The National Society Daughters of the
American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) is a
non-profit, non-political volunteer women's
service organization. The Algona Chapter,
National Society of the American Revolution,
was named after the town in which it resides.
The name, "Algona," is of Native American
origin and was chosen by Sarah Heckart Call,
the young bride of Asa C. Call, who with his
brother, Ambrose, founded the town of Algona
in 1854.
The first organized meeting was held on May
12, 1924, with the following charter
members: Julie Brace, Lettie Brace,
Ernestine Chubb, Myrtle Dickinson, Anna
Louise Fairbanks, Mattie Mae Falkenhainer,
Veda Elizabeth Falkenhainer, Maude Free,
Katherine Shearer Gilmore, Sylvia Gunn,
Elizabeth Green Haggard, Helen E. Paxson,
and Mabel Waterbury.
The first yearbook of the chapter was
issued for 1924‑1925. Our chapter celebrated
75 years in April and May, 1999, and
celebrated 80 years in 2004-2005 by doing an
activity every month.
The Algona Chapter, NSDAR, has been busy
throughout years. Some of the historical
activities include:
- In 1929, the chapter placed a bronze
tablet on a boulder in Ambrose Call State
Park, near Algona, Iowa, to mark the site
of the first cabin in that area.
- On June 14,1937, the chapter placed an
inscribed boulder, to mark the site of the
first schoolhouse in Kossuth County. This
marker was dedicated with a ceremony,
which was attended by a large group of
pioneers and friends. The Honorable Harvey
Ingham of Des Moines was the speaker and
the high school band furnished the music.
The chapter also presented a historical
plaque to be hung in the schoolhouse
nearest this site.
- The chapter presented a silk flag and
protective glass case to the Ambrose Call
Park, Algona. This was placed in the
shelter house.
- A bronze plaque marking the site of the
stockade (built in 1857 to help protect
pioneers against hostile Sioux Indians)
was placed on the building located at 120
E. State Street in Algona, Iowa, as part
of the 50th anniversary of the chapter in
1973. This was a replacement plaque after
Hub Clothing burned in 1970.
Current activities by the Algona Chapter,
NSDAR, include giving American Spirit
(the DAR magazine) gift subscriptions to the
Algona Public Library and the Laurens Public
Library; celebrating American History Month
in February with a display at the Algona
Public Library; and providing a window
display in a store window in Algona and at
the Algona Public Library to celebrate
Constitution Week in September.
A graduating senior with great interest in
American history is the recipient of the
chapter's contest scholarship award.
DAR Good Citizens are selected at six area
high schools. These students, and their
parents, are guests at the November chapter
meeting. One DAR Good Citizen is chosen to
compete on the district level. In 1972, the
Algona Chapter, NSDAR, sponsored the State
DAR Good Citizen Award Winner. The Good
Citizenship Award is given at the local
middle school. In addition, a deserving
recipient is chosen each year to receive the
Chapter Excellence in Community Service
Award.
A United States Flag is given to an area
organization or group each year. The chapter
is represented at the Memorial Day
ceremonies and in the Algona Band Day parade
each fall.
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