Pictured, left to right: President Kinne, Peggy Morrison receiving Certification for Second Confederate Ancestor James Carson, and Anita Green, Chapter registrar
The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis Chapter 900, held its monthly meeting on June 18, at the Kinser Church of God.
The meeting was called to order by President Marilyn Kinne. The ritual was led by Helen Riden, chaplain. The pledges to the Christian, United States, Tennessee, and Confederate flags were recited. The Star Spangled Banner, Tennessee Waltz, and Dixie were sung. Minutes of the previous meeting were read. The Treasurer’s report was given by Peggy Morrison.
"UDC members enjoyed their annual June Tea. Some of the delicious dishes served included apples roses, cucumber sandwiches, scones, lemon curd, jams, cream cheese crescents, lemon cake, lime fudge and much more served along with hot, and iced teas. It is stated that President Lincoln once said 'If this is coffee please bring me some tea: but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.' Afternoon tea traces back to Anna, Duchess of Bedford in England (1783-1857), wife of the seventh Duke. It was a way to quell the inevitable hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. Finding she was peckish between luncheon (usually a small meal) and dinner she got into the habit of having a light meal of tea, cake, and sandwiches in the afternoon. Soon afternoon tea became traditional for the upper classes.
"For Southern women the afternoon tea became a tradition. Women presided over the tea ritual, which brought families together and provided opportunities to teach their children good manners and to demonstrate the decorum and respectability that were essential in the South.
"Tea was listed as a staple for both Union and Confederate soldiers. The Union blockades on coffee probably increased the demand for tea in the South. If a Civil war soldier was lucky enough to have a supply of tea in his rations, it was probably a green tea known as “Gunpowder Tea”. Produced in the Zhejiana Province of China, each leaf was rolled into a small round pellet resembling grains of black powder. Some recipes for tea became popular in the War Between the States: Blackberry Tea …….Pick the blackberry leaves and dry them. When you want to make tea, just crumble a couple of teaspoons of leaves to one cup of boiling water. Steep for five to ten minutes, then enjoy. Relaxing Tea Blend from Herbs….. ¼ cup dried spearmint, 1 cup dried lemon balm, ¼ cup dried lemon grass, ½ cup dried catnip, ¾ cup dried chamomile flowers and 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers. Combine the herbs and store in an air tight container in a dark cool location. Make tea using 2 teaspoons of herb blend for each cup," an attendee shared.
At the conclusion of the tea, President Kinne, and Registrar Anita Green presented Peggy Morrison a supplemental (a second Confederate ancestor) Certificate on James Carson. The meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting will be in September. Anyone interested in the United Daughters of the Confederacy can visit website at www.udcjeffersondavischapter900.com or facebook www.facebook.com/udcjeffersondavischapter900.
Pictured, front from left to right - Gussie Ridgeway, Victoria Willard, President Marilyn Kinne, Kevin Kinne, Zeke Pritchett, Lisa Pritchett; back from left to right - Garin Willard, Rose Willard, Maney Willard, MiniSue Willard, Andrea Ackers, Robin Ramsey, Amy Kibble, Helen Riden, Peggy Morrison, Christy Peden, Anita Green, Linda Ballew, Judy Hall