"CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY" April 26, 2008

Confederate Memorial Day was celebrated in Fayette Co. this

weekend at the park in downtown Fayetteville. There was a

living history exhibit behind the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House

museum earlier in the day. A memorial service was then held

at the gazebo at 7pm..Following the service was a march

with Confederate States flags and visitors to the Fayetteville Cemetery where further memorial services were held, including a wreath laying and an honor guard salute to our fallen heroes.

To see the many photos taken, go to the Sons of Confederate

Veterans web site, Photos page 4.  www.fayettescv.org

 

GWTW Expert Herb Bridges Speaking at Newnan Library On May 16

From Forrest Schultz: One of the world's greatest authorities on Gone With The Wind lives in Coweta County: Herb Bridges of Sharpsburg. Over the years Bridges has spoken many, many times about GWTW (and related subjects) at many different venues including radio and television interviews.

The next opportunity to hear Bridges will be the address he will giving at the Newnan-Coweta Public Library, which recently changed its name to the A. Mitchell Powell, Jr. Library. Here is the library's press release about this event they are sponsoring:

The library is offering a special opportunity for the community to learn about a locally owned collection of distinctive movie posters. The owner, Sharpsburg resident Herb Bridges, will present a program at the library on Friday, May 16, at 11:00 am.

Bridges will show examples as he talks about his collection, which consists of original-art posters from the 1930s and 1940s.

The library program coincides with the airing of a television special about Bridges and his poster collection. This Georgia Public Broadcasting program will air four times in May on GPB Television:
• May 14 — 9:00 pm
• May 16 — 7:00 pm
• May 18 — 4:00 pm — midnight

Information about the library: www.newnan-coweta.org or 770-253-3625.

A bit about Confederate Memorial Day

For 134 years, the state of Georgia has recognized confederate soldiers who fought during America's Civil War. While not able to document who initiated this idea, legends state the roots of Confederate Memorial Day are in Georgia as well.

In 1865, Decoration Day was first held in Kingston, Georgia, while the Federal troops were still in residence. Ladies placed flowers on both confederate and federal forces graves.

Another legend recalls Mrs. Charles J Williams, grieving widow of Colonel Charles Williams, in Columbus, Georgia, visiting her husband's grave. He was a member of the Army of Virginia in the First GA Regulars, and died in 1862. Accompanied by her daughter who would place flowers on the unmarked fallen soldiers' graves, Mrs. Williams mourned her loss. After death also summoned her young daughter, she took on the task of placing flowers on the graves of the confederate soldiers.

After the war, Mrs. Williams was instrumental in the battle to have confederate soldiers remembered. She is credited with saying there needed to be a special day for "paying honor to those who died defending the life, honor and happiness of the Southern women."

In 1874, the Georgia Legislature passed a law declaring April 26 as Confederate Memorial Day. April 26th is also noted as the day the Civil War ended for Geoagia as General Joseph E Johnston surrendered to General William Sherman in North Carolina.

View A Taste of Living History at the Museum

A Taste of Living History interactive exhibit will be showcased on the lawn at the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum during the 40th Annual Old Courthouse Art Show on Sat., May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sun., May 18 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

History buffs will enjoy a step back in time to the early 1800’s and discover how every day items were created by hand. “A Taste of Living History” exhibit invites the community to:

- walk through a Civil War camp site and watch the soldiers perform rifle drills,
- view hand-sewn quilts displayed throughout the museum,
- make rope and shell corn using an old-fashioned turn wheel,
- watch how an old forge is used to create every day items,
- learn how to weave a basket, make a fiddle and cane a chair,
- sit in a Model “T” produce truck and World War II Jeep,
- observe depictions of local historical events throughout the museum,
- have a picture taken in a cut-out of Scarlett’s “picnic” dress

“Antiques Alley” returns this year featuring furniture, jewelry, household items and other treasures from several vendors. The “Antiques Alley” will spill over from the Museum to the Regions Bank lawn. Millpond Manor nursery will jump start Spring by selling plants and flowers and a vendor will be selling handmade swings. To tour the inside of the Museum, admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

A Taste of Living History is sponsored by Fayetteville Main Street and is just one of the many events slated for 2008. For further information about Main Street happenings, visit: www.downtownfayetteville.org or call Main Street at 770-719-4173.

Dig Into the Past at Fernbank’s Archaeology Day

Take an exciting journey into Georgia’s past with archaeology-themed activities and special demonstrations at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Archaeology Day on Saturday, May 3, 2008 in support of Georgia Archaeology Awareness Month.

Archaeology Day participants will enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, including demonstrations of excavation techniques, sifting for artifacts using a screen, discussions with archaeologists, participation in Canoe Q & A, playing a prehistoric Native American game of Chunky, and taking part in arts and crafts.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to see remarkable artifacts that help tell the fascinating cultural stories of Georgia’s rich history before and after European arrival, including a rare 300-year-old dugout canoe now on view in Fernbank’s permanent exhibition, First Georgians. The 17-foot-long canoe was discovered in 2006 adjacent to the Satilla River in South Georgia. Carved out of a single longleaf pine tree, this canoe is a rare find and is considered “the minivan of its day” for providing transportation to Native Americans along the region’s rivers and streams.

Archaeology Day supports Georgia Archaeology Awareness Month’s message of educating the public about the significance of protecting and preserving Georgia’s archaeological sites. Fernbank will continue its celebration of Georgia Archaeology Awareness Month on May 13 with a special lecture, A Grand, Gloomy and Peculiar Place: Cave Archaeology in the Southeastern U.S. by Dr. George Crothers of the University of Kentucky.

The IMAX® film Grand Canyon Adventure offers another opportunity to appreciate Native American history and view how the Grand Canyon has influenced Native American life for centuries as you journey down the Colorado River with a Havasupai tribe river guide.

Archaeology Day will be offered at Fernbank Museum of Natural History on Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is included with museum admission or free for members. Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for students and seniors, and $13 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under. Value Pass tickets, which combine one IMAX® ticket with full museum access, are $23 for adults, $21 for students and seniors, and $19 for children ages 3 to 12, free for children 2 and under, and $8 for museum members.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. More information is available to visitors at fernbankmuseum.org. Tickets can be purchased in advance at 404.929.6400.

Full Listing of Scheduled Activities:

Archaeology Screening Activity
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
Act like an archaeologist as you “sift” through dirt to find artifacts.

Society for Georgia Archaeology
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
Enjoy hands-on activities guided by real archaeologists.

Pottery Demonstration by Patrick Severts
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
See a master at work and create your own clay masterpiece to take home.

Ancient Weaponry and Flint Knapping with Brian Floyd and Mark Eastland
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
Discover how ancient weapons were created using primitive tools and technologies.

Canoe Craft Activity
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
Make and decorate your own miniature version of Fernbank’s dug-out canoe.

Chunkey Game
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Terrace (weather permitting)
Try your hand at playing this ancient game.

Dugout Canoe Talks
11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., First Georgians (Upper Level)
Learn more about the newest addition on display at Fernbank Museum, a rare dugout canoe.

Flotation Demonstration
11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., Terrace (weather permitting)
See how archaeologists find tiny seeds and bones in dirt.

Don’t forget to stop by The Fernbank Café (Lower Level, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for special $5 kids’ meals that include a delicious “dirt cup” dessert inspired by Fernbank’s Archaeology Day.
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"Today in Fayetteville" April 20, 1906

Springtime in early 1900's Fayetteville was a time for marriages and preparation for Confederate Memorial Day. Go back in time with me to April 20, 1906.

The Fayetteville News
April 20, 1906

Wedding Bells Ring Out in Fayetteville

Two happy marriages, Miss Tommie Sam's, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Mrs. M.D. Sam's of Woolsey was happily married at their home Tuesday afternoon, 17th. to Dr. Thomas Culpepper of Greenville. Rev. John Speir of Greenville performed the ceremony in an impressive and solemn manner.
Miss Sam's is really a beautiful woman, possessed of a gentle and lovable disposition, and is a favorite at home and elsewhere. Dr. Culpepper is a pharmacist of skill and a gentleman of culture and refinement, and one of Merriwether county's most popular young men.

Dorsett-Dixon
A happy marriage was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Dorsett last Sunday afternoon, That of their attractive and lovely daughter, to Dr. Edgar E. Dixon, the groom is a Pharmacist at the Fayetteville Drug Co. Having recently passed a creditable and successful graduation before the state board of Pharmacist. He is industrious, sober and reliable.

Exercises and Songs for Memorial day

Next Thursday, April 26, will be Memorial Day. The whole South will render appropriate exercises in honor of the worlds greatest heroes, the battle scarred veterans and the lost dead of the bloody sixties.
Fayette Co. will respond to the inspiration of loyalty and patriotism, and pay loving tribute to our departed fathers, brothers and kindred who so nobly defended the home land we now claim and the homes which we then occupied.

Addresses by Col. W.C. Wright of Newnan. The program was arranged by the ladies of the Fayette Co. Memorial Assn.
The veterans of the Co. will assemble at the South front of the courthouse and March to the tabernacle and occupy the front seats on the right of the aisle. Committee of young ladies will meet the veterans at the court house and pin a bouquet on each of them.
The Sons of Veterans, organized at Hopewell, will meet at the North front of the court house, and march to the tabernacle.
The graves of every Confederate soldier will be decorated after the exercise.

Miss Sarah McEachern who has been teaching school at Marion, has returned home.
Mr. Manson Simpson and beautiful daughter, Miss Wille, were guest of Mr. A.E. Adams and family one night last week.
Mrs. Shopshire and Miss Ethel McEachern were the guest of Mrs. Rachel McEachern on night last week.

researched and submitted by CB Glover

"New Exhibit" Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House Museum

There is a new exhibit at the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House Museum.

For anyone who is interested in antique kitchen Ware, cook books and recipes. The exhibit called " Spice of Fayette" will be be on display from April until the end of June. The core of the exhibit is the collection of Debra Blalock. She has loaned the museum over 200 sets of salt and pepper shakers.

Down stairs in the small oak cabinet are vintage Hersey Mustard jars on loan from Jeanne Brewer, a child's cruet set from England, and two "Fayette Favorite Foods" cookbooks ( 1949 & 1969). The eye catcher is a hand written recipe for "Fancy Sandwiches" written 75 years ago. Upstairs there are three cases that have Mrs. Blalock's collection, vintage cruets ( Hersey), also some 1910-1914 magazine ads. There is a Lea & Perrine's bottle and ad, and a Heinz ad. There are more local vintage cookbooks.

The unique shaker sets are the one from Africa that are small square glass covered in thin leather, three sets of shaped like smoking pipes . Many of the sets are from different states or countries and then there are themes, like farm animals, vegetables, fruits, wild animals, and carved wooden sets. There is something for everyone. There are brief captions explaining seasonings; salt; pepper; mustard; ketchup and vinegar. We hope that those who come to the Taste of Living History Days will come and enjoy our spicy offering.

Article by Deborrah Riddle, Fayette Museum
Submitted by CB Glover

Military Grave Marker Dedication

A dedication was held Saturday April 12, 2008, at the Tyrone cemetery for two honored soldiers.

 

Andrew David McDearmond, born Sept. 30, 1816 in Georgia, the son of Maj.William Pearre Dearmon and the grandson of Capt. William and Ann Pearre Dearmon, Richmond Co. Georgia. He joined the War Between The States on July 8, 1861 in Griffin, Spalding Co. Ga. He served in Co.I, 13Th Regiment, and was killed in action on Sept. 17, 1862 at Sharpsburg, Maryland. {photo}

Also honored was Henry Drayton Stewart, born in Chester, South Carolina in 1791. He was the son of James and Elizabeth Stewart. He fought in the "War of 1812" for which he later drew a pension. He lived the last 35 years in Campbell and Fayette counties working as a surveyor and farmer. He and wife, Sara Rachel Tyner, were members of Hopewell Methodist Church, Tyrone, Fayette Co. Georgia. Henry died in June 22, 1880, an is buried in the Hopewell Methodist cemetery along with his wife Sara who died Dec.18, 1890. The ceremony was attended by families members from a far away as Texas.

The dedication with color guard  was sponsored by the General LaFayette McLaws Camp #79. Sons of Confederate

Veterans..

Submitted by CB Glover

"Today in Fayetteville" June 25, 1909

Another look into Fayette County's past, gives us an idea of the things that were of interest to our ancestors. With Confederate Memorial Day approaching, my next article will look into the
early 1900s, showing our Confederate history was still an important part of our lives... We still celebrate and honor our Confederate ancestors with an annual Memorial Day service, which will be held Saturday, April 26, in the Heritage Park, downtown Fayetteville. 7 p.m.
A living history exhibit will be located behind the Holliday House Museum, earlier in the day.

The Fayetteville News
June 25, 1909

One of the most enjoyable occasions of the year was the anniversary of Hon. W.T. Glower's birthday which occurred at his home in Fayetteville Sunday. He celebrated his 78Th birthday and all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were present. Fifty-five sat down to his hospitable board, which was filled with all the good things of the season. He received many handsome presents and the occasion was one long to be remembered.

Mr. J.H. Farr, formerly of this County, but now a resident of Campbell Co. was on our streets Tuesday. Mr. Farr is approaching his 80Th birthday.

Constitution of C.S.A.

Historic documentation on exhibition in the Library of Congress
Original copy loaned to the Government by J.W. De Renne of Savannah, Ga.
Washington D.C.-There has been deposited in the Library of Congress and placed on exhibition in the manuscripts division, the original " Constitution of the Confederate States of America."
The Constitution was adapted on March 11, 1861, by the Confederate Congress at Montgomery, Alabama.
Upon the evacuation of Richmond, was sent with other papers further south, where it was rescued by Mr. F.G. Defontaine, at Chester S.C. from a band of looters.
Mr. Defontaine kept this and other documents for some years and in 1883, it passed into the hands of Mrs. G.W.J. De Renne, whose son, Mr. W.J. De Renne, of Savannah, Ga. now owns it, and has recently deposited it as a loan with the Library of Congress.
Atlanta, Ga.- The population of Ga. at the present time approximates 3,000,000 persons.

- Researched and submitted by C.B. Glover

Historical Jonesboro/ Clayton Co, Inc Presents Native American Heritage Celebration Days April 26-27

Come spend a day to celebrate American Indian Heritage with arts, crafts, music, dancing and legends at Stately Oaks Plantation. Listen to stories of the Creek Nation People and tour a Creek village. Other Nations will also be represented and share their skills. Located at 100 Carriage Lane in Jonesboro, Stately Oaks is only 15 miles south of downtown Atlanta and a short drive from the Fayette County area. For more information, visit www.historicaljonesboro.org.

The Gen. Lafayette McLaws Camp #79, Sons of Confederate Veterans, will be sponsoring the following activities this month (April)

War of 1812 and Confederate gravemarker dedication
Saturday, April 12, 2:00 pm
Tyrone Cemetery next to Tyrone Town Hall
Sponsored by the McLaws Camp, and descendants of Henry Stewart and Andrew McDearmond from Ohio, and Texas. The public is invited to attend.

Old Fashioned Southern Social
Saturday, April 26, 2:00 pm till 4:00 pm;
Gazebo area of Heritage Park, Fayetteville
SCV families will have on display a collection of War Between the States related photos, and momentos and will be on duty to speak with the public about their own family connection to the period including tips and sources on how to get started in doing genealogical research. Free ice cream and drinks for visitors.

In conjunction with this event, the McLaws Camp's Living History Team will have an authentic Confederate camp site set up on the grounds of the Holliday Dorsey Fife House Museum. Soldiers will be on duty to display camp equipment, weapons, uniforms, etc to the public. They will also exhibit manual of arms, and drills performed by the soldiers of the period. The camp will be open from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.

At 7:00 pm that evening, the day will finish with the annual observance of Confederate Memorial Day. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm at the gazebo and will feature uniformed soldiers, bagpipes, and an address by Mrs. Darlene Thomason. Mrs. Thomason is a distinguished Living Historian, and a leading advocate of historical preservation in the Southern Crescent. After the ceremony there, the attendees will walk as a group to the Fayetteville City Cemetery for a brief memorial service for the nearly 100 Confederate veterans buried there. A rifle salue and wreath laying ceremony will complete the evening.

Over the past several weeks, The City of Fayetteville, Fayette County Board of Commissioners, The Town of Brooks, The City of Peachtree City, and the Town of Tyrone have all issued proclamations (as has Gov. Perdue) designating April as Confederate History and Heritage Month, and honoring April 26 as Confederate Memorial Day in Georgia.

CMD is a State holiday and has been since 1874. It is Georgia's oldest holiday, and the inspiration for national Memorial Day in May. That celebration was created by Mrs. (General) John Logan, wife of a former Union General, after she attended a post-war Confederate memorial. She was so impressed with the occasion, that she enlisted her husband to help creat a day honoring all US veterans from all wars that died or were killed during war time.

The McLaws Camp serves all of Fayette County. It is active in supporting other local historical organizations, and works very closely with local schools (approximately 13 school visits each year), Scout groups, and others to present Living History programs to both school children, and adults in and around Fayette County. In addition, the members of the Camp install grave markers for Confederate veterans, clean and maintain cemeteries, and assist families in doing genealogical research. The Camp is a member of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on any of these events please contact:
Scott K. Gilbert, Jr.
Past Commander, and Chairman, Confederate Memorial Day Committee
McLaws Camp #79, SCV
skgbama@bellsouth.net
www.fayettescv.org
cell 404-449-2521
home 770-716-5344

"Today in Fayetteville" October 1, 1909

Enjoy another look into the exciting happening in Fayette County's past...

 

                           The Fayetteville News

                                    October 1, 1909

 

                  The Wild West and Far East Show

 

Many interesting features will be seen with the Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill Exhibition.

 

Much interest has been aroused in this vicinity through the announced appearance of Buffalo Bills Wild West and Pawnee Bills Far East show at Atlanta, Oct 20, 1909.

Col. William F. Cody, the original and only "Buffalo Bill", travels with the big exhibition and positively appears at every performance, rain or shin, arrangements have been made with the railroad officials to run excursions at special rates from the various stations along the line and there will be special provisions for the accommodation of those who wish to visit the exhibition. To the small boy and grown up Buffalo Bill will be the chief attraction, for his fame is not dimmed by the years that have elapsed since he helped write the story of the west through his heroic deeds.

 

                                 Composer of "Dixie"

 

               Daniel Decatur Emmett to be memorialized

Committee of well known Southerners will meet in Nashville to perfect plans to raise funds. As to the form of the memorial, it is believed that the committee and those whom they call into consultation will favor a simple shaft of Granite or marble.

The poem was written and set to music in the summer of 1859.

The last appearance of Emmett was in the winter of 1896-7,

while on tour that season the aged minstrel celebrated his 84th natal anniversary at Dallas, Txs. and the Daughters of the Confederacy there presented the old gentleman with a gold watch. In the Spring he sickened and retired to his home in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Lost to public attention and memory until his death in July 1904.

 

Researched and submitted by CB Glover

 

Secretary Handel Makes the Capitol Museum Flag Collection Available Online

Secretary of State Karen Handel today announced that images of the Georgia Capitol Museum’s Flag Collection are now available online. The Flag Collection images are the first Capitol Museum artifacts included on Georgia Archives Virtual Vault website.

“The flags remind us of the sacrifice that Georgians have made to preserve our rights and freedoms,” said Secretary Handel. “When you look at them, especially the ones damaged from actual battle use, it’s a clear reminder of the sacrifices Georgia veterans have given to our state and our country.”

The Georgia Capitol Museum’s Flag Collection began in 1905 when the then-U.S. Department of War returned twenty-six Civil War flags to Georgia. Governor Joseph Terrell allocated funds to preserve the flags. Since that time, the collection has grown to include 85 flags from every major military conflict of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The online collection includes flags carried into battle by Georgians from 1846 through Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Several of the flags are on display in the “Hall of Valor” on the first floor of the Capitol. Many of the historic flags can not be displayed publicly due to preservation requirements.

That is what makes the Virtual Vault such a tremendous resource, says Division of Archives and History Director David Carmicheal. “We can all enjoy Georgia’s historic artifacts now, even if the objects are too fragile to put on display.”

“The addition of these flags to the Virtual Vault is the first step in our plan to provide online access to the collections of the Capitol Museum,” said Carmicheal.

To view the flags, visit www.sos.ga.gov/Archives and click on the Virtual Vault link.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State’s office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

The Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum Celebrates the 146th Anniversary of the “GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE”

To commemorate the 146th anniversary of the Great Locomotive Chase, there will be local Historians and Railroaders to entertain and educate Cyclorama visitors.

The Atlanta Cyclorama, is home of the Locomotive TEXAS. On April 12, 1862, the Locomotive TEXAS, manned by an Atlanta train crew, chased and caught the locomotive GENERAL that had been stolen by Union soldiers and spies. This 70 mile epic melodrama has been the subject of many books, TV programs and movies.

The Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum
800 Cherokee Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30315

Saturday, April 12, 2008 & Sunday, April 13, 2008
9:30AM to 4:30 PM

Admission is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors, $5.00 for children 6-12 and FREE for children under 6 years old. Group rates are available and arrangements can be made for private receptions, lectures and meetings. If you have questions call (404) 624-1071 or (404) 658-7625 or check our website http://www.ocaatlanta.com/.