Union Defender December 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DECEMBER MEETING? Camp members enjoyed good food and fellowship at our holiday dinner at Ruby Tuesday in Republic. Camp Commander Wait wished all members of Phelps Camp and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

NEXT MEETING The January meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, January 3 at 7 p.m. We will discuss plans/activities for 2012. Missouri Department Commander D. Christopher (Chris) Warren will be our special guest. All camp members are encouraged to attend and meet our department commander.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE The camp has purchased several SUVCW “Challenge Coins” for resale. Two designs are available—one for the Civil War 150th anniversary and one for the Grand Army of the Republic anniversary. Check out the designs: ww.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm. These are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at upcoming meetings.

UPCOMING EVENTS March 3-4: Pea Ridge Battle Anniversary Living History/Commemorative Program (details TBA).

CAN DO! We are gathering cans for another “run” to the recycling center, so it’s time to bring your cans to the next meeting.

HAVE YOU SEEN THE LATEST “UNIONIST”? Check out the November issue of the Missouri Unionist (Department of Missouri newsletter) at: www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php

Union Defender November 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING?

1) Members discussed the Zagonyi’s Charge ceremony on October 22. Michael Price will submit an article about the event to The Banner and the Missouri Unionist.

2) Members agreed that our December meeting should be a dinner meeting (see notice in this newsletter).

3) Members discussed conducting a memorial ceremony at Pea Ridge National Military Park in March 2012, to honor the men of Phelps’ Regiment.

4) Jeff Patrick reported that the Mountain Grove Community Foundation did not approve our grant request to restore the Civil War soldier monument in Mountain Grove. Camp members are now exploring other funding opportunities.

ZAGONYI’S CHARGE CEREMONY Members of Phelps Camp were joined by more than 40 visitors in commemorating the 150th anniversary of “Zagonyi’s Charge” (the first battle of Springfield) on Saturday, October 22 at Zagonyi Park in Springfield. Camp members Herb Jackson, Steve Weldon, John Rutherford, Jeff Patrick, Kip Lindberg and Larry Toll made remarks, along with Sally McAlear of the Phelps Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans. The Wilson’s Creek artillery crew ended the 45-minute ceremony with a dramatic (and very loud) shot from their 6-pounder cannon. Thanks to all the members of Phelps Camp for attending this important ceremony to honor the men of Fremont’s Body Guard and White’s Prairie Scouts who fought and died at Springfield.

NEXT MEETING The December meeting of Phelps Camp will be our traditional holiday gathering. We will gather for dinner at Ruby Tuesday’s in Republic (Highway 60, across from Wal-Mart) on Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. All camp members, spouses and other family members are cordially invited. Please RSVP to Jeff Patrick (417-732-2662, ext. 226 or e-mail tam1rn@juno.com) no later than Sunday, December 4.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE The camp has purchased several SUVCW “Challenge Coins” for resale. Two designs are available—one for the Civil War 150th anniversary and one for the Grand Army of the Republic anniversary. Check out the designs: ww.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm These make excellent holiday gifts, and are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at the holiday dinner meeting on December 6.

CAN DO! We just made a “run” to the recycling center, so now it’s time to rebuild our “stock.” Please bring your cans to the next meeting.

New Tombstones In Kirksville

Members of Phelps Camp No. 66, Department of Missouri, recently visited the graves of Jacob and Sitha Sholley in Forest-Llewellyn Cemetery in Kirksville, Missouri. The camp ordered and installed headstones for Jacob, a member of the 11th and 2nd Missouri State Militia Cavalry regiments, and Sitha, who served in her husband's regiments as a nurse. Pictured, left to right, are Jeff Patrick, Greg Wait, Gary Riley and David Coffman.

Union Defender October 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE OCTOBER MEETING?

1) Members discussed final arrangements for the commemorative ceremony for “Zagonyi’s Charge on October 22.

ZAGONYI'S CHARGE CEREMONY

About fifty people joined the members of Phelps Camp in commemorating Zagonyi's Charge. Phelps Camp wishes to thank the Springfield-Greene County Park Board for its cooperation in this important program. Additional photos are available in the gallery at the top of the page.

DAUGHTERS OF UNION VETERANS MARKER CEREMONY

On Friday, September 30, members of Mary Whitney Phelps Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans dedicated a new historical marker honoring the achievements of Mary Phelps in establishing an orphanage for the children of fallen Union soldiers in 1865. The event took place at Sunshine Elementary School, on the corner of Jefferson and Sunshine in Springfield. Greg Wait, Jeff Patrick and Gary Riley volunteered for the color guard, and a large crowd of spectators (and MANY students) turned out for the program and monument unveiling. The weather was perfect as the men of Phelps Camp presented the colors for the pledge of allegiance and fired a musket volley during the unveiling. Congratulations to the ladies of Phelps Tent for their successful efforts to honor Mary Phelps. Be sure to have a look at the beautiful marker if you’re in the area.

NEXT MEETING

The November meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, November 1 at 7 p.m.

CAN DO! We just made a “run” to the recycling center, so now it’s time to rebuild our “stock.” Please bring your cans to the next meeting.

Union Defender October 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SEPTEMBER MEETING?

1) Members discussed plans for the commemorative ceremony for “Zagonyi’s Charge on October 22.

2) Members discussed upcoming plans for the Lexington battle reenactment.

3) Jeff Patrick announced that a grant application would be submitted by the end of September to the Mountain Grove Community Foundation, seeking funds for the restoration of that city’s Union soldier monument.

4) Members were encouraged to attend the DUV marker dedication ceremony on September 30 (see below).

DAUGHTERS OF UNION VETERANS MARKER CEREMONY

On Friday, September 30, the members of Mary Whitney Phelps Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans will dedicate a new historical marker honoring the achievements of Mary Phelps in establishing an orphanage for the children of fallen Union soldiers in 1865. The event will take place at Sunshine Elementary School, on the corner of Jefferson and Sunshine in Springfield. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. All members of Phelps Camp are urged to attend, and we still need 2 or 3 members who have a Union uniform, accouterments and weapon to help with the Phelps Camp color guard. If you are available that afternoon, please contact Jeff Patrick (417-732-2662, ext. 226 or tam1rn@juno.com) as soon as possible. Limited parking is available at the school, with more parking in the Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church lot.

NEW MEMBER
Phelps Camp is pleased to announce that we have a new member, Donald Lancaster of Mountain View, Missouri. His great-great grandfather was St. Clair Lancaster of Company I, 7th Maryland Infantry Regiment. Private Lancaster served his country from September 1862 through May 1865. The 7th Maryland's war service was in Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. Welcome to Phelps Camp!

NEXT MEETING The October meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, October 4 at 7 p.m. Jeff Patrick will present a brief program about his recent visit to the grave of Captain David Van Buskirk, the “biggest Yankee in the world.”

CAN DO!

Are we still collecting aluminum cans? You bet we are! We are ready to make another “run” to the recycling center, so please bring your cans to the next meeting.

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 30: DUV dedication of Civil War Orphans’ Home historical marker, 1 p.m.

October 22: “Zagonyi’s Charge” 150th anniversary ceremony, 2 p.m.

Union Defender August 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE AUGUST MEETING?

The August meeting was postponed until August 10 so that members could attend the program commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek (see below).

A VERY BUSY AUGUST August was a very busy month for Phelps Camp. On August 10, camp members attended the ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Due to the threat of thunderstorms, the event was moved from the battlefield to the Republic High School. A number of camp members were present in the audience for the two-hour program, and three of the four Civil War soldiers in the official color guard were Phelps Camp members! Two days later, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation hosted the official 150th anniversary battle reenactment on land near the battlefield. Once again, Phelps Camp members “stepped up to the plate” and manned a recruiting/information table all three days. We talked with many visitors and sold books and other items. Thanks to the generosity of camp member Brian Shay, we were able to add funds to the camp treasury. Brian, who has retired from Civil War reenacting, sent us a large amount of reproduction uniform pieces and equipment to sell at the reenactment. Thanks, Brian! All in all, it was an excellent week to remember the sacrifices of our ancestors, and to get the word out about Phelps Camp and the SUV.

Our thanks to Greg Wait, Herb Jackson and Larry Toll for participating in the August 10 ceremony, and to Tim Wilkinson, Gary Brimmer, Kirk Singleton and Richard Cochran for manning the information table!

DAUGHTERS OF UNION VETERANS MARKER CEREMONY
On Friday, September 30, the members of Mary Whitney Phelps Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans will dedicate a new historical marker honoring the achievements of Mary Phelps in establishing an orphanage for the children of fallen Union soldiers in 1865. The event will take place at Sunshine Elementary School, on the corner of Jefferson and Sunshine in Springfield. The reception begins at 12:30 p.m., and the dedication at 1 p.m. All members of Phelps Camp are urged to attend, and we still need 2 or 3 members who have a Union uniform, accouterments and weapon to help with the Phelps Camp color guard. If you are available that afternoon, please contact Jeff Patrick (417-732-2662, ext. 226 or tam1rn@juno.com) as soon as possible.

NEXT MEETING

The September meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, September 6 at 7 p.m. CAN DO! Are we still collecting aluminum cans? You bet we are! We are ready to make another “run” to the recycling center, so please bring your cans to the next meeting.

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 17-18: 150th Lexington battle reenactment

September 30: DUV dedication of Civil War Orphans’ Home historical marker, 1 p.m.

October 22: “Zagonyi’s Charge” 150th anniversary ceremony, 2 p.m.

Union Defender July 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE JUNE MEETING?

1) Members discussed upcoming events, including 150th anniversary ceremonies for the battles of Carthage, Wilson’s Creek and Springfield (Zagonyi’s Charge), and the Wilson’s Creek battle reenactment.

BATTLE OF CARTHAGE CEREMONY
Several members of Phelps Camp participated in a ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Carthage on Saturday, July 9. After a formal commemorative ceremony, Phelps Camp member Steve Weldon introduced Carthage artist Andy Thomas, who unveiled preliminary sketches of the proposed German-American soldier memorial (see attached photos). Phelps Camp members will serve as official historical advisors on the monument project. Despite blistering heat, a large crowd was in attendance to remember those on both sides who fell on July 5, 1861.

NEXT MEETING Next month’s meeting will be rescheduled to coincide with the 150th anniversary activities at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on August 10. Activities begin with period music at 6:30 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 7 p.m. We will have a short business meeting in the Visitor Center following the ceremony. Visitors are encouraged to park in the Visitor Center lot and ride a shuttle bus to the Ray House, where the ceremony will take place.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WILSON’S CREEK REENACTMENT Phelps Camp will have a recruiting/sales table at the Wilson’s Creek reenactment on August 12-14. We need volunteers to man the table on Saturday morning and afternoon (to back up those who have already volunteered), and on Sunday from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Please contact Jeff Patrick as soon as possible at 417-732-2662, ext. 226, or by e-mail (tam1rn@juno.com) if you are available. Again, here’s the schedule to date:

Friday, Aug. 12—Todd and Tim Wilkinson
Saturday, Aug. 13—Kirk Singleton and Richard Cochran
Sunday, Aug. 14—Open

CAN DO! Are we still collecting aluminum cans? You bet we are! Bring a bag of cans to the next meeting. Aluminum sales help support our camp, so keep drinking! UPCOMING

EVENTS

August 6: Parade in downtown Republic, followed by living history programs. Parade begins at 10 a.m.
August 7: Ceremony at Clever Middle School to commemorate the skirmish at Dug Springs, 2 p.m.

August 10: Battle of Wilson’s Creek anniversary ceremony, 7 p.m.

August 12-14: Battle of Wilson’s Creek Reenactment (www.wilsonscreek150.com)

Union Defender June 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MAY MEETING?

1) Camp Commander Wait reported that several members of Phelps Camp attended a ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Union troops in Rolla. As part of the ceremony, members of Holmes Brigade marched to the historic Phelps County Courthouse, took down a Confederate First National flag and replaced it with the Stars and Stripes, exactly as it was done 150 years ago.

2) Members were reminded about the 150th anniversary ceremony in Carthage on Saturday, July 9.

BATTLE OF CARTHAGE CEREMONY
Phelps Camp member Steve Weldon invites all members of Phelps Camp and their families to come observe the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Carthage on Saturday, July 9 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Musket firing demonstrations will be conducted by members of Holmes Brigade throughout the day, and a formal commemorative ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. The preliminary sketches of the proposed German-American soldier memorial will be unveiled at that time as well. Phelps Camp members are encouraged to attend in comfortable clothes (it should be nice and cool!) and wear their SUV medals. The ceremony should last approximately one hour. All activities will be held in Central Park, 714 S. Garrison, directly across from the Carthage Public Library.

IN MEMORIAM

We extend our condolences to Phelps Camp member Michael Price, who recently lost his mother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael and his family.

NEXT MEETING

The July meeting will be held at the Visitor Center at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 7 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WILSON’S CREEK REENACTMENT

Phelps Camp will have a recruiting/sales table at the Wilson’s Creek reenactment on August 12-14. We need volunteers to man the table (ideally two per day), so if you’re available any time between Friday morning (the 12th) and Sunday afternoon (the 14th), please contact Jeff Patrick as soon as possible at 417-732-2662, ext. 226, or by e-mail (tam1rn@juno.com). Here’s the schedule to date:

Friday, Aug. 12—Todd Wilkinson
Saturday, Aug. 13, Noon to 5—Kirk Singleton and Richard Cochran

CAN DO! Are we still collecting aluminum cans? You bet we are! Bring a bag of cans to the next meeting. Aluminum sales help support our camp, so keep drinking!

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 9: Living history activities in Carthage, all day (ceremony at 10 a.m.)
August 6: Parade in downtown Republic, followed by living history programs
August 7: Ceremony in Clever to commemorate the skirmish at Dug SpringsAugust 10: Battle of Wilson’s Creek anniversary ceremony, 7 p.m.

The Union Defender May 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MAY MEETING?

1) Jeff Patrick reported that a letter has been sent to the Community Foundation of Mountain Grove asking for assistance to restore the “Soldier’s Monument” there.

2) Members were reminded that the latest issue of the Missouri Unionist may be downloaded at http://www.suvcwmo.org.

3) Jeff Patrick reported that planning continues on the Zagonyi’s Charge program, scheduled for October 22.

4) Members enjoyed an excellent presentation by John Sutton on cavalry carbines of the Civil War, and were allowed to examine a number of reproduction carbines.

STEVE WELDON UPDATE

Camp member Steve Weldon, who lives in Joplin, reports that the Weldon family suffered some property damage but otherwise all are well. The thoughts and prayers of the members of Phelps Camp go out to all those in Joplin.

NEXT MEETING

The June meeting will be held at the Visitor Center at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 7 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WILSON’S CREEK REENACTMENT

Phelps Camp will have a recruiting/sales table at the Wilson’s Creek reenactment on August 12-14. We need volunteers to man the table, so if you’re available any time between Friday morning (the 12th) and Sunday afternoon (the 14th), please contact Jeff Patrick as soon as possible at 417-732-2662, ext. 226, or by e-mail (tam1rn@juno.com). CAN DO!Are we still collecting aluminum cans? You bet we are! Bring a bag of cans to the next meeting. Aluminum sales help support our camp, so keep drinking!

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 18-19: Battle of Boonville reenactment
July 9: Living history activities in Carthage
August 6: Parade in downtown Republic, followed by living history programs
August 7: Ceremony in Clever to commemorate the skirmish at Dug SpringsAugust 10: Battle of Wilson’s Creek anniversary ceremony, 7 p.m.

Union Defender April 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE APRIL MEETING?

1) Gary Riley and David Coffman reported that they have approached several community organizations in Mountain Grove about funding the “Soldier Monument” restoration there. Phelps Camp has been asked to submit a formal request to the Community Foundation of Mountain Grove, and Gary and David will continue their efforts to obtain funding for this worthwhile project.

2) Members were reminded that the Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month at the Springfield-Greene County Library Center.

3) Members were reminded about that the latest issue of the Missouri Unionist may be downloaded at http://www.suvcwmo.org.

4) Jeff Patrick reported that planning continues on the Zagonyi’s Charge program, scheduled for October 22.

5) Members enjoyed a fine presentation by John Rutherford on the life of John Hutchison, who was honored as Missouri’s last Civil War veteran by the state legislature shortly before his death in 1951.

NEXT MEETING The May meeting will be held at the Visitor Center at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 7 p.m. Phelps Camp member John Sutton will present a program on Civil War carbines, and will bring a number of reproduction carbines for members to examine.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WILSON’S CREEK REENACTMENT Phelps Camp will have a recruiting/sales table at the Wilson’s Creek reenactment on August 12-14. We need volunteers to man the table, so if you’re available any time between Friday morning (the 12th) and Sunday afternoon (the 14th), please contact Jeff Patrick as soon as possible at 417-732-2662, ext. 226, or by e-mail (tam1rn@juno.com).

CAN DO! Are we still collecting aluminum cans? You bet we are! Bring a bag of cans to the next meeting. Aluminum sales help support our camp, so keep drinking!

UPCOMING EVENTS April 30-May 1: Camp Jackson living history event, Jefferson Barracks County Park, St. Louis.May 14-15: Battle of Carthage reenactment.
August 6: Parade in downtown Republic, followed by living history programs
August 10: Battle of Wilson’s Creek anniversary ceremony, 7 p.m.
August 11: Possible event to commemorate the skirmish at Dug Springs, near Clever

The Union Defender March 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MARCH MEETING?

1) Members performed the SUV ritual ceremony and inducted several new members, including Larry Toll, Bob Drake, and Eddie Cox.

2) Jeff Patrick reported that an estimate on the restoration cost for the Mountain Grove soldier’s monument would be ready by mid-March.

3) Members were reminded about the Pea Ridge anniversary ceremony on March 5

4) Jeff Patrick reported that a brick/paver has been purchased in honor of Union soldiers, sailors and marines for the planned Republic Veterans Memorial.

5) Members discussed the John Hutchison event at Isabella, Missouri on March 20.

AFTER-ACTION REPORT: PEA RIDGE

On Saturday, March 5, several members of Phelps Camp braved very cold temperatures in order to honor the men of the Army of the Southwest at the Pea Ridge Battle Anniversary Ceremony. Commander Wait gave a short talk on behalf of the SUVCW, and the members of Phelps Camp performed musket firing demonstrations and gave “soldier life” talks the rest of the day. See attached photos, courtesy of Bob Drake, camp photographer.

AFTER-ACTION REPORT: ISABELLA

On Sunday, March 20, members of Phelps Camp honored the last recognized Missouri Civil War veteran, John Hutchison, and Medal of Honor recipient Harrison Collins at the Isabella, Missouri cemetery. A crowd of approximately 70 people were there to hear remarks by Commander Wait, Secretary John Rutherford and Daughters of Union Veterans Commander Sally McAlear. Phelps Camp members formed a color guard, presented a memorial wreath, and fired a musket volley to conclude the ceremony (see attached photos).

NEXT MEETING The April meeting will be held at the Visitor Center at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Tuesday,
April 5, 2011 at 7 p.m.

2011 DUES ARE NOW DUE Yes, it is time to “re-enlist,” for we will soon need to drop members because of unpaid dues. With the 150th anniversary of the Civil War fast approaching, we need every member of the camp to rejoin and help mark this important occasion. Please send a check or money order payable to “Phelps Camp No. 66, SUVCW” to:

John Rutherford
1329 S. Meadowview Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804

UPCOMING EVENTS

Phelps Camp member Ted Hillmer would like to remind members about some upcoming events:

June: Possible event in downtown Springfield to commemorate the arrival of Union forces in 1861.
August 6: Parade in downtown Republic, followed by living history programs
August 10: Battle of Wilson’s Creek anniversary ceremony, 7 p.m.
August 11: Possible event to commemorate the skirmish at Dug Springs, near Clever

The Union Defender February 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE FEBRUARY MEETING?

1) Members agreed to purchase a brick/paver in honor of Union veterans at the planned Veterans Memorial in Republic, Mo.

2) Greg Wait, Jeff Patrick, David Coffman and Gary Riley agreed to meet on Sunday, February 20, to photograph and measure the Mountain Grove, Missouri soldier’s monument. That material will then be submitted to the monument restoration company in order for them to formulate an estimate and restoration plan.

3) Members discussed the “Zagonyi’s Charge” event at Zagonyi Park in Springfield on Saturday, October 22, to mark the 150th anniversary of the charge and the recapture of Springfield.

4) As some applications for new members are still pending, it was decided to postpone the ritual/initiation ceremony until the March meeting.

NEXT MEETING The March meeting will be held at the Visitor Center at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 7 p.m. SPECIAL NOTE: We will perform the SUV ritual ceremony that night in order to welcome our new members into the organization. If you are a new member and have not been initiated, please attend. If you have been initiated, we need members to help perform the ritual. Don’t be frightened—there’s nothing to memorize (you’ll have a script to follow), and there’s no physical pain or embarrassment!

2011 DUES ARE NOW DUE Yes, it is time once again to “re-up”! Unfortunately, due to a recent national dues increase, the members of Phelps Camp voted to increase yearly dues from $25 to $30, the first dues increase in MANY years. With the 150th anniversary of the Civil War fast approaching, we need every member of the camp to rejoin and help mark this important occasion. Please send a check or money order payable to “Phelps Camp No. 66, SUVCW” to:

John Rutherford
1329 S. Meadowview Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 27: Sherman Day ceremony, Calvary Cemetery, St. Louis, 2 p.m.
March 5: Battle of Pea Ridge Anniversary Ceremony, Pea Ridge National Military Park, 9 a.m.
March 20: Special ceremony in Isabella, Missouri to honor John Hutchison, last surviving Missouri Civil War veteran, 1:30 p.m. More details to follow.

Meeting Postponed

Due to threat of more winter weather, the Phelps Camp meeting has been postponed. We will meet on Tuesday February 15 at 7 P.M. at Wilson's Creek. Members will make plans for carpooling to St. Louis on Sunday February 27 for the annual ceremony honoring General William T. Sherman.

Meeting Postponed

With a major winter storm approaching the Springfield area, we have decided to postpone the February meeting of Phelps Camp. We hope to see everyone at Wilson's Creek on Tuesday February 8 at 7 p.m.

The Union Defender January 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE JANUARY MEETING?

1) Camp elections were held, with the 2010 officers unanimously elected for 2011.

2) Members agreed to perform the SUV initiation ritual at the February meeting.

3) Jeff Patrick announced that the Carthage monument proposal has been approved by the Carthage City Council. Once the selected artist/designer has finished a few other projects, he will submit a preliminary design of the proposed monument to the camp.

4) Jeff Patrick agreed to contact a monument restoration company re: the Mountain Grove, Missouri soldier’s monument. The monument is in need of cleaning/restoration. Jeff will ask the company about any travel fees they may charge in order to examine the monument and furnish an estimate for the restoration.

5) Members agreed that the camp should host a “Zagonyi’s Charge” event at Zagonyi Park in Springfield on Saturday, October 22, to mark the 150th anniversary of the charge and the recapture of Springfield.

6) Member Bob Drake alerted members to the new Civil War 150th day-by-day site maintained by the New York Times (http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/category/disunion).

NEXT MEETING The February meeting will be held at the Visitor Center at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 7 p.m. SPECIAL NOTE: We will perform the SUV ritual ceremony that night in order to welcome our new members into the organization. If you are a new member and have not been initiated, please attend. If you have been initiated, we need members to help perform the ritual. Don’t worry—there’s nothing to memorize (you’ll have a script to follow), and there’s no physical pain or embarrassment! Following the ritual, we will watch a new National Park Service video on the early life and career of Abraham Lincoln.

2011 DUES ARE NOW DUE Yes, it is time once again to “re-up”! Unfortunately, due to a recent national dues increase, the members of Phelps Camp voted to increase yearly dues from $25 to $30, the first dues increase in MANY years. With the 150th anniversary of the Civil War fast approaching, we need every member of the camp to rejoin and help mark this important occasion. Please send your dues payment (check or money order payable to "Phelps Camp #66 SUVCW") to:

John Rutherford

1329 South Meadowview

Springfield, Missouri 65804

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 27: Sherman Day ceremony, Calvary Cemetery, St. Louis, 2 p.m.

March 5: Battle of Pea Ridge Anniversary Ceremony, Pea Ridge National Military Park, 9 a.m.

March 19 or 20 (to be determined): Special ceremony in Isabella, Missouri to honor John Hutchison, last surviving Missouri Civil War veteran. More details to follow.