JULY 2010
The Star Circled Banner

CONFEDERATE SHEET MUSIC AVAILABLE ONLINE

Duke University houses a varied collection of sheet music from the Confederate era.  This collection is accessible at http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu:80/dynaweb/sheetmusic/1860-1869.  This collection is printable for those desiring actual materials from that era.

CONFEDERATE ERA BUSINESS STILL GOING IN NC

A business established by the Confederate government in North Carolina still functions as a successful business, competing with modern businesses world-wide, and by the descendants of the original founders.  This is included on a new DVD available at local libraries or through inter-library loan for those not having this wonderful account of traces of our fore-fathers still having life even in 2010.  In 1861 Cyrus P. Mendenhall, Nathan Gardner, and Ezekiel P. Jones partnered to establish an arms factory in the Jamestown area of today's Guilford County to help supply the Confederate military in its war efforts.  In 1864 additional plans were laid to expand operations beyond the arms works, and the already existing facility producing woolen military uniforms, by setting up a mill to spin cotton.  The machines were shipped in from Virginia, and by January 1865 this third leg of the tripartite concern was successfully operating.  The first Superintendent, also from Virginia, was Confederate army officer, Thomas Cook, who was installed at what would later come to be known as Oakdale Cotton Mill.  Cook organised public worship services for the mill workers soon after his arrival.  This important fact illustrates the basis of the ethic that would define behaviour and interpersonal interactions ever thereafter.  The cotton spinning mill part of the now tri-fold industrial facility at Jamestown, NC, thrived and prospered even during the very difficult days of massive invasion from the North of armed combatants seeking the destruction of all that made the South tick.  Its operations continued on through the end of the War, and is now the oldest continuously running mill still functioning, profitably fulfilling the purpose for which it was created, in the whole of the United States.  It is still managed by the same families who originated it (the Mendenhall's, the Cook's, and the Ragsdale's).  President Jefferson Davis, along with his Escort, as they fled South toward the Gulf, passed near here.  Confederate Treasury official, George Trenholm, stayed the night at Jamestown community's medical doctor's home.  Billy Ragsdale, current Superintendent at Oakdale, and great-grandson of Joseph Ragsdale, former Confederate officer and head of the mill in the 1880's, vows to keep Oakdale running as long as bills can be paid.  Mary Browning and Mary M. Dalton have crafted a short history, quite engagingly done featuring actual people who, in some cases worked at the mill for many decades, on this DVD, reflecting the values and the ethos initially set into motion by the spiritual concerns entertained by Thomas Cook, first Superintendent.  This is a story of a business founded in the Confederate era still operating, still providing gainful employment, still encouraging the living out of what are truly Christian values, essentially, which shape and mould individual character even today.  This short but instructive DVD can be purchased through amazon.com or borrowed via Inter-Library Loan.

UNITED CONFEDERATE VETERAN MEDALS AND REUNION RIBBONS CAN BE VIEWED ONLINE

The website tennrebgirl.com has several versions of actual ribbon and medal mementoes featured for viewing on this website:  tennrebgirl.com.  If difficulty is encountered you might try to access this site by going to google and typing in "United Confederate Veterans medals and reunion ribbons." 

Chaplain's Message

PSALM 100
A Psalm of praise.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.  2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generation.
 
This month I want to offer thanks to Almighty God for His many blessings. He is the Rock of my salvation! It is He who has sacrificed all for my forgiveness and eternal life. I am most grateful that He has redeemed me from a life of sin and ungodliness so that I can live a life of peace and joy in the knowledge that I will spend eternity with Him in His kingdom. He has sealed me with the Holy Spirit so that I can live a life of victory in Christ Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. I thank Him and praise Him for His mercy and grace!
We are a nation that has been blessed far more than we ever deserved and yet we have turned our back on our Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. But it is not too late to turn from our sins and once again enjoy the wonderful blessings that come from a heart dedicated to God. We, as a nation, have so much to be thankful for and yet we continue down that slippery slope that leads to destruction. It is time to confess our sins and seek God's forgiveness. He is a merciful God, but He is a Holy and Just God and sin cannot dwell in His presence.
Join with me today and make a commitment to thank God everyday for His mercy and grace. Thank Him for our beautiful Southland and for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Pray for those that are lost that God will save them from their sins. Pray for our soldiers and those who protect us at home. Pray for the afflicted and those who have lost loved ones in recent months. May the peace of God and the joy of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ be with you all, Chaplain William McKiven

PAST COMMANDER JIM YOUNG HITTING THE LIVING HISTORY CIRCUIT PORTRAYING GENERAL LEE

Camp member James Young is fulfilling the sacred charge of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in helping to educate the public about one of the South's unsurpassed heroes.  He is accompanied by his spouse, Barbara, as they portray the lives of Robert Edward Lee and his wife, Mary Custis Lee.  Young has a fully booked schedule for the remainder of the year wherein he will speak on Lee at living history demonstrations.  Part of the sacred charge tells us that it is our "duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations" and that we exist to defend "the Confederate soldier's good name."  The Young's are dedicated to fulfilling that very thing.  They will be embarking for Virginia to portray the Lee's this month.  Do be in prayer for Jim and Barbara as they travel the roads and interact with a history-hungry public seeking to learn the truth of the struggle our forebear's went through in seeking to establish a free, sovereign Christian republic.  And pray that God will enable them both to represent the Lee's in perfect freedom and accuracy.
 
ABOVE ARTICLE SHOWS WHAT OUR CHARGE DEMANDS OF US!  KEEP INFORMED!  VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:  HTTP://WWW.CAMP2089.ORG



CAMP MEMBER PASSES MILESTONE WITH CELEBRATION OF 90th YEAR

Compatriot Buster Richeson enjoyed another birthday this immediate past June 25th.  A member of the SCV since 2002, he was awarded the SCV War Service medal in August 2008 by Camp Commander Bill Norris of the historic SCV Camp #4 at Charleston, SC, where Buster lives.  He participated in WWII, the Korean conflict, and during part of the Viet Nam era.  His military service took him far afield from the old McGhee-Tyson Air Force Station at Knoxville, TN, to places like the Yukon, occupied Germany, and Hawaii.  He enjoys the companionship of his spouse, Vera McKnight-Richeson, who also appreciates her Confederate heritage.  He is still active, rides his lawn mower, and drives his car, living one day at a time.  Happy 90th, Buster!  Anyone wishing to drop him a card of appreciation can write him at: Buster Richeson, 11 Brigadier Drive, Charleston, SC 29407.  Keep Buster in your prayers!
_______________________________________________