File:Mrs. Maynelle Smith UDC President General to Mrs. Forrest Gertrude Kibler General Chairman UDC April 17, 1963 (6964717a-bb8b-493c-9fd9-c2ded138faf0).jpg

White paper with typed black text

Dear Mrs. Kibler; Thank you for your letter with full explanation about the Davis portrait. You will be glad to know that it is now back in the Memorial Building and when we are in Richmond again, a decision will be made as to the place where it will be hung. Colonel Heil, Assistant to the President, told us that before they could accept it, the Va. Fine Arts commission would have first had to approve. This of course had not been done. He was very agreeable and after reading the letters signed by you when it was sent up from Ga. he said “Of course it should go back to the Memorial Building”. He made the arrangements to return it for us. As a matter of fact when the Chapel was first presented to the Detroit Convention, no mention was made that this was to be a gift to the State of Va. This all developed later when no other place could be found to build it. Have you seen a copy of the invitation to join the new society? I would like to see the letter sent out and to know just what the qualifications are. I have heard two different versions- one that the only requirement was that you be a member of the UDC. Another was that you were asked to lift your connections with other Patriotic groups. I have not heard from this paper and think this is rather strange. Before their June meeting I will write to the paper again and ask them not to use our name in any way with this group. I do feel that it is a sacrilege to set their meeting date to conflict with a date very important in our UDC- June 3rd. I cannot help but believe this was done for a purpose. I had a recent letter saying that the N.C. appropriation would undoubtedly go through. Florida should come through as Mrs. Mahhews said they felt reasonably sure of it. I have had several letters from Mr. Sturdivant in regard to a sculpture for the memorial. He feels that all members of the committee to select the design should suggest sculptures and that it possible ask them to submit designs. We must certainly have an architect who will be responsible for the overall job. The committee to select the design consists of you as chairman, Mrs. Cameron, Miss Franklin, and me as President General. Mrs. Bachman is Honorary Chairman now and should be on this committee. Then from the Sons, Mr. Sturdivant, Judge Beard, and two others. I hope that all those on the committee to see that their states appropriate the funds are working hard. Much interest was shown in Richmond and I hope it carries over. With Mr. Hancock in Italy- although I understand he is due home soon to begin the Stone Mountain project- I wonder if he will have time to consider another project at this time. I hope that you are feeling better. Please let me know if you have seen the letter asking or inviting members to join as I would like very much to have a copy. With my very best wishes to you, Maynelle S. Smith

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