Annie H. Darracott Chapter News

Grave Marking Held on April 9, 2011

On a sunny Saturday morning, April 9, 2011, members of Annie H. Darracott 791 held a grave marker dedication for Pvt. Hampton Combee at Gapway Baptist Church Cemetery in Lakeland, FL.  The memorial dedication was well attended by chapter members, Florida Division State President Gail Crosby and approximately 40 Combee relatives.

“The Ballad of the Gray Volunteer,” an original composition, was sung by Marc Saylor of Identical Strangers who provided musical entertainment.  Linda Bradway, Combee descendant, gave the family history of Pvt. Combee.  In addition, Neil Combee provided his reflections on “great-great grandpa.”  The history of Co K, 1st Florida Cavalry was presented by Carolyn McGraw, chapter historian. Combee descendant, Heather Torres, read the poem “Invictus.”  The Combee family was pleasantly surprised when Lakeland City Commissioner, R. Howard Wiggs, proclaimed April 9, 2011 as Pvt. Hampton Combee Day and read a proclamation from Gow Fields, Mayor of Lakeland. 

Chapter member Ann Cooper read the familiar verse “Poem for Confederate Memorial Day.” Sheila Tindle, dedication organizer, spoke on the objectives and goals of our chapter and United Daughters of the Confederacy.  The marker was unveiled by Lloyd and Anne Gregg Weeks, descendants of Pvt. Hampton Combee and a magnolia wreath was placed at the grave by chapter members Judi Moots and Linda Clark.  A bouquet of white balloons was released into a beautiful blue sky by the Combee children and relatives.  Dressed in period clothing, Sgt. William Tindle III and Pvt. Eric Tindle under the command of Sgt. Major William Tindle, Jr. gave a 3-volley salute.  President June Godfrey presented City Commissioner R. Howard Wiggs with a plaque of appreciation for his continuing support of our Lakeland UDC chapter through the years. “Amazing Grace” and “Dixie’s Land” was sung in unison.  Hilda Byrd, chaplain, gave the benediction.   After the close of the ceremony, refreshments were served from silver trays on tables covered in white lace tablecloths under the shade of large oak trees.  Displayed on one table was a picture of Pvt. Hampton Combee’s home.  On the porch is his wife Sarah Ann Futch Combee, daughter Sarah Ann Combee Bryan and granddaughter Sadie.

Neil Combee provided his reflections on "great-great grandpa"	Lakeland City Commissioner, R. Howard Wiggs, proclaimed April 9, 2011 as Pvt. Hampton Combee Day and read a proclamation from the Mayor of Lakeland
Chapter members Judi Moots and Linda Clark placed the beautiful  magnolia wreath on the grave of Pvt. Hampton Combee	Family members released a bouquet of white balloons.  Approximately relatives attended the ceremony.
A picture of Pvt Hampton Combee's home.  On the porch is his wife, Sarah Ann Futch Combee, daughter Sarah Ann Combee Bryan and granddaughter Sadie.

REDEDICATION
The rededication of the Confederate Monument in Munn Park in Lakeland was hosted by the Annie H. Darracott Chapter 791 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy recently. Although the monument was unveiled on June 3, 1910, this local history club celebrated its 100th year on May 15, to coincide with Armed Forces Day.

This 2010 rededication began with a welcome by Lakeland United Daughters of the Confederacy president June Godfrey. The invocation was given by the Florida group's chaplain, Delicia Wallnofer.

A proclamation was read by Lakeland Mayor Pro-Tem R. Howard Wiggs.

A greeting was proclaimed by Mel Sellers, who represented two historical and genealogical clubs; the Francis S. Bartow Chapter of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, and the Sons of the American Revolution.

During the rededication portion of the event, two officers from the UDC chapter laid a wreath made only of magnolia leaves. Sheila Tindle, chaplain of the group, gave the benediction. The group also traveled to the Rose Lawn Cemetery in Lakeland to honor the Confederate Veterans in the War Between the States.

In attendance were Karen Redfern and Laura Conner, Florida Division President, both members of the Canaveral Light Chapter 2358 of Cocoa. Representing the Annie H. Darracott Chapter 791 of Lakeland were Hannah Gary; Shelda Gary, 3rd  vice president; Sheila Tindle, chaplain and district director V for the state division; Kay McGee; Carolyn McGraw, Newsletter Editor; Jennifer Nichols, Registrar and Treasurer;  Marilyn Blackwelder; Sue Sellers, 2nd vice president; and June Godfrey, president.

Also joining the Lakeland group from the Plant City Chapter 1931 were Sara Jo Reynolds, president; Chere Rickman; Delicia Wallnofer, Florida division chairman; Claudette Waddell, second vice president; CG Hardee; ML Hardee; Diana Shuman, registrar and third vice president; Donna Kelley, historian; and representing the William Anderson Sanders Chapter 2474 was Tally Ramsing.

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Satin Ribbons

We are  pleased to offer a Florida Division 114th Convention memento streamer pin on satin ribbons. Early discount orders are now being taken.
Exclusively designed by our Chapter - these Red and White pin on ribbons measure 2-1/2" x 7 and boast gold lettering. 
A wonderful compliment to your corsage or worn alone. All proceeds for the benefit go to the chapter's "Geraldine U. Griffith Scholarship Fund".

1 ribbon - $5 (including postage/handling)
2 ribbons - $8 (including postage/handling)
3+ ribbons - $3 each (including postage/handling)

Keepsake ribbons will be for sale at State Convention. Supplies are limited.
ORDER YOURS TODAY! 
Send your order to: Sheila Tindle,
Post Office Box 308, Kathleen FL 33849-0308.
Make checks payable to: UDC/AHD #791

109th Founders' Day

The Geraldine D. Griffith Memorial Scholarship were awarded to member, Denise N. Tindle and Kristofer H. Godfrey at a luncheon at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Lakeland. Two $500 scholarships were awarded at the 109th Founders' Day of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. 

Special presentations were given by Mary Eleanor Spencer, registrar, who inducted Martha Barrett, Homer McSween, Paula Blackwelder-Stewart and Marilyn Blackwelder-Piper as new members of UDC.

Hostess chapters of the celebration were Annie H. Darracott, No. 791 of Lakeland, along with the Lake Wales and Plant City Chapters presented historial programs about their chapters.

September 15, 2007 - The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Annie H. Darracott, No. 791, bestowed the “Geraldine ‘Gerri’ Griffith Memorial Scholarship” to two local students. Ms. Griffith served a 3-term presidency with the chapter and education was her passion. In Honor of Ms. Griffith the recipients were awarded a $500 scholarships. 

Kristofer H. Godfrey attends International Academy of Art Technology of Tampa and will receive his degree in May 2008.  Denise N. Tindle recently graduated with Associates of the Arts degree from Polk Community College and has been accepted to the University of South Florida.

June 2007

Through a campaign run by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Annie H. Darracott 791 chapter, victims of domestic violence will receive free cellular phones with emergency 911 functions. Unwanted phones and chargers are needed.  For further information contact Sheila.