The Fort Brooke Record

September 1998
Volume 4                                       Issue 5

Back Issue Directory           Subscribe

The Prettiest Site

If you haven’t had the pleasure of having seen this site then by all means you must. Assuming that your predisposition is Southern and that you have the ability to appreciate the finer things then this is a must see.

Take an automobile ride out on Lithia-Pinecrest Rd. going south of Hwy 60 (Brandon Blvd). When you are just a few blocks south of 60, turn around and pull up to the light at 60. There before you will be the “Prettiest Site.” You will see a large red Confederate Battle Flag , thirty feet above the ground, moving with the wind. If that visual thought of seeing that site makes you swell with anticipatory pride then you are a Southerner who is in touch with a marvelous reality. The thought that literally thousands of people of our community see every day that same site, is enough to give one goose bumps.

On November 15 another flag just as large and just as high will be raised over Bethlehem Cemetery. Again, another statement to our community that our Heritage is alive and well. Two flags a year - that is the goal of the camp. Ambitious...yes! A worthy cause...absolutely! Can it be done...certainly! That is where you come into this picture.

The only restrictions or limitations that we have in fulfilling this simple but grand mission are those that we place onto ourselves. What is referred to here is vision, or properly said, the lack of vision. There must be zillions of potential sites across our area, we just have to find and identify them. Does it have to be a cemetery? No! Is it better that a site is on a well traveled road? Yes!

Some serious considerations come to mind: The site needs to be private property. The property owner needs to give the camp a deed to the actual small parcel needed to contain the flagpole and monument or give the camp perpetual legal rights to maintain the site.

Ambitious and grand but from our track record, very doable. Where will the site be for April of 1999? It is time to begin looking and seeking that answer.

If you have ideas of sites or even contacts to folks who might have sites then do not wait, call 1st Lt. Cmdr Marion Lambert.

The Prettiest Site! Yep, two a year.  That is our goal!

Program:

Rare Jesse James Gang Collection to be on display during camp meeting...

The James-Younger Gang: Confederate Brotherhood

The program this evening will be a presentation by Historian Ralph Ganis on the celebrated James-Younger Gang, America’s greatest “Robin Hood” band. Hear the exciting story of these desperate men and how they refused to accept the degradation of Yankee rule. Learn about several “little known” connections to Florida with the Gang. Additionally, along with the historical lecture will be the presentation of artifacts pertaining to the Gang including Jesse James' original shoulder holster and pocket knife, revolvers belonging to Frank James, Cole Younger and other gang members, original photographs, documents and more. This is a rare collection you will not want to miss. The collection will be brought in early for those that want to view it prior to Mr. Ganis’ lecture. Mr. Ganis was recently recognized by leading historians in this field with the prestigious Perry Award for his research on the James Gang. He is working on a book about North Carolinians who rode in the Gang...including his Great-Grand Uncle.

It is not often that we are so fortunate to have a presentation of this caliber. Not only will you be so fortunate as to be in company with a fine group to fellowship with but you will be given a most unique program. Remember that (out of the ordinary) this meeting night will be on the fourth Tuesday of the Month.

This past month our camp experienced a great loss. Compatriot Kenneth H. Brandon passed away with his beloved family at his side. Shortly after the announcement of Compatriot Brandon's death, we immediately lowered the flag on the Confederate Memorial at the Brandon Family Cemetery to half staff. This monument which was erected to honour the memory of heroes of long ago, was able to provide another duty in telling our community that another hero has gone home. The Brandon community could look at the cemetery and see our colours flying in a state of mourning. Mourn we will for a long time to come as we will miss our beloved compatriot with his straw hat and homemade walking stick.

We were blessed to call Mr. Brandon our friend and compatriot. We could look at his family and see the strong values passed down form such a strong patriarch. Compatriot Brandon was more than a father, he was a loving father. The type of father who instilled in his sons the meaning of love, hard work and the true meaning of family. He was more that a gentleman, he was a Southern Gentleman, the type of gentleman that we read about in books of times long ago. His desire to share so many of his talents is something we will never forget. Ask one of the hundreds of people who carry a beautiful cane crafted by Mr. Brandon. And those who knew him well will never forget the Guava pies he was so well known for. By the look of the funeral home on the night of the visitation for Mr. Brandon, we were not alone in our love for him or his family. Hundreds of people were there to share in the grief of the Brandon's on that night.

We are left a great void in the death of our compatriot. However, thanks to Mr. Brandon we are not without memories of the fellowship that we enjoyed We also have the joy of knowing that he is in a place of glory in the house of the Lord. The heritage he left his sons will continue to bless this camp and this community for years to come. We will miss you Compatriot.

Contributed by J. Englis

LETTERS RECEIVED:

To the Lesley Camp,

On behalf of the Tampa Chapter 113, UDC I would like to thank the Captain John T. Lesley Camp for donating money for another urn for the UDC Monument in front of the Hillsborough County Court House.

Tampa Chapter Historian Pamala Steele-Cosentino and myself went down tot the monument on August 1 to place new artificial flowers in the urns, we also trimmed bushes and cleaned up around the area. The flags were still there and we placed them with the flowers.

We will continue to have a person go to the monument each month to check on the flowers and replace them if necessary.

In UDC Love,

Kristin M. Armitage, President

Editors Note: See related Monument article on page 5.

John T. Lesley Camp 1282

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Fellow Compatriots,

On behalf of my family, I would like to express my thanks for the flowers you sent for my father’s funeral [Compatriot Kenneth Brandon]. Many positive comments were made about “The Flag” in the arrangement.

I also want to thank you for your demonstrations of sympathy and support during this time, from the lowering of the Flag at the cemetery to half staff to your attendance at the funeral.

It was especially touching to see those of you who attended, pause and salute at the close of the service.

My family will always be grateful to the Lesley Camp and I will always be a proud member.

Sincerely,

Lee Brandon

CONFEDERATE MONUMENT

The ladies of Tampa Chapter #113 UDC have taken the responsibility of changing the flowers that are displayed in urns at the Confederate monument. Each month a member of the chapter is responsible for replacing the current floral arrangement with another. In August it became apparent that more work was needed on the grounds surrounding the monument for practical purposes and visual appeal. Tampa Chapter Kris Armitage and myself cut branches, limbs and palm fronds around the walkways and the mulched area surrounding the monument. We pulled as many weeds as time allowed and removed the debris. The following weekend we planted perennials and cleaned up what we hadn't finished. Even though the area is much improved, there still is a great deal of work that needs to be done. We know that either we assume this responsibility as well as the maintenance thereof or it won't happen. We would like to ask members of the John T. Lesley Camp to assist in this endeavor. It will take commitment and dedication on a monthly basis to keep up this project. Of course the more people we have on a Saturday or Sunday will accelerate the final result.  Our ultimate goal is to have the grounds prepared to resemble a park-like setting by the time we celebrate Confederate Memorial Day. This of course will take not only our time but financial resources as well. There are ways in which this project could be done with the least amount of effort and funds if many of us could either donate flowers, mulch, fertilizer, money for this project, and the labour. A plan for the design would have to be drawn up as well as a definitive explanation of what plant life would be suitable.

If anyone has an idea or would like to volunteer for this project, please contact Kris Armitage at 264-5717 or Pam Steele-Cosentino at 920-9740 or E-Mail to: [email protected]

Pamela Steele-Cosentino

Historian - Tampa Chapter #113

Our Lesley Camp @ Boyd Hill

This year the Lesley display which is planned for the Pinellas Raid to be held at Boyd Hill will be better than ever. Even though Camp Storekeeper Mike Herring will not be there, the goods of the store will under the care of Mark Lane. We will have much for sale.

To entice the passerby to stop at our area there will be lots of flags flying, the camp banner, and the beautiful artwork of Mike Bethune. Along with our normal recruitment push, Jake English is putting together a fine pictorial display of the camp and our activities. We will be collecting donations for the Wayne Denno Defence Fund and we will have be selling raffle tickets. Significantly, we will have essentially the same display that we had at the Juneteenth Celebration. We need volunteers in uniform to assist in this endeavour. Contact Mark Lane (986-3243) to volunteer or if in need of general information about this event.

The Tampa Bay Bucs & The Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Thanks to the far-sighted vision of one of our members, Legionnaire Wesley Sainz, the Lesley Camp has made ourselves known to the two premier teams in town. Wesley hand delivered a letter to each team offering the services of the Colour Detail during the opening ceremonies when the United States flag is raised during the playing of the United States National Anthem. The picture at right is representative of the pictures that were presented with the letter.

At this time, we do not have a clear answer from either team. But regardless of what their response is, this is a Win-Win situation for our camp. If they say yes, then we are in the lime light. If they say no then it would seem that we might have some educating to do. Rest assured that how ever we go about educating and edifying, we will do so as gentlemen.

Florida Division

United Daughters of the Confederacy

1998 Convention

The Florida Division, UDC 1998 Convention will be held at the Historic Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa in Clearwater, Florida October 8 - 11.

The Captain John T. Lesley Camp 1282, SCV will provide the five man Honour Guard on Welcome Evening, October 8.

If anyone wishes to attend, registration forms will be available at the September 28 meeting. Also, you may contact the President of the Tampa Chapter 113, Mrs. Kris Armitage at 264-5717.

Southern Belle Debutantes

Local young ladies between the ages of 16 and 21 who have never been married and who are connected by birth to a Confederate soldier or sailor have the opportunity to be presented at the Sabre and Rose Ball to be held in April of 1999.

If you know of such a young lady and would like more information, contact Ms. Pam Steele Cosentino at 920-9740 or Ms. Sandra Shackelford at 254-7201.

Camp Business

Special Election Results

At the August 25 regular camp meeting a Special Election was held. The results of that election are as follows:

Dr. Roger Crane was unanimously elected to the position of Judge Advocate. This position entails the judicial oversight of camp procedures and operations.

Compatriot Dwight Tetrick was unanimously elected to the position of Deputy Adjutant. This position is an entry level position into the responsibilities of the adjutant duties of the camp.

Officer Call Results

On the Officer’s Call held 20 August 1998 there were several important developments:

Compatriot Leroy Rogers was appointed to the Engineer Corp.

3rd Lt. Cmdr. Mark Lane resigned his position in the Engineer Corp.

Dr. Roger Crane resigned his position as Adjutant of the Lesley Camp.

Dr. Roger Crane was nominated by the Officer Corp to fill the new position of Judge Advocate.

Compatriot Dwight Tetrick was nominated by the Officer Corp to fill the position of Deputy Adjutant.

It was noted that Mrs. Kristin Armitage, President of Tampa Chapter 113, UDC is the UDC contact person for the Lesley Camp .

Editorial

Probably out of the 70% of the American public who support the president of the United States and say that he is doing a “good job” regardless of any personal impropriety, probably out of that mindset comes the admonition (we so often hear) to “just forget it, get over it, the War is long over.”

I’ve heard that said many times and surely so have you. The only stipulating requirement needed to receive such advice is that you be somewhat “taken” with the subject of the “War” and that every so often those close to you will hear you refer to that period of time we call the War of Yankee Aggression. Unreconstructed Southerners (there are a few of us around) can never quite let go of that past. And there is a very good reason to hold strongly to that history and to that heritage.

From our Founding Fathers (mostly Southerners) to the civilian and military leaders of the Southern States in the War for Southern Independence there is something called principle and character which today is lacking. Take Robert E. Lee for example. His men would follow him anywhere and would die for the man because of his nature and character. Here was a man who for principle gave up his home (Arlington) and career and, never looking back, for principle struggled onto to Appomattox.

There was no class envy from the yeoman farmer who made up the army toward this commander, indeed, what we find is ultimate respect for their leader(s). And throughout the Southern Nation that yeoman deference to leadership was based on the respect for an aristocracy (leadership) that held to a very high standard.

When we celebrate the characters of our Southern history, we honour men whose character was impeccable. Certainly, they would not hold a candle to the ultimate Christian standard but in comparison to today’s world these men were saints.

Psychologists call it modeling. A very effective method of teaching. Our Southern ancestors followed leaders who, even today, we should model after. Substance over symbolism!

So the next time that some close acquaintance or friend kindly rebukes you for your obsession with the Second American Revolution, remind them that character matters and that you intend to teach your children values of principle and character based upon the standards of a General Robert E. Lee or a President Jefferson Davis.

Marion Lambert, 1st Lt. Commander

XXX

Chaplains Column

Chaplain Rev. Kenneth Simpson

WHAT’S IN A WALKING CANE ?

What’s in a walking cane? It’s just a long, slender piece of wood with a handle at the top end for its user to hold on to. This simple walking utensil comes in various designs and colors. It can be purchased at many stores for a small sum, or depending upon the artistic design, can cost a large sum. Some people carry them for the fashion, while others do so out of necessity. Even I have had two or three of these walking aids myself. But, what’s the big deal about a walking cane you may ask.

Within my possession is a very special walking cane. You won’t find this cane in any store. It’s one of a kind. The cane is made from one piece of wood - a limb from a Florida orange tree. The creator of the cane saw in that limb something that would make a good walking stick. So he carefully cut the prize from the tree, and with fine tuned skills and patience of an artist, he fashioned that simple tree limb into a walking cane. It is a strong and sturdy device that will serve its user for a long time.

This special cane was given to me by one of our fellow Compatriots, Mr. Kenneth Brandon, who recently passed away. Whenever I see the cane I always think of Mr. Brandon. Whenever others ask me about the unique cane, and I’m always getting compliments on it, I proudly tell them the story about Mr. Brandon. Now you may think I’m a little foolish for feeling the way I do about this cane. But I will always value it, not just for its usefulness, but more so, for its creator. Mr. Brandon was a very special person who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. And whenever I pass by the Brandon Family Cemetery on HWY 60 in Brandon, and see our flag proudly waving in the wind to all who pass by, I will pause for a moment and think about Mr. Kenneth Brandon - a true Southerner, a fellow Compatriot, a friend, and a creator of walking canes.

Let’s all remember to keep our Camp family in prayer, and value the time we have with one another. The Bible teaches that none of us have no guarantees about tomorrow. Whenever I attend a funeral I am reminded again and again about this truth. It is so important that we prepare ourselves spiritually for that time - giving our all to Jesus Christ.

The Heritage Report

WAYNE DENNO UPDATE

THE BAD: About the same time (late April) that we were raising a permanent Confederate Battle Flag over the Brandon Family Cemetery, the case of Wayne Denno vs. Volusia County Schoolboard was being dismissed from the Federal District Court in Orlando on technicalities. Preserving Our Heritage, Inc. attorney and Lesley Camp Legionnaire, Mr. Frank Jakes, had a suspicion that this court was not looking favourably upon the case. That suspicion was finally confirmed when the judge totally ignored Mr. Jakes’ motions and sided “lock, stock and barrel” with Volusia County.

THE GOOD: Mr. Frank Jakes is not one to back away when he is convinced that he has sound and good arguments. The notice of appeal was filed on May 28, 1998, with the Federal appellate court in Atlanta. This is a process. The appeal begins with the “notice.” The district court clerk has now sent up to Atlanta the certified copy of the “record.” Then opposing briefs are submitted by the contending parties. After that, oral arguments are made before the court. Then it can take anywhere from 2-12 months to receive the written opinion of the appellate panel.

From the pen of Mr. Frank Jakes, here is the rationale for this appeal:

Is there a heightened pleading standard for alleging individual liability against a state employee (i.e., Roberts and Wallace) for a civil rights violation? The district court said yes, and prevented us from pursuing the assistant principals in their individual capacities. This is an issue of first impression. [First impression simply means that this argument is breaking new legal ground.]

Can the School District avoid civil rights liability for the actions of the officials at Pine Ridge High School with the argument that the officials lack the final decision making authority? This suggestion is particularly troubling since the School Board has no express policy on the subject of display of Southern Heritage symbols and leaves the decision to the individual administrators.

Can the School District avoid civil rights liability by arguing that there is no proof of a “custom or practice” of banning Confederate Battle flags in the school system, when the School Board has refused to open its records up for review?

As you might comprehend, this contest to vindicate young Wayne Denno is anything but over. The struggle to clear his good name and to send a clear message to these politically correct school systems continues

NOTE: Young Wayne Denno was severely punished in 1995 for his possession of a 4 inch Confederate Flag on school grounds Preserving Our Heritage, Inc is a local Heritage Defence organization that took up the Denno case and has been funding the expenses of that case ever since.

Just before Camp Heritage Representative Walt Wingfield left on late summer vacation he forwarded the following post. Seeing that the following is mainly (in this case) bad news, it could be noted that we Southerners have grown a bit accustomed to such. But just as long as those of us who know the TRUTH do not become complacent, then there is always hope.

THE WINGFIELD REPORT

The good news and the bad news continues for the Southerners who are trying to keep their heritage going.  Let us get right to it and see what has been happening.

Texas A&M University

They are still trying to figure out whether or not a student can have a Confederate battle flag displayed in his dorm room.  They have been trying to decide for several months.  Meanwhile, they say the student can not fly the flag.

Atlanta Ga.

Tim and Debbie Livingston, have donated $3000.00 to a campaign to change the Georgia state flag.  They resent the portion of the flag containing the Confederate battle flag.  Oh, did I mention that Debbie just happens to be running for the Republican nomination for House District 41 in Atlanta.

The Adjutant's Report

From the Adjutant’s Desk (acting Adjutant Jim Hayward)

Compatriot Roger Crane resigned his position as Camp Adjutant on August 25th and was immediately elected to the position of Judge Advocate. During Roger Crane's absence on an extended visit overseas, Commander Jim Hayward has taken on the additional function as Acting Camp Adjutant until a new man is trained to take over the job. Dwight Tetrick has been elected to the position of Deputy Adjutant and is now being trained in the duties of a camp adjutant. This position is a very demanding job and it's very difficult for a new man to take over the position with no prior experience. Two new members were processed into the Camp on August 26th. Mr. John R. Goolsby and Mr. Robert E. Nason Jr. or as he likes to be called "Ranger Bob", he is a retired U.S. Army Ranger.

Quartermaster Jake English and Commander Jim Hayward attended the recent annual convention of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in St Louis, Missouri and with our Camp's votes helped to elect all three conservative candidates for the senior positions in the Sons of Confederate Veterans. We did a lot of sightseeing around the St Louis area and met many nice people. Jake got aquatinted with some of his relatives he'd never met before and visited his Confederate Ancestor's grave in St Louis. Overall it was a very interesting and productive trip.

Before closing I want to thank Roger Crane for his many hours of hard work he put in while serving as Camp Adjutant. The Camp Officers in the John T. Lesley Camp are a very dedicated group.

Camp Business: At this time, all camp business should be addressed to:

Cmdr. James Hayward
651 Pine Forrest Drive
Brandon, FL 33511
(813) 685-4850
[email protected]