This “first edition” of what I hope will become a regular feature of our
Foundation. This Newsletter is being sent to Officers and members of the
Board, only. It is expected that later editions will be sent to a
much-expanded list.
I was pleased to meet with some of you on the porch of the Shook House
on Aug.28th. I distributed to some of you the correspondence I have had
with the lawyer who is working with me in the formation of a Foundation.
(If you did not get a copy, please contact our Secretary who can get a
copy to you.)
Mr. Dye indicates that our first task is to select a permanent name for
such a Foundation. The majority of you agree the name should be short
and descriptive. The following has been selected:
Shook Museum Foundation at the Shook-Smathers House
“The Historic Pride of Clyde”
We must also list in our application Officers and Board members. I am
very pleased that the following have agreed to serve as officers and
members of the Board of Directors:
Honorary Chairpersons: Bishop and Mrs. Earl G. Hunt
Chairman: Dr. Joseph Shook Hall
Vice Chairman: Frank D. Hall
Secretary: Mrs. Frances C. Hart
Treasurer: David Conrad
Board of Directors
Dr. & Mrs. William N Campbell
Mrs Kathleen C Hall
Mr Joel N. Martin
Mr. Thompson Mayes, Esq.
Mr. Ray Rhinehart
Mr. Bob C. Smith
You will also note that one of our tasks is to write a brief Mission
Statement. Please be thinking of such a Statement which will be
submitted to the Board for final adoption. Keep in mind that the
Chairman’s original objectives in the purchase of the House are:(1)
Making the building as sound and sturdy as possible; (2) create a museum
as near like the original periods of construction as possible (circa
l795 and 1895); and (3) to put into the House every modern amenity
allowed under the protective covenant put on the House by Preservation,
NC ( rules by which we must abide).
Progress Report: (Outside) The newer section of the House has been
jacked up 8+inches to level it with the original section. The L porch
and balcony have also been leveled. The porch and balcony floors have
been replaced. All of the white asbestos has been removed from the
House. The wood siding underneath is in remarkably good condition.
(Inside) Old houses contain many secrets and history. The Shook House is
especially rich in both regards. Many fascinating “finds” and features
overall landscaping of the property. Much of the rest are being prepared
for display. I truly believe that the guided tour of the finished Museum
will be of great interest to visitors–and we hope there will be many.
(Grounds) I am truly appreciative of the help Prof. George Thomas of
Haywood Community College, and his students are prepared to offer to the
overall landscaping of the grounds. Much of the 3.6 acres are in need of
improvement, so their help is most appreciated. Also historical research
is well underway for application to the National Register for Historic
Places.
Through periodic Newsletters, we will keep you apprised of the progress
toward our “grand opening”.
Joseph S Hall
Biographical Notes:
* Bishop Earl G. Hunt has for many years
been an outstanding leader in the United Methodist Church. Some
years ago he was minister of the church to which the Chairman belonged.
Dr. and Mrs. Hunt are now retired.
* Joseph S. Hall and Frank D. Hall, along
with another brother who lives in Florida, are sons of Nora Shook Hall,
great great Granddaughter of Jacob Shook.
* Mrs.Frances Hart, long-time resident of
Lake Junaluska, is a friend and associate of Dr. and Mrs. Hunt.
* David Conrad owns an accounting firm,
and is a nephew of the Chair and Vice Chairman.
* Mrs. Kathleen Hall is a decorator,
landscaper and conservator of fine furniture.
* Dr. and Mrs. Campbell own a home in
Boone, NC. She is a niece of the Chair and Vice Chairman.
* Thompson M. Mayes is the Assoc. General
Council with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He is a
native of North Carolina.
* Mr. Ray Rhinehart has for many years
been a guardian and trustee of the Shook house when it was not occupied.
* Both Bob C. Smith and Joel N. Martin
have been business partners of the Chairman for many years. Their HMS
Associates owns and manages Washington, D.C. real estate. |
