MINUTES of Meetings

March 9, 2021 

A small, but dedicated group met Mar. 9th, 2021 to discuss both preservation of heritage items as well as to hear Lee Hadsock's program, "The Civil War in Florida." We welcomed two new members, John Franze and Bryan Thaggard.
   In his lecture on "Florida's Role...," Lee went through an explanation--using a map with colored pins to designate Union and Confederate engagements in Florida--of the major and even minor military engagements in our state. He recommended Paul Taylor's book, "Discovering the Civil War in Florida." Using primary sources, photographs, and other materials, Lee left us convinced that Florida played a major role in the War Between the States. During his presentation, he also shared memories of his re-enactor days and being a participant in many of these events. He described scenes from the movie, "Glory," which were filmed at an Olustee re-enactment and he also shared some short snippets on YOUTUBE about Florida in the war.  These were:

  The Battle of Santa Rosa Island (3:15 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZaOjrbraL0);  
   The "Sinking of the Mapleleaf" (7:39) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbQw6eJg59o ) and,    
    The Battle of Olustee (7:17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP0jD-nk2EQ) by the Florida Endowment for the Humanities  

  Another excellent almost one-hour documentary done on the 150th Anniversary of Olustee may be viewed at (53:47 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Ukf7wg0ac).  Other links regarding Florida in the civil war may be accessed at:       https://www.dropbox.com/s/6lan3498d09cd9v/Florida%20in%20the%20Civil%20War%20Resources.pdf?dl=0 

Jack promised to send out a Powerpoint presentation containing excellent photos of Florida's civil war forts which supported the content in Lee's lecture. (Anyone not able to open the Powerpoint should contact Jack for a PDF version.) Following Lee's presentation, President Brian Bailey reviewed the current bill in the FL legislature to rescind several legal state holidays pertaining to Florida's Confederate heritage and shared copies of his draft letter to our elected officials. The group approved a motion to send it to all our members of the SW FL delegation as well as to the Governor and leaders of the FL House and Senate. Jack then shared some other bills which seek to further impact the teaching of history in the state and would even rescind Charter School independence and deny principals their salaries if they don't comply. No such penalties were ever connected to any other failures to teach many other required topics to Florida's school children. Links to these bills and punitive measures are available in the 'legislative" section of our blog. 
     In other business, there was little news pertaining to ongoing efforts to restore the monument of Robert E. Lee to the "public square" in Lee County. The local SCV chapter has apparently retained an attorney to pursue this. Jack mentioned his meeting with the President of the SW Florida Historical Museum revealed their fear of losing their 501C3 status should they become involved. (Jack explained why this fear is unfounded.) Still no word on whether the Sons of Union Veterans or other local historical groups/associations will take a position on the issue. 
     Due to time, the Jeopardy Quiz and prizes were postponed until next month's meeting. This will be held again at the same location (19001 Cypress View Drive, Ft Myers) and will feature the program: "John H. Morgan: Hero or Hooligan?" 
    With this news, the meeting adjourned.