October 2011

So many things have happened at the RTHS History Center since July and so many other projects are still in progress, that I scarcely know where to begin. But, here goes.

You will find a full report on the July 16, 2011 “Third Anniversary Gathering at the Center” elsewhere in this newsletter, but I want to personally acknowledge the marvelous program put on that day by members of General William T. Sherman Camp No. 93 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) based out of Dayton. Their living history program focused on men and women of the period, and how the war affected their daily lives – quite different from battle re-enactments. The presenters were our guests at the catered dinner after the presentations.

At the August meeting, Rex Maggert read from the personal letters of two Ohio mothers with sons in the war. On September 14, Mark Conrad, MSgt. USAF (ret.) showed a video and answered questions about the history of the Soldiers’ Home in Dayton. Three days later, Conrad provided a guided tour of three historic buildings located on the original Soldiers’ Home campus: “Home Chapel,” Catholic Church, and beautiful Putnam Library (which now houses the Miami Valley Military History Museum). Fifteen members and guests took the tour. We also visited the Soldiers Monument in the National Cemetery where some 40,000 veterans are buried, many dating back to the Civil War. Photos will be on the website.

On October 12, Fred Lynch and Sue Cummings will wrap up our Civil War series with a roundtable discussion about the Grand Army of the Republic (G. A. R.), a fraternal organization formed after the Civil War that worked to preserve the memory of the veterans’ accomplishments, and secure pensions for veterans.

However, the Society is not all fun! There is work being done as we speak. Member and contractor Rex Maggert was hired to install Plexiglass© storms over the large basement windows. This should provide added security and comfort to the lower level. Bill Gothard has been busy replacing panes of broken glass in the big windows, trying to keep ahead of Rex. Bill also put two coats of floor paint on the front steps leading down to the lower level. It really brightens up the steps and landings. New shelving and clear plastic bins will help us organize items in the two storage areas. Progress is being made!