Regent of the First White House of the Confederacy Mrs. Anne Tidmore was the guest speaker at the Prattville Dragoons November camp meeting held on Thursday Nov. 14th at the Shoney's in Prattville AL. Mrs Tidmore thanked the Dragoons for the opportunity to speak to the group and congratulated Trevor Cofer who had been presented a Certificate of Recognition by the Dragoons for his significant accomplishment earning his Eagle Scout badge in the restoration of the historic Rasberry Cemetery. Mrs. Tidmore updated us on recent improvements at the First White House in downtown Montgomery including pressure washing the exterior and the sidewalks on the grounds. The steps to the historic home were also painted. The State of Alabama is also funding the renovation of the back flat roof porch in a longer term project. Recent developments included the loaning of the FWH gunboat quilt to Massachusetts until 2015 in recognition of their helping pay for half of the restoration of the quilt. The Martha Jane Hatter gunboat quilt was so named as it was raffled by Southern ladies with proceeds used to help support the Confederate gunboats operating in Mobile AL. The First White House recently came into possession of a Coin Silver Bowl which was presented to Jefferson Davis on October 25th, 1887 by citizens of Macon GA, just two years prior to his passing in 1889. The FWH also recently acquired a Silver Water Cooler and additional silver bowls and ladles. The FWH is becoming more selective on additions to their collection seeking to place items in the house which have a direct connection with the Davis family. A major project recently undertaken is the restoration of gasolier lanterns which were returned to the FWH. Following conservation of these gasoliers including retrofitting them to electrical fixtures, they will be placed in the first and second parlors in the First White House. This is a major $20000 undertaking and the FWH is seeking donations to help fund this worthwhile project. Commander Waldo made a presentation of a check from the Dragoons as a contribution towards that effort. Mrs. Tidmore reminded everyone that the First White House will host a Robert E. Lee birthday celebration on Monday January 20th which will include birthday cake. 15000 visitors have toured the FWH this year including many hundreds of 4th graders studying Alabama State History. It is always a pleasure to have Mrs.Tidmore visit the Dragoons as she is a charming and graceful Southern lady who enthusiastically furthers the preservation of Confederate history in Alabama. The SCV Closing was read by Commander Waldo and the Dragoons November camp meeting was brought to a close by a closing prayer offered by Chaplain Snowden.
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| Dragoons 1st Lt Harold Grooms Introduces our Guest Speaker |
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| Commander Waldo Presents Mrs. Tidmore a Donation towards the First White House Gasolier Project |
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