Chapter History

In May 1896, a group of ladies, three of whom were members of DAR chapters elsewhere- namely Mrs. Harvey J. Hollister, Mrs. L. P. Rowland, and Mrs. T. J. O’Brien- organized a local chapter of DAR. Mrs. Hollister, a member of the Louisa St. Claire Chapter in Detroit, was given permission to organize a new chapter. She was chosen the first regent, which office she held until her decease in 1901. 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 group decided to commemorate. . . the name Sophie de Marsac Campau [a native of Detroit], wife of Louis Campau, founder of the city [of Grand Rapids, Michigan]. . .

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. . . . “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 a distinctive appellation by which this recently formed chapter of DAR 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 conceptions 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 that 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. . .”