Chapter History

The Sibley House

In 1910, our chapter members were involved in the Minnesota State DAR (MNDAR) acquisition and restoration of the Sibley House property in Mendota, Minnesota.  It was the home of Minnesota's first state governor, Henry Hastings Sibley; and it was the first stone house build in the state.  In 1924, the MNDAR added the nearby Hypolite Dupuis House to the site. It was here the Sibley Tea Room opened in 1928.  Chapter member Gladys Jacobson was manager of the restaurant for many years.  In 1931, the chapter contributed $25 for equipment.  

Keewaydin member, Marveen Minish, served as the DAR Sibley House Association president for a number of years before the site was turned over to the Minnesota Historical Society in 2003.  To honor Marveen for her work, the chapter donated $250 to the 2001-2004 President General's Project, "Preserving Our Family Tree," and had her name inscribed on the Keewaydin Chapter NSDAR leaf added to the tribute wall tree sculpture in Memorial Continental Hall.  Pictured below is a chapter outing held in 2017 at the Sibley House.  

West High School

On Peace Day, May 22, 1912, Keewaydin Chapter NSDAR presented a patriotic memorial to the new West High School. The mural no longer exists as the building has since been torn down. The panel mural decoration was inscribed with a quotation by Daniel Webster:

"If we work upon marble, it will perish;

If we work upon brass, time will efface it;

If we rear temples, they will crumble into dust;

But if we work upon mortal minds,

if we imbue them with principles,

with the just fear of God and love of our fellow man,

we engrave on these tablets something which

will brighten all eternity."

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Keewaydin Daughters were supportive of war relief work, and volunteers provided clothing and bandages during both World Wars. A donation of $20 was acknowledged for an Industrial Home for French war orphans in 1918. Later that year, a fundraiser was held at the Bloomington Town Hall to support the work of chapter member Marion Moir in Paris, France. In 1920, the Minneapolis Regents' Unit presented a beautiful velvet banner with the DAR Insignia to the Minnesota State DAR (MNDAR).  Marion Moir had the Insignia embroidered in Paris at a cost of $50. The banner remains in use today at State Conferences and Board of Management meetings.

The Gideon H. Pond House

1834                To Honor                1934

SAMUEL W. and GIDEON H. POND

Volunteer Missionaries to the Dakotas

Who Arrived at Ft. Snelling May 6, 1834

This Tablet is Placed on the House Built

In 1856 by Gideon H. Pond. Near-by is the site

Of the Old Mission House Built of Logs in 1843

                     Placed June 1934 by Keewaydin Chapter DAR                      

In 2022 the chapter had the plaque restored to its original beauty and held a rededication ceremony on August 4, 2022

Real Daughter, Sarah Poage Pond

Fifteen daughters from the Keewaydin and Maria Sanford chapters were present on September 8, 1928, to mark the grave of “Real Daughter,” Sarah Poage Pond, in the Bloomington Cemetery. Sarah was the wife of Gideon H Pond and the daughter of Colonel James A. Poage, who rendered patriotic service in Virginia; her mother was Mary Woods.

Sarah Poage Pond

Mar. 4, 1805

May 2, 1853

Wife of Gideon Pond

Anniversary Celebrations

Keewaydin Chapter Daughters always like a good party, and the 25th anniversary of the founding was no exception. It was celebrated at the January 1931 meeting, at which nearly all members dressed in costumes of at least 25 years ago. The program was a historical view of the chapter, and included a dance demonstration of the Minuet. It was attended by the Minnesota State Regent. Twenty-fifth anniversary projects included: sending gifts to the Holiday Bureau for the children of unemployed mothers; providing a family in need with household items and clothing; giving $50 to the Regent’s Unit for Americanization Work; and devoting a day to sewing for the Red Cross.

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Keewaydin Chapter NSDAR celebrated its semi-centennial, 50th anniversary in 1956, which was the same year the City of Minneapolis celebrated its centennial. At this time, 82 women enjoyed their DAR membership through the Keewaydin Chapter. On April 7, an anniversary tea was held “in the most perfect facilities" at the Prudential Insurance Company. Guests included the state officers and regents of other chapters. The program included a pageant, “So Passed the Years,” performed by a cast of 25 members. Regent Gladys Jacobsen presented 50-Year membership pins, and announced the 50th anniversary gift in honor of Honorary State Regent, Louise Burwell, of Keewaydin Chapter NSDAR.                                   

The planning committee for the 75th anniversary of Keewaydin Chapter included members Geraldine Erickson and Iona Holsten. The celebration was September 6, 1980, at the Woman’s Club, and attended by 58 people - 28 members and 30 guests, including regents from other chapters and 100-year-old Keewaydin Daughter, Jennie Hiscock. A reception with music preceded the luncheon, and Congressman Martin Sabo greeted guests. Stillwater Girl Scout Troop #1272 marched in for the opening ritual and after lunch the birthday cake was cut for dessert. Seated at the head table was Honorary State Regent and Vice President General Jennie Robinson. Minnesota Attorney General Warren Spannous was the guest speaker and charter member Ella Griswold Guilford gave a small talk.

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Keewaydin Chapter NSDAR celebrated its 100th anniversary on four occasions orchestrated by Past Regent Mary Kaye Brown. Members decided to use set-aside funds to celebrate modestly within the chapter and MNDAR; and in grand style by recognizing select community individuals and giving a total of $1,500 to the non-profit agencies they serve. The organizations represented community service on local, state, and national levels. A NSDAR Conservation Medal and two community service medals were also presented, one of which went to chapter member, Ruth Jones, volunteer extraordinaire for the Cedar Lake Park Association. Many daughters dressed in period clothing for the annual chapter meeting on May 4, 2006, at the Fort Snelling Officer's Club. Afterward, centennial anniversary cake was served at the luncheon.  State Regent Lynne Yarbrough, who had just installed the chapter officers for the new term, was a special guest.

The highlight of the centennial celebration occurred on May 20 at the Minnesota Society DAR State Conference. During the MNDAR Awards Recognition Luncheon, Keewaydin Chapter NSDAR introduced and honored four of its philanthropic recipients with certificates of appreciation and $250 donations to their organizations. The chapter also provided Keewaydin-inscribed pens as table favors.  Later at the banquet, Mary Kaye Brown dressed in her 1906 outfit, briefed the Minnesota Society on chapter history. Past Regent Roberta Everling presented President General Presley Merritt Wagoner with the chapter’s $250 donation to the 2004-2007 President General’s Project. The book plaque for the NSDAR tribute wall bookshelf sculpture notes that the donation is in honor of the Keewaydin Chapter Centennial. Late in the evening, the chapter shared a second 100th anniversary cake at the open house honoring the President General.

If you would like to explore your heritage through genealogy, or are simply interested in what we do, please contact us for more information about our chapter.  A member of our chapter will respond promptly.