The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-01-20
OBSERVANCE OF
GENERAL LEES BIRTHDAY

birthday OF General Robert E. Lee, the
great commander of the Confederate
armies and whose memory is revered
at home and respected and honored
wherever his name is known. The oc-
casions have alf been memorable and
the one this afternoon at the home of
Mr. and Mrs. S. T. sistrunk on Lime
street reflects infinite credit upon the
Daughters.
The spacious sistrunk home was
filled with their guests. Daughters,
Confederate Veterans and their fam
lilies. The decorations harmonized with
the interesting event and brilliant
lights, shaded with red, lent charm to
the drapery throughout the rooms of
red bunting. Quantities of red and
white roses. both natural and artificial,
were used along with jardiniers of
white lilies.
The colonial posts on either side OF
the front steps were decorated with
flags and it was between them that
the callers were greeted by Mrs. L T.
Izlar, who directed them TO the south
corner of the piazza TO enjoy cup of
punch served by Misses Annie Moor
head and Mary Harriet Livingston.
Standing at the front door were Mrs.
is. E. Waterman and Mrs. John Bailey,
who received the guests before they
passed into the hall to pay their re-
spects to the receiving line, headed by
the beloved president, Mrs. e. II. How
ard. In the line were the other Of
ficers of the chapter, Mrs. S. T. Sis
trunk, Mrs. G. S. Scott, Mrs. D. T.. Nc
liver, Mrs. S. r. Whaley, Mrs. D. NJ.
Smith, Mrs. j. II. Livingston. ST., and
Mrs. r. r. Carroll
In the parlor Miss Caroline Harriss,
president of the Children of the Con-
federacy, spoke pleasantly to each and
after presenting program ushered
them into the dining room, which had
been converted into the audience room
where rows of seats had been arrang-
ed for the event.
In the south end of the room hung
a splendid picture of Gen. Lee, artis-
tically and appropriately draped with
a Confederate flag and it was near
this picture that the speakers took
their positions.
Mrs. Howard, besides being presi-
dent of Dickson Chapter, is a grand
daughter of Gov. Floyd of Virginia,
who was secretary of war under Pres
ident Buchanan's administration, was
master or ceremonies and acted the
part gracefully and admirably.
The program was arranged by Mrs.
D. E. McIver, Mrs. G. s. Scott and Mrs
sistrunk and all participants filled
their parts to the delight and keen in
spiration of those present.
After the call to order was made by
the president, DR.. w. H. Dodge, pastor
of the Presbyterian church, gave the
address of welcome and spoke impress
sively of the occasion and is signif-
canoe.
Mr.. w. T. Gary made the principal
grafton of the afternoon and so elo-
quently and beautifully did he speak of
Robert E. Lee that he was showered
with praise
Miss Cecile Downs two songs.
Prayer Before the Battle and Tenting
Tonight were sung with surprising
sweetness, the memories of which will
long linger in the minds of the vet
Grams, for both songs, especially the
last, strike a tender chord in every sol
dier's heart.
Perhaps the short war "reminiscences
told by Col John NJ Martin, Capt H.
W. Henry of Lake Weir and Major
Lancaster helped the veterans to link
the past with the present more than
any selections on the program. Each
was limited to ten minutes but so ia
miliar were the speakers with their
subjects the tales having been repeat
ed innumerable times, that they COW
cred well the years of hardship they
endured. Some of the incidents relat-
ed were heard for the first time by
many in the audience while to others
they were household tales. They all
dwelt on the supreme greatness of Gen.
Lee as a leader Gen. H. w. Long was
to have assisted in telling the remin-
iscences but was unable to be present
on account of a business engagement
in Jacksonville. A beautiful letter ex-
planning his absence was read by Mrs.
Sistrunk and in it was a marked trib-
ute to Mrs. Fanny R. Gary.
Another song by a gifted trio, viz:
Miss Downs, Mrs. John Taylor and Mrs.
w. A. Coin, who sang, In Our Boat,
was greatly enjoyed.
The "Suit of Confederate, Gray" as
told by Mr.. Frank Harris brought
forth hearty applause. Mr.. Harris is
a splendid public speaker, talking dis
tinct and in a moderate, clear voice.
Miss Mary Hill. who has recently
moved to Ocala and who is a talented
member of the Wednesday Morning
Musicale, gave reading from Father
Ryan, which afforded opportunities
for revealing her clever dramatic tall
emit
Miss Marguerite Porter again de-
lighted her audience by singing RES
ignation." Her enunciation is so per-
feet as to cause marked comment on
every side, this quality being too
often neglected by singers.
Quite few minutes were spent in
bestowing crosses of honor upon the
following veterans or members of their
family: Mr.. J. W. Wells and Mr.. L. T.
Matchett. Orange Springs, Mr.. G. A.
Carmichael, Ocala. The cross belong
ing to the late Mr.. c. II. Gibson was
given 10 his widow, Mrs. Sophie E. Glib
son of Grahamvil1e and to Mrs. C. L
Lyvers of Summerfield was given the
cross which beyonged to her father,
the late Mr.. T. J. Wiley. Pretty little
Mamie Spencer held the crosses while
Miss Caroline Harriss pinned them on.
Lees favorite hymn. How Firm a
Foundation was the last formal piece
and was sung by the entire audience.
The accompanies of the afternoon
We're Miss Byrd Wartmann and Mrs.
Charles Goddard, whose playing added
greatly to the charm of the songs as
did the impromptu violin obligatos
played by Miss Lille Bailey.
When the program was completed the
audience was served to steamfng hot
coffee and delicious sandwiches by
1.-The following members of the child