UDC holds convention in Suffolk
Published 10:15 pm Tuesday, October 7, 2014
About 200 members of the Virginia Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy converged on Suffolk this weekend for the group’s annual convention.
Activities held Thursday through Sunday included business meetings, luncheons and dinners, workshops, guest speakers and memorial ceremonies.
United Daughters of the Confederacy members pose for a photo after a wreath-laying at Cedar Hill Cemetery during their state convention this week. On the left is Virginia Division President Suzie Snyder, with Memorial Chairman Betsy Spencer on the right. (Submitted Photo)
Susan Carraway, custodian of the Virginia Division and a member of the Suffolk Chapter 173, said it is the first time for many years — perhaps ever — that the convention was held in Suffolk.
“We had a good turnout,” she said. “The women come from all around the state.”
Friday’s activities included the Virginia Daughters Luncheon, dedicated to Anna Mary Rididck, founding member and 30-year president of Suffolk Chapter 173. Anna Mary Riddick was a granddaughter of Mills Riddick, who built his home, Riddick’s Folly, in 1837 on what is now North Main Street. She lived there all her life.
Born in 1846, Anna Mary Riddick had to flee to Petersburg before Union troops reached Suffolk in 1862. The home was occupied by Union Gen. John J. Peck during the Union occupation.
Anna Mary’s love interest was killed during the war, and she nursed her two brothers’ injuries after they returned from the war. They died young.
Anna Mary also reportedly was the first woman in Suffolk to vote, according to the event’s program.
During Friday’s Historical Evening event, Susan Carraway’s band, “Virginia Dare,” provided the music. The guest speaker was Dr. Brian Steele Wills, a Civil War researcher and son of a Suffolk resident, who spoke about Confederate Gen. William Dorsey Pender.
The Historical Evening also included military service awards for five Army, Navy and Marine Corps veterans and current service members who are descendants of Confederate soldiers.
A memorial service on Saturday concluded with a wreath-laying at the Confederate memorial in Cedar Hill Cemetery. It included the roll call of UDC members who died in the past year.
Carraway said all attendees received a welcome letter from Mayor Linda T. Johnson in their gift bags.
