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Toothpick February 2010
By admin | February 16, 2010
This issue of The Toothpick is packed with pertinent information for Arkansas Civil War buffs. 2010 has already proven successful in historic preservation efforts in South Arkansas. As members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans of the Patrick Cleburne Camp in Pine Bluff knows all too well, nothing will be accomplished by sitting and doing nothing. By taking an active role in historical preservation, January was nothing short of amazing.
The year kicked off with the annual David Owen Dodd memorial service. There was a surprisingly large number of living historians on hand with musket in below freezing temperatures, the like of the actual day Dodd was hung by his Yankee captors close to where the UALR School of Law currently sits today. With a light snow spitting from the sky, the Arkansas Division Commander of the SCV, Mark Kalkbrenner, gave the key-note speech, which was followed by a roar of musketry from living historians from all over the state. The service was followed by an Executive Meeting of the Arkansas Division SCV. One of the key issues discussed in the meeting was the Arkansas Division Reunion that will be held this year on April 30-May 1st, 2010 at the historic Arlington Hotel, the site of the 2009 National SCV Reunion. Those interested in attending this event may contact the Keller Camp in Hot Spring on the Arkansas Division Website at www.arkansasscv.org. Preregistration is currently underway and is highly encouraged. The Keller Camp has been known to pull off some amazing reunions!
Members of the Patrick Cleburne Camp met at Camp White Sulphur Springs Confederate Cemetery Saturday, February 6 for a day of clean up following the ice storm last week. The grounds were spared any large fallen trees/debris. After a couple hours of clean up, the park is back in great shape. This time of year yields a completely different beauty as the grounds of adjacent historical sites can be seen through the bare trees.
The next Division-level event will be the annual Patrick R. Cleburne Memorial service at his graveside in the Helena, Arkansas Confederate Cemetery on March 13, 2010. More information on this event will be included in the next issue of The Toothpick, including key-note speaker, start time, and other information.
After holding meetings with representatives from the City of Pine Bluff, the Patrick Cleburne Camp tentatively announces the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War kickoff event in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on January 15, 1861. It was this day that the proverbial “powder keg” was lit in Arkansas which resulted in the capture of over half a dozen steam boats in 1861 on the Arkansas River. More information on this event will be included in future issues of The Toothpick, including monthly inclusions of local Pine Bluff history correlating to that of 150 years ago. This project will span the entirety of the Civil War as it was experienced here in South Arkansas between January, 1860 (yes, THAT early) through the Federal occupation of Pine Bluff and into the genesis of the Reconstruction following the War.
The 1st Arkansas Infantry living historians will have their annual business meeting Saturday, February 12 at Arkansas Post at 12:30pm at the State Park museum. This will be preceded by a baby shower for Mikah and Lisa Wisner at 11:00am, followed by lunch provided by the State Park. Any living historian interested in attending, contact 1st Sgt. Mike Lewis at 1stark5thkan@att.net.
Any school-aged children between the grades of 7-12 interested in Civil War reenacting may join the Jefferson Guard Historical Preservation Cadet Corps. The Jefferson Guard is now in its second year, gearing up for an active 2010 season of Civil War reenacting. The cadets have accomplished some amazing feats during its first year: attended living histories and reenactments all over the state, was one of the initial groups involved in the Reed’s Bridge Battlefield restoration project which got the cadets national exposure in Civil War News. The Jefferson Guard provides a family-oriented atmosphere for all cadets and safety is paramount. Anyone interested in the FREE cadet program, contact the Jefferson Guard Commander at armedic73@hotmail.com. The Jefferson Guard’s Website is www.jeffersonguard.com. Cadets are accepted from all over the state!
If you know of any Arkansas Civil War news and events, e-mail us at info@arkansastoothpick.com.
Ron Kelley/Editor
Topics: Living Histories, Memorial Services, News, Newsletters |
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