Volume 6 Number 3

In the last Arch, there was an article about the members of Camp Victory finding several metal pages of type from Townsend’s manuscript "Mrs. Reynolds and Hamilton." Numerous phone calls failed to find out who this group was and where they were located. Then, by chance, member Duke Magruder saw an article in the Washington Post about Camp Victory. It is a youth boot camp operated by the DC Superior Court Urban Rehabilitation Services and located at Fort Meade. Duke met the Sergeant in charge up at the park and he identified the spot where the artifacts were discovered. This fall, when the overgrowth dies (and the snakes are all asleep) we will work with DNR personnel to see if there are more "treasures" to be found.

After the Civil War, George Alfred Townsend’s popularity increased to the point where he became so endeared to the general public that a line of cigars were manufactured and named after him: the ‘Gath’ cigar. The original cigars were Cuban and distributed by an Ohio Company. The Friends are reissuing these fine cigars made from Cuban seed tobacco and are making them available to members and the general public. Two offerings will be available: single cigars with a ‘Gath’ cigar band, and a commemorative box of five cigars with the history of the Gath cigars inside and a likeness of Townsend on the front. An order form is enclosed and may be copied. The Friends wish to thank member Patrice Gallagher for designing the art work and Lt. Dan Spedden of SMRA for his research and negotiations with the cigar company. These cigars would make a fine gift for a cigar lover or a wonderful commemorative gift for a Townsend fan. Remember … Christmas is just around the corner.
 

Antietam Gallery was able to locate a print of Rick Reeves’ painting titled "South Mountain." It depicts the mortal wounding of Brig. Gen. Samuel Garland, Jr., C.S.A. at the Battle of South Mountain. The Friends have purchased the print and it is triple matted and beautifully framed. The drawing will be December 11, 1999, at the Museums by Candlelight Celebration at the park. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. A book of tickets is enclosed for your convenience. Should you wish more, contact Marge Magruder or drop a postcard to our PO box. Make checks payable to: Friends of Gathland State Park and send with ticket stubs to PO Box 192, Burkittsville, MD 21718.
 
 
 

Will the Lodge and side entry EVER be finished? These two projects seem to have taken on a life of their own; but the good news is that FOG has accepted a bid from Long Construction Company of Thurmont to build the side entry ramp at the Hall. We expect completion in the next week. In addition, DNR has budgeted funds to have the floors in the Lodge and Hall repaired and refinished. This will take place when the museum closes. So, members, little by little, our hard work, persistence and cooperation with DNR are reaping benefits for Gathland and its visitors.
 
 

On June 8^th, at the Historic Sites Consortium Docent Recognition event, The Friends of Gathland State Park were honored and privileged to receive the Joy Reese Derr Award for Outstanding Museum Community Relations. In presenting the award to FOG president Marge Magruder, Tourism Director John Fieseler said, in part, "For four years, the Friends of Gathland have worked diligently to bring the park and the heritage it represents within reach of a diverse audience". The award will be displayed in the museum until June 2000, when it passes to the next recipient.

The Task Force to study the feasibility of developing South Mountain Battlefield State Park should be appointed by the end of Aug. or beginning of Sept. The Board selected VP Joe Motter to be FOG’s representative with Marge Magruder as a substitute should Joe be unable to attend a meeting. There will probably be three or four meetings before the report and recommendations are submitted to the Governor and Legislature in January 2000.

Each quarter FOG mails over 200 newsletters to members, media, and folks who have expressed interest in our group. If you are not a current member, please give consideration to joining The Friends. The yearly dues are modest; $10 for individuals and $15 for families. Dues, along with contributions, grants and sales, provide funding for park and museum projects sponsored by the Friends and keeps the organization financially viable. So please give serious thought to joining our group. Fill out our Membership form or just send your name, address and phone number, along with a check to Friends of Gathland State Park, PO Box 192, Burkittsville, MD 21718.

Middletown Boy Scout, Andy Sparks recently installed 7 Blue bird houses in the park. We hope this will increase the bluebird population in the park and surrounding areas.
 
 

Duke and Marge Magruder became proud grandparents on May 18, 1999. Duke’s son and his wife are the parents of twin girls.

1999 Board Meetings

September 14th

All Board meetings are at 7pm in Gapland Hall and are open to members. Meetings may be rescheduled in cases of inclement weather.

1999 Membership Meetings and Other Events

Sept 11-12 Civil War Living History Weekend
Sept 11th (evening) Cigar & Brandy Social
Sept 18th Annual Meeting, Elections, and Picnic (Starts at 10:00 am)
Sept 25-26 Middletown Heritage Days
Oct 2-3 Brunswick Railroad Days
Oct 31 Museum closes for season
Nov 20 Membership Meeting
Dec 4 Antietam Illumination
Dec 11 Museums by Candlelight

All Membership Meetings are in Gapland Hall and begin at 10am

Marge Magruder, Editor

This newsletter is a publication of The Friends of Gathland State Park, Inc. Its intent and use is solely to promote Gathland State Park, which is part of the State Forest and Park Service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Friends of Gathland State Park are wholly separate from the Park Service. The Arch is published quarterly. The Newsletter deadline is 10 days prior to the first of the month for the next quarterly issue. We welcome your submissions to the newsletter and reserve the right to edit and determine placement of all items submitted.