behind AotW

A somewhat dramatic presentation for General “Fighting Joe” Hooker, isn’t it? But I think it fits the way many of us think of him today.

This cigar box inner label was produced in 1896–more than 15 years after Hooker’s death, and more than 40 after the War–so that tells you something of how long his name remained a draw. It sold recently at auction among other “Tobacciana” for just over $500, and was made for “Schmidt & Co New Chambers, Cor. Williams St., N.Y.”.

It does make the General look good, though. Better than life.

The current owner of the Landon House, Urbana, Maryland, seeks money to help him restore the historic structure. The report in yesterday’s Frederick News Post suggests his chances of getting any are about zero, at least for this year. Owner Kevin Dolan seeks $250,000 to renovate 3000 square feet downstairs.

Sabers and Roses* refers to the ball held by General JEB Stuart and his officers during the 1862 Maryland Campaign. The romantic story of the event involves dashing cavalry, local belles, and gallant combat between dances til dawn.

Mr. Dolan, aka Johnny Reb, apparently has had a number of other ‘irons in the fire’ to help publicize/make money/fund the building

• Maryland Museum of Civil War History
• Landon Society
• Landon House Entertainment: web tv, reality show, radio, movie?
• Landon House Records: CD
• documentatary film on the “weird, thriving American Civil War subculture”
• haunted house tours
• law office tenants
• sponsor of Maryland South
• an almost-blog

The current focus seems to be on weddings.

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* Can a phrase like Sabers and Roses be a brand or trademark? Artist Dale Gallon liked it for his painting …

The Henry Daily Herald reports Col C.T. Zachry‘s last home, a house in McDonough, Georgia, will be relocated to serve as visitor’s center or museum at the Nash Farm site.
Zachry was Lieutenant Colonel of the 27th Georgia Infantry at Sharpsburg, where he succeeded to command of the regiment when Colonel Smith was killed in action.

The Nash Farm is noted as the site of the last action of the Atlanta Campaign of 1864.

Col Zachry before his next-to-last house, “Peachstone”, Henry County, GA
(photo from g-g-grandson Posey B. Howell)