Rebel Joan Of Arc 2721, of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, traveled fully stocked and “dressed to the Period Nines” to participate in the Celebration of the “190th Anniversary of Texas Independence”, out at the newly renovated Washington On the Brazos Historic Site. This renovation was a 55 Million Dollar Project that has taken two years before this Grand reopening for this Historic Celebration! The Rebel Joan Of Arc Chapter has always been big supporters of the WOTB Event at this time of the year for the “Texas High Holy Days”, and this year was even greater anticipation to view the Etched RJOA, UDC Brick laid in the historic walkway on the way to the Museum. This project was completed by RJOA President JENNY LEHR, and all her RJOA Sisters that were in Attendance have their toes pointed to the RJOA, UDC Brick! It was a great hunt and find for the Chapter, and a proud moment to stand on this historic walkway, while supporting the Washing On The Brazos Historic Site.
This Rebel Joan Of Arc Chapter is leaving its Proud Name etched in stone for generations to come while contributing to Texas History. After All, The Last Battle of the War Between The States was Fought in Texas, and TEXAS CONFEDERATES WON!
The success of this RJOA Participation Event was spear-headed by RJOA Chairman: LAURA McCRACKEN and who always does a magnificent job for her Rebel Joan Of Arc Chapter in whatever she does. She organized her chapter participators in their RJOA Personalized RED Aprons, and even the ones who couldn’t attend for their hand made Texas Items. The Booth Site was under this magnificent Texas Live Oak Tree as seen behind the Texas Tent in the Photo. Wasn’t it an Amazing Blessing to find the RJOA Brick almost in front of it! LAURA McCRACKEN collected Texas Items from her Chapter Sisters: DARLA SHERAR who hand made fabulous crystal head bands, SHELIA WILLIAMSON who crocheted coasters in assorted colored sets of eight, CAIMY HARBISON who made one of her gorgeous unique large Texas Wreaths for her Chapter, EVELYN MILLER who is known for her elegant Western Hats and donated numerous beauties to this event, ELAINE COLLINGS with a large A & M Yarn Eyelash Pillow and grey knitted cap, LAURA McCRACKEN brought Texas Bird Houses form the Hill Country – 2 beautiful Frames Texas History Documents – and assorted Texas Crafts, CHARLOTTE BELIN showed up with 2 darling Golf Hats, ANITA STEVENS hand made numerous styles of Hat bands and very unique silk tie neck adornments, BARBARA EDDLEMAN was happy to contribute a very unique Texas Welcome Sign that changes for the seasons and hand made by her TX Artist Daughter, DEBBIE AIELLO gifted a very festive Mardi Gras Wreath since so many Louisiana boys came to fight for Texas Independence, DONNA SUMMERS contributed the most elaborate fancy lace and macrame Belt that everyone wanted and it was the 1st to go!, KAREN DeBERRY parted with 2 Antique dolls that were hand made by Award winning Texas Doll Artist, and CYNTHIA CONNOR had assorted fabulous jewelry for display that everyone wanted!
ELAINE and ANITA argued over who were the “Best Customers” in their own RJOA Booth!
IF I was to give a Gold Star Award for the “Best RJOA Sales Lady”, it would be a tie between REGINA RINEY and
ANITA STEVENS! Of Course we had LAURA McCRACKEN next to us who NEVER stops greeting the Public and educating, – so Maybe It’s MRS LAURA???
One thing is for sure, ALL RJOA gave many Hours and Dollars to the success of this event, and the REWARD IS ALWAYS GREAT! For He who makes an Effort is surely Rewarded….
(If I forgot someone- please forgive!) ALL RJOA ALWAYS RISE TO THE OCCASION! Even the 2 RJOA Honorary Associate Members: DOUG COLLINGS being of physical assistance wherever he could, and RON McCRACKEN who donated the Texas Carving Set for upcoming drawing! These 2 Men have been outstanding contributors to RJOA and continue to do so…
RJOA Veterans Chairman: CYNTHIA CONNOR and RJOA Chapter were busy honoring the various members of the WOTB public with the prestigious “RJOA VETERANS CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION”! RJOA uses every opportunity to express their Patriotism and show appreciation to our Veterans, all while participating in Texas History Education.
Of course we were Blessed not only with good weather, but the Joy of the grateful visitors to our Booth, and the Success of the whole WASHINGTON ON THE BRAZOS re-opening on such an important occasion!
~Special Thanks to RON & LAURA McCRACKEN, & PNG Products!~
Submitted by RJOA Chairman of Public Relations:
Elaine Collings, ehcollings@gmail.com
Special Thanks to Photo Committee: Shelia Williamson.