THE
MONTICELLO
ASSOCIATION

Our Annual Meeting really began on May 1 when the family gathered at Monticello. Old friends greeted each other and delighted in identifying and chatting with newcomers. The several members of the Monticello Staff who joined our party made us feel that they wanted us to enjoy the house. And that we did.

The joy of pursuing old and new friendships continued in the graveyard on Sunday until we paused for a joint recognition of our dead. Our president, Moncure Taylor, read the names of six descendants and one associate member that were known to have died since we were last together. They are : Elizabeth Ann Burnette, Florence Patti Kennedy, Frances Douglas Rafferty, John Hager Randolph, Randolph Eppes Shine, Betty Jane Mitchell Solberg, and Mildred Powell Bronaugh Taylor. Mr. Taylor then read this prayer: "Almighty God, and Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for thy tender mercy, thy guidance, and thy protection through- out the years. We thank Thee for our precious heritage of liberty and independence established by our courageous forefathers -inspired by thy word and wisdom granted them by thy grace. As we are grateful for rights and privileges secured for us, may we also be conscious of duties and obligations. Help us to see that real accomplishment is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to please by doing what is right according to thy pleasure. Allow this occasion, O Lord, to become a more meaningful experience for each of us in this place as we call upon Thee for guidance. Father, we ask Thee to provide direction that we may go forward with Thee as our predecessors went forward with Thee. May our backward look serve to produce a forward thrust. In thy Name, who art the Father of us all, we pray. Amen."

Then followed the poem, "Life's Purpose" by H. S. Rice:

Life without purpose is barren indeed –
There can't be a harvest unless you plant seed,
There can't be attainment unless there's a goal
And man's but a robot unless there's a soul.
If we send no ships out, no ships come in,
And unless there's a contest, nobody can win
For games can't be won unless they are played
And prayers can't be answered unless they are prayed.
So whatever is wrong with your life today,
You'll find a solution if you kneel down and pray.
Not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health,
Not just for honors, prestige and wealth,
But pray for a purpose to make life worth living
And pray for the joy of unselfish giving.
For great is your gladness and rich your reward
When you make life's purpose the choice of the Lord.

Flowers were then placed on Mr. Jefferson 's grave by our younger members.

Those remaining for lunch and the business meeting proceeded on to the Keswick Hunt Club where more conversation preceded the good lunch arranged by Anne Barnes. To Anne and her volunteer helpers we are deeply in debt. Promptly at two o'clock the business meeting was called to order by our president.

At Moncure's request we stood to applaud the presence of our venerated Cousins Olivia (Taylor) and Charlotte (Rafferty). Then were introduced the bride and groom, Elizabeth Moyer and Michael Powanda, who had delayed their wedding trip for two days to be with us. Members were then asked to introduce their guests. All were warmly welcomed.

It was moved, seconded and passed that the minutes of the 1981 Annual Meeting be accepted as published and that their reading be omitted. The president then called for reports.

SECRETARY'S REPORT

The Secretary did not report on membership size, but a tabulation made on July 5, 1982 follows: 605 regular (dues-paying) members, of which 427 are adults, and 178 juniors; 169 associate and 5 honorary members. The total is 779, a net gain of 15 when compared with last year's 764 (reported in error as 765). Happily, we acquired 11 new or reinstated regular adult members and 11 new Associates.

From time to time the Secretary receives requests for membership cards and for passes to Monticello. She was emphatic in stating that the Monticello Association does not issue membership cards and cannot issue passes to Monticello. Some years ago the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation did issue such passes to members of the Monticello Association, but has ceased this practice. However, James Bear, Curator, has assured us that anyone belonging to the Monticello Association is welcome to enter the grounds and the house free of charge. By the time you receive this Annual Report an updated list of members will be posted in the Monticello gatehouse to replace the one now there, which is several years old.

The old plea was repeated that all members send address changes as soon as such are known. August 31st of each year is an especially important dead- line because the Annual Report is usually mailed soon thereafter.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Robert McMurdo gave his report for fiscal 1981, which is published on page 14. Bob called attention to the fact that the old Certificate of Deposit in the Charlottesville bank was liquidated and the proceeds ($1,521.29) sent to the Custodian to help defray the cost of fence restoration so that no inroads were made on the Trust Fund for that purpose.

Since June 3, 1981, three contributions totaling $150 for the graveyard extension project had been made by Margaret K. Rubel, Alexander Mackay- Smith, and Margaret K. Laidlaw. These contributions and $450 for three life memberships were remitted to the Trust Fund on February 15, 1982. As of April 20, 1982, the status of the Collected Papers. Vol. II Fund was:

Total deposits to date with First Variable Rate Fund. $4,400.00
Dividends through Apri1 19, 1982 462.57
Total in the fund $4,862.57

Currently, the First Variable Rate Fund (money market) was paying 13.74% per annum.

A special contribution of $100 for fence restoration was made by E. Colston Taylor, Jr., as a memorial to Mildred Bronaugh Taylor.

In answer to questions from John Byrd Taylor and BoIling Hubard regarding the depletion of the Trust Fund for graveyard expansion, Bob said that the net depletion stood at $1, 750 and reminded us that it is never too late to earmark a contribution to reduce that amount.

Bob concluded with the information that dues and contributions for 1982 were coming in satisfactorily, and more promptly than last year.

FINANCE CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Based upon a report made in April, 1982, by Louis Howard of First and Merchants National Bank of Richmond to Carey Bankhead, the current yield from the Trust Fund is 11.299% -10.3% on the $10,092.82 invested in the Common Trust Fund #1, and 14.2% on the $6,000 invested in Institutional Liquid Assets and "temporary" investment. Carey and Moncure keep in close touch with Mr. Howard and assured us that we are receiving good returns, over the long haul, on our investment.

CUSTODIAN'S REPORT

Jane Rotch read this report: "There have been two burials since our last annual meeting, those of John Hager Randolph and Mildred Powell Bronaugh Taylor in June and November respectively. The renovation of the fence has been completed, a new plat of the graveyard has been prepared, including the new section recently enclosed, and granite markers have been installed to indicate the path areas in the new section. Two of the original granite M.G.A. markers have been moved out into the field to mark the corners of the property we own but have left unfenced. We have bought anew all-weather padlock for use on the small upper gate.

"I am sad to say that a long January freeze caused the slate gravestone in space F-7 -that covering the grave of Mary Stewart, the blacksmith's wife, who died in 1805 -to break off at the base. I have consulted a firm which deals with slate gravestones (a firm founded in 1705!) and shall be taking the stone up to Newport, Rhode Island, for them to inspect it in June of this year. Fortunately, the inscription is not damaged, only the base where the stone enters the ground. At present the stone is being stored in the archaeological laboratory on the grounds of Monticello, thanks to the kind cooperation of Mr. Charles Grandquist, Assistant Director of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation.

"I have made a list of persons buried in our graveyard, to be included in the second volume of our Collected Papers and in this year's Annual Report. There are 139 persons buried -they include 38 with the last name of Randolph, 26 with the last name of Taylor, and 75 others. Of these, 29 have been buried in the period from June, 1964, to March, 1982.

"Jane Rotch, Mrs. William Rotch, Custodian"

Moncure asked to add a few comments to the Custodian's report. He told us that Jane had been indefatigable in supporting the fence renovation project, which included keeping meticulous records of monies spent for that purpose from the Custodian's funds. Moncure cited for special support beyond the call of duty three associate members: Bill Rotch who sharpened tools, Bernice Walker who used her pick-up truck to procure more sand when it was needed unexpectedly for blasting, and Bill Gaede who brought hamburgers to a hungry work crew. Moncure ended by telling an amusing tale of a little girl, who seeing paint equipment in a box just inside the fence mistook it for trash and added a soda-pop bottle. When chastised, the young tourist replied " that she was "just trying to be neat.".

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Tom Ruffin reported that of the approximately 425 questionnaires mailed with the meeting notice, 100 had been returned as of May I, 1982. There were 30 who planned to attend the annual meeting, 2 who were undecided, and 68 who could not attend. The reasons given by those 68 for not attending were as follows (some gave more than one answer):

33 (48.5%) -Distance too great
19 (27.9%) -Time of year not convenient
16 (23.5%) -Budget won't allow
12 (17.6%) -Children still in school
11 (16.1 %) -Illness of self or family
8 (11.7%) -Meeting does not justify time, travel, and expense
3 ( 4.0%) -Other reasons
2 ( 2.9%) -Accommodations too expensive

The expenses incurred as a result of the survey were $22.43, which covered printing and UPS delivery to the Secretary.

Tom plans to write to members who have been dropped because of nonpayment of dues to encourage them to reinstate themselves.

Tom then presented the following list of nominees for Associate membership, which includes three nominations from the floor:

Varya V. M. Anderson -stepdaughter of Roger Sherman Coolidge
Katheryn B. L. Bankhead -wife of Cary Randolph Bankhead, III
Roxanne K. G. Caldwell -wife of Randolph Carey Caldwell
Cynthia L. Clowdus -stepdaughter of John Kendall Eppes, Jr.
Sunny A. R. (Clowdus) Eppes -wife of John Kendall Eppes, Jr.
Susan E. R. Gillespie -wife of Robert McMurdo Gillespie
Cynthia B. B. Newbold -wife of Herman LeRoy Newbold
Rebecca H. Platt -wife of William Moreau Platt, III
Michael C. Powanda -husband of Elizabeth Duncan Moyer Powanda
Jane L. S. Shackelford -wife of Virginius Randolph Shackelford, III
Richard P. West -husband of Selma Bankhead West

It was moved, seconded, and passed that those eleven be elected. Mesdames Anderson and Shackelford and Mr. Powanda were present.

COLLECTED PAPERS. VOL. II, REPORT

George Shackelford, Editor, announced that on January I, 1983 the pre-publication price will go from $25 to $27.50. Biographical material for some of the great-grandchildren of Jefferson was still lacking, as was that for a former president, James Bancroft Eppes. George will have to supply a skeleton sketch where necessary. These unfortunate omissions of more detailed biographies are regrettable, but are unavoidable when no direct descendant is willing to prepare the material. Robert Coolidge is responsible for the genealogical section,

Following George's progress report on Vol. 11, John Byrd Taylor wanted to know on what authority the printing contract had been (or was to be) awarded to the University Press of Virginia. The reply was that there is an understanding between the Press, our Editor, and the Curator of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation that is satisfactory to the Press,

It was emphasized that June I, 1982 was to be the absolute deadline for getting information to Bob Coolidge for inclusion in the volume,

HISTORIAN'S REPORT

Bob reported that the revised genealogy for the second volume of Collected Papers., was being put into final form. He was using various means to correct old and gather new information. Several cousins have been particularly helpful in providing information about their branches of the family. Carey Bankhead, our vice-president, with the cooperation of several other Missouri Bankheads and their spouses, has researched all four Bankhead great-grandchildren; Campbell Gillespie has supplied data on the Hotchkiss branch; Mary Hubard Tillery and her husband "John" supplied all we know of the many descendants of Benjamin Randolph Hubard.

Two cousins have agreed to donate their services to help Bob make the revised genealogy available. Stevens Moyer, who is a computer specialist and lives in Rochester, New York, has agreed to program our information on a Wang Systems word processor, which will be the basis of our text and will be stored for future use, Steve was present and was asked to stand for recognition. Eventually the computer may replace our present card file, but that will have to wait until the Historian knows more about such things, said Bob. Sara Jane Kennerly (nee Ruffin), a professional editor who lives in Toronto, Ontario, just across the lake from Rochester, has agreed to do the genealogical index, which has proved so useful in looking up descendants in the genealogy. Bob's plan was to type the genealogical list from his file of 3 x 5 cards and send copies to Editor George Green, to Steve, and to Sara Jane.

Before closing his report, Bob announced a gift for our archives by Griselda Williams of a print of a painting found by J, B. L. Williams in the Kuntstmuseum at Solothurn, Switzerland, The painting is by Frank Buchsen and is titled: "Der Song von Mary Blane" and dated 1870/1871. Negroes are collected around a beer (?) cask on which the artist's name and "C'ville, V A 187?" are painted.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

In asking Leigh Taylor to present the slate, Moncure expressed our deep regret that Bob McMurdo does not wish to continue as Treasurer and commented on the fine job Bob had done. His records have been always up to date and his answers to questions ever ready.

Leigh presented the following slate of officers for election to serve until May I, 1983: President, Moncure Robinson Taylor, II; Vice-President, Lowell Carey Bankhead, Jr.; Secretary, Martha Jefferson Taylor Stedman; Historian, Robert Tytus Coolidge. To this slate, Moncure added: Treasurer, William Leigh Taylor. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the slate be accepted, and that the Secretary be instructed to cast an unanimous ballot for that slate. It was so ordered.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Moncure attended the April 13th ceremony at the graveyard and placed flowers (donated) on Mr. Jefferson's grave. He reported that the fence work is finished and paid for. No money was required from the Trust Fund for fence restoration. The Custodian's contingency fund and the cashed certificate of deposit were sufficient. Moncure repeated Bob's remark that it is not too late to make contributions to replenish the $1,750 used from the Trust Fund for graveyard extension, or to help rebuild the Custodian's fund.

Leigh Taylor took a moment to remind us that the fence restoration work is finished because of the untiring effort of Moncure, saying that probably no other Association president has ever given so much time and thought and physical effort to benefit the graveyard. Applause was spontaneous.

NEW BUSINESS

The Secretary was asked to present and explain an amendment to the By-Laws that had been recommended by the Executive Committee. Under Section 8 (D), which became (C) when the Committee on Trees and Planting was voted out of existence several years ago and which reads: " A Membership Committee; to consist of the Secretary (ex officio), the Treasurer (ex officio), the Historian (ex officio), and three other members, who shall serve terms of three years, one member being appointed annually to replace the member whose term expires at that time. The member, exclusive of ex officio members, with longest service shall act as chairman of the Committee." Because this paragraph means that no one individual may serve as chairman for more than one year, the Secretary moved that Section 8 (D), now (C), paragraph one, as read above, be struck and replaced by: "A Membership Committee; to consist of a Chairman, the Secretary (ex officio), the Treasurer (ex officio), the Historian (ex officio), and such other members as may be necessary ." This motion was seconded and passed. The Secretary then read Section 8 (E), now (D): "On Standing Committees, ex officio members shall not serve as chairmen; and with the exception of the Membership Committee, on which an appointed member may not succeed himself, appointed members may be re-appointed." She moved that Section 8 (E), now (D), be struck and replaced by: "On Standing Committees, ex officio members shall not serve as chairmen; appointed members may be re-appointed." This motion was seconded and passed.

Frank Walker questioned the wisdom of excluding ex-officio committee members from Chairmanships, but did not propose that the By-Laws be so amended.

Before announcing committee appointments, Moncure told us that Anne Barnes has asked not to be reappointed as Hospitality Chairman. Anne has chaired this committee for thirteen consecutive years, during the last eleven of which she has arranged for the reception at Monticello as well as for luncheon on Sunday. Anne had departed, but was given a standing ovation in thanks for making our meeting weekends so very memorable. Moncure asked whether anyone would volunteer for the job, saying that if no one did he would announce his appointment in the Annual Report.

The presidential appointments for May 2, 1982 to May 1, 1983 are:Custodian, Jane Whitehill Rotch; Interment, E. Colston Taylor, Jr., Chairman, M. Elizabeth Butler Moore, and Mildred L. Taylor Farmer; Hospitality, Mildred L. Taylor Farmer, Chairman, and Patsy H. Williams Taylor; Membership, Thomas R. Ruffin, Chairman, Ann C. Williston Nowlin, John H. Works, Jr., and David A. Works; Nominating, Gerald Morgan, Chairman, William R. Ruffin, Ill, and Sidney M. Ruffin; Finance, L. Carey Bankhead, Jr .; Collected Papers. George G. Shackelford, Chairman, Robert T. Coolidge, Sidney M. Ruffin, Olivia A. Taylor, and Martha I. Taylor Stedman (ex officio).

At the request of the President, the Treasurer then presented the following budget for January 1 through December 31, 1983: President, $50; Vice-President, $25; Secretary, $1,500; Treasurer, $300; Custodian, $1,300; Historian, $100; Membership, $150; Insurance, $200; and Collected Papers. (contingency), $1,000.

This budget of $4,625 was approved by a motion that was seconded and passed. The unusual increase in the Secretary's budget is because 1983 is the year for publication of the full membership list, with addresses.

The Membership Chairman was then asked to talk about ideas for attracting more members to meetings. He feels that something should be done that might enable more young parents to come with their offspring. To help develop his ideas he will conduct another survey designed to determine the reaction to a somewhat expanded meeting -one that would make children want to attend and make it easier for parents to bring them. Tom stressed that nothing in the present meeting format (Monticello Reception, Graveyard Ceremony, Luncheon and Annual Meeting) would be changed, just expanded to include some additional activities. He will make specific recommendations to the Executive Committee next October. Brief comments were solicited.