Library of Congress at Christmas

The Library of Congress was established in 1800, during the term of President John Adams, and as a guest of the Colonel John Washington-Katherine Montgomery Chapter NSDAR in Washington, D.C., I had the opportunity of visiting it.The Library, originally housed at the White House, lost all of its books when the British set fire to the House in 1814.  It was restored through the purchase of Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection of books in 1815.  Then about 70 percent of it was lost again, due to a chimney fire in the White House.  The Library was finally moved to separate housing to assure its safety but very few books remained.
However, in 1870, Librarian Ainsworth Spofford convinced Congress to pass a copyright law, which required all applicants to send the Library two copies of all books, maps and manuscripts.  This has assured the Nation of a truly fine collection.  Today, there are hundreds of miles of book stacks, in over 480 languages, housed in several locations, and all are available to any person who frequents the Library, with his/her Library card in hand.

The Library building, constructed in the late 1800s, is beautiful, and it is open to the public, for tours or personal use.  If you’re visiting Washington, I strongly recommend you place the Library on your list of places to see.  See an original Gutenberg Bible, an almost completely re-assembled set of the books purchased from Thomas Jefferson, or visit one of the featured exhibits.   Or just while away some time in the genealogy room!!
by Betsy Pessetto
1st Vice Regent

December 11th DAR Meeting/Luncheon

Brunswick Town Chapter DAR members enjoying a delicious lunch at The Frying Pan Restaurant in Southport, NC. Everyone enjoyed the luncheon and especially the waterfront view.

Regent, Jackie Craft, and Registrar, Cindy Sellers get paperwork ready for the chapters new members to sign. The membership is up to 115 ladies.

Focus on Education-Celebrate America!

On behalf of the Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR President General Lynne Forney Young’s message, to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism has been achieved.  Brunswick Town Daughters of the American Revolutions (DAR)  members Diane Price, Dawn Schulte, Jackie Craft and Norma Eckard reviewed and approved a series of 4 historical biographies to be gifted to the 10 elementary schools in Brunswick County, which were purchased along with Sons of the American Revolution member, (SAR)  Ron Eckard who offered a 5th book, a Daniel Boone biography and gave credit to his National Society Sons of the American Revolution, (NSSAR) George Rogers Clark Chapter of Clarksburg, WV.

The book titles are: Ben Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson. The books lend themselves to educating students about our countries' heritage.  The books are high interest, low vocabulary, with large print and offering a bibliography. The schools are: Union Elementary, Shallotte, Waccamaw Ash Elementary in Bolivia; Lincoln in Leland; Southport Elementary; Belville in Leland; Town Creek in Winnabow; Jessie Mae Monroe in Ash; Virginia Williamson, Bolivia; and Supply Elementary.

By providing this gift of historical books to school children we are Celebrating America.

Information provided by Norma Eckard

  Dawn Schulte, Diane Price, Norma Eckard and Jackie Craft reviewed and approved books and selected a series of 4 historical biographies to be gifted to 10 elementary schools in Brunswick County. 

Each book that was donated to the elementary schools had the above label placed on the inside cover of each book.

Gina Gouger, media specialist from the Southport Elementary School poses with
Jackie Craft, regent of the Brunswick Town DAR Chapter.
Her school also received 5 biographies to share with their students.

Paula Knox, parent facilitator from the Bolivia Elementary
School received
5 historical biographies for their students.

Ms. Carlisle, Secretary and on the right is 

Sharyn  Morrison, Media Coordinator from 

the Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary School in Ash. 

Terri Hamilton, Media Coordinator at the Waccamaw (k-8) School in Ash also received biographies for their students from the Brunswick Town Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Wreaths Across America December 14, 2013

Brunswick Town Chapter DAR members present at the December 14th Wreath laying ceremony were:   Fran  Carlsen, Connie Hendrix, Carol Jutte, Rhonda Amato, Ella Maugans, Lisa Pomeranz and  Vicki Kay.   Along with members, some husbands of DAR known as HODars were also there to help unpack all of the  wreaths to be placed on each grave. Wreaths Across America 12-14-13 approximately 1,233 wreaths were laid this year and  last year it  was a little over 600. Fran Carlsen, our Brunswick town DAR Chapter team captain for Wreaths Across  America sent the information below for all to look at and appreciate that all over the United States many  organizations are pulling together and working toward honoring our fallen soldiers on Dec. 14th. The information  provided from Arlington Cemetery had an unbelievable job of laying 143,000 wreaths. We were part of the total  539,881 that laid wreaths for our veterans across the US. Wilmington National Cemetery 2011 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28403 Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Peace, Peace, and Farewell... Rest easy, sleep well my brothers. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace. peace, and farewell.... + Read More Thousands Turn Out To Remember, Honor, and Teach To all of the military families sacrificing Christmas and the holiday season together, you are remembered and loved. Merry Christmas to you all. This photo was taken of volunteers as they unloaded at Fort Sam Houston National in San Antonio, Texas. Thanks to Terence Reynolds for sharing your photo. + Read More Photo Shows Over 1 Million People Why We Do What We Do This photo, shared with us by Amanda Davis, of her nephew Hunter missing his daddy at Houston National Cemetery on Saturday, December 14th, 2013. Over 1,054,208 people saw the photo. 12,846 shared, and 1,487 people added a comment to bless this little boy, his broken heart, and his family. + Read More Stars And Stripes Covers The Day At Arlington 143,000 wreaths at Arlington. 539,881 placed in total nationwide. Every wreath and every volunteer has a story. + Read More An Emotional Day For Families and Volunteers Alike This photo was shared with us by Kelly Jordan who participated at Jacksonville, FL, and I think it captures so many emotions of the day - for our Gold Star families and for our volunteers (here in Kelly's words): As a photojournalist I am constantly amazed by the subjects I encounter. After I shot a few frames of this woman hugging her husband's grave, I had the task I hate in situations like this, asking her name. She kindly gave me her name then grabbed me, hugged me hard and said "thank you" for your service. I explained I was not military and she said that it didn't matter and that the fact that I was showing the world how important these veterans' lives are during the wreath ceremony meant I was doing all of the families a service they could not repay. ~ Kelly Jordan, photojournalist + Read More

Wreaths Across America PO Box 249 Columbia Falls, ME 04623 Phone: (207) 470-0967  |  Fax: (877) 385-9504 Privacy Policy  |  Visit Our Website  |  Unsubscribe

BITS AND PIECES "CHRISTMAS IN THE COLONIES"

This updated photo of a painting provided by the artist Mort Kuntsler, shows “Washington's Crossing: McKonkey's Ferry, Dec. 26, 1776."  This painting is probably a more realistic portrayal of the event, with the men on barges wearing their own clothes huddled together for warmth.

In 1659 Christmas celebrations were banned in most of the New England colonies by Calvinists and Puritans.  Massachusetts imposed a fine of five shillings for observing the day and Connecticut prohibited keeping Christmas, Saints days, reading the Book of Common Prayer, playing an instrument, or making mince pies. However, in communities with large populations of Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and Moravians such as New York and Philadelphia, Christmas was celebrated.  In parts of the south celebrations included fox hunts, balls, gift exchanges and extended revelry.

Missionary Philip Fithian wrote in his diary of singing the hymns of Isaac Watts including “Joy to the World” one Christmas Eve in Staunton, Virginia but 1775 found him in western Virginia, Scotch-Irish territory “Where Christmas Morning--Not A Gun is heard--Not a Shout--No company or Cabal assembled--To Day is like other Days every Way calm and; temperate-- People go about their daily Business with the same Readiness, and apply themselves to it with the same Industry.”

In 1775 King George gave the colonies the gift of a royal proclamation effective in March 1776: all commerce and trade to those shores was closed. Congress did receive some good news when France agreed to consider supporting the rebellion against Britain.

On December 11, 1776 Washington crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania and the next day the Continental Congress left Philadelphia for a safer Baltimore.  Thomas Paine, traveling with the Continental Army wrote words that resounded when they were printed "...These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country: but he that stands it NOW deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered. Yet, we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

 Two weeks later in the evening of Christmas Day in a nor’eastern, Washington crossed the Delaware River once again with 2400 men and led a surprise raid on the Hessian Troops at Trenton, New Jersey.  He captured 900 mercenaries and lost only six wounded, Future president  James Monroe was among the wounded.

The victory under miserable conditions and Paine’s stirring words provided a morale boost for the discouraged Continental Army and marked a turning point after repeated defeats during the summer and fall.  Washington’s troops viewed as nothing more than “rebellious farmers’ by the British and their paid Hessians had suddenly been transformed into a cohesive army to be feared and defeated.

Two hundred and thirty seven years ago what looked like it might be the end of a rebellion became a rebirth and a renewed commitment to freedom.

posted by Diane Price

Native American Indians Celebrate Christmas

Celicillon Traditional Zuni Dancers Photo by Nick Pecastaing, courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Have you ever wondered how Native American Indian celebrate Christmas?

Before Europeans came to North America, most Native American Indians had never heard of Christmas. But they did observe a celebration new Christmas, The Winter Solstice, the longest night in the year that falls on December 21^st or 22^nd .  Different tribes associated different beliefs and rituals during this period of celebration.

For example, the Hopi tribe celebrated giving aid and direction to the sun, which was ready to return and give strength to new life. The ceremony lasted for 20 days and included prayer stick making, purification ritual and concluded with a rabbit hunt, a feast and blessings.

Interestingly, in the Northeast, including Canada, the Huron Indians were introduced to Christmas in the 17^th century by French Jesuit missionaries. For Christmas the Indians created a Nativity scene by building a small chapel of fir trees and used bark to replicate the manger at Bethlehem. The animals at the manger were the Fox, the Buffalo, and the Bear; the Wise Men figures were dressed as Native Americans.

Pueblo Indians in New Mexico were introduced to Christmas as early as the 16^th century by Priests traveling with Spanish Conquistadors. Rituals and customs that traced back to Spain were introduced by the Priest – Nochebuena – Christmas Eve and Navidad – Christmas Day, were at the center of an extended season of celebration.

In today’s world, Native American Indians celebrate Christmas much the way we do, following our family traditions. Christmas trees may be decorated a little differently; instead of lights, small mirrors are hung on a tree to keep away bad spirits and for ornaments; corn, sells and other natural things are used. And yes, there is a Native American Indian Santa Claus. He’s know by several names; The Handsome Man, an Indian brave dressed all in white buckskin who brings gifts to everyone; Snowbeard, a St Nick look-alike dressed all in red who travels with a walking stick, a bag full of presents and a wolf spirit as his companion; and Old Red Shirt, who flies in a sled and instead of reindeer has a team of white buffalo that pulls the sled.

As you can see, Native American Indian traditions are not all that different. Christmas is a time for a gathering to celebrate with family and friends and to give thanks for all our blessings.

Posted by Pat Elsaesser
Native American Indians chair

Happy Holidays from our DAR Executive Board...

The Junior American Citizens of Brunswick County and prospective Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.)

The Junior American Citizens of Brunswick County and prospective Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) members held their first outing at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Southport.  Lori Sanderlin, education coordinator, presented a program on Native American life in the Cape Fear region and had the children make clay pinch pots.  The Junior American Citizens (JAC) is an American history club open to all students, preschool through grade twelve.  For more information about the JAC or C.A.R., please contact Dawn Schulte at mhock@atmc.net .

Children of the American Revolution

The Governor Benjamin Smith Chapter of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution would like to welcome its newest member, Connor Gates. Connor is the granddaughter of Byron and Diane Price of Bolivia, North Carolina. Any child under the age of 22, who lineally descends from someone who rendered material aid to the cause of American Independence, is eligible to join N.S.C.A.R. For more information, please contact Dawn Schulte at mhock@atmc.net .

Connor Gates

December 11th DAR Meetinig

The next meeting of the Brunswick Town Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution will be a Holiday Lunch on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at the Frying Pan Restaurant, 319 West Bay Street, Southport.  Arrive at 10:00am for coffee and tea.  There is an elevator at the restaurant.  We will have 4 to 5 lunch selections to choose from and a variety of beverages.  Our meeting this month is going to be more social.  Our topic of discussion after our Ritual and business meeting will be "Reflections of DAR in 2013."  So please put your thinking cap on and let's have a lively discussion.  

For more information contact regent, Jackie Craft  at (910-755-7563) or registrar, Cindy Sellers  at (910-457-6988).

 

Directions:

	1.	Head east on NC-211 S/Southport-Supply Rd SE toward Acres Ln SE Continue to follow NC-211 S	3.5 mi
	2.	Turn right onto W Moore St	430 ft
	3.	Take the 1st left onto S Lord St	427 ft
	4.	Turn right onto W Bay St Destination will be on the left	0.1 mi

 

Wreaths Across America - Order a Wreath Today

Click or copy the website below to order a $15.00 wreath. If we all work together we can put a wreath on every soldier's grave. You can also order one as a gift for someone too.


http://waa.convio.net/site/TR/NationalWreathsAcrossAmericaDay/General?fr_id=1239&pg=team&team_id=2972#.Uovm39KsiSp

NCWNCE - Wilmington National Cemetery, Wilmington, NC

Support NCDAR3105-Brunswick Town Chapter NSDAR!

NCDAR3105-Brunswick Town Chapter NSDAR

Wreaths Goal: 200

Wreaths Sponsored: 34

Make a gift!

Call Fran Carlsen Team Captain for Brunswick Town DAR Chapter

910-253-0131

Great Attendance for the November DAR Meeting

Ms. Barbara Rowe, Curator of the Cape Fear Museum in Wilmington was our guest speaker at the November 13th DAR meeting for the Brunswick Town DAR Chapter that was held at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport, NC. Barbara gave a very interesting  presentation on the preservation of old photos, newspapers, and ephemera.  The Museum has a great deal of memorabilia and photos in their own collections, and Barbara is very knowledgeable about the work it takes to preserve them. Barbara is often able to help with identifying the era that a particular photo was taken by examining the clothing used.

There were 50 attendees including members and visitors to the November DAR meeting.

Veteran's Day November 11th

Monday, November 11^th, we honor all men and women who have served our country.  Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919.  The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe November 11th with the appropriate ceremonies.  A Congressional Act was approved May 13, 1938 which made the 11^th of November in each year a legal holiday:  “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.”

In 1945, World War II Veteran, Raymond Weeks, from Birmingham, AL, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all Veterans, not just those who died in WWI.  Mr. Weeks led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who supported the idea of National Veterans Day.  Weeks led the first national celebration in 1947 in Alabama and annually until his death in 1985.

On June 1, 1954, Congress amended the bill that was signed into law on May 26, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

Participate in honoring all Veterans on Monday and be sure to say “thank you”.

-Resource Wikipedia; “The History of Veterans Day” – Jackie Craft, Regent

DAR Orientation Program Held on November 6, 2013

The New DAR Member Orientation was held at Regent, Jackie Craft's, home in Winding River, NC on November 6, 2013. Carol Jutte, Membership Chair presented the DVD from the State with a power point presentation for New Members.  Important information  was provided in the presentation, so another Orientation will be held in the spring. The following committee chairs from DAR were at the orientation program for new members. They were Jackie Craft, Regent, Diane Price, Lineage, Carol Jutte, Membership, Cindy Sellers, Registrar and Gwen Causey, National Defense and NC State Registrar. The news members at the orientation meeting were, Chris Fraizer, Lois Ambler, Katherine Hufham, Emily Queener, Linda Eckman, Brenda Harris and Pat Johnson.

Spirit Magazine Salutes Veterans

In the November-December 2013 Spirit Magazine there are several articles saluting Veterans that you don't want to miss. They are grouped in the "Whatnot"  Section of the magazine. One article is on 7 Creative Ways to Support Veterans. Another article is titled "The Red Poppy Moina Michael's Enduring Tribute which you will find very interesting. It will give you a better idea of the significance of The Red Poppy and also understand why we have a commemorative stamp featuring Michael and the red poppy to honor her life's work. Don't subscribe to the Spirit Magazine?  Call 1-866-327-6242 for information about ordering Spirit Magazine or go to http://www.dar.org/natsociety/subscribe.cfm .

Vicki Kay - Brunswick Town Chapter DAR magazine chair

Veteran's Day Commemoration on November 11th

Photo contributed by John Muss

Please join the Richard H. Stewart, Jr. American Legion Post 543 on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11 at 3 p.m. at the St. James Veterans Memorial adjacent to the St. James Community Center

(SJCC) in Southport, NC. There will be a commemoration ceremony honoring all veterans, past and present. We are inviting all communities in our area to join us in celebrating our veterans with great respect and admiration. The Colors will be presented by the South Brunswick High School JROTC and our National Anthem and other patriotic selections will be sung by the Sea Notes Choral Society. Speakers will include State Senator Bill Rabon and Congressman Mike McIntyre. Refreshments will follow the ceremony in the SJCC. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place inside the community center. Carpooling is appreciated.

Submitted by Joe Kennedy

resident of St. James Plantation

Southport, NC
This article appeared in the November 2013 issue of
 CAT-TALES Volume 20 Issue 11

Congressman Mike McIntyre