REBEL JOAN OF ARC PROUDLY PARTICIPATES IN CONROE FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION AT FOUNDER’S PLAZA DOWNTOWN!
Since 2018 Conroe Founder’s Day Board has put on their celebratory event at the Homestead of Founder Isaac Conroe, but this year the Event was moved for the 1st time to the Founder’s Plaza, just a block off the square, and the great attendance this year showed that was a good decision! More than 250 townspeople were in attendance, along with many dignitaries honoring this event, and most especially the descendants of Isaac Conroe.
Conroe Founder’s Day Board President, Founder, and Mistress of Ceremonies, Mrs.
Lyn Hawthorne Howard hosted the Event along with her dedicated CFD Board who have largely been together since 2018! What a gift they have given to the City of Conroe with this important recognition, and all their volunteerism! Lyn Howard (also a Charter Officer of the Rebel Joan Of Arc 2721 Chapter of the UDC), introduced her CFD Board with her deepest appreciations: De’Andre Guin, Sr., who heads up Treasurer & Awards, Margie Taylor, acts as Secretary & Publicity, Elaine Hamlin Collings (also a member of the Rebel Joan Of Arc Chapter) is in charge of Docents, Genealogy Groups, & Historical Societies, Rebecca Smith-Nash, handles Website & Grants, Shana Arthur (also a RJOA Member), acts as City Liaison, Jason Franklin who is a new addition to this esteemed Board has been of great service in Marketing & Sponsorships! Lyn thanked her Scribe Erica Olsen, and all her Board for their perseverance and dedication.
FOURTEEN Genealogy and Historical Societies sent Representatives to this event and ALL were Introduced to the Public by CFD Chairman: Elaine Collings. They came dressed according to the Group they represented and were an important recognition for honoring the City of Conroe and its Founding. This was an exceptional Historical turnout for the recognition of Texas History in our local area and honoring the city of Conroe.
Again THE REBEL JOAN OF ARC 2721 CHAPTER OF THE UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY gave outstanding service in handing out Programs, and seeing to the needs of the audience.
Once the Event started, CFD/RJOA Chairman ELAINE COLLINGS introduced her Rebel Belles, which preformed a quick lovely mini-style show in their various Period Dresses of the Day and the Evening, which gave the audience a perspective of what might have been worn by the ladies of Conroe during the time of its founding.
1st RJOA Model introduced was “MRS MARY-LYN HOWARD” in her Texas Confederate Prarie Dress, who gave us a quick Texas twirl! “MRS CAIMY-LYNN HARBISON” wore a fashionable Town Dress for shopping with her companion, as no Southern lady would have gone to town unescorted! “MRS DARLA-GRACE” wore a Riding Habit of the Day on her pretend horse. “MRS CHARLOTTE ANN BELIN” was dresses in a fun colorful Picnic Dress and prefect for Spring! “MRS ANITA-LOUISE STEVENS” graced us in her Teal and Black silk Tea Dress, and black feathered fan. “MRS EVELYN GEROME MILLER” was the Belle of the Ball in her Green Velvet and White organza Ball Gown, complete with her Dance Card- Already FULL! Lastly was “MRS FRANCES-ELAINE COLLINGS” in her Burgundy Shochet Parade Dress complete with First National Flags and Texas Flags! “MRS ELAINE” wrapped up the mini-Style Show shouting to the crowds: “Everyone Loves A Conroe Parade”!!!
Descendants of Isaac Conroe were introduced by Mike Bowden, and a short History of Isaac Conroe was given by Andy Rapoza. CFD Board Member: DeAndre’ Guin, Sr. Introduced the Lifetime Achievement Award which was awarded to Judge Kathleen Hamilton. Then the Prestigious “Isaac Conroe 2026 Citizen of the Year” was awarded to nominee: Todd Bartholet! Closing Remarks from President LYN HOWARD, and Pine Tree Seeds were gifted to the Public by the Conroe Founder’s Day Board in remembrance of how and why Conroe began. Final Prayers were given by Dr. John Wayne McMann, of the First Methodist Church in Conroe.
Rebel Joan Of Arc ANITA STEVENS concluded with the passionate singing of
“America The Beautiful”, and “TEXAS, OUR TEXAS”.
A Very Lovely Day, and Congratulations to the City of Conroe, and most especially the
CONROE FOUNDER’S DAY BOARD ON ANOTHER OUTSTANDING CELEBRATORY EVENT GIFTED TO THE CITY OF CONROE AND IT’S CITIZENS!
Submitted by CFD/RJOA Elaine Collings
ehcollings@gmail.com