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Gayoso Chapter #2423 - United Daughters of the Confederacy
Gayoso Chapter #2423
United Daughters of the Confederacy
Tennessee Division
Memphis, Tennessee
Gayoso Chapter #2423 was chartered January 30, 1978, and membership certificates were presented at the West Tennessee District Meeting on April 15, 1978, by Division President Mrs. Donald Perkey. Mrs. Era Richmond, Mrs. Frank Coke, and Mrs. W. W. Lee, members of General Forrest #1194, had helped the young ladies to organize. Their purpose was to organize a UDC chapter of young married and career ladies. Mrs. G. Reb Jensen was elected as the first Chapter President. The other officers were Mrs. Robert S. Todd, Vice-President; Mrs. Ronald D. Lee, Secretary; Miss Alissa Almond, Treasurer; Mrs. John Bryant, Registrar; Mrs. Robert H. Johnson, Historian; Mrs. John Echols, Recorder of Crosses, and Mrs. W. Alan Doyle, Custodian of Flags. "With Undying Devotion" was chosen as our motto; the camellia was chosen as our chapter flower.

In October 1978, we began marking Confederate graves in Elmwood Cemetery. We have participated with the Memphis and Shelby County Council in Confederate Memorial Day Services at Elmwood each year. One year we honored Jefferson Davis with a vocal program accompanied by an 1862 melodeon and at another we presented a drama portraying women who knew President Davis. It has always been our pleasure to provide lemonade and cookies following the service.

In 1979, we began operating the "Gayoso Kitchen," a concession booth, at the annual Mid-South Civil War Show. Along with the usual food items found at such a booth, members donate baked goods to be sold. Our chapter has designed tee shirts and sweatshirts bearing the Confederate Seal and boldly declare "Southern And Proud Of It." The proceeds from these projects enable us to support Chapter, Division and General objectives.

Throughout the years, we have addressed hundreds of school children with slide shows and displays to give them a better understanding of the woman's role during the War Between The States. Books of Confederate history, as well as flags, have been donated to area schools and libraries. Many members have participated in Living History displays and re-enactments. We actively participated in the planning and presentation of the re-enactment of the 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh in April, 1987.

In 1990, The Gayoso chapter became involved in the restoration and upkeep of Tollgate Cemetery, located near the northeast corner of Highway 64 and Germantown Road. Our goal is to see the abandoned cemetery property maintained and safe from destruction. The grave of the Confederate ancestor of one of our members is located here and we placed and dedicated his grave marker on March 24, 1991.

Throughout the years, our chapter has hosted or co-hosted two Division Conventions and four West Tennessee District Meetings. Our chapter is well represented at the annual Division Convention. We have provided the Division with nine officers. We have awarded several Jefferson Davis medals and Winnie Davis medals. We have compiled a scrapbook each year since organizing and have won first place on the Division level nine times. In 1996, we were thrilled to win first place at the General Convention. We have had 100% magazine subscription each year since chartering.

The members of the Gayoso Chapter are proud of their accomplishments and continue to make plans for the future. Our hope is that we will always reflect our Southern heritage is such a way that our Confederate ancestors would be proud of us.
 
The Name "United Daughters of the Conferderacy" is a registered trademark of the General Organization and may not be used outside the Organization without the express written consent of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.  The official UDC insignia is a registered trademark of the General Organization and may not be used without the express written consent of the President General.

 

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