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Fifty some Daughters of the American Revolution recently took a bus trip to visit one of the eight schools the DAR either supports or helps to support. This year we visited Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. We were greeted by Dr. Ferlin Clark, President and some OK DAR Daughters. Other speakers in the chapel that morning were Dr. Leroy Thompson who spoke on academics, Kyle Taylor and Kaila Harjo spoke on American Indian Studies, and Coach Adair spoke on the athletics for the college.

We took a tour of the new cafeteria that should be open later this year. Joanne McLain showed us items that the Illinois DAR Daughters helped purchase for the new cafeteria. The Illinois DAR donated almost $40,000 so far toward the new kitchen equipment.

After lunch there was a tour of the Ataloa Lodge which housed many native art items and a tour of Warrior Pantry where items are donated for the students such as school supplies, toiletries, clothes, food, and etc. Many items were brought on the bus that were donated to the pantry.

During the evening meal we heard a welcome from Vice President Dr. Jan Peppler and President Clark. An Indian flute played by John Timothy was enjoyed. The State Regent Gloria Flathom received gifts from Bacone College for her interest in the college and encouraging her state members to give to the college. Members of the Peoria chapter donated $9000 in scholarship money for Native American students.

As the bus traveled from the east to the west and back east many other interesting spots were visited. The daughters enjoyed Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Hofbraubaus , St. James Winery, Russell Stover Chocolate Shop, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Will Rodgers Memorial Museum, Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, Gilcrease Museum, Cherokee Heritage Center, 3 Rivers Museum, 5 Civilized Tribes Museum, Amish Country Store and restaurant, and Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home. Black Partridge Chapter member, Kenda Bond, was among the travelers.

Black Partridge NSDAR Member Visits Bacone College