In May 1896, a group of ladies, three of whom were members of the D.A.R. Chapters elsewhere -- namely, Mrs. Harvey J. Hollister, Mrs. L.P. Rowland and Mrs. T.J. O’Brien -- organized a local chapter of the D.A.R. Mrs. Hollister, a member of the Louisa St. Clair Chapter of Detroit, was given permission to organize the new chapter. She was chosen the first regent, which office she held during her life time. The first important decision was the selection of a name. As the names of prominent Revolutionary heroines had been largely appropriated by chapters in the Eastern states, the society decided to commemorate the name of the first white woman to reside within the present city of Grand Rapids.

Thus the name of Sophie de Marsac Campau, wife of Louis Campau, founder of the city, was chosen. In this way, the Chapter perpetuated the name of a woman of rare grace and character who was held in high esteem by the early pioneers. Quoting from a short history of Mrs. Campau, written by Miss Rebecca Coffinberry soon after the organization of the chapter in 1896 she writes: "It has been a pleasant task to collect the data from which to present a brief sketch of the life and character of her whose name we have chosen as the distinctive appellation by which this recently formed chapter of D.A.R. is to be known. And yet in another way it has its discouraging features, for as I recall her stately form, her beautiful face, her sweet manner and address, I realize how inadequate are mere words to convey to those who never knew Mrs. Campau even a slight conception of the dignity and grace of person which so faithfully portrayed the sweetness and nobility of heart and soul. She was a woman to adorn any station in life, and all who came within the circle of her acquaintance felt instinctively there here was a woman to be loved and revered. She frequently shared her generous hospitality and in times of trouble and distress she was a sister of mercy to any in need of shelter or comfort. She drew no color line, and as often entertained ‘red skins’ as ‘pale-faces.’"

The constitution and by-laws of the Detroit chapter were adopted and the first officers were chosen to serve until the regular election in January, 1897. At this meeting, the state Regent, Mrs. Fitzhugh Edwards of Detroit, was present and congratulated the chapter upon its successful beginning, the membership having increased to 48.

The first Chapter delegate to the National Congress was elected January 21, 1897. At this time the question of building Memorial Hall in Washington was being agitated. When brought before the Chapter for discussion, strong objection arose that a building at that great distance would be inaccessible to the majority of members. They thought that state buildings for the same purpose could be more easily reached. The question was left open with instructions for the Regent and delegate to use their judgment. After hearing the question debated in Congress, both reported strongly in favor of the Washington building upon their return. This seems rather amusing to us today as we journey to Washington with such ease and in such a short time, and also as we view with pride the beautiful D.A.R. buildings and realize what has been accomplished by women.

In the second year of its existence, the Chapter began its interest in patriotic education in the public schools, which activity has been maintained with ardor continuously. Mrs. Franklin B. Wallin had written a "History of the Flag" and on Decoration Day, 1897, copies of this splendid article were presented to the schools.

The first public appearance of the Chapter was in response to an invitation from the Young Peoples’ Society of Park Church. On the evening of Dec. 3, 1987, twenty Daughters in colonial costumes took part in a program prepared for the occasion. The regent gave an address explaining the objects of the National Society and the reasons for the choice of the name of the Chapter. It must have been a jolly and interesting party.

Through those early years the programs were most instructive. The members prepared papers on historical and patriotic subjects. I find that Mrs. S.W. McKee gave a talk and reading on "Causes Leading to the American Revolution (1896)." Miss Clara Goodman gave a talk on "The Articles of the Confederation (1901)." Real study was done and the programs must have been most worth while.

In April 1898, a society of Children of the American Revolution was formed. Mrs. Wm. F. Blake was appointed President, which office she filled most faithfully for many years.

As one reads the reports of the activities of the Chapter members over a period of years, it is almost unbelievable what has been accomplished. We of the present generation should pause and pay a tribute to those active women of 40 years ago who gave so much time and loving thought in forming the traditions of our society which mean so much to us. They built better than they knew.

One of the interesting pieces of work that was carried on by the Chapter was the faithful service the Daughters gave to their country during the Spanish-American War. In the spring of 1898, the local chapter expressed to the National Society "its sympathy in the present crisis, and its wish to share in any organized effort to provide aid in any approved way."

All during the months from April to October, the members rolled bandages in the D.A.R. work rooms established in the Klingman store. During the worst of the summer heat, several sewing machines hummed busily upon the porch of the residence of Mrs. M.L. Bocher. Twelve boxes were sent to Key West, Manila, Chattanooga and Fort Thomas, Kentucky. The Chapter sent nearly $200.00 of supplies to the soldiers. Miss Mary A. Fletcher was the Chapter's accredited nurse at Key West. In October 1898, she was honor guest at the regular meeting and told of her experiences.

In June 1900, the first delegates from the Chapter attended the state conference at St. Clair. They were Miss Rebecca Coffinberry, delegate, and Miss Carried B. Jewett, alternate. At that time, Sophie de Marsac Campau Chapter extended an invitation to the state conference to meet in Grand Rapids in January 1901. The invitation was accepted and our Chapter gave its first public reception in the Ladies Literary Club house in honor of the state officers and delegates from Michigan Chapters. This must have been a brilliant society event, as invitations were extended to the S.A.R. and many friends outside the organization.

During the year 1901, matters of civil interest claimed the attention of the new Chapter. Attention was called to the fact that the Natural History Collection of the Kent Scientific Institute was in danger of being destroyed for want of proper housing and care. Largely through the efforts of the Chapter, public sentiment was aroused and assistance given in time to restore and save for the city a valuable accumulation of archeological specimens, which had been gathered together. The material had a real educational value and formed a highly prized addition to our museum.

It was in December 1901 that the sudden death of Mrs. Hollister, the regent, occurred and in January 1902, Mrs. Franklin B. Wallin was elected as the regent. Miss Annette Richards became Chapter Treasurer at that time.

The first annual Washington's Birthday luncheon of the Chapter was held in 1905 with 50 Daughters present. This proved to be such a pleasant occasion that it started the precedent which has been continued through the years.

About this time, the lineage volumes and other books belonging to the Chapter were placed in the Public Library by permission of the librarian to be more accessible for reference. This is still being done and the lineage volumes are presented to the library as they are published.

The regent from 1905 to 1907 was Mrs. Edwin F. Sweet. Some radical changes were inaugurated during the year 1905. The annual election of officers was changed from January to May.

In April 1907, the state Regent Mrs. W.J. Chittenden was taken away very suddenly by death and Mrs. James P. Brayton, a member of the Sophie de Marsac Campau Chapter, who had come by transfer from the Lansing Chapter, was chosen to succeed her. This was a great honor for the Chapter. Also another state office was filled that term by one of our members. Miss Annette Richards was elected state Treasurer.

Upon Mrs. Sweet's resignation, Mrs. James H. Campbell became regent and served 4 years. During her regime many important events took place, as Mrs. Campbell was an ardent worker along historical and patriotic lines.

You probably observed the loving cup in the exhibit. At the Chapter meeting in December 1908, this cup was presented to the Sophie de Marsac Campau Chapter as a gift from the Puritan Dames. This organization was started in 1894 by Mrs. L.D. Putnam and it enjoyed a flourishing existence for several years. On the first anniversary of its founding, Mrs. Putnam presented to the society this beautiful loving cup. After the society disbanded (soon after the new D.A.R. Chapter was organized) it was unanimously voted to present the cup to the Sophie de Marsac Campau Chapter. Mrs. L.P. Rowland, a former member of the Puritan Dames and D.A.R., made the presentation and Mrs. Campbell accepted it. The cup is one of the treasures kept by the Chapter and it is interesting to know its history.

The state conference was entertained by our Chapter in October 1908, in L.L.C. building. An interesting program was prepared and the Chapter served a luncheon in the parlors of Westminster Church for the officers and delegates. Mrs. Brayton was the state Regent and she evidently filled the office with great ability and enthusiasm. At the close of her state Regency, she was made Honorary State Regent for Life and aslo served as Vice-President General from Michigan.

In 1909, the first volume of the Chapter scrap book was presented for inspection, this splendid work having been started by our charter member Miss Harriette Richards.

The Chapter has taken great interest in honoring our early settlers and in marking historic spots. On June 23, 1909, Founder's Day was celebrated in honor of Louis and Sophie de Marsac Campau, founders of the city. In June 1910, the second Founder's Day was celebrated, this time commemorating the 77th anniversary of the coming of the first Yankee settlers in the Grand River valley: Joel Guild and his family.

In October 1909, the Chapter formally assumed the responsibility of furnishing the Michigan room in Continental Hall with a mahogany sofa and chairs as memorials to Mrs. Hollister, Mrs. Lucy Whittlesey Norris and Mrs. E.P. Fuller. Mrs. Brayon, as state Regent, provided a table in memory of the Chapter's Real Daughters. The furniture was of Grand Rapids manufacture.

An important contribution of Mrs. Campbell's Regency was her arduous work in bringing about the restoration of the great seal of the state and the adoption of a state Flag Law.

Time does not permit detailed accounts of the more recent years. I can only mention the Regents and their terms of office:

1911-1913 . . . . Mrs. J.P. Powell

1913-1915 . . . . Mrs. F.D. Harter

1915-1917 . . . . Mrs. L. Victor Seydel

Mrs. Seydel was state Vice-Regent 1919-1922; State Regent 1922-1925; and Vice-President General 1925-1928.

On May 16, 1913, the annual state meeting of the Children of Republic Clubs was held in Grand Rapids and was a most enthusiastic gathering.

1917-1919 . . . Mrs. Lucious Boltwood

During the World War, the activities of the Chapter were carried on much the same as in the Spanish American War, only on a larger scale.

1919-1921 . . . . Mrs. Clarence S. Dexter

Youngest Chapter regent in the state. Entertained the state Conference in First Methodist Church.

1921-1923 . . . . Mrs. L.A. Cornelius

1923-1925 . . . . Mrs. Walter Whittier

Mrs. Whittier served as State Correspondence Secretary 1928-1930. She was State Vice-Regent at the time of her untimely passing. The Chapter and all of her friends mourned her loss most deeply.

1925-1926 . . . . Mrs. C.C. Follmer

1926-1927 . . . . Mrs. Clarence S. Dexter

1927-1929 . . . . Mrs. Carey S. Welsh

1929-1931 . . . . Mrs. Helen Baker Rowe.

State Recording Secretary 1931-1934. State Chairman of National Defense at present.

1931-1932 . . . . Mrs. H.E. Fairchild

1932-1934 . . . . Mrs. Carl N. Mapes

1934-1936 . . . . Mrs. Henry E. Davis

In all the 40 years, the work of the National Society has carried on in the most energetic and interested way. The state conference was entertained for the 4th time in our history in March 1935. It has been a fruitful 40 years. Much good has been accomplished by the faithful and efficient members of the Chapter and we look forward to many, many more happy years in our splendid organization, the D.A.R.