Historical Note

The Austin Daughters of the American Revolution (ADAR) - David Kennison Chapter was founded on December 12, 1921. The chapter’s namesake, David Kennison, was a Revolutionary War veteran who lived to be 115 years old. He died in 1852, and was buried in Lincoln Park, which was then a cemetery.

According to the ADAR constitution and by-laws, the objects of the organization were to “perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence;” to carry out President Washington’s farewell address injunction and “promote … institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge;” “to cherish, maintain and extend institutions of American freedom;” and “to foster true patriotism and love of country…”

Scope and Content

The six scrapbooks compiled and collected by ADAR members contain press clippings, photographs and yearbooks describing ADAR functions and members. The original arrangement of the scrapbooks, as compiled by the members of the ADAR, has been maintained. They have been processed and housed in chronological order.

Provenance

The ADAR records were kept in the Chicago Public Library’s Austin Branch’s historical collection for about 50 years. Under grant funds provided by the Dr. Scholl Foundation in 1984, the Special Collections and Preservation Division processed the papers according to archival standards and housed them in conservationally sound storage.

Access

The Austin Daughters of the American Revolution Records are available to the public for research in the Special Collections and Preservation Division Reading Room on the 9th floor of the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605. The collection does not circulate, although photocopy and photoreproduction services are available depending upon the condition of the original materials. First-time patrons to Special Collections must present photo identification and complete a Reader Registration Form. Telephone inquiries on this collection and other Special Collections holdings can be directed to (312) 747-4875.

Box and Folder Inventory

BOX 1
Scrapbooks
1932-1933
1933-1934
1934-1935

BOX 2
1934-1937
1936-1937
1937-1938

PHOTOGRAPHS

Clubs and Organizations
1.1 ADAR- David Kennison Chapter, 1933-1934

Portraits and Family Photographs
1.2 Atwood, Levina, n.d.
1.3 Burney Family, n.d.
1.4 Burns, Mrs. Hattie M., n.d.
1.5 Custos, Mrs. Mabel (1874-1931), ca. 1920s
1.6 McGhee, Mrs. Flora J., ca 1933
1.7 Snodgrass, Mrs. Edward G., 1933
1.8 Weimer, Kathryn, ca. 1910-1920