The Robert F. Hoke Chapter No. 78 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy held its annual Lee-Jackson-Maury Luncheon Jan. 17 in the Stanback Auditorium of Rowan Public Library.
The first LJM Luncheon was held in 1992 at the home of President Sue Curtis and a few years later in the home of Vice President Jo White Linn before moving to a larger venue.
The historical lecture, door prizes and food showcases three military men who served in the U.S. Army and Navy prior to resigning and giving their service to the Confederate States of America.
These men were Matthew Fontaine Maury, born Jan. 14, 1806; Robert Edward Lee, born Jan. 19, 1807; and Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson, born Jan. 21, 1824.
A lemon-flavored birthday cake made by caterer Debbie Suggs was served for dessert since Gen. Jackson was supposed to have a fondness for lemons.
Chicken dumplings, the main course, was in memory of Lee’s “pet” hen that traveled with his staff during 1863-1864 and, unknown to the general, was made part of a meal for special dinner guests.
Packets of salt were provided as seasoning to represent Commodore Maury’s nautical background.
Approximately 70 UDC members from chapters in Charlotte, Concord, Denver, Graham, Greensboro, Lexington, Lincolnton, Mooresville, Newton, Raleigh, Shelby, Statesville, Wilmington and Winston-Salem joined the Salisbury Chapter along with the N.C. Division’s president, vice president, second vice President, third vice president and historian. The ladies were delighted to have a number of husbands and children join them for this event.
Curtis created the programs, placemats and individual gifts. Vice President Sandra Boyer gave the welcome and read the blessing, which was a prayer used for 34 years by Commodore Maury.
Recorder Nancy Sloop led the singing and provided music on her keyboard, Registrar Trudy Hall recognized the special guests, and Chaplain Linda Davis gave the benediction.
Historian Dianne Hall read a poem, “Birthdays of Lee and Jackson,” and members Chris Hilton, Barbara Upright and Lynn Coughenour joined the group in giving out the door prizes.
Honorary Associate Member Ed Curtis introduced the guest speaker, author Tom Perry from Virginia, who spoke on “Lee, Jackson, and Stuart — Their Professional and Personal Relationships.”
Perry is a graduate of Virginia Tech, where he studied under nationally known Civil War historian Dr. James I. Robertson Jr.
Perry is the founder of the J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust and is a recognized authority on Stuart.
The luncheon concluded with an invitation to return in 2015 for the luncheon, and then all joined hands and sang “Bless Be the Tie That Binds.”