Calistoga Veteran's Encampment

		7^TH ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT OF THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA VETERANS ASSOCIATION CALISTOGA, NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA JUNE 18 - 27, 1903 In June, 1903, Calistoga's Governor Morton Post, No. 41, Grand Army of the Republic, hosted the seventh annual encampment of the Northern California Veterans Association. The event lasted ten days, and was located on the Charles W. Crouch place, northwest of town. The land is now part of the Rancho de Calistoga mobile home park in Calistoga. The campground, known as "The Oaks" and "Camp Governor Morton" was situated on flat ground near the confluence of Cyrus Creek and the Napa River. It was described as a beautiful camping spot, shaded by a grove of large valley oaks. Groves of oaks still exist on parts of the property today.
	Jump to section:	This was a big news event for Calistoga, which promted the Weekly Calistogian newspaper to cover the activities in a series of lengthy articles, beginning on April 10. While some of the articles are repetitive, each gives interesting insights into the manner in which these encampments were run. The activities had a distinctly military theme (including bugle calls for daily events), however, camp amenities were designed to also be enjoyed by the general public and associated fraternal organizations. In addition to Union veterans (especially members of local G.A.R posts), the attendees included veterans of the Confederacy and Spanish-American War. Also attending were members of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic (L.G.A.R), the Womans Relief Corps (W.R.C.), the Sons of Veterans (SV, later called the SUVCW), and the Daughters of Veterans (DV).
	First Announcment (April 10)
	Proposed Program (June 05)
	Encampment Report #1 (June 19)
	Encampment Report #2 (June 26)
	Encampment Report #3 (July 03)
	Further Reading:
	More about the No. Calif. Veterans Assoc.
	List of Annual Encampments of the NCVA
	Updated 09 March 2011 Return to Calistoga Civil War Veterans page

THE VETERANS ENCAMPMENT

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The Old Soldiers Are Planning a Big Time for Next June
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The Seventh Annual Camp at "The Oaks" in Calistoga Promises to Eclipse All Former Gatherings
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   The Seventh Annual Encampment of our Association will be held at Calistoga at the upper end of the beautiful Napa valley, commencing Thursday, June 18th, and continuing ten days. The camps of this association in the past years have been scenes of much pleasure, enjoyment, explification, patriotism and love of the flag of our country.
   The time of war has passed, the dark clouds have rolled away and the sun of peace shines over all the land. We do not forget those who, with us, served our country in its hour of peril; who marched with us many a weary mile; who heard with us the roll of musketry; looked into the belching cannon's mouth, and who laid their lives a willing sacrifice upon the country's alter. Living or dead, they are with us in memory. Those who survive and are near enough to come, whether in northern, middle or southern California, we want with us in this annual camp.
   We propose this year the camp shall excell all other years in numbers of those camping with us, in the reunion and general good time to be had.
   The following comrades constitute the Executive Committee: A. J. Buckles, Fairfield; J. L. Winans, Petaluma; John Miller, Santa Rosa. These comrades will answer all communications addressed to them concerning the camp and give all information desired.
   Governor Morton camp grounds are in a beautiful grove of large oaks and will be laid off in regular military style and with a view of gaining the best shade, etc., and the tents will be pitched with regard to the streets and trees.
   Wherever campers have tents of their own they are requested to bring them, but the Association will furnish tents for rent at a fee for encampment of $1 50, so that there will be abundant shelter for all.
   Campers must furnish their own camp equipage and grub, mattresses, furniture and cooking utensils.
   The committee expect to be able to furnish enough cook stoves for all who are not provided with their own, without cost. The supply of spring beds, cots, tables and chairs to rent will be limited. Campers who wish to be furnished with anything in that line can be accommodated by sending in their orders to the Secretary at least ten days before the camp.
   Everything in the line of provisions necessary for life in camp can be purchased as cheaply in Calistoga as at your own homes, and delivered to your tents.
   Lumber can be had at the lowest market rates for tables, tent floors, etc., delivered on the ground.
   At this time it is believed the Association will be able to furnish hay for the horses of those who come by team from a distance of five miles or more from camp.
   There will be a large pavilion erected in camp for the nightly literary entertainments, campfires and for dancing.
   All literary entertainments every night will be of a strictly moral character, consisting of patriotic addresses by prominent speakers, talks of the reminisence character by comrades, both union and confederate, sons and daughters of veterans, and others; of songs and recitations by the children in camp, and all who desire to take part.
   Company A, Veteran Guard of Oakland, with a military band from the Presidio, will be in attendance during the encampment. There will be good music both for military service and dancing.
   No intoxicating liquors will be permitted to be sold on the grounds, and all drunkenness and rowdyism will be prohibited.
   Bring all the flags and bunting you have, then buy more in Calistoga.
   We are assured of the usual one and one-third rates on the railroads.
   Sunday, June 21st, will be set apart for holding memorial services in camp, and all persons knowing of the death of a soldier, union, confederate, Spanish-American, son or daughter of a veteran, or member of the W.R.C. or ladies of the G.A.R., during the year, are requested to furnish the President of the Association with name of such deceased and such other data pertaining to his or her life, as may be known.
   Union religious services will be held in camp on the evening of June 21st.
   The camp will be formally opened on June 18th, and thereafter the following will be observed each day as near as possible:

1 - Firing of sunrise gun and raising of flag.
2 - The reveille will be sounded.
3 - Breakfast call.
4 - Sick call -- come get your quinine.
5 - Call for guard mount.
6 - A "halt of twenty minutes for coffee" at noon.
7 - Dress parade.
8 - Supper call.
9 - Assembly call be sounded, when all are requested to assemble for literary entertainment and camp fire.
10 - Tattoo and taps.

   The military regulations of the camp will be under the supervision of the Camp Adjutant, W. A. Dougherty.
   The military restraint will be no more or greater than will allow every camper to exercise the greatest amount of liberty, consistent with good order and morality.
   We extend a cordial invitation to come and camp with us all ex-union soldiers, no matter where you reside; all sons and daughters of veterans; all members of the W.R.C. and ladies of the G.A.R.; all ex-confederate veterans; all Spanish-American war veterans; and lastly, all other persons desiring a ten days' outing who can enjoy a camp with this Association.
   Issued by order of the Executive Committee: J. C. Mixon, A. J. Buckles, J. L. Winans, John Miller.

NEWTON CONNER, Calistoga,
President of the Association.

Captain W. T. Simmons,

Secretary, Calistoga.

VETERANS' ENCAMPMENT
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Program for the Ten Days' Outing at "The Oaks."
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Calistoga Will Do Her Best to Entertain the Brave Old Boys of '61 and '65.
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   Camp Governor Morton will be ready for occupancy Thursday morning, June 18th, and it is hoped that as many as can conveniently will be present or accounted for at the first roll call.
   The placing of tents and assignment of quarters will be under the supervision of President Newton Conner, assisted by Camp Adjutant William Dougherty.
   The day will be given to greetings, reunions and a general social time until 4 p.m., at which time the camp will be formally opened by -- first, salute by Buckles' artillery; second, raising the camp flag by oldest veteran in camp, assisted by daughters of veterans.
   Song, "Star Spangled Banner."
   Address by comrade to be selected.
   8 p.m. -- Meeting of the Prevaricators' club at which a chief prevaricator will be elected. All comrades are eligible to this high honor. This will be followed by an impromptu campfire.

   4:38 a.m. -- Morning gun at sunrise.
   6:30 a.m. -- Reveille.
   7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call.
   8:30 a.m. -- Raising the camp flag with appropriate ceremonies to be arranged by Officer of the Day A. B. Mangis.
   10 a.m. -- Meeting of Ladies' Veterans Aid association.
   3 p.m. -- Meeting at the pavilion to arrange for reception in the evening tendered by citizens of Calistoga and vicinity.
   7:24 p.m. -- Firing gun and lowering flag.
   8 p.m. -- Reception. Address of welcom by C. W. Armstrong, chairman of the board of trustees, town of Calistoga. Response by Comrade A. J. Buckles.
   Songs, recitations, etc.
   At close of exercises, tattoo and taps.

Saturday, June 20th -- Children's Day.

   4:38 a.m. -- Firing morning gun at sunrise.
   6:30 a.m. -- Reveille.
   7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call.
   8:30 a.m. -- Inspection of camp by Officer of the Day N. S. Buckner, who will report to provost marshal any violation of army regulations that may have come under his notice.
   9 a.m. -- Police call.
   9:30 a.m. -- Guard mount.
   12 m. -- Dinner call.
   7 p.m. -- Dress parade. The president expects every one in camp to assist in making these parades an interesting feature of the encampment.
   7:24 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag.
   8 p.m. -- Impromptu program by the children in camp, and reminisences by comrades.
   Tatoo will not be sounded until every veteran present has had an opportunity to tell how he put down the rebellion.

   7:30 a.m. -- Sunrise; no morning gun, no reveille, no sick call, no guard mount. This day is set apart as a general memorial day. The posts of the association are expected to furnish a list of comrades who have died during the year. Ladies of the W.R.C., ladies of the G.A.R. and Sons and Daughters of Veterans are requested to do the same. Any one knowing of the death of a confederate veteran or Spanish war veteran during the year will please report their names, so that they, too, may be placed upon the roll.
   10 a.m. -- The camp flag will be lowered to half mast.
   10:30 a.m. -- Veterans' memorial service. Short eulogies by comrades on the deceased veterans who died in our jurisdiction during the past year, interspersed with sacred songs. This service will be in charge of Comrade A. J. Buckles.
   12 m. -- Arrival of Company A, Veteran Guard of Oakland, in camp, and dinner call.
   3 p.m. -- Church call. Preaching by Rev. Needham, past chaplain G.A.R., department of California.
   7:24 a.m. -- Lowering the flag.
   8 p.m. -- Union church service.
   9:30 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps.

Monday, June 22nd -- Healdsburg and Petaluma Day.

   4:39 a.m. -- Morning gun.
   6:30 a.m. -- Reveille.
   7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call.
   9 a.m. -- Guard mount.
   10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion.
   12 m. -- Dinner call.
   2 p.m. -- Band concert.
   4 p.m. -- Convening of general court marshal.
   6:30 p.m. -- Dress parade.
   7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag.
   8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. A special program for this day will be arranged by comrades and ladies from Healdsburg and Petaluma, under direction of Officer of the Day J. L. Winans.
   10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps.

Tuesday, June 23rd -- Ladies' Day.

   Mrs. W. T. Simmons, officer of the day.
   4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun.
   4:40 a.m. -- Reveille. Ladies in camp will please respond to this call promptly as the day's duties will be "strenuous" and time will be short.
   6:39 a.m. -- Breakfast call. Breakfast will be served as soon as the comrades can be induced to arise and prepare it.
   7 a.m. -- Police call for cleaning quarters.
   7:30 a.m. -- Inspection of quarters. "Let no guilty man escape."
   8 a.m. -- Guard mount.
   8:30 a.m. -- Sick call. Any comrade who attempts to evade duty by going on the sick list will be promptly dealt with. The ladies may even go so far as to use the water cure, thereby advertising the efficiency of Calistoga hot sulphur water.
   10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion where a general court marshal will be convened. Comrades will take due notice and conduct themselves accordingly.
   10:30 a.m. -- Execution (? ? ? ?)
   12 m. -- Dinner call.
   2 p.m. -- Reception tendered to ladies in camp by Calistoga ladies.
   2:30 p.m. -- Band concert.
   4 p.m. -- Dress parade, providence permitting. "Let us have peace."
   4:30 p.m. -- Sunset.
   7:25 p.m. -- Firing gun and lowering flag.
   8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. Address by Lieutenant Woodruff, Company A, Veteran Guard. Songs, recitations, etc.
   10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps.

Wednesday, June 24th -- Santa Rosa Day.

   J. C. McWilliams, officer of the day.
   4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun.
   6 a.m. -- Reveille.
   7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call.
   9 a.m. -- Guard mount.
   10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion.
   12 m. -- Dinner call.
   2 p.m. -- Band concert.
   5 p.m. -- Dress parade.
   7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag.
   8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. A special program will be arranged by comrades and ladies from Santa Rosa.
   10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps.

Thursday, June 25th -- St. Helena, Napa and Solano County Day.

   4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun.
   6 a.m. -- Reveille.
   7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call.
   9 a.m. -- Guard mount.
   9:30 a.m. -- Business meeting of the association, election of officers, selection of camp for 1904, etc.
   10:30 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion.
   12 m. -- Dinner call.
   2 p.m. -- Band concert.
   5:30 p.m. -- Dress parade.
   6:30 p.m. -- Supper call.
   7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag.
   8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. Address by Hon. Theodore A. Bell, M.C. A special program will be arranged by comrades and ladies from St. Helena, Napa and Solano county, under direction of E. S. Gridley, officer of the day.
   10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps.

Friday, June 26th -- Oakland Day.

   Captain King, officer of the day.
   4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun.
   6 a.m. -- Reveille.
   7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call.
   9 a.m. -- Guard mount.
   10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion.
   12 m. Dinner call.
   2 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion.
   5 p.m. -- Dress parade.
   6 p.m. -- Supper call.
   7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag.
   8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. A special program will be arranged by comrades and ladies from Oakland.
   10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps.

Saturday, June 27th -- Native Sons' Day.

   Lieutenant Woodruff, Company A, Veteran Guard, officer of the day.
   4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun.
   6 a.m. -- Reveille.
   7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call.
   9 a.m. -- Guard mount.
   10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion.
   11:15 a.m. -- Address by Hon. H. C. Gesford, superior judge of Napa county.
   12 m. -- Dinner call.
   2 p.m. -- Assemply at pavilion.
   5:30 p.m. -- Dress parade.
   6 p.m. -- Supper call.
   7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag.
   8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. A special program will be arranged by the Native Sons of Napa, Lake and Sonoma counties.
   10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps.

   Captains of the companies will be appointed by the president from among daughters of veterans present. Captains will be expected to enroll their companies from campers -- men and women -- camping in close proximity to each other.
   When the call for dress parade is made, each captain will form her company in two ranks, call the roll and note the absentees, and then march the company to the parade ground and take proper place in line, with Company A on the right.
   While this is called a military camp, we expect every camper to enjoy the greatest amount of liberty consistent with good order and morality. We are planning for and expect one grand round of enjoyment from first to last. Come one, come all, and come prepared to stay.
   Special programs will be prepared each day by the parties interested in them.
   The members of Governor Morton corps, W.R.C., are requested to act as a reception committee to meet and greet the veterans and others as they come into camp.

   There will be a bus running between camp and the town of Calistoga, making hourly trips each way for the sum of 10 cents a trip.
   While we believe that a great part of the pleasure of camp life consists in preparing our own meals in memory of the fruit-can coffeepots and the half-canteen frying pan, so familiar to all veterans, there are some who cannot make it convenient to do so, and for the accommodation of such, arrangements have been made for a restaurant on the grounds. The hotels and restaurants in the town of Calistoga will be prepared to serve all comers. There will also be a long distance telephone on the grounds.
   The camp flag will be raised at 7:30 a.m. and lowered at sunset each day, with appropriate ceremonies. A color guard of eight persons, four comrades and four ladies, to be selected by the president from those in camp for this purpose.
   An invitation has been extended to Governor Pardee and staff, Major General Shafter, department commander G.A.R., and staff, General Stone, adjutant general state of California, Brigadier General Warfield, N.G.C., General E. S. Soloman, Senator George C. Perkins, Mayor Schmitz of San Francisco, and other prominent citizens, most of whom are expected to visit camp.
   The camp of Company A, Veteran Guard of Oakland, will be governed by United States military regulations and under control of the governor of the state of California, as they are regularly enrolled members of the national guard of the state. The rest of the camp will be under control of officers of the Northern California Veterans' association.

N. CONNER, President
Attest: W. T. Simmons, Secretary.

(The Weekly Calistogian newspaper, Friday, 19 June 1903):

VETERANS ENCAMPMENT
The Brave Boys of '61-'65 at Camp Governor Morton
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The Town is Handsomely Decorated for the Occasion and the Grounds Present An Unique Appearance.
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   Calistoga presents a gala holiday appearance this week, the various business houses and many of the residences being handsomely decorated with flags, bunting and evergreens. The decorations are very tasty indeed, many are elaborate. The occasion is one that is, in a measure, new to Calistoga, but not to all of her people, for the citizens of this place have always taken a deep interest in the old soldiers, having demonstrated that fact for years past on Decoration day.
   Yesterday was the opening day for the seventh annual encampment of the Northern California Veterans' association at Camp Governor Morton, a beautiful spot known as "the Oaks," on the property of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Crouch. Here the tall, magical oaks, the growth of scores of years, form a beautiful, perfect and complete shade that is particularly adapted to camp life.
    The decorations on the camp grounds are worthy of special mention. No pains have been spared to add everything to their attractiveness and beauty.
   The finest of mountain water has been piped from the hills west of the camp, and the grounds are lighted by acetylene gas.
   At the present time there are about one hundred tents pitched and it is expected that they will all be occupied by the first of the coming week.
   While the camp was not supposed to open until Thursday morning, quite a number arrived there Wednesday evening, among them being Judge A. J. Buckles and family of Fairfield, Solano county. The placing of tents and the assignment of quarters is under the supervision of President Newton Conner of Calistoga and Camp Adjutant William Dougherty of Santa Rosa.

Yesterday was given principally to greetings, reunions and a general social time until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, at which time the camp was formally opened by -- first, salute by Buckles' artillery; second, the raising of the camp flag by the oldest veteran in the camp, which duty fell upon Newton Conner of Calistoga. He was assisted by the daughters of veterans. A song, "Star Spangled Banner," followed, and next came an address by Comrade A. J. Buckles of Fairfield.
In response to the address was a poem written by Mrs. W. F. Fisher, which was recited by Frank S. Crouch and is as follows:

Wave, proudly wave
Your stars and stripes on high,
God's heaven with tint of azure
A background in the sky.

His breezes your folds unfurl
With language silent, but strong,
You tell to a nation that loves you
To you each one I belong.

For each patriot heart your waving,
For those on land and on sea.
Modestly, silently, you tell us
Of God's chosen land of the free.

You remind us in every motion
Of forefathers who suffered that we
Might leave thee dear flag float o'er us
Where'er on earth we may be.

Thou beautiful waving emblem
Of a nation whose heart to the core
Rejoice at sight of their banner,
Wave on, proudly wave ever more.

   In the evening it was the intention to organize a prevaricators' club, but as the proper certificates of membership failed to reach the camp on time, this was abandoned. The evening was devoted principally to a social dance, music being furnished on the piano by different local players.
   This morning at 4:38 there was the sunrise salute; reveille at 6:30 and breakfast at 7:30. At 8:30 the camp flag was raised with appropriate ceremonies under the immediate direction of Officer of the Day A. B. Mangis, and was witnessed by quite a large number of people.
   The meeting of the Ladies' Aid association, which was called for at 10 a.m., has been postponed until next Monday, owing to the absence of the president.
   This concludes the exercises at the camp up to the hour of the Calistogian going to press.
   Tomorrow will be children's day at the camp and a splendid program has been prepared by the teachers in the school to take the place of the entertainment usually held at the close of the term.
   On next Wednesday evening Armory Company "A," First Regiment, Veteran Reserves, under the command of Captain C. K. King, will give a band concert and ball at the auditorium. Philip D. Price, a baritone vocalist of Berlin, Ger., will accompany the band and render several vocal selections. J. H. Vincent, a member of the company, has volunteered to sing and dance. The band will give a concert each afternoon and evening.

Reveille, 6 a.m.
Breakfast, 6:30 a.m.
Sick call, 8 a.m.
Guard mount, 8:30 a.m.
Dinner 12 m.
Dress parade, 5:30 p.m.
Supper, 6:15 p.m.
Tattoo, 9 p.m.
Taps, 9:30 p.m.

   The camp of the company will be open for visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 12 m. and from 1 to 5 p.m. The company will also give a sham battle on Saturday, June 27th.
   Tomorrow the business houses will take a half holiday to attend camp, remaining closed from 1 to 6 p.m. They will also close for a like period on the following Saturday.
   There are about one hundred campers [on] the ground at the present time, and it is expected that about five hundred or more will be in attendance by the first of next week.

(The Weekly Calistogian newspaper, Friday 26 June 1903)

VETERANS ENCAMPMENT NEAR AN END
The Attendance of Old Soldiers at Camp Governor Morton Is Somewhat Small.
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SPLENDID OUTING ENJOYED BY ALL
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The Veterans and Visitors are Loud in Their Praises of the Hospitality of Calistoga.
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The [seventh] annual encampment of the Northern California Veterans' association is nearing its end. The only disappointment has been caused by the slim attendance of the old soldiers, but in every other respect the outing has probably been the most enjoyable one in the history of the association to those who have spent the past week or more in the beautiful spot. Great credit for this is due President Newton Conner and Secretary W. T. Simmons and other local members of the association for their indefatigable industry. The grounds were exceedingly comfortably arranged for the visitors, and all who attended were loud in their praise of the camp and will not forget the outing for many moons to come.
   After The Calistogian went to press last Friday the exercises consisted of a meeting at the pavilian at 3 o'clock to arrange for the reception in the evening by the citizens of the town and vicinity.
   At 7:24 p.m. there was the firing of the gun and the lowering of the flag.
   The formal reception came at 8 o'clock and after a few preliminaries Mayor C. W. Armstrong of the town of Calistoga delivered the address of welcome and turned over the keys of the city to the comrades and visiting friends. His remarks were concise and to the point and were well received. Comrade A. J. Buckles of Fairfield responded to the mayor, and in behalf of the veterans accepted everything that Calistoga was about to offer to the visitors and believed there were doubly welcome to all parts of the city, save a berth in the town jail. Following this were selections by the choir, quartette, a solo, recitations, prayer, and the evening's exercises closed.
   Saturday was a great day at the camp for the children made it so. The event of the day came off in the afternoon when the school children made their appearance, and an immense crowd gathered at the camp ground to listen to the program which had been arranged by the children of the public school. The first thing on the program was a chorus, "Red, White and Blue," sung by the children of the primary rooms in a stirring manner. This was followed by a recitation by Merle Weeks, entitled "The Banner of the Free," and another chorus by the little ones, entitled "We're Only Little Children." The recitation and chorus were both rendered excellently and were heartily applauded. "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground" was sung by pupils of the eighth and ninth grades and they did themselves and their instructors credit. The next thing on the program was the cantata, "Market Day," rendered by about thirty primary children in an extremely pleasing manner. The children were perfectly at home on the stage, and the manner in which they performed their separate parts would have done credit to children twice their age. The finale was met by a storm of applause.
   The cane drill was then presented by girls from the higher grades in the school in a manner deserving of much praise. They marched well and their maneuvers were performed with precision and exactness that showed an immense amount of drilling.
   Some pupils from the Bennett district sang "There's Music in the Air" in such a very creditable manner that they were forced to respond to an encore.
   Last but not by no means least on the program was the alphabet drill by the little children. This was something entirely new, being almost completely originated by the two primary teachers. They merely had a foundation upon which they built and built until this result was obtained, and the appreciation exhibited was the most flattering and repaid the teachers to some extent for their hard work done in the preparations.
   The teachers are to be highly complimented upon the complete success of the entire program, the sentiment of those present being that it could not be surpassed. By the earnest request of many the alphabet and cane drills will be repeated next Saturday evening on the camp grounds.
   It was rather quiet at the camp on Sunday morning. There was no morning gun, revielle, sick call or guard mount, the day being set apart as a general memorial day. The posts of the association and the various ladies, sons and daughters of auxiliaries furnished a list of deceased members during the past year for entry in the roll book. The deaths of all Spanish-American war veterans were also recorded.
   At 10 o'clock the flag was lowered to half mast and at 10:30 the veterans' memorial services were held. There were brief eulogies by the comrades on the veterans who died in this jurisdiction during the past year, interspersed with sacred music.
   At noon was witnessed the arrival of Armory Company "A," First Regiment, Veteran Reserves of Oakland, under the command of Captain C. K. King. They were accompanied by the Seventh United States Infantry band of the Presidio of San Francisco. The procession was formed at the depot on the arrival of the 10:45 a.m. train and marched to the camp, the band in the lead discoursing sweet music. There were scores of people following the procession.
   At 8 p.m. the Rev. Arnold T. Needham, past grand chaplain of the Grand Army of the department of California, preached to a large congregation that had followed. He was assisted by Revs. Mitchell, Clifford, Buckner and others in conducting the services, and a choir furnished the music. The reverend gentleman is an able speaker and held the attention of his hearers to the very last.
   In the evening there were union church services, which concluded the exercises for the day.
   Monday was a rather quiet day in camp. The visitors were fewer than on the preceding days and the program somewhat condensed. There was the convening of a general court martial and a dress parade. A special program for the evening was arranged by the comrades and ladies from Healdsburg and Petaluma and was under the direction of Officer of the Day J. L. Winans. The features were the concert by the band and an address by General S. E. Clark of Iowa. The general is an able talker and was listened to with a degree of interest.
   Tuesday was a day for the ladies and was also termed Calistoga day, and was under the direction of Mrs. M. E. Ayer as officer of the day.
   After those who had attempted to evade duty by going on the sick list were dealt with, the ladies wound up by giving them the water cure, thereby demonstrating the efficiency of Calistoga hot sulpur water. The next on the program was a general court martial with light punishment. The ladies then gave an entertainment in the way of funny characters and impersonations that attracted the attention of everybody and made no small amount of fun and sport.
   A reception was tendered by the Calistoga ladies to the ladies in camp in the afternoon, and dancing on the platform followed.
   In the evening there was a general assembly at the pavilion and an address by Lieutenant Woodruff of Armory Company "A." He chose for his subject a brief history of the war. Songs, recitations, etc., followed, and the evening's entertainment was brought to a close.
   Wednesday was Santa Rosa day and was under command of J. C. McWilliams as officer of the day. In the forenoon there was a guard mount and an assembly at the pavilion. In the afternoon the band gave a concert, and at 5 o'clock there was a dress parade. Early in the evening there was an assembly at the pavilion and a brief program rendered by the Santa Rosa visitors, after which all hands came to town and attended the concert and dance at the auditorium given by the Seventh United States Infantry band. There was a good attendance and the affair was one of the features of the week. The band played several selections and then struck up the grand march at about 9 o'clock and dancing was indulged in until nearly 3 o'clock the following morning. They discoursed the best of music and everybody had a good time.
   Yesterday was a busy day at the camp for the association, it being the day for the choosing of the next meeting place and the election of officers.
   Petaluma was unanimously chosen as the place for holding the encampment in 1904. The camp has been held there on two former occasions and all were anxious to go there again.
   The next business was the election of officers and the following were chosen: J. L. Winans of Petaluma, president; William Dougherty of Santa Rosa, first vice president; D. Litchfield of Sebastopol, second vice president; J. W. Rose of Healdsburg, treasurer; A. J. Buckles of Fairfield, N. S. Buckner of Calistoga and T. K. Jones of Petaluma, executive committee. The secretary will be appointed later by the president.

Major General (ret.) William R. Shafter
(1835-1906)

(Source: National Park Service)

   The day was also designated as St. Helena, Napa and Solano day, but the attendance from those places was small. Major-General W. M. Shafter of San Francisco came up on the morning train and was met at the depot by the officers of the association and a goodly number of veterans and townspeople. He was escorted to the Hotel Calistoga and at noon dined in company with Captain W. T. Simmons, Mayor C. W. Armstrong, Comrade Newton Conner, Comrade and Mrs. E. D. Sweetner, Congressman T. A. Bell and C. A. Carroll.
   At 1 o'clock the general and party were driven to the camp where he was made welcome by everybody on the grounds. At 2 o'clock the band gave a concert, and General Shafter addressed the large assemblage present. The general makes no pretense at oratory, but is a pleasant talker and entertained his hearers admirably for half an hour.
   In the evening there was the regular dress parade and lowering of the flag, after which all assembled at the pavilion [listened] to a program under the direction of E. S. Gridley as officer of the day. The first of the program consisted of vocal selections, and then Congressman T. A. Bell was introduced. Mr. Bell made an eloquent speech, reviewing at length some of the most important events of the late war. General Shafter was also present and made a few pleasant remarks to the comrades and others who had assembled. A selection was rendered by the band, after which several specialties, including a farce, comic recitations, etc., were put on. The exercises of the evening were then brought to a close by music by the band.

A report of today's and tomorrow's exercises will be published next week.
The veterans will break camp Sunday and return to their respective homes. They are loud in their praises of the treatment they have received at the hands of Calistoga people, and the hospitality extended them will be remembered the rest of their lives.

The final installment of this newspaper series was not preserved. The July 3 edition was sold out, and the editor of The Weekly Calistogian neglected to retain an archive copy. The following week, he put out a request to the community for anyone who had an extra copy of the July 3 edition to please deliver it to his office. Apparently, no one did.

MORE ABOUT THE
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA VETERANS ASSOCIATION

The following article gives a detailed account of the first meeting of the Northern California Veterans Association (originally called the Sonoma and Napa Veterans' Association). A copy of the original article was forwarded to me by Sonoma County researcher, Ray Owen. and is transcribed in full below. -Dean Enderlin, 2010

MEMORIES OF WAR
-----
THE G.A.R. REUNION IN HEALDSBURG.
-----
Large Gathering of Veterans and an Enjoyable Time Had by All.
-----

   Friday last was a gala day for the G.A.R. men of Sonoma county. The committees having the reunion in hand left nothing undone that would add to the enjoyment of the occasion, and the success of the affair far exceeded their anticipations. Over fifty visitors came up from Santa Rosa, and all parts of Sonoma county were well represented. A number of veterans also came over from Calistoga. It was an ideal day, and the picnic dinner under the trees was enjoyed by all. Mr. C. L. Kimball, president of the day, was untiring in his efforts to make everybody happy, and he succeeded admirably.
   Hon. J. W. Rose of Healdsburg delivered a patriotic address of welcome to the veterans, and Judge Crawford of Santa Rosa responded.
   The choir, composed of Messrs. J. H. Gunn, C. F. French, Wm. Upson, C. M. Lewis, and Mrs. L. M. Hawthorn, with Miss Rose Keister as organist, furnished appropriate music and added greatly to the enjoyment of the day.
   In the absence of Hon. J. W. Ragsdale, orator of the day, General N. P. Chipman, Department Commander of California, made a most stirring and patriotic speech. His words were listened to with the closest attention, and he was frequently interrupted by bursts of applause.
   Misses Genevieve Kimball and Clara Gale delighted the audience with patriotic recitations.
   Comrade T. A. Potts of Santa Rosa sang a solo entitled "The Flag," and although his voice was a trifle out of gear it was plain to be seen that a loyal heart beats within his breast.
   Mrs. C. F. French of Santa Rosa, Past State President of the California L.G.A.R., read a very able paper on "The Loyal Women of the Country."
   Adjutant Winans of Antietam Post, No. 63, made a stirring speech on "The Boys Who Wore the Blue."
   "Mother" Barton was introduced, and gave a very interesting sketch of the life and work of an army nurse, in which capacity she eased the pain of many a suffering hero during the war.
   Comrade E. D. Sweetser, who years ago dropped the sword to take up the pen, gave the company an interesting address on the work accomplished by the loyal ladies of the country toward bringing the war to a successful termination.
   Comrade Fritz Herman, 87 years old, a veteran of the Mexican War as well as the Rebellion, James Greyson of Green Valley, 75 years old, and A. R. Dryden, about the same age, were introduced.
   Prof. D. C. Smith, who acted as bugler with Sherman's army in its march to the sea, rendered "Yankee Doodle," with variations, and as an encore he stirred the blood of the veterans with the bugle calls.
   The exercises were interspersed with patriotic songs by the choir, the audience joining in the chorus.
   A number of instances occurred where members of the same regiments met or received tidings of comrades for the first time since the war. All in all the reunion was successful beyond anticipation and resulted in the formation of a permanent organization.

   Immediately after the program was finished President Kimball called the veterans together. After some discussion in which Comrades Chipman, Crawford, Winans, Ricksecker, Simmons and others took part, it was resolved to include the district of Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Lake and Mendocino in an organization to be known as the Sonoma and Napa Veterans' Association, to be composed of all honorably discharged soldiers and sailors of the United States army and navy.
   R. F. Crawford of Santa Rosa was chosen president; J. W. Rose of Healdsburg, vice president; E. D. Sweetser of Santa Rosa, secretary; J. L. Winans of Petaluma, treasurer.
   Santa Rosa was selected as the meeting place for the next reunion, the date to be fixed for some time in July by the executive committee.
   The executive committee will consist of a number from each post in the jurisdiction with the president and secretary of the organization as ex-officio members.
   A collection was taken and the amount turned over to Treasurer Winans.
   Department Commander Chipman was made an honorary member of the association.
   "Mother" Barton, by virtue of her services as nurse in the late war, was also made an honorary member of the organization. Mrs. Barton is a cousin of the famous Clara Barton, president of the Red Cross Society, who has a world-wide reputation for philanthropy.
   The new association starts off with ninety-six charter members, their names, military membership and postoffice address being as follows:

LIST OF ANNUAL ENCAMPMENTS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA VETERANS ASSOCIATION
AND THE
LADIES VETERANS' AID ASSOCIATION

The following chronological list of annual encampments of the Northern California Veterans Association is based on newspaper accounts that I and others have found through the years. This is a work in progress, and more research is needed to fill in the details. -Dean Enderlin, 2016

---------------

1897 - Healdsburg, Sonoma County (1st Annual Encampment).

Veterans Association Officers: C. L. Kimball (Pres.).

1898 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (2nd), Grace Brothers Park.

Veterans Association Officers: R. F. Crawford (Pres., Santa Rosa), J. W. Rose (Vice Pres., Healdsburg), E. D. Sweetser (Secretary, Santa Rosa), J. L. Winans (Treasurer, Petaluma).

It was reported as the 1st Encampment in the Calistoga newspaper, but other reports clarify that it was the 2nd annual encampment. The 1898 event was a big affair, and was probably the first to gain widespread public awareness.

1899 - Petaluma, Sonoma County (3rd), at Agricultural Park ("Camp Dill"), June 15 - 22. Officers: A. R. Winans (Pres.)

The Association voted to include the counties of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Solano and Yolo.

1900 - St. Helena, Napa County (4th), at Hunt's Park ("Camp General Lawton"), June 21 - 30.

Veterans Association Officers: W. T. Simmons (Pres., Calistoga), A. J. Buckles (Vice Pres., Fairfield), D. M. Miller (Camp Adjutant), E. S. Gridley (Secretary), A. B. Swartout (Treasurer).

Ladies Aid Association Officers: Carrie M. Deaveraux (Pres., Santa Rosa), Jennie Simmos (Senior Vice Pres., Calistoga), Nellie Rollins (Junior Vice Pres., Santa Rosa), Mrs. Brainard (Treasurer, Petaluma), Mrs. Anna Mobley (Secretary, Santa Rosa).

1901 - Guerneville, Sonoma County (5th), at Armstrong Park, June.

Veterans Association Officers: A. J. Buckles (Pres., Fairfield), C. L. Kimball (Vice Pres., Healdsburg), G. W. Strohl (2nd Vice Pres., Napa), W. T. Simmons (Treasurer, Calistoga), R. F. Crawford (Secretary). Executive Committee: Above officers and Messrs. Winans, Rose, Sweetser. Committee on Resolutions: J. W. Rose, G. F. McDonald, and E. S. Gridley.

Ladies Aid Association Officers: Mrs. R. Tyler (Pres., Healdsburg), Mrs. D. Litchfield (Senior Vice Pres., Sebastopol), Mrs. Mary Farmer (Junior Vice Pres., Vallejo), Mrs. Mattie Rose (Treasurer, Healdsburg), Mrs. Barbara Logan (Secretary, Healsdburg). Executive Committee: Mrs. Jennie Simmons (Calistoga), Mrs. E. S. Gridley (Napa), Mrs. Lettie Winans (Petaluma), Mrs. R. F. Crawford (Santa Rosa), and Mrs. N. T. Outwaters (St. Helena).

The "Col. Armstrong Tree" in Armstrong Redwoods was dedicated during this encampment.

1902 - Healdsburg, Sonoma County (6th), at Lure's Grove ("Camp Matheson") just outside the city limits, June 17 - 27.

Veterans Association Officers: Capt. C. L. Kimball (Pres., Healdsburg), Judge A. J. Buckles (VP, Fairfield), Judge R. F. Crawford (Secretary and Camp Adjutant, Santa Rosa).

1903 - Calistoga, Napa County (7th), at the Crouch place near Pioneer Cemetery ("Camp Gov. Morton"), June 18 - 27. (I have full particulars of this entire event)

1904 - Petaluma, Sonoma County (8th), at Kennilworth Park ("Camp Pardee"), June 15 - 24.

Veterans Association Officers: J. L. Winans (Pres., Petaluma), William Dougherty (2nd VP, Santa Rosa), D. Litchfield (3rd VP, Sebastopol), J. W. Rose (Treasurer, Healdsburg). Executive Committee: A. J. Buckles (Fairfield), Nixon S. Buckner (Calistoga), and T. K. Jones (Petaluma). Executive committee will consist of a number from each G.A.R. post in the jurisdiction, with the president and secretary of the organization as ex-officio members.

1905 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (9th), at "Camp Burbank," June 14 - 24.

Veterans Association Officers: Col. E. D. Sweetser (Pres., Santa Rosa), Newton Connor (1st VP, Calistoga), John Favour (2nd VP, Healdsburg), C. L. Kimball (Treasurer, Healdsburg). Executive Committee: John Miller (Santa Rosa), A. J. Buckles (Fairfield), J. L. Winans (Petaluma).

1906 - Sebastopol, Sonoma County (10th).

Veterans Association Officers: J. B. Crawford (Pres., Sebastopol), Judge B. F. Emery (1st VP, Santa Rosa), Emmet Hart (2nd VP, Santa Rosa), "Comrade" Seigle (Treasurer), "Comrade" Witherington (Secretary). Executive Committee: Judge A. J. Buckles (Sacramento), J. L. Winans (Petaluma), and A. M. Renshaw (Santa Rosa).

1907 - Camp Meeker, Sonoma County (11th), June.

Veterans Association Officers: A. J. Buckles (Pres., Solano County), "Comrade" Johnson (1st VP, Occidental), "Comrade" McMinn (2nd VP, Calistoga), Emmet Hart (Secretary, Santa Rosa).

Ladies Aid Association Officers: Mary E. Ayer (Pres., Calistoga), Mrs. Johnson (Sr. VP, Occidental), Mrs. Weeks (Jr. VP, Sebastopol), Mrs. Nellie Rollins (Treasurer, Santa Rosa). Ladies Executive Committee: Mrs. L. B. Buckles (Sacramento), Mrs. Carrie M. Deveraux and Mrs. Anna D. Magee (Santa Rosa), Mrs. Jennie Maddox (Sebastopol), and Mrs. Carrie Conner (Calistoga).

1908 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (12th), at Argyle Park (later called Veterans' Park), June 17 - 27. This was the first gathering of the Association at their newly-acquired park (purchased in 1907), located on McDonald Avenue in Santa Rosa.

1909 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (13th), June 15 - 26.

1910 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (14th), June 15 - 25.

Veterans Association Officers: A. J. Buckles (Pres., Fairfield), Charles Gillett (1st VP, Santa Rosa), Newton Conner (2nd VP, Calistoga), Samuel Varner (3rd VP, Santa Rosa), B. D. Kennedy (treasurer, Santa Rosa)

1911 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (15th), at Veterans' Park (McDonald Ave.), June 20 -30.

1912 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (16th), at Veterans' Park, June 12 - 22.

Veterans Association Officers: Judge A. J. Buckles (Pres.)

1913 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (17th), at Veterans' Park, July ? - July 12.

Veterans Association Officers: Judge A. J. Buckles (Pres., Fairfield), G. C. Shelley (1st VP, Sebastopol), Emmet Hart (2nd VP, Santa Rosa), and Mr. Powers (3rd VP, Napa).

1914 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (18th), July.

Veterans Association Officers: Judge A. J. Buckles (Pres., Fairfield), Newton Conner (1st VP, Calistoga), Henry F. Smith (2nd VP, San Francisco), "Comrade" Brantley (3rd VP, Napa), and Charles Gillett (Treasurer, Santa Rosa).

Ladies Aid Association Officers: Mrs. Eliza Mangis (Pres., Calistoga), Mrs. Mary Farmer (1st VP, San Francisco), Mrs. Antoinette Martin (2nd VP, Napa), Mrs. Mary Ayers (Treasurer, Berkeley).

1915 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (19th), June 14 - 26.

Veterans Association Officers: Judge A. J. Buckles (Pres., Solano County), Col. Emmet Hart (1st VP, Santa Rosa), Andrew B. Mangis (2nd VP, Calistoga), "Comrade" Sherry (3rd VP, Sebastopol), C. N. Gillett (Secretary-Treasurer, Santa Rosa).

1918 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (22nd, at Veterans Park, July.

Veterans Association Officers: George F. McDonald (Pres., San Francisco), J. C. Shelly (1st VP, Sebastopol), Newton Conner (2nd VP, Calistoga), Dr. F. E. Brower (3rd VP, Santa Rosa), Mrs. Mary Farmer (Secretary, San Francisco), Mrs. Nellie Wyland (Treasurer, Santa Rosa). Ladies Aid Society: Mrs. Mary J. Simmons (Pres., San Francisco), Mrs. James Buter (Sr. VP, Santa Rosa), Mrs. Eliza Mangis (Jr. VP, Calistoga).

Transcriptions and web page design by:

Dean A. Enderlin
2950 Lake County Highway
Calistoga, CA 94515

E-mail: enderlin@sonic.net

Member:

Col. Elmer Ellsworth Camp, No. 23, SUVCW

Sharpsteen Museum Association

Napa County Historical Society

Lake County Historical Society

		Back to Top (The Weekly Calistogian newspaper, Friday, 10 April 1903:) THE VETERANS ENCAMPMENT ------- The Old Soldiers Are Planning a Big Time for Next June ------- The Seventh Annual Camp at "The Oaks" in Calistoga Promises to Eclipse All Former Gatherings ------- The Seventh Annual Encampment of our Association will be held at Calistoga at the upper end of the beautiful Napa valley, commencing Thursday, June 18th, and continuing ten days. The camps of this association in the past years have been scenes of much pleasure, enjoyment, explification, patriotism and love of the flag of our country. The time of war has passed, the dark clouds have rolled away and the sun of peace shines over all the land. We do not forget those who, with us, served our country in its hour of peril; who marched with us many a weary mile; who heard with us the roll of musketry; looked into the belching cannon's mouth, and who laid their lives a willing sacrifice upon the country's alter. Living or dead, they are with us in memory. Those who survive and are near enough to come, whether in northern, middle or southern California, we want with us in this annual camp. We propose this year the camp shall excell all other years in numbers of those camping with us, in the reunion and general good time to be had. The following comrades constitute the Executive Committee: A. J. Buckles, Fairfield; J. L. Winans, Petaluma; John Miller, Santa Rosa. These comrades will answer all communications addressed to them concerning the camp and give all information desired. Governor Morton camp grounds are in a beautiful grove of large oaks and will be laid off in regular military style and with a view of gaining the best shade, etc., and the tents will be pitched with regard to the streets and trees. Wherever campers have tents of their own they are requested to bring them, but the Association will furnish tents for rent at a fee for encampment of $1 50, so that there will be abundant shelter for all. Campers must furnish their own camp equipage and grub, mattresses, furniture and cooking utensils. The committee expect to be able to furnish enough cook stoves for all who are not provided with their own, without cost. The supply of spring beds, cots, tables and chairs to rent will be limited. Campers who wish to be furnished with anything in that line can be accommodated by sending in their orders to the Secretary at least ten days before the camp. Everything in the line of provisions necessary for life in camp can be purchased as cheaply in Calistoga as at your own homes, and delivered to your tents. Lumber can be had at the lowest market rates for tables, tent floors, etc., delivered on the ground. At this time it is believed the Association will be able to furnish hay for the horses of those who come by team from a distance of five miles or more from camp. There will be a large pavilion erected in camp for the nightly literary entertainments, campfires and for dancing. All literary entertainments every night will be of a strictly moral character, consisting of patriotic addresses by prominent speakers, talks of the reminisence character by comrades, both union and confederate, sons and daughters of veterans, and others; of songs and recitations by the children in camp, and all who desire to take part. Company A, Veteran Guard of Oakland, with a military band from the Presidio, will be in attendance during the encampment. There will be good music both for military service and dancing. No intoxicating liquors will be permitted to be sold on the grounds, and all drunkenness and rowdyism will be prohibited. Bring all the flags and bunting you have, then buy more in Calistoga. We are assured of the usual one and one-third rates on the railroads. Sunday, June 21st, will be set apart for holding memorial services in camp, and all persons knowing of the death of a soldier, union, confederate, Spanish-American, son or daughter of a veteran, or member of the W.R.C. or ladies of the G.A.R., during the year, are requested to furnish the President of the Association with name of such deceased and such other data pertaining to his or her life, as may be known. Union religious services will be held in camp on the evening of June 21st. The camp will be formally opened on June 18th, and thereafter the following will be observed each day as near as possible: 1 - Firing of sunrise gun and raising of flag. 2 - The reveille will be sounded. 3 - Breakfast call. 4 - Sick call -- come get your quinine. 5 - Call for guard mount. 6 - A "halt of twenty minutes for coffee" at noon. 7 - Dress parade. 8 - Supper call. 9 - Assembly call be sounded, when all are requested to assemble for literary entertainment and camp fire. 10 - Tattoo and taps. The military regulations of the camp will be under the supervision of the Camp Adjutant, W. A. Dougherty. The military restraint will be no more or greater than will allow every camper to exercise the greatest amount of liberty, consistent with good order and morality. We extend a cordial invitation to come and camp with us all ex-union soldiers, no matter where you reside; all sons and daughters of veterans; all members of the W.R.C. and ladies of the G.A.R.; all ex-confederate veterans; all Spanish-American war veterans; and lastly, all other persons desiring a ten days' outing who can enjoy a camp with this Association. Issued by order of the Executive Committee: J. C. Mixon, A. J. Buckles, J. L. Winans, John Miller. NEWTON CONNER, Calistoga, President of the Association. Captain W. T. Simmons, Secretary, Calistoga.
		Back to Top (The Weekly Calistogian newspaper, Friday, 5 June 1903): VETERANS' ENCAMPMENT ------- Program for the Ten Days' Outing at "The Oaks." ------- Calistoga Will Do Her Best to Entertain the Brave Old Boys of '61 and '65. ------- Camp Governor Morton will be ready for occupancy Thursday morning, June 18th, and it is hoped that as many as can conveniently will be present or accounted for at the first roll call. The placing of tents and assignment of quarters will be under the supervision of President Newton Conner, assisted by Camp Adjutant William Dougherty. The day will be given to greetings, reunions and a general social time until 4 p.m., at which time the camp will be formally opened by -- first, salute by Buckles' artillery; second, raising the camp flag by oldest veteran in camp, assisted by daughters of veterans. Song, "Star Spangled Banner." Address by comrade to be selected. 8 p.m. -- Meeting of the Prevaricators' club at which a chief prevaricator will be elected. All comrades are eligible to this high honor. This will be followed by an impromptu campfire. Friday, June 19th. 4:38 a.m. -- Morning gun at sunrise. 6:30 a.m. -- Reveille. 7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call. 8:30 a.m. -- Raising the camp flag with appropriate ceremonies to be arranged by Officer of the Day A. B. Mangis. 10 a.m. -- Meeting of Ladies' Veterans Aid association. 3 p.m. -- Meeting at the pavilion to arrange for reception in the evening tendered by citizens of Calistoga and vicinity. 7:24 p.m. -- Firing gun and lowering flag. 8 p.m. -- Reception. Address of welcom by C. W. Armstrong, chairman of the board of trustees, town of Calistoga. Response by Comrade A. J. Buckles. Songs, recitations, etc. At close of exercises, tattoo and taps. Saturday, June 20th -- Children's Day. 4:38 a.m. -- Firing morning gun at sunrise. 6:30 a.m. -- Reveille. 7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call. 8:30 a.m. -- Inspection of camp by Officer of the Day N. S. Buckner, who will report to provost marshal any violation of army regulations that may have come under his notice. 9 a.m. -- Police call. 9:30 a.m. -- Guard mount. 12 m. -- Dinner call. 7 p.m. -- Dress parade. The president expects every one in camp to assist in making these parades an interesting feature of the encampment. 7:24 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag. 8 p.m. -- Impromptu program by the children in camp, and reminisences by comrades. Tatoo will not be sounded until every veteran present has had an opportunity to tell how he put down the rebellion. Sunday, June 21st. 7:30 a.m. -- Sunrise; no morning gun, no reveille, no sick call, no guard mount. This day is set apart as a general memorial day. The posts of the association are expected to furnish a list of comrades who have died during the year. Ladies of the W.R.C., ladies of the G.A.R. and Sons and Daughters of Veterans are requested to do the same. Any one knowing of the death of a confederate veteran or Spanish war veteran during the year will please report their names, so that they, too, may be placed upon the roll. 10 a.m. -- The camp flag will be lowered to half mast. 10:30 a.m. -- Veterans' memorial service. Short eulogies by comrades on the deceased veterans who died in our jurisdiction during the past year, interspersed with sacred songs. This service will be in charge of Comrade A. J. Buckles. 12 m. -- Arrival of Company A, Veteran Guard of Oakland, in camp, and dinner call. 3 p.m. -- Church call. Preaching by Rev. Needham, past chaplain G.A.R., department of California. 7:24 a.m. -- Lowering the flag. 8 p.m. -- Union church service. 9:30 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps. Monday, June 22nd -- Healdsburg and Petaluma Day. 4:39 a.m. -- Morning gun. 6:30 a.m. -- Reveille. 7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call. 9 a.m. -- Guard mount. 10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. 12 m. -- Dinner call. 2 p.m. -- Band concert. 4 p.m. -- Convening of general court marshal. 6:30 p.m. -- Dress parade. 7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag. 8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. A special program for this day will be arranged by comrades and ladies from Healdsburg and Petaluma, under direction of Officer of the Day J. L. Winans. 10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps. Tuesday, June 23rd -- Ladies' Day. Mrs. W. T. Simmons, officer of the day. 4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun. 4:40 a.m. -- Reveille. Ladies in camp will please respond to this call promptly as the day's duties will be "strenuous" and time will be short. 6:39 a.m. -- Breakfast call. Breakfast will be served as soon as the comrades can be induced to arise and prepare it. 7 a.m. -- Police call for cleaning quarters. 7:30 a.m. -- Inspection of quarters. "Let no guilty man escape." 8 a.m. -- Guard mount. 8:30 a.m. -- Sick call. Any comrade who attempts to evade duty by going on the sick list will be promptly dealt with. The ladies may even go so far as to use the water cure, thereby advertising the efficiency of Calistoga hot sulphur water. 10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion where a general court marshal will be convened. Comrades will take due notice and conduct themselves accordingly. 10:30 a.m. -- Execution (? ? ? ?) 12 m. -- Dinner call. 2 p.m. -- Reception tendered to ladies in camp by Calistoga ladies. 2:30 p.m. -- Band concert. 4 p.m. -- Dress parade, providence permitting. "Let us have peace." 4:30 p.m. -- Sunset. 7:25 p.m. -- Firing gun and lowering flag. 8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. Address by Lieutenant Woodruff, Company A, Veteran Guard. Songs, recitations, etc. 10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps. Wednesday, June 24th -- Santa Rosa Day. J. C. McWilliams, officer of the day. 4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun. 6 a.m. -- Reveille. 7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call. 9 a.m. -- Guard mount. 10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. 12 m. -- Dinner call. 2 p.m. -- Band concert. 5 p.m. -- Dress parade. 7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag. 8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. A special program will be arranged by comrades and ladies from Santa Rosa. 10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps. Thursday, June 25th -- St. Helena, Napa and Solano County Day. 4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun. 6 a.m. -- Reveille. 7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call. 9 a.m. -- Guard mount. 9:30 a.m. -- Business meeting of the association, election of officers, selection of camp for 1904, etc. 10:30 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. 12 m. -- Dinner call. 2 p.m. -- Band concert. 5:30 p.m. -- Dress parade. 6:30 p.m. -- Supper call. 7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag. 8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. Address by Hon. Theodore A. Bell, M.C. A special program will be arranged by comrades and ladies from St. Helena, Napa and Solano county, under direction of E. S. Gridley, officer of the day. 10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps. Friday, June 26th -- Oakland Day. Captain King, officer of the day. 4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun. 6 a.m. -- Reveille. 7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call. 9 a.m. -- Guard mount. 10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. 12 m. Dinner call. 2 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. 5 p.m. -- Dress parade. 6 p.m. -- Supper call. 7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag. 8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. A special program will be arranged by comrades and ladies from Oakland. 10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps. Saturday, June 27th -- Native Sons' Day. Lieutenant Woodruff, Company A, Veteran Guard, officer of the day. 4:39 a.m. -- Sunrise gun. 6 a.m. -- Reveille. 7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast call. 9 a.m. -- Guard mount. 10 a.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. 11:15 a.m. -- Address by Hon. H. C. Gesford, superior judge of Napa county. 12 m. -- Dinner call. 2 p.m. -- Assemply at pavilion. 5:30 p.m. -- Dress parade. 6 p.m. -- Supper call. 7:25 p.m. -- Sunset gun and lowering flag. 8 p.m. -- Assembly at pavilion. A special program will be arranged by the Native Sons of Napa, Lake and Sonoma counties. 10 p.m. -- Tattoo and taps. ------- Captains of the companies will be appointed by the president from among daughters of veterans present. Captains will be expected to enroll their companies from campers -- men and women -- camping in close proximity to each other. When the call for dress parade is made, each captain will form her company in two ranks, call the roll and note the absentees, and then march the company to the parade ground and take proper place in line, with Company A on the right. While this is called a military camp, we expect every camper to enjoy the greatest amount of liberty consistent with good order and morality. We are planning for and expect one grand round of enjoyment from first to last. Come one, come all, and come prepared to stay. Special programs will be prepared each day by the parties interested in them. The members of Governor Morton corps, W.R.C., are requested to act as a reception committee to meet and greet the veterans and others as they come into camp. Accommodations. There will be a bus running between camp and the town of Calistoga, making hourly trips each way for the sum of 10 cents a trip. While we believe that a great part of the pleasure of camp life consists in preparing our own meals in memory of the fruit-can coffeepots and the half-canteen frying pan, so familiar to all veterans, there are some who cannot make it convenient to do so, and for the accommodation of such, arrangements have been made for a restaurant on the grounds. The hotels and restaurants in the town of Calistoga will be prepared to serve all comers. There will also be a long distance telephone on the grounds. The camp flag will be raised at 7:30 a.m. and lowered at sunset each day, with appropriate ceremonies. A color guard of eight persons, four comrades and four ladies, to be selected by the president from those in camp for this purpose. An invitation has been extended to Governor Pardee and staff, Major General Shafter, department commander G.A.R., and staff, General Stone, adjutant general state of California, Brigadier General Warfield, N.G.C., General E. S. Soloman, Senator George C. Perkins, Mayor Schmitz of San Francisco, and other prominent citizens, most of whom are expected to visit camp. The camp of Company A, Veteran Guard of Oakland, will be governed by United States military regulations and under control of the governor of the state of California, as they are regularly enrolled members of the national guard of the state. The rest of the camp will be under control of officers of the Northern California Veterans' association. N. CONNER, President Attest: W. T. Simmons, Secretary.
		Back to Top (The Weekly Calistogian newspaper, Friday, 19 June 1903): VETERANS ENCAMPMENT The Brave Boys of '61-'65 at Camp Governor Morton ------- The Town is Handsomely Decorated for the Occasion and the Grounds Present An Unique Appearance. ------- Calistoga presents a gala holiday appearance this week, the various business houses and many of the residences being handsomely decorated with flags, bunting and evergreens. The decorations are very tasty indeed, many are elaborate. The occasion is one that is, in a measure, new to Calistoga, but not to all of her people, for the citizens of this place have always taken a deep interest in the old soldiers, having demonstrated that fact for years past on Decoration day. Yesterday was the opening day for the seventh annual encampment of the Northern California Veterans' association at Camp Governor Morton, a beautiful spot known as "the Oaks," on the property of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Crouch. Here the tall, magical oaks, the growth of scores of years, form a beautiful, perfect and complete shade that is particularly adapted to camp life. The decorations on the camp grounds are worthy of special mention. No pains have been spared to add everything to their attractiveness and beauty. The finest of mountain water has been piped from the hills west of the camp, and the grounds are lighted by acetylene gas. At the present time there are about one hundred tents pitched and it is expected that they will all be occupied by the first of the coming week. While the camp was not supposed to open until Thursday morning, quite a number arrived there Wednesday evening, among them being Judge A. J. Buckles and family of Fairfield, Solano county. The placing of tents and the assignment of quarters is under the supervision of President Newton Conner of Calistoga and Camp Adjutant William Dougherty of Santa Rosa. Yesterday was given principally to greetings, reunions and a general social time until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, at which time the camp was formally opened by -- first, salute by Buckles' artillery; second, the raising of the camp flag by the oldest veteran in the camp, which duty fell upon Newton Conner of Calistoga. He was assisted by the daughters of veterans. A song, "Star Spangled Banner," followed, and next came an address by Comrade A. J. Buckles of Fairfield. In response to the address was a poem written by Mrs. W. F. Fisher, which was recited by Frank S. Crouch and is as follows: Wave, proudly wave Your stars and stripes on high, God's heaven with tint of azure A background in the sky. His breezes your folds unfurl With language silent, but strong, You tell to a nation that loves you To you each one I belong. For each patriot heart your waving, For those on land and on sea. Modestly, silently, you tell us Of God's chosen land of the free. You remind us in every motion Of forefathers who suffered that we Might leave thee dear flag float o'er us Where'er on earth we may be. Thou beautiful waving emblem Of a nation whose heart to the core Rejoice at sight of their banner, Wave on, proudly wave ever more. In the evening it was the intention to organize a prevaricators' club, but as the proper certificates of membership failed to reach the camp on time, this was abandoned. The evening was devoted principally to a social dance, music being furnished on the piano by different local players. This morning at 4:38 there was the sunrise salute; reveille at 6:30 and breakfast at 7:30. At 8:30 the camp flag was raised with appropriate ceremonies under the immediate direction of Officer of the Day A. B. Mangis, and was witnessed by quite a large number of people. The meeting of the Ladies' Aid association, which was called for at 10 a.m., has been postponed until next Monday, owing to the absence of the president. This concludes the exercises at the camp up to the hour of the Calistogian going to press. Tomorrow will be children's day at the camp and a splendid program has been prepared by the teachers in the school to take the place of the entertainment usually held at the close of the term. On next Wednesday evening Armory Company "A," First Regiment, Veteran Reserves, under the command of Captain C. K. King, will give a band concert and ball at the auditorium. Philip D. Price, a baritone vocalist of Berlin, Ger., will accompany the band and render several vocal selections. J. H. Vincent, a member of the company, has volunteered to sing and dance. The band will give a concert each afternoon and evening. At the camp the company's hours will be as follows: Reveille, 6 a.m. Breakfast, 6:30 a.m. Sick call, 8 a.m. Guard mount, 8:30 a.m. Dinner 12 m. Dress parade, 5:30 p.m. Supper, 6:15 p.m. Tattoo, 9 p.m. Taps, 9:30 p.m. The camp of the company will be open for visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 12 m. and from 1 to 5 p.m. The company will also give a sham battle on Saturday, June 27th. Tomorrow the business houses will take a half holiday to attend camp, remaining closed from 1 to 6 p.m. They will also close for a like period on the following Saturday. There are about one hundred campers [on] the ground at the present time, and it is expected that about five hundred or more will be in attendance by the first of next week.
		Back to Top (The Weekly Calistogian newspaper, Friday 26 June 1903) VETERANS ENCAMPMENT NEAR AN END The Attendance of Old Soldiers at Camp Governor Morton Is Somewhat Small. ------- SPLENDID OUTING ENJOYED BY ALL ------- The Veterans and Visitors are Loud in Their Praises of the Hospitality of Calistoga. ------- The [seventh] annual encampment of the Northern California Veterans' association is nearing its end. The only disappointment has been caused by the slim attendance of the old soldiers, but in every other respect the outing has probably been the most enjoyable one in the history of the association to those who have spent the past week or more in the beautiful spot. Great credit for this is due President Newton Conner and Secretary W. T. Simmons and other local members of the association for their indefatigable industry. The grounds were exceedingly comfortably arranged for the visitors, and all who attended were loud in their praise of the camp and will not forget the outing for many moons to come. After The Calistogian went to press last Friday the exercises consisted of a meeting at the pavilian at 3 o'clock to arrange for the reception in the evening by the citizens of the town and vicinity. At 7:24 p.m. there was the firing of the gun and the lowering of the flag. The formal reception came at 8 o'clock and after a few preliminaries Mayor C. W. Armstrong of the town of Calistoga delivered the address of welcome and turned over the keys of the city to the comrades and visiting friends. His remarks were concise and to the point and were well received. Comrade A. J. Buckles of Fairfield responded to the mayor, and in behalf of the veterans accepted everything that Calistoga was about to offer to the visitors and believed there were doubly welcome to all parts of the city, save a berth in the town jail. Following this were selections by the choir, quartette, a solo, recitations, prayer, and the evening's exercises closed. Saturday was a great day at the camp for the children made it so. The event of the day came off in the afternoon when the school children made their appearance, and an immense crowd gathered at the camp ground to listen to the program which had been arranged by the children of the public school. The first thing on the program was a chorus, "Red, White and Blue," sung by the children of the primary rooms in a stirring manner. This was followed by a recitation by Merle Weeks, entitled "The Banner of the Free," and another chorus by the little ones, entitled "We're Only Little Children." The recitation and chorus were both rendered excellently and were heartily applauded. "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground" was sung by pupils of the eighth and ninth grades and they did themselves and their instructors credit. The next thing on the program was the cantata, "Market Day," rendered by about thirty primary children in an extremely pleasing manner. The children were perfectly at home on the stage, and the manner in which they performed their separate parts would have done credit to children twice their age. The finale was met by a storm of applause. The cane drill was then presented by girls from the higher grades in the school in a manner deserving of much praise. They marched well and their maneuvers were performed with precision and exactness that showed an immense amount of drilling. Some pupils from the Bennett district sang "There's Music in the Air" in such a very creditable manner that they were forced to respond to an encore. Last but not by no means least on the program was the alphabet drill by the little children. This was something entirely new, being almost completely originated by the two primary teachers. They merely had a foundation upon which they built and built until this result was obtained, and the appreciation exhibited was the most flattering and repaid the teachers to some extent for their hard work done in the preparations. The teachers are to be highly complimented upon the complete success of the entire program, the sentiment of those present being that it could not be surpassed. By the earnest request of many the alphabet and cane drills will be repeated next Saturday evening on the camp grounds. It was rather quiet at the camp on Sunday morning. There was no morning gun, revielle, sick call or guard mount, the day being set apart as a general memorial day. The posts of the association and the various ladies, sons and daughters of auxiliaries furnished a list of deceased members during the past year for entry in the roll book. The deaths of all Spanish-American war veterans were also recorded. At 10 o'clock the flag was lowered to half mast and at 10:30 the veterans' memorial services were held. There were brief eulogies by the comrades on the veterans who died in this jurisdiction during the past year, interspersed with sacred music. At noon was witnessed the arrival of Armory Company "A," First Regiment, Veteran Reserves of Oakland, under the command of Captain C. K. King. They were accompanied by the Seventh United States Infantry band of the Presidio of San Francisco. The procession was formed at the depot on the arrival of the 10:45 a.m. train and marched to the camp, the band in the lead discoursing sweet music. There were scores of people following the procession. At 8 p.m. the Rev. Arnold T. Needham, past grand chaplain of the Grand Army of the department of California, preached to a large congregation that had followed. He was assisted by Revs. Mitchell, Clifford, Buckner and others in conducting the services, and a choir furnished the music. The reverend gentleman is an able speaker and held the attention of his hearers to the very last. In the evening there were union church services, which concluded the exercises for the day. Monday was a rather quiet day in camp. The visitors were fewer than on the preceding days and the program somewhat condensed. There was the convening of a general court martial and a dress parade. A special program for the evening was arranged by the comrades and ladies from Healdsburg and Petaluma and was under the direction of Officer of the Day J. L. Winans. The features were the concert by the band and an address by General S. E. Clark of Iowa. The general is an able talker and was listened to with a degree of interest. Tuesday was a day for the ladies and was also termed Calistoga day, and was under the direction of Mrs. M. E. Ayer as officer of the day. After those who had attempted to evade duty by going on the sick list were dealt with, the ladies wound up by giving them the water cure, thereby demonstrating the efficiency of Calistoga hot sulpur water. The next on the program was a general court martial with light punishment. The ladies then gave an entertainment in the way of funny characters and impersonations that attracted the attention of everybody and made no small amount of fun and sport. A reception was tendered by the Calistoga ladies to the ladies in camp in the afternoon, and dancing on the platform followed. In the evening there was a general assembly at the pavilion and an address by Lieutenant Woodruff of Armory Company "A." He chose for his subject a brief history of the war. Songs, recitations, etc., followed, and the evening's entertainment was brought to a close. Wednesday was Santa Rosa day and was under command of J. C. McWilliams as officer of the day. In the forenoon there was a guard mount and an assembly at the pavilion. In the afternoon the band gave a concert, and at 5 o'clock there was a dress parade. Early in the evening there was an assembly at the pavilion and a brief program rendered by the Santa Rosa visitors, after which all hands came to town and attended the concert and dance at the auditorium given by the Seventh United States Infantry band. There was a good attendance and the affair was one of the features of the week. The band played several selections and then struck up the grand march at about 9 o'clock and dancing was indulged in until nearly 3 o'clock the following morning. They discoursed the best of music and everybody had a good time. Yesterday was a busy day at the camp for the association, it being the day for the choosing of the next meeting place and the election of officers. Petaluma was unanimously chosen as the place for holding the encampment in 1904. The camp has been held there on two former occasions and all were anxious to go there again. The next business was the election of officers and the following were chosen: J. L. Winans of Petaluma, president; William Dougherty of Santa Rosa, first vice president; D. Litchfield of Sebastopol, second vice president; J. W. Rose of Healdsburg, treasurer; A. J. Buckles of Fairfield, N. S. Buckner of Calistoga and T. K. Jones of Petaluma, executive committee. The secretary will be appointed later by the president.
	Major General (ret.) William R. Shafter (1835-1906) (Source: National Park Service)	The day was also designated as St. Helena, Napa and Solano day, but the attendance from those places was small. Major-General W. M. Shafter of San Francisco came up on the morning train and was met at the depot by the officers of the association and a goodly number of veterans and townspeople. He was escorted to the Hotel Calistoga and at noon dined in company with Captain W. T. Simmons, Mayor C. W. Armstrong, Comrade Newton Conner, Comrade and Mrs. E. D. Sweetner, Congressman T. A. Bell and C. A. Carroll. At 1 o'clock the general and party were driven to the camp where he was made welcome by everybody on the grounds. At 2 o'clock the band gave a concert, and General Shafter addressed the large assemblage present. The general makes no pretense at oratory, but is a pleasant talker and entertained his hearers admirably for half an hour. In the evening there was the regular dress parade and lowering of the flag, after which all assembled at the pavilion [listened] to a program under the direction of E. S. Gridley as officer of the day. The first of the program consisted of vocal selections, and then Congressman T. A. Bell was introduced. Mr. Bell made an eloquent speech, reviewing at length some of the most important events of the late war. General Shafter was also present and made a few pleasant remarks to the comrades and others who had assembled. A selection was rendered by the band, after which several specialties, including a farce, comic recitations, etc., were put on. The exercises of the evening were then brought to a close by music by the band. A report of today's and tomorrow's exercises will be published next week. The veterans will break camp Sunday and return to their respective homes. They are loud in their praises of the treatment they have received at the hands of Calistoga people, and the hospitality extended them will be remembered the rest of their lives.
		Back to Top (The Weekly Calistogian newspaper, Friday 3 July 1903) The final installment of this newspaper series was not preserved. The July 3 edition was sold out, and the editor of The Weekly Calistogian neglected to retain an archive copy. The following week, he put out a request to the community for anyone who had an extra copy of the July 3 edition to please deliver it to his office. Apparently, no one did.

		MORE ABOUT THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA VETERANS ASSOCIATION The following article gives a detailed account of the first meeting of the Northern California Veterans Association (originally called the Sonoma and Napa Veterans' Association). A copy of the original article was forwarded to me by Sonoma County researcher, Ray Owen. and is transcribed in full below. -Dean Enderlin, 2010 Healdsburg Tribune newspaper, Thursday 14 October 1897, pg. 1, col. 1): MEMORIES OF WAR ----- THE G.A.R. REUNION IN HEALDSBURG. ----- Large Gathering of Veterans and an Enjoyable Time Had by All. ----- Friday last was a gala day for the G.A.R. men of Sonoma county. The committees having the reunion in hand left nothing undone that would add to the enjoyment of the occasion, and the success of the affair far exceeded their anticipations. Over fifty visitors came up from Santa Rosa, and all parts of Sonoma county were well represented. A number of veterans also came over from Calistoga. It was an ideal day, and the picnic dinner under the trees was enjoyed by all. Mr. C. L. Kimball, president of the day, was untiring in his efforts to make everybody happy, and he succeeded admirably. Hon. J. W. Rose of Healdsburg delivered a patriotic address of welcome to the veterans, and Judge Crawford of Santa Rosa responded. The choir, composed of Messrs. J. H. Gunn, C. F. French, Wm. Upson, C. M. Lewis, and Mrs. L. M. Hawthorn, with Miss Rose Keister as organist, furnished appropriate music and added greatly to the enjoyment of the day. In the absence of Hon. J. W. Ragsdale, orator of the day, General N. P. Chipman, Department Commander of California, made a most stirring and patriotic speech. His words were listened to with the closest attention, and he was frequently interrupted by bursts of applause. Misses Genevieve Kimball and Clara Gale delighted the audience with patriotic recitations. Comrade T. A. Potts of Santa Rosa sang a solo entitled "The Flag," and although his voice was a trifle out of gear it was plain to be seen that a loyal heart beats within his breast. Mrs. C. F. French of Santa Rosa, Past State President of the California L.G.A.R., read a very able paper on "The Loyal Women of the Country." Adjutant Winans of Antietam Post, No. 63, made a stirring speech on "The Boys Who Wore the Blue." "Mother" Barton was introduced, and gave a very interesting sketch of the life and work of an army nurse, in which capacity she eased the pain of many a suffering hero during the war. Comrade E. D. Sweetser, who years ago dropped the sword to take up the pen, gave the company an interesting address on the work accomplished by the loyal ladies of the country toward bringing the war to a successful termination. Comrade Fritz Herman, 87 years old, a veteran of the Mexican War as well as the Rebellion, James Greyson of Green Valley, 75 years old, and A. R. Dryden, about the same age, were introduced. Prof. D. C. Smith, who acted as bugler with Sherman's army in its march to the sea, rendered "Yankee Doodle," with variations, and as an encore he stirred the blood of the veterans with the bugle calls. The exercises were interspersed with patriotic songs by the choir, the audience joining in the chorus. A number of instances occurred where members of the same regiments met or received tidings of comrades for the first time since the war. All in all the reunion was successful beyond anticipation and resulted in the formation of a permanent organization. BUSINESS SESSION. Immediately after the program was finished President Kimball called the veterans together. After some discussion in which Comrades Chipman, Crawford, Winans, Ricksecker, Simmons and others took part, it was resolved to include the district of Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Lake and Mendocino in an organization to be known as the Sonoma and Napa Veterans' Association, to be composed of all honorably discharged soldiers and sailors of the United States army and navy. R. F. Crawford of Santa Rosa was chosen president; J. W. Rose of Healdsburg, vice president; E. D. Sweetser of Santa Rosa, secretary; J. L. Winans of Petaluma, treasurer. Santa Rosa was selected as the meeting place for the next reunion, the date to be fixed for some time in July by the executive committee. The executive committee will consist of a number from each post in the jurisdiction with the president and secretary of the organization as ex-officio members. A collection was taken and the amount turned over to Treasurer Winans. Department Commander Chipman was made an honorary member of the association. "Mother" Barton, by virtue of her services as nurse in the late war, was also made an honorary member of the organization. Mrs. Barton is a cousin of the famous Clara Barton, president of the Red Cross Society, who has a world-wide reputation for philanthropy. The new association starts off with ninety-six charter members, their names, military membership and postoffice address being as follows:
		N. P. Chipman, H, 2d Iowa Inf., Red Bluff. B. D. Kennedy, G, 112 Illinois, Santa Rosa. J. H. Boswell, A, 116 Illinois, Santa Rosa. E. Crabtree, H, 43 Wis. Inf. Santa Rosa. C. Clay, D. 29 Wis., Santa Rosa. John L. Louden, I, 44 Mass., Santa Rosa. L. E. Ricksecker, A, 153 Penna, Santa Rosa. John Stoveall, I, 8th Cal. Infantry, Santa Rosa. J. A. Ward, D, 2d Illinois Artillery, Lytton. H. S. Redenbaugh, M, 28th Ind., Santa Rosa. M. S. Parker, A, 10 Vermont, Petaluma A. L. Smith, A, 91 N.Y., Healdsburg. C. H. Watson, C, 17 Iowa, Healdsburg. L Weeks, Navy, Sebastopol. J. H. Lakee, G, 28 Wis., Healdsburg. Smith M. Griggs, G, 8th Mo. Vol. R. Crowley, D, 6th Cavalry, --- --- W. R. Dryden, 1st, Ohio Regiment, Hilton. A. Barns Mouruarua, H, 9 Wis., Santa Rosa. Charles F. Mathisen, U.S. Frigate, Minnesota, Healdsburg. P. H. Murphy, U.S. Frigate, Minnesota, Petaluma. W. H. Joy, I, 11 Minn. Infantry, Healdsburg. S. R. Kemp, A, 17 Mas., Infantry, Healdsburg. Joel Hiatt, C, 36 Ind. Infantry, Healdsburg. T. E. Hiatt, F, 47 Ohio, Infantry, Healdsburg. DeWitt C. R. Smith, C. 111th Illinois Vol., Healdsburg. W. H. Barnes, E, 7 MO, Healdsburg. J. W. Rose, L, 56 Reg. Vol. Infantry, and E, 15 Reg. Vol. Cav., Healdsburg. Levi J. Eicharn, F, 10 Ills. Cavalry, --- Phil Stoffal, D, 27 Ohio Vol. Inf., Healdsburg. J. H. Norton, I, 2 Ills. Vol. and Navy Mississippi, Healdsburg. J. Favour, G, 2 Cal. Cavalry, Healdsburg. R. G. Jewell, I, 4th Wis. Infantry and Cavalry, Healdsburg. H. H. McKoon, H. 44 N.Y.V.I., Cloverdale Wm. F. Brandt, 12 U.S. Infantry, Sebastopol. C. E Simonton, A, 2 Cal. Inf., Santa Rosa. P. S. Eastman, F, 11 Wis., Inf. Vol., Calistoga N. P. Olds, 111 [1st] Cal. Cav., Healdsburg John Lasswell, B, 1st Cav. ---, Cloverdale. J. B. Harrod, Sr., B, 9th Ind. Vol. Cav. Forestville. H. P. Brainerd, D, 31st Mass. Inf., Petaluma. C. W. Lane, B, 2 Minn. Inf., Calistoga J. L. Winans, D, 100 Ind. Inf., Petaluma. Thomas A. Potts, F, 111th Ohio Vol. Inf., --- Durant Litchfield, F, 84 Ills. Vol., Sebastopol. D. F. Fryer, H, 55 Ills. Inf., Windsor. N. V. Rogers, G. 35th N.Y. Inf. and Co. I, 18 N.Y.C. L. G. Culver, G, 7 Cal. Inf., Sebastopol. J. F. Paschal, B, 7 Cal. Inf., Santa Rosa.	J. P. Harmon, E, 3d Iowa Cav., Sebastopol. Jurgen M. Koch, B. 16 Ills. Cav., Petaluma. A. K Winans, C, 147, Ohio Inf., Petaluma. B. S. Davison, I, 16th Vt., Fairfax, Vermont. T. F. Veale, G, 99th Illinois, Calistoga. J. B. Crawford, G. 8th Ills. Cav., Petaluma. H. O'Keen, G, 22 Iowa Inf., Healdsburg. M. B. Mile, B, 7 Maine Vol, and 2 Mo. Cav., Bloomfield. Lucian Bruce, D, 2d Vermont, Occidental. H. H. Griswold, M, 17th N.Y. Cav., Healdsburg. G. R. Camp, E, 2d Iowa Inf., Santa Rosa. A. W. Arnold, A, 14 New York, Santa Rosa. R. F. Crawford, K, 35 Ky. Mt. Inf. and Elgin Ills. Battery, Santa Rosa. W. P. Ink, C, 85 Ohio Vol. Inf., Cloverdale. W. T. Simmons, C, 11th Mo. Inf., Calistoga. Oscar Murphy, D, 2d Wis. Cav., Sebastopol. H. C. Griffith, I, 34 Ind. Inf., Santa Rosa. J. S. Wilson, H, 17 Ind. Mt. Inf., Santa Rosa. Andrew Price, F, 4th O.V.I. Co. C, 162 Oh., Healdsburg. A. J. Thayer, I, 2d Ills. Light Art., Healdsburg. C. L. Kimball, I, Wis. Inf., Capt. Co. A, 14 Wis. Vol. Inf., Healdsburg. Chas. F. French, F, 31st Me. Inf., Santa Rosa. James Gregson, Cal. Cav., --- B. T. Crystal, D, 2d Iowa Inf., Healdsburg. Roland K. Truitt, E, 1st Texas Cav., Healdsburg. M. V. Vanderhoof, M, 15 N.Y. Engineers, Santa Rosa. W. A. Howard, B, 17 Kansas Inf., Healdsburg. W. N. Smith, D, 18 Ohio, Healdsburg. Nathan S. Clark, H, 20th Maine Vol, Healdsburg. Frank Merriwell. Aruce Browning. Thomas Morrison, K, 79th Ills. Inf., Santa Rosa. J. B. Martin, K, 11 Ohio Cav., Healdsburg. G. W. Harmon, C, 23 Ind. Vol. Inf., Healdsburg. E. D. Sweetser, C, 140 Ind. Vol. Inf., Santa Rosa. Robert S. Logan, D, 5th Ohio Inf., Co. E, 181st Ohio Inf., Healdsburg. D. Hetzel, C, 74th New York Vol. Inf., Guerneville. H. A. Kimball, G, 57 Mass. Vol., Guerneville. J. J. Keaton, G, 16th Ind. Vol., Guerneville. Geo. Slocum, D, 143; K, 30; G, 197 Pa. Vol., Healdsburg. Wm. King, F, 2d Cal. Vol. Inf., Healdsburg. H. B. Mason, C, 105 Ills. Vol. Inf., Healdsburg. J. C. Schelly, F, 12 Ky., Sebastopol. Mother Sarah A. Barton, Western Dept., Santa Rosa. D. Groves, G, 10 Missouri, Healdsburg. J. H. Carew, A, 1 Vir. Cal. C.S.A. H. M. Wolcott, F. U.S.V.V. Eng., Santa Rosa.
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		LIST OF ANNUAL ENCAMPMENTS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA VETERANS ASSOCIATION AND THE LADIES VETERANS' AID ASSOCIATION The following chronological list of annual encampments of the Northern California Veterans Association is based on newspaper accounts that I and others have found through the years. This is a work in progress, and more research is needed to fill in the details. -Dean Enderlin, 2016 --------------- 1897 - Healdsburg, Sonoma County (1st Annual Encampment). Veterans Association Officers: C. L. Kimball (Pres.). 1898 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (2nd), Grace Brothers Park. Veterans Association Officers: R. F. Crawford (Pres., Santa Rosa), J. W. Rose (Vice Pres., Healdsburg), E. D. Sweetser (Secretary, Santa Rosa), J. L. Winans (Treasurer, Petaluma). It was reported as the 1st Encampment in the Calistoga newspaper, but other reports clarify that it was the 2nd annual encampment. The 1898 event was a big affair, and was probably the first to gain widespread public awareness. 1899 - Petaluma, Sonoma County (3rd), at Agricultural Park ("Camp Dill"), June 15 - 22. Officers: A. R. Winans (Pres.) The Association voted to include the counties of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Solano and Yolo. 1900 - St. Helena, Napa County (4th), at Hunt's Park ("Camp General Lawton"), June 21 - 30. Veterans Association Officers: W. T. Simmons (Pres., Calistoga), A. J. Buckles (Vice Pres., Fairfield), D. M. Miller (Camp Adjutant), E. S. Gridley (Secretary), A. B. Swartout (Treasurer). Ladies Aid Association Officers: Carrie M. Deaveraux (Pres., Santa Rosa), Jennie Simmos (Senior Vice Pres., Calistoga), Nellie Rollins (Junior Vice Pres., Santa Rosa), Mrs. Brainard (Treasurer, Petaluma), Mrs. Anna Mobley (Secretary, Santa Rosa). 1901 - Guerneville, Sonoma County (5th), at Armstrong Park, June. Veterans Association Officers: A. J. Buckles (Pres., Fairfield), C. L. Kimball (Vice Pres., Healdsburg), G. W. Strohl (2nd Vice Pres., Napa), W. T. Simmons (Treasurer, Calistoga), R. F. Crawford (Secretary). Executive Committee: Above officers and Messrs. Winans, Rose, Sweetser. Committee on Resolutions: J. W. Rose, G. F. McDonald, and E. S. Gridley. Ladies Aid Association Officers: Mrs. R. Tyler (Pres., Healdsburg), Mrs. D. Litchfield (Senior Vice Pres., Sebastopol), Mrs. Mary Farmer (Junior Vice Pres., Vallejo), Mrs. Mattie Rose (Treasurer, Healdsburg), Mrs. Barbara Logan (Secretary, Healsdburg). Executive Committee: Mrs. Jennie Simmons (Calistoga), Mrs. E. S. Gridley (Napa), Mrs. Lettie Winans (Petaluma), Mrs. R. F. Crawford (Santa Rosa), and Mrs. N. T. Outwaters (St. Helena). The "Col. Armstrong Tree" in Armstrong Redwoods was dedicated during this encampment. 1902 - Healdsburg, Sonoma County (6th), at Lure's Grove ("Camp Matheson") just outside the city limits, June 17 - 27. Veterans Association Officers: Capt. C. L. Kimball (Pres., Healdsburg), Judge A. J. Buckles (VP, Fairfield), Judge R. F. Crawford (Secretary and Camp Adjutant, Santa Rosa). 1903 - Calistoga, Napa County (7th), at the Crouch place near Pioneer Cemetery ("Camp Gov. Morton"), June 18 - 27. (I have full particulars of this entire event) 1904 - Petaluma, Sonoma County (8th), at Kennilworth Park ("Camp Pardee"), June 15 - 24. Veterans Association Officers: J. L. Winans (Pres., Petaluma), William Dougherty (2nd VP, Santa Rosa), D. Litchfield (3rd VP, Sebastopol), J. W. Rose (Treasurer, Healdsburg). Executive Committee: A. J. Buckles (Fairfield), Nixon S. Buckner (Calistoga), and T. K. Jones (Petaluma). Executive committee will consist of a number from each G.A.R. post in the jurisdiction, with the president and secretary of the organization as ex-officio members. 1905 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (9th), at "Camp Burbank," June 14 - 24. Veterans Association Officers: Col. E. D. Sweetser (Pres., Santa Rosa), Newton Connor (1st VP, Calistoga), John Favour (2nd VP, Healdsburg), C. L. Kimball (Treasurer, Healdsburg). Executive Committee: John Miller (Santa Rosa), A. J. Buckles (Fairfield), J. L. Winans (Petaluma). 1906 - Sebastopol, Sonoma County (10th). Veterans Association Officers: J. B. Crawford (Pres., Sebastopol), Judge B. F. Emery (1st VP, Santa Rosa), Emmet Hart (2nd VP, Santa Rosa), "Comrade" Seigle (Treasurer), "Comrade" Witherington (Secretary). Executive Committee: Judge A. J. Buckles (Sacramento), J. L. Winans (Petaluma), and A. M. Renshaw (Santa Rosa). 1907 - Camp Meeker, Sonoma County (11th), June. Veterans Association Officers: A. J. Buckles (Pres., Solano County), "Comrade" Johnson (1st VP, Occidental), "Comrade" McMinn (2nd VP, Calistoga), Emmet Hart (Secretary, Santa Rosa). Ladies Aid Association Officers: Mary E. Ayer (Pres., Calistoga), Mrs. Johnson (Sr. VP, Occidental), Mrs. Weeks (Jr. VP, Sebastopol), Mrs. Nellie Rollins (Treasurer, Santa Rosa). Ladies Executive Committee: Mrs. L. B. Buckles (Sacramento), Mrs. Carrie M. Deveraux and Mrs. Anna D. Magee (Santa Rosa), Mrs. Jennie Maddox (Sebastopol), and Mrs. Carrie Conner (Calistoga). 1908 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (12th), at Argyle Park (later called Veterans' Park), June 17 - 27. This was the first gathering of the Association at their newly-acquired park (purchased in 1907), located on McDonald Avenue in Santa Rosa. 1909 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (13th), June 15 - 26. 1910 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (14th), June 15 - 25. Veterans Association Officers: A. J. Buckles (Pres., Fairfield), Charles Gillett (1st VP, Santa Rosa), Newton Conner (2nd VP, Calistoga), Samuel Varner (3rd VP, Santa Rosa), B. D. Kennedy (treasurer, Santa Rosa) 1911 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (15th), at Veterans' Park (McDonald Ave.), June 20 -30. 1912 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (16th), at Veterans' Park, June 12 - 22. Veterans Association Officers: Judge A. J. Buckles (Pres.) 1913 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (17th), at Veterans' Park, July ? - July 12. Veterans Association Officers: Judge A. J. Buckles (Pres., Fairfield), G. C. Shelley (1st VP, Sebastopol), Emmet Hart (2nd VP, Santa Rosa), and Mr. Powers (3rd VP, Napa). 1914 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (18th), July. Veterans Association Officers: Judge A. J. Buckles (Pres., Fairfield), Newton Conner (1st VP, Calistoga), Henry F. Smith (2nd VP, San Francisco), "Comrade" Brantley (3rd VP, Napa), and Charles Gillett (Treasurer, Santa Rosa). Ladies Aid Association Officers: Mrs. Eliza Mangis (Pres., Calistoga), Mrs. Mary Farmer (1st VP, San Francisco), Mrs. Antoinette Martin (2nd VP, Napa), Mrs. Mary Ayers (Treasurer, Berkeley). 1915 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (19th), June 14 - 26. Veterans Association Officers: Judge A. J. Buckles (Pres., Solano County), Col. Emmet Hart (1st VP, Santa Rosa), Andrew B. Mangis (2nd VP, Calistoga), "Comrade" Sherry (3rd VP, Sebastopol), C. N. Gillett (Secretary-Treasurer, Santa Rosa). 1916 - (20th). 1917 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (21st), at Veterans Park, July 5 - 19. Veterans Association Officers: George F. McDonald (Pres., San Francisco). 1918 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (22nd, at Veterans Park, July. Veterans Association Officers: George F. McDonald (Pres., San Francisco), J. C. Shelly (1st VP, Sebastopol), Newton Conner (2nd VP, Calistoga), Dr. F. E. Brower (3rd VP, Santa Rosa), Mrs. Mary Farmer (Secretary, San Francisco), Mrs. Nellie Wyland (Treasurer, Santa Rosa). Ladies Aid Society: Mrs. Mary J. Simmons (Pres., San Francisco), Mrs. James Buter (Sr. VP, Santa Rosa), Mrs. Eliza Mangis (Jr. VP, Calistoga). 1919 - Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (23rd), at Veterans Park, July. 1920 - No information. Back to Top