Friday, November 15 marked the 106th anniversary of Sanford’s own Sallie Harrison Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A group of women who throughout their history have been instrumental in maintaining and preserving the history of Sanford, they, along with many local and state officials, gathered in front of the Sanford Museum in the mid-afternoon to celebrate with a rededication of the Fort Mellon Park marker as well as unveil the recently provided Adam Shadrach & Beelzebub Historic Marker.
Thanks to past chapter historian Mary Ann Pinkston whose tireless work and loving attention to the Sallie Harrison Chapter’s historic markers, the Fort Mellon Park marker now sparkled in its sunlit beauty. After 85 years of weathering while celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the first settlement on the shore of lake Monroe, then called Camp Monroe, and later changed to Fort Mellon this marker was in sad shape. Mary Ann advocated for its refurbishment and return to glory which was extended due to repairs to the Fort Mellon Marker and Covid.
Several Florida State DAR Executive Board Members attended the ceremony including State Regent Cindy Addison who participated in the ceremony and remarked, “In the name of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sallie Harrison Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, we rededicate this marker commemorating the Fort Mellon settlement on the shores of Lake Monroe honoring Captain Charles Mellon. This Fort Mellon settlement was the beginning of the Sanford we know and love today.”
Afterward, the gathering moved across the lawn to the Sanford Museum's entrance walkway for the dedication of the chapter's brand new marker. This marker explains that the base of the flagpole outside the museum is supported by the mouth of Sanford's old cannon, which was affectionately known as "Beelzebub."
An African-American veteran artilleryman named Adam Shadrach typically fired off Beelzebub during Sanford's celebratory occasions, and the marker credits him for his role in the community as well. After Shadrach passed away in 1911, less skilled men attempted to fire the cannon to celebrate Seminole County's creation in 1913. After several blasts, Beelzebub blew to smithereens, but its mouth was salvaged and used to create the base of the flagpole.
Both Ms. Sara White, an Honorary Chapter Regent of Sallie Harrison, and Mary Ann Pinkston worked tirelessly over many years to gain approval, through the National Society DAR as well as with local city and museum officials to proudly showcase these important stories and their significance to the community.
Mrs. Dawn Garand, Chapter Regent of the Sallie Harrison NSDAR chapter expressed her appreciation to both Mrs. Pinkston and Ms. White for their tremendous efforts and concluded saying, “Today’s occasion has been a wonderful celebration of the importance of preserving historic sites and artifacts. These markers connect us to our past, strengthen community identity, provide aesthetic value, and contribute to economic vitality. Our heritage is vital for understanding who we are and shaping our future. The tangible narratives provided today allow each of us to learn from our ancestors, understand diverse perspectives, and celebrate significant moments in history, thus shaping our collective identity.”
