The Capt. J. L. Halbert Camp No. 359 was re-activated in 1992. They are dedicated to preserving the history of the Confederate soldier. The camp has three events planned right now.  September the 19 the camp will set-up a living history camp with drills and more at Jester Park to help celebrate the 150th birthday of Corsicana Texas.

October 17th, Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery at 2:00pm, Mrs. Dora Cline will come to Navarro County from California to dedicate the marker of her father Pvt. Melvin Tomlin, Co A, 16th TN Infantry. At this event Mrs. Tomlin will be presented a Real Daughter's Medal.

January is the birthday month of Gen. Lee, Gen. Jackson and Capt. Halbert. January 9 Lee-Jackson-Halbert re-enactment and ball will be held at Chatfield Texas. After the battle a catered dinner will take place and then the Ball will commence.

The camp meets every first Tuesday of each month (except July we meet at the grave of Capt. Halbert; and January the ball is our meeting) at the Central Baptist Church at 7:00pm for more information contact:

Commander Ron Matthews at 872-2259, Adj. Norman Stubbs at 872-5595 or email at [email protected] or Public Relations Officer Roy Miller at 872-1997.

Submitted by: Dana Stubbs

5/10/2002 Club News

Confederate Sisterhood Auxiliary

Members of the J. L. Halbert Camp No. 359, Corsicana, Sons of Confederate Veterans, were feted with a 10th anniversary reception, hosted by the Confederate Sisterhood Auxiliary on Saturday, April 20, 2002, at Brewer Hall of Central United Methodist Church. This many-years-dormant camp was activated 10 years ago by Pastor David Franklin, who at that time lived in Mildred and was the camp's first commander. The founder was in attendance at the celebration and led the group in prayer.

Southern atmosphere filled the hall as red and white checked clothes covered the long tables where extra large glass lamp bulbs placed over bluebonnets were aligned lengthwise down the table centers. Assorted spring flowers adorned refreshment tables which offered finger foods, sweets, fruit punch, lemonade and two special birthday cakes decorated by Brookshire's Bakery.

After Sister Alice Bell welcomed the 50 members and guests, the Southern Guard posted the colors to a vocal version of the song, "Aura Lee" after which the newest and youngest auxiliary member, and Blooming Grove School sixth grader, Megan Wilkinson, led the pledges and salute to the flags. The program was then turned over to Sister Dana Stubbs, serving as emcee.

Dignitary remarks were given by past commander-in-chief, Peter Orlebeke of Ferris; Texas Division commander Stephen Lucas of Denton, and Central Texas Brigade commander Jerry Nelson of Waco. Memories were also shared from speakers from the floor.

After presenting a brief history of the camp, Roy Miller, lieutenant commander, conducted a last roll call for the four members who passed away during the last 10 years: John Carr Jr., Edgar Earl Smith, Melvin Traweek, and Otto Smith. As Miller called out each name, a representative came forward to sign the name on a large stainless banner laying atop a table which also held the flag draped vacant chair and southern lilies.

The presentation of awards was followed with a jovial group singing of "Dixie," ending the program and beginning a southern hospitality hour of feasting, fellowship and viewing a 10-year collection of camp activity photos.

The following is a list of the individuals and historical organizations who were presented gratitude awards for helping to make the 10th anniversary of the J.L. Halbert Camp No. 359, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Navarro County affiliate, a reality. At national level: Past commander-in-chief Peter Orlebeke; Texas Division commander Stephen Lucas; Central Texas Brigade commander Jerry Nelson. At state level: Hood's Texas Brigade, Camp No. 1324; Johnson-Sayers-Nettles Camp No. 1012; O. M. Roberts Camp No. 178, and commander Jimmy Moore and the Southern Guard.

At local level: Norman Stubbs was stunned when state commander Lucas presented him with a special award for dependability and dedication. Stubbs attended the first charter meeting of this camp in 1992 and has not yet missed a monthly meeting. He is currently the camp commander and has climbed in rank state wide as the Texas Color Guard commander. Upon receiving the award, Stubbs said, "The reason I'm here is because my great-grandfather was a Confederate soldier."

Other locals receiving appreciation awards were members of the J.L. Halbert Camp and/or the Val Verde Artillery Battery: Mark Berry, Mark Black, Stanley Black, Jesse Bonner, Don Boyd, John Boyd, John Carr, III; Brandon Ford, James Ford, Chad Harris, Sidney Hullum, Thomas James, Ron Matthews, Roy Miller, Calvin Nicholson, Eddie Phillips, Chance Robinson, John Robinson, Les Robinson, Westmorlan von Branche, Tory Cunningham, Larry Donihoo, David Dycus and Bradley Ford.