SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR

Transcription

1 PROCEEDINGS ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR CLARION HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER LANSING, MICHIGAN AUGUST 14-17, 1988

2

3 PROCEEDINGS ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR CLARION HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER LANSING, MICHIGAN AUGUST 14-17, 1988

4 PROCEEDINGS ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR CLARION HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER LANSING, MICHIGAN AUGUST 14-17, , Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, A Congressionally Chartered Corporation ii

5 Forward The following Proceedings of the 107th Annual Encampment of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War were prepared eight years after the fact. While every conceivable effort has been made to present an accounting as complete as possible of the Encampment, there are many areas where information (in particular, Officers and Committee reports) was no longer available. Special acknowledgment needs to go to Past Commander-in-Chief Richard Schlenker, without whose original meeting notes and annual Encampment synopsis, these Proceedings could not have been completed to the present extent. Keith G. Harrison, PC-in-C Assistant to the National Secretary March 1996 iii

6 iv

7 Rev. Richard O. Partington Commander-in-Chief Rev. Richard O. Partington was elected as Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War at the 106th National Encampment held in Buffalo, New York. Brother Partington s great grandfather, William H.H. Ogden, Sr. served as a Corporal in Company B, 4th Pennsylvania Reserves throughout the War. Joining Camp #200, Philadelphia, in 1938, Brother Partington attended his first National Encampment in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania in He has been active ever since first serving as a member of the Sons of Veterans Reserve, and then serving in various offices. He was elected Department Commander in 1962 at Erie, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Temple University, he holds a BA, STB and an STNM degree. In 1984, at the age of 62, he retired after serving for 33 years as Rector of St. Jude and the Nativity Episcopal Church which was organized and built under his leadership. He served on the Board, and is a member of several organizations including the F&AM, the Welcome Society of Pennsylvania and the Union League of Philadelphia. He and his wife, Shirley, have a daughter and son and two grandchildren.

8 NATIONAL OFFICERS FOR SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR Commander-in-Chief...Richard 0. Partington Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief...Clark W. Mellor Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief...Charles W. Corfman Council of Administration...Joseph S. Rippey, PC-in-C Gordon R. Bury II, PC-in-C Lowell V. Hammer National Secretary...Frank M. Heacock I, PC-in-C National Treasurer...Chester S. Shriver, PC-in-C National Counselor...Richard D. Orr National Chaplain...Sherman Weaver National Patriotic Instructor...Elmer F. Atkinson National Historian & Genealogist...David B. Orr National History Book Coordinator...Jerome Orton National Graves Registration Officer...Charles E. Sharrock National GAR Highway Officer...Ray Niffenegger National Personal Aide...Clarence J. Riddell, PC-in-C Washington Representative...Richard C. Schlenker, PC-in-C National Member-at-Large Coordinator...Richard D. Orr National Chief of Staff...Norman R. Furman, PC-in-C Banner Editor...Robert Gregory (8/87-6/88) 2

9 SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR PRE-107th ANNUAL NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION MEETING CLARION HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER LANSING, MICHIGAN SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 1988 The pre-107th National Encampment meeting of the Council of Administration, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), was called to order at 1:15 P.M. by Commander-in-Chief Rev. Richard O. Partington. Members Present: Commander-In-Chief Partington, Senior Vice Commander-In-Chief Clark W. Mellor, Junior Vice Commander-In-Chief Charles W. Corfman, National Treasurer PC-in-C Chester S. Shriver, National Secretary PC-in-C Frank M. Heacock and Council Members PC-in-C Joseph S. Rippey, PC-in-C Gordon R. Bury II, and Lowell V. Hammer, and Washington Representative PC-in-C Richard C. Schlenker. National Secretary Heacock read the minutes from the November 1987 Council of Administration meeting. It was moved and seconded that the minutes be approved as read; motion carried. Commander-in-Chief Partington appointed Brothers Mellor and Corfman to serve on the Audit Encampment Committee. He also appointed Brothers Rippey and Hammer to serve on the Budget Encampment Committee. Discussion ensued about the creation of a Standing Budget Committee. A motion was made and seconded to table the discussion; motion passed. National Treasurer Shriver presented a report on the Banner prepared by Editor Robert Gregory. Commander-in-Chief Partington indicated that due to the lack of an appropriate number of Banners this year, he requested the resignation of Brother Gregory. A motion was made and seconded to concur with the Commander-in-Chief s action; motion passed. Brother Shriver indicated that a resignation was received from Brother Gregory. A motion was made and seconded to elect Brother James O. Lee, Senior Vice Commander of the Department of Iowa, as the new Banner Editor; motion passed. The report from the Membership-at-Large Coordinator, Richard Orr, was read. A motion was made and seconded to accept the report of Brother Orr as read; motion passed. A motion was made and seconded to re-elect Brother Orr to the position of Membership-at-Large for 1988/89; motion passed. A discussion ensued regarding the lack of form 49 reports from the Departments of 3

10 Colorado, Iowa, California/Pacific and Rhode Island and their subsequent right to be seated at the National Encampment. A motion was made and seconded to seat the delinquent Departments; motion passed. National Secretary Shriver reported on a request from Brother David Reed for reimbursement of his expense to produce the 1987 National Encampment video ($85.00). A motion was made and seconded to reimburse Brother Reed; motion passed. A motion was made and seconded to set the 1988/89 National Patriotic Instructor s fund raising goal at $2,000; motion passed. The meeting was recessed at 2:30 P.M. and reconvened at 4:45 P.M. The National Secretary did not have a report. National Treasurer Shriver briefly reviewed the membership and financial statistical reports that will be presented at the National Encampment. A discussion ensued regarding the completion of the missing National Encampment Proceedings. A motion was made and seconded to request that the Past Commanders-in-Chief (PC-in-C) oversee the publishing of the missing Proceedings; motion passed. The pre-encampment Council of Administration meeting was adjourned at 5:50 P.M. Frank Miller Heacock, Sr., PC-in-C National Secretary Rev. Richard O. Partington Commander-in-Chief 4

11 JOINT MEMORIAL SERVICE SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR AND AUXILIARY TO THE SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR CLARION HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER LANSING, MICHIGAN SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, :00 P.M. Musical Prelude...Emma Wheeler, PNP Processional...Marching with The Heroes Lighting the Candles & Draping of Charters.Richard 0. Partington, Commander-in-Chief Betty J. Woerner, National Aux. President Invocation & Scripture...Barbara Trayer, National Aux. Chaplain Memorial to Grand Army of the Republic...Richard Greenwalt, PC-in-C Musical Selection...Margaret Atkinson, Pennsylvania Department Aux. President Tributes to the Memory of: Past National Presidents...Doris Schlenker, PNP Past Commanders-in-Chief...Eugene Russell, PC-in-C Deceased Officers & Members of the Auxiliary...Mary Jane Simpson, PNP Deceased Officers & Members of the Sons...Donald Roberts, PC-in-C Roll Call of Deceased Members & Placing of Flowers...Department Commanders & Department Presidents Eulogy to: PC-in-C Thomas Chadwick...Norman Furman, PC-in-C National Chaplain Sherman Weaver...Frank M. Heacock, PC-in-C Hymn...In the Garden Scripture & Benediction...Barbara Trayer, National Aux. Chaplain Recessional...Battle Hymn of the Republic Postlude...Emma Wheeler, PNP 5

12 6

13 CAMPFIRE PROGRAM ALLIED ORDERS OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC CLARION HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER LANSING, MICHIGAN SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, :00 P.M. 7:00 PM...Processional Advancing of the Colors...Assembled Color Guards, SVR National Anthem...5th Michigan Regimental Band Pledge of Allegiance...Elmer F. Atkinson, National Patriotic Instructor, SUVCW Invocation...Barbara Trayer, National Chaplain, Auxiliary to the SUVCW Greetings from the Department of Michigan...Keith G. Harrison, PDC Greetings from the State of Michigan...Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 752 Greetings from the City of Lansing...Richard Putney, Director of Labor Relations Presentation of Guests...James T. Lyons, Master of Ceremonies Address...Lt. Col. Matt Urban, Ret Greetings...Rev Richard O. Partington, Commander-in-Chief, SUVCW Greetings...Betty J. Woerner, National President, Auxiliary to the SUVCW Greetings...Eugenia Reese, National President, Ladies of the GAR Greetings...Ella Oneil, Department of Michigan President, DUVCW Benediction...Lois Mayhew, National Chaplain, Ladies of the GAR Retiring of the Colors...Assembled Color Guards, SVR 9:00 to Midnight...Military Ball 7

14 8

15 SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT CLARION HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER LANSING, MICHIGAN JOINT OPENING MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1988, 9:30 A.M. The officers and delegates of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) and its Auxiliary assembled at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Lansing, Michigan for their traditional Joint Opening at 9:30 A.M. under the direction of Auxiliary Chief of Staff, Martha Johnson, and SUVCW Chief of Staff, Past Commander-in-Chief (PC-in-C) Norman R. Furman. National Auxiliary President Betty J. Woerner and Commander-in-Chief Richard 0. Partington were escorted to seats of honor. The National Aides saluted and the National Officers marched in and sat in front of the speakers table. All Past National Presidents and PC-in-Cs who were in attendance were then introduced. Sister Martha Johnson turned the gavel over to National President Woerner and the SUVCW retired to its meeting room for its first business session. FIRST BUSINESS SESSION MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1988, 10:30 A.M. The 107th Annual Encampment of the National Organization, SUVCW was called to order in ritualistic form at 10:30 A.M. by Commander-in-Chief Richard 0. Partington. The roll call of officers was taken. The following Encampment appointments were made by Commander-in-Chief Partington: Guide: Color Bearer: Guide: Committee on Credentials: Committee on Resolutions: Committee on Officers Reports: Brother Edward Kramer Brother James Ledwith Brother Forest Altland Brothers Ivan Frantz, Sr and Kenneth Oakley Brothers Donald Roberts (Chair), Willard Estridge, Frank Tucker and George Long Brothers Richard Schlenker (Chair), 9

16 Eugene Russell, James Lyons and Alan Loomis Committee on Restoration of Rank: Committee on Ceremonials and Ritual: Committee on Constitution and Regulations: Committee on 125th Anniversary of the Civil War: Ladies of the GAR Visiting Committee: Auxiliary to SUVCW Visiting Committee: Budget Committee: Audit Committee: Brothers Harry Gibbons (Chair), David Orr and Wallace Macomber Brothers Richard Greenwalt (Chair), Clarence Riddell, Elmer Shaw and Leon Miller Standing Committee Brothers Gordon Bury (Chair), Chester Shriver, Richard Schlenker and Keith Harrison Brothers Charles Corfman, Gordon Bury and Jonathan Mayhew Brothers Eugene Russell, Richard Greenwalt and Harry Gibbons Brothers Joseph Rippey and Lowell Hammer Brothers Clark Mellor and Charles Corfman INTERIM REPORT OF THE ENCAMPMENT CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE The Encampment Credentials Committee reported that 82 delegates were registered and 63 were present (see Appendix 1). A motion was made and seconded to accept the Credentials Committee s interim report; motion passed. Commander-in-Chief Partington turned the gavel over to Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Mellor while he read his report. REPORT OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF In August 1987, in Buffalo, NY, you elected me to the high office of Commander-in-Chief. I will always be grateful for the honor bestowed upon me, for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War has been one of the primary interests of my life. I have always tried to serve the best interest of our Organization. This was especially true this year. This 10

17 meant making various visits and representing you at several functions which I have listed as an addendum to this report. I want to express my appreciation to all the invitations which you so kindly extended to me and I regret that I could not accept many for good reasons. Sufficient to say this would be impossible. It would be helpful, however, to the Commander-in-Chief if such invitations could be sent to him early enough in his administration that he could plan his itinerary with a minimum of conflict. There was much time and effort spent in corresponding not only with the members but with those who do not belong to the organization. Various questions were answered ranging with that having to do with the eligibility of Associate Members to hold elective offices in the Camp and Departments all the way to the question of whether the Grand Army had a flag, and if so what was the design. These questions took a great deal of time and research to answer and I am grateful to the National Treasurer, the National Secretary, and the National Counselor for their considerable help. Our National Counselor, Richard Orr, had to render a number of decisions which he did in a prompt and efficient way. I have a copy of a letter sent to him by the Department Commander of Wisconsin, Thomas L. W. Johnson. Because it reveals the importance of the National answering the inquiries of our brothers promptly and efficiently, I want it read into the record: Mr. Richard Orr, National Counselor Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War 153 Connie Drive Pittsburgh, PA Dear Brother Orr: On behalf of the Dept. of Wisconsin, I want to acknowledge the work you have done in responding to opinions from Commanderin-Chief Partington relative to the matters of concern to our Department. Your efforts are very much appreciated and serve to help not only this Department but others with similar questions. I hope the successor administrations will follow the example set by you and the Commander-in-Chief in the rendering of advice and formal Opinions that should help to guide an organization like ours. 11

18 Keep up the fine work on behalf of our Order. With every good wish, I remain Loyally and Sincerely, Thomas L.W. Johnson Department Commander We are all aware of the decline in membership over the years. While this can become discouraging, I have been greatly encouraged by the reports from many brothers concerning the various activities being undertaken by our members. There are many good things taking place, such as the restoration and renewed interest in the GAR Memorial Hall in Philadelphia, the restoration and rededication by the Department of New Jersey of an almost forgotten and neglected GAR burial plot in Bridgeton, NJ graveyard, and a similar undertaking by the Department of New Hampshire of a grave of an unknown soldier of the Civil War. There is renewed activity in the Department of Michigan, the host of this encampment, Department of Iowa, and the Davis Star Camp in Pittsburgh. New Camps have been formed in Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin, and a Provisional camp in New York. Inquiries have been received about forming new Camps in North Carolina and Kentucky. The ceremonies at the Lincoln Tomb in Springfield and Remembrance Day in Gettysburg are occasions of which we can be proud. There is a need however, to share the news of this activity with our members- to communicate what is happening on both a local and national level, to promote the interests and purpose of our Organization. Communication is imperative for the good of our Order, and I want to report at this time, on what is happening in regard to the Banner. Everywhere I have been, the questions is asked, like the words of an old refrain, what is happening about the Banner? As you know, for the past few years, there has been no systematic publication and distribution of the Banner. I have tried my best during my administration to accomplish this end. With the help of others we may succeed. Previous to my term as Commander-in-Chief, I was convinced that the solution to the problem was to put it in the hands of a professional, someone who knew the requirements of the Postal Service, could update our mailing list, and was equipped to do the work required. I obtained the name of a printer who did this kind of work and turned it over to Elmer Bud Atkinson to get an estimate of the cost involved. An estimate was obtained along with an estimate of another printer who Bud contacted. Last Remembrance Day in Gettysburg, these estimates were presented to 12

19 the Council of Administration. Because we were assured by the Editor that he was making progress and that the next issue of the Banner would be out on time, nothing was done in regard to engaging a professional. While an issue of the Banner did come out with news of the elections at National and the appointments of committees, I am not sure if all our members received it. The next issue was to contain news of the Remembrance Day, my General Orders #2, and a reminder about observing Lincoln s Birthday along with an article about Lincoln. After writing to the Editor and making a couple of phone calls, I was assured by the Editor that he would try to get this issue out by the beginning of February. I have yet to see this issue and have concluded that writing and phoning the Editor was a waste of time. Last April while in Illinois, I attended a called meeting of the Department of Illinois. While there were very few in attendance, almost the whole time was spent on the problem of the Banner. Roger A. Wheeler, Sr., Department Commander of Iowa was present and stated he knew a printer, the Senior Vice Commander of Iowa, who might be interested in taking over the Banner. He said he would consult him and let me know. I subsequently heard from Roger in the affirmative with the name and address of James 0. Lee. I wrote Brother Lee explaining the situation and asked him to give me an estimate. Brother Lee called to give me a ball park figure which I reported to the National Treasurer and the Council of Administration. The National Treasurer told me to get it in writing of which I requested. Subsequently Brother Lee submitted an estimate in writing of $1, for an eight page edition. This included every thing, including postage, except the mailing permit for a non-profit organization and the set-up cost of a personal computer for printing the mailing labels. At first, I had hoped to have, and talked to Brother Lee about, getting an issue out before National Encampment. The National Treasurer had talked to the Editor about submitting an accounting and stated as Commander-in-Chief, I was requesting his resignation. At the same time the Editor had told him that an issue of the Banner was in the hands of the printer. While I expressed doubts about this, I decided that it was best to wait until after the National Encampment for the next issue. In this way, the matter could be discussed by the Council of Administration and at the National Encampment before the decision was made. Meanwhile, the Editor submitted his resignation to the Council as of June 30th. This is the situation as of the writing of this report. It is my opinion that even if the cost prohibits four issues a year, it would be better to have two or three issues than none, which is our present situation. I think progress has been made and a foundation laid to have a Banner under the next administration. 13

20 I am pleased to present and introduce to you at this time Brother James O. Lee who the Council of Administration has appointed as Editor of the Banner. Hopefully we will have a Banner after all. While this report has been extensive, I wanted you to know the difficulty the Commander-in-Chief has had in dealing with the problem. As you know the appointment of the Editor of the Banner is the prerogative of the Council of Administration. If the Editor does his job, there is no problem, but what do you do when this does not happen? Does the Commanderin-Chief have the right to request the resignation of the Editor when he is appointed by the Council of Administration? Is the Commander-in-Chief responsible for finding a replacement? Must he write the Council of Administration to get their permission concerning every detail involved? Does he become the correspondent between the Editor and members of the Council? If I had been given the authority, I would have tried to find a solution before this, but the present way of dealing with this problem, in my opinion, is cumbersome and inefficient. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the Council has the opportunity of meeting only twice a year at National and at the Remembrance Day affair at Gettysburg. I sincerely hope that no future Commander-in-Chief will have to be encumbered by the same circumstances under which I have found myself. Another problem which plagues our organization is the failure to publish and distribute our Proceedings and to have our books audited as required by our National Charter. The Commander-in-Chief is handicapped in his job by not having Proceedings to which he can refer for guidance and decisions. While our books were audited for the last couple of years, there are several years that are missing an audit. I have received a copy of a report to Congress submitted by George Cauldwell, Senior Specialist in the U.S. Government Documents by the Library of Congress. This report states that the Sons of Union Veterans should definitely submit its audited report of the missing years of , otherwise something will be done. There is nothing about our missing Proceedings in his report. I know that the National Treasurer and the National Secretary must work under great difficulty in trying to meet the requirements. The man who did the auditing retired and a replacement was not found until recently. In addition to this to meet these requirements is costly and we are plagued with the lack of funds. I have serious reservations about the benefits of our National Charter. Indeed, under the circumstances which I have just stated, it may be a hindrance to our Organization, but as long as we have it, however, we 14

21 should comply with it. It bothers me sometimes when we become critical of others for failure to comply with the Constitution and Regulations and yet we fail to comply with the requirements of our National Charter. Are we to behold the mote that is in thy brothers eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye (Matthew 7:13). I am very sympathetic to the many demands that are made on our National Secretary and Treasurer, and the problems they face. No one who has ever held this office can comprehend the work that is involved. We must remember that they are not paid for this effort. It is all volunteered, a labor of love. In addition, we do not give them the necessary resources which they need to meet their responsibilities. Our failure, on the other hand, to meet the requirements of our National Charter may mean that it will be withdrawn, and we should be aware of this situation, and not have it come as a surprise. One of the challenges we face as a national Organization, it seems to me, is the participation of newer members at the National level. This is necessary if we are to continue to function as an Organization. While the attraction for many older members, like myself, lies in the opportunity it gives for socialization and association with friends formed through the years, many newer members are not bound by these hollowed associations. Their interests pertains to the Civil War. This is revealed by the various newsletters and announcements I have received as Commander-in-Chief, containing articles and news of events related to this subject. The old format of ritual and formal meeting among many members has given way to informal discussions and participation in the events relating to this period of American History. While the old must give way to the new, there must be, however more to our organization than just these things. While these activities are of interest to many newer members, there are those who desire to belong to an organization bound by ties of blood to those men who fought to preserve the Union. Without a National Organization there would be no Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, even as we would not be Americans if there were no National government. The National Organization is the glue that holds us together and gives us unity. Therefore, if we are to continue as an organization, we have an obligation to participate in some way on a National level. Our failure to do so, in my opinion, will diminish and impoverish our activity and purpose at every level. How to balance these interests is a challenge not only to our National Officers, but for every member who desires to belong to the Sons 15

22 of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Here, I come face to face with a common statement which has to do with all members which I desire to challenge. Here is a man speaking about something, whether it be a cause or an institution or an organization, and he says, I began to lose interest in it, so I gave it up. I think the contrary is more likely to be true. A close investigation will reveal that a man began to give it up and then lost interest it. This may appear to be a subtle distinction, but is a vital one. The condition of finding interest in anything is our participation it. On a broader scale, this is why participation at the National level, as well as the local, is essential for maintaining our interest in the Good of the Order. For this reason I would like to see newer members not only given opportunities but participating if we are to continue as a National Organization. In conclusion, it was a privilege and a joy to meet, and spend time, on various occasions with the National Presidents of our Allied Orders: Betty Woerner of the Auxiliary, Eugenia Reese of the Ladies of the GAR, Nina F. Ninas of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Cora G. French of the Woman s Relief Corp. I want to thank publicly my daughter, S. Lynn Partington, who did all my typing, corrected my grammar for me. Without her help and the help of my wife, I do not think I would have accepted this office. Last, but not least, I want to thank all of you for your support and kindness. Like the air and water and everything else which rises the warmer they become, my heart has been lifted by the warmth I have received from all of you so that the transients events of this year has been lifted to eternal significance and will be remembered as long as my life continues. The following is a list of visits made and affairs attended the past year: October 10, Auxiliary 1, Anna M. Ross Anniversary Banquet, Horsham, PA October 11, Reception - Audrey Long and Ivan E. Frantz, Sr., Lancaster, PA November 21, Remembrance Day, Gettysburg, PA November 22, Council of Administration Meeting, Gettysburg, PA February 11, Banquet sponsored by MOLLUS at Fort McNaire, Washington, DC February 12, Ceremony at Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC 16

23 February 13, Lincoln Banquet, Horsham, PA March 12, New Jersey Department. Lincoln Banquet March 13, Visit to GAR. Museum, Philadelphia, PA March 19, Lehigh Valley Lincoln Banquet, Hellertown, PA March 31 - April 2, New Hampshire Department Encampment, Merrimack, NH April 9, Appomattox Banquet, Reading, PA April 11-15, Lincoln Tomb Ceremony, plus called meeting with the Department of Illinois, Springfield, IL April 28 - May 1, Massachusetts Department Encampment, Hyannis, MA May 30, Memorial Day Luncheon and Ceremony, Gettysburg, PA June 2-4, New Jersey Department Encampment, Gibbstown, NJ June 17-19, June 19-22, My recommendations are as follows: Ohio Department Encampment, Alliance, OH Pennsylvania Department Encampment, York, PA 1. That we continue to support the Remembrance Day affair in Gettysburg, the ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, the Lincoln Tomb Ceremony in Springfield, Illinois, and the service at the Cathedral of the Pines at Rindge, New Hampshire. 2. That we continue to award a scholarship, the amount to be appropriated in the budget, to a student of the Commander-in- Chief s choice: subject - American History. 3. That the Council of Administration be authorized to appoint a Coordinator-at-Large to have those duties and responsibilities pertaining to the members at large. This appointment shall be made yearly. Recommended Changes to Constitution and Regulations: 1. Chapter III, Article IV, Section 3: When the Editor of the Banner who s appointed by the Council of Administration, fails to get out at least two issues per year, the Commander-in-Chief shall be authorized to take the necessary steps possible, when possible, to correct the situation. The cost involved is not to exceed the appropriation in the budget. 17

24 2. Chapter II (Departments), Article IV (Officers), Section 4: add: The Dept. may fix the term of office of members of the Department Council for more than one year. 3. Chapter V (General Regulations), Section 2: Delete subsection 2 and re-letter all subsequent sections. 4. The following amendment was proposed for consideration by the 1988 Pennsylvania Encampment and was sent out 40 days previous in my General Orders. Article V (Organization) Section 1: Delete subsection five as it now exists and replace it with the following: Eligibles who do not wish to associate with a Camp or Department may become National members-at-large. Dues for the National Members-at- Large shall be fixed at a rate not to exceed the National annual per capita tax. Respectfully submitted in F., C. & L., Richard 0. Partington Commander-in-Chief A motion was made and seconded that the Commander-in-Chief s report and all subsequent officers reports be referred to the Encampment Committee on Officers Reports; motion carried. Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Mellor returned the gavel and the control of the Encampment to Commander-in-Chief Partington. REPORT OF THE SENIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF At this time I wish to thank all the Officers and the members of the 106th National Encampment held in Buffalo, New York in August of 1987 for electing me to the high office of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief. During the past year I had the pleasure of attending many affairs of this Organization, and to represent the Commander-in-Chief and the National Organization. I have attended all the functions and affairs of the Massachusetts Department. I will only list a few of them for they are many. September 13, September 27, October 4, A reception for the Department Commander, and President of New Hampshire A reception for the Department President of the WRC, Millbury, MA A reception for the Department Commander and President of Massachusetts, 18

25 October 17-18, November 21, November 22, February 13, March 19-20, April 1-2, 1988: - Rockland, MA New England Regional Meeting, Barre, VT Remembrance Day Observance in Gettysburg, PA Council of Administration meeting, Gettysburg, PA Commander-in-Chief Partington reception and the Lincoln Day dinner in Horsham, PA New England Regional meeting, Rockland, MA New Hampshire Department Encampment, Merrimack, NH April 9, Rhode Island Department Encampment, (100th Anniversary) Warwick, RI April 11, Graveside services of PC-in-C Thomas A. Chadwick, West Concord, NH April 12, Massachusetts Department Encampment Convention, Salem, MA April 20-21, April 29-30, June 11, June 19-22: June 24-26, July 16-17, Massachusetts Department WRC. Convention, Auburn, MA Cathedral of the Pines Ceremony, Rindge, NH Vermont Department Encampment, Morrisville, VT Pennsylvania Department Encampment, York, PA Maine Department Encampment, Waterville, ME New England Regional Meeting, Weirs Beach, NH Recommendations 1. That the Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief s Fund be continued next year and that it is to be used to promote our Order. 2. That there be a quorum of no less than five members to hold a Department Encampment. Again, thank you for the many courtesies extended to me this year. I hope that in some small way, I have fulfilled the honor you bestowed upon me as Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief. Respectfully submitted in F., C. & L., Clark W. Mellor Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief 19

26 (Referred to the Encampment Committee on Officer s Reports) REPORT OF THE JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF I would like to express my appreciation to the Brothers that elected me to the office of Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief at our last National Encampment. The honor is greatly appreciated. My activities for the year included the following: August of 1987, where I attended the Civil War Muster at Jackson, Michigan. On October 9-11, I attended the Algonquin Milafest near Carrolton, Ohio, some of these activities also include the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) action. November 6-7, I traveled to Stamford, Connecticut and inspected the site for the 1989 National Encampment. Met with the committee and received some of the work that was necessary for the convention requirements. November 8, 1988 was a camp meeting in my home. November 18-20, I attended Remembrance Day at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and the Council of Administration meeting at that time. February 7 was another Camp meeting at Orville, Ohio. February 11, I attended the Loyal Legion Lincoln Day Dinner in Washington, DC. On February 2, 1988, I participated in the Abraham Lincoln ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial. I carried the Commander-in- Chief s banner as he presented the SUVCW wreath. On February 12-13, I attended the Pennsylvania Lincoln Day Dinner and reception for the Commander-in-Chief followed by a reception at his home. On February 28, I attended the Ohio Department fall meeting at Orville, Ohio where we elected a new Commander. On April 1, my commission was issued as Captain with the SVR as Chief of Artillery. April 10 was another camp meeting. On April 15, I attended the Lincoln Tomb Ceremony in Springfield. On May 21, I represented the Commander-in-Chief at the Civil War Military Ball in Des Moines, Iowa. While there I looked over the hotels for the 1990 National Encampment and also discussed some of the Banner problems with Brother James Lee. On May 28 was the re-enactment at Burton, Ohio. May 30, I participated in the Memorial Day parade in Canton, Ohio where we fired the cannon beside the McKinley Memorial. On June 17-19, I attended the Ohio Encampment at Alliance, Ohio where I audited books, served as acting Patriotic Instructor and received the Department s endorsement for Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief. July 22-24, I served as the Deputy Chief of Artillery in the 125th re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg; a 3 day event. The following weekend I was demoted to 1st Sgt. and served on a battery in a living history action on the actual battlefield. 20

27 It is some of the SVR activities and some of the reenactments which gives you a much different attitude towards history when you have followed those horses and tried to move the cannon over some rough fields and is quite a different thing than just watching. July 4th we paraded for the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. On July 30 and 31, I attended the Buffington Island festivities in Ohio. This included a military ball, reenactment and installation of William Dennison Camp #123 at Baltimore, Ohio. This is the first new camp in Ohio since We are looking forward to their participation. In addition to the new Camp in Ohio, we also have a new camp at Sidney, NY and a new Camp-at-Large in Florida and a reinstituted camp in New Jersey. The total membership is down due primarily to deaths of some members and weeding out in bookkeeping by some Departments. The Treasurer s report will explain with regard to the membership with quarterly statistics. In conclusion, this has been a busy but enjoyable year and I appreciate the help of my fellow members. I thank you for the opportunity to serve. Submitted in F. C. & L. Charles W. Corfman Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief (Referred to the Encampment Committee on Officer s Reports) REPORT OF THE NATIONAL SECRETARY (As read by Commander-in-Chief Partington) Gentlemen, I herewith submit my report as National Secretary for the year. During this year, there have been five camps, none of which are like Camp #101 of Michigan. New Camp-at-Large in Florida, new Camps in Ohio, New York, and Wisconsin. I have not replied to as many persons as last year because no bulk mail has been received in Gettysburg since last November. I have the 1987 Proceedings typed up and ready for the printer who is on vacation until September 15th. The Proceedings for 1988 will be at the printer and will be ready for distribution by December 31, A letter to Mr. Dukakis was mailed but he has not had the courtesy to reply. Due to the continuing rise and fall of membership, I recommend that the Budget Committee raise the registration fee to $8.00. Recommend for the C. & R. Committee to review and revise Article V, sections 3 and 4, so they will be in keeping with separate offices of the Secretary and Treasurer. Recommend that the Constitution and Regulations Committee seriously review and make the changes it deems necessary so as to eliminate any subsequent action that was created by the Michigan Department at the 1987 National Encampment. Respectfully submitted, 21

28 Frank Miller Heacock, I National Secretary (Referred to the Encampment Committee on Officer s Reports) REPORT OF THE NATIONAL TREASURER PC-in-C Chester Shriver discussed the fiscal year financial and membership statistical reports (see Appendices 2 and 3). He then presented his report to the Encampment. The report was referred to the Encampment Committee on Officers Reports (a copy of the report is not available). REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COUNSELOR Brother Richard Orr read his report to the Encampment. The report was referred to the Encampment Committee on Officers Reports (a copy of the report is not available). REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CHAPLAIN (No report was presented) REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR Brother Elmer Atkinson presented his report to the Encampment. The report was referred to the Encampment Committee on Officers Reports. The National Patriotic Instructor indicated that he had raised to date, $2,229 for the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Fund (a copy of the report is not available). REPORT OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIAN & GENEALOGIST Brother David Orr read his report to the Encampment. The report was referred to the Encampment Committee on Officers Reports (a copy of the report is not available). REPORT OF THE NATIONAL HISTORY BOOK COORDINATOR Brother Jerome Orton read his report to the Encampment. The report was referred to the Encampment Committee on Officers Reports (a copy of the report is not available). REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PERSONAL AIDE (No report was presented) REPORT OF THE WASHINGTON REPRESENTATIVE Being appointed to serve as Washington Representative for the eighth time has provided your servant with great joy and a sense of fulfillment and responsibility as we all strive to bring honor to our Order and to those who gave us cause to affiliate. Thank you Commander-in-Chief 22

29 Partington for this opportunity. In light of recent events involving various representatives of the people, I would first like to inform the Brothers that while representing you in the nation s Capitol, I have never taken a cruise on the Monkey Business; proselytized anyone s speeches (perhaps a quote or two from Lincoln, always giving him credit); consulted an astrologer; become involved with a televangelist or had any psychiatric treatments. It is a pleasure to report that it was not necessary to accept the service of any papers or summons on behalf of the Order or appear at any Congressional hearings. Verification was made of the proper governmental offices and committees to which our annual reports and audits should be submitted. A search of Library of Congress records revealed that very little exists regarding our Order as this enumeration shows: an 1884 outline of origin, organization, progress, purpose and aims of SUV is missing from the library; 1885 & 1888 Officer and Member Guide; Proceedings; 1882 Constitution and Bylaws SV of Pennsylvania; 1890 Division Proceedings; 1891 Arkansas Division Roster; New Hampshire Division Roster; 1894 Constitution, Rules and Regulations; 1897 Digest of Decisions of the Commander-in-Chief and JAG; 1899 Brief History of the SV and 16th New York Division; undated Proceedings of Maine, Minnesota and Vermont Divisions; 1959 General Orders; 1983 New Jersey Department History and Banners and This office is undertaking a study of our first 100 years of Annual Proceedings to note landmark decisions and actions in as much as no viable history of the Order seems to exist other than the report made to the 50th National Encampment at Des Moines, Iowa in September 1931 by PC-in-C William T. Church ( ). Membership, leadership, activity and representation of and for the SUVCW has continued in Civil War oriented organizations in the Washington DC area; i.e., the Lincoln Group and the Civil War Round Table which meets monthly; the Lincoln Commission and the Lincoln Birthday Commemorative Committee which meets quarterly. The Washington Representative of the Auxiliary is also a member and officer in these groups. Membership in other hereditary, veteran, fraternal and historical societies affords many opportunities to call to the attention of others the fact that our Order still exists and is viable. Liaison is maintained in DC with the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War. 23

30 Numerous requests for living history and public speaking engagements have been honored this year. Participation in ceremonies at Gettysburg, Arlington, Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials was carried out in the name of the Order. A review of the itinerary of this office reveals that the Order was represented on upwards of sixty occasions this past year. Support for the Battlefield Coalition is carried out as the efforts continue to prevent encroachment at Manassas, Virginia. Serving our Order in Washington, a city of ceremony and pomp affords many opportunities for SUVCW to be visible and your servant is pleased to labor on your behalf and does so always in memory of the ancestor who so nobly answered the call to preserve a nation united. Respectfully submitted in F., C., & L., Richard C. Schlenker, PC-in-C Washington Representative (Referred to the Encampment Committee on Officer s Reports) REPORT OF THE NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP-AT-LARGE COORDINATOR It has been an honor and privilege to serve you as the Coordinator of the National Membership-at-Large (MAL) this past year. The transition of office from Brother Schlenker to myself went smoothly. I wish to especially thank Brother Schlenker for aiding this transition by sending all of the annual dues notices to the MAL. During the past year we have gained 29 new members and reinstated four members. However, these modest gains were offset by the death of three, the honorable discharge of four, the transfer of 31 MAL to camps and departments, and the dropping of 97 MAL for non-payment of dues for two or more years. These losses offset by the small gains resulted in a net loss of 102 MAL. During the past years 183 inquires for information about our Order were answered. Responses to 146 letters received from MAL were prepared and 203 requests for membership cards were answered. We currently have MALs residing in 44 states, Washington DC, Canada, Belgium and Taiwan. Only Delaware, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Vermont are not represented on the MAL roster. 24

31 Assistance has been provided to Brothers residing in South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama with their efforts to form Camps-at-Large in those states. It is interesting to note that most of the new members and all of the inquiries about forming new camps are coming from states which were staunchly Confederate during the War of the Rebellion. As an aside. I would like to provide a possible explanation for the loss of so many MAL. About two-thirds of those who did not pay their dues had telephone numbers on file. I was able to contact approximately threefourths of these former Brothers in an attempt to ascertain why they had declined to remain members. Nearly all expressed the same reason -- lack of communication from the National Organization, particularly the loss of the newsletter (as they described it). Each member here can draw his own conclusion from this information. I see no need to restate what has been said on the floor of the past several National Encampments. Again, let me thank you for the opportunity to serve our Order this past year. Respectfully submitted, Richard D. Orr National Membership-at-Large Coordinator (Referred to the Encampment Committee on Officer s Reports) REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CHIEF OF STAFF (PC-in-C Norman Furman presented a verbal report.) REPORT OF THE EDITOR OF THE BANNER The report was read. The report included Brother Robert Gregory s request to be relieved as Banner Editor as of June 30, It was also reported at this time that Brother James O. Lee of Iowa was elected as the new Banner Editor by the Council of Administration (a copy of the report is not available). COMMUNICATIONS The following communications/resolutions were read and then either acknowledged or referred to the appropriate Encampment Committee. Acknowledged Department of Pennsylvania - Recognition of Brother David Orr for recruiting of 18 new members. Department of Michigan - Need for National to research history of Sons of Veterans and 25

32 SUVCW. Department of Michigan - Need for National to create special committee to study possibility of resumption and use of the Order s Blue Book. Referred to National Encampment Site Selection Committee Department of Indiana - Offer to host 1991 National Encampment - Referred to National Encampment Site Standing Committee. Referred to Encampment Committee on Resolutions Department of Massachusetts - Endorsement for Clark Mellor for Commander-in-Chief. Department of Pennsylvania - Endorsement of Brother George Long for Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief. Department of Maine - Endorsement of Brother Clark Mellor for Commander-in-Chief. Department of Ohio - Endorsement of Brother Charles Corfman for Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief. Referred to Encampment Committee on Constitution and Regulation Department of Ohio - Change to C & R to permit Life Members to wear the badge suspended from National ribbon. Department of Michigan - Proposed changes to C & R article on discipline. Department of Michigan - Change to C & R to allow Past Department Commanders to wear the badge suspended from Department ribbon and sash on formal occasions. Department of Pennsylvania - Change to C & R to allow members to join National Membership-at-Large if no local Camp exists. Department of Pennsylvania - Change to C & R to give National Membership-at-Large National Encampment representation based on the formula of one representative for every 25 members. Council of Administration - Change to C & R to provide for the annual appointment of the National Membership-at-Large Coordinator by the Council of Administration. The following communications were read and then acted on by the Encampment as a whole. (Unknown Proposer) - Support use of Church of the Latter Day Saints microfilming services to preserve Department and Camp records - Concurred with by the National Encampment. Department of Wisconsin - Commendation of Commander-in-Chief Partington - Concurred with by the National Encampment. (Unknown Proposer) - Letter regarding the proposed taking of the Pledge of Allegiance out of schools. After considerable discussion, a motion was made (Brother Frank Tucker) and seconded that the Order send a letter to both political parties 26

33 requesting that the Pledge of Allegiance not be taken out of the schools; motion passed. The first business session was recessed by Commander-in-Chief Partington at 4:00 P.M. SECOND BUSINESS SESSION TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1988, 9:30 PM The second business session was opened and called to order by Commander-in-Chief Partington at 9:30 A.M. REPORT OF NATIONAL LINCOLN TOMB COMMITTEE The report was read. A motion was made and seconded to continue the Order s annual financial support of the annual Lincoln Death Day program in Springfield, Illinois; motion passed (a copy of the report is not available). REPORT OF NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION The report was read. The National Committee recommended that the National Encampment go on record continuing its support of the following legislative initiatives: Return of Memorial Day to 30 May, Protection of the Manassas Battle Field from development Recognizing English as the official language, Continued governmental separation of powers, and Reconstruction of Ft. Abraham Lincoln. All recommendations were concurred with by the National Encampment (a copy of the report is not available). REPORT OF NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON REMEMBRANCE DAY The report was read. A motion was made and seconded to continue the Order s financial support of the annual Grand Army of the Republic Remembrance Day program in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; motion passed (a copy of the report is not available). REPORT OF NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS The report was read. The SVR was noted as having a membership of 300. A motion was made and seconded to continue the Order s annual financial support of the SVR; motion passed (a copy of the report is not available). 27