Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Robinson Springs and Indian Hill Cemetery Maintenance

Members of the Dragoons of SCV Camp 1524 again did their duty in caring for the final resting place of a number of Confederate veterans as part of the SCV Guardian program, performing maintenance workdays at Robinson Springs cemetery in Millbrook on Saturday July 12th and the next week at Indian Hill cemetery.  Comms Officer Davis used the camp's new weed trimmer and blower to cut around the headstones and markers at both cemteries.  Compatriot Rob Schwartz tackled a massive overgrown greenbrier/smilax vine which had obscured the headstones of a couple of graves at Robinson Springs and fairly killed an azalea bush planted there.  Quartermaster Myrick joined them at Robinson Springs that Saturday morning helping with his push mower cutting grass.  Camp Commander Grooms and Treasurer Dennis are usual stalwarts with the cemetery maintenance initiative for Camp 1524 at these local cemeteries.  

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Meeting for July 2025

The Camp 1524 meeting for July was held on Thursday July 10th at the Prattville Masonic Lodge. Adjutant Butler gathered membership dues/renewals and new applications.  Treasurer Dennis also gathered fundraiser monies and provided tickets for Dixie Butt sales.  Light refreshments including colas, chips and cookies were served and compatriot Rob Schwartz entertained everyone upon arrival by playing his guitar and singing some wonderful songs.  The meeting began at 6:45 pm hosted by Commander Harold Grooms who led everyone in the SCV Charge and provided updates on upcoming events and news following a Benediction and the pledges and salutes to the United States, Alabama and Confederate flags. 

The speaker for the meeting was Larry Caver.  Mr. Caver is the president of the Old Autauga Historical Society and has been involved in historical and genealogical research since 1989. Dragoons Treasurer Dennis is also a member and is integral in the camp's efforts in cemetery cleaning and maintenance as part of the SCV Guardian Program. History, especially on Old Autauga County and Alabama, is Larry's passion and he provided a dynamic educational discussion of the Prattville and Autauga county area history this evening.  It was a well attended meeting and a great event for the camp. 

Dragoon Presents Copy of Confederate Veteran Periodical Featuring the First White House to Curator Director of the FWHC

First White House of the Confederacy Docent and Prattville Dragoon (Chapter 1524) member Jayson A. Altieri  presented a copy of the July/August 2025 Confederate Veteran magazine, with the cover and feature article "The First White House" authored by Jayson, to Dr. Bob Weiland, Director of the FWHC on July 7, 2025.

Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Dragoons at the Prattville Independence Day Parade

Members of SCV Camp 1524, friends and family participated in the Prattville Independence Day parade the morning of July 4th.  The camp had a great entry including walkers carrying the camp'd Independence Day banner and handing out candy to the spectators, Quartermaster Myrick's truck carrying a display of historic Alabama state flags, Brigade Commander Waldo's Charger driven by his wife and son showing off two combination Betsy Ross/Gadsden flags, and two members of the Alabama Division mechanized calvalry on their Harley Davidsons.  It was a warm morning and everyone sought shade under the trees along Court Street before the parade commenced.  The route took the parade down 4th street then over to Main Street and down Northijngton to Pratt Park.  Walker included Chaplain Brantley and Comms Officer Eric Davis carrying the banner, Commander Waldo, Treasurer Dennis and compatriot Rob Schwartz hading out candy and also three members of the local UDC chapter Children of the Confederacy.  Bill Myrick and his wife rode in their truck and Mech Cav Chaplain "Chop Chop" Atkins led the Harleys which are always a great hit with the parade spectators.  A great way to lead into the holiday weekend and remind the local comunity that the Confederates fought for their independence for much the same reason as our founding fathers seceding from the British Empire. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 at the Peach Jam Festival in Clanton AL

Members of SCV Camp 1524 set up a recruiting booth at the Jam Festival which was held at the Clanton City Park on Saturday June 14th.  Camp 1524 Commander Harold Grooms, 2nd Lt Karl Wade, Quartermaster Myrick, Treasurer Dennis, Adjutant Doug Butler, compatriots Eric Davis and Josh Stover, and Brigade Commander Waldo and his son set up the canopy and booth and manned it throughout the day.  Weather cooperated with rain skirting the festival site but it was a warm late spring day for the annual festival.  The intent of the festival entry was to garner interest in the establishment of a new SCV camp in Clanton and enough men expressed interest that this potential is promising.  In addition, mini-Battle flags and SCV coins were handed out to passers-by as well as SCV Division educational posters and the camp stores offered 3x5ft historical flags, car tags, ballcaps, shot glasses, tote bags, patches, and bandanas for sale.  Merchandise was sold which generated proceeds for the camp to use for more goods as well as funding the work of the camp which includes donations, flag settings and event entries.  It was a good day for advancing the SCV Charge and getting the glorious Confederate Battle flag out in front of the public.  

Prattville Dragoons at the Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans 2025 Reunion

The Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 was represented at the State Reunion by four compatriots, 1st Lt Spears, Chaplain Brantley, Brigade Commander Waldo and compatriots Stover and Crowley.  The Reunion was held on Saturday June 7th at the Disabled American Veterans building in Athens AL.  It was a somewhat somber occassion as Commander Doug Barrett had passed away the week prior.  A special seat was laid out for him at the head table in his honor and memory.  1st Lt Commander Jimmy Hill had assumed the duties of Division Commander in Doug's passing and he led the Reunion.  The colors were posted and salutes and pledges recited to the flags to open the program.  Division Adjutant and Hobbs Camp Commander Lee Hattabaugh welcomed everyone to the convention.  Division Chaplain Robert Griffin then gave an Invocation.  The SCV Charge was then read to those assembled. A quorum was announced based on attendance roll and the business session commenced.  Treasurer Muse went thru the budget and expenditures from the prior year and everyone was encouraged to purchase SCV car tags which benefit the Division.'s work. Following the business session, a steak luncheon was served followed by the presentation of Division awards.  Brigade meetings followed and the Reunion concluded with signing of Dixie and a Benediction.  Always great seeing all the fellow compatriots from throughout the state at the Alabama Division Reunions.  

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 at the Alabama Division Children of the Confederacy Convention

The Alabama Division Children of the Confederacy held their annual convention at the chapel at Confederate Memorial Park in Marbury AL on Saturday June 14th.  The UDC ladies provided a wonderful lunch including chicken fingers and nuggets, sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw and lots of desserts including cakes and brownies.  The program started with the presentation and posting of the colors with the Color Guard led by the Dragoons' own Doug Butler and then salutes and pledges to the flags were made.  The Creed was read in unison and then a welcome to all guests was made by the current CofC President.  Reports for each of the officers were also presented.  The President's initiative for her term was music and literature to honor and celebrate our Southern heritage so each officer read a selection including period poems about the Confederate soldiers fight for their home defense and independence.  Two UDC ladies also took the opportunity to share readings with the assembled group.  An executive council meeting then nominated officers for the new term and these children were subsequently sworn into their positions.  The Dragoons' SCV SWC Brigade Commander's children were chosen to leadership positions in the Alabama state CofC so it is the hope and intent to bring CofC and SCV events together which might grow the involvement of youth in both organizations.  In addition Dragoon Scott Roberson was in attendance and he brought all his significant others to enjoy the CofC event.