Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW)

Series of 2006-2007

Department Order No. 5

Headquarters, Department of Maryland, January 15, 2007

1.       The Commander, Department of Maryland, is establishing a campaign to raise funds for the support of the restoration
        of the Charles Sumner Grand Army of the Republic Post #25 Hall in Chestertown, Kent County, Maryland.

2.     This historic building was built in 1908 by the African-American Charles Sumner GAR Post #25 to serve as a meeting
        place for the members.  It was also used by the Women's Relief Corps of the Allied Orders for relief work and to support
        the  aging veterans, their widows, and orphans.  The Sumner Post was active from 1883 until 1928.  After serving as a hub
        for the African-American community for many years, it fell into disuse in the early 1980s.  Preservation Incorporated, a
        local non-profit group, stepped in to purchase the building in 2003.  Since then the building has been stabilized and is in the
        process of being restored to its original condition.  The Hall will continue to be used by the community, but will also function
        as a house museum and will be open to the public.  Additional information is available on the Department web site.

3.     The Commander requests that the Camps of the Department and their members make contributions to the Department of
        Maryland Fund for the Restoration of the Charles Sumner GAR Post.  Please make checks payable to “Maryland Department –
        SUVCW.”  Indicate “Sumner Contribution” somewhere on the check.  Mail checks to the Department Secretary at the below
        addresses prior to March 30, 2007.  Also, indicate individual donor names (or anonymous).   Camps and individuals
        contributing to the Fund will be recognized at the Department Encampment in April.

            Eugene Mortorff, Sec/Treas MD Dept SUVCW
            70 Curtis Drive
            East Berlin, PA  17316

4.     The contents of the Department of Maryland Fund for the Restoration of the Charles Sumner GAR Post will be sent to
        Preservation Incorporated to assist in the restoration of the Hall.

5.     Contributions from the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War to support the restoration of this unique piece of history of
        the "boys in blue" is in keeping with our order's mission to perpetuate the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and the
        men who saved the Union 1861 to 1865.

In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty,

R. Keith Young, Maryland Department Commander

Maryland Department Commander

Link to:

African-American Charles Sumner GAR Post #25