Unveiling of Confederate Monument, 
Vaiden, Mississippi
June, 1912
photos  contributed by Paul Shaw and Ron Collins

Please e-mail me if you can identify others in this photo.

PROGRAM

UNVEILING OF CONFEDERATE MONUMENT
By
The Vaiden Chapter U.D.C.
June 7, 1912
Court House, Vaiden, Mississippi
9:30 a.m. June 7, 1912

1. Dixie by School Children
2. Prayer by Rev. T.L. Haman
3. Welcome Address by C.L. Armstrong
4. Address by Senator H.D. Money
5. Song “Our Boys in Gray are Growing Old” by Mesdames S.P. Armstrong, Harris Stubblefield, and R.S. Bailey.
6. Reading by Misses Addie B. Tillman, Helen Avery, and Zou Eddie Boyette.

DINNER

1. Bonnie Blue Flag by School Children
2. Introduction of Dr. Ward by David Sanderson
3. Address by Dr. Ward
4. Presentation of Monument
5. Acceptance of Monument by Mrs. S.E. McConnico
6. Unveiling
7. Song. “Lest We Forget” by Thirteen Young Ladies

The Carroll News
Vaiden, MS
June 13, 1912

UNVEILING OF MONUMENT FOR VETERANS TOLD

The unveiling of the handsome three thousand dollar monument, erected by the local chapter U.D.C., in the Court Square, to the memory of heroic effort of Confederate soldiers – living and dead – was fittingly performed Friday, May 12, 1912.

All arrangements had been made, considerable trouble and expense encountered, when on the evening before a rain and thunder storm caused the various committees to entertain grave fears for successful termination, but during the night a gentle breeze sprung up from the north which drove the obscuring clouds away, cooled the atmosphere and heralded a most perfect day.

The program started with music by the Durant Coronet Band, followed by the patriotic “Dixie” by large numbers of school children and prayer by Rev. T.L. Haman. The welcome address was happily delivered by Mr. C.L. Armstrong who declared: “I was the youngest soldier in the army.” When in reality he is old, and instead of being in the Confederate army, was at home nursing a sugar-bag.

Senator H.D. Money was assigned a place on the program and was expected to deliver an address, but to the disappointment of all present his health would not permit the undertaking. The vacancy was filled by Col. W.A. Montgomery of Jackson who “sniffed the smoke of battle” and acquitted himself with credit.

The song, “Our Boys in Gray” by Mesdames S.P. Armstrong, Harris Stubblefield and R.S. Bailey; recitation “The Conquering Banner” by Miss Addie B. Tillman, replied to by Miss Sarah Avery, with a second response by Miss Zou Eddie Boyette, were all good, and deserving of the numerous compliments which were audible throughout the court room.

Dr. B.F. Ward was not expected to speak until in the afternoon but as the morning program had been completed, not yet dinner time, and eager to hear him, the committee let him deliver his address on the installment plan. Accordingly, the venerable Doctor was introduced, launched out on the subject of “History” and if there was anyone present who ever doubted Dr. Ward’s ability as a scholar and historian, such ideas were certainly annihilated.

Mrs. S.E. McConnico, President of the local chapter U.D.C. read a paper in acceptance of the monument on the part of the Chapter, being followed by an acceptance address on behalf of the county supervisors, by Mr. T.H. Armstrong, Sr. Mr. Armstrong also related several war incidents and was the recipient of much commendation.

Masters Rodney Armstrong and Rhesa Hawkins did the unveiling. “Lest We Forget,” by 13 young ladies, representing each of the states that seceded, and patriotic “Dixie” by the band concluded the program.

A most sumptuous dinner was served on the grounds, and to say that the unveiling ceremonies were successful from start to finish is putting it mildly.