Echoes From The Attic and Poems, Camp Moore Museum, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Feb. 2001 Typed by Belford Carver Written by by Edna F. Campbell Copyrighted by Edna F. Campbell With special thanks to her family for permission to use her works. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ CAMP MOORE MUSEUM A LINK TO THE GLORIOUS OLD SOUTH Lost in the forest primeval, for many years seemingly forgotten and forsaken, the Confederate Cemetery grounds located one mile north of Tangipahoa have come to a high oint of significant interest. The imposing newly constructed Camp Moore Museum erected on the grounds adjoining the burial plot is soon to be opened to the public, following formal dedication next Sunday. Roots are deeply imbedded for the historical setting as far back as 1861, when Camp Moore was one of the principal recruiting centers for Louisiana regiments of Confederate soldiers. Four hundred Southern soldiers are reportedly buried there, having died between the years of 1861-65, many victims of measles. Combining their efforts, Camp Moore Chapters, United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Sons, have toiled diligently through the years to preserve the spot held sacred to all Southerners, and cared for the grounds. Now, the culmination of years of dreaming has been fulfilled in the completion of the museum. The unkept and unmarked place was miraculously rescued by the pioneer patriots in 1901 when R. N. Day, a representative for his firm, appeared to look over a 30,000 acre tract of land purchased in the Tangipahoa area. He was immediately informed that the cemetery was included within his purchase, and he graciously donated that portion to the loyal benefactors. The 2_ acre burial plot was deeded to Camp Moore Chapters, UDC and SOV. With this achievement, work began in earnest by the patriotic citizens. Gifts amounting to $2,000 received t intervals from legislative appropriations were used to advantage. On June 30, 1905, the Confederate Cemetery was turned over to Louisiana, with Gov. Blanchard receiving the sacred trust of memory for the state in pompous dedication ceremonies. The ground measuring 75 by 100 feet on which the Log Cabin Chapter House stands was reserved by Camp Moore Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Camp Moore Chapter No. 562, UDC, Tangipahoa, was organized March 15, 1902 at Tangipahoa by Mrs. Mary Wall Corbin, assisted by Mrs. J. Pinkney Smith of New Orleans, founder of the Louisiana Division UDC. In the glorified assumption of their new duties, the band of 13 zealous, earnest women took for their first objective, the beautification of Camp Moore Confederate Cemetery. In 1907, the chapter appealed to the state for funds, and received $1,000. An iron fence was erected around the plot. In 1907 a majestic monument was raised to "Louisiana Heroes" by the state of Louisiana. The inscription on the Italian Marble monument of a Confederate soldier with a gun at rest read, "Sacred to the memory of the Confederate Soldiers who died at Camp Moore. Buried 1861-65. Cemetery was dedicated to the State of Louisiana June 3, 1905. "Twine a garlend, drop a tear, 'O'er Louisiana's Unnamed Dead, who slumber here'." In 1926, a delegation from Camp Moore Chapter appealed to the legislature for an appropriation of $3,000, but only 4500 was recommended. This sum, plus a state UDC fund and a donation of 4300 from the police jury was put in the hands of the board of commissioners for cemetery maintenance. The commission purchased 2_ acres of adjoining land, with title being given to local chapters. A Log Cabin Chapter House was erected in 1929 and has served as a chapter meeting place since that time. In 1960 the state appropriated $3,540 to build a massive gate, arch and fence enclosure around the plot. In the 1961 session of the legislature a bill was passed and signed by Gov. Jimmie Davis to give $75,000 to Camp Moore for a museum. However, in 1963 word was received that the bill hadn't gone through. Gov. Davis then made available $46,000 through the State Bond and Building Commission for the museum. Now in its final lap of completion, the museum, located on Highway 51, is easily available to passing motorists. The bronze roadside plaque at the side road entrance gives necessary information and gives the name of Gov. Thomas Moore for whom the site is named. Reminiscent of ante-bellum days are the earmarks involved in the buildings and grounds linking thoughts with the glorious South of the past. The handsome brick and concrete edifice, which will store treasured relics of the Civil War era, presents a pleasing picture with its wide verandas, winding stairways with optional entrance, its arched foyers and old-fashioned wooden galousied Venetian blinds and French type windows. Of rustic interest in typical old Southern architecture reflection is the wooden shingle roof. The intricate designing features hand-made shingles imported from Canada. In continuance of Southern trends are the small rounded cypress porch posts. Bronze carriage lamps flanking the main doorways lend added notes of yesterday. The lower spacious floor space of the building will provide meeting centers, while the upper floor will house the museum pieces and archives. Towering pin oaks, pines and groupings of camellias lend background interest to the grounds. Leading to the cemetery is a staunch iron gate inscribed with Camp Moore Cemetery, 1865. Azaleas, flowering quince, camellias and other shrubs outline the entrance, while flanking the majestic monument at the south end are numerous rows of markers where Southern soldiers sleep. --MORNING ADVOCATE, May 23, 1965 (From ECHOES FROM THE ATTIC AND POEMS, by Edna F. Campbell, n.d.) (Pic of Camp Moore Museum) (See also Part VII about "Camp Moore's Log Cabin".)