There was a Salzburger Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in Effingham County prior to the current Hussars Chapter that will celebrate its 55th anniversary on Confederate Memorial Day.
Information from the Springfield Herald mentions an annual oyster and basket dinner held by the Salzburger Chapter on the anniversary of Robert E. Lee’s birthday, Jan. 19, 1923. The veterans are given a day of recognition with a hearty meal and short program. The veterans were dwindling and the chapter was working toward erecting a monument to the heroes.
The monument was dedicated on April 23, 1923 on the courthouse lawn. All daughters and committees assembled that morning at 10 a.m. Everyone in the county was invited and each arrived with bountiful baskets of lunch.
The program began at 11 a.m. with a band from Savannah and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” An invocation was done by Rev. T.I. Nease. Greetings and bestowal of crosses was conducted by UDC president, Mrs. Lena W. McLeod. Rev. T.W. Shealy introduced the guest speaker, Rev. John B. Wilder. Helen Bargeron gave a reading, “Conquered Banner.”The monument was unveiled by sponsor Miss Ruby Rahn. Unveiling the monument were: Miss Mildred Jaudon, Mattie Bell Mingledorff, Audrey Morgan and Octavia Wilson. Flower girls were: Gertrude Seckinger, Ethel Hodge, Madge Mingledorff, Helen Upchurch, Dorothy Neidlinger, Mary Ona Shearouse, Helen Bargeron and Vera Mae Rahn.
After the band played “Southern Girl,” lunch was served. Music and the laying of wreaths followed the meal.
The committee who decorated was chaired by Mrs. Addie Neidlinger. Members were: Mrs. Ada B. Trowell, Miss Susie Gnann and Mrs. J. A. Hodges. Mrs. Ona Powers was in charge of badges. Wreaths were made by: Chr. Mrs. Tallulah Rahn, Mrs. Maggie Mingledorff and Mrs. T. I. Nease. Tables and coffee were handled by Chr. Mrs. W.A. Jaudon, Miss Lillie Gnann, Mrs. Annie N. Rahn and Mrs. Jessie Zipperer. Chr. of Serving was Mrs. Lilla Zittrouer, along with Mrs. L.W. Moore and Mrs. E.G. Morgan. The Reception Committee was made up of: Mrs. Georgia K. Trobaugh Chr., Mrs. Octavia K. Wilson, Mrs. Kittie Stewart Bird, Mrs. Ann Bird, Mrs. Ada E. Rahn, Mrs. J.L. Clemmons and Mrs. Ella P. Mallory.
According to the Herald, 1,000 or more people were present at the beautiful ceremony. The band performed appropriate music during the entire exercises.
The monument was made by the Capitol Monument Company of Statesboro, the local representative was Mr. W.A. Gnann of Stillwell.
Many American and Confederate flags and beautiful flowers added to the celebration of the day. The meal was laid out on tables under the oak and hickory trees for all to partake. According to the Herald, “It was prepared as only Effingham County women know how to prepare such a spread.”
In the afternoon the crowd formed a line and marched to the cemetery where the program was continued and the Confederate graves of the departed Veterans were decorated and the assemblage was dismissed.
The Salzburger Chapter ladies were proud of their success and accomplishments on the historic day.
On April 26, the Effingham Hussars Chapter No. 2285 of the UDC (United Daughters of the Confederacy) will hold its 55th annual Memorial Day service in the courthouse square at the monument. The winners of the UDC essay contest will be announced. Crosses will be awarded to veterans.
Guest speaker is Dr. James Cavanah.Dr. Cavanah’s doctorate was “Religion, Rebellion and Revival: The Role and Influence of the Christian Cavanah is a descendant of Effingham Country natives Sgt. Thomas Jefferson Hurst of 47th Georgia Infantry, Capt. Leander Elkins of 54th Georgia Infantry, Lt. Harmon Elkins of 1st Georgia Infantry and Pvt. Charles Cavanah of the 7th Georgia Calvary of Jefferson County. He is also a collateral relative (a cousin) of Robert E. Lee.
The public is cordially invited to attend the service at 4 p.m. on April 26 in the courthouse square.
This was written by Susan Exley of Historic Effingham Society.If you have photos, comments or information to share, contact her at 754-6681 or email her at: hesheraldexley@aol.com.
