LUCIE BLODGETT | contributing photographer Beautiful and charming Dr. Jane E. Calvert was guest speaker at the Society of Colonial Wars Summer Court at the Pendennis Club on June 10. She was introduced by Colonial Wars Governor Jack Early.

The Society of Colonial Wars in the Commonwealth of Kentucky held its Summer Court at the Pendennis Club on June 10. The black tie affair was well attended by the Warriors and their spouses and guests. 

Officers wore their various sashes, medals and red rosettes. Conversations during the cocktails were spirited, with 18th century fife and drum music performed from the dais by members of the color guard. 

After the invocation by the society’s chaplain, Rev. Paul “Sonny” Smith, the colors were posted by the Laban Phelps Jackson Memorial Color Guard.  The color guard was resplendent in their uniforms modeled after The Royal Scots, the First Regiment of Foot, wearing the 18th century grenadier mitre caps and led by Captain William P. Carrell II. 

After a delicious meal of shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, baked potatoes, green beans and peppermint ice cream with chocolate sauce, glasses were charged and hoisted for the traditional toasts to the Queen of England, the President of the United States, the United States Armed Forces and departed Warriors of the Kentucky Society.

A special certificate was presented by the society’s governor, the Honorable Jack J. Early to Grover “Deacon” Shropshire in recognition of his 50 years of membership. A Navy veteran of both World War II and the Korean War and retired Ashland Oil executive, Shropshire has been instrumental in promoting membership in the society throughout central and eastern Kentucky, making it truly representative of the commonwealth. 

Early then introduced the new members as Warriors, presenting them with their certificates and rosettes to resounding applause. 

The guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Jane E. Calvert, assistant professor of early American history at the University of Kentucky. After receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, Calvert continued to focus her research on the intersection of theology and political theory in the founding period, with particular attention to the formation of constitutions, modes of political civic participation and methods of conflict resolution. 

LUCIE BLODGETT | contributing photographer Judge Henry Meigs, at right, is a former fighter pilot who fought in the Pacific. He came with his wife, Sally, and their son, John Averell, and his wife, Ashley.		LUCIE BLODGETT | contributing photographer Chaplain, the Rev. Sonny Smith, at left, had his hand on his heart to greet the fife and drum. Nancy Harrison is on the fife and Paul Whitty is on the drum.

Her speech focused on her recently published book, “Quaker Constitutionalism and the Political Thought of John Dickinson.” 
Known as the “Penman of the Revolution,” Dickinson was a very important and insightful leader. 

Having an education in law at London’s Middle Temple, Dickinson was nevertheless a strident opponent of British tax policy in the colonies. His early conflicts with Benjamin Franklin, low-level military service during the Revolution, representation of Delaware and Pennsylvania in their respective legislatures as well as governor of Pennsylvania, Dickinson caused his wealthy landowner’s reputation to wax and wane such that he is perhaps one of the most obscure of the Founding Fathers.

After her speech, Early gave Calvert a silver julep cup and a certificate of membership in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

“This honor depends on the fact that you have not engaged in fighting a duel,” he said. “But I hardly think I have to tell you that.”

“You’d be surprised Governor Early,” she replied, which brought the house down.

Calvert wore a beautiful silver lame long evening gown, which showed off her graceful figure and tiny waistline. She gave her speech eloquently and fast paced in a charming but professional voice.

LUCIE BLODGETT | contributing photographer Spencer Harper Jr., of New York City, chatted with national Lt. Gov. General Gerald Tyrell.

The applause was resounding and enthusiastic and well-deserved.