Central Coast Chapter Minutes for October 15, 2016

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