by Shirley Contreras
Although the Civil War, bitterly fought for four years, came to an end in April of 1865, the scars of this conflict lived on.
Although the Civil War, bitterly fought for four years, came to an end in April of 1865, the scars of this conflict lived on.
Many veterans who had fought on both sides of the War Between the States moved to California with some taking up homesteads in the dust and wind-swept Santa Maria Valley. Although wanting to put the past behind them, the men found that memories die hard.
The May 28, 1911 observance of Decoration Day was held at the Presbyterian Church with a special healing service led by the Reverends Cope, Rhodes, Nelson and Weaver.
The veterans and Ladies of the Relief Corps had assembled at Hart’s Hall before marching to the church where reserved seats awaited them. As the column approached the church Mr. J. H. Haydon, a “reconstructed Confederate soldier” stood at the door with open arms. As the Reverend F. S. Nelson struck the first notes of, “Onward Christian Soldiers,” the former “Johnny Rebs,” and “Billy Grays,” (some with noticeably faltering steps) followed by the WRC ladies marched into the church.
With special music being prepared for the event and Bessie Conkey and Edna Crest both singing solos, the service was both dignified and solemn. According to the Santa Maria Times, “Reverend Nelson delivered a magnificent address filled with patriotism and enthusiasm, doing equal justice to the Blues and Grays alike.”
On the following Tuesday the GAR assembled at Hart’s Hall where carriages and automobiles awaited to transport them to a memorial service at the cemetery where George Lincoln acted as master of ceremonies.
After Litti Paulding opened the program by reading the Gettysburg address, Post Commander, Henry H. Woodruff of the Apomattox Post #50, GAR of Oakland, was escorted to the stand along with Commander R. Yelkins acting as color-bearer for Foot’s Post#89 of the GAR. Woodruff, speaking in a loud clear voice, gave touching words honoring the brave men who were lost in the great battle.
After the Reverend J. E. Cope closed the services with benediction and the order to break ranks was given, all participants in the ceremony placed flowers on the graves of the departed.
The veterans returned to Hart’s Hall at noon to take their places as honored guests at a banquet provided by the ladies of the WRC.
The poem, “My thoughts on Abraham Lincoln” was recited and the ceremony came to an official close.
