First Meeting of the Year: Commissioner Charles Gause 1812 Chapter

The Commissioner Charles Gause 1812 Chapter held its first meeting of the year on Saturday, February 1st. The event commenced at 10:30 a.m. in the Pine Room at the Northeast Regional Library in Wilmington.

Our guest speaker for the meeting was David Houpt, who delivered an insightful presentation on the domestic politics of the War of 1812. Dr. Houpt is an esteemed historian with a specialty in late eighteenth-century America. His research places a particular emphasis on the political culture that emerged during the post-Revolutionary period. He delves deeply into the intricacies of political parties and elections, exploring the contested nature of democracy during the early American Republic.

In addition to Dr. Houpt's presentation, we were honored to welcome Captain Michael Burrous, who joined the Marine Corps and served for 12 years—two as an enlisted Marine and the remainder as an officer. It was a privilege to present Capt. Burrous with a copy of the Presidential Proclamation, the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the US Daughters of 1812.

The meeting was a significant start to the year's activities, bringing together members and guests to honor our history and celebrate notable contributions. 

President Michele Russell and guest speaker David Houpt

 Veteran's Chair Suzanne Palmer presented Captain Michael Burrous with a copy of the Presidential Proclamation, the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Daughters of 1812.

The Battle of New Orleans January 8, 2025

 L to R: Cindy Sellers, Carol Jutte, Pat Gooding, President, Michele Russell, Linda Lashley, Bettie Lettieri and Caron Myers

 Let's Commemorate the Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812

Members of Commissioner Charles Gause No. 433 Chapter of the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 gathered in Southport on a very chilly Wednesday, January 8, 2025, to commemorate the Battle of New Orleans.  This is the 11th year that the chapter has been celebrating this event. 

President Michele Russell spoke about the impact of the war. The war resulted in inflation, tariffs, internal taxation, the reestablishment of a central bank, and the modern fractional reserve on hand while loaning out and investing the rest. 

The Significance of the War of 1812

Historical Impact

The War of 1812 was a complex and transformative conflict that influenced the trajectory of the young American nation. President Michele Russell addressed the gathered members, emphasizing the war's profound impact on the country. She highlighted several key outcomes:

• Inflation: The war led to significant inflation, as the costs of wartime efforts stretched the nation's financial capabilities.

• Tariffs: In response to the economic pressures, tariffs were introduced to protect American industries and generate revenue.

• Internal Taxation: Internal taxation became necessary to support the war effort, marking a shift in governmental fiscal policies.

• Central Bank Reestablishment: The reestablishment of a central bank was crucial in stabilizing the economy and ensuring financial order.

• Modern Fractional Reserve Banking: The war catalyzed the development of the modern fractional reserve system, where banks keep a fraction of deposits on hand while loaning and investing the rest.

The Battle of New Orleans A Decisive Victory

President Russell delved into the details of the Battle of New Orleans, a significant conflict on January 8, 1815. Despite being fought after the peace treaty had been signed, the battle was a decisive victory for the United States and cemented General Andrew Jackson as a national hero. The win bolstered American morale and fostered a sense of unity and patriotism.

Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future

The commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812 reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and the enduring legacy of their courage and determination. Through such gatherings and reflections, we continue to honor our history and draw inspiration for the future. The members of the Commissioner Charles Gause No. 433 Chapter of the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 exemplify this commitment to remembrance and homage, ensuring that the stories and valor of their ancestors are never forgotten.

As the chilly January day drew close, the chapter members departed with renewed pride and a deeper understanding of the War of 1812's significance. The commemoration honored the past and reinforced the values of resilience, unity, and patriotism that continue to shape the American spirit. Through their dedicated efforts, the legacy of the Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812 remains vibrantly alive, a testament to the enduring power of remembrance.

A Tribute to Ancestors

After President Russell's enlightening speech, the chapter members paid a solemn and heartfelt tribute to their ancestors. Each member placed a flower in honor of their forebears who had fought in the War of 1812. Cindy Sellers rang a chime as each patriot's name was called, creating a reflective moment for all present.

Carol Jutte and Michele Russell placed flowers on the marker.

Pat Gooding and Michele Russel placed flowers on the marker.

After celebrating the Battle of New Orleans, members visited the Edgewater 122 Restaurant for refreshments. The restaurant's warm ambiance provided a perfect setting for the attendees to share their reflections on the day's commemorations. 

A Special Thank You to Caron Myers for Photography and Linda Lashley's tripod.

January 8, 2025

Southport, NC Battle of New Orleans

Agenda

Invocation—Chaplain Linda Lashley

Laying of the Wreath—President Michele Russell and Vice

President, Rebecca Chipman

Welcome—President, Michele Russell

Program—Economic Impact of the War of 1812

Laying of Flowers and Ringing of Bell:

(Ringing of Bell by Cindy Sellers)

President Michele Russell, followed by members honoring their

patriot

Blessing—Chaplain, Linda Lashley

Pictures before drinks/snacks at Edgewater 122 in Southport, NC

Wreaths Across America: Honoring Our Veterans - Commissioner Charles Gause No. 433 Chapter of Dadughters of 1812

Each year, Commissioner Charles Gause No. 433 Chapter of the National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 passionately supports the Wreaths Across America initiative, a poignant and patriotic program dedicated to honoring and remembering our nation's veterans. This year, our chapter's efforts were particularly notable and heartfelt. Through a generous donation made during the 2-for-1 sale, the Daughters of 1812 facilitated the purchase of 95 wreaths. This significant contribution aligns with our ongoing mission to ensure that every grave at the Wilmington National Cemetery in Wilmington, North Carolina, is honored with a wreath.

Our chapter earned back five dollars for half of the total wreaths sponsored. So, with wreaths sponsored, the chapter would earn $5 times 47, which would be $235. For members who did not participate in the 2-for-1 sale, you have until November 27th to purchase additional wreaths to guarantee a wreath on all 5,126 graves at Wilmington National Cemetery. This program is among the best and easiest programs to help our chapter earn funds. So, ladies, “Keep on Buying Wreaths.”

There is a 2 for 1 Sale Sponsored by Wreaths Across America from December 14th throught January 17th, 2025

 

For more detailed information on purchasing a wreath for Wreaths Across America, click on the TAB in the upper right corner. If you buy one wreath between December and January 17th, it counts as two wreaths. We have had some very generous people who have purchased 10 or more wreaths, which is fantastic. The wreaths are $17. Contact Phyllis Wilson at  par4wilson@gmail.com if you need assistance.

Wreath-Making Demonstration at Moore's Creek Battlefield

 

Member Judy Ward held a wreath-making demonstration at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield. Forty-five students and their chaperones from Classical Charter School of Southport attended the event.

Moores Creek National Battlefield's Candlelight Tours

 On November 14, members Linda Lashley and Judy Ward assisted with Moores Creek National Battlefield's annual Candlelight Tours. Over 320 visitors attended the 14 free tours. This was a signature event with multiple costumed reenactors staged along the trails, bringing history to life as they told the story of the fight for American Independence.

Photos and Information from the October 5th, 2024 Daughter of 1812 Meeting

 The speaker at our 1812 meeting today was Jacob "Jake" Grossman, the Educator and Collections Coordinator for the Old Baldy Foundation. Jake used a PowerPoint presentation with slides that depicted Old Baldy Lighthouse and its long history here in the region.  Bald Head Island was once called Smith Island. Jake told how in 1739, well before the American Revolution, Wilmington had about a thousand people. The Cape Fear River, he said, allowed for the shipment of tar from around the interior state town of Cross Creek, now known as Fayetteville, back down to Wilmington where it could be loaded onto British ships. He said we sent out tar, used to waterproof wooden vessels, as well as longleaf pine wood and turpentine, to be used for shipbuilding. Before the Revolutionary War, some 50 percent of the British vessels were supplied by these products from here in North Carolina. After the war, the same supplies went to build American ships. Old Baldy, he says, is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina. In 1734, the first lighthouse was built on Smith Island near the water's edge. However, the contractor on the project was slow and his calculations were off. By 1780, only 60-percent of the lighthouse was finished and Alexander Hamilton knew something was off. He asked for an inspection and realized he was correct. The calculations of the lighthouse were indeed off. In time, another lighthouse was built, this time more inland on the island, with some of the bricks from the original lighthouse. The cost was $15,000 and would be built by Daniel Lay. The project began in earnest in 1813 and was completed in 1817. The Old Baldy lighthouse was built 110 feet high and with walls that start with 5 feet of brick at the base and go up to 2 feet walls of brick at the top. It was then covered with stucco. Old Baldy is the only lighthouse that is built of brick in an octagonal Federal style. The biggest mistake David Lay made in building his Old Baldy lighthouse was not going deep enough with the foundation. He therefore had to build a glacis wall around the base of the lighthouse to catch the water so that when it pours down from the top of the lighthouse when it rains, it could easily run off. However, that original glacis wall was removed in the 1970s and replaced with an earthen glacis wall, which has since eroded. The Old Baldy Foundation is in the process of proving to the State of North Carolina that the original concrete glacis wall existed, which they have summarily done, and offered to replace the earthen wall with a new concrete wall to help protect the lighthouse for future generations. If you'd like a tour of Old Baldy, Jacob Grossman can be reached at jake@oldbaldy.org or by calling 910-457-7481.

Information provided by Caron Myers 

Public Relations Committee for 1812

President Michele Russell and guest speaker Jacob "Jake" Grossman pose for a photo after his informative PowerPoint presentation.

President Michel Russell presented former President Carol Jutte with the past President's Pin.

The Charles Gause Chapter US Daughters of 1812 participates in the Stamps for the Wounded program, which was founded in 1942 to help wounded and ill service members deal with boredom, loneliness, and convalesce through stamp collecting and art projects that use canceled stamps. At the Oct 5th meeting, we were gifted two boxes of stamps donated by a local stamp-collecting society. These will be sent to the program in our name.

Information provided by Veterans Chair Suzanne Palmer                                        

Chaplain Linda Lashley collected an unbelievable amount of stamps. 

The Charles Gause Chapter US Daughters of 1812 is a Commemorative Partner with the Vietnam War Commemoration. Over the last three years, we have recognized spouses of our

members who served on active duty in the U.S. military between 1955-1975. At the October 5th meeting, we honored two surviving spouses of veterans and a living veteran. We will continue to recognize the friends and family of our members through 2025.

Presentation of Vietnam Commemorative Certificate and Pin by Suzanne Palmer

Book received from General Society of the War of 1812