Prattville Dragoons Christmas Social at Historic Buena Vista Antebellum Mansion

Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 celebrated Christmas with their annual Social at the beautiful Autauga County Heritage Associations Buena Vista antebellum mansion on Friday December 13th.   Those who braved the chilly rain enjoyed a festive atmosphere with the interior decorated with Christmas cheer.  Everyone also enjoyed the Christmas cheer elicited by the General Lee eggnog prepared by Tyrone Crowley.  The pianist entertained everyone during the social hour playing Christmas carols on the grand piano in the parlor.  Follwing the happy hour and arrival of all the guests, everyone enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner catered by Smokin S BBQ of Wetumpka including smoked turkey, dressing, and sweet potato and green bean casseroles.  A special presentation of camp and Brigade certificates of appreciation were presented to compatriot Connor Lee and Color Sgt John Dennis for their contributions to the camp cemetery care projects.  Connor was recognized as the youngest member of Camp 1524, Darrell Haywood as the camp's newest member and, World War II veteran James Spears as the eldest.  Tyrone Crowley read a poem written by Bill Anthony which he wrote prior to his death; Bill and his wife Nicki Walton who was present as a guest of the Dragoons attended the Social for many years in period dress.  The curator caretaker of Buena Vista Darlene Leistner provided a history of the home during the program tying in the relationship with Daniel Pratt. Commander Waldo's wife read a Confederate soldier's Christmas poem and 1st Lt Harold Grooms led everyone in the singing of Christmas carols.  Compatriot Robert Adelson who made the trip to Alabama from St.Louis also played his banjo including "Dixie" as a special treat.  The culmination of the Social is always the doorprizes which are donated by a number of Dragoons including the wonderful manger table centerpieces which were provided by Quartermaster Myrick and his wife.  It was a wonderful event enjoyed by all to ring in the Christmas holidays.