CHAPTER NEWS, page 1
Robert F. Hoke #78
Salisbury
Robert F. Hoke Chapter held its annual Lee-Jackson-Maury Luncheon on January 16
at the Rowan County Public Library with UDC members from 8 chapters and guests
that included CofC and SCV members. Division President Champion and husband
Dallas joined everyone in singing “Happy Birthday� to the heroes before candles
were blown out on the battle-theme decorated cake. Historian Terry Holt shared poetry
and information about the chicken-lemon-naval door prizes before the lecture on the
honorees. Register soon for next year’s fun and fellowship on Friday, January 16.
The Hoke Chapter co-hosted the Division CofC Convention in Salisbury with its
auxiliary Charles F. Fisher Chapter 73 on March 28 which included business meetings,
memorial service, guided trolley tour of Confederate sites, tour of historic home, and
banquet. Guests included President General Durden and NC Division President
Champion.
On April 24-26 the Chapter hosted its 12th Annual Salisbury Confederate Prison
Symposium with Friday banquet and lecture by Larry Hines; Saturday lectures at
Catawba College by Dr. Gary Freeze, Anne Wilson, Dr. Lawrence Lohr, R. Matthew
Poteat, Bill Searfoss, and Ed & Sue Curtis; two Memorial Services on Sunday with
flags, flowers, speeches, poetry, music, and re-enactors and a tour of the Prison site.
Approximately 100 guests attended from 9 states and Canada. The 13th Annual
Symposium will be April 23-25, 2010.
The 100th Anniversary Observance of the Chapter’s Confederate Monument was
held May 9 in conjunction with Confederate Memorial Day Service. The public event
included a slide presentation on the Monument, speeches, flags, music, poetry, and
displays. The Division President was presented a silver Monument charm and she and
District III Director Lois Marlow were photographed with Hoke members. A pamphlet
on the Monument was given to all attendees along with a program and a gray lapel
ribbon.
The Chapter’s Real Daughter Nora Linder died May 31, just days short of her
104th birthday. Chapter members, the Division President and her husband, and the
Division Corresponding Secretary attended the funeral.
President Sue Curtis
Onslow Guards #2477
Jacksonville
Congratulations to our chapter President Leanne Moore, who is also serving as NC
Division Vice President 2008-2010. She has been on the go since serving as NC
Division Registrar last year and has made a point of visiting each chapter in District VII
and attending the CofC Convention in Salisbury in March.
On January 12th the Lee-Jackson Birthday Celebration was held in conjunction with the
Gen. Lewis A. Armistead Camp 1302 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Jacksonville.
Everyone brought delicious covered dishes. There was even a batch of hard tack,
scooped up by re-enactors in the group for living history events. A program was given
at the regular chapter meeting on Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Matthew Fontaine
Maury and Admiral Raphael Sims.
We were entertained with a delightful session of period music given by John Currie and
Matt Neiburger during our February meeting. They demonstrated versions of the banjo
from its origin and explained the use of guitars over the centuries.
The annual Memorial Service was held on February 15 in memory of Real Son, Walter
Caden Simpson. It took place by his graveside and was followed by a reception hosted
at the home of chapter member Betty Bryan, who is his granddaughter. Mr. Simpson
was nearly 106 when he passed away.
Our chapter hosted a very successful District VII Meeting on March 7 at the
Quartermasters Restaurant in Surf City. Guest were greeted by a large display board
depicting our chapters past event as guest registered and enjoyed coffee hour in the
restaurant. Members decorated the restaurant with a beach theme with table decoration
of tiny shell figures with welcome flags handmade by members. The district meeting
was held and the program was given by Edith and Tony Gurganus on “Antiques of
the 1800’s�. It was a wonderful program and Edith closed the program by
singing a lovely song.
The dedication of monuments honoring the Onslow County Confederate Veterans was
held April 18th at White Hall Landing in Seven Springs. Roger Alvis, SCV gave a
presentation of his research of where some veterans died and were buried. President
Leanne Moore spoke at the dedication. Thanks to Karen and Bobby Mozingo for
planning and coordinating the program.
Our Confederate Memorial Day Service was held on May 17 at the Montford Point
Cemetery near the Beirut Memorial. During the beautiful service in the chapel, Military
Service Awards were given to SCV members Horace A. Bertrand, Jr. and Stephen Lee
Sayko. Mr. Bertrand received the Korean Cross of Military Service and the Vietnam
Conflict Cross of Military Service. Mr. Sayko was awarded the Vietnam Conflict Cross
of Military Service. CofC member Andrew Reid escorted the re-enactor widow as she
placed the memorial wreath. After the chapel service, there was an artillery salute with
cannons on the grounds and an old fashion pig pickin’ was enjoyed by all.
At the May Chapter meeting Bobby Mozingo spoke on the Battle of Whitehall. He
passed around fascinating photographs and other memorabilia. On May 25th the annual
Banks Party was held on the New River in Jacksonville. Betty Lecher and other re-
enactors set up their tents and it was a successful event as the public learned how life
was like during that period. May 27, Betty Lecher and President Leanne gave a
presentation during the local American Business Women’s Association Meeting.
Catherine Kastle
Chapter Secretary and Historian