Jamestown Gate pre-restoration

In February 2019, CDA announced a Society-wide initiative to raise funds for the restoration of the CDA entrance gates at Jamestown Island. These gates, originally erected in 1907 for the 400th anniversary of colonist’s first arrival to Jamestown in 1607, were in need of restoration after 111 years of being exposed to the elements.

The restoration project was undertaken this year to commemorate another important anniversary – the 400th anniversary of the first representational General Assembly convened by the early colonists. CDA met its objective to raise the $38,500 needed for the restoration project, and the work was completed this year, including work on the brick masonry columns, elaborate ironwork, and re-guilding of the Society’s insignia and Latin motto. The nation’s top restorer was engaged to ensure the highest quality restoration, ensuring another century of preserved prominence.

Jamestown Gates post-restoration

To commemorate this important demonstration of the Society’s commitment to history and preservation, all Dames were invited to attend a special rededication ceremony of the gates on September 18th. The response from the Society was enthusiastic and attendance far exceeded expectations. The Virginia trip included several events over the course of two days.

On Wednesday, September 18th a chartered bus departed from the historic Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, where many Dames stayed, to head to Jamestown. Over 125 Dames and their guests gathered for the Jamestown rededication ceremony from all over the country and internationally. The Dames assembled in the Jamestown Memorial Church for the ceremony. The program participants included President General Brantley Knowles; CDA Gates Campaign Chairman Jocelyn Lance; Dr. James Horn, President and Chief Officer of Jamestown Rediscovery; Dr. William Kelso, Director Emeritus of Archaeology at Jamestown Rediscovery; and Michael Lavin, Director of Collections for Jamestown Rediscovery, who worked with CDA on the restoration of the gates.

Dames then exited the Memorial Church and went to the CDA Memorial Gates. A wreath representing CDA was first laid in place by Jane Quinn, member of CDA Chapter XXII-Bloomfield Hills, MI and great-granddaughter of the Hon. James Alston Cabell, who was President of The Association for the Preservation of VA Antiquities (APVA) in 1907 when gates were presented. The second represented attendees’ Jamestown ancestors, laid by Jocelyn Lance President of Chapter XXIII-VA Gates Campaign Chairman. Names of the Jamestown ancestors and the attending Dames descended from them were on view in a lovely display created by Jocelyn Lance, and Dames enjoyed connecting over shared ancestors and meeting new “cousins.”

President General Brantley Knowles then read her remarks, which included part of the speech given in 1907 by President General Coralie Livingston Gardiner at the original ceremony:

Today we commemorate American Evolution 1619-2019: the 400th anniversary of the First Representational General Assembly; the arrival of ships of women; and the arrival of the first Africans to Jamestown. The restoration of the gates is our CDA gift to acknowledge these momentous events in our history.

At the 1907 Gates Dedication, remarks were made by the CDA President General, Coralie Livingston Gardiner and by the President of The Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, the Honorable James Alston Cabell.
Mr. Cabell accepted this important gift from the CDA. A souvenir copy of his illustrious remarks is here for each of you.

We are pleased that four of Mr. Cabell’s descendants are with us today, including three great-grandchildren and one great great-granddaughter. Would you please stand: Jane Alston Morris Quinn a member of CDA Chapter XXII-Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Frederick Cabell Schoew of Norfolk, VA (pronounced Shay); Carrington Cabell Morris also of Norfolk; and Amy Cabell Graziano. What a legacy to have descendants of the HON Mr. Cabell lay the rededication wreath at the CDA Jamestown Memorial Gates!

“With untiring devotion they have preserved the landmarks of our history. To them
now belongs the honor of rescuing from the ravages of the flood this Island of Jamestown;
this birthplace of the nation; this gateway of the greatest country the sun ever shone upon.”
The Honorable James Alston Cabell, spoken at the 1907 CDA Gates dedication

After the ceremony, there was a catered lunch on the grounds and Dames were free to go on tours of the site. Beautiful book favors were presented on behalf of Preservation Virginia. The Dames then returned by bus to Richmond in the late afternoon to get ready for the evening’s event, a special gala dinner at the Commonwealth Club.

The Gala Event was held at the exclusive and historic Commonwealth Club in Richmond, which was founded 1890 by Confederate Officers. The present building designed by Carriere & Hastings was finished in 1891 as a tangible symbol of the “New South.” A cocktail and hors d’ oeuvres reception began at 6:30 pm, followed by an elegant, seated dinner at 7:30 pm. Dr. James Horn, author of the award-winning book, 1619, gave the keynote speech.

The following day, Thursday, September 19th, a historic Richmond tour took place. The stops included the Monumental Church — built in 1812 by architect Robert Mills to commemorate 72 Richmonders who died in the Dec. 26, 1811, theatre fire – the first urban disaster of the young Republic, followed by a visit to the John Marshal House — 1790 Federal period home of US Supreme Court Chief Justice, National Historic Landmark. A visit to the Wilton House Museum — c. 1753, seat of the Randolph family and property of the NSCDA-VA was followed by lunch at the Wilton’s Dependency, with the day culminating in a tour of Agecroft Hall — originally built in 15th c Tudor England, moved to Richmond by tobacconist and philanthropist TC Williams.