Following the "Parade of the Belles", Texas General Land Office Commissioner, Jerry Patterson, gave his speech telling about his
background, the Texas General Land Office, the importance of preserving our heritage and honoring Confederate Veterans.
After Commissioner Patterson's speech, everyone was treated to an excellent meal from the buffet on the patio overlooking
Lake Conroe. Throughout most of the event, a silent auction was being held which contained dozens of items relating to the
"War Between the States Era".
Following the meal, author, Ed Cotham, Jr. gave a speech pointing out a multitude of Confederate Heroes many of which were from Texas including "Rip" Ford, Hiram Granbury and Ashbel Smith. He also mentioned the 12 Texas Governors who had been officers in the Confederate Army and noted their contributions as educators and founders of Texas universities.
The next event was the "Live Auction" which included rare books, original Confederate Currency and a limited edition painting of the battle of Vicksburg. Friendly competition between would be buyers turned out to be quite entertaining.
The 2009 event was concluded with an address from SCV Texas Division Commander, Greg Manning. Commander Manning spoke of
Robert E. Lee, the events leading up to the War between the States and the true cause for which Confederate Veterans fought.
We certainly thank Commander Manning, Commissioner Patterson and Ed Cotham for their words and for their special efforts which
made this a great event. We would also like to thank the other Texas Division Officers, 1st Lt. Commander Ray James and
2nd Lt. Commander Granvel Block, Magruder's Gulf Coast Brigade Commander Les Pettigrew and
1st Lt. Commander Billy Surface, Texas Society Order of Confederate Rose Secretary Danis Surface, the
Children of the Confederacy Major George W. Durant Chapter 935, the United Daughters of the Confederacy -
Magnolia Rangers Chapter 2544, Anna Shepeard, President and Thomas Jefferson Stubbs Chapter 2523, Eva Rains, President and
the many others that contributed their time and money in support of the 2009 Cotillion.
Last but not least we would Like to thank Dr. Craig Livingston for being our Master of Ceremonies, John Reid for being our Piper,
the Celtaire String Band
for providing us with the great music and Julie Johnson of Julie Johnson Photography for the great pictures of this event.
See Ya Next Year -
