King’s Daughters and Their Impact on Springfield

Springfield history is loaded with interesting surprises for many of us, and one that recently became available to me is the fact that Mar-a-Lago, the mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, now inhabited by the Trump family, was purchased in the 1920s by Marjorie Merriweather Post. She was a wealthy socialite and philanthropist who was born here in Springfield to Charles and Carrie Post, who became famous for their cereal brands. They had lived at 541 Black Avenue, and in March 1895, the home became the property of the King’s Daughters organization.

The idea for King’s Daughters actually originated in New York City in the 1850s by a Unitarian minister, Rev. Edward Hale, who encouraged women in his church to create a sisterhood of women to be of service to less fortunate “sisters.” In 1888, Rev. F.W. Clampett arrived here in Springfield from New York City to be the rector of Christ Church, bringing with him the knowledge of and enthusiasm for the organization. That year, ten women started the local organization to give sympathy to the sick in homes and hospitals. By 1892, there were 26 circles with a membership of 379. The mission then was to charitably aid deserving women and to provide a home for aged women.

For many years, through many sacrifices and trials, many women were given a home with loving care and, for some, even a resting place at Oak Ridge Cemetery. By the turn of the century, there were many changes in lifestyles, in laws, and in economics that required a difficult reconsideration of the organization’s mission, and in 2006 the last residents had moved from the Home. They certainly weren’t removed from the minds of the circle members, though, and continued to receive love and attention.

The new mission has been to enhance the quality of life and address unmet needs of Sangamon County older residents. In fact, applications for this year’s grants were due on Friday, February 6, to the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. Grants from $2,500 to $25,000 can be awarded from the King’s Daughters endowment. In the 19 years of its new mission, over two million dollars has been given. Last year, for example, $25,000 was awarded for the Critical Home Repair Program.

The success of King’s Daughters in Springfield is an example of local women working together to solve local problems. There are nine remaining circles that meet often to ensure the continuing success of the work started here in 1888. The ability to adjust to changing times has proven to be responsible for the continued success of the organization.

-Karen Hasara-