New UA/Ft Smith Program Aids In Clayton House Staffing

HISTORIC INTERPRETATION INTERNS TO SERVE AS ON SITE GUIDES

A new degree program recently initiated at The University of Arkansas/Fort Smith will aid The Heritage Foundation Board in resolving the staffing needs for The Clayton House. Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Historic Interpretation will serve as interns at The Clayton House. The interns will be on hand four days each week to act as tour guides for visitors after becoming acquainted with the history and background of the home.

The Historic Interpretation is a new program begun this past year by Tom Wing who was formerly with the U.S. Park service having been the Director at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. While at that position, he determined there was a need for a program at the college level to train students with knowledge of state park systems and historic sites and gain the experience needed to acquire a career within these systems. The administration at the UA/Fort Smith was receptive to the idea and the work leading to the degree was initiated. Member Clara Jane Rubarth was credited with alerting the Foundation Board of the prospects for working with the University to obtain interns for The Clayton House. A recent retiree from the University, she was acquainted with new program and recommended it to the Board.

Obtaining interns from the University’s Historic Interpretation’s program has come at an appropriate time for The Clayton House. The resignation of the former director has left the Board with the problem of keeping the home open to visitors on a regular schedule. At this writing two interns have been interviewed and have agreed to take daily assignments. Both are interested in the history of Fort Smith and are looking forward to their eventual employment in the parks service or a related field.

President Larry McGowan said he was pleased for the opportunity to join with the UA/Ft.Smith in this cooperative venture. He emphasized the Foundation Board had agreed to pay an hourly stipend to the interns and would make every effort to see that the arrangement would meet the university’s course standards and provide them with an appropriate educational experience.

Two UA/FS Students Serve Internships At Clayton House

Two University of Arkansas/Fort Smith students are now serving as interns at our historic Clayton House. The students are enrolled as majors in the University’s new program leading to a Bachelor of Arts Degree with emphasis on Historic Interpretation.

Jodi Miles – A Fort Smith resident, Jodi attended Fort Smith Public Schools and graduated from Northside High School. She enrolled at UA/Ft. Smith in August, 2002 and is working toward a Bachelors of Arts Degree in History with an emphasis on Historic Interpretation. Before entering the university, Jodi has held positions requiring her to meet and work with the public. She was employed for two years as Satellite Coordinator for Arkansas NBC in Fort Smith where she served in quality control and was a scheduler of recorded programs. While at the station, she also assisted in additional departments including Traffic, Accounting, Programming and Production.

Her prior work experience includes a period where she worked as Editor/Telemarketer for Lois, Inc. of Van Buren. For that company, she edited law books onto computer discs and set appointments with potential clients. She also worked for a year at Goodson’s Restaurant where she served as waitress, cashier and hostess, and for Taco Bell where she was a shift manager.

Jodi says that upon graduating, she hopes to find employment within the state park system or in a related field that allows her to pursue her interest in history. Her present hobbies include outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Her current schedule at The Clayton House will be from 12:00 (Noon) to 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.

Justin Huss – Justin moved to the Fort Smith area five years ago From the St. Louis area, and is in his third year at UA/Ft. Smith. Although originally working on a Liberal Arts degree, he cited his interest in history as the compelling reason for changing his major toward earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Historic Interpretation.

Justin is married and lives with his wife, Ursula and his two stepsons, in the Washburn area east of Greenwood. His wife is also a student at the UA/Ft. Smith and their two boys attend school in Greenwood. His business experience includes working as an employee of Mayflower and United Van lines where he had the opportunity to travel in all but two of the continental United States. He said his experience as a mover gave him an appreciation for the many fine antiques and period furnishings located in The Clayton House. He noted, too, that his travels gave him an opportunity to visit many historical sites and the rich history that exists in the Fort Smith area was one of the reasons he gives for locating here. His intern schedule at The Clay House will be on Wednesdays from 12:00 (noon) – to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

THE CLAYTON HOUSE
Open to the Public

Saturday  12:00 - 4:00
Sunday  1:00 - 4:00
Wednesday - Friday  12:00 - 4:00
Monday & Tuesday by Appointment

Adults $2.00  Ages 12 - 18:  $1.00
Children - Free
Special Rates for Groups

Hours observed by The Clayton House through May 31

Home is also Available for special events, weddings, receptions, seminars, etc.

SHAW FAMILY DONATES GRAND PIANO TO CLAYTON HOUSE

An Orchestral Grand piano that has been in the family of attorney Mike Shaw since it was manufactured in the late 1800s has been donated to The Clayton house in the memory of Shaw’s mother, Elizabeth Smith Shaw. The instrument bearing the manufacturer’s name, Mathushek, was built in New Haven, Connecticut. Foundation Board President Larry McGowan told the Board of the bequest at its regular meeting on January 13. He advised that he had expressed the appreciation of the Board to Mike and his wife Diane for this wonderful gift to The Clayton House.

In a letter to FSHF President McGowan relating the history of the piano, Attorney Shaw said the cabinet had been built in 1888 and the patent for the keyboard was registered in 1860. He stated that the first owners had been Dr. Jim Smith and his wife Ida. Dr. Smith and his brother “Dr. Mac” Smith were the founders of the first hospital in Logan County at Paris. Mike Shaw noted that Ida Smith, who was his Great Aunt, his Grandmother Cora Smith, her sister, Lucinda Sangree and his mother, Elizabeth Smith Shaw, were among several generations of the Smith family who enjoyed playing the piano through the years.

President McGowan stated the heirloom was in excellent condition and would be available for use to persons booking The Clayton House for special events. He added that the concert grand would add greatly to the period furnishings and the Victorian décor of The Clayton House.

CHRISTMAS GALA  ATTRACTS A CROWD

A cold and dreary day failed to dampen the spirits of the large number of folks who attended the annual Christmas party and open house on Sunday, December 5 at The Clayton House. While the weather outside was frightful, folks found the atmosphere on the inside of our Victorian home a warm delightful place to experience an old fashioned Christmas celebration.

Decorated as it might have appeared in the late 1800s, The Clayton House gave visitors a vision of how Christmas was celebrated when the family of W.H.H. Clayton resided in the home. Entertainment for the event included youngsters from Jack & Jill Day School who sang carols from the front stairway. The ‘N’ Sound singers from Northside High School also entertained with Christmas music during part of the afternoon. Sybil Holland provided a variation of Christmas music with selections on the rare and exotic Omnicord keyboard.

Board member David Kerr dressed in Victorian finery and complete with mustache and beard, played the role of W.H. H. Clayton and served as greeter and guide. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas was present and was available throughout the afternoon for pictures with the youngsters. He also posed for family portraits. In the dining room, Christmas delicacies were served to visitors by Board members acting as hosts for the event

DOCKERY RESIGNS AS HOUSE DIRECTOR

Lynn Dockery who has served as Director of The Clayton House for the past eight years has resigned. She read a letter of resignation to the Heritage Foundation Board at its regular monthly meeting held January 13. She had been absent from her duties as Director since being granted a leave by the Foundation Board in November, 2004.

Citing her need to focus her time and attention on her mother’s health and personal needs, Lynn expressed her regrets at having to give up her job as Director. She added that she had a great love for The Clayton House and had enjoyed serving as its Director. A motion by member Sam Wang to accept Lynn’s resignation with heartfelt thanks for her years of dedicated service was accepted unanimously by the Directors.

From The President’s Pen

Dear Members of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation and Friends of The Clayton House;

As you read this edition of the newsletter, you will notice some exciting activities that have occurred since the last newsletter.

Everyone is excited about the piano that Mike and Diane Shaw donated to the FSHF in memory of Mike’s mother, Elizabeth Smith Shaw. Speaking on behalf of the FSHF Board, I want to thank Mike and Diane for a wonderful addition to The Clayton House.

I would like to acknowledge a donation to the FSHF that is related to the piano. The piano was in storage until the first of this year. We were responsible for moving it from storage to The Clayton House. Greg Koller came by to see where the piano was to be located in the house. After looking through the house, Greg asked me how the house was supported financially. I pointed to the donation box and told him we rely on private donations primarily. After a moment of thought, Greg said he wanted to donate the cost of moving which amounted to approximately $200. Needless to say, I said thank you very quickly. Thanks again, Greg! The FSHF needs friends like you.

By the time you receive this newsletter, repairs to wood structure caused by termites under the house will be underway. Damages to wood surfaces exposed to view will be done at a later date since that work will entail exterior painting.

We continue to look for sources of funds to make repairs that were identified previously. Genia Smith is in the process of completing a grant application to the State of Arkansas. The Foundation Board adopted, without opposition, Sam Wang’s motion to establish a Board Construction Fund to cover a portion of necessary repair costs. Former Board member, Clifton Ladd, has agreed to chair a committee for fund raising.

Mark Moll and Harold MacDowell have been working on membership and the mail-out you recently received. If you haven’t renewed your membership, we encourage you to do so at your earliest convenience. We also urge you to make an additional donation for repairs as you see fit.

Finally, you will find an article related to future operations of The Clayton House in this edition. Through the efforts of Clara Jane Rubarth, we have been able to retain the services of Jodi Miles and Justin Huss who are students at UAFS. The intent for students such as this is to provide services to keep The Clayton House open to the public on a regular schedule as well as for the use by the public for private functions. I believe this is a giant step forward toward insuring The Clayton House will strengthen its position as the keystone of the Belle Grove Historic District and a viable part of the cultural heritage of Fort Smith as well as building ties with UA/FS which will surely benefit the FSHF in the future.

Larry McGowan, President.

GARDEN WAKES FOR SPRING

The Clayton House herb garden is waking up for Spring. The River Valley Master Garden group, led by Nancy Reynolds and Carol Mc Kinney, has cleared the beds and trimmed the rosemary bushes. The Southeast bed, which somehow became inflicted with nettles is being “solarized” and the other three are being readied for the coming season. All plants, as designed, are authentic period varieties, and again this year will delight Clayton House visitors. (The herb garden was dedicated in May, 2001and named in remembrance of Lucia Lee “Mitty” Hawkins for her many contributions to The Clayton House – Editor).

Submitted by Clara Jane Rubarth

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED

We list the following people who have shown their support to The Clayton House by renewing their yearly membership! We also add to the list and welcome the individuals and couples who have become first-time members of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation. You join with those whose efforts help to maintain one of the crown jewels in the Belle Grove Historic District.

* Life Member

THE FORT SMITH HERITAGE FOUNDATION NEEDS YOU