100th Anniversary Banquet and Ball

100th Anniversary

General T. J. Churchill Chapter #1373
Little Rock, AR
United Daughters of the Confederacy

Saturday, August 27th 2011


The General T. J. Churchill Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy is pleased to announce events to commemorate our 100th Anniversary.

Advance reservations are required by 1 August 2011. Tickets are $25.00 per person and include the dinner, banquet and ball.

A dinner, banquet and ball are planned for the evening, beginning at 6:00 P.M. The SoMa String Quartet, under the direction of Mr. Joe Joyner, will be providing the music for the evening. Special guests will include Mrs. Mary Jackson, Arkansas Division President, United Daughters of the Confederacy.

For additional information please contact: Kay Tatum (501) 529-3802 or kay.tatum@yahoo.com

Mrs. Catherine A. Green Forney-Smith

The Mother of the UDC in Arkansas, Mrs. Catherine Forney-Smith organized the first Arkansas Chapter in Hope in 1896. After her husband, Mr. Forney died, she remarried, moved to Little Rock and organized the General T. J. Churchill Chapter in 1911. Her second husband, COL James Fulton Smith was the organizer for the 1911 United Confederate Veterans Reunion the same year.

Mrs. Forney-Smith is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery, Hope, Arkansas. A commemorative service in her honor is planned for Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. Refreshments will be served immediately following the service.

This event is sponsored by the Albert Pike Chapter, General T. J. Churchill Chapter, Pat Cleburne Chapter and Johnson's 15th Arkansas Memorial Color Guard.

From the General's Paw

Time for an update!

My Mom took the attached photo on Sunday night before my surgery on Monday. One last time to destroy the evil enemy--a roll of Charmin. She talked to me about what was in store, but she didn't tell me everything. I went to Hillcrest Animal Hospital on Monday morning. The rest is a blur. I was supposed to stay for two nights but with the blizzard coming, my Mom picked me up on Tuesday afternoon. Offering hugs, kisses and a lot of love, she was so happy to take me home.

I must admit, I'm treated pretty well. She warms my towels in the dryer, I've been given "can" food during my recovery and I get lots of treats during the day and LOTS of LOVE. Everyone thinks I'm pretty special.

The ladies tell me that the Churchill Chapter supports spaying and neutering. I wish I had known that before they adopted me as their mascot. Last year Sherrell Snodgrass and Beverly Webb donated their time and resources to help out the Veterans at the at the Arkansas Veteran's Home with their kitties. You see, they had adopted some of my friends and while they took really good care of them, funds were not available for sterilization. That's where the ladies came in. As a project of the Chapter the ladies, with the help of FURR took care of the kitties and even got medical treatment for one.

There are many ways in which to help Veteran's, but this was indeed a special gift. The gals still collect cat food for the Veteran's. A delivery was made in December along with toiletries, magazines and money to support their Christmas party.

I think it's time for a nap. Mom...where's my warm towel?

General T. J. Churchill

Churchill Chapter visits Marlsgate Plantation for Christmas

Wednesday, December 8th proved to be a brisk wintry day in central Arkansas but that didn’t keep 32 members and guests of the General T. J. Churchill from visiting Marlsgate Plantation. Greeted at the front door by owner, David P. Garner Jr., the ladies were in for a Christmas treat of fantastic Antebellum beauty in the rural setting of Scott, Arkansas. Upon arriving at Marlsgate Plantation, guests are magically transported back in time to experience the gracious way of life in a bygone era of old plantations that once dotted the Arkansas Delta.

A mere fourteen miles southwest of Little Rock, this stately columned Greek Revival Mansion overlooks Bearskin Line, amidst ancient oaks and a perfectly manicured boxwood lined walk. Nearby you find working fields of rice, cotton and soybeans. Marlsgate is a perfect reflection of the opulent plantation era.

Mr. Garner’s stories were intriguing and lively as he led the ladies through the home’s first and second floors. Showcasing the worlds finest collection of Old Paris porcelain, much attributed to Jacques Petit, and furniture by renowned artisans such as John Henry Belter, Prudent Mallard, William McCracken, and Mitchell and Rammelsberg. The magnificent Christmas tree at the top of the stairs set the tone for an “old fashioned Christmas.” Mr. Garner explained that the “mustard” color was the original color of Christmas, not the bright red that is naturally associated with Christmas today. His Christmas tree was adorned with a full size peacock, peacock feathers and natural elements such as dried leaves and flowers.

The warming fires were inviting, the estate silver was polished to perfection, the porcelain gleaming as members and guests were treated to a fantastic meal complete with Marlsgate’s signature pecan pie. The ladies left with wonderful memories of the day, complete with sisterly fellowship among the membership.

General T. J. Churchill Chapter presents a Christmas Concert to the Community

Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 19th, 2010
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

Sponsored by the General T. J. Churchill Chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Presented by the Margaret Wyatt Piano and Vocal Studio, Kelly Ponder, Mary Katelin Ward, Emily Fenton, Katherine Greer, Hailey Weiner, Taylor Quick, Joshua Taylor, George Elrod, Lillian Williams, Niles Stevenson and Matthew Ponder.

The old Arsenal Building may not have experienced such a musical delight 150 years ago, but the ladies and gentlemen of the Margaret Wyatt Piano and Vocal Studio certainly illuminated the old walls, mortar and bricks of the historic building on Sunday afternoon, December 19th, 2010. The event, sponsored by the General T. J. Churchill Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy was offered free to the community and in appreciation to the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History.

Visitors had the opportunity to visit the wonderful Civil War era exhibits during the Christmas season as a prelude to the many upcoming events surrounding the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial.

Part of the rich heritage of the General T. J. Churchill Chapter was an annual benefit concert that was presented each year by the membership to aid Confederate Veterans. As the Chapter enters our 100th Anniversary year we are recreating a concert to honor the Veterans of all wars, both those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, we remember those who are serving during this Christmas Season and are away from their families and loved ones. We hope to be able to make the Christmas Concert an annual event.

Merry Christmas from the ladies of the General T. J. Churchill Chapter #1373, United Daughters of the Confederacy!

For additional information: http://generaltjchurchillchapterudc.blogspot.com/ (501) 375-5197 or (501) 372-3372

From the General's Paw

I never knew what was waiting for me when my Mom and Angela Grimmett found me in the flowerbed in late September. I was tiny—only about 5 ½ weeks old and a little shy but when Sherrell Snodgrass visited later that day I was a bit more brave. My new Mom saw me and her heart melted. She picked me up and I purred softly. I have a way with the ladies… Dad sternly said “No more cats in the house.” So, I moved right in! It didn’t take long for him to warm up to me.

I attended the October UDC meeting and now I have my work cut out for me as the official mascot of the General T. J. Churchill Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. I’m getting pretty good with the computer but Mom’s fingers keep getting in my way. She said that you ladies will be collecting items for the Arkansas Veterans Home in November for a delivery for Veteran’s Day. Don’t forget my pals over there. Cat food is always appreciated.

Just call me T. J. Watch for more news on the blog and in future newsletters. Gotta go…time for a nap.

General T. J. Churchill

Historic Washington and Saib the Camel

Churchill Chapter members and our guests were treated to a personalized tour of Historic Washington on Saturday, 23 October by well known preservationist Richard Butler. Amidst the wonderful 1860 setting of Washington, historic homes, antique furnishings, captivating stories, boardwalks, delicious lunch at Williams Tavern and a lot of laughs, the highlight of the tour was meeting Saib. We were pleased the Arkansas Division President, Mary Jackson and her husband Jack could join us for the day. Thank you Richard for a picture perfect day in Washington!