CHAPTER NEWSLETTER MAY 30, 2007
Chapter Compatriots,
I had a two hour meeting with Paul Everett, Indian Encampment Chairman, and Kevin Kitowski, our Chapter member, on Saturday, May 27th. The total atmosphere of this encampment is authentic for both the Native Americans and the Revolutionary War soldiers and equipment. A person would be drawn into the 18th century during the nation's fight for freedom. I have concluded that our Chapter without Revolutionary War uniforms, etc. that our table/display and dress would be totally out of character for this event. During an on-going conversation with some of our Chapter members in the past and present, I could find no interest in buying or spending money we don't have on Revolutionary War uniforms, an Honor Guard, etc. Therefore, I am convinced that our presence at this event would be totally out of character and an embarrassment to our Chapter. Therefore I am withdrawing our Chapter participation from this event.
Paul Everett, on the other hand, is a very ambitious, dedicated SAR member of the Oliver Wolcott Branch-SAR in Torrington, CT. (in Connecticut, the SAR calls their chapters "Branches"). Mr. Everett lives in Pawling, NY. Their Connecticut SAR Branch consists of 61 very active members and the Branch has an "Honor Guard" with many replicas of Revolutionary War equipment, guns, etc. Many of their members have uniforms so it's very logical that their branch will be participating and coordinating this event.
I did state that our Chapter is willing to work with Kevin in obtaining some money through the Wal-Mart Grant Funding in Fishkill for some replicas of Revolutionary War equipment, etc. that we can present to the museum which the Kane House Foundation is trying to setup. The Kane House was Washington's Headquarters while he was camped in Fredericksburg, NY, later called Pawling. Mr. Paul Everett said that the Kane House would recognize our Chapter as a contributing organization if money is obtained from the Wal-Mart Grant Funding Program. Even though our Chapter won't be involved, please keep this date of September 7-9 open in your date book. I urge all of you to at least try to get to the event. It should be very interesting.
During this month of reviewing our 2007 events, I have been studying the criteria through brochures, web site, etc. of the Old New Paltz Day in New Paltz, NY on September 8th. Their settlement, dress, equipment and time period is of the Dutch settlers are approximately 100 years prior to the Revolutionary War. Being this, again, our Chapter would not fit into their atmosphere and environment they are trying to create. So, with this in mind, I feel that we should withdraw from this event as well.
On top of all this, Al Coon informed me that the availability of a table with the DAR at the Dutchess County Fair is in jeopardy because of new management at the fairgrounds. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that the DAR will not be setting up their booth this year which eliminates our Chapter presence. |
