Ft. James Colonial Dames members meet Feb. 16 at Groves-May House

The Fort James Chapter of Colonial Dames XVII Century met Saturday, February 16, at the Groves- May House in the Historical Park in Lincolnton.

President Virginia White of Thomson presided and chaplain, Dr. Louise McCommons, also of Thomson, offered the opening prayer. Nina Albea of Lincolnton, first vice-president, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, the Georgia flag, and the Colonial Dames flag, followed by The American's Creed.

Reports were given by Elizabeth Estes of Lincolnton, secretary, and Ann Parsons of Hartwell, treasurer.

Carolyn Miller of Elberton, chairman of the Marking and Preservation of Historic Sites committee, reported papers requesting permission to mark Alexandria, The Thomas Carr House in McDuffie County, have been filed with the state. The house, toured by the Fort James Chapter last year, is the oldest surviving documented brick house in Georgia. It was built between 1803 and l806 and is the keystone house among four remaining houses that comprise the Thomas Carr National Historic District. It is owned by Carr's great-nephew, William Dunn Wansley, who has done an authentic restoration. Other discussion of the marking and celebration continued.

Pat Wilkins of Colbert donated to the chapter three editions of "Guide to Historic Sites Marked by Colonial Dames XVII Century." Mrs. Wilkins, Dr. Sophia Bamford of Tignall and Miss Miller were appointed as a committee to work up a similar booklet on the sites the Fort James Chapter has marked. According to one state president, Mrs. Fort James Chapter has marked more historic sites than any other chapter in Georgia.

Mrs. White and Nita Riley of Tignall suggested that the chapter become involved in the planning meetings now underway for the Thirteen Colony Heritage Trail sponsored by the State Bureau of Tourism. The trail will probably begin in Elbert County and stretch to the Georgia coast near Savannah. Representatives from numerous counties will be involved.

Mrs. Riley reported the scholarship committee would like to see the chapter present a scholarship to an outstanding history student in the public schools. The scholarship would be awarded to rotate among all the counties represented by the membership.

Mobley Ross of Lincolnton, Veteran's Service chairman, read a thank you note from the residents of the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta for Christmas gifts from the chapter.

Dr. Bamford passed around the quilt square she designed and stitched to be submitted to the National Quilt Committee for possible inclusion in the national quilt. The square entitled "The Ceded Lands" is both colorful and informative about Georgia in Colonial times. Mrs. White read a narrative Dr. Bamford had written to go with the quilt square. Members discussed the possibility of copywriting the square and narrative, reproductions of which could be used in various forms as a fundraiser.

Other business included invitees and possible memberships.

Mrs. White announced the Groves- May House would be the continuous meeting place as it is most centrally located to all the members. After a motion by Adelle Adams of Thomson, the chapter voted to make a generous yearly donation to the society for its hospitality.

Tickets for the Pocohantas doll to be raffledat the State Conference in Macon later in the month were sold. It was noted that Mrs. White and Mrs. Adams would represent the chapter at the conference. The Colonial Dames Specialty Cookbook, a state project to which the chapter contributed, will be available at the conference. Members who wish to purchase the book should contact Mrs.White.

Mrs. Parsons will be the delegate to the National Convention in Washington, D.C., in the summer.

Following a delicious luncheon Betty Slaton of Washington presented a delightful quiz entitled "Who Am I?" which asked participants to match names of well-known facts pertaining to this section of Georgia.

Fourteen members and four invitees attended.

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