NEXT MEETING
The January meeting will be held at the Visitor Center at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 7 p.m.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Happy Holidays to the members of Phelps Camp and their families, and best wishes for 2011!
1) Jeff Patrick reported that the headstones for the two graves in Kirksville have been set (see attached photo). We are now planning an official dedication ceremony for next April.
FOR LINCOLN AND LIBERTY!
Camp members Greg Wait, Kip Lindberg and Jeff Patrick participated in ceremonies marking the 150th anniversary of the election of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. A crowd of approximately 300 people, led by living history “Wide Awake” Lincoln supporters, escorted Mr. Lincoln (Lincoln impersonator Fritz Klein) from the Old State Capital to the Lincoln Home, where Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln welcomed well-wishers.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE OCTOBER MEETING?
1) Jeff Patrick reported that the headstones for the two graves in Kirksville have been delivered, and payment for their installation has been sent to the monument company. We are now planning an official dedication ceremony for next April. Union veteran Dr. A.T. Still, the father of osteopathic medicine, is buried in the same cemetery, so we will mark his grave as well.
2) Members were again encouraged to read and contribute material to the Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).
3) Steve Weldon reported that the Carthage Park Board has approved our proposal to erect a monument in Central Park. The proposal will now go before the Carthage City Council. A prominent southwest Missouri artist has agreed to design the monument. More details TBA.
5) Members were asked to think about a possible camp publishing project for the Wilson’s Creek 150th anniversary reenactment next August.
6) Camp members Gary Riley, David Coffman, Greg Wait and Jeff Patrick represented Phelps Camp at the Pioneer Descendants Festival in Douglas County on October 2. While there, they discovered that the headstones of two Union veterans buried in nearby Yates Cemetery need to be replaced. New stones will be ordered this winter.
NEXT MEETING
The regularly scheduled monthly meeting was postponed due to Election Day, so the next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. We will have the conclusion of a special program about the history of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.)
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SEPTEMBER MEETING?
1) Jeff Patrick reported that the headstones for the two graves in Kirksville have arrived. Despite our instructions, one was delivered to Kirksville and one to Republic! Jeff and Greg Wait will deliver the stone to Kirksville on Friday, September 10.
2) Members were again encouraged to read and contribute material to the Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).
3) Larry Toll reported that a required IRS “EIN” number has been secured for our SVR unit, and all the necessary paperwork has been submitted.
4) Steve Weldon reported that the Carthage Park Board will consider our proposal to erect a monument in Central Park at their monthly meeting on October 4. Jeff Patrick will attend and represent the camp.
5) Interest has been expressed in attending the Springfield Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 6. Greg Wait will contact parade officials to obtain more information.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, October 5 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. We will have a special program about the history of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.)
What Happened at the July Meeting?
1) Jeff Patrick reported that the headstone applications for the two graves in Kirksville are still being processed by the V.A. He hopes to have an update at the next meeting.
NEXT MEETING
1) Herb Jackson reported the receipt of a letter from SUVCW National Counselor Robert Grim regarding the Zagonyi monument. Mr. Grim recommended that the camp consult an attorney to determine the monument’s ownership. Herb will contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for further advice.
2) Members agreed that a portion of the donation received from the upcoming Fort Scott event should be used to purchase a traveling display that camp members can use at public events. Jeff Patrick will check on design options, cost, etc.
3) Commander Wait reported that the SUVCW National Encampment will be held in Overland Park, Kansas this August. He is planning on attending the event, along with Senior Vice- Commander Jeff Patrick.
4) Todd Wilkinson reported that Phelps Camp now has a “Facebook” page, and encouraged Facebook members to have a look.
5) Members agreed to make the July meeting a “Graves Registration” meeting (see below).
Several members of Phelps Camp assisted with “Good Old Days” at Fort Scott National Historic Site by presenting the “Parade of the American Soldier” program on June 5-6. Despite extremely hot weather, thousands of visitors came to the fort and thoroughly enjoyed the camp’s display. Camp members received many compliments for sharing their knowledge with park visitors. The City of Fort Scott made a sizeable donation to Phelps Camp for providing the program. A big “thank you” goes to camp members Greg Wait, Steve Weldon, Larry Toll, Gary Riley, David Coffman, Jeff Patrick, Kip Lindberg and Kirk Singleton for their efforts!
Next Meeting
The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, July 6. We will meet at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield at 6 p.m. in order to carpool to Stone County. Our plan is to “read” several cemeteries in the Galena and Cape Fair areas. Please bring water. Clipboards, pens and forms will be furnished. If you prefer, you can meet us at the Galena Cemetery at 6:45.
The Galena Cemetery is located southwest of town. If approaching Galena from the west on MO 248, turn right on Blunk Road, then left on Cemetery Road.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MAY MEETING?
1) Jeff Patrick reported that the VA headstone forms have been mailed to the Kirksville City Clerk’s Office. As soon as they are returned with signatures we can order the stones, with a possible dedication/memorial service this fall.
2) Larry Toll reported that the forms and other paperwork necessary to register our Sons of Veterans Reserve unit have been completed and will be mailed to the department.
3) Members were reminded about the Boone Home and Fort Scott events.
4) Jeff Patrick gave a slide program on his recent trip to the National Civil War Naval Museum and the National Infantry Museum, both in Columbus, Georgia.
5) Members were again encouraged to read and contribute material to the new Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 5-6—Parade of the American soldier event at Fort Scott National Historic Site, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
BOONE HOME “SPRING FROLIC”
Despite brief showers, six members of Phelps Camp presented a portion of the “Parade of the American Soldier” program for the “Spring Frolic” at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site in Ash Grove, Missouri. Camp members represented the American soldier during four important periods (Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War and Civil War). Although attendance was light, the visitors seemed to enjoy the presentation and asked many questions.
WHAT HAENED AT THE APRIL MEETING?
1) Herb Jackson reported that he has contacted the owner of the property where the Zagonyi’s Charge monument is located, but that the owner claims ownership of the monument as well. The property owner would like to have Phelps Camp issue a letter acknowledging his “donation” of the monument to the camp. Herb has sent a letter to the National Counselor and Commander asking for legal advice as to how we should proceed.
2) Members were reminded about the Fort Sand Springs ceremony (see later in this issue).
4) Jeff Patrick gave an update on the Kirksville headstone project. He informed the membership that the historical “fact-checking” has been completed, so he will proceed with ordering the two headstones from the V.A. If all goes well, we will have a dedication ceremony this fall.
5) Members were encouraged to read and contribute material to the new Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 15—Parade of the American Soldier event at the Nathan Boone Home State Historic Site, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
June 5-6—Parade of the American soldier event at Fort Scott National Historic Site, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE AND SAND SPRINGS CEREMONIES
Four members of Phelps Camp provided the color guard at the Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks 50th anniversary dinner on April 17. Approximately 170 people attended the dinner and enjoyed a presentation by Civil War historian and author Dr. Steven Woodworth of Texas Christian University.
On April 24, Camp Commander Wait and members John Rutherford, Herb Jackson, Kip Lindberg, Bob Clanton, Bob Drake and Jeff Patrick attended the Fort Sand Springs monument dedication near Marshfield. Members of Phelps Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans presented a fine program. Due to inclement weather, the ceremony was moved to a nearby church, which was filled to capacity with approximately 125 people. Well done ladies!
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE JANUARY MEETING?
1) Members held camp elections. All the officers from 2009 were re-elected, with the exception of Junior Vice Commander. Kirk Singleton is our new Junior Vice. Congratulations Kirk!
2) Members filled out forms to join our new SVR (Sons of Veterans Reserve-ceremonial) unit. Anyone interested in joining the SVR can do so at the next meeting. Larry Toll is the non-commissioned officer in command of our SVR unit.
3) Members reviewed the very busy schedule for 2010 (see later in this issue).
4) Members discussed a possible cemetery project in Kirksville, Missouri.
5) Members were encouraged to read and contribute material to the new Phelps Camp blog (www.phelpscamp.blogspot.com).
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
March 7—Battle of Pea Ridge Anniversary Ceremony
April 17—Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks 50th anniversary dinner, Springfield.
April 24—Dedication of the Fort Sand Springs Monument, near Marshfield.
May 31—Memorial Day ceremony at the Springfield National Cemetery.
June 5-6--Parade of the American Soldier event, Fort Scott National Historic Site.
July 4—Possible event at “I Love America,” Springfield.
August 10—Battle of Wilson’s Creek Anniversary Ceremony.
October 2-3—Pioneer Days, Ava.
November 6--Springfield Veterans Day Parade.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of Phelps Camp will be on Tuesday, February 2 at 7 p.m. at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
DUES ARE DUE!
Yes, it’s that time again. 2010 dues for Phelps Camp and the SUVCW remain at $25! Please send a check or money order to:
John Rutherford
1329 S. Meadowview Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
Any donations for camp projects will also be greatly appreciated!
“The 1899
The Christian Co. Veterans Association have decided to hold the
The Mary Whitney Phelps Tent #22, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, recently had a monument erected near the site of Fort Sand Springs, in Webster County, Missouri. It can be found at the southeast corner of Missouri 38 and Timber Ridge Road. The monument is approximately one mile from the site of Fort Sand Springs.
A small Union post was located at Sand Springs during the Civil War. A skirmish was fought there on January 9, 1863, one day after the Battle of Springfield. Confederates under General Joseph Shelby scattered the Union garrison in a brief fight. Shelby's men camped at Sand Springs that evening, then destroyed the post before moving towards Hartville the next day.
Plans for a dedication program will be announced shortly. For more information about the Mary Whitney Phelps Tent, please visit their web site at http://duvmissouritent22.org/
