New Members, Steven Scully (l) and Brian Mummert, (r)
and President Russ Haynes (c)
Central Coast Chapter Minutes
for October 15, 2016
Meeting to Order: 1:07 PM
Invocation by Gary Cooper
Sunshine Report: The Chapter
lost its most beloved centenarian with the passing of Bill Siler a couple of
weeks ago. There remains the possibility of a November remembrance according to
Nate Maas.
Dave Tissue is recovering
from neck surgery and Earl Rader is progressing. Our best to both.
Guest: Bill Harris, a former
geophysicist with Unocal in Orcutt was welcomed.
Secretary’s Report: September
Minutes were read and accepted.
Treasurer’s Report: $2,409.78
account balance. Motion to pay for the purchase of dues cards (Scrimiger),
seconded (Maas), carried.
Guest Speaker: Our own
resident historian, Nate Maas addressed the group. Firstly, Nate spoke about
visiting his friend Bill Siler and that Bill wanted us to know how much the SAR
and the Chapter meant to him. Farewell to a true patriot.
Nate’s presentation was about
the year 1776 and how bad it truly was. The year began with the rout of
Washington’s army at Long Island, an unlikely escape and then tactical retreat.
In those years, rivers were a geographical impediment and strong swimmers
uncommon. As a result, the British were content to pursue and contain until
surrender.
Washington blocked the
British by commandeering all of the boats in his army’s wake and leaving none
behind. Wintertime was not a time for warfare and hence an opportunity for
surprise. The Delaware River is fairly shallow for a major artery. Washington
appropriated all of the ferries and Durham boasts to make the crossing near
Trenton on Christmas Eve. Christmas was not widely observed during this period
in history but it was by the Roman Catholic Hessians and they were celebrating.
Washington’s army surprised then easily overwhelmed the Hessians. Enlistments
went up in 1777.
Nate has been to Trenton and
he recommends the Old Barracks Museum. Princeton also has many historical sites
including its oldest building which was hit by cannon fire and has a large star
to designate the location.
Washington eventually camped
at Valley Forge and it is now a national monument. There is only one grave at
Valley Forge to honor all of those who died of disease and privation. Washington
missed an opportunity at Monmouth due to the cowardice of General Charles Lee
and it would be years before the decisive Yorktown victory.
Nate closing thought was
“never give up liberty for safety” and he recommended the book 1776 by David
McCullough. Nate’s lecture was much appreciated.
Old Business: None
New Business: Dues are due in
November. Officer elections are also in November
New Members in attendance:
Steven Scully and Brian Mummert.
Closing Pledge
Benediction
Adjournment: 2:35PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Chris Scrimiger
Chapter Secretary
