The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-07-10

| Highlands, and much of its growth and
success was due to her efforts and in
fluence. A woman of retiring nature,
and one who shuns publicity. Mrs. John
ston planned the organization of United
Daughters of the Confederacy chapter for
the sake of the confederate cause and
the great possibilities OF helpful work
which 1t Afforded
The following year the Alabama divis-
ion was formed at Montgomery, of all
Alabama chapters then in existence, and
Pelham chapter was one of its charter
members. Many noble achievements mark
the, progress of the chapter and are last
ing monuments to its devoted zeal and
effort
About 1000 Confederate veterans of
jefferson county have received crosses
of honor from Pelham chapter; nearly
300 green mounds at Oak Hill and Elm
wood cemeteries have the little white
marble headstone with &C. s. A carved
thereon, placed with love and honor by
the same chapter, which, year by year,
on Memorial Day, adds a wreath of
blossoms in token of their remem-
| brance.
Many an old soldier in his fireside
story of the past stops to pay tribute
| to those women of the present who
| have helped the tired traveller on his
| way and given to him some of the
sweet comforts of life in his hours of
dark detection and great need. And
there are those at the soldiers home
who sit around the camp fire and speak
with appreciation of the women of Pei
ham chapter whose annual remem-
brance at Christmas and Thank sgivin g
brings to each inmate an individual
gift together with a generous supply
of luxuries which the home cannot fur
nish; while at the Jefferson county
almshouse there are still those who re-
| peat 10 newcomers of how Pelham
chapter took away one of their num-
ber crippled veteran, and provided
through out the long, cold winter a
nome of comfort and ease and personal
attention until he Joined the ranks at
the home where even then their atten-
lions did not cease, until another
mound was added to the fast-growing
column across the way, and another
veteran answered to the last roll call
Many, many are the unrecorded deeds
or this faithful banda helping hand here
a. financial encouragement there, with a
cheering word and heartfelt God
speed" along life's way.
From small beginning, formed by a
| little circle of deeply interested women
Pelham chapter has grown to a mem
bership of nearly $780, put one still meets
many OF those first-year members at the
monthly meetings, whose faithful interest
has lasted throughout the years. The
roll still bears the name of its orgdsszer
and hrst president, Mrs. Joseph E. John
ston, and her absence In Washington
since her husbands election to the Sem
ate has been felt by many; and the names
Of Mrs. Willis J. Miner. Mrs. Evans j.
Dunn, Mrs. David Roberts Mrs. George
c. Ball. Mrs. J. T. Nixon, Mrs A. G..
Smith, Miss Kate Hopkins. Miss Mary
Claire Miner Mrs. R. H. Bridwell, Mrs.
]. U. Hardeman, Mrs. E. j. McCrossn,
| Mrs. c. A. Sem, Misses Alma and Mary
Rittenberry. Mrs. R. II. Woodrow Mrs
e. M. Tutwiler, Miss Adele Shaw, Mrs l..
s. Handley, Mrs. Herman Saks, Mrs.
Preston Means. and Mrs. J. A. Rountree
are also found on the roll of that first
year. as well as on the one of today, hav-
ing been members the entire time, one of
which number, Miss Adele Shaw, is now
its president.
These are the women who in looking
back might tell of hard years of struggle,
of reverses met. and of things that dis
hearten, for Pelham chapter, like every
thing In life that amounts to anything,
had much with which to contend, many
hardships to overcome. and long, hard,
strength-requiring struggles.
The meeting of the state division here,
two years ago, with Pelham chapter as
hostess, will ever be remembered for its
large attendance and unusual social fea-
lures. It's three days session eliminating
in brilliant banquet at the Hotel Hill
man, the first event of its kind ever given
In the south, when only women were
present. and it's elaborate collation. was
followed by speeches of wit, humor and
beauty until long after the midnight
hour, for many of the most gifted women
OF Alabama were present on that occa-
sion.
When Mrs Johnston organized Pelham
chapter it Is doubtful If she foresaw the
breadth of influence it would reach and
the length of time It would endure, for
greatness can never be foretold, but per-
sonality and influence has been felt
throughout its upbuildng, for the strength
of a structure depends upon it's founda-
ton, and Pelham chapter Is built upon a
strength that will endure. There stands
in Capitol park, facing the broad city
thoroughfares, a 81 foot shaft wreathed in
laurel. erected Ave years ago to the mem
Org OF the confederate soldier and sailor
through the tire1ess efforts of Pelham
chapter, which will live on and on and on
as long as posterity can speak the name
of forebears and tell the story of battles
fought. OF battles lost and victories won.
Next week promises to be quite gay for
the younger set since a number of after
noon teas are already announced. The
evening parties have been the principal
form of entertainment this week, but
since the uncertainty of the weather
makes the clubs somewhat inaccessible
land East Lake a little out of reach for
the same reason. the plan Of entertaining