The San Jacinto Dispatch
Daughters of the Republic of Texas September 2013
From the President: October 3rd Meeting
Welcome back to the Log House. 10:00 am
San Jacinto Chapter has an exciting year planned.
Program chair Jamie Moran has interesting speakers lined Douglas Mangum up. When you come to the October meeting, check out the new sign and our repaired fence in front of the Log House. Principal Investigator, Our uprooted stump is still with us. Moore Archeological Consulting Our Texas Heritage Gardens chair Margie Forster has done a marvelous job on the grounds and recruiting her Please join us at the Log House on October 3rd at 10:00 committee. We are looking good. a.m. to hear Mr. Douglas Mangum's...... informative talk Docent chair Ann Tanner has announced that the Log about archeological fieldwork in and around the San House will be open on the third weekend of the month. Jacinto Battlefield. Linda Beverlin will be preparing our monthly newsletters to keep you informed. Our finance and bylaw committees are Douglas Mangum is a Principal Investigator at Moore meeting. Our chapter registrar Marje Harris and CRT Archeological Consulting, and also acts as the Historian for registrar Luanne Zacek are busy with applications. the firm. In those capacities, he co-manages the fieldwork the firm has conducted in and around the San Jacinto The Christmas Team has a great week planned, Battlefield. Before joining the firm, he worked for the U. S. decorating the Log House and our Christmas tree under the Forest Service and in various volunteer and student direction of former president Esther Simon and serving projects that took him to archeological sites in Scotland, Christmas luncheon at the Log House, with the planning England, Mississippi, and New Mexico, as well as Texas. help of Brenda Stover and Luanne Zacek and a musical Mr. Mangum graduated from the University of Texas program planned by our Music Committee chair, the at Austin with a BA in archeology in 1994 and from talented Martha Jorgensen. the University of Houston–Clear Lake with an MA in Bring your favorite goodies to the PMLHM Christmas Open History in 2010. Douglas' master's thesis focused on American expansionism in the early nineteenth century, House to delight our guests and our Children of The Republic of Texas, who will have a visit from Santa. We will particularly as it applies to Texas. This historical focus has dovetailed with his research into the Battle of San Jacinto collect unwrapped toys at all our Christmas events to donate to charity. and, in combination with his archeological work at the battlefield, has led to his talk today; "Canister and Grape: Our CRT chapter has an exciting year planned by 3rd VP Artillery Related Artifacts from the San Jacinto Deborah Liss-Frank. Battleground."
In the Spring, the 4th and 7th grade essay winners and Jamie Moran, Program Chair senior scholarship winners will be declared.
My thanks to Brenda Auld for her tireless work this summer as our Dues Chair.
Join us at for a great year. Inside This Issue
Sharolyn San Jacinto Chapter Meetings and Programs,
P. 2 Special Events, CRT Events, Make Your Reservations
Need a Nametag? P. 3 Texian Navy Day, PMLHM News Log House Docents, New Log House Sign Contact Linda Beverlin P. 4 Garden Workday, Update on State Committees, [email protected] if you need a nametag. District Vl Workshop, In Memoriam, P. 5 Registrar's Report, Texas Honor Days
P. 6 Proposed Bylaw Amendments
Newsletter 1
Chapter Meetings and Special Events
Programs at the Log House for San Jacinto Chapter 2013-2014 San Jacinto Chapter meets at the Pioneer Memorial Log House.
Hospitality begins at 10:00 a.m. The business meeting/program Tuesday, December 3, 2013 (1:00) Baked Potato Lunch / Log House starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. and tree decorating
Thursday, October 3, 2013 Thursday, December 5, 2013 (11:30) President’s Report on the Log House Chapter Christmas Luncheon Program: Douglas Mangum, “Canister and Grape: Artillery Related Artifacts from the San Jacinto Battleground” Sunday, December 8, 2013 (2:00-4:00) PMLHM Christmas Open House Thursday, November 7, 2013 Program: Betty Chapman, “Preserving Houston’s History One Building at a Time” Monday thru Friday, March 17-21, 2014 Texas History Pioneer Days Thursday, December 5, 2013 (11:30) Christmas Luncheon Tuesday, April 21, 2014 Musical Presentation San Jacinto Day Ceremony with presentation of New Member Ceremony Thelma Maresh Scholarships Thursday, January 9, 2014 Program: Jeff Lindeman, Saturday, April 26, 2014 “The Grand Opening of the Shamrock Hotel” San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment
Thursday, February 6, 2014 Program: Ann Dunphy Becker, Sunday, May 4, 2014
“Houston’s River Oaks” Reception for Texas History Essay Winners Thursday, March 6, 2014 Field Trip to the Restored Julia Ideson Building,
Houston Public Library System Thursday, April 3, 2014 Program: Jim Parsons, “Houston’s Art Deco Architecture”
Thursday, May 1, 2014 Celebrating the Seasons
Chapter Memorial Service --Children of-- Program: Jamie Mihalcik, “Top Texas Native Plants for the Urban Landscape” The Republic of Texas
Thursday, June 5, 2014 (11:30) June Luncheon, Lakeshore Country Club Saturday, October 26, 2013, (3:00-5:00 pm)
New Member Ceremony & Convention Report CRT Pumpkin Decorating and Halloween Fun
Sunday, December 8, 2013 (2:00-4:00 pm) PMLHM Christmas Open House
Make Your Reservations Now Monday thru Friday, March 17-21, 2014 District VI Fall Workshop Texas History Pioneer Days Saturday, October 5, 2013 Registration: http://www.drtinfo.org/members/wp- Saturday, April 12, 2014, (2:00-4:00 pm) content/uploads/2013/07/registration_6.pdf CRT Easter Egg Hunt Workshop Eve Dinner, October 4 Annual DRT Convention Saturday, May 3, 2014 (2:00-4:00 pm) Thurs, Fri, Sat, May 21-24, 2014 CRT Celebrates Summer - Field Trip Overton Hotel, Lubbock 5005 Little York Road, Houston, TX 77016
Newsletter 2
DRT Honor Day
Texian Navy Day - September 21, 2013
st Fly your Texas Flag on September 21 to honor the brave members of the Texian Navy. On Saturday, September 21, 2013, 11 AM at Battleship TEXAS State Historic Site, the Texas Navy, the Sons of The Republic of Texas, The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Texas Army, and the Battleship TEXAS Foundation, will celebrate Texian Navy Day, honoring those in the Texas Navy of the Republic of Texas. The event is hosted by the Sons of the Republic of Texas.
The Texas Navy not only cut off supplies coming by sea to Santa Anna assisting greatly in winning at San Jacinto, but they also protected the Republic from further invasion by sea and against the Mexican embargo for a decade until annexation by the United States.
“The Texas Navy… It’s no exaggeration to say that without it there would probably have been no Lone Star Republic and possibly the State of Texas would still be part of Mexico." Theodore Roosevelt, 1936
PMLH Museum News: Update on Repairs and Maintenance at the Log House
Our Pioneer Memorial Log House was built in 1936 and is a
“real” log house located in a park and garden setting, with all the
beauty we enjoy--as well as upkeep issues.
These upkeep issues have kept us busy at the Log House.
The Log House and Brooks Cottage gas system has been reworked. The refitting and repairs have passed City inspection. The plumber also installed a new disposal in the kitchen.
Due to A/C problems, tours in August were cancelled as we could not satisfactorily cool the Log House. Our A/C units have been serviced and extensive repairs undertaken, including installing modern thermostats to better control operation of the
units and sealing units and vents to better control moisture. Thanks to the work of Gwen Kunz, PMLHM Treasurer, we now
have a maintenance contract for our four A/C units.
SJC will need to re-landscape the large flower bed in front of the Log House after the City Forestry Department removes
the tree stumps of the two trees which we have lost due to the storm last April.
A new San Jacinto Chapter sign has been installed in front of the Log House. The previous sign was broken when the
uprooted tree fell.
The fence broken by the uprooted tree has been repaired. The sidewalk section which was damaged when the tree fell will not be repaired until after the City’s removal work.
Extensive landscaping work has been undertaken by our Texas Heritage Garden Committee under the leadership of Margie Forster, committee chair. Roses have been pruned; beds cleaned and weeded. Margie is also evaluating steps to help our remaining trees recover from the drought. With the help of Deborah Liss-Frank, our sprinkler system is working again.
The parking lot entrance drive has been damaged. The damage to our driveway coincides with an on-going construction project behind the Log House. On at least one occasion, “18 wheel” trucks associated with the on-going Ben Taub Hospital project have been seen using our lot to turn around. The broken cement and the pot holes that have been created cannot be repaired. Bids for a new drive are being evaluated.
Annual Report. Our Bylaws call for the President to make an annual report to the Chapter about the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum at the October Chapter Meeting. It cannot be timelier. It has been an expensive summer.
Newsletter 3
Pioneer Log House Docents Texas Heritage Garden
Open House Beginning Committee In September Workdays: September 13, 14 and 15
I am amazed at how much the Log House helpers accomplished in our Sept 13, 14 and 16 workdays on the grounds. We can hardly wait for you to see the results! Workers in the photo that was taken Sept 13 are (left to right) Margie Forster; Rozanna Ruthven of Houston Rose
San Jacinto Docents will open the Pioneer Log House Society (HRS); and Ronee Schneider. Other volunteers Museum for tours on the 3rd weekend of each month - who worked on the grounds during this long weekend are Saturdays from 1-3 pm and Sundays from 2-4 pm. my husband Lee Forster, Steven Ramirez of HRS, Susan Kelly of Texas Rose Rustlers and HRS, cottage caretaker Ann Tanner continues as the chair of the San Jacinto Juan Nevarez, Rhonda Barclay, Anne Brent, Deborah Chapter Docents Committee. Members of the Docents Liss-Frank, Gwen Kunz, and Jamie Moran. Unless Committee for 2013-2015 are Brenda Auld, Carolyn otherwise noted, all of the participants are members of San Gilbert, Jo Frances Greenlaw, Marje Harris, Beth McCarty, Jacinto Chapter. Tamara Phillips, Eron Tynes, Marilyn Van Way, Susan Margie Forster, Chair Whitfield, Sally Whittington, Sharolyn Wood, and Luanne Texas Heritage Garden Committee Zacek.
Groups may schedule a tour of the Pioneer Memorial Log House by calling our chapter telephone, (713) 522-0396, and leaving a message, or by contacting Luanne Zacek at (281) 391-8464 or [email protected].
The Log House is available for rental for meetings, receptions, dinners, parties and other special events.
Thanks to Luanne, Ann, and our Docents who help with our rentals. Income from these rentals helps support Log House repairs and maintenance. If you are interested in becoming a Docent, please contact Update On State Committees: Ann Tanner. SJC members Betty Stokes and Sara Parr also serving on State DRT committees.
EDUCATION & FLAG COMMITTEE Betty Stokes, Committee Member
This committee promotes the study of early Texas history
by reviewing textbooks and recommending additions or New Sign for the Log House changes to the State Commissioner of Education and by
encouraging the teaching of require Texas history course. The committee annually conducts the Texas History
Student Essay Contests and the Outstanding Texas th th History Teacher Contest for 4 and 7 grades and
presents the awards at the State Convention. The
committee promotes education about the flags used in Texas before and during the days of the Republic of Texas
and encourages the proper display of the Texas flag.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Sara Parr, Past-Treasurer, Committee Member
Previously reported SJC members serving on State DRT committees.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Brenda Auld, Committee Member
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Marje Harris, Committee Member Thanks to Luanne Zacek, CRT Registrar, for having a new sign made for the Pioneer Memorial Log House, and to SAN JACINTO BATTLEFIELD COMMITTEE Sally and Rick Whittington for installing the new sign. Luanne Zacek, Committee Chair ([email protected]) Phyllis Moody, Committee Member
Newsletter 4
DISTRICT VI WORKSHOP & DINNER
th RSVP by Friday, Sept.20 to Carol Dyson at [email protected] or 281-372-6769 Registration Form at http://www.drtinfo.org/members/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/registration_6.pdf
th Workshop Date: October 5 Place: The Rolling Fork Clubhouse, 9110 Rodney Ray Drive, Houston, TX 77040 Registration: 8:00 a.m. Business Meeting: 9:00 a.m. Lunch: 12:00 noon - Bar-B-Q Beef & Sausage; Jeffrey Kerr, M.D. will present his book "Seat of Empire: The Embattled Birth of Austin, Texas” Adjourn: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
th Friday Night Dinner: October 4 , 6:30 p.m. Place: The Carriage House Cafe, 7955 Fallbrook Drive, Houston, Texas 77064 Menu: Chicken Fried Steak or Grilled Chicken Dress: Western Attire is suggested
Register now to join our District Representative, Carolyn Lightfoot, and to meet with DRT President General, Ellen McCaffrey, and our other State DRT officers.
The SJC “General Store” will be at the Workshop. Sales at DRT events help support the Log House. Contact Tamara Phillips ([email protected]) if you would like to help with sales at the Workshop. Texas Star Chapter’s invitation was sent to you on September 1st. Please contact Sharolyn at [email protected] if you need another copy.
Registrar's Report In Memoriam
San Jacinto Chapter welcomes one new member approved in July. BELINDA DAVIS PILLOW (November 23, 1944 - April 7, 2013) #30469 Gwen Millicent Sorsby Koch Approved: 16 July 2013
Belinda Davis Pillow of Waco, beautiful and beloved wife Ancestor: Micajah Byrd of Lovell Adair Pillow, passed peacefully into the arms of Sponsors: Sally Whittington and Kay Martin her Holy Father on April 7, 2013. A memorial service was to be held later...... Gwen is our first new member approved for the 2013-2014 Chapter Year. Belinda was a trailblazer in her original field of social work, advocating for the needs and rights of those who are most Marje Harris, Registrar vulnerable among us. She went on to have a successful career in financial planning and later became Project Director of the Small Business Development Center at McLennan Community College. Her tireless leadership, commitment to creative problem solving, and amazing ability to foster collaboration between and among community resources were well-known to her family, Texas Honor Days 2013 friends and coworkers alike...... She was preceded in passing by her father, Bruce Arvel Davis; and her brother-in-law, John Orynawka...... Fly your Texas flag!
She is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Lovell
Adair Pillow; her daughter, Laura Anne Pillow; her Texas Heroes Day September 18 granddaughter, Hailey Elizabeth Boyd; her loving mother, Texian Navy Day (3rd Sunday) September 21 Beatrice Kimsey Davis; her sisters, Beverly Davis Steckler and Annette Davis Orynawka; her nieces, Denise Gonzales Day, 1835, October 2 Orynawka Norris and Elisabeth Steckler; and her nephew, Come and Take It Davis Steckler...... Stephen F. Austin’s Birthday (1793) November 3
Belinda was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. DRT Founders Day, 1891 November 6
Newsletter 5
Proposed Bylaw Amendments – 6th Vice President
DATE: September 2, 2013 MOTION # 2013-9
ARTICLE _V_, SECTION _1_
I MOVE THAT the following be changed in Article V, Section 1: Section 1. The elected officers of the chapter shall be a president, five [six] vice presidents, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, treasurer, registrar, historian, chaplain, and CRT registrar. The parliamentarian and two advisory members shall be appointed by the president.
If adopted, will read:
Section 1. The elected officers of the chapter shall be a president, six vice presidents, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, treasurer, registrar, historian, chaplain, and CRT registrar. The parliamentarian and two advisory members shall be appointed by the president.
RATIONALE: This amendment will add another Vice President to the Chapter elected officers.
DATE: September 2, 2013 MOTION # 2013-10
ARTICLE _VI_, SECTION _3_
I MOVE THAT ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF OFFICERS be changed as follows:
Section 3. The vice presidents shall assist the president when requested and, in the absence or inability of the president, shall preside in their numerical order. The first vice president shall be responsible for preparation and distribution of the chapter yearbook. It is also her responsibility to submit the chapter yearbook for judging in odd-numbered years at the state convention. The second vice president shall be responsible for programs for chapter meetings. The third vice president shall be responsible for San Jacinto Chapter of the Children of the Republic of Texas. The fourth vice president shall be in charge of fund-raising projects and will be a member of the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum Board. The fifth vice president shall be in charge of the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum and she shall appoint the docents, accessions, [and] Pioneer Memorial Log House Maintenance and Texas Heritage Garden Committees. Additionally, the fifth vice president shall serve on the board of the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum for three years. [The sixth vice president shall serve on the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum Board and shall serve a third year on the Museum Board as immediate past sixth vice president. She shall appoint the Texas Heritage Garden Committee.]
If Adopted, will read:
Section 3. The vice presidents shall assist the president when requested and, in the absence or inability of the president, shall preside in their numerical order. The first vice president shall be responsible for preparation and distribution of the chapter yearbook. It is also her responsibility to submit the chapter yearbook for judging in odd-numbered years at the state convention. The second vice president shall be responsible for programs for chapter meetings. The third vice president shall be responsible for San Jacinto Chapter of the Children of the Republic of Texas. The fourth vice president shall be in charge of fund-raising projects and will be a member of the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum Board. The fifth vice president shall be in charge of the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum and she shall appoint the docents, accessions, Pioneer Memorial Log House Maintenance and Texas Heritage Garden Committees. Additionally, the fifth vice president shall serve on the board of the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum for three years. The sixth vice president shall serve on the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum Board and shall serve a third year on the Museum Board as immediate past sixth vice president. She shall appoint the Texas Heritage Garden Committee.
RATIONALE: To move responsibility for the Texas Heritage Garden from 5th VP to the newly created office of 6th VP.
Newsletter 6