PVT Richard Taylor

Camp 53

SONS OF UNION VETERANS

OF THE CIVIL WAR

DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE

HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA

 

NEWSLETTER FOR JANUARY 2003

Editor: Steve Pearce spearce@knology.net

Camp website:  http://pvtrichardtaylor.bizland.com/pvtrichardtaylorcamp53/

 

Camp Commander, Brother Steve Pearce, opened the January meeting of the Richard Taylor Camp #53 SUVCW, at 7:00 pm, 27 January 2003.  Brother Sid Gaddy led the Camp in the Pledge to the American flag followed with prayer by Brother Gordon Cottrell,

 

Old business: 

The notes in the December newsletter were approved.

 

Discussion on the events of the Veterans Day Parade and Christmas Parade were discussed.  It was agreed that for next year better prior planning and a single point of contact should be established for coordination.

 

Brother Brian Hogan led the discussion for the SVR unit designation to be Company G, 42nd Indiana.  The Camp voted and approved the designation.  Brother Hogan will present a historical report on Company G, 42nd Indiana at a later date.

 

As Camp Grave Registration Chairman Brother Hogan has collected information on over 100 resting places of Union soldiers.  This information will be forwarded to the National Grave Registration Chairman.

 

The two pictures Battle of Fredericksburg and Battle of Fair Oaks were delivered to Brother Hogan and Brother Pearce respectively.

 

New Business

With National raising member dues and the cost of the new member rosette changing from $5 to $7 the Camp voted to raise the initiation and dues of new members from $35 to $42.

 

A discussion was held on the Camp delegates to the Department of Tennessee annual Encampment, Saturday, 1 March 2003, at the Radisson Inn-Huntsville Airport in Madison, Alabama.  The vote on delegates was deferred to the February meeting due to clarification needed on the number of delegates based on the number of Camp members.  Brother Pearce will clarify the delegate number with the Department of Tennessee.  Even if not serving as official Camp delegates all members and prospective members are welcome to attend.  Registration forms will be available at the February meeting.

 

Discussion was held on volunteers for the May 2003, Huntsville Alabama, Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll.  At present Brothers Hogan and Pearce have volunteered.  Any Brother interested should contact Brother Brian Hogan.

 

The Camp began initial planning for the Memorial Day Ceremony to be held on May 26 2003.  The initial plans include a ceremony honoring the “Colored Soldiers” buried at Glenwood Cemetery in Huntsville Alabama.  Brother Hogan will contact the cemetery for permission and Brother Pearce will contact the Huntsville reenactment group to provide an honor guard.  Brother Gaddy will work on an agenda. 

 

Discussion was held on setting up a booth at a local movie theater that will show the film “Gods and Generals.”  Brothers Hogan and Hintz will head the effort.  Once permission and dates are known, volunteers will be needed to man the booth.

 

John Segrest was the guest speaker.  Mr. Segrest was introduced my Brother Johnson.  The presentation was based on the political events leading up to the outbreak of the Civil War.

 

Secretary’s Report

Camp has 30 Members that includes, 1 Life Member, 1 Junior Member, and 2 Members holding dual membership with another Camp.

 

At present only 11 individuals have sent their 2003 dues.  Dues for $25 made out the “SUVCW” should be sent to:

 

Geoffrey Hintz

2046 Rosebury Ln

Huntsville, Al 35803

 

Next Meeting: February 24, 2003, 7:00 P.M, at Highlands United Methodist Church.  February the Camp is honoring WWII veterans.  Presentation will be the life and times of a WWII soldier. 

 

Respectfully submitted in F, C, and L,

Steve Pearce-Commander & Geoffrey Hintz-Secretary/Treasurer