CDSUM Mission
Clan Donnachaidh Society Upper Midwest (CDSUM) was created to keep the rich customs and history of Scotland alive. Our members consist of families of scottish heritage from over 50 family names, and is considerd by many historians to be among the oldest in scotland. By creating a midwest branch we are able to keep members and the public informed at various events both locally and regionally. We are dedicated to helping curious onlookers search out their identity while displaying all our heritage has to offer. Visit us at an upcomming Highland Games in your area to find out more, or better yet become a member and join in the fun! Membership is open to all.
Our Story
Clan Donnachaidh Society Upper Midwest (CDSUM) was established in 1986 by Gordon and Patricia Wilber along with Joanne Reid and Phillis Anderson. They initially gathered about 12 people the Wilber’s town house in Hoffman Estates to begin the task creating Clan Donnachaidh Upper Midwest.
The first thing they did was man a table at the Scottish Fair in the Irish American Center in Chicago. There more people signed up. By the end of 1986 the by-laws were written and Clan Donnachaidh Society Upper Midwest was officially established!
Clan Donnachaidh Society, Pacific Northwest donated 3 dirks, which were raffled to raise funds for the newly established society. Since that time, the clan created the Clishmaclaver for all Clan members to keep up to date with Clan activities. Gordon and Patricia also began the “Taste of Scotland” at their home. This gave everyone a reason to get together, sample authentic Scottish foods, and of course, a dram or two of single malt scotch.
In February 1990, Gordon and Patricia along with Marge Hale and the rest of the CDSUM members hosted the North American Conference of Clan Donnachaidh Presidents in Chicago. Alexander Gilbert Haldane Robertson of Struan (Chief of Clan Donnachaidh) found out about the event and wished to participate, which he did. Struan also returned in February 1993 for a 5 branch tour to kick off the centenary year. Our members represented CDSUM well during the Celebration in Pitlochry Scotland.
CDSUM turned twenty five in 2011 with a celebration dinner on the Milwaukee River. The event was arranged by Russ and Jessie Read. This year we celebrated our Thirtieth anniversary with a luncheon cruise on the Illinois River at Peoria.
Since its founding, CDSUM has continued to grow. We have active members in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. We currently man CDSUM tents at nine games across our territory.
For more information about Clan Donnachaidh and its history click here.
John Reid
President
John Reid was elected in 2017 and has replaced Bill Reid as President of Clan Donnachaidh Society Upper Midwest
2017 AGM (Quad Cities)
Vice President
Includes most council members and a few others interested in participating in the yearly AGM. See “Events” for this years AGM.