SINCE 1975  NAPLES CHAPTER S.A.R. NEWSLETTER  DECEMBER 2009 December Meeting Minutes

The third luncheon meeting for the 2009-2010 Season of the Naples SAR Chapter was called to order at noon on December 3, 2009, with President Roy Richardson presiding. It was held at The Country Club of Naples, 185 Burning Tree Dr. After the color guard posted the colors, Compatriot Ed Ferguson led chapter members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance; Chaplain Charles Cor- tright gave the invocation; and the President Roy Richardson presenting the N.S.S.A.R Eagle Scout Medal SAR Pledge was lead by Compatriot to Eagle Scout Christopher Muth as Compatriot Don Cahill, Eagle Harris Tucker. Then President Scout Chairman offers congratulations. Richardson welcomed the chapter members and guests. Foremost in The Next Chapter Meeting this regard was the guest of honor, Eagle Scout Christopher Muth. The program will feature the Rumbaugh Oration Contest. Please see the article on Page 2. Following this, President Richard-

son gave the following announce- The next meeting of the Naples Chapter of the ments: First, returned US Mail for Sons of the American Revolution will be Thurs- Compatriot Robert Kuhlmeier, who day, January 7, 2010 at The Country Club of moved to Rockford, Illinois, last Naples located at 185 Burning Tree Drive, Naples. year to be near family members, came to us with the notation that he All guests are welcome. has passed. Next, as noted in the 11:30 Social; noon Luncheon. ($19) minutes for the November luncheon meeting, our Crier Editor is First Telephone reservations to Compatriot McCullogh Vice President Harris Tucker. Third, at (239)-642-6545. (Continued on page 5)

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Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 The Joseph S. Rumbaugh 2009—2010 Meetings

Historical Oration Contest Thursday, January 7: Chapter Meet- The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this ing, 11:30 Social, noon Luncheon, program on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities Country Club of Naples for 2009-2010.

History of the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Oration Contest Friday, February 19: Joint Meeting with DAR, 6:00 pm, Country Club of In 1945 an Ohio SAR member, Douglas G. High, originated this creative Naples (Celebration—Washington Ball. exercise in a Cincinnati Senior High. Two years later the NSSAR as- Colonial dress encouraged.) sumed National sponsorship. Douglas G. High passed away in 1952. In 1953 the National Society attached his name to the contest title as a me- morial. He was the first Chairman on the NSSAR Oration Committee, Thursday, March 4: Chapter Meeting, serving in this capacity for five years. 11:30 Social, noon Luncheon, Coun- try Club of Naples (JROTC Recogni- In honor of a Florida SAR member, this Oratorical event was renamed the tion program) Joseph S. Rumbaugh Oration Contest. For many years this Compatriot has shown an active interest in the welfare of youth and has been a crea- tive promoter of this contest. The contest is designed to explore the influ- Saturday, April 3: Annual Charter ence of the revolutionary war on present day America. Day Picnic, noon, Veteran’s Park (2010-2011 Officer Nominations) Purpose Of The National Contest

To bring American History to the high school student and focus on events Thursday, May 6: Chapter Meeting, of today. 11:30 Social, noon Luncheon, Coun- To draw an intelligent relationship between the past and the present. try Club of Naples (Election of officers To clearly demonstrate freedom of opportunity as a basic right of our na- for the year 2010-2011) tional heritage. To place a positive emphasis on the plans of our founding fathers. To emphasize justice under the law in the free society. To illustrate how the Revolutionary War influenced our freedom of ex- pression. JROTC Recognition Program March 4, 2010 The preliminary rounds of the contest are held by Chapters and/or State Societies of the Sons of the American Revolution to select one winner The Naples Chapter SAR will host from each participating state. In regions (SAR Districts) where no State the Collier County JROTC program Society sponsors an entrant, an SAR District entry is permitted. Prizes at their meeting, Thursday, March 4, may be awarded to winners of Chapter and State Society (or District) 2010. From each school battalion we competitions. invite an instructor and a cadet they select to be honored for their excel- lence. JROTC instructors will be asked to introduce their cadets and give us a summary of the cadet’s ac- complishments. The cadets will be awarded the SAR JROTC Medal and Ribbon Bar. You will not want to miss this most exciting and uplifting program.

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Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 The American Revolution in their weapon. They had a cartridge box to carry ammunition and a round wood or tin canteen for water. They carried Florida. The majority of loyalists food and small items in a haversack came from and the Caroli- made of linen with a three button nas. Because of their support of the flap. A knapsack made of linen or King, many were forced from their canvas, painted to be waterproof, home at gunpoint, arriving with no held extra clothes, shoes and other more than the clothing on their personal items. backs. These loyal British subjects The food ration for a militia man maintained their allegiance to King consisted of a pound of bread, a George. Many continued to provide 18th century militia man pound of meat (salt fish, beef or services of a military nature, or pork), about 5 ounces of dry beans

other beneficial types of services. or peas, and rum. Fresh meat in- The 14th and 15th Colonies cluded local cattle or hogs. Prepa- The American Revolution pitted For the most part East Florida was ration of food was up to the sol- brother against brother, friend protected by citizens formed into dier, but many times it would be- against friend. Like any other war, local militia; many of them were come a group meal with others it was the civilian population that volunteers. These units were raised pooling their limited food re- bore the brunt of the conflict. by the royal governor. The militia sources. Many people do not know of Flor- were paid for their service, and ida’s role in the American Revolu- served for a fixed time period. The Battle of Thomas Creek tionary war. Florida provided a There were two distinct groups of The battle of Thomas Creek took strong support base for British place on May 17th 1777 when the forces in the colonial south. The loyalist volunteer units. The East Florida Rangers were a cavalry unit British formed their forces into loyalists had a very deep devotion three columns and attacked the to their King and Country. To them mainly consisting of frontiersmen. These men knew the lay of the land rebels. It was in a location near it was not a war for independence Thomas Creek somewhat south of — it was a civil war. and were excellent horsemen. where it empties into the Nassau

A Militia Man’s Life River. East Florida had a small profes- Surprised and greatly outnum- sional regiment of soldiers. They The East Florida Militia was an in- fantry unit made up of townspeople bered by the British and their al- were scattered throughout the col- lies, almost half of the rebels fled ony protecting the frontier from In- and frontiersmen. Many free blacks and slaves also served. as soon as the battle started. About dian attacks and guarding the coast 50 rebels stayed and continued to They wore a mixture of town and from pirate invasions. To help de- fight bravely. fend their homes, many of these frontier dress; such as hunting proud loyal subjects banded to- coats, trousers, a variety of head- It wasn’t until the British Regulars gether for what they believed to be gear and buckskins. The men from and militia with fixed bayonets, their common cause to preserve the coastal region wore the jackets, turned the rebel flank that the their way of life. When the Ameri- hats, and breeches found in the co- American’s mounted their horses can Revolution began in 1776, the lonial towns. and fled under heavy enemy fire. population of British East Florida Militia men had a personal flintlock The rebels lost eight killed, nine was only a total of 4,000 people. musket or pistol which fired round wounded and thirty-one captured. After the war began, there was a lead balls that were not very accu- The Indians in retaliation fell upon rapid increase of loyalist families rate. They may also have had a long the captives and murdered all but flocking to the safety of British frontier knife or bayonet to attach to (Continued on page 5)

THE NAPLES CRIER - PAGE 3 - DECEMBER 2009 Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 Naples Chapter of the N.S.S.A.R Committee Chairmen Officers

President: Roy G. Richardson, [email protected] The Naples Chapter of the S.A.R has under- 1756 Sanctuary Pointe Court, Naples, FL 34110-4157 taken many community projects designed to (239) 597-6266 educate children and adults on the history and Immediate Past President: John L. McCullough principles of our Revolutionary ancestors. [email protected] Your Chapter needs compatriots to assist in 285 Stella Maris Drive S., Naples, FL 34114-9622 these projects. (239) 642-6545 Please contact one of the officers to let the 1st Vice President: I. Harris Tucker, Chapter know where your talents and interests [email protected] might best be applied. 7654 Pebble Creek Circle #103, Naples, FL 34108-6538 While the Chapter maintains a number of pro- (239) 593-8348 jects, many do not require a great deal of time Secretary: Charles T. Sweeney when shared by Compatriots. [email protected] 7007 Greentree Drive, Naples, FL 34108-7527 (239) 566-3307 Treasurer: W. Richard Hazen [email protected] 2011 Gulfshore Blvd. N. #52, Naples, FL 34102-4632 (239) 430-3634 Assistant Treasurer: Charles T. Sweeney Chancellor: James M. McGarity, III Chaplin: Charles E. Cortright Registrar: W. Richard Hazen Historian: Donald B. Cahill Sergeant-at-Arms: John L. McCullough

Committee Chairmen

Awards: John L. McCullough Eagle Scout Christopher Muth and Compatriot Don Ca- Ceremonies: John L. McCullough hill, Chairman of Eagle Scout Committee. Membership Data Base: Charles T. Sweeney Color Guard: Donald B. Cahill Eagle Scout Program: Donald B. Cahill Email: I. Harris Tucker and Charles T. Sweeney Law Enforcement: Edward T. Ferguson Membership: W. Richard Hazen Newsletter Editor: I. Harris Tucker Publicity: I. Harris Tucker JROTC: John L. McCullough Yearbook Editor: Charles T. Sweeney

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Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 (Continued from page 3) (Continued from page 1) Following the announcements, EAST FLORIDA lunch was served. Then Compatri- The Genealogical Society of Collier ots Jim McGarity and Don Cahill, 16, who were saved by a British County has scheduled its next meet- both Eagle Scouts in their own officer with much difficulty. Only ing for Tuesday, December 8th at rights, led us in a program con- 42 of the rebels escaped to the the Moorings Presbyterian Church, cerning the largest youth organiza- safety of Georgia. Moss Hall, 791 Harbor Drive, at tion in the —The Boy Loyalist Stronghold 7:30 PM. Fourth, The Big Cypress Scouts of America. The colony of East Florida was a DAR Chapter has scheduled an major support base for British op- 11:00 AM meeting for Friday, the The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) erations in the southern colonies. 11th of December at The Country has over four million youth mem- Many believe that Florida was Club of Naples. Further, acting Big bers in its age-related divisions. George Washington’s third front. Cypress DAR Chapter Regent Since its founding in 1910, more

Trudy Withey announced that we than 110 million Americans have Florida was major stronghold be- been members. The goal of the cause of the support by the colo- are cordially invited to attend a spe- BSA is to train youth in responsi- nists and the provisions that were cial holiday musical treat during ble citizenship, character develop- provided to British soldiers in the their December luncheon on Friday, ment, and self-reliance through other colonies. It was invaded sev- December 18, 2009, at The Country eral times from Georgia by Conti- Club of Naples. Under the direction participation in a wide range of nental soldiers. The two incursions of Dr. Ron Doiron, a small group of outdoor activities, educational pro- into East Florida ended in defeat for musicians known as the Trouba- grams, and, at older age levels, ca- the Continentals. dours, which is part of The Bach reer-oriented programs in partner- Ensemble of Naples, will perform ship with community organiza- It was this strong showing of force Christmas songs and carols. Atten- tions. The highest rank attainable from the militia, men who had been dance is by pre-pay only. The cost is in the Boy Scouting program is the driven from their homes, that turned $20 per person, and it must be con- Eagle Scout. the tide in this fighting. firmed by December 11, 2009. According to Compatriot Fifth, the January SAR Luncheon When the American Revolution McGarity, when it comes to achiev- will feature The Rumbaugh Oration was over, these same loyalist were ing the rank of Eagle Scout and Contest. Compatriot John McCul- sad because many of them had to earning the title Eagle, “only two lough will head up the program. leave the country of their birth. out of one hundred who become Judges and timers are needed. Fi- They too believed in America. Boy Scouts finish the trail.” Having nally, the December Chapter Board said that, Compatriots McGarity meeting will be held at Jason’s Deli, and Cahill then asked our guest of December 17th at 11:30 AM. (Continued on page 6)

Florida Web Sites— Shy Wolf Sanctuary, a fascinating sanctuary for wolfs and wolf This is the regimental crest of the dogs: http://shywolfsantuary.com 16th Foot, the professional soldiers ______of the British army who were scat- Wild Life Bob photographs— awesome wild life photographs: tered ineffectually throughout Flor- http://www.wildlifebob.com ida. It was the local militia that re- ______pelled invasions. American Indians: http://www.firstpeople.us

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Next Meeting, Thursday, January 7, 2010 (Continued from page 5) honor, Eagle Scout Christopher Muth, to say a few words about him- President Richardson extends to all compatriots self and to tell us what he wishes to and their families Best Wishes for a Merry do in the future. Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year.

Eagle Scout Christopher Muth is a 17 year old student at Gulf Cost High School. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout under the tutelage of Scoutmaster McGarity in Troop 325. He received this prestigious UPDATE award during October 2009. Chris- Compatriot James McGarity has advised us that Eagle Scout topher is an exceptional student, Christopher Muth, on December 10th, received notification from having skipped a grade during his Cornell University of early acceptance. early matriculation years. He favors mathematics. During this past sum- Clearly his accomplishments to date are outstanding and his mer he attended a special engineer- future is extremely bright. We are very proud of him. ing class at Notre Dame Univer- Congratulations! sity in South Bend, Indiana, which required the building and the presentation of a robotic project.

This spring, Christopher will gradu- ate from high school. He plans to further his education by earning an engineering degree. He has applied to Georgia Tech, Michigan, Notre Dame, Cornell, Emory Riddle, and Florida State. Thus far he has been accepted to three of these Universi- ties—Georgia Tech, Michigan, and Emory Riddle. Since he requested early acceptance to Cornell, should the university grant him his request Patriots of the American Revolution he’ll gladly go to Ithaca on the A magazine edited and published by T.M. Jacobs in Fort Myers, southern shore of Cayuga Lake in Florida. To learn more about this publication or to subscribe you Central New York. may go to www.patriotSAR.com. For more information, one may also write to: Following this, Eagle Scout Christo- pher Muth was presented the Patriots of the American Revolution NSSAR Eagle Scout Medal and Two If By Sea Publishing, LLC given a Certificate of Appreciation. 12995 S. Cleveland Avenue

Suite 141 #1776 Respectfully submitted, Fort Myers, Florida 33907 Charles T. Sweeney, Secretary

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