Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021 Myles Standish Colony News
Illuminate Thanksgiving, November 11, 2021
Save the Dates: Get ready to gather together in person again! We will celebrate the
General Society of Mayfower 401st anniversary of the Mayfower landing and the signing of the Descendants, General Board of Mayfower Compact. Our remembrance of the Pilgrims who traveled to Assistants meeting, September 8-12, 2021, Hotel 1620, the New World in 1620 will begin with a social hour at 11:30 a.m., Plymouth, MA. Registrations November 11, 2021 at Kensington Country Club, 2700 Pine Ridge must be submitted by Aug. 8. Road, Naples. Book Club, July 14, 2021
Illuminate Thanksgiving Colony Meeting, November 11, 2021 Kensington Country Club, Naples
2022 Colony Meetings (Kensington Country Club)
January 20, 2022 “As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled has shown unto many.” Governor William Bradford ~ Of Plimoth Plantation March 03, 2022
November 10, 2022 Myles Standish Colony members, dressed in Pilgrim attire, will In this newsletter: participate in a candlelit procession led by William Bradford. The ceremony will include the reading of Governor Bradford’s inspirational 401st Anniversary Celebration quote “One Small Candle.” Each participant will read a brief Governor’s Message description of the Pilgrim they represent. Pilgrim attire is optional for March 2021 Meeting Minutes all guests. Honoring Peter Kerr Please contact Carolyn Alden, Vice-Governor, if you or members of Colony Book Club your family will participate in the ceremony and represent your New Members ancestor. Young family members are encouraged to participate to Dues submission form represent the children on the Mayfower. You also can indicate your Name Tag Order Protocol participation on the event registration form (page 10 of this edition) Colony Magnets
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 1 Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021
Governor’s Letter Dear All:
My husband and I have returned to Long Island, Maine fully vaccinated and we are enjoying seeing everyone again.
Long Island, Maine is 6 miles off the coast of Portland and is only accessible by the Casco Bay ferry service or by private boat. The island is about 3 miles long and about 1 mile wide. The island has about 300 dwellings with a summer population of about 900 and a winter population of only 230. There is a school (K-5), a post offce, town hall, recreation center, small grocery store, a bake house, gift shop, historical society, and two churches. The Island became a United States Navy base during World War II. The former navy buildings now function as the school, the town hall and the grocery store. Once a part of the city of Portland, the Island voted to secede and in 1993 the island was declared the Town of Long Island. The Island now pays tuition for the older children to attend the City of Portland public schools. Students commute 45 minutes on the ferry each day. Long Island, like other Casco Bay islands, was originally inhabited in the warm months by Native Americans until European settlers frst arrived in the 17th century. Col. Ezekiel Cushing purchased the island in 1732 and is credited with being the frst European to settle and build a house on the island. He died in 1765, and willed the island to his nine surviving children. Soon after, other settlers arrived to make a livelihood out of farming and lobstering. Ezekiel Cushing had married Hannah Doane in 1719 on Cape Cod. Hannah Doane was a descendant of Stephen Hopkins thru his daughter Constance Hopkins. George Soule, John Alden, Priscilla Mullins, John Howland, Elizabeth Tilley, Thomas Rogers, Samuel Fuller, William/Mary Brewster, Richard Warren and Francis Cooke descendants also came to this small island making this small island “rich” with Mayfower ancestry. When I purchased my summer home here in 1994, I knew no one on the Island and considered myself one of the few “outsiders." My roots were in Massachusetts, not Maine. But through my recent Mayfower research, I have found that I am a “cousin” too many of the Island residents as I am a Hopkins, Soule, Brewster, and Warren descendant also. The Island historical society has invited me to present a “Mayfower” talk later this summer. Although, many islanders “thought” they were Mayfower descendants, few have joined GSMD. I believe this is an ideal opportunity for me to help promote the Society. Sunrise here was 4:57 AM this morning. Our home faces East so I am usually out of bed by 5:30 AM. I meet neighbors to walk at 6:15 AM. I have been busy planting a vegetable garden and weeding my perennial gardens. But, today is my day to “ferry” to the mainland for more planting supplies and a grocery run. Life here is simple and it is not surprising that it appeals to so many Mayfower descendants. I think it brings us back to our humble roots! I wish you all a happy and healthy summer. I look forward to seeing everyone in person on November 11, 2021. We have a wonderful 401 anniversary celebration planned. We need volunteers for November 11. Check out the article on page 1 of this edition. Ann Lambert Kremer, Governor, Myles Standish Colony Society of Mayfower Descendants/State of Florida
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 2 Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021
Society of Mayflower Descendants/State of Florida, Myles Standish Colony, Naples FL Regular Meeting, March 10, 2021, via Zoom CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 11:35 by Gov. Ann Kremer; INVOCATION: Christel Walters, Elder; Pledge of Allegiance: Nancy Ratner, Junior Chair, in Virginia Bailey’s absence; PILGRIMS’ PLEDGE: Beverly Duncan, Recording Secretary; READING OF THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT: David Burgess, Captain
PROGRAM: Vice-Governor Carolyn Alden introduced Rebecca Fraser (in London), author of The Mayflower, the Families, the Voyage, and the Founding of America. (This book will also be the second book for the Myles Standish Book Club Wed., April 15 [later changed to 22nd] at 11:00.) Carolyn also introduced special guest Michelle Coughlin, author of Penelope Winslow, Plymouth Colony First Lady: Re-imagining a Life (which will be the topic of a special discussion with Michelle on Wed., May 13 at 1:00).
Rebecca began by saying the story of the Mayflower is “America’s foundational myth.” She had been motivated in her research by a portrait (shown in her book) of Penelope Winslow, who was well-dressed and spent time in London. Rebecca found a wealth of information in the British National Archives, including the original petition to King James from the Puritan separatists to found a “more Godly” kind of England in the New World. She also discovered that the Mayflower women were “feisty and strong” and well respected. (Rebecca’s use of the National Archives is unusual among authors of Plymouth history.)
BUSINESS MEETING
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS (Angie Wakefield, Historian): No new members, but a second-time guest, Lois Pecora, who transferred from California on October 30.
MINUTES: There were only 14 members (later 15) present, so approval of the minutes of the January 27 meeting will wait until the November meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT: (David Burgess reported for Linda Gadkowski, Treasurer.) March 1 balance is $13,570. Expenses were $5,984 for State dues; $869 for production and mailing of the Pink Book; and $41 to the Historian. Income was $30 from magnet sales. There are 150 members. Two members still owe the additional $20 for State dues.
Juniors: (Nancy Ratner) We have 137 Junior members; second only to Bradford Colony (150). Eight will become full members (age 18) in 2021. Three won state scholarships.
Nametags: Val will put out ordering information so that everyone can have one by the Nov. meeting. Newsletters: E-blasts to members without email will be hard-copy mailed in some form.
OLD BUSINESS: (Ann Kremer, Gov.)
• November 11, 2021 Meeting has been reserved and will be LIVE at Kensington Country Club,celebrating the 401st anniversary of the Landing of the Mayflower and the signing of theMayflower Compact.
• Mayflower magnet sales: We have sold 22 magnets. Our goal is to sell 100 magnets. Funds to be used for our ZOOM subscription and for projects such as speakers, books, and movies.
• Pink Books were mailed in early February. If you have not received your book, please contact Ann Kremer. Errors have been noted and emails sent to members with corrections.
• Facebook page remains active and interesting: “Myles Standish Colony, Naples, FL.”
NEW BUSINESS:
• Upcoming proposed meeting dates at Kensington Country Club
➢ January 20, 2022, March 10, 2022, and November 10, 2022---all Thursdays. (March changed due to location issue)
Book Club Zoom Meetings (Carolyn): See “Program” above.
Social/Chat Zoom Meetings (Angie): Only 3 attendees at each of 2 meetings. Maybe someone else lead them or perhaps discontinue them? Val send an e-blast asking if folks are still interested?
Meeting Recordings: Val will send the link to the recordings to the membership. Possibility: The guest-speaker portion of the meetings can be re- shown on a screen at Kensington Club meetings.
BENEDICTION: Christel Walters, Elder.
ADJOURNMENT: Ann Kremer at 1:01.
Respectfully submitted,
Beverly Duncan,
Recording Secretary
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 3 Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021
Peter F. Kerr
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Peter F. Kerr, a valued Myles Standish Colony member, on April 19, 2021 at the age of 85.
Peter was born on Staten Island, NY, and grew up in Westerleigh, the son of Dr. Frederick W. Kerr, Jr., and a third great grandson of Henry Fountain, the proprietor of “The Fountain House,” one of Staten Island’s most popular country inns in the 19th century.
He was a graduate of New York University and completed his graduate studies at Columbia University. He served three years on the U.S. Army.
Prior to Peter’s retirement and move to Naples in 1996, he was Chief Representative in Russia for Hoffman-LaRoche, the Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturer. While in Russia, he was witness to the events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
After his retirement, Peter became active in historical and genealogical societies. In addition to the General Society of Mayfower Descendants, Peter held memberships in the Huguenot Society of America and the Sons of the American Revolution. He established the Staten Island Huguenot Fund at the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society and his donations enabled Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries of Staten Island to undertake several restoration projects.
Peter’s Mayfower ancestors were William Brewster and Isaac Allerton. He was a Mayfower member since April 28, 2000.
Peter is survived by his wife, Lydia, four sons and ten grandchildren.
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 4 Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021
MYLES STANDISH COLONY BOOK CLUB While many of us were struggling during the pandemic to keep in touch with family and friends via Zoom technology, Vice Governor Carolyn Alden jumped in with both feet on our behalf, bringing authors from as far away as London England to discuss their books. Many members joined the discussions and found them to be informative and exciting. All Members are urged to join us for future book discussion (see information about the next one below).
In February, the frst book was “The London Years of Stephen Hopkins” by Michael McCarthy who joined us for the February membership meeting. The story is historical fction because there is very little known about Stephen Hopkins’ experiences in London between his time in Jamestown and boarding the Mayfower with his family.
This book was Michael’s fourth historical novel, preceded by “From Cork to the New World” (2009), “The Flight of the Wretched" (2016), and “The Children of Michigan Street” (2016). All address Irish and English immigration and may be ordered from his website - michaelmccarthybooks.com/shop.
In March, we met Rebecca Fraser, who introduced us to her book, “The Mayfower: the Families, the Voyage, and the Founding of America.” This book begins with the growth of the Separatist movement in Great Britain, the voyage of the Mayfower and continues through King Phillip’s War.
Rebecca is a well-known British author who has written several books about British history, including others about the Pilgrims and the Mayfower. This book and others by Rebecca can be ordered from Amazon.
Our third book was Penelope Winslow, “Plymouth Colony First Lady: Re-Imagining a Life”, by Michelle Marchetti Coughlin. Michelle met with book club enthusiasts In May. Her book examines the life of Penelope Winslow, the wife of Josiah Winslow, who was Edward Winslow’s son.
Michelle is a historian and author of early American women’s history. She is a former board member of the Abigail Adams Birthplace and served as the Massachusetts Humanities Scholar-in- Residence. Michelle’s books also are available from Amazon.
Save the date - July 14, 2021, 11 a.m.!
The next book we will read for the Myles Standish Colony Book Club will be Rita Cruise O'Brien's “THE MAYFLOWER Mythes, Truths and Legacies,” which explores the myths surrounding the landing of the Mayfower, the founding of Plymouth Colony and the reasons behind the creation of these myths. We have an opportunity to learn a different perspective about our Pilgrim ancestors and their colonization of the New World. A Zoom invitation will be sent prior to the meeting date. This book also is available via Amazon.
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 5 Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021
New Myles Standish Colony Members
Please welcome:
Elizabeth Durant BENNETT (Junior to Full membership)...approved 10 Mar 2021
Jackson Connable BENNETT (Junior to Full membership)...approved 10 Mar 2021
John Wesley BLACKWELL, III (Junior to Full membership)...approved 10 Mar 2021
Hannah Louise BLACKWELL (junior to Full membership)...approved 10 Mar 2021
NOTE: The above four Junior to full members are the grandchildren of colony member John Wesley "Wes" Blackwell
Richard Jack BRIGGS (Junior to Full membership)... approved 23 Feb 2021
Janet Esther BROOKS...approved 27 Apr 2021
Philip Robert CAITO (transfer from Indiana)
Kristen LONGSTREET...approved 23 Feb 2021
Marcia Garlapo PILATO...approved 12 Jan 2021
Melody Sawyer RICHARDSON (dual member with Ohio, New York)
Bradley Field TAYLOR…approved 25 May 2021
Beth Evans (Lambert) Hook…approved 21 May 2021
Judith Anne (Blackwell) Urban…approved 19 Mar 2021 (supplement)
Ann Schofeld (Lambert) Kremer…approved 25 May 2021 (supplement)
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 6 Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021
$$ 2021 DUES NOTICE $$
Our Myles Standish Colony dues for the 2022 calendar year are due September 15, 2021. Dues are $54.00 of which $44.00 goes to the state and national organizations. Checks should be made payable to Myles Standish Colony.
We also provide books to the Genealogical Collection in the Naples Library through the Nancy Pope Memorial Fund and we support the Florida State Scholarship Fund as well as the Meetinghouse Restoration Fund. Any contribution will be welcome and you can include your contributions with your dues.
A contribution of $ for the Nancy Pope Memorial Book Fund A contribution of $ for the Florida State Scholarship Fund A contribution of $ for the Meeting House Restoration Fund A contribution of $ for the Naples Regional Library’s Subscription for the New England Historic and Genealogical Society Membership
Donations from Life Members and out-state members are welcome .
Thank you for your much-appreciated support!
Your Name:______
Address:______City______State______Zip______
Email:______Telephone: ______
(*Please indicate if your contact information has changed.) Return this NOTICE WITH your check BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 to:
Linda Barnes Gadkowski
131 Pond View Drive
Centerville, MA 02632
(508) 292-5500
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 7 Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021
MYLES STANDISH COLONY MEMBER NAME TAG ORDER FORM A new process has been established for Colony member name time ordering. Please complete the the following form and forward as indicated below with your payment.
Name as you wish it to appear on your name tag:
______
Phone ______
Email ______
Address ______
City/State/Zip ______
Item Quantity Unit Price Amount
Myles Standish $12.50 Colony Name Tag Tax (EIN on file) 0.00
Postage $3.50 per badge if shipped to your home $ Total
Name tags may be ordered by email or telephone with a credit card, or via mail using a personal check payable to Naples Awards. Postage fee is required if tag is shipped to your home. No postage is required if name tags are picked up at the Naples store location. Attention: Kristina Cortada Naples Awards 2385 Davis Blvd. Naples, FL 34104 Phone: (239) 774-2410 Email: [email protected] Hours: Mon - Fri 9AM - 4PM
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 8 Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021
FUND RAISER FOR SPEAKERS, EDUCATION, ZOOM SUBSCRIPTION
Increase awareness of the Myles Standish Colony. Proudly display a car magnet on your car bumper. Price is $8 each or 2 for $15 and includes shipping to your home.
Size is approximately 6” x 4”. All proceeds will go to our general fund for future speakers and other educational purposes including our ZOOM subscription. They make great gifts, too!
Make checks payable to Myles Standish Colony and mail to: Ann Kremer Prior to October 1: 40 Eastern Avenue, Long Island, Maine 04050 After October 9:15350 Scrub Jay Lane, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.
(Be sure to include your shipping address.)
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 9 Society of Mayfower Descendants State of Florida July 1, 2021
The Myles Standish Colony invites you to attend our next meeting and luncheon on
Thursday, November 11, 2021, 11:30 a.m.
Kensington Golf & Country Club, 2700 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL
We will start at 11:30 AM with a social half hour. Guests and prospective members are always welcome to attend our meetings. The menu will be traditional Thanksgiving items.
Reservations for the luncheon are required and must be cancelled by November 03, 2021 to avoid additional charges. $35.00 per person, all inclusive. (Please note that there is an additional $5.00 per person for special meal requests.).
Please print the names of those who will be attending (your name first). Check the name of first time attendees.
1. ______2. ______
3. ______4. ______
5.______6.______
Your participation in this special afternoon is encouraged and will be greatly appreciated! Please indicate your willingness to assist:
____ I would like to arrive early on November 11, 2021, and help decorate the tables;
____ I would like to participate in the processional/parade and represent my ancestor who is ______;
____ I would like to be a greeter;
____ I will volunteer in another manner or as needed.
Mail this reservation form with your payment (payable to Myles Standish Colony) to
Carolyn Alden, Vice Governor 4528 Coral Palms Lane, #6 Naples, FL 34116-1001 (239) 682-4506 [email protected]
Myles Standish Colony Newsletter 10