On Nov. 8, the Sons of Confederate Veterans Cross of St. Andrew Camp No. 2009 of Cherokee County held a double marker dedication ceremony at Field’s Chapel Cemetery in Anderson County for Pvt. Spencer Hassell of Company E 37th Texas Cavalry and for Pvt. George Croft who served in Company D, 13th Texas Cavalry.

More than 100 descendants and family members paid tribute to their ancestors’ service to the south during the Civil War.

The ceremony included an opening prayer, charge to the SCV, tribute to Southerners and the heroes in gray, histories on both men and a rifle volley in their honor.

Flowers were laid at both graves by the Southern Belles, Anderson County United Daughters of the Confederacy and descendants of both soldiers. A roll call of all 16 CSA veterans buried there was read and followed by three cannon volleys by the Val Verde Artillery Battery of the Johnson/Sayers/Nettles Camp of Fairfield in honor of them all.

“Dixie” was sung loud and proud by everyone in attendance and the event was concluded with a closing prayer, fellowship, food and visitation that was enjoyed by all.



J’ville Garden Club hosts 51st annual Southern Zone meeting

The 51st annual Southern Zone meeting of the Texas Garden Clubs’ District III was held for the first time in Jacksonville on Oct. 21.

The meeting, held at the Norman Activity Center, was hosted by members of the Jacksonville Garden Club.

Shelley Cleaver, longtime member of the Cherokee County Historical Commission, was the guest speaker. He gave a short program on the history of Jacksonville.

Seventy guests enjoyed a great lunch, festive decorations, lots of door prizes and many flowers to start off the Fall season.



Beta Alphas agree to dues hike

Members of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma met Monday, Nov. 3, at the Nichols Intermediate School library in Jacksonville. President Susan Vierkant welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.

Linda Granberry, Dianna Smith and Judy Gibson assisted President Vierkant in initiating new members Glenda Brown, Dawn Bauer and Christine Villavisencio into the chapter.

In old business, correspondence was read by President Vierkant from the Delta Kappa Gamma Society Inter-national in response to the recent letter submitted to them concerning the substantial increase in dues. The letter stated that in order to be considered as part of the Delta Kappa Gamma organization, the Beta Alpha Chapter would be required to pay all dues — local, state and international. A motion was made by Linda Ezell and seconded by Donna McCown that the chapter pay the amount required to maintain their good standing in DKG International. The motion was approved by the Beta Alpha members.

In new business, President Vierkant announced the Beta Alpha chapter would celebrate its 75th birthday with a reception at 5 p.m., March 9, 2009, in the commons area of the First United Methodist Church. Former members and distinguished guests from the community and state will be invited.

Members are reminded to bring magazines with the address labels removed, to be distributed to the Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee Counties and various medical offices in Jacksonville. Members are also asked to bring new or slightly used belts to be given to students at Nichols and Jacksonville Middle School.

The next meeting of the Beta Alpha chapter will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, in the home of Donna McCown. This meeting will be the Christmas party and members will exchange ornaments.



HAPY Girls lunch in Tyler, plan holiday meeting

HAPY Girls met Nov. 8 at the Potpourri House in Tyler for their monthly meeting.

Members attending included Maxine Yeary, Margaret Hightower, Eve Stanfill, Veda Dietz, Dale McCorkle, Lois Davis, Chris Corley, Erma Carpenter, Mary Reynolds, Carol Stanfill, Betsy Lippincott, Charline Shattuck and Evelyn Bailes. Anita Snider, daughter of Mary Reynolds, was a guest.

Birthdays were celebrated by HAPY Girls, Mary, Carol and Betsy. “Happy Birthday” was sung and cake was served.

Next meeting will be the Christmas party, Dec. 13, at the Staton Family Center.