From the Brigade Commander
In the midst of battles and of discussions of strategy and tactics it is sometimes easy to overlook the home front. Thanks to Rich Rosenthal we were enlightened about some of the ladies who took on large and many times grave responsibilities to hold everything together.
We welcomed new members Shelby Edwards and James Whitney at the December meeting. They joined us for the Antietam field trip with Dennis Frye in October and I’m pleased that they are now members. Please check the Brigade News section of our website and see the article written by Frank Whelan about their home and the Antietam connection with the man who once lived there!
At the December meeting I mentioned that we had a complete 28 volume set of the Time Life Civil War Encyclopedia that we wished to donate to a school, library or other facility where they would be appreciated and utilized. Thanks to Neil and Kathy Coddington, we found a home for the set at the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society’s Sigal Museum. Neil and Kathy are both long time volunteers there so it’s a wonderful fit.
Check out the museum website at www.sigalmuseum.org
You should all be aware that the site of our Gettysburg conservation work on April 27th will be at the John Slyder Farm. No excuses for missing this important work day. There is something for everyone, painting, fencing, brush cutting or just standing around critiquing the work done by others. We’ll have fun, learn about that portion of the battlefield and help preserve and conserve our nation’s historic land! Details to follow as we get closer to April.
Thanks to everyone who responded to our monthly contest on a word definition from Ambrose Bierce’s Devil’s Dictionary. Remember, the first person who finds the word and definition in our website and emails me receives 3 free book raffle tickets at our meeting. Actually, since we’ve been running this contest before the September gathering exactly no one has responded with the correct answer. As a matter of fact, only ONE person responded period and that person who shall remain nameless failed! It’s not hard folks, humor me, and check out our website for the Ambrose Bierce mystery word definition of the month. Send an email to me with the word AND attend the January meeting. I’m counting on you!!!
Dues are overdue! Send your $25.00 check (It’s ok to send more if you’re so inclined!) to our PO Box 333, Allentown, PA 18105. See Paymaster Jeff Gates at the December meeting. A hearty thank you to those who responded to our Annual Appeal. Your generosity will go a long way in bringing wonderful programs to the Lehigh Valley while helping to maintain our meeting and dinner costs as low as possible.
Our next CWRT Board Director’s meeting will be held on January 22nd at the Southern Lehigh Public Library, 3200 Preston Lane, Center Valley, PA at 6:30 PM. All members in good standing are welcome!
Please join us on the SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH on January 8th when Chris Heisey will present, “Photographing Our Civil War Battlefields” See you on the 8th!
Ed Root
sartilly@hotmail.com
610-417-6673