Joe Wheeler 291 UDC celebrates namesake’s birthday
Linda Edwards, Dr. Gordon LeGrand (great-grandson of Gen. Joe wheeler) and Rita Birdsong stand under a portrait of Gen. Joe Wheeler at Ponds Springs.
On Sept. 8, Chapter 291 members Bettye Moore, Bess Stark, Rita Bird-song, Beverly Bentley and Linda Edwards served as docents at Joe Wheeler’s Pond Springs home to celebrate the general’s birthday.
The Little Joe Wheeler Chapter of the C of C provided soft drinks and water for the more than 300 guests who visited the house and grounds.
C of C members participating were Anna Belle Vest, Olivia Vest, Presley Vest, John Appleton, William Appleton, Hannah Appleton and Molly Appleton. They were assisted by C of C Committee members Betty Lovvorn, Cathleen Appleton and Laverne Foster.
A highlight of the day was meeting General Wheeler’s great-grandson, Dr. Gordon LeGrand. He was gracious enough to share his memories of spending his summers at the home when he was a boy. The home is owned by the State of Alabama and open to the public for tours after a 10-year restoration project.
On Sept. 13, members were on their way to the Alabama Division Convention. A total of 14 member attended the convention. They included Judy Blackwell, Kay McCarley, Glendora James, Bettye Moore, Mavis Kimbrell, Kathy Jones, Kay Neel, Sandra McVay, Betty Lovvorn, Becky Turner, Betty Dupuy, Terri Dean, Sheron Terry and Linda Edwards.
Alabama C of C President Courtney Turner, a member of the Little Joe Wheeler Chapter, brought greetings from the C of C.
A highlight of the convention was Alabama Division President Dr. Linda Lowery awarding Glendora James the Jefferson Davis Medal for her book, which lists all the confederate soldiers of current Alabama Division members. Mrs. James was also elected Alabama Division Recorder of Military Service Awards for the 2012-2014 term. Mrs. Edwards was appointed Alabama Division Corresponding Secretary Alabama Division by incoming president Donna Clark.
Sept. 20 was the first Chapter meeting after summer break. New members Linda Walmsley and Barbara Jenkins were presented their certificates by President Linda Edwards. Linda and Barbara are the daughters of our real daughter, Mrs. Vinnie Smith who passed away earlier in the year. They joined to honor their mother’s memory. President Edwards also awarded four supplementals to Kay Neel. Our Chapter is looking forward to a busy and productive year.
