Colonial Dames meet at Groves-May House April 26

The Fort James Chapter of Colonial Dames XVII Century met on April 26 at the Groves-May House in Lincolnton, GA. Mrs. Virginia White from Thomson presided. Dr. Louise McCommons from Thomson opened the meeting with prayer, followed by the pledges to the American flag, the Georgia flag, and the Colonial Dames flag. Mrs. Ann Parsons from Elberton gave the treasurer's report. Twelve members, three invitees, and one guest were present.

Ms. Carolyn Miller from Elberton, Mrs. Nita Riley from Tignall, and Mrs. Virginia White reported on meeting with Mr. William Dunn Wansley of Thomson, owner of historic Alexandria, the Thomas Carr House, to finalize the plans for placing a marker at the house. The site for the marker was selected with Mr. Wansley's assistance, and committees for each facet of the marking were appointed. The monument will be placed in August and officially dedicated in September. The dedication will take the place of the regular September chapter meeting.

Dr. McCommons reported on the proposed changes to the chapter's bylaws and gave a copy to each member. Members are to review them and be ready to suggest additional changes at the November meeting when voting will take place.

Mrs. Pat Wilkins from Comer brought the proposed script for a booklet detailing the Fort James Chapter's marking and preservation of historic sites since the chapter's inception. The script reflects much research into the history of the organization, this chapter, and the counties represented within the chapter. Mrs. Wilkins, Dr. Sophia Bamford from Tignall, and Ms. Carolyn Miller will serve as a committee to refine the manuscript and present it for discussion at the November meeting.

Mrs. Carolyn Faz from Oglethorpe County updated the group on plans being made statewide for the 13th Colony Trail, a project sponsored by the Georgia Department of Tourism. Sites in each county need to be documented so that all can be included. Mrs. Faz is representing the Fort James Chapter at the planning meetings and will keep the chapter posted.

Details for the Fort James History Project which emcompasses the awarding of a scholarship to an outstanding high school history student have been assigned to the followig committee: Mrs. White, Dr. McCommons, Mrs. Mary Ann Bentley from Washington, Mrs. Wilkins, and Mrs. Sandra Hood from Elberton. They will bring their suggestions before the group in November.

Mrs. Dot Shields Kay, an Environmental Educator with the Department of Natural Resources and former public school teacher in Thomson, presented an entertaining and informative program about her family's historical activities primarily related to historical reenactments across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. She pointed out many historical facts about dress, activities, cooking, and the everyday life of our forefathers. She also said these activities were not funded by any organization but were paid for by the participating families. For instance, her father owned a cannon which he kept in the back yard. They also assembled their own costumes and provided the raw materials for their cooking demonstrations.