NEWSLETTER FOR February 2006

Camp website:  http://pvtrichardtaylor.bizland.com/

Commander: Talbot Hackett genberry@msn.com

Editor: Steve Pearce spearce@knology.net

 

Brothers,

 

Department Encampment

 

          The 11th Annual Encampment of the Department of Tennessee went very well.  The Olde Towne Brass gave a great performance at our banquet social hour and Jacque Gray’s presentation of “Crazy Bet” Van Lew was excellent.  The food was delicious and plentiful, no one left hungry.  Even a few brave souls sampled the GAR Punch.  Brother Milam filled the role of Master of Ceremony perfectly. Commander-in-Chief Darby thoroughly enjoyed himself and passed his congratulations on to the Taylor Camp for an excellent Encampment. My thanks go out to all those who helped make the entire day a memorable one.

 

          Also, my congratulations to Brother Geoffrey Hintze, our new Department Commander and to Brother Joe Johnson, the new Senior Vice Commander.  I’m sure the next year will be productive and enjoyable for them.  They have the support of the Taylor Camp as they carry out the duties of their respective offices.

 

          Congratulations are in order to our Brothers who received Department certificates for their contribution last year: Bro. Hogan for Graves Registration, Bro. Greene for Eagle Scout Coordinator, and PDC Pearce for the Camp Newsletter.

 

          The Taylor Camp has been given the honor of hosting next year’s encampment.  I’ll be looking for volunteers to form a committee to set it up.  I have saved everything from this year’s Encampment, so that will give the committee a big head start.

 

Camp Bible

 

          Our thanks go out to Brother Don Davis, who has graciously donated a Bible that was printed circa. 1900 to be used as the Camp Bible. It measures 14” x 10”x5”, leather-bound and is an example of the excellent craftsmanship of the time. It is a Bible the Camp can be proud of.

 

Camp Flag

 

          Our Camp flag has been ordered and should be delivered by the February stated meeting.  Alabama Flag has assured me that it will be of top quality and we’ll be able to use it not only at our stated meetings, but for parades, memorial services, and encampments.

 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

 

          We’re looking into the possibilities of participating in the St. Patrick’s Day parade this year.  Volunteers will be greatly appreciated.  More details will be forthcoming.

 

 

 

 

Cemetery Stroll

 

          The Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll will be coming in May, but we should be planning participation now.  Bros. Hogan, Milam, Pearce, and I enjoyed ourselves last year and Jacque Gray is looking forward to our help again this year.  She has told me that there are still plenty of vacancies for Brothers who wish to portray Union soldiers or any civilians who are interred in Maple Hill Cemetery.  However, she needs to know who will be participating and who you wish to portray no later than March 15.  The program has to be completed and sent to the printers shortly after that. If you want to be a part of telling the story of Huntsville, send Jacque and email (JacqueGray@aol.com) and she’ll give you all the details.  I encourage everyone to step up and help out.  Part of our obligation is to insure history is passed down to the future generations.

 

Newsletter Articles

 

          I have asked the SVC, JVC, Graves Registration Officer, and Patriotic Instructor to submit articles for the Camp newsletter concerning their respective offices.  I would like to see submissions from other Brothers, as well.  Anything concerning your ancestors or a topic that you think may be of interest to the Camp are welcome.  Please have them turned-in to PDC Pearce no later than the 15th of each month so that he can get them organized for that month’s letter.

 

Camp History

 

          Brother Wright is working feverishly to complete the Camp History in compliance with General Order # 4.  I know that he would welcome any assistance offered.  We all know how frustrating it is to do historical research and keep coming up with “dead-ends.”  Let’s not leave dead-ends for anyone in the future who is researching the SUVCW in Huntsville.  Give Bro. Wright a hand in tying up all the loose ends.

 

 

Dues   Dues  Dues!!!

 

          It’s that time of year again.  Brother Secretary Hintze will gladly accept you check. Keep your standing with the Camp and the Department in good order by sending in your dues as soon as possible.  Thanks.

 

Hope to see everyone on February 27, at the next meeting.

 

 

Respectfully submitted in F, C, and L,

Talbot Hackett-Commander

Geoffrey Hintze -Secretary/Treasurer