WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DECEMBER MEETING? Members met for our annual holiday dinner and enjoyed fine food and fellowship at Ruby Tuesday’s in Republic. Senior Vice Commander Patrick extended “season’s greetings” and best wishes for 2013 to all members of Phelps Camp and their families.
NEXT MEETING: Because the first Tuesday of 2013 falls on New Year’s Day, the January meeting of Phelps Camp would normally be moved to Tuesday, January 8. But because this January 8 is a very special anniversary in local history, the January meeting of Phelps Camp will be cancelled, and members are urged to attend our own John Rutherford’s presentation on the Battle of Springfield at the Springfield-Greene County Library Center instead (see below).
BATTLE OF SPRINGFIELD ANNIVERSARY EVENTS: January promises to be a very busy month as we commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederate General John S. Marmaduke’s attack on Springfield and the heroic Union defense of the city.
Phelps Camp members have been asked to participate in some of these events.
Here are the highlights:
Tuesday, January 8, Noon, Park Central Square in Springfield: Official 150th anniversary ceremony, sponsored by the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. Phelps Camp has been asked to provide a Union color guard.
Tuesday, January 8, 6:30 p.m., Springfield-Greene County Library Center: Presentation by our own John Rutherford and Dr. Bill Piston on the successful Union defense of Springfield in 1863.
Wednesday, January 9, 6:30 p.m., Springfield-Greene County Library Center: President Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Fritz Klein of Springfield, Illinois) will present an address on slavery, emancipation and the war in Missouri. Phelps Camp has been asked to provide an escort, under arms, for President Lincoln.
Friday, January 11, 6:30 p.m., Springfield-Greene County Library Center: Our own Michael Price will present a program on the Battle of Hartville, the other Union success during Marmaduke’s Raid.
Many other events are scheduled. For a detailed list, go the Library Center’s website (thelibrary.org/programs) and click on the “Bookends” link.
Please contact Jeff Patrick (350-7192 or tam1rn@juno.com) if you are available for the Tuesday or Wednesday events.
RECYCLING OFFICER NEEDED:
The position of camp recycling officer is once again open. If you are willing to collect, store and transport aluminum cans for the camp, please contact Jeff Patrick (contact information above). The camp has earned a significant amount of money through the years thanks to our recycling efforts.
CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE:
Yes, we still have some! 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:
www.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm.
These are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at upcoming meetings.
NEW ISSUE OF THE MISSOURI UNIONIST NOW AVAILABLE:
The new issue of the Department of Missouri’s newsletter is scheduled to be published on or about December 14.
Check it out at www.suvcwmo.org/newsletter.php
