1915 Confederate Memorial Day in Roanoke, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/1915memday2.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= February 2004 HON. GEORGE A. SORRELL ORATOR MEMORIAL DAY ---------------------------- The Confederate veterans and their friends throughout this section will be pleased to learn that Hon. George A. SORRELL, of Alexander City, will deliver the address in Roanoke this year upon the occasion of Memorial Day April 26th. Mr. SORRELL is an active member of the legislature and a prominent lawyer. He is a fine speaker and will delight the large audience that will gather to hear him upon this interesting occasion. Very soon a full program will be prepared and published for the observance of this occasion. Let us unite to make it the most glorious of all the successful Memorial Day celebrations yet enjoyed in Roanoke. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 17 March 1915, p.1] ---------------------------- MEET FOR MEMORIAL DAY ---------------------------- All ladies and gentlemen in town willing to aid in making preparations for the proper celebration of Memorial Day, April 26th, are earnestly requested to meet in the parlor of the Methodist church at 3 o’clock Thursday afternoon, April 1st. Please bear this in mind. It is important [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 24 March 1915, p.1] ---------------------------- MEMORIAL DAY FEATURE ---------------------------- With the memorial exercises to honor the heroes of civil war time it is appropriate that some thought-producing episode should mark the passing of the day in a distinctive sort of way— something out of the ordinary be presented in some unordinary manner—and so the ever progressive management of the Delight Theater offers a historical happening of a hundred years ago, with the setting just as it was when the ambitious Corsican assembled his legions to conquer the world, acted by famous men who know the times and customs depicted. “For Napoleon and France” is a drama of no mean repute. It has war as its theme, it has romance in its core, it has an insatiable ambition in its brain-work. It lives again those dreadful days in Paris, and it reeks of the bloody times before and up to the day of the downfall of the man who shook the foundations of governments in his attempt to project a world-empire. George KLEINE, producer of this wonderful play, appears at his best in it. The spell of genius is upon him, the magic touch-stone hangs about his neck and the splendor of the production is transcendent. Memorial Day will not be complete unless you see this great photo-play in six parts at the Delight Theater April 26. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 21 Apr 1915, p.1] ---------------------------- [Article Title Unavailable] ---------------------------- [Beginning of article unavailable at this time.] . . . Enthasiasm [sic] is already high. As before, all citizens will be asked to decorate their places of business, their homes and their turnouts with flags or bunting. The chairmen of the various committees will expect the cooperation of all. The committee having dinner in charge has decided it would be more comfortable for the veterans to serve dinner on the lower floor of the Masonic Temple instead of at the [Handley] springs. The guests of honor will be assured of a splendid dinner under pleasant surroundings. The Weaver hotel will furnish the dinner by contract. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 21 Apr 1915, p.1] ---------------------------- GREAT REUNION OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS HELD HERE ON MONDAY ---------------------------- Roanoke rose to the rank of the “big reunion” cities Monday. It was Memorial Day. To those familiar with such occasions in this town this is enough to convey the knowledge that a great day was enjoyed by our people and by their honored guests, but this does not tell the whole story. Last Monday was pronounced by many as the grandest celebration yet held in this city. In point of attendance of veterans and in the interest shown by the whole town, in their decorations, courtesies extended, and enthusiasm every way, this occasion reminded one of a “general reunion” in miniature. It was the occasion of many happy meetings among friends and comrades of the other years and an object lesson of patriotism that will not be lost on the young. As shown by the roll call of the camp, in the report published elsewhere, 115 veterans answered to their names. There were a number of others in town not members of the local camp. The general outpouring of people and the time and attention given the aged heroes and their wives by many citizens of Roanoke, both ladies and gentlemen, throughout the day added to the gala appearance of the scene and contributed much to the social feature of the occasion. When the veterans had finished their business meeting they were escorted to the moving picture show as the guests of the town, where a war story was shown for their entertainment. They then marched to the Masonic Temple, where the ladies had arranged a most appetizing dinner, spread on long tables that made a scene of beauty, with flowers and flags greeting the eye at every turn. Lemonade was served on the side. The meal was prepared by the Weaver Hotel, and was arranged by a committee of Roanoke’s most queenly matrons, assisted by a few gentlemen, and was served by a bevy of beautiful young ladies. The wives of veterans who came with their husbands were invited to the feast also. The large auditorium of the school building was full to overflowing to witness the public exercises, which began shortly after 1:30 in the afternoon. Many men stood along the walls and at every available opening. A committee, headed by Mrs. W. F. HANDLEY, decorated the building and the stage in a most attractive manner. The veterans occupied reserved pews at the front and several of them had seats on the stage. The venerable Dr. Joseph R. HOOD, chaplain of Camp Aiken-Smith, leaning upon his crutches, offered a very appropriate and feeling prayer. Master William WRIGHT delivered a “Greeting to Old Confeds” in a manner that warmed their hearts, while Miss Mary TAYLOR told the story of “Our Meet up at Richmond” so sweetly as to bring tears to many eyes. The musical numbers which interspersed the program were provided by Miss Fannie DOBBS, who played the accompaniment to the old time songs that charmed the vast audience. The exercises were opened by the singing of “America,” in which the audience was asked to join. The remaining numbers were rendered by Mrs. C. A. STEPHENSON, Mrs. L. E. BRYAN, Mrs. F. M. HORNSBY and Miss Willie NICHOLS. “Old Black Joe,” “Dixie” and “The Bonnie Blue Flag” came along in order. The music was that of artists, inspired by the heroic surroundings, and it touched every heart, the two war songs calling forth the old time “Rebel Yell” from the throats of the unconquered heroes of the ‘60s. Rev. E. M. GLENN, who acted as master of ceremonies, was very happy in his remarks in introducing the orator of the day, Hon. George A. SORRELL, of Alexander City. Mr. GLENN was bubbling over with enthusiasm, and his vigorous sallies met with outspoken response from the ranks of the Grey. Mr. SORRELL measured up fully to the expectations which his reputation as an orator and thinker had created in the minds of the people. His remarks contained a broad scope of the question at issue, and he promulgated some truths that were exceedingly plain and pointed, but which met with the pronounced approbation of his hearers. Mr. SORRELL’s eloquent periods time and again stirred the audience to a high pitch of patriotic fervor. He was presented at the close with a handsome cluster of carnations. Commander WEATHERS then took charge, and after a few feeling remarks ordered the formation of the parade to the cemeteries. As many of the veterans as would accept were placed in the automobiles which had conveyed them from town to the hall and were carried to the cemeteries and then taken for a ride around the city. The flower girls, with Miss Mattie J. BELCHER in charge, were conveyed in a gaily bedecked auto truck, with canopy top, which, in its patriotic colors, with flags flying and daintily clad occupants, presented a captivating appearance. This work was done under the direction of Mrs. S. S. SMITH, whose artistic taste cannot be excelled. When the graves of departed soldiers had been strewn with flowers the formal exercises of the day were ended. ---------- Notes of the Day Many expressions were heard from the visitors as to the success and pleasure of the day. They were kind enough to say that the occasion could not have been improved upon. The Leader was never more proud of this people that on last Memorial Day. Many citizens, from the mayor down, freely gave of their time and money to make this the biggest and best celebration of its kind ever held in this country. And they didn’t miss it far, if any. Automobile owners were especially kind in the use of their cars in conveying the veterans anywhere they wanted to go. The orator caught his crowd. They were with him from start to finish. The city authorities under the superintendency of Mr. RODGERS, had both cemeteries put in the best condition we have ever seen them. Rev. E. M. GLENN said to a reporter: “I have attended reunions all over the state, but this is the biggest thing of the kind I ever saw.” Favorable comment was made on our community for its orderly behavior. Not a drunk person was seen and no arrests were made. The business part of town made a fairly good display of patriotic colors. More would probably have been done had not Memorial Day been preceded by Sunday. A number of automobiles and other vehicles were prettily decorated. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 28 Apr 1915, p.1] ---------------------------- MEMORIAL DAY AS WITNESSED By Captain George O. HILL ---------------------------- Another glorious Memorial Day has come and gone, but is safe in memory for the time we may live, I have often feared that this day in time might become monotonous—monotony breeds carelessness in the best of us—and eventually dwindle into elimination entirely. I am thoroughly convinced otherwise, for I do believe that exercises of the Memorial this year eclipsed any that I have ever attended in Roanoke; and am further convinced that it was the best we have ever had, from the numerous encomiums expressed by every old soldier I met. Of course sadness and sorrow prevails more or less annually when the roll is called in camp and one here and another there are reported dead since the last meeting one year ago. Such reports will continue on at roll call until none are left. Nine, I think, was the toll from our ranks last year. The vast and sumptuous spread of good things to eat at noon in the spacious and comfortable quarters on the ground floor of the Masonic Temple was not the least part of the day’s entertainment lavished upon the old Confeds by the kind Daughters of Roanoke. And that ubiquitous Park! for he was here, there and everywhere looking to the wants and wishes of Roanoke’s honored guests. It was a mark of notice that the sweetest and handsomest girls of Roanoke were waiters around our table and quickly anticipated every need. The college exercises were effective and struck right to the heart of every old vet present. Generally the exercises at the college were such as aroused our enthusiasm and war fire, but this time “the blamed tears would come” and the stoutest heart couldn’t help it. God in heaven ever bless the ladies and children for their patriotic desire to make smooth and tranquil our hastening passage to the tomb where we must shortly lie. We are all prone to more or less eulogize almost any kind of speech delivered on such an occasion, but I never heard as much said in as short a speech as that made by Mr. SORRELL to the old soldiers last Monday. He had us men, women and children in an aeroplane clear above the earth from the start, and after soaring among the stars for a spell he safely landed on terra firma again, leaving that teeming mass of hearers almost breathless. The old veterans to a man love him and extend their appreciation for the message so kindly delivered to us. Bless the Lord! Who but the good people of Roanoke would ever have thought of taking us to the cemeteries to witness the decoration, and then gallanting us all over and around the city in automobiles, when they ought to have known from history, if not observation, that the most of us, especially during the sixties [1860s], were accustomed only to such locomotion as was provided by the use of oxen? But we know the reason these good people love us so is not altogether because we fought, but because from the ashes and charred remains of that terrible holocaust the old Confeds who escaped slaughter, together with their wives and sweethearts, have resuscitated and presented to them this rehabilitated and glorious Southland with its innumerable host of prosperous, good people. God grand that no more cruel wars will ever mar again their future serenity, but that happiness and plenty may last them through life. One marked feature of the day was the number of old veterans, accompanied by their wives, who, if anything, were lauded and received more attention than their husbands. It was a source of much pleasure to me to terminate the day by attendance on the debate between representatives of the Roanoke and Wedowee High Schools. It was refreshing to hear such intelligent young men “speak in public on the stage” on such a momentous question as was discussed. While I make no profession as to elocution, rhetoric or the science of oratory, I do claim some understanding of the force of argument and expression of simple facts, and had I been one of the judges on that occasion there would have been one dissent from the decision rendered. G. O. HILL Wedowee, Rt. 2, May 1st. [There is a photograph of George O. HILL accompanying his article] [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 5 May 1915, p.1] ---------------------------- ECHOES FROM MEMORIAL DAY ---------------------------- There was so much to tell concerning Memorial Day that the reporter in his necessary haste last week omitted to mention some of the most beautiful features of the day. But it is not too late yet. Badges had been printed for the veterans on ribbons, in red, white and blue, containing the Confederate flag and appropriate lettering. When Camp-Aiken-Smith assembled in business session in the forenoon a band of Roanoke’s prettiest girls were on hand to greet the heroes and to pin badges on their lapels. These badges entitled them to all the privileges of the city, and made pretty mementoes of the occasion to carry home with them. Then, when dinner was being served, a committee of ladies, conveyed by Dr. HOOPER in his car, visited the homes of all the veterans in the community who were unable to come out and mingle with their comrades, and carried a nice dinner and flowers to the shut-ins. This was a most thoughtful and proper provision and was deeply appreciated by those thus remembered. Major John T. COLEMAN has written the following beautiful note, addressed to Dr. HOOPER, in acknowledgement of the courtesies: Home, April 28, 1915. Doctor J. W. HOOPER:— I desire to convey my thanks to the ladies’ committee of our late Memorial exercise for the nice dinner sent me. It is, indeed, a happy thought to know that in our old age we are remembered by the daughters of our southland, whose mothers made so many sacrifices for their country during the dark yet glorious days of the sixties. Nearly seventy-seven years have I seen, but the spirit of ’61 is as strong with me now as then and will be when I pass over the divide into the mist of the unknown. Gratefully, J. T. COLEMAN. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 5 May 1915, p.1] ---------------------------- Untitled Editorial ---------------------------- Confederate Memorial Day is not dying out in the South. On the contrary, it is increasing in interest in many places, as it is in Roanoke. This year Dadeville [Tallapoosa County] and Ashland [Clay County] observed Memorial Day for the first time. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 5 May 1915, p.4] ---------------------------- STEVENSON IN LAFAYETTE ---------------------------- In its account of Memorial Day exercises in LaFayette [Chambers County] the LaFayette Sun has the following to say: In a very happy way Rev. F. L. ALDRIDGE then introduced the orator of the day—Mr. L. M. STEVENSON. As a prelude to his remarks, the speaker made touching reference to Mrs. Sallie GRACE, from whom he had received the invitation to make the address on the present occasion. Mr. STEVENSON’s speech was a thoughtful presentation of the causes which led to the war between the states. He eliminated entirely the question of slavery as the cause of the war, and argued that the violation of the doctrine of States’ Rights was the prime cause of the trouble. He paid a fine tribute to the Confederate soldiers of the South, who were so true to the cause in those days of trial and hardship. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 5 May 1915, p.4]