Our Next Meeting

When: Thursday, October 16th, 2008

Who: Ruth Hill Fulton McAllister

Where: Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Blvd.

What: The classic memoir Co. Aytch reigns as one of the most memorable and honest depictions of the American Civil War since its original publication in 1882. Sam R. Watkins is familiar to anyone who has seen Ken Burns' The Civil War. Sam's first-hand account of life as a Confederate soldier eloquently captures the realities of war, the humor and pathos of soldiering, and the tragic, historic events in which he participated. After his first edition sold out, Watkins edited and revised Co. Aytch, intending to add a new perspective. He died before accomplishing his goal.

Now more than one hundred years later, Watkins's great granddaughter, Ruth Hill Fulton McAllister, has fulfilled Watkins's dream. Using his yellowed, aged, and pencil-marked copy handed down through different family members, McAllister crafted a revised edition that combined the classic text with actual images of Sam Watkins's handwritten revisions.

We are delighted to welcome Ruth Hill Fulton McAllister to our Round Table, to speak about her famous ancestor and her efforts to bring his words back to life. Mrs. McAllister holds a bachelor's degree in history from Vanderbilt University, has taught high-school history and government, and is currently assistant producer of the syndicated call-in radio show Dawson McAllister Live. She and her husband, Dawson, live in Columbia, Tennessee. Please help us give Ruth a warm Texas welcome! NOTE: Copies of the wonderful new edition of Co. Aytch will be available at the meeting for $34.95.

Program Location and Details

The meeting will be held at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Blvd. To get there, take the Westover Drive exit on the MoPac Expressway. Travel west on Westover until you reach Exposition Blvd. Turn left and travel two blocks. The church is located on your left. There is a parking adjacent to the church and under the administration building on Greenlee Street.

View Larger Map

6:30- 7:15 p.m.    Dinner and Socializing

7:15 - 8:45 p.m.    Announcements/Speaker

8:45 - 9:00 p.m.    Questions and Closing Remarks

Rations

Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans, Romaine Salad, Rolls, Trifle Cake, Coffee, Tea, and Water. The meal is $15. To attend the meeting only, the charge is $5 (For non-members, the first meeting is free, and subsequent meetings are $10).

Reservations

Please RSVP by 12 Noon on Tuesday, October 14, by contacting our electronic mailbox via telephone at (512) 916-3412. If you must cancel your reservation, you must do so at least 48 hours in advance or you will be responsible for the costs incurred. Also, please let us know if you are attending the meeting but do not plan to join us for dinner. Thanks!

 

Meeting Schedule for 2008-2009

Return to Austin Civil War Round Table Home Page