Never Forget Garden Blooms in Historic Mobile

I was overjoyed to be included in the ceremonies to dedicate the new Never Forget marker in the beautiful Victorian Garden of the Richards DAR House in Mobile on Saturday. More than 200 people attended the ceremony, which was followed by an enjoyable outdoor tea on a lovely autumn afternoon. What an honor to share the day with a dozen veterans, including a gentleman who had served in World War II – and what a pleasure to be provided a “key to the city” by the mayor’s office!

One of the De Tonti Square Historic District properties, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 7, 1972, after coming into the possession of the City of Mobile.  Though still owned by the City, it is has been lovingly and proudly operated and maintained by four Mobile Chapters since 1973. Architectural historians consider it to be one of Mobile's best-preserved and elaborate examples of mid-19th century domestic architecture – and my too-brief tour was sheer bliss for this old house person! I am enormously impressed by the women who have so meticulously furnished, curated and cared for this home, which attracts about 1,000 visitors annually. Thank you to the members of these chapters past and present for being such excellent stewards of the property. It was a privilege for me to visit this excellent example of historic preservation, made possible due to their commitment to our National Society and its mission. And it was an honor for me to assist in the dedication of a garden that will forevermore honor the sacrifice of our nation’s military, especially as two Revolutionary War battles were fought here (in 1780 and 1781, when Fort Charlotte was contested in what was then West Florida) in its adjoining garden. The dedication ceremony was superb in every detail, and I was honored to share highlights of my recent tour of France to retrace the steps of those who returned our Unknown Soldier from the battlefields of World War I.

Another highlight was visiting the Mobile Carnival Museum. Did you know that Mardi Gras was conducted for the first time in the New World by French pioneers at Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff, the first settlement of Mobile way back in 1703? By 1711, Carnival was born in present-day Mobile as residents joined in song, food and dance. A Papier-mâché bull, in honor of Boeuf Gras (another name for Mardi Gras), was pulled down Dauphin Street in what is believed to have been the first carnival “parade” in North America. If you have never visited this historic community, I encourage you to do so. Its residential historic districts are breathtaking, and its vibe is a vibrant mix of history mingled with fun.

And it is not too late for you/your chapter to plant a Never Forget Garden – please visit https://tombguard.org/centennial to learn more about the commemoration and how you can support it. It is a comfort to me that generations of Americans will reflect on the sacrifice of our military due to these gardens – please be a part of this effort.