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STFB Annual Meeting

November 14, 2006

Forty-one intrepid souls braved a cold drizzle the evening of November 14 to assemble at White Hall in Spring Hill for the STFB Annual Meeting. This historic home was the headquarters of General Earl Van Dorn the spring of 1863. As is well known, Van Dorn was requested to move his offices elsewhere after he was visited in his quarters by Jessie Peters, wife of then absent Dr. Peters, who later returned to town to confront and murder Van Dorn.  But that’s another story, more later.

After a wonderful dinner in this beautiful historic setting, STFB President Joe Smyth welcomed the crowd and previewed the short business meeting that preceded our guest speaker. STFB Treasurer Sam Huffman briefly reviewed our 2006 activities that included formal tours of the Triune Earthworks (50 guests) on April 1, and a Tour of the Eastern Flank Battlefield in Franklin (185 guests) on August 19. Other activities included booths at Franklin’s Arbor Day event at Pinkerton Park, where we did informal tours of Fort Granger next door, and a booth at the Thompson Station festival where we did informal tours of the Thompson Station battlefield.

STFB had an information booth at Mike Kent’s two day Civil War Show in Nashville in December.  STFB officers volunteered many hours for Franklins Charge projects, and helped, along with others, the Heritage Foundation write and edit the new Battle of Franklin driving tour map.

The Tinnie Pinkerton Dozier 2006 preservation award and plaque went to Heritage Foundation historian Rick Warwick. In making the award, STFB Board Member Greg Wade noted the outstanding research materials compiled by Rick regarding the Eastern Flank, and the many books and publications that Rick has produced in the last few years.

STFB Secretary Sam Gant then presided over the election of three STFB Board members for three year terms: Chris Cuomo, Sam Gant, Bobby Hargrove.

Joe introduced our guest speaker Eric A. Jacobson, who is the historian at Carnton Plantation. Eric spoke from his new book, For Cause & For Country: A Study of the Affair at Spring Hill and the Battle of Franklin.  This book is a new examination of the events and battles at Spring Hill and Franklin. It is a thorough review of the subject and a major addition to the literature.

In his energetic and knowledgeable manner, Eric spoke on “The Affair at Spring Hill” and included the battle actions in the vicinity of White Hall. The entire crowd agreed that Eric was an outstanding speaker, and several insisted on buying his book on the spot for Eric to sign. You may purchase Eric’s book at Historic Carnton Plantation in Franklin by calling 615-794-0903 and also at The Carter House by phoning 615-791-1861.

The evening concluded with a brief talk by our hosts, Joe Ed and Jean Gaddes, which covered the history of White Hall, and the events leading to Van Dorn’s demise. The house is not open to the visiting public, but your group can sponsor a dinner event at White Hall by calling 615-371-0697.  It was a grand meeting, and a grand evening. Many thanks to all involved.

Photos by Chris Cuomo / SCENE THROUGH THE LENS