The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-06-03

Daughters of the Revolution, Colonial
Danes and other patriotic societies among
women are doing much in some quarters
to prove that they are organized for some
thing more than social purposes. In New
York city and other points in the East
they have directed their attention to the
collection and preservation of historic
relics and to securing possession of or pro-
lection for historic buildings. In New York
city for example. where the few Dutch
colonial and revolutionary landmarks yet
remaining are unknown to the multitude
and are in a fair way to be soon destroyed
a good field is afforded for the work of
these organizations. The Society of Colonial
Danes, recognizing the opportunity, OBJ
tanned possession of the ancient mansion of
the Van CortlandtS family of early Dutch
settlers of much Importance, and has form
ally opened it as a public museum of his
torical relics of the colonial and revolution
airy period. In recognition of the occasion
the order of Sons of the Revolution pre-
scented to the danes a set of old-time
Dutch, French, English and American
flags. This mansion is likely to become u
treasure house to which the footsteps of
visitors from all parts of the United States
who love the early history of their country
will turn. The fact that many descendants
Of revolutionary patriots live far away
from the region where their forefathers
struggled so long and bravely does not
lessen but rather enhances their interest
in historic landmarks. Nor is this interest
confined by any means to citizens whose
American ancestry dates back to the last
century American patriotism is thing of
rapid growth and may manifest itself as
hay.
capped being born on the other side as in
one who has Mayfiower pedigree. 1t is a
matter of frequent comment that in spite of
the Boston assumption of superior knowl-
edge it is the visitors from far-off States
who show themselves best acquainted with
the events that make the region round
about that city famous.
1t is women, as a rule who take most in
terest in ancient relics and landmarks. and
since they have turned their attention to
the preservation of such monuments of his
tory they are likely TO be untiring. In In
diana there are Daughters of the Revolu-
ton and other societies of women of SIM
liar character but there is little work of
the kind mentioned for them to do. One
thing that suggests itself just at this time
is the protection and identifying of the
grave of Nancy Hanks Lincoln, which, ac-
cording to report is neglected. The half
acre of ground in Spencer county where
the grave is, and which is public property,
should be inclosed and made a spot to
which pilgrims will turn and be gladdened
by the thought that the mother of one of
the great men of the century has been duly
honored. A private citizen some years ago
erected a simple monument over the grave,
and it is but little that needs to be done to
save the appearance of neglect. 1t was the
Daughters of the Revolution who restored,
or rebuilt, the Mary Washington monu-
ment Abraham Lincoln's mother was not
of the revolutionary period, but her gift to
her country was hardly less than that of
the other woman, and il is fitting that pa
triotic women should have thought for
her.