Texas Division United Daughters of the Confederacy®

Texas Division President Shirley Woodlock announced her President’s Project to secure a new home for the bank safe used by the CSA Treasury and Postal Departments. Texan John H. Reagan used the safe which secured printing plates, treasury notes, postal stamps and other important documents belonging to the Confederate State’s Government.

When Richmond burned in 1865, this safe remained “safe” in the same building as the War Department.  This original safe is currently at the UDC Headquarters in Richmond, VA.  The Memorial Building Board of Trustees of the UDC General Organization voted to donate the safe to the Texas Division as long as they pay for its removal, transportation and properly displayed once it arrives in Texas.

The Texas Confederate Museum Collection Board of Trustees will access the safe into the collection once it arrives at the museum.  Texas will be its third and final home.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire the only safe used by the Confederate Government.

 “MAKE A SAFE DEPOSIT” fundraising campaign is now underway to generate the necessary funds to bring the safe to Texas.  Although there is no Confederate Treasure remaining in the safe, it will not be empty for long.  Once on display at the Texas Civil War Museum, a strongbox will be placed in the safe with names of each individual who makes a $50.00 contribution and each group/chapter that makes a $100.00 contribution.  A plaque on the wall beside the safe will list the PRESIDENT’S CABINET.  Listed on the plaque will be the names of those individuals who contribute $500.00 or more or chapter/groups who contribute $1,000 or more.

 These are difficult financial times and many safes are emptier than they were a few months ago, but seventy-five years ago in the middle of the Great Depression, Texas Daughters raised money in creative ways to build lasting monuments all across this great state, and the Daughters can do it again.  A target date for completion would be the Texas Division 2009 Convention.

 Costs for the project are still being determined. An estimated range is $10,000 to $12,000.  Extra funds will be needed to clean and prepare the safe for display, also opening the safe which will have to be done by professionals if the original keys are not found in Richmond.  If not located, the two keys, one known as a “grasshopper” key, will also have to be made.   You are encouraged to share in this very historical event.

Please make checks payable to "Treasurer, Texas Division UDC"  and mail to:

Kay Hilburn, Treasurer
P. O.  Box 597
Hallsville, Texas 75650-0597

Designate on your check  “President’s Project, Safe.”
 
 
 

The Waco Chapter 26 is selling beautiful gold and silver “cross” pins, which resemble the Southern Cross of Honor with the words “We Remember  1861-1865” engraved on the front. Checks for the pins are to be made payable to: Mary West Chapter 26. Orders are to be mailed to: Shirley Woodlock 416 N. Bermuda St. Waco, TX 76705-1326 Pins are available in both silver and gold tone and are $20 each. Shipping and handling is $1.50.   For more information contact Shirley Woodlock at shirleywoodlock@prodigy.net