Colonial Dames hold February meeting at Groves-May House

The Fort James Chapter of Colonial Dames XVII Century met February 16 at the Groves-May House in the Historical Park in Lincolnton. Fourteen members and four invitees attended.

Mrs. Virginia White from Thomson, chapter president, asked the chaplain, Dr. Louise McCommons, also from Thomson, to open the meeting with prayer. Mrs. Nina Albea, first vice-president from Lincolnton, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, the Georgia flag, and the Colonial Dames flag, followed by The American's Creed. The minutes were read by Mrs. Elizabeth Estes, secretary from Lincolnton, and the treasurer's report was given by Mrs. Ann Parsons, treasurer from Hartwell.

Ms. Carolyn Miller from Elberton, Chairman of the Marking and Preservation of Historic Sites Committee, reported that the papers requesting permission to mark Alexandria, The Thomas Carr House, in McDuffie County have been filed with the state. The Fort James Chapter toured the house last year. It is the oldest surviving documented brick house in Georgia. It was built between 1803 and 1806 and is the keystone house among four remaining houses that comprise the Thomas Carr National Historic District. It is owned by William Dunn Wansley, a great nephew of Thomas Carr. Mr. Wansley did an authentic restoration. Ms. Miller gave members copies of the proposed brochure for the marking which will be done later this year. A committee will explore ideas for the festivities to accompany the marking and report the choices at the next meeting. A tent party was one consideration.

Mrs. Pat Wilkins from Colbert donated to the chapter three editions of "Guide to Historic Sites Marked by Colonial Dames XVII Century." Mrs. Wilkins, Dr. Sophia Bamford, and Ms. Miller were appointed as a committee to work up a similar booklet on the sites the Fort James Chapter has marked. According to one state president, the Fort James Chapter has marked more historic sites than any other chapter in Georgia.

Mrs. White and Mrs. Nita Riley from Tignall suggested to the group that the chapter become involved in the planning meetings now underway for the Thirteen Colony Heritage Trail sponsored by the state Bureau of Tourism. The trail will probably begin in Elbert County and stretch to the Georgia coast near Savannah. Representatives from numerous counties will be involved.

Mrs. Riley reported that the scholarship committee would like to see the chapter present a scholarship to an outstanding history student in the public schools. The scholarship would be awarded to rotate among all the counties represented by the membership. The committee will refine the details of the scholarship and present them at the next meeting.

Mrs. Mobley Ross, Veteran's Service Chairman from Lincolnton, read a thank you note from the residents at the Georgia War Veteran's Nursing Home in Augusta for the Christmas gifts the chapter gave to the home. Dr. Sophia Bamford from Tignall passed around the quilt square she designed and stitched to be submitted to the National Quilt Committee for possible inclusion in the national quilt. The square, entitled "The Ceded Lands" is both colorful and informative about Georgia in Colonial times. Mrs. White read a narrative Dr. Bamford had written to go with the quilt square. The members discussed the possibility of copywriting the square and narrative, reproductions of which can be used in various forms as a fund-raiser.

Three invitees were voted on and accepted for possible membership in the chapter. They are Connie Tillison from Elberton, JoAnn Burroughs from Elberton, and Linda Aaron from Comer. They may now begin their research for membership.

Mrs White announced to the group that the Lincoln County Historical Society has agreed to allow the Fort James Chapter to meet at the Groves- May House for each meeting since Lincolnton is more centrally located for all the members than the surrounding counties are. Mrs. Adelle Adams from Thomson made a motion that the chapter give a generous yearly donation to the society for their hospitality, and the motion carried.

Tickets for the Pocohuntas doll to be raffled at the State Conference in Macon in later this month were sold. Mrs. White and Mrs. Adams will represent the Fort James Chapter at the conference. The Colonial Dames Speciality Cookbook, a state project to which the chapter contributed, will be available at the conference. Members wishing to buy a cookbook are asked to contact Mrs. White. Ann Parsons from Elberton will be the delegate to the National Convention held in Washington, D.C. in the summer.

Following a delicious luncheon, Ms. Betty Slaton from Washington presented a delightful quiz entitled "Who Am I?" which asked participants to match names to well-known facts pertaining to this section of Georgia. The papers were not graded, thank goodness.