The Village of Clemmons Stagecoach

from FC 2018

Our Community Partners

BY HATTIE Hi, friends and neighbors! My name is Hattie, Hattie Butner. You may have noticed my picture around town on the “Welcome to the Village of Clemmons” signs. Yes, I’m pleased as punch to be the symbol of this lovely village, and I’d like to share my story with you. Go ahead, pull up a chair.

I’ve always had a connection to the Village of Clemmons. I was purchased by Mr. Edwin T. Clemmons, the grandson of Peter Clemmons who was the founder of this village. Mr. E.T. purchased me in 1872 from the Abbot-Downing Company located in Concord, New Hampshire. I’ve learned that Mr. E.T. was fascinated by stagecoaches and, at one time, owned a few stage lines that ran routes from Salem to Clemmons, High Point and as far away as Raleigh, Asheville and even Wytheville, Virginia.

From what I overheard when I got here, Mr. E.T. always appreciated the quality craftsmanship of the Abbot-Downing Company. I’m not bragging, mind you, because that would be totally unladylike, but for someone of my years, I’m in pretty good shape! I was the last stagecoach he bought, and I was the largest (and best in my opinion). I was known as a Concord Coach and could seat nine passengers comfortably. As a Concord Coach, I was custom-made with ornate details and had a suspension system that gave my passengers a rocking motion when traveling instead of those jarring sensations that other coaches had. I’m a rich, deep reddish color and have artwork painted on my left side of a “lady on horseback.”

You may be wondering where I got my name. Well, Mr. E.T. decided to name me after his wife. Her formal name was Harriet Butner, but she used the nickname Hattie. Since they had no children, I’m left to carry on the name of his missus, and I’m truly honored. You can see my name painted in beautiful script on my side. I wear it with pride.

Mr. E.T. moved us all to Asheville for a time; however, we returned to Clemmons before he passed away. He left monies in his will for a school and the construction of a Moravian church in Clemmons. His wife donated me to the Wachovia Society who, in turn, of cially donated me back to the Village of Clemmons in 1993.

I was thrilled in 1995 to be restored to my original grandeur through donations amounting to $22,000 via the Clemmons Historical Society.

I now live in the Village Hall (3715 Clemmons Road), in my very own gallery. It can get a bit lonely here, and I love company. Why don’t you plan a visit with your class or family? You can call the Village Hall for information at 336.766.7511. There’s a book for you to record your visit and some information on display about me and the history of the Village. I’ll be waiting! Y’all come!