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SHOOK
MUSEUM
FOUNDATION
Board of Directors
Many Ann Hunt
Peggy Green
Honorary
Joseph Shook Hall
Chair
Frank D. Hall
Vice Chair
Bob C. Smith
Secretary
David Conrad
Treasurer
Dr. & Mrs. William
Campbell
Kathleen Hall
Joel N. Martin
Ray Rhinehart
Sharon Shook
George Thomas
Patrick Willis
MISSION
STATEMENT
1. Careful main-
tenance of the
restored House and grounds
2. Open the House to all visitors including school groups – - all who
wish to learn about its early history and architecture
3. To create a community center , offering the grounds for events such
as festivals, concerts and other civic affairs
4. Open the House for scholarly, historic research.
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Again we bring you one of our occasional
Newsletter to inform you of recent developments in the on-going project
of the Shook Museum at the Shook-Smathers House in Clyde, N. C.
>> Previously we told you about our Visitor’s Center building. This
building is nearing completion and the contractor assures us it will be
completed by June 1st. Though not positioned on the property where we
originally wanted it, it contains a large space for visitors, two large
handicap-equipped restrooms and a large storage area. The architect
designed it to look like the Shook House as much as possible. The Center
will have a gift shop and snack bar with cold drinks, etc. The tour
introduction including a description of the original house will begin in
this building.
>> We welcome to our e-mail list the many friends and relatives on Wilma
Simpson’s list. We were pleased to be able to attend the Shook-Smathers
Family Reunion event which she arranged last month. It was a distinct
pleasure to meet and greet so many of you who came from near and far to
attend this rewarding affair. Wilma did a fine job in organizing and
fund- raising on behalf of the “old home place”. Our many Thanks to
Wilma and Wayne Simpson of Olympia, Washington ! !
>> During the past year, our wonderful cadre of volunteer docents have
conducted a number of tours of the Museum by appointment. Beginning June
3rd, the Museum will be open for tours every Saturday at 10 AM. Tours
will begin in the Visitor’s Center with a brief introduction and
continue on through the Museum. Our original group of four volunteer
docents has now grown to seven. We are very grateful to Sara Queen
Brown, Sharon Shook, Edie and Jim Thurman, and to Louise Harrison. Very
recent volunteers are Sammie Burress and Pat Caldwell. Sammie is a nurse
and very interested in history; Pat lives in Waynesville and was
formerly associated with the Georgia Historical Society. We welcome
these new volunteers — they are joining a wonderful group. We are
eternally grateful — the Museum could not operate without our wonderful
docents ! !
>> Since you received our last Newsletter, the entire property has been
cleared of all overgrown vegetation except trees. The sparkling little
creek has been revealed and will be incorporated into the overall
landscaping plan. Again, the Haywood County Community College is
donating invaluable assistance. Professor George Thomas and
newly-appointed Instructor Buddy Tignor have assisted their
horticultural students in sodding, sewing grass seed, planting
ornamental trees, shrubs and bulbs in this on-going and rewarding
project.
>> If you have not seen our web site, www.shookmuseum.org, please view
it on your computer or that of a friend. We are frequently adding to it.
Late postings include pictures of the recent work by the College staff
and students, plus a Washington Post news article concerning Francis
Asbury.
> During the recent Reunion, both the Chairman and Wilma Simpson
appealed to everyone who is interested in the Shook-Smathers House and
its Museum to pledge an annual donation for the on-going operation and
maintenance of the property. To date, the restoration, and all other
expenses have been paid by private funds. Now that the Museum is open
for tours, these expenses will have to come from other sources. The
Chairman has made a gift of what most of you have seen. It is now your
chance to help keep the House open and operating. It is estimated that
100 people donating an average of $300 annually, would provide for the
monthly operating expenses, plus funds for occasional painting, roofing,
etc. in the future. Keep in mind — the Museum Foundation is a non-profit
— all donations are tax deductible. Per its Charter, all funds above
operating expenses must be held in reserve for upkeep of this historic
property.
>> Since our last Newsletter, several valuable items have been added to
the Museum’s growing collection. A wonderful and very unusual original
drawing done by artist Andy Bailey now proudly hangs in the entry hall.
The drawing was done to accompany fascinating news articles written by
Michael Beadle for the Smoky Mountain News. All this can be viewed on
our web site. - - - - Another invaluable donation has been made by Ms.
Sara Martin of Waynesville in the form of a handsome old pump organ.
Though not original to the Shook-Smathers House, it is said to be quite
similar to one which once graced the House. This unique piece comes
complete with turned posts, music rack and mirror. Ms. Martin says that
“you can still play the organ if you can pump fast enough!” - - - - A
small pitcher, once belonging to David Shook, was donated to the reunion
auction. It was purchased by Darlene Shook who donated it for display in
the Museum. - - - These are all very significant donations to the
collection and we sincerely thank the three donors for their wonderful
contributions.
>> Recently much-needed storm windows and doors have been added to the
Museum. The heating bill has been substantially reduced. Also,
comfortable chairs have been added for meals and meetings. Benches have
been added to the front porch.
>> During the Reunion weekend, a valuable suggestion was made by T. C.
Conrad, CPA. Ted strongly urges all persons interested in the Shook
House Museum to seriously consider including the Museum Foundation in
their wills. He points out that, not only is this a charitable, tax
deductible gift, but that it is a wonderful way to donate in memory of a
loved one, just as could be the case with an annual pledge. Several of
those already making annual pledges have done so in memory of loved
ones.
>> We are grateful to so many people for making this project come to
reality. Since the purchase of the endangered building, the Chairman has
received help from so many who have helped make the Museum what it is
today. Our wonderful cadre of volunteer docents; the Town of Clyde;
hard-working Vice Chairman Frank D. Hall; former volunteers Frances Hart
and Patrick Willis; Prof. George Thomas and the Haywood Community
College students; Ray Rhinehart, who is a Board Member, friend and
long-time Trustee of this historic property; Ruth Morgan Jones and
Martha Reeves {former owners} for priceless Smathers-Morgan artifacts;
Margaret Ensley for other artifacts; to Bob C. Smith, major contributor,
Board Member and Secretary for tireless and invaluable assistance; Wilma
Simpson {see above}. On and on - - - - please let us know in what way
you can help.
>> If you know of someone who would like to be added to our e-mailing
list, please let us know, mayor.mass@verizon.net.
Please send your tax deductible donations directly to Shook Museum
Foundation, P. O. Box 355, Clyde, N. C. 28721.
Joseph Shook Hall
Chairman
Pump organ donated to the Shook Museum by Sara Martin now located in the
Chapel.
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