(Originally Published Wednesday, January 22, 2014 – Blogger: One Daughter’s Point of View)
Today, we’ll go back in time to January 6, 1912, for a chapter meeting at the Zinzendorf in downtown Winston-Salem.
Mrs. John L. Gilmer entertained the Daughters of the American Revolution, on Jan. 6th at the Zenzendorf [sic]. Those present were Mesdames William N. Reynolds, R.S. Reynolds, Henry Roan, J.S. Grogan, John Dillard, Misses Ada Dalton, Edna Maslin and Martin, and Critz.
The regent Mrs. Patterson presided over the meeting. Several letters were read, after which Miss Edna Maslin read an interesting paper on John Singleton Copley and a paper on John Turmbull [sic] was red by Miss Martin.
As this day was Jan 6th, Miss Maslin read a pretty little poem “Washington’s Wedding Day.” It was suggested that hereafter on Jan 6th the Daughters of the American Revolution give some kind of celebration on this date.
The committee on the history prize reported that the seventh grade and high school would take part in writing the essay on “General Joseph Winston for Whom Our Town is Named” and that Major Alexander and Mrs. Craige would be judges.
The treasurer reported $110 in the treasury which does not include $10.00 for the Morehead fund.
After the program delegates and alternates were chosen to represent this chapter at the National Convention in Washington in April. Those elected were
- Miss Edna Maslin, delegate
- Mrs. R. S. Reynolds, alternate
- Mrs. Horton, alternate
- Mrs. Korner, alternate for regent
- Mrs. Chas Shelton, alternate
- Mrs. R.E. Follin, alternate
Before adjournment, Mrs. Gilmer served a tempting course of refreshments.
The minute taker didn’t note her name.
I looked online for a copy of the poem, “Washington’s Wedding Day” and found the following written by Henry Cabot Lodge that may be the one read at the General Joseph Winston Chapter meeting on January 6, 1912.
Washington’s Wedding Day
Washington plighted his troth with Martha Dandridge, the charming widow of Daniel Parke Custis.
She was young, pretty, intelligent and an heiress.
It was brilliant wedding party that assembled on a winter day in the little church near Mrs. Custis’s home.
There were gathered the gay, free-thinking, high-living Governor, gorgeous in scarlet and gold; British officers red-coated and gold-laced; and all the neighboring gentry in their handsomest clothes.
The bride was attired in silk and satin, laces and brocade, with pearls on her neck and in her ears.
While the bridegroom appeared in blue and silver trimmed with scarlet, and with gold buckles at his knees and on his shoes.
After the ceremony, the bride was taken home, in a coach and six, Washington riding beside her, mounted on a splendid horse, and followed by all the gentlemen of the party.
A Robynn’s Chirps 