veterans at Cedarhurst Senior Living Center

April 2021

November 6, 2020

In honor of Veterans Day, the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter NSDAR presented the National DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal to Robert Teichgraeber, a World War II veteran and former prisoner of war.
Chapter regent Marion Rose said "Teichgraeber's story of patriotism is why we call World War II veterans the greatest generation. He is a true American hero."
Teichgraeber, who celebrated his 100th birthday in August, was a waist gunner assigned to a B-24 with the 445th Bomber Group. His plane was one of 25 headed to Gotha, Germany where a factory that made Messerschmitt fighter plans was located. The group missed a rendezvous with another 200 planes that would have provided additional protection and enemy fighters shot down twelve of the 25. Teichgraeber's plane was attacked head-on by an enemy fighter, hitting the oxygen tank and causing the plane to catch fire and go down. When he jumped Teichgraeber hit the tank, fracturing his foot, and he was captured. He was a prisoner of war for 421 days.
In order to qualify for the DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal, citizens must have had an extraordinary service in the defense, promotion, and/or preservation of the American heritage of freedom. Qualities of the individual nominated include honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. Teichgraeber's accomplishments were documented in an eight page summary.

September 17-23, 2020

Many thanks to the Village of Shiloh for emphasing the importance of our nation's Constitution during Constitution Week.

August 2020

The Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, NSDAR recently commemorated the centennial anniversary of the adoption of the 19th amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. The 19th amendment, which gave women the legal right to vote, was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18th, 1920.
Chapter members watched a video from Nine Network showing footage of a national suffrage convention in St. Louis in 1919. Chapter member Mary Stange purchased special material and sewed a 19th amendment face mask for all 40-plus chapter members as a way of highlighting the amendment while practicing social distancing.

June 20, 2020

The Looking Glass Prairie Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution held a ceremony on Saturday, June 20th at the Bridges Family Cemetery near Lebanon, Ill. Due to the social distancing required by the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was purposely kept small. The DAR's objects emphasize 'to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence' and is best fulfilled by marking these Patriot's graves. That is what the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter and other chapters have done since the organization's inception in 1890. The ceremony honored Private George Benjamin Bridges, a drummer boy and private for 19 months in the Salisbury, North Carolina militia during the American Revolution. For a time, Private Bridges was even held as a prisoner of war. Bridges was born in Bladen County, N.C. on February 12, 1762. Following the war, he moved his family northward, first to Kentucky and then to Madison County, Illinois around 1811. Shortly before George Bridges died in 1834, he and his wife relocated to St. Clair, County, to live with their son, William. It is there where the family cemetery is located and George Bridges is buried. Looking Glass Prairie Chapter Regent Marion Rose thanked Thomas Schwarztrauber, O'Fallon Historical Society, for his part in locating the Patriot's grave and Cori Croteau for coordinating the marking.

April 3, 2020



Four members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter in O'Fallon are doing their part to supply medical personal with face masks during this Covid-19 crisis. Already, nearly 100 masks have been sewn and delivered to local medical facilities. Normally the three ladies use their sewing talents to create quilts so they already had fabric available during this critical time. They join DAR members from around the country who are also contributing their talents and supplies. As of April 3, DAR members have donated nearly 29,000 masks. This is certainly not the first time DAR members have responded to the needs of their country. During World War I, members knitted garments for soldiers and trained the public for food conservation.

March 5, 2020

The Looking Glass Prairie Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) learned about resources available to women veterans at the March meeting in Shiloh. Jennifer Lind, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) St. Louis Health Care System Women Veterans Program Manager, updated the chapter members on services available to women veterans. The VA St. Louis serves 12 Southwestern Illinois counties, including St. Clair and Madison. "What might be surprising," said Lind, "is that women are the fastest growing subgroup of the VHA in the last two decades. Sadly only 25% are using VHA health care services due to being unaware of what is available." Lind described a Women's Health Patient Centered Aligned Team that includes team involved care such as preventive care and wellness; psychologist; pharmacist; dietician; social worker; and whole health coach/partner. Sadly, according to Lind, there are more than 19,000 female veterans eligible, but less than 7,000 enrolled. Chapter members are pleased to help get the word out to those women in the O'Fallon area.

February 28, 2020

Several Looking Glass Prairie Chapter members participated in the naturalization ceremony held at Fulton Junior High School in O’Fallon on February 28, 2020. Thirty people became new United States citizens. Did you know that the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter participates in these ceremonies all over Southern Illinois, congratulating the new citizens and giving them a small gift. The new citizens must pass history and civics tests. The ceremonies are inspiring and make you appreciate being an American.

December 14, 2019

Members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, recruited by chapter volunteer Kim Dalrymple, participated at the Shiloh Cemetery, placing a wreath on the grave of Revolutionary War soldier Risdon Moore, born in 1760.

April 2019

February 10, 2019

November 2018

Contact our chapter registrar to start your journey to becoming a Daughter.

Links

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)

Illinois State Organization, NSDAR

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Last updated October 17, 2025.