Visitors Gather to Celebrate Jefferson Davis' 204th Birthday
Montgomery Advertiser
June 5, 2012
Story by Alvin Benn
Special to the Advertiser
Jefferson Davis, the Confederacy’s first and only president, was an American patriot with conflicting views on secession, but a man who knew he could defend only one of them when war clouds hovered over the South.
Davis was remembered on his 204th birthday Monday for his integrity, honesty and, above all, his belief that secession from the Union was right and proper.
In that regard, visitors who attended the birthday celebration at the First White House of the Confederacy learned that Davis at first was a firm supporter of the Union and did not want to see it split.
Decades before, in 1776, the 13 American colonies pulled away from their English rulers in the belief that they had a right to do so, citing taxation without representation and other issues.
In 1861, the South and its leaders who believed the same thing, but did not have the military might to avoid a bloody end to their secessionist movement.
Attorney Philip Davis, one of Montgomery’s leading authorities on the Civil War, said Southerners continue to have favorable feelings about the Confederate president and indicated that Northerners might “come around” one day.
“Our country is facing problems today that can be traced to the same kind of problems we had in the 1850s and ’60s, and I’m not talking about the social problems as much as the economic ones,” Davis said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see a realignment and a rethinking of history.”
Murfee Gewin, a student of the Civil War and the Confederate leader, noted that Davis’ father was a Revolutionary War soldier who supported independence from British rule.
Years later, his son had become a national leader elected to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi. When the issue of secession gained momentum across the country, Davis at first felt that the Union should be kept intact.
“He felt it was a legal contract and (secession) was the wrong thing to do at the time,” Gewin said, as he stood on the steps leading to the second floor of the First White House of the Confederacy. “Eventually, he did what he felt was his duty to do and that was to defend the South.”
Davis was inaugurated as president of the Confederacy on Feb. 18, 1861, in Montgomery and later moved with his Cabinet to Richmond, where the South’s capital was re-established.
When the war ended, Davis was captured, shackled and charged with treason. His popularity by that time had been overtaken by Gen. Robert E. Lee, who would become president of a college bearing his name, along with that of George Washington.
Years after his death on Dec. 6, 1889, at the age of 81, Davis’ popularity gained new support and on Oct. 17, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a bill restoring citizenship to him. Congress approved it without a dissenting vote.
The birthday celebration was held Monday because Davis’ actual birthday fell on Sunday. Once again, a cake was baked by Eva Newman and pieces were distributed to the large crowd that filled the first floor of the building.
Photos courtesy of Leslie Kirk, Emily Sparrow and Fred Marshall (Montgomery Independent)
Jefferson Davis Birthday Celebration Montgomery Independent
June 21, 2012
Story by Julie Parker Garrett
The Whirl
An enthusiastic group assembled at the First White House of the Confederacy recently to celebrate Jefferson Davis' 204th birthday. The guests were greeted warmly by the ladies of the White House Association. Regent, Anne Tidmore welcomed the crowd and introduced Michael Howell, Minister of Pastoral Care at Trinity Presbyterian Church, who gave the Invocation. The White House staff, Eva Newman, Robert McCray, Evelyn England and Henry Howard were thanked for their tireless efforts on behalf of the First White House. Sandra Porter, Deputy Director of the Service Division of the State of Alabama was introduced and thanked, as was the speaker Murfee Gewin and his son Hunter, who was visiting from Louisville, Ky.
Murfee spoke briefly about Jefferson Davis, stressing Davis' integrity, Christian character and honesty. Davis as a State Senator from Mississippi, worked very hard to keep the Union together, but when Secession came, he felt it was his duty to defend the South. He was a military man, but instead of leading troops, he was unanimously elected President of the Confederacy. It was during the spring of 1861 that Davis and his family lived in the First White House, while Montgomery was the Capitol of the Confederacy.When the Capitol was moved to Richmond, Virginia, the Davises also left Montgomery and moved to Richmond. After the War, Davis was imprisoned and put in shackles.Years after his death in 1889, Murfee said, Davis' popularity gained new support,.and in 1978 President Carter signed a bill restoring his citizenship.
Among those enjoying Murfee's talk and Eva Newman's wonderful birthday cake, were White House members, Sandra Patrick, Martha Alexander, Ollie McAdam, Mary Miles, Kathi Atkins, Lulie Grant, Carol Brewbaker, Emily Sparrow, Betty Brislin, Tutter Rogers, Saralee Green, Kitty Harrell, Martha Houston, and Bessie Ratcliffe. Guests included Paul Miles, Linda and John Graham of Tuscaloosa, Sybil Carter, Marguerite Wood, Kitty Huffhaker, Freddie Copeland, Mary Frazer, Jeannine Svenson, Frank McCorkle, Mike Williams, Fred Marshall, Jan and Frank Law, RoseMary and Phillip Davis, Tommie and George Gayle, Mary Alice Waits, Leslie Kirk, Hettie Harrington, June Crews, Alvin Benn, Eddie Pattillo, Jay Hinton, Bill Stone. Maary Ann Martin,Morgan Berney from the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and many, many others..
Crowd Gathers to Honor Lee on his Birthday
Montgomery Advertiser
Jan 20, 2012 pictures
Story by Alvin Benn
Special to the Advertiser
Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee was remembered Thursday as a man who lived by a code of conduct and honor given to him by his father, and he never veered from its principles in war or peace.
"He was a man of great personal integrity and honesty," said Philip Davis, who rarely misses an opportunity to attend the annual birthday celebration for Lee, who was born Jan. 19, 1807, in Westmoreland County, Va.
Davis joined a large crowd of Lee devotees at the First White House of the Confederacy. When the ceremony was over, they picked up a piece of cake or a cupcake in honor of the general.
Unlike previous speakers who delved into great details about Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, whose birthday is also celebrated, Robert Bradley opted for a more basic presentation.
Anne Tidmore, regent of the First White House of the Confederacy, chats with Robert Bradley, chief curator of the state Department of Archives and History prior to a program Thursday in honor of Robert E. Lee's birthday.
Bradley, chief curator at the state Department of Archives and History, walked up several steps leading to the second floor and began to rattle off a series of facts about Lee.
"He sure did summarize things pretty well," Davis said. "I thought he did a good job."
Agreeing with Davis was Anne Tidmore, First White House regent, who used "succinct" to describe Bradley's report on Lee.
"He may not have said that much, but he covered a lot of ground," Tidmore said. "What we try to do during these birthday celebrations is to focus on the man being honored. We want people to remember their history."
Lee's military credentials were extensive, and over time helped to elevate him to commander of the Army of Northerm Virginia, which in effect made him the leader of the Confederate Army.
Throughout his career, Lee proved to be a fearless leader. During the Mexican-American War of 1846-48, he was wounded as he helped lead an assault at the city of Chapultepec.
Although probably not known by many Americans outside Lee scholars, the war against Mexico also brought him into his first contact with Ulysses S. Grant.
It might have happened during the march from Vera Cruz to Mexico City. Grant served as a quartermaster while Lee was an engineer. Both men did their share of fighting.
"They knew each other, no doubt about that," said Davis. "Their paths crossed all the time during their careers.
A decade after Lee's heroism in Mexico, he found himself assigned to command a detachment of Marines at Harper's Ferry, Va., after abolitionist John Brown and his supporters captured the federal arsenal there.
Lee's leadership once again proved invaluable and, in the end, Brown and his men were overwhelmed. Brown eventually was executed for his crimes.
When the Civil War ended and Lee surrendered to Grant, he returned to civilian life and became president of a college that would join his name with America's first president -- Washington and Lee.
Event Celebrates Jefferson Davis' Birthday Montgomery Advertiser
June 4, 2011
Alvin Benn
The Union had more of everything when the Confederacy was created, but the South’s political leader saw secession from the Union as a matter of “right over might” and worth the sacrifice, state Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Montgomery, said Friday.
Four years later, the Confederacy was destroyed with President Jefferson Davis captured and put in chains. The North had proved that small armies rarely defeat overwhelming enemy strength.
“The South was agrarian and underpopulated with one of four (residents) slaves who would not contribute militarily,” Brewbaker said, as he stood on the steps leading to the second floor of the First White House of the Confederacy.
Brewbaker said that those who defended secession felt they were “in the right and freedom, as they perceived it, was more important than expediency, their businesses, their families and their own lives.”
Those who opposed secession, including a member of Davis’ own Cabinet, let him know that fighting the North was akin to “kicking over a nest of hornets that will sting us to death.”
State Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Montgomery, and First White House of the Confederacy Regent Anne Tidmore help celebrate the 203rd birthday of Jefferson Davis on Friday
Despite the criticism, Brewbaker said Davis “never lost faith, he never quit and he stayed the course — not something you see among political people today.”
“In Davis’ view, participation in a Democracy was not a right, it was a duty and to fail to do so would be a betrayal of your community,” said Brewbaker, who bemoaned small voter turnouts in elections today for local and national offices.
Friday’s program actually was two events in one. Regent Anne Tidmore told the crowd that the First White House officially was dedicated 90 years ago on June 4, 1921.
The birthdays of Davis and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee are celebrated each year, and residents of other states who happen to drop by to tour the big building across the street from the state Capitol are always treated to pieces of a birthday cake.
Montgomery attorney Philip Davis, who regularly attends the two birthday celebrations, said Davis was opposed to secession and the presidency, but when the call went out for him to lead, he stepped forward.
When the South defeated Union forces in early battles of the Civil War, the president’s position at the time was: “Let’s not get too excited.”
“He warned early on that the South was not ready,” Davis said. “But, when he was asked to take on the job, he took it on.”
The actual inauguration of Davis took place a year later in Richmond, several months after the Confederacy’s capital was moved from Montgomery.
Photos below are courtesy of Fred Marshall of the Montgomery Independent and Diane Henig
Here's a video from last year's birthday celebration
William C. Davis speaks at the Sesquicentennial Fundraiser Reception on May 5th, 2011
Mr. Davis spoke at Archi-Treats at 12:00 noon on May 5th at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. That evening, May 5, he was a special guest speaker as the White House Association of Alabama hosted a Sesquicentennial Fundraiser Reception at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension to benefit the Relics in the First White House of the Confederacy.
Mr. Davis is the author or editor of more than fifty books in the fields of Civil War and Southern history. He was the on-camera senior consultant for 52 episodes of the Arts & Entertainment Network/History Channel series "Civil War Journal" as well as a number of other productions on commercial and Public Television as well as for the BBC. Since 2000 he has been Professor of History and Director of Programs of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.
Though they sustain varied responsibilities throughout the year, members of the White House Association typically only meet twice annually as a group, with a business meeting in the fall and a luncheon in the spring.
Regent Anne Tidmore welcomed them to this season's luncheon last Tuesday, which was hosted as a special event to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the "War Between the States."
On this day, 150 years ago
The association's members were encouraged to invite guests for the midday gathering in the Montgomery Country Club's Beauvoir Room. A member of numerous organizations connected to the war, Judge Mark Anderson helped commemorate the occasion by presenting a monetary contribution to the association from the Montgomery Confederate Roundtable, for which he serves as president.
He also served as the luncheon's guest speaker, as he gave an interesting account of the status and lives of prominent Confederate soldiers on March 8, 1861. Referencing diaries, letters and memoirs, he included moving accounts of Robert E. Lee, Albert S. Johnson, Stonewall Jackson, John Pelham, Joseph Johnston, James Longstreet, Leonidas Polk, William Hardee, Legrand James Wilson and Samuel Cooper.
A special donation
Joining him at the luncheon were his wife, Jean Anderson; Judy Kyser, Wallace Tidmore, Eddie Pattillo and Paul and Mary Miles, who were recognized for their recent donation of a beautiful secretary desk and bookcase to the First White House. The item, which has been placed in the president's study, was once owned by Mary Custis Lee, one of the four daughters of Gen. Robert E. Lee.
New members introduced
Anne Tidmore also welcomed Honorary Regent for Life Cameron Napier and recognized the association's new members: Catherine Woodson, Emily Sparrow of Auburn, Gibbs Davis and Caroline Slawson.
Other special guests were Wayne Hoyt, director of capitol operations; Searcy Rushing, director of the service division for the state of Alabama; deputy director Sandra Porter; Nancy Blach of Birmingham; Howard Alexander; Bubba Trotman; Dick Hodges; and Henry Howard, a FWH volunteer docent, who was thanked during the occasion for keeping the museum open on Saturdays for tourists.
Covered with champagne cloths, Diane Henig decorated each of the guests' tables with several tall, slender, elegant gold and silver vases filled with yellow lilies and alstromeria and mixed with ferns.
Guests enjoyed grilled chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens topped with almonds, dried cranberries and Mandarin oranges, and individual round cakes served for dessert, garnished with lemon curd and fresh strawberries.
Getting ready
As chairwoman for the association's upcoming Sesquicentennial Wine and Cheese Fundraiser, Kathi Atkins pumped up excitement for the event to be held at the Church of the Ascension on May 5. Sponsorship committee chairwoman Susan Haigler echoed her enthusiasm for the evening that will feature William Davis. A professor of history at Virginia Tech, Davis has written a definitive work on Montgomery during early 1861.
Many remember one
There was one solemn moment during the festive meeting, when the late Priscilla Scott Crommelin was remembered during a memorial candle-lighting ceremony conducted by the association chaplain, Tutter Rogers. Rogers spoke of the dancer, accomplished painter and great-granddaughter of Priscilla Cooper Tyler, the first lady of the United States during the presidency of John Tyler, when recalling the association's longtime member.
Formed in 1900 to save the First White House of the Confederacy, the White House Association of Alabama was charged by a 1904 act of the Legislature with "taking care of the relics in the First White House of the Confederacy."
Among the current members enjoying the luncheon were Saralee Green, parliamentarian; Emmie Stroh, treasurer; Gale Main, librarian; Carol Brewbaker, first vice regent; Fay Poole, recording secretary; Alice Blake, second vice regent; Carol Goodwyn, historian; Dora Haas, Ellen Auerbach, Martha Alexander, Betty Brislin, Kittie Hill, Susan Patton, Anne Feathers of Greenville, Nootsie McCall, Valerie Lee, Alice Reynolds and Seibels Marshall.
The ladies are among those who help maintain the First White House, located on the corner of Union and Washington streets downtown, across from the south side of the Alabama Capitol. A lovely museum, the house was originally located where the skateboard park is today, when Jefferson Davis and his family lived in it during the spring of 1861, while the Confederate government was in Montgomery.
"Becoming Alabama" Activities to Commence in Fall 2010
Becoming Alabama is a statewide partnership for the planning and promotion of commemorative activities to observe the anniversaries of three major periods in Alabama history: the bicentennial of the Creek War and War of 1812, which was pivotal in the formation of the state; the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, which began with decisions made in Montgomery by the fledgling Confederate government; and the ongoing fiftieth anniversaries of major events in the civil rights movement, which had its greatest struggles and achievements in the churches, streets, and parks of Alabama. For more information, follow these links:
Dr. Draughon to speak on the February, 1861
Meeting Between William C. Yancy and Jefferson Davis
On Wednesday, February 16, 2011 the White House Association will partner with the Archives and History Department to celebrate a very special evening at the Archives. Dr. Ralph Draughon of Auburn, Alabama, a noted historian, will speak at 6:00 pm in the auditorium about the meeting of William C. Yancey and Jefferson Davis in Montgomery on February 16, 1861. The crowd will gather in the Rotunda for refreshments at 5:30.
Here is what William C. Davis, In "A Government of Our Own: The Making of the Confederacy", tells us about that fateful evening. He tells us that Davis arrived in Montgomery exhausted. He had made speeches all along the way. It was 10:00 pm when the train rolled into the station. Even before Davis stepped down, the crowd awaiting him shouted, cannon boomed and the church bells pealed again and again. He spoke briefly to the crowd and then Davis and Yancey stepped into a four-horse coach and rode toward Court Square.
In a few minutes, he arrived at the Exchange Hotel with Yancey and the rest of the delegation. At a quarter to eleven, Davis stepped out onto the second floor portico between the massive columns overlooking Commerce Street. "Now we are brethren" he told them, "men of one flesh, of one bone, of one interest, of one purpose". He hoped they would live in peace but if war should come to test their resolve, they would show themselves worthy inheritors of the heritage of 1776.
Davis went inside to unpack and prepare for bed. The crowd called for Yancey, the hometown favorite. Yancey came out and congratulated them on finding the right man, a patriot, statesman and soldier. This was their defining moment as Confederates, he told them. "The man and the hour have met". The crowd was electrified.
Won't you make plans to join us for the sesquicentennial commemoration of this fateful night in Montgomery history? We will gather for punch and cheese straws at 5:30 and Dr. Draughon will speak at 6:00. Mark your calendars for a not-to-miss time of remembrance.
Robert E. Lee Birthday Celebration to Kick Off Sesquicentennial on January 19, 2011
Our annual observance of Robert E. Lee's birthday and early kick-off of the Sesquicentennial will be held on January 19, 2011 at 11:00, with a brief ceremony and comments about Robert E. Lee, and then cake-cutting and tours of the rooms. It will be free and the public is invited as always.
First White House's Regent Shares History of State, Nation
Montgomery Advertiser, January 23, 2011
Story by Alvin Benn
Alabama has gotten a late start, but it's rapidly catching up with other states involved in commemorating the most traumatic period in American history.
Yankees called it the Civil War. Rebels with a cause called it the War Between the States, "The War of Northern Aggression" or names with a lot of other negative connotations.
Bloodbath would have been a more appropriate name. By the time the four-year war ended, more than 625,000 troops wearing blue and gray uniforms were dead and the South lay in ruins.
Joyful events are celebrated. What happened between 1861 and 1865 can only be commemorated. Too much pain, too much suffering occurred to even think about victory or defeat.
Montgomery once again will play an important role in that commemoration, and a woman who has a direct connection to the war is doing all she can to welcome visitors to the "Cradle of the Confederacy" and her "house."
Her name is Anne Tidmore, and she is the regent of the First White House of the Confederacy.
All four of her great-grandfathers served in the Confederate Army and each survived. That, in itself, is remarkable, given the fact that most families in the South lost one or more family members during the war.
Tidmore became regent last year, succeeding Cameron Napier, who had served in that capacity for nearly 30 years. She was a tough act to follow, but those who have watched her successor's efforts the past 12 months give her high marks.
"Anne deserves a double A-plus," Bess Blackmon said as she walked toward the house Wednesday for the annual celebration of Robert E. Lee's birthday. "She's capable, organized and dedicated. It's been a smooth transition."
Many Civil War buffs think of Richmond, Va., when the Confederate capital topic is discussed. Not everyone is familiar with Montgomery's brief role as the first capital.
That's one reason why Tidmore and her staff are kept busy throughout the year to acquaint visitors from around the world with details about the house, its history and those who take care of it.
A history and English major at Emory University in Atlanta, Tidmore returned home to pick up a bachelor's degree from Huntingdon College.
Most of her working years were spent in the flag business that bears her family's name, but she did what she could when she had time to help out at the First White House of the Confederacy.
In addition to being regent and a member of the association that supports the facility, Tidmore, 71, also is a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
You can't be more red, white and blue than Anne Tidmore, not with roots dating back to the nation's founding. Flags bearing the Stars and Stripes were and continue to be, quite naturally, the company's biggest seller.
"This is a very special time for us because of the sesquicentennial that started this month," the very busy grandmother said. "A lot of events are being planned, and we're happy to do our part."
In addition to being the birthplace of the Confederacy, Montgomery also is the city where orders were telegraphed to Rebel units in South Carolina to pound Fort Sumter. They were the opening shots of the Civil War.
A century later, Montgomery played a key role in another domestic conflict. It was the civil rights movement, one that began in Montgomery with Rosa Parks and the bus boycott and ended a decade later when the march that began in Selma reached the state Capitol.
In a bid to catch up with states that began preparing for the sesquicentennial several years ago, Alabama has come up with an umbrella organization to make sure all historic bases are covered.
It's called "Becoming Alabama" and will encompass the entire state, dating back even before statehood was approved.
Frank White, a Tennessee native who is director of the state Historical Commission, has learned a lot since arriving in Alabama three years ago and is constantly amazed each time he turns history pages of a unique state.
"Alabama has recorded history that changed the world," he said, after the Lee birthday celebration. "It seems I learn something new every day."
In a few months, a commemoration will be held in Montgomery to mark the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides that led to bloody protests and, eventually, federal legislation that broke down the walls of discrimination not only in the South, but across the country.
Add that to four years of the Civil War sesquicentennial and it's easy to see that Alabama is going to be a very busy place the next four years.
Count on Anne Tidmore to be in the middle of it as she proudly welcomes people to one of America's most historic houses.
Anne Tidmore serves as regent of the First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery.
Dates for the 150th Commemoration of the War Between the States
January 19, 2011 - 11:00 am, First White House of the Confederacy annual Robert E. Lee Birthday celebration (public invited) and FWH “kick-off” of The War Between the States Anniversary. Features speaker Commander Bill Rambo, Director of the Confederate Memorial Park in Marbury, AL. Free admission.
January 20, 2011 - Noon (Architreats), “The Road to War” by Robert Bradley, at the Alabama Dept of Archives and History. Call 334- 242-4364 for more information. Free admission.
February 4 - March 19, 2011 - “The Flag Maker of Market Street,” one of two plays to celebrate The War at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. For tickets, call 800-841-4273.
February 18 - March 20, 2011 - “Blood Divided”, the second play to celebrate the War, at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. For tickets, call 800-841-4273.
February 16, 2011, 5:30 p.m - “The Man and the Hour Have Met”. William L. Yancey greets Jefferson Davis in Montgomery, by Dr. Ralph Draughon, Jr. Lecture and reception co-sponsored by Alabama Department of Archives and the First White House of the Confederacy on the occasion of Yancey’s famous welcome to Jefferson Davis. Call 242-4364 for more Information. Free admission.
February 19, 2011 - the Sons of Confederate Veterans will hold a parade and re-enactment of the Inauguration of Jefferson Davis on the Capitol Steps. Contact Robert Reames at [email protected] or Tom Strain at [email protected] for more information.
March 17, 2011 - Noon (Architreats), “The Civil War Pharmacy”, by Michael Flannery, at the Alabama Dept of Archives. Call 242-4364 for more information.
April 26, 2011 - Confederate Memorial Day, plans to celebrate are being made by the Sons of Confederate Veterans and Ladies Memorial Association. More details to follow.
June 3, 2011 - Jefferson Davis' 203rd birthday celebration will be held at 11:00, with Senator Dick Brewbaker as our guest speaker. Commemorative festivities throughout the day include a speech, birthday cake and flowers.
July 13 – 16, 2011 – Sons of the Confederate Veterans National Convention to be in Montgomery. Plans to be announced.
December 15, 2011 - Noon (Architreats) , “Southern Music of the Civil War Era” with a performance by the 33rd Alabama Campfire Players, at the Alabama Dept of Archives. Call 242-4364 for more information.
Historic Home was City's First Major Preservation Project Montgomery Advertiser, June 13, 2010
Story by Rick Harmon
Last Monday state workers had the day off to celebrate Jefferson Davis' birthday. Most area residents know that the home where the former president of the Confederacy and his wife, Varina, lived is located near the corner of Washington Avenue and South Union Street, not far from the Capitol, the State House and the state archives of history.
Fewer people know that it wasn't always there.
The First White House of the Confederacy, now located at 644 Washington Ave., was one of Montgomery's first great preservation projects.
William Sayre (an ancestor of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald) had the house built in the 1830s at the corner of Bibb and Lee streets.
The First White House of the Confederacy, which was once located at the corner of Bibb and Lee streets, was carefully dismantled and rebuilt at its current location when officials decided to preserve the historic building
After Montgomery became the first capital of the Confederacy, Davis and his family moved into the house and lived there from February to May 1861, until the capital moved to Richmond, Va. While not as opulent as the White House in Washington, the Montgomery home was well-located.
But what was considered a good location in the 1860s didn't seem like such an ideal location by the early 1900s.
Not only had the house fallen into disrepair, but so had most of the houses surrounding it. Adjoining properties were being torn down, and some feared the same fate awaited the historical house in which Davis had lived.
With the help of Gov. Thomas Kilby, for whom the well-known prison is named, the Legislature approved a $25,000 fund to help the White House Association move the home, but moving the house wasn't easy.
After being documented and diagramed in every way imaginable, the house was literally taken apart, and each board was marked, moved and then reassembled at its current location on Washington Avenue.
There was a huge celebration -- complete with bands, parades and dignitaries to mark the restoration of the house at its new location.
That was 89 years ago -- on June 3, 1921, the 113th anniversary of Davis' birthday -- and today many residents assume that is where the First White House of the Confederacy has always been.
Furnished with original period pieces and containing artifacts from Davis and his family, the house has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974 and has become one of the area's major tourist attractions.
Event Honors Jefferson Davis on His 202nd Birthday Montgomery Advertiser, June 4, 2010
Story by Al Benn
Jefferson Davis never let personal animosity affect the way he dealt with political adversaries, even when he had the power to destroy their careers, said the speaker at an event marking the 202nd anniversary of Davis' birth Thursday.
During his speech at the First White House of the Confederacy, James Pickett cited the esteem in which Davis was held by national leaders, especially during his tenure in the U.S. Senate before the Civil War.
On one occasion, Davis was a member of a congressional committee looking into claims of impropriety on the part of Daniel Webster, a fellow senator, and demonstrated that he did not hold a grudge, said Pickett, a member of the Thomas Goode Jones Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter.
"Some expressed the fear that Davis might use this as an opportunity to destroy an arch political rival, but he did nothing of the sort," Pickett said. "He examined the evidence and concluded Webster was innocent of all charges."
Anne Tidmore, right, regent of the First White House of the Confederacy, joins guest speaker James Pickett and his daughter, Emily, on Thursday during an event honoring
Jefferson Davis' birthday.
Pickett said that after Webster was cleared, Davis said: "I would not make a false or partisan report of parley with my sense of justice and honor."
Standing on the steps leading to the second floor of the building -- something that has become a custom for speakers on the anniversary of Davis' birth as well as that of Robert E. Lee -- Pickett noted that some of those who opposed him politically eventually became his friends.
All that changed when war broke out between the states in 1861, but Davis showed that his compassion for fellow lawmakers in Washington also extended to the battlefield, said Pickett, who said he is "distantly related" to the Confederate general who led the epic charge at Gettysburg.
"Davis' feelings of charity and kindness even extended to enemy soldiers," Pickett said. "He urged Confederate troops to treat Union prisoners of war with courtesy and compassion."
Few Americans were as skilled in as many disciplines as Davis, who was born on June 3, 1808, in Kentucky and died Dec. 6, 1889, in New Orleans.
A graduate of West Point, Davis fought in the Mexican-American War, served as secretary of war during the administration of President Franklin Pierce, represented Mississippi in the U.S. Senate and then served as the first and only president of the Confederacy.
During an interview before his speech, Pickett described Davis as "an American patriot who was loyal to his state and region and, I think, would be proud of what we've done.
"We came through the American Civil War, got back together as one nation, and the last century, the 20th century, was the American century," Pickett said. "We're a strong nation, and he'd be proud of what we've accomplished."
Philip Davis, a devoted descendant of Confederate veterans, said developments in the U.S. today are unlikely to lead to another Civil War, but "I believe changes are coming."
The Civil War is often referred to as "The Lost Cause," but Davis said the Confederate president might have seen the future.
"He said 'the cause for which we fought will rise again at another time, another place and in another form,'" the Montgomery lawyer said. "All you have to do is ask the tea party people."
First Fundraiser Helps Support Historic Location Montgomery Advertiser
May 2, 2010
Held as their first fundraiser, the Ladies of the White House Association of Alabama welcomed guests to a lovely wine and cheese fundraiser last Thursday evening at the Alabama Archives and History building. Located next door to the First White House of the Confederacy, the place they take great pride in supporting, the stately archives edifice was a glorious place to treat arrivals to an evening with a very special guest.
More than 200 friends of the White House were anxious to meet Betram Hayes-Davis, the great great grandson of Jefferson Davis. Hayes-Davis flew in from Dallas for the fundraiser.
All gathered in the rotunda during the early evening, as they were warmly greeted by regent Anne Tidmore and several ladies of the association, including event co-chairs Susan Haigler and Seibles Marshall.
Among the fundraiser committee members making the evening special were Bess Blackmon, Valerie Lee, Saralee Green, Emmie Stroh, Dorothy Arrington and Alice Blake, along with Anne Feathers and Fay Poole of Greenville.
The rotunda and auditorium were decorated with cloth-covered tables accented with silver wine coolers filled with variegated ivy. Taking the wine and cheese theme to heart, they were also laden with cheese-themed hors d'oeuvres -- cheese pies, cheese puffs, cheese dips and cheese straws and a tasty assortment of other items, all prepared by the association's members using favorite family recipes.
Cameron Napier joined Bertram Hayes-Davis, the great great grandson of Jefferson Davis, and Anne Tidmore at a fundraiser for the First White House of the Confederacy.
Susan Haigler, chairman of the First White House Fundraiser, and Carol Goodwyn, historian for the Ladies of the White House Association of Alabama and member of the decorating committee for the fundraiser, enjoy the party.
As they mingled amid the archives' halls and rooms filled with historical artifacts, guests were reminded during the festive evening why they were there.
The White House Association (WHA) was formed in 1900 to save the house. In 1921 they had raised enough money to have the house moved from the corner of Lee and Bibb streets, where the skate park is now, to its present location at the corner of Union Street and Washington Avenue, across from south side of the state's Capitol building, and next door to Archives.
At that time the WHA gave the house to the people of the state of Alabama with great fanfare, and the state has continued to maintain the house and its grounds. The association owns the collection inside, which has been sustained all these years by donations and sales from a modest, but educational gift shop located within the house.
Last year, members decided to host the first fundraising venture ever to help the association update the collection of items, replace furniture and chandeliers, and to repair a number of objects.
Ancestors remembered
Inspiring guests to support those projects, Hayes-Davis spoke briefly in the Milo Howard Auditorium about his warm association with the Montgomery First White House of the Confederacy, where his ancestors lived during the spring of 1861 when the Provisional Confederate Government was in Montgomery before the Capitol was moved to Richmond.
He reminded everyone that the sesquicentennial of the War Between the States begins in February of 2011, and many important events shaping that war took place right here in Montgomery.
He delighted everyone by presenting a bond certificate to the FWH in honor of past regent Cameron Napier. Discovered recently, it was with a trunk of items and was made out to Miss Winnie Davis, the youngest daughter, for 13 shares of capital stock in the Davis Lane Co. A real treasure for the FWH, it was dated April 18, 1890.
The guest of honor was also very busy during the evening signing prints of the historic House Museum. Among those receiving the prints as a special “thank you” from the Association were representatives of the event’s sponsors that included Balch & Bingham, Brewbaker Motors, Frazer Lanier Company, Greenville Motor Company, Robert F. Henry Tile Company, Jackson Thornton, J.K. Lowder Family Foundation, [McDowell Lee], Montgomery Confederate Roundtable, Regions Bank, [Caroline] and [Guice Slawson], [Anita] and [Emory Folmar], Tang's Alterations, Tidmore Flags, [Tammy] and [Jim Tidmore], Welch Hornsby & Welch, A.D. Williams Photography, Long Run Press, Inc. MBC-United, Priester Pecan Company, Richardson's Pharmacy and Stonehenge.
White House Association Member Sponsors were the Howard Alexanders, the Richard Arringtons, the Fred Blackmons, Ms. Betty Brislin, the Emory Folmars, the William Josephs, Mrs. Anne King, Dr. Valerie Lee, the Wallace Tidmores and the Coleman Yarbroughs.
As fast as he could sign them, prints were sold to others during the evening for $50 each by longtime FWH staff supervisor Eva Newman and her granddaughter, Melanie Newman, who came from Troy University just for the occasion. Remaining signed prints are available for sale in the White House Association's gift shop.
The WHA is the oldest historic preservation organization in Alabama. It was organized in 1900 for the purpose of "saving" the Jefferson Davis home.
Membership in the WHA is made up of ladies across the state of Alabama, including Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville and Selma, who are either descendants of the original ladies of the White House Association or who are interested in the preservation of this elegant house museum.
In attendance were many of the ladies of the association, some with spouses and friends, including Martha and Howard Alexander, Dorothy and Richard Arrington, Kathi and Brian Atkins, Sue Bell, Carol Brewbaker, Betty Brislin, Carol Goodwyn, Lulie and Arthur Joe Grant, Saralee and Ewell Green, Dora Haas and Bubba Trotman, Kitty Harrell, Diane and John Henig, Kittie and Bob Hill, Frances and Billy Hill, Peggy and Bill Joseph, Anne King, Valerie Lee, Gale and Jim Main, Seibels and Jim Marshall, Ollie McAdam, Margaret "Nootsie" McCall, Mary and Price McLemore, Cameron and John Napier, Sandra and Bonner Patrick, Susan and Stuart Patton, Fay and Cleve Poole, Alice Reynolds, Ann Reese, Tutter Rogers, Susan and Jeff Samuel, Janet Waller and Jane and Coleman Yarbrough.
Friends of the first house
Bob Bradley and Ed Bridges from the Archives attended, as did many friends of the house from the community and representatives from many patriotic and historic organizations. Also there were members of garden clubs and literary clubs who have offered support through the years.
Among the many supporters of the First White House were Carol Rickard, Dottye Hannan, Myralyn Watson, Charlie and Mary Frances Jones, Tommy Taccaetta, Gloria and Phillip Rawlings, Ann and Bob Langenburg, Dee Mooty, Pat Dunn, Kathy and Jim Gowan, Bob Vardaman, Caroline and Harry Nelson, Jodi and Rob Henry, Carol and Bob Henry, Judy and Bill Cook, Pat and Thornton Clark, McDowell Lee, Pat Harris, Hal Weatherby, James Blatchford and Eve Cieutat, Elizabeth and Albert Killingsworth, Leslie Kirk, Helen Wells and Billy Hughes, Justin Rojek, Alice and David Thrasher, Rob Kennedy, Chris Setzer, Catherine and Ed Woodson and Judy and Dick Garrett.
Also among the many supporting the First White House event were Emily and Tom Sparrow, Wallace Tidmore, Sammy Stroh, Fred Blackmon, John Feathers, Ralph Draughon, Ann Pearson, Jennie Price, Lucy and Gene Parsons, Christine Cook, Nancy Moss and Charlie Branch, Kristen Branch and Brian Hurst, Jack Noble, Kent and Mike Jenkins, Jennie Price, Jeannine Svenson, Cecile Webb, Cookie and Doug Ruth, Claire Fordham, Betty Bopp, Carolyn Lightfoot, Jean and Mark Anderson, Hallie and Bill Wall, Peggy Hillis, Freddie Copeland, Dae Miller, Marilyn and Perry Hooper, Suanne Jackson, Bonnie Shanahan, J.R. and Jim Marshall III, Rae and Rusty Gregory, Carol and Watt Johnston, Chilly Boykin and Ethel Dozier Anders, Eleanor and Julie Alley, Judy and Tom Erickson, Bill Scanlon, Rena Alice Underwood, Marianne Tidmore Wofford, Virgie Perkins, James Fuller and many others.
White House Association Enjoys Tour, Luncheon Montgomery Advertiser
February 16, 2010
Story by Deborah Hayes Moore
Eddie Pattillo led a tour of the First White House of the Confederacy on Thursday morning, pointing out to members of the White House Association of Alabama the pieces in the house he considered especially important to the history of the house.
He pointed out "one of a kind" items such as a magnificent walnut Gothic revival bookcase, circa 1845 that is in the second parlor; a mahogany "box type" sofa that is believed to have been among the original furnishings of the 1846 Capitol of Alabama; and a magnificent classic mahogany sideboard that Pattillo called "one of the great American Masterpieces of the period to be recorded." He also called attention to a silver-plated water cooler, dated 1858, that had been given to Jesse Cox, a popular and affluent captain of a steamboat on the Alabama River. The cooler was presented to the First White House in the 1930s by his daughter, M. Otis Cox of Connecticut.
Eddie Pattillo, from left, joined Carol Brewbaker and Anne Tidmore at a luncheon hosted Thursday by the White House Association of Alabama, welcoming Waite Rawls, the director of the Museum of the Confederacy, which was the second Confederate White House, in Richmond, Va.
That afternoon, Pattillo, who is updating an appraisal of all the contents of the house, joined Regent Anne Tidmore, other members of the Association and several special guests for a luncheon at the Montgomery Country Club. The luncheon was hosted to continue a tradition, and to take advantage of the travel schedule of a Montgomery visitor.
The Association's members gather for a business meeting in the fall, a celebration of Jefferson Davis' birthday in January, and an annual luncheon in the spring. With the area preparing for snow fall, the luncheon was hosted a little earlier this year to coincide with the schedule of Waite Rawls.
President and CEO of the Museum of the Confederacy, which was the second White House of the Confederacy, in Richmond, Va., Rawls was scheduled to arrive in Montgomery for the first time for a visit with friends. The timing was perfect for him to serve as guest speaker for the Association's annual luncheon.
To set the ambiance for his welcome to the River Region, Carol Brewbaker, the first vice regent of the Association, complemented the country club's décor with elements of pink and white. She decorated the guests' five round tables with white tablecloths, pink napkins and pots of soft pink cyclamen. The flowering plants were submerged in hot pink baskets and set atop a puddle of red and pink raffia. The ladies were allowed to purchase the centerpieces at the luncheon's conclusion, and not a single one remained in the room. Amid the Valentine colors that inspired the ambiance, all dined on chicken stuffed with bleu cheese, rice and broccoli, with ice cream parfaits presented for dessert.
Among the 40 in attendance at the luncheon, Anne Tidmore welcomed guests Guin Nance, Jean and Mark Anderson, Marlene Eidsmoe, Eva Newman, Bubba Trotman; Cameron Napier, the honorary life regent, and her husband John Napier; and Nicky and Bubba Armstrong. Rawls was in the River Region to go quail hunting with Armstrong. After the luncheon, he and Bubba headed out on their expedition, which prompted an opportunity for Rawls to see more of the area.
Before their departure, Tidmore introduced several new members of the Association including Kittie Hill, Kathi Atkins, Sandra Patrick, Ollie McAdam, Susan Patton and Diane Henig, as well as Janet Waller, who was out-of-town and missed the gathering
New members Susan Samuel and Ann Reese joined Carol Goodwyn, the group's historian; Sue Bell, the corresponding secretary, and other members of the group for the tour of the First White House in the morning, but were unable to attend the luncheon.
Welcoming them Thursday were second vice-regent Alice Blake, and Association members Martha Alexander, Frances Hill, Peggy Joseph, Valerie Lee; the group's librarian Gale Main; Nootsie McCall, Alice Reynolds; the association's secretary Fay Poole of Greenville; Emmie Stroh, treasurer; Anne King, Ann Feathers; Mary McLemore, Jane Yarbrough, Dora Haas; and Susan Haigler who encouraged support for the organization's Wine and Cheese Fundraising Event planned for 5:30-7:30, April 22 at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to support the maintenance of the collections within the First White House.
The organization's chaplain Tutter Rogers joined Lulie Grant in a service of remembrance for deceased member Frances Leatherberry Williams of Mobile, Lulie's cousin.
The association's membership is comprised of women from across the state. Some are descended from the original women who founded the White House Association in 1900 in an attempt to save the "Jeff Davis house," as it was commonly called.
There was great celebration after it took 20 years to raise the money and when the house was restored and moved from the corner of Lee and Bibb streets, where the skating park is now, to its present location across from the Capitol. On that occasion, June 3, 1921, the White House Association gave the house to the people of the state of Alabama.
Legislation passed in 1923 and amended since, provides that the First White House of the Confederacy is to be managed by the White House Association of Alabama. While the state maintains the house and grounds, the association owns the things in the house and its members are the keepers of the collection and the arbiters of taste in maintaining the interior and all matters concerning the house.
They were particularly interested as Waite Rawls spoke about the artifacts and collection in the Virginia museum, as their job, given by a 1921 act of the legislature, is to care for the collection in the First White House museum here in Montgomery. The current members of the association are given committee assignments and responsibilities within certain rooms in the First White House.
Beyond, the day-to-day operations of the First White House, as regent, Tidmore has been attending meetings since last spring with a group called "Becoming Alabama." The latter group is composed of those interested in the commemoration of the Creek War and War of 1812; the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War; and the beginning of the Civil Rights movement, and who come together from across the state to share information on their plans.
Judge Main Tells Group About Robert E. Lee's Life After the War
Montgomery Independent
January 18, 2010
Story by Bill Rice
Tuesday January 19 brought blue skies and about seventy people to the First White House of the Confederacy to celebrate the 203rd anniversary of Robert E. Lee's birth. Anne Tidmore, Regent , the ladies of the White House Association and the Staff of the First White House greeted everyone. Cameron Napier, Honorary Regent for Life was introduced. Judge Mark Anderson gave the invocation and prayer was offered for the people of Hati. Anne introduced the Honorable Jim Main, Judge on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals who gave a stirring speech on the life of Robert E. Lee after the War Between the States. After the War, The federal government had confiscated Lee's land and home so he moved to a small tenant home just outside Richmond, expeciting to live a quiet country life.Meantime the trustees of a small war-wrecked school, Washington College, located in Lexington met to determine how to nurse the school back to health.
Gale Main, left, Judge Jim Main, the featured speaker, and Ilouise Hill enjoyed this month's special event.
They unanimously elected Lee as President of Washington College.
Lee accepted the challange and the task of rebuilding this College began. Could it survive? The University of Alabama had just opened their first post-war session and only one student appeared. But when Lee became President of Washington college, the enrollment immediately increased from 40 to 140, and within a year the number increased to 300 students. During his first year as President, the college received more than $ 100,000 from tuition and gifts. Yes, the college could not only survive, but thrive. This was mainly due to Lee's organizational, recruiting and disciplinary skills, plus the esteem in which he was held.
Lee's assistant was asked about the essence of Robert E. Lee. His response: "Intellectually he was cast in a gigantic mold. He was possessed of strong passions. He loved excitement, particularly the excitement of war. he loved grandeur. But all these appetites and powers were brought under the control of his judgment and made subservient to his Christian faith. This made him habitually unselfish and ever willing to sacrifice himself on the altar of duty and in the service of his fellows...He is an epistle, written of God and designed by God to teach the peopole of this country that earthly success is not the criterion of merit, nor the measure of true greatness."
The ultimate tribute to Lee came shortly after his death in 1870 when the college named for George Washington changed its name to honor both favorite sons of Virginia - Washington and Lee University.
The First White House of the Confederacy was the setting for a changing of the guard ceremony Tuesday morning as Anne Tidmore became director of one of America's most historic buildings.
First lady Patsy Riley joined other state officials and supporters of the house where Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his family lived for a brief period in 1861.
State Finance Director Jim Main, who filled in for Gov. Bob Riley, extended his own congratulations to outgoing regent Cameron Napier, who had served in that capacity for 29 years.
Napier and Main shared a common bond in recent years as she sought funding to support the house and he carefully examined her requests for thousands of dollars from the state treasury.
"She has never asked for anything from the finance department that she didn't truly need and she has never exaggerated her claims of what she needed," he said.
Ed Bridges, director of the state Department of Archives and History, said "It would be hard to imagine any other person with such determination and perseverance on a totally unpaid volunteer basis as Cameron Napier."
Outgoing regent of the First White House of the Confederacy Cameron Napier, left, and incoming Regent Anne Tidmore, right enjoy a transfer ceremony Tuesday in downtown Montgomery.
Patsy Riley, right, joins Anne Tidmore and others for the ceremony naming her as the Regent of the First White House of the Confederacy.
During her nearly three decades as director of the First White House of the Confederacy, Napier obtained funding to renovate deteriorating rooms and other areas that needed improvement.
Napier, who received gifts and written commendations during the ceremony, stressed the importance of the 1835 Italianate house, saying it "is part of history and belongs to all of us."
"We all suffered during the War Between the States, Reconstruction and the struggles of the civil rights movement, and it's all part of our history," she said.
Napier also put in a proximity plug during her remarks, saying the First White House of the Confederacy and other historic structures benefit from perfect locations in Alabama's Capital city.
"Richmond is scattered everywhere," she said, referring to the "second" capital of the Confederacy. "We have everything right here. We are so very blessed."
Interior improvements drew rave reviews from those who walked through the house after the ceremony, but it was evident that the exterior needs a good paint job.
"We're working on that project right now," said Tidmore. "It shouldn't be long before a thorough painting is done."
Napier's stewardship actually lasted for 36 years because of her support group service, and Tidmore said she is facing a major challenge.
"It's a big undertaking and I've got tremendous shoes to fill, but I've also got 61 ladies in our association to help me," said Tidmore, who becomes the sixth regent of the house in 109 years. "I'm confident everything will work out just fine."
Spectators who watched the ceremony from the front lawn were greeted by Mrs. Riley just inside the front door - a place she said has always been her favorite spot.
"To me, this building has always been the entrance," she said. "It sets the tone for me. Just look at this beautiful chandelier up there and the wonderful staircase over there. It's a very welcoming home."
Jefferson Davis' great-great-grandson, Bertram Hayes-Davis, wrote Napier to congratulate her on her service, saying: "You personified every southern trait that can be measured with all the grace and stature that God can command."
Hayes-Davis also sent a letter on behalf of the Davis Family Association in Woodville, Miss. The organization saluted Napier for her "constant attention to the needs of this structure," saying it has become "as original as the day it was built."
"The Davis family offers our most hearty thanks and congratulations," he said in a letter read by Napier's husband, John. "The term 'icon' is appropriate when we have in the past and will speak in the future of Cameron Napier."
