This year has passed so
quickly that I had to have a gentle reminder to write the year-end
president’s report. As the year progressed, I had to be reminded numerous
times by officers, board members, and members about issues needing
attention. To all I am grateful and say a heartfelt “Thank You” for all the
support and assistance. Because of each of you, this has really been an
enjoyable year.
I especially
appreciate the help and support from our two previous presidents, Lloyd
Flanders and Harriet Roberson - these ladies have an immense knowledge of
people, places and events in McIntosh County. As a relative newcomer, I
needed and received their help and support.
Our programs this
year were all excellent. Howard Klippel continues to find and schedule
programs that are interesting and informative. He has a real talent for
finding programs that fit a special event or special season of the year – a
special thank you to Howard for the work he does for LAHS.
In September 2011,
Ken Johnson of the Civil War Naval Museum presented a very interesting
program on the Civil War Navy. This is a feature of Civil War activities
frequently overlooked. In October William Morton presented a history of how
Georgia’s boundaries have changed over time and how the state was shaped.
One of our own, Ed Cawthon, shared the fascinating story of the 1864 attack
by Federal troops on the Confederate post on the McIntosh County coast for
the November program. We had an excellent Christmas party at Belvedere
Plantation in December – lots of eats and treats to celebrate the holidays.
To start the New
Year, Brian Carney gave a program on Georgia’s defenses, from before the
Revolution through the Civil War. This was followed by Dr. William Collins’
presentation of the contribution of Black citizens of McIntosh County in the
medical profession - a significant number having been engaged as doctors,
nurses, and pharmacists
Pam Mueller’s new
book, “Water to My Soul,” was the subject of our March meeting. Ms.
Mueller presented the life of Elizabeth Lucas Pinckney in vivid detail from
early childhood until her senior years. I read the book, and it left you
feeling that you knew Elizabeth Pinckney personally. April’s program was an
update on activities of the Altamaha Riverkeeper. So much of the history of
McIntosh County is influenced by the Altamaha that programs about the river
are always interesting. The following month Janisse Ray gave an excellent
presentation of her personal experiences of growing up on the Altamaha River
in Appling County, and her new book about the river, “Drifting Down to
Darien.” Our summer picnic in June completed our year. We had a great
time sharing funny stories and personal experiences.
During the year we
enjoyed several excellent field trips. The Jerusalem Lutheran Church and
Salzburger Society Museum near Rincon were an interesting look at a church
congregation which started in 1734, the year after Savannah was founded. The
trip to the Georgia Railroad Museum in April was also informative and
interesting. As an engineer, I have always been interested in big machinery,
especially steam-powered engines. If you did not get to attend this field
trip, it is well worth your time to make the trip to Savannah to see it.
Again, I would
like to thank all the officers and directors. A very special thank you goes
to Harriet Roberson, who after serving as our president for four years, is
doing an excellent job as Secretary, and helping me with the President’s
responsibilities. I look forward to the coming year.
Jack
F. Godfrey