Barrington DAR Chapter Celebrates 50 Years of Service

The Barrington, IL-based Signal Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution celebrated 50 years of service to the community during a luncheon for members, family and friends at Makray Memorial Golf Club on Sunday, September 11, 2022. With the theme, The Stars of Signal Hill, the anniversary program included an original video and multimedia slide show highlighting the Chapter’s members and achievements during its first half century. 

Sharing in our celebration were DAR dignitaries including Illinois State Vice Regent Kimberly Nagy, three Honorary State Regents, Gloria Flathom, Sharla Luken and Luanne Brucker, and District IV Director Susan Snow.  National Chairman Flag of United States of America and State Organizing Secretary Marri Blinn and State Recording Secretary Christine Bannon also brought greetings. 

Signal Hill Chapter held an organizing meeting on April 15, 1972, and its first officer installation on June 2, 1972, with 23 charter members, three of whom are still active chapter members. The name of the Chapter – Signal Hill – was suggested by the Barrington Historical Society to pay homage to the high point of land overlooking Honey Lake in North Barrington where Indigenous tribes in the area once sent signals.

As a chapter of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), the Signal Hill Chapter has always raised funds and contributed financially to other not-for-profit organizations with the distinct missions of historic preservation, education, patriotism, conservation, and Native American issues. During its first few years, the new Chapter raised funds to donate genealogy and history books to the Barrington Area Library and the Barrington Historical Society; gave American flags to local groups; and contributed to other non-profits, a tradition that continues today.

In 2022, for example, the Signal Hill Chapter delivered first responder “thanks” baskets, donated funds to the Bess Bower Dunn Museum to help restore historic documents, and co-sponsored programs open to the public at the Barrington Area Library on historic subjects. The Chapter purchased a game table for active military reservists to enjoy in their off hours and organized “Wreaths Across America” at Barrington’s Evergreen Cemetery, honoring more than 700 U.S. military veterans. 

In addition, annual service projects provide support to deployed troops, bring cheer to hospitalized children, contribute needed items for homeless and at-risk Veterans’ VA Standdown, stock snacks and school supplies for an underserved local school, and participate in local conservation initiatives. The Chapter also organizes an annual history essay contest for 5ththrough 8th grade students and awards a DAR Good Citizens scholarship to an area high school senior. 

Signal Hill Chapter Regent Joyce Wright summarized the achievements of the Chapter stating, “In the last decade the Signal Hill Chapter has donated over $100,000 to charitable organizations. Our 150 members, who descend from nearly two hundred Patriots, continue to make Signal Hill Chapter the dynamic organization it is today. We are well positioned for the next 50 years of service to our community.”