january 2, 2026 - Dolleys Historian Notes

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DOLLEYS’ PROGRAM REPORT

Report by: Rina DiMaio, Historian 

Program Title: Sex in the Civil War

Date/Time/Location: January 2, 2026, 10 a.m., at the Community Center

SUMMARY:

Pat Dashiell opened the meeting at 10 a.m.

Speaker: Chris E. Fonvielle, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of History, UNC Wilmington

Topic: Sex in the Civil War

Location: Nashville, 1860. There were lots of prostitutes reaching approximately 2,000 in 1863. Venereal diseases were prevalent.

Confederate General Rosecrans was upset that there were too many prostitutes causing too much VD among the troops, so he put them on steamboats traveling to Louisville and Cincinnati. Many prostitutes returned to Nashville anyway.

So General Rosecrans, to make sure his troops were safe from VD, legalized prostitution. This required prostitutes to take a monthly test and pay $5 for a license. If they tested positive, they had to go to a venereal hospital for treatment.

It’s estimated there were approximately 2.9 million soldiers in the Union Army, and approximately half of them actually signed up for the entire war. The majority of Union soldiers were under age 25. 25% of the Union soldiers were of mixed origins. Baseball became a popular game for Union soldiers.

Speculation is that there were approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000 Confederate soldiers over the course of the war, also under the age of 25, and 100% of them came from the South.

Sexual topics were rarely discussed during the Victorian era: “sex outside the marriage was considered evil.”

The average woman was pregnant eight times, and it was expected men would philander so the wives did not keep getting pregnant.

In terms of birth control, men practiced the rhythm method, and used sheepskin condoms. IUDs for women were allowed in areas where premarital sex was permitted.

Twelve out of every 250 women became a prostitute, and 62% were foreign born, right off the ships. Prostitutes made very good money, but their average life expectancy was extremely low.

There was a high death rate among prostitutes and soldiers as well.

At some point prostitutes also flocked to Richmond. There were 39 brothels and approximately 2,100 prostitutes.

Prostitutes also flocked to the U.S. Capitol. There was a 13-block area left for prostitution within blocks of the Capitol Building.

In 1860 Wilmington was the largest city in North Carolina, and prostitution was prevalent there as well.

Homosexuality was present during the Civil War but rarely mentioned. Walt Whitman served as a nurse in Washington D.C. during the Civil War, and he was openly gay.

To learn more about this topic. Mr. Fonvielle has written a book (among others) called Curious Tales from Old Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear.

Following the speaker, the Dolleys chapter met:

Introduced new member Leigh Courtney

There will be a Dolleys “Small Group Luncheon” at Players at 12 p.m. on January 20

Treasurer Report: As of this meeting there is $3,053 in the Dolleys account

There will be a 4/10 bus trip to Georgetown.

 Judy Wetzig opened the meeting asking for a few stories from member's traditional Christmas celebrations. She began by sharing a story from her childhood.  
Several other ladies shared a quick story, then Judy Booth welcomed 2 new members to the Jackies before we presented the centerpieces.  

Nancy Barton described a short history of Hanukkah and presented her mother's hand-made ceramic Menorah and a 70+ year old brass Menorah, along with dreidels and Hanukkah "Gelt." She and Marjorie Chodikoff pretended to light the candles while reciting the Hanukkah blessing.

Judy Weitzig described her sleigh centerpiece with a story about the original centerpiece from her grandmother that had presents in the sleigh. These small gifts were the last presents of Christmas; each had a string attached and everyone pulled a string to bring the gift to themselves. Judy explained that her grandmother's sleigh was given to her eldest daughter and when the second daughter complained, Judy was lucky enough to find a similar sleigh in a thrift shop, which she cleaned and repainted for daughter #2. Judy then had her table mates pull the ribbons and receive a gift.

Karen Garlough described her grandparents immigration from Germany and the pieces they brought with them that formed a wooden replica of the village they left. Karen replaced the wood houses with lit stained glass houses and now enjoys the memories of her grandparents when she displays the village.

Judy Booth's white ceramic village commemorates her husband becoming a citizen of Luxembourg.  They traveled together for the ceremony and Judy enjoyed the beautiful town. This display reminds her of that time.

Jennifer Pollard's sleigh and reindeer was made by her grandfather and used to sit in the front window of her home up north. Now it is used to display the Christmas cards she receives. Uncle Mistletoe sits in the driver's seat and an angel crocheted by her grandmother completes the display.   

Report by: Rina DiMaio, Historian

Date/Time/Location: December 5, 2025 @ 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. @ Rina DiMaio’s house

Attendance by Dolleys’ members: 23 + 1 guest

24 lovely ladies got together at Rina DiMaio’s house.

There were many savory and sweet dishes to share.

Donations were given to the South Oak Island Interfaith Church Food Pantry.

Report by: Rina DiMaio, Historian

Program Title: Outlander in the Cape Fear

Date/Time/Location: November 5, 2025, 10:00 a.m. @ Event Center

SUMMARY:

Speaker: Hunter Ingram, Assistant Director of the Burgwin-Wright House, Wilmington

Mr. Ingram discussed the emigration of the Highland Scottish to the Upper and Lower Cape Fear areas.

Mr. Ingram suggested that the Dolleys watch the series, Highlander (streaming on numerous platforms)

which he believes does a good job documenting the presence and influence of the Highland Scottish starting

in 1739, when native Scottish governor Gabriel Johnston encouraged Scots to relocate to NC. Fort Johnston

was named after this governor.

The Highland Scots arrived in Wilmington, and after most received a governmental land grant, they settled

in the Upper Cape Fear region. The Lowland Scots settled in and around Wilmington in the Lower Cape

Fear region.

The Scottish influence in the Cape fear regions lasted more than 130 years.

Scottish heritage is celebrated annually with the Highland Games (Grandfather Mountain), the Loch

Norman Games (near Charlotte), and the Highland Games (Red Springs).

And of course Mr. Ingram highly suggests that everyone take some time to visit the Burgwin-Wright House.

Report by: Mary Kremkau, Historian

Program Title:  A Trip to Grayce Wynds Wild Horse Sanctuary Guided Tour and Lunch

Date/Time/Location: October 3, 2025 10:00 a.m. @ Grayce Wynds, Holden Beach

 The Jackies’ October program involved an enjoyable and very interesting outing at The Wild Horse Preserve at Holden Beach, a 30 acreage refuge for wild horses. The owners, Bill and Susan Immen, take in wild horses from North Carolina wild horse locations In Corolla, Ocracoke, Cedar Island, Shackleford and Rachel Carson Reserves. Their ministry is to connect 

People and wild horses through education and recreation. Susan trains the horses and volunteers assist in grooming, feeding and other activities. 

The Horse Preserve offers interactive activities for adults and children along with an animal petting zoo. Susan educated the Jackies with 2 hours of knowledge regarding wild horse care and Horses’ use in therapeutic situations with needy adults. Our Jackies were also able to get in the corrals to interact with the horses. This was a wonderful experience.

Report by: Rina DiMaio, Historian

Program Title:  Confederate Rose & Estate Liquidation

Date/Time/Location: September 5, 2025 10:00 a.m. @ Event Center

Note: This was a combined program with the Jackies and Abbies.

President Claire Lavin opened the meeting

Pat Dashiell (Membership) was happy to report she has been able to get some ladies off the waitlist.

Beth Carrogal read note thanking members for their love and support.

The Yearbook is just about to be published and will be ready for distribution at October meeting.

Dues were due today.

SUMMARY:

Speaker: Floyd Francis, Auctioneer

Confederate Rose & Estate Liquidation

4606 Main Street

Shallotte, NC 28470

910-471-8833

The company is family owned. Mr. Francis narrated the history of Confederate Rose, Inc. The history of the Confederate Rose plant is that fallen Confederate soldiers fell in white flower bushes and they turned pink from the blood.

They try to do strictly auctions, but they also do tax sales.

“What’s hot today may not be hot tomorrow.” (referring to what people want to sell)

Loree Barr: Their buyers are “everyone.” They sell anything and everything. When people want to liquidate a household, they sell everything in the house, and all a homeowner has to do is call a cleaning service.

Floyd Francis: They also do written appraisals, e.g. for attorneys handling an estate, or for things like collections which need to be insured.

Denise Francis: Process

Ø Schedule a day and they make an evaluation of the monetary amount for each room.

Ø Consignment for whatever pieces you want to sell. Things they can’t sell, they donate to shelters.

Ø An estimate is given. Something is only worth what people are willing to pay.

Ø Downsizers: Only pack what you are taking. They handle the rest at auction.

Ø Contract: Once it is signed, nothing leaves the house.

Ø Commission: They do the setup and cleanup. Everything will go. (see more about Commissions below.)

Ø Visit the website for auction dates and to see what will be available.

Ø You can call in absentee bids and put a limit on what you will pay for the item.

Ø A driver’s license is required to bid.

Ø Credit cards require a 3% fee.

Ø There is a 10% buyer’s fee, so if an item is $100, the buyer pays $110.

Ø If you want to bring something to the shop, make an appointment.

Floyd Francis: Call them to see what they can offer for an item, e.g. they have been paying more for jewelry than jewelry stores.

Loree Barr: Introduced sash broaches (pins to secure a sash in place). They were popular from the 1830s to 1910. Depending on the size, they can range from $50-$1,000.

Phillip Francis: Introduced doorstops. They came out in the 1700s. They came to the U.S. in the early 1900s. They went out of fashion when air conditioning was invented and floors remained more level. A lot were scrapped in WWII for the metal.

Denise Francis: Introduced Murano glass from the island of Murano in Venice. Started in the 8th Century. The glassblowers were so highly regarded that their daughters were allowed to marry into royalty. All Murano glass is signed on the bottom and has a silver/burgundy sticker.

Floyd Francis: There is no charge to attend the auction.

Confederate Rose conducted a fun auction of Shagger art, a sterling/sapphire ring, sash broaches, a tie pin, and an Eagle silver dollar.

Q&A Session

Commissions:

Ø 35% for on-site estate sales. Photos approximately $300 taken by Denise Fra (cis and Loree Bar)r. The advertising is capped at $150 for 30 days (NC and national). The labor is $20 per person, typically 4-5 people.

Ø 20% for big-ticket items like cars, boats, coin collections. Floyd Francis is willing to take a smaller commission on some big-ticket items.

Ø They sell guns 1x/year.

Ø People have to come in to pick up items they bought.

Dolleys breakout meeting followed the presentation:

Jeannie Schneider: Treasurer’s Report: Balance $2,551/$3,700

The reason the Dolleys have more money than the other chapters is because the Dolleys are the oldest chapter.

Pat Dashiell:  Membership Report: Now 49 members, waitlist approximately 10

Dawn Perlotto: Upcoming programs Report:

September small luncheon 9/17 12:30 @ Players

October: Southport Lady – Historical Speaker. History of Sunny Point (we have a nuclear plant and the largest arsenal)

November Speaker will be coming from Bergin-Wright House

December – Holiday gathering at Rina DiMaio’s house

January (joint) meeting: Sex and the Civil War

March: Fort Anderson

April: Eagle Island boat trip

Report submitted on September 22, 2025 to Brenda Wityk @ vintageladiesofstjames@gmail.com

Submitted by:  Rina DiMao, Dolleys Historian - January  18, 2025 - Joint Meeting

Program Title: Roger Shew, UNCW Professor, "Hidden Treasures and Uniqueness of Brunswick County”

Date/Time/Location: January 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m. @ St. James Community Center

Note: This was a combined program with all chapters.

SUMMARY:

Julie Wilkinson opened the meeting. All three chapters are full as of this meeting.

Speaker: Roger Shew, Lecturer on Geology and Environmental Science, UNCW

Professor Shew introduced his documentary, “Shew’s Natural Treasures”, by stating that there are many natural

treasures within, and within an hour’s drive, of St. James.

Documentary points:

Bodies of water:

Lake Waccamaw is NC’s largest lake.

The Black River is home to the oldest trees (Bald Cypress) in NC. It flows into the Cape Fear River.

In the Three Sisters Swamp there is a tree called BLK227. One tree, named BLK227, which dates

back beyond the year 600 B.C., makes it the fifth oldest tree in the world as of 2024.

The Cape Fear River is the main drinking water source for Brunswick County.

Cape Fear threats: sea level rising and chemical threats (PFAs)

 “Carolina Bays” are a misnomer. They are actually lakes, many of which are protected. The were

called “bays” not for the type of body of water the were, but rather for the bay trees that surrounded

them.

Naturally-produced tannic acid is what darkens many of NC’s bodies of water.

Salt Marshes occur where fresh water and the ocean meet (estuaries).

Threat: Rising sea levels are outpacing the salt marshes ability to rise above.

Manmade oyster reefs are being built. They are great at filtering toxins out of the water.

Located along the Brunswick and Cape Fear Rivers is the town of Navassa, which has a rich cultural

heritage supported by strong roots in the Gullah-Geechee culture, a group of African Americans along

the southeast coast of the United States from Jacksonville, FL to Jacksonville, NC.

Trees:

 32 species of longleaf pines exist in NC. From the 1700s to the 1870s, slaves worked the trees to

produce the resin, which was extremely important to the British Navy (“the Naval stores”). What

affects longleaf pines: fire; urbanization. Prescribed burns help keep longleaf pine communities

healthy and prevent wildfires. The pines wouldn’t exist without restorative fire, which burns away

competitive growth such as shrubs so native plants and grasses can germinate seeds. Fires are naturally

caused by lightning bolts. Native Americans used fire to drive prey.

 The Green Swamp has four pine varieties.

Carnivorous plants:

 36 types in NC

 Venus fly traps, sundew, pitcher plants, butterworts

 Venus fly traps #1 food is beetles, not flies

 It is a Class H felony to poach Venus fly traps.

 Blooming Venus fly traps have tall white flowers, typically in the last week of May through the first

couple of weeks in June Venus fly traps have no real predators, but occasionally you can observe some moth damage.

Barrier islands:

 They are called barrier islands because they protect inlands from ocean waves.

 NC is #2 in the country, second only to Texas, for barrier islands (18+)

 Barrier island development (human) alters the natural process of nature.

 Bald Head Island provides habitats for migratory birds and other animals, e.g. loggerhead turtles.

Rock outcropping:

At the south end of Kure Beach there are coquina (shell) outcroppings where you can see lots of

marine life.

End documentary followed by Q &A

All chapters met separately following the meeting.

Submitted by Mary Kremkau, Jackie’s Historian - November 1, 2024 Historian Notes

Speaker Randy Jones:

Randy Jones, great grandson of Julius Arthur Dosher, presented the 3 chapter Vintage Ladies with the history of the Dosher family as well as the beginning of Dosher Hospital. Dosher Hospital was first named Brunswick Hospital
and  the only hospital in Brunswick County until it was renamed Dosher Hospital in 1929/30. It is a community hospital supported from local taxes.

Lynda Stanley, Dosher’s current CEO President, had been a part of Dosher Hospital and its functions for 39 years before she was named their President.  She also addressed our Vintage Ladies and emphasized the hospital’s importance to our community and its reliance on community taxes and dollars to finance its growth.   The Hospital’s 60 million dollar growth project Includes improving hospital quality by 1)expanding additional medical sites on Oak Island, and on Long Beach Rd facilities, 3) building a new emergency room, and 4)recruiting new medical practitioners to the Hospital. The Hospital also offers tours of its facilities to show community residents the many inpatient and outpatient services provided by the Hospital. Dosher has 25 beds in addition to the outpatient services.  The Jackies October meet and greet meeting at the Southport Presbyterian Church was lots of fun. We met new members as we designed and made our own jewelry from hand-made ceramic beads made by women from Kenya. Proceeds then support The Amani Children’s Foundation in Kenya.  

Submitted by Mary Kremkau, Jackie’s Historian

"Amani Bead Presentation and Meet and Greet"

 The Jackies October meet and greet meeting at the Southport Presbyterian Church was lots of fun. We met new members as we designed and made our own jewelry from hand-made ceramic beads made by women from Kenya. Proceeds then support The Amani Children’s Foundation in Kenya.  

Submitted by Rina DiMao, Dolleys Historian

"Cape Fear Museum Private Tour"

 10 a.m., 814 Market Street, Wilmington

Attendance by Dolleys’ members: 15

SUMMARY:

Speaker: Amy Thornton, Museum Manager

Wilmington was one of the nine ports of the Civil War, and it was the last to fall. The presence of the

railroad was important because shipping merchandise could be unloaded and shipped by rail to the rest of

the country.  The draw to Wilmington was Longleaf Pines, which was the source of tar and pitch for the naval stores.

Ft. Fisher was the largest land/sea battle of the war. In January 1865 Wilmington fell. Three months later

the war was over.  At the end of 1865 Wilmington had a black majority (>50%), and there was a lot of opportunity for black  residents. Wilmington had the first known daily black newsletter, The Daily Record.  In the 1890s there were white supremacist demonstrations.  The 1898 massacre preceded the only coup of an elected government in NC. The Jim Crow laws initiated  60 years of legal discrimination. It took 70 years to have the next black elected officials.  In the 20 th century, newer economies were developed: education, medicine, leisure. World Wars I and II  brought increased prosperity to the port city.  Amy reminded us that the water is always a draw, and Wilmington is no exception.

Tour ended at 11:15

Most of the ladies went to lunch at Indochine at 12 p.m.

Note: The state has announced that the new visitor center at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site will open to

the public by the end of October.

Cape Fear Docent, Amy Thornton recommends the book Wilmington’s Lie.

Submitted by Rina DiMao, Dolleys Historian

The meeting was opened by Executive Chair Julie Wilkinson. Julie reported the yearbook will be available at the October meeting.

Pat Dashiell, Membership Chair, reported there are currently 49 Abbies, 48 Dolleys and 48 Jackies.

Brenda Wityk, Communications Chair, read a poem she authored entitled “Circle of Friendship.”

SUMMARY OF PRESENTATION:

Speaker: Jean Heller, Author

Program Title: The Tuskegee Syphilis Study

Ms. Heller was an investigative reporter for numerous newspapers, an author, and an eight-time Pulitzer Prize

nominee.  As an investigative reporter in 1972, Ms. Heller was given some letters referencing a study which

came to be known as Tuskegee Syphilis Study.  The study started in 1932 and continued for four decades. The United States Public Health  Service (“PHS”) started studying the largest group of black men with syphilis. The object was to let these men die and to subsequently observe the “differences” in how syphilis affects black men versus white men. Approximately 125 black men died during the study, and it is unknown how many relatives of these men died as well.  The men were promised incentives to join the study, such as free health care (which they did not receive) and free burials. They were paraded

around the town in fancy cars, and received “certificates of appreciation.” They were regularly given spinal taps with no anesthesia.  These men did not know their syphilis was going untreated and they could/would eventually die.

It is through Ms. Heller’s investigative work that this study came to light, and that any living men or relatives received compensation. The fact that patients must sign an “informed consent” before procedures also stemmed from her work.

There were no repercussions for the doctors who let the men die. There were many questions from the audience, most specifically about “How can this have gone on so long? How weren’t citizens aware of this?” Ms. Heller replied that nobody was making attempts to hide the study; it was that people didn’t really care what was happening to these black men.