Fall 2009

The History of the Stewart's is the History of Scotland

Volume 35 Issue

The Gathering 2009

The American Contingent, a nickname we traveling to Edinburgh for The Gathering gave ourselves, represented Clan Stewart Society at two major events In Edinburgh, Scotland. Friday, July 25th, 22 CSSA members attended the Annual General Meeting of the Stewart Society of Scotland, held at The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22 George Street in Edinburgh. (Your editor apologizes in advance for not being able to identify each person in the photo above - too many faces, so little time) Included were Dan Stuart, State Commissioner of Utah, with wife and son, Orion, James Stuart-Stevenson, State Commissioner of Washington, and wife, Kathy, Duane Stewart, CSSA member, and wife Paula, CSSA Secretary Ginny Stewart, Regional High Commissioner Jayne Cutter with husband Dave, President Fred Stewart and wife Kelly, Vice-President Kevin Stewart and wife Nancy, CSSA editor, and CSSA member Scott Stuart and Matt Stuart. Located center front of the above photograph is President of the Stewart Society, the Right Honorable Lord Stewartby and his wife, the Lady Deborah Stewartby. Stewarts representing several countries enjoyed the President’s Reception and Buffet while meeting and mingling with each other. The American Stewarts went on to March the Royal Mile Saturday evening, 8 abreast and over 100 strong, with Stewarts from all over the world. Walking amid over 125 clans representing 30 countries and crowds of 20,000 lining the sidewalks, your CSSA representatives were overwhelmed with pride in their Scottish heritage. Many of the marchers went on to their seats on the Edinburgh Castle esplanade to enjoy a heart rendering performance, Aisling’s Children; Tales of the Homecoming, further strengthening the bonds that sent many of us to the 2009 calling of the clans. Newsletter of Clan Stewart Society in America

2 Fesse Chequy

Copyrighted Publication of Clan Stewart Society In America, Inc. President Fred M. Stewart 404 Mustang Dr. Saginaw, TX 76179 (817) 847-5562 [email protected] Vice President Kevin W. Stewart 15678 Irish Road Edinboro, PA 16412 814-734-8956 [email protected] Secretary Ginny Stewart 1111 Sprague Lane Foster City, CA 94404 650-574-8818 [email protected] Treasurer Douglas Stewart PO Box 14 Duluth, MN 55801-0014 (218) 722-4931 [email protected] Past President Alvin E. Stewart PO Box 1436 Vacaville, CA 95696 (707) 448-5826 [email protected] Membership Database Manager H. Paul Carl PO Box 33115 Fort Worth, TX 76162 (817) 370-9758 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Nancy A Stewart 15678 Irish Rd. Edinboro, PA 16412 (814) 734-8956 [email protected]

Our Presidential Pipings Having just returned from a wonderful vacation in Europe, including ‘The Gathering’ in Scotland, I find it exceedingly hard to find the words of description that I feel would convey what I want to say. While attending the Chieftain’s Convention in the Scottish Parliament, I listened to the keynote speakers, and met in a discussion group afterward. However, to be quite honest, I felt it to be more directed to the question of tourism in Scotland than to, what we were lead to believe, a seminar on the status of the Clans and what the Standing Council of Chieftains could do to help the Clans and organizations. I’m unsure of the actual number of CSSA members who attended ‘The Gathering’, but I finally got to meet, face-to-face, with retired RHC-XIII Capt. Clark McCurdy while marching the Royal Mile in the Clan Parade. Several of us attended The Stewart Society’s (of Scotland) AGM and President’s Reception held in Edinburgh in conjunction with the Gathering. Attending the function was, beside my wife and I, our Vice-President Kevin Stewart and his wife, our Fesse Cheque Editor Nancy, our Secretary Ginny Stewart, RHCIV Jayne Cutter, Washington State Commissioner James StuartStevenson and Utah State Commissioner Dan Stuart, as well as members Scott Stuart and Duane Stewart. I do apologize if I’ve missed mentioning anyone, but I did meet with a vast number of folks over the past several weeks and I know I’m bound to miss someone. On a personal note, my wife Kelly and I thoroughly enjoyed the few days we spent with Kevin and Nancy Stewart and Jayne Cutter and her husband Dave up in the Highlands at a ‘self-serve cottage’. I heartily recommend the tranquility and peacefulness of getting away from “everything”. In just a few weeks we will be holding our own AGM in McPherson, KS. I’m looking forward to meeting with a lot of you there. Remember, this is your meeting and all of us in the positions of leadership that you have given us look forward to the discussions and interactions we have with you at this once a year function. This is your chance to meet us and let us know what you think we should be doing. Aye,

Active Membership Dues $25.00 yearly Life Memberships $450.00 Newsletter of Clan Stewart Society in America

3

‘Squab as e’ 'Drink up

The Highland Quaich (By Randy Stewart, RHC XII, Victoria, B.C., Canada) Ceud Mile Failte, A hundred thousand welcomes! Today a much used greeting found in clan newsletters and Games programs the world over. Our ancestors were great hosts and took the highland custom of hospitality seriously. And what better way to welcome a visitor to your home than to share a wee dram. The Germans have the stein, the English the tankard, the Japanese the sake cup. The Highlanders too had their ‘Cup of Welcome’, the Quaich. The Quaich, pronounced “quake”, comes from the Gaelic word “Cuach” and the earlier Latin word “Caucus” meaning drinking cup. The Quaich, it is said, had its beginnings in the common scallop shell. A small shallow cup at first made from wood, bone or leather, the cup evolved as metals became available. Pewter, silver and gold quaichs became more common around 1660 as smiths in Glasgow and Edinburgh learned of the highland cup. The Quaich was used as a drinking vessel for whisky or brandy for welcoming visitors to one’s home or to say farewell upon parting. They were kept close to the hearth or carried in the sporran. Larger quaichs, although rare, were not unknown and were used to offer ale. Today, the largest surviving examples are as big as a pint and a half. The traditional design was a shallow round bowl of banded wood, an art form known as ‘treen’, with two and sometimes three ‘lugs’ or handles. The handles were often carved or molded with beautiful Celtic designs or symbols similar those found on highland dirks. Often a silver coin or silver token with the owners coat-of-arms, family motto, initials or a phrase such as ‘Squab as e’ (drink up), were placed in the center of the bowl. Another facet of the Quaich was its use as a ‘loving cup’. In 1589, King James the VI of Scotland gave his bride, Anne of Denmark, a Quaich as a wedding gift, a tradition which many Scots continue today. Some romantically inclined Scotsmen had double bottomed glass quaichs made in order to keep a lock of their loved ones hair close at hand. Less romantic, perhaps distrustful, Scotsmen had glass bottomed quaichs made so as to keep an eye on their companions while they drank, the most famous of this variety being the Quaich Sir Walter Scott possessed. His, which he shared with friends and visitors often, was once carried in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s canteen. In 1745, it travelled with the young Prince from Edinburgh to Derby. Today, the Quaich has become a common baptismal, christening or wedding gift used to drink to the health of brides and bairns alike, in celebration of love and new life. Others are given as prizes or commemorative gifts to be looked at and rarely used. I would encourage all Scots, both those in the old world and those in the new one, to purchase a ‘Cup of Welcome’ to share with family and friends. Let us keep this wonderful Highland tradition alive, Squab as e!

18th Century Scottish Pewter Ale Quaich, (1 pint)

Slange Var! Newsletter of Clan Stewart Society in America

4

CSSA Honors First Founding President At the Sponsor’s Reception of the May 16, 2009 Tallahassee Scottish Games & Festival, Cathy Geiger, RHC Region 3, presented Jim Stewart Murray Grey with a beautifully engraved Quaich and a framed certificate of “President Emeritus” for his dedication and continuing service to CSSA on behalf of the President, Board of Director’s and all the members of the Clan Stewart Society in America. Surprised and elated, Jim is pictured to the right with RHC Cathy Geiger. Jim Gray was first founding President of the Clan Stewart Society in America, an office he held for five years. He designed and hand stitched the first CSSA logo. He founded the Society's newsletter, the Fesse Chequy, and is renowned for his rendition of Burns Address to the Haggis", as well as his Gaelic/English welcome at opening ceremonies for the Grandfather Mountain Games and games throughout the Southeast. Born in Canada of Scottish parents and reared in Brechin, Scotland. During WWII, Jim served as ground crew in the Royal Air Force (617 Squadron, the famous "Dam Busters"); later, as a commando in South East Asia, he served under Mountbatten and the renowned "Bill" Slim. During the Korean War, he fought as a member of the 1st Bn, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Abn.) and retired after 23 years in the United States Army Reserve. Jim was resident Drum-Major of the Orlando Scottish Highland Games and was Drum Major of the Day at the Savannah Scottish Games. For the last several years, he has been Drum-Major of the Day for the Tallahassee Scottish Highland Games. Jim is a Past President and long time board member of the Orlando Scottish Highland Games and has attended every game since the first organizational Heritage Day in 1977. Both Jim and his wife, Valerie Austin Gray, who hails from Edinburgh, have been Honored Guests and lecturers throughout the United States, and continue to volunteer their expertise and support to Clan Stewart and the Scottish Community.

From the [email protected]. The CSSA website is a good place for the society and the regions to communicate with members, keep them informed on your festival plans and happenings, and provide up-to-date contact information. (If they can call you, you might get more help.) Several regions have their festival data on their regional web page and post snapshots to show off happenings and thank everyone for their attendance. Everyone should check their region's page often. Please make suggestions to the Regional HC on information you would like to see on the page. Region HCs should pass on their desires to the webmaster, who also welcomes suggestions and verifiable information from all members. Try to give him links to festivals that your people can use. As you arrive at the CSSA Home Page, check the banners at the top for the most timely info. Then use the "Regions" button on the left to get to your individual region's home page. State and regional officers, remember you can get forms for your tents and reports right off the site, too. Get a password for the board area from the President if you don't have one. We also have a photo gallery for special events, such as AGMs, and we would like to get some reports on our members trips and visits to The Gathering this fall. They will be posted quickly so take your laptop to the AGM and keep everyone there informed. Newsletter of Clan Stewart Society in America

5

Commissioner News: Region IV: Honored Clan Indiana Highland Games

Region VI at Kansas City Highland Games and Celtic Festival

Pictured left to right Dave Cutter, RHC Jayne Cutter, CSSA members Bill Hicks, Larry Stewart along with Clan Judge Nancy Foxworthy, Indiana commissioner of Clan Shaw.

Ken Wyse, MO State Commissioner (far right), along with life member, Scott Stuart of Des Moines, Iowa hosted 33 Stewarts and signed up 2 new members

Region VII at Lehi, Utah Highland Games

Region IX at Bellingham Highland Games

Cold and downpours did little to keep crowds away from this Region VIII?? Stewart tent hosted by RHC Ian Wilson , SC Dan Stewart, with help from Marie and Bob Cormier.

Newly Appointed Washington State Commissioner James Stuart-Stevenson of Castlemilk Fynart and Torrance Baron of Kilbride, and wife Kathy, another CSSA asset.

Stewart’s celebrate Honored Clan Status at Tallahassee Scottish Games & Festival Sponsor’s Reception

Region 3 High Commissioner, Cathy Stewart Geiger and husband, Tom, were honored by the games for their contributions to the Tallahassee games through the years. Cathy gave a speech and was presented with an engraved quaich. CSSA members also attending the dinner included, Florida State Commissioner’s - Mathew and Paula Stewart, Valerie Gray, Col. William Tomlinson, Jane Brightbill, Joyce Oakley, Barbara Stewart & Eric King.

Newsletter of Clan Stewart Society in America

6

Keek

and Blether,

a Wee Bit of this and That! *Mouse Man Dave Cutter strikes again! Aye, the Mouse Man and his trebuchet has been making the rounds in

Region IV. Not only is he entertaining young and old alike with his death-defying toy mice doing the Scottish Fling, but now the wee lads and lassies are asking for autographs in their passports! *CSSA member Bill Hicks was recently featured in his home town newspaper for his sharing of Scottish ancestry and heritage. Bill routinely helps out the Region IV tent at the Indiana Highland Games, where Region IV earned Honored Clan Status see page 5. *Many thanks to Ida Scott of Austin, TX who was the first to send a collection of newsletters towards updating those on file at Odem Library. Please take time to check on your own collections, especially from the 90‘s, and pass them onto the editor, who will culminate them by date and send them along. 32 were recently mailed. *Your Vice President and newsletter editor, with the “nod” from RHC Robert Frisch, are venturing forth into Region 1’s Western New York to represent CSSA at highland games held in Jamestown, NY as well as Olcott, NY. *What fun the “American Contingent” had in Edinburgh in July. Look for pictures of the March on the Royal Mile and Edinburgh High Games in issues to come. There simply isn’t room in the Fall issue to print all of them! Check the Clan Stewart Society of America Face Book page to share in our experiences!

Election Announcement

Ken Stewart

The Nominating Committee Chairman, Ken Stewart, reported, “In regards to the incumbent odd number RHC's, VP, and President, I have received no opposition to any at this date of 23 June, 2009.” In accepting this report. President Fred Stewart, Chairman of the Board of Directors, refers pursuant to The Clan Stewart Society in America, Inc. bylaws dated, May 16, 2008, Article VIII Nominating and Voting Procedures, paragraph 2. “In the event that in the annual election of Members of the Board all candidates are unopposed by the posted nomination deadline, the Board of Directors may cancel the election as unnecessary and may instruct the President to announce the candidates as elected by ‘General Consent’ based on the fact that election rules are provided for the protection of the minority. Without opposition, a minority does not exist. However, if one candidate is opposed, or there are other matters of society business that requires a ballot, then all candidates shall be entered upon the ballot and a normal election shall occur.” The recommendation to cancel the election due to the fact that no candidate was opposed and there are no other matters of society business requiring a ballot has been approved by a majority of the Board of Directors on July 13, 2009.

Genealogy Tips

Scottish Tradition for Naming Children

The Scots had a traditional way of giving children Christian names: The first son was named after the father's father. The second son was named after the mother's father. The third son was named after his own father. The first daughter was named after her mother's mother. The second daughter was named after her father's mother. The third daughter was named after her own mother. When infant deaths occurred, names were often used again. To avoid being misled, compare names with the marriage date. (The Lindsay Recorder, 1996) Thanks to Sarah Garmire, Washington State Commissioner, for submitting this tip.

****CSSA AGM McPheason Kansas September 26, 2009. See the Summer Fesse Cheque for reservation information. Hope to see you there! ****CSSA is on Face Book! Join the Clan Stewart Society in America Group Newsletter of Clan Stewart Society in America

7

Renewal or Gift Membership Form Use one simple form to renew your annual membership or to gift a loved one with a one year membership to Clan Stewart Society of America. With the gift membership, the recipient receives a gift card, membership information, as well as a one year subscription to our newsletter, the Fesse Chequy. A renewal membership will extend your annual membership for one year. Please check the appropriate blank below, and fill out the form with your name and full address. Mail the form and a check for $25.00 made out to Clan Stewart Society in America to our membership database manager at the following address:

H. Paul Carl, P.O. Box 33115, Fort Worth Texas 76162 _____ Annual Membership Renewal

______Gift Membership

For annual renewal or gift membership recipient:

Fill in only if purchasing a gift membership

Name_________________________________ Address_______________________________

City/State/Zip___________________________

Name________________________________ Address______________________________ City/State/Zip__________________________

Purchase multiple years at the rate of $25.00 per year. Mail address changes to address above. CSSA thanks you for your continued support. Now with color pictures! Interested in receiving the Fesse Chequy via email? Go www.clansstewart.org and follow the newsletter link. Please follow the directions there carefully. Signed up but not receiving the Newsletter via email? The editor has experienced newsletters “bouncing back” with a message reporting that mail boxes are unable to receive such a large file. Even zipped, the PDF newsletter file is large. Please, if you did not receive issues, adjust your inboxes to receive larger files!

JOB OPPORTUNITY: NO Experience necessary, will train Miss the Stewart tent at the Edinboro, PA games in July? State commissioners or single game conveners needed for Ohio, Pennsylvania ( East and West) and Michigan. There are only a few games in each state. Since Pennsylvania is a large state it could be divided it into two sections. CSSA will reimburse the site fees. Purchasing a pop-up tent and a few folding tables is recommended. If you love to talk, meet new people and share your knowledge of Stewarts and Scotland this is the hobby for you. Honestly, I didn't know anything when I started so don't let your lack of knowledge dissuade you from a good time. This has on the job training and continuing education with each game. Please contact Jayne Cutter RHC IV through the Clan Stewart web site. Many state commissioner seats are available. Please consider a donation of your time to this great cause of ours.

New Merchandise Available

Limited Quantity - Our new Celtic broach, 2"X 2 1/4", is made of sterling silver. It has the royal hands holding a heart, topped by a crown. This is unique to Clan Stewart. As many of you know, sterling enhances any thing it is pinned on. Ladies, check this out on a sash with it pinned in the middle of a rosetta. Gentlemen, a great addition to your bonnet. The clan sells these broaches for only $35. Another great present! Visit merchandise at www.clansstewart.org today! Newsletter of Clan Stewart Society in America

Clan Stewart Society in America 15678 Irish Road Edinboro, PA 16412

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Edinboro, PA 16412 Permit No. 81

Address Service Requested

A Gallery of Stewarts

Newsletter of Clan Stewart Society in America