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History of Illinois Mayflower Society
On June 10, 1897, the charter of The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State
of Illinois was granted by the Secretary of State in Springfield, Illinois. It became
the first state society of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, founded
in January, 1897. The first meeting was held on June 14, 1897, (Flag Day) at the
Auditorium Hotel to adopt a constitution, bylaws, and elect officers.
Throughout its long history, members have contributed their time, possessions and
expertise to the community. A cane which had been
the property of Governor William Bradford was donated to the Society and is on loan
to the Chicago History Museum.
Many valuable books have been donated to the Newberry Library. Funds were donated
to the Aptucxet Trading Post in Bourne, Massachusetts. In 1942 the Illinois Society
was the first to donate to the purchase of Winslow House in now called the "Mayflower Society
House".
During World War I, members of the Illinois Society formed a Red Cross Auxiliary, which met twice a week to make knit, make surgical dressings and garments for refugees,
as well as buy $500,000 worth of war bonds. Many members also served in the armed forces in World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam, and the current conflicts.
Education has been the major focus of the Illinois Society. Each year copies of the Mayflower Compact and Teachers'
Guides have been distributed to fifth grade classes throughout the state.
State Society members have and are writing genealogies of the Mayflower passengers.
Katharine Richardson Greeley was one of the first
researchers on the William Brewster family until her death in 1982. Elizabeth Pearson White has published the first two volumes of the John Howland family and
is continuing her work. Harriet Woodbury Hodge published her book on John Billington's descendants, and H. Clark Dean is completing the fifth generation of the Henry
Samson family.
The Illinois Mayflower Society's membership is over 1,000 and there are over 250
Junior Associates, young people under the age of 18 who are eligible for membership.
The Great Prairie Colony was
established in 2003 to serve members in the state outside
of the Chicagoland area. It hold several meetings during the year in addition to
participating in the May luncheon meetings and the November Annual meeting hosted
by the State Society.
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