The book shelves of most Civil War historians, buffs and libraries are filled with Robert E. Lee, Ulysses Grant, T.J. Jackson, William T. Sharman and others. Books about the life and career of George Gordon Meade are few. We are gratified that Tom Huntington not only searched for George Meade, but found him. It was an informative and enjoyable evening and we are pleased that Tom and his wife Beth Ann joined us at our April meeting. A donation of $50.00 was made to the Civil War Trust in Tom’s name as a token of our appreciation.
Our trip to Falling Waters with George Franks was a great success. Much thanks is due to Bob McHugh for all his hard work planning the day.
By the time you receive this newsletter we will have been to Gettysburg on April 22nd for our annual conservation and preservation effort. I will report on the day at the May meeting. (See Pictures Below)
On Wednesday, May 3 the unveiling of the refurbished Post 182 G.A.R. Monument will take place in Bethlehem’s Rose Garden at 2PM. It will be a grand event with Mayor Donchez, City and School District officials and the Nitschmann Middle school students and band in attendance. Peter Maugle, Bethlehem native and NPS ranger at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP will be our keynote speaker and I will present about Captain Jonathon Taylor for whom the Post was named. The public is invited.
The deadline for payment for our Americans At War Seminar is May 2nd. I sincerely hope you will join us for this exciting event. We will again have a Book Sale table outside our meeting room this month. All sales go toward defraying Conference costs.
Stop by and see Jim Duffy and Kay Bagenstose on your way into the room on every meeting night. Check out Jim’s graph on the progress of this year’s preservation fund raising effort and make sure to purchase your raffle tickets for our big June Preservation Raffle.
May 2nd is election night for those volunteers who maintain our fine organization. Please offer a hearty thank you to all who serve and also to Joe Riggs for his role as Nominating Committee Chair.
Mike Cavanaugh has over the years been bringing the 4 volume set of The Rosters of the Union Army 1861-1865, Pennsylvania to meeting. These books contain over 300,000 names gleaned from the National Archives and indicate the veterans rank and unit. If you’re looking for info about a Pennsylvanian this is the place to start. Ed Oechsle will now be bringing these books to each meeting. Check them out at the back of the room. Thank you gentlemen!
Don’t forget to check out our website www.cwrteasternpa.org
See you on May 2nd for Kathleen Thompson’s presentation, “To the Breaking Point, The Toll of War on the Civil War Soldier.”
