VIEWPOINTS McFADDIN-WARD HOUSE
September 2014 Vol. 30/No. 4
The McFaddins learned joys of dining out BY JUDY LINSLEY Today, modern eating habits usually include dining out, whether at an elegant restaurant or a fast-food drive-through. The trend of going out for meals evolved mainly during the 20th century, as before that, people usually ate at home. McFaddin-Ward House records show that the dining habits of the McFaddins and Wards evolved similarly, reflecting the 20th-century trend of dining out as well as dining in. In the early years of the 20th century, a meal at home, well prepared and beautifully served (by domestic employees, of course), was considered as socially desirable as eating out. Elegant dining spots were relatively scarce and expensive, and in Beaumont, at least, there weren’t many fancy restaurants. Fortunately, with fresh produce and meat from their farm, and Louis Lemon’s talented cooking, the McFaddins could enjoy excellent homecooked meals. If they needed anything that the farm didn’t have, they could shop downtown at the French Market or the Beaumont Meat Market. By the late 1920s, Beaumont had “real” grocery stores like the
Ida McFaddin’s riding habit, from the early 20th century.
Pig Stand Number 25, which was located in Beaumont. Piggly-Wiggly or the A&P. As Beaumont grew, more restaurants offered more varied (and better quality) fare, and Beaumonters, including the
McFaddins, embraced the idea of eating out. A number of factors influenced this
See FOOD, page 4
‘Fun and Games’ becomes ‘Sports and Recreation’ BY MICHELLE CATE Our MWH summer intern, Chris Ferguson, has been busy. Between his assigned tasks of cleaning the Tiffany lampshade, assisting in inventory, gaining experience with Integrated Pest Management and accessioning objects, he has also carved out time to update the McFaddin-Ward House permanent exhibit in the carriage house. The exhibit, originally entitled “Fun and
Games,” focused largely on the sport-loving Carroll Ward. Ferguson has curated the exhibit to give a broader picture. The refreshing new look at athletics and leisure activities of the McFaddin and Ward families is now installed in the permanent display case in the Carriage House. Entitled “Sports and Recreation,” the exhibit takes a well-rounded look at popular activities available to the family.
See SPORTS, page 2
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-- Director’s Desk --
EXPANSION THROUGH COLLABORATION By ALLEN LEA
Because of the foresight and planning of Mamie McFaddin Ward, the McFaddinWard House Museum is fortunate to be able to house in its collection thousands of historic documents, including diaries, rare books, receipts, postcards, works of art and photographs dating back to the late nineteenth century. Because of the nature of fragile and environmentally sensitive objects in the archive, their use and availability to the general public is usually kept to a minimum—until now. This year we are partnering with the University of North Texas to include the McFaddin-Ward House archive collection in The Portal to Texas History, a collaboration between private and family collections, and institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, churches and historical commissions from all over Texas. The University of North Texas libraries began planning The Portal to Texas History in 2002. It serves as a digital gateway between collaborative partners, to give the Texas public access to records of Texas culture and history in entirely new ways that will reach audiences all over the world. Now, archive collections, many of which have been tucked away for generations, can be instantly accessed by anyone,
anywhere, free of charge. It’s the Google for Texas history. Over the years, interest in sharing digitized collections has risen tremendously across the humanities field. Today the Portal continues to grow as cultural institutions realize the importance of such a massive digital collection. The Portal was launched in 2004 with five collaborative partners and over 6500 digital images, and it has grown to over 140 partners with a total of 426,855 unique items, comprising 4.6 million files. It will be one of the most, if not the most, important online collections of the history of Texas. By partnering with UNT, the McFaddin-Ward House will be able to share the history of the McFaddin and Ward families, as well as an abundance of information on southeast Texas, to educators, researchers, genealogists and audiences around the globe that would otherwise never be able to visit in person. If you are interested in submitting a collection to the Portal or would just like to do some research, please visit texashistory.unt.edu. It’s amazing what you’ll find!
Sports Continued from page 1 “It’s been good to rotate some of the more fragile objects into storage and to bring out some that have not been featured before,” said Ferguson. “That’s one reason I’ve chosen to
This Ansonia “Gloria” clock is a favorite piece in the McFaddin-Ward House collection, and will be part of the Portal to Texas History online.
deinstall the football pants and leather football helmet and install Ida McFaddin’s horseback riding habit. Also, the original exhibit was created before the rise of the Internet, which provided new information for some of the labels. I hope visitors and docents will appreciate the updated exhibit.” Ferguson’s presentation on the project on August 11 was open to the public and provided details about the objects on display, including Mamie’s ice skates, Ida’s riding habit, W.P.H.’s saddle, and Carroll’s golf gear, among others.
A portrait of Carroll Ward, far left, from his days at Baylor University. Mamie McFaddin Ward’s ice skates, left, which she used around 1940 when she would go ice skating with Carroll at the Texas Ice Palace, which the family owned.
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‘Mondays at the Museum’ brings yoga to the McFaddin-Ward House BY MARCUS POWERS Shortly after I started working at the McFaddin-Ward House late last year, I was in a yoga class with Tiffany Maloney, owner of LoveYoga on Calder Avenue in Beaumont. We were talking about my new job, and we discussed the idea of collaborating on some kind of event that would bring yoga to the lawn of this beautiful historic home. Fast forward four months later, and the very first “Mondays at the Museum” was held on the east lawn of the museum. Just over twenty people showed up that April night. It ended with most of the people thanking us for having such a “cool” event at the museum, and asking if we’d be continuing the event through the next few months. Now, five months later, we routinely have about thirty people showing up the last Monday of every month to do a little bit of stretching right here at the McFaddin-Ward House. The event has become so popular that Tiffany and I have talked about maybe turning Mondays at the Museum into a twice-a-month event. Many people have asked how we came up with the idea, and it was all pretty organic. Tiffany told me she had always wanted to do something at the McFaddin-Ward House. I then told her that I was coming into the job with a genuine love for the house. It also helped that I brought a healthy dose of green
Around 30 people attend Mondays at the Museum each month on the east lawn of the McFaddinWard House.
optimism when it came to what I could do here at the museum. We threw some ideas back and forth, and Mondays at the Museum was born. And the fact that the museum can partner with a locally owned and operated business (and Old Town neighbor) like LoveYoga makes it all the better. I’ve also been asked the question “Why yoga?” The answer to that is two fold. First and foremost, the McFaddins were social and civic leaders in southeast Texas. Both Mamie and her mother Ida were big proponents of things that could make this humble corner of Texas we call home a better place. They were active in many community organizations whose main goal was to help out southeast Texans. Mamie even donated much of her estate to the idea of bringing a world-class museum to Beaumont. So, to me, something like Mondays at the Museum fits right into that mission. Do I think yoga will change the world? Maybe. But do I believe that having fun, interesting, “cool” events throughout the community helps spur on a local culture that can only improve quality of life in the Golden Triangle? Yes. And do I think THAT can change the world? Without a doubt. The other part: I just personally enjoy yoga. It’s as simple as that. And I thought: what better way to bring a unique and different event to the museum, than having yoga –something I personally enjoy—right here at the house. I’m so proud of what Mondays at the
Museum has become, and I’m excited for what it could become in the future. Initially, we had planned on making the event a summer-only kind of thing. But as the summer comes to a close, we may push that further for as long as the weather allows. If you’ve been thinking about coming to Mondays at the Museum, make plans to join us at the next edition of this fun event on September 29th. It starts at 6:45 p.m., on the east lawn of the McFaddin-Ward House.
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Food Continued from page 1 trend. The automobile made people more mobile, and the movies gave them a place to go. Movies provided entertainment, and moviegoers needed a convenient place to grab a bite to eat before the feature. The increasing shortage of domestic employees as they left domestic service for better jobs, especially during World War II, also helped the restaurant industry. Retail business establishments often operated lunch counters. Beaumonters could get a sandwich at Keith or Bill Thames drugstores, at the White House department store, and at Kress, a national Fiveand-Dime chain. In her diary in January 1938, Mamie recorded, “to Thames for a bite to eat then to Liberty to see movie.” She and Carroll also patronized coffee shops at Hotel Beaumont (the Black Cat) and the Edson Hotel, especially before evening events. Sometimes they picked up barbecue from one of the local stands or a sandwich to bring home to eat. In 1928 the McFaddins and Wards were introduced to a new dining experience: the cafeteria. The Beaumont Enterprise called the Manhattan Cafeteria “the ultimate in restaurant construction and equipment in this day of demands for that which is best only.” It featured pipedin music, palm trees, and canaries in brass cages. By 1929, however, only the New England Cafeteria appeared in the city directory. In 1936 Mamie wrote in her diary, “Carroll & I went to New England Cafeteria for supper—good food & air cooled.” In 1946, Mamie recorded that “Mother, Carroll & I went to new Piccadilly Cafeteria in our building––for supper—real nice & good food.” “Our building” referred to the family-owned McFaddin
Building on Bowie Street, so she was understandably proud. No discussion of eating out in Beaumont would be complete without mentioning Fuller’s Café, a Beaumont institution for many years. Fuller’s billed itself as “World Famous,” for its good food, but also because at one time Beaumonters posted “Eat at Fuller’s” signs while traveling in distant countries. Mamie mentions eating at Fuller’s a few times in her 1940s diaries. On Bolivar Peninsula, where the McFaddins had their summer home, there were no restaurants, coffee shops, or lunch counters—only what were known as “beer joints” or “honky-tonks.” Fresh seafood was always available, however, and cook Louis Lemon often came down with Ida and Mamie for the duration of the stay. So many Beaumonters owned beach houses as to form a Beaumont “colony,” one with an active summer social scene. Ida McFaddin’s granddaughter, Rosine McFaddin Wilson, recalled Ida’s parties, “which I could observe from next door, sitting on our front porch, or peering down from my bed, which overlooked her porch. The buzz of voices, the waiters passing canapés, the lights glowing, the laughter. Oh, to be grown up!” In 1937, Mamie hosted a luncheon at the beach for her bridge club. “Set table—looked lovely with purple blue bells & shell dish with fruit & colorful china,” she reported in her diary. “Served cocktails, then had creamed crabs, corn, peas & cushaw, rolls, tea, watermelon balls in cantaloupe. Talked & lounged all afternoon.” Before the guests left for Beaumont, Mamie served them “shrimp salad, cheese, tomatoes, eggs, crackers, orange juice & cake,” pronouncing it “a delightful day.” Galveston had a number of
A cover from the Toddle House menu, located just a few blocks from the McFaddin-Ward House on Calder. Mamie and Carroll ate there a lot in the 1950s. fine restaurants, of course, and from time to time Mamie and Ida went there to eat. Mamie and Carroll sometimes also went to the famous Balinese Room on the seawall, where they not only ate wonderful food but saw top-notch nightclub acts and gambled in the back room equipped for that purpose. Back in Beaumont, around 1950, a new place—a diner— opened on Calder within a few blocks of Mamie and Carroll. It was called the Toddle House, and—here’s a purely personal observation—it served the very best banana cream pie in the whole world. Mamie and Carroll must have liked the menu, because her diaries men-
tion that they ate there fairly often. Mamie’s meticulous diary entries of her daily activities provide us with a detailed record of her family’s eating habits. Over the years, she, Ida, and Carroll ate at a number of local establishments, usually informal eateries—diners, coffee shops, and cafeterias. Formal meals were taken at home or arranged at the Beaumont Country Club or the Beaumont Club. It’s always interesting to tie in the McFaddins and Wards with what was going on in the rest of the world, and we’re very fortunate to be able to do just that with the extensive family records in our archives.
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Those ‘other duties’ lead to interesting finds By Arlene Christiansen The position of assistant director/administrator at McFaddin-Ward includes “other duties as assigned.” These “other duties” run the gamut from watering the plants to completing special projects. The latest special project has been organizing our capital projects files (from the beginning) to keep in a central location for easy access. The reason this project came about was that last year we were doing a conference on preservation and conservation, and we wanted to compile a booklet of all of the projects that have been completed at McFaddin-Ward House since the museum’s inception. This was not an easy task. It took practically the whole staff to come up with all of the numerous projects that have been done here over the years. We did manage to get the booklet done for the conference, and it was most impressive. While I was working to get these files organized I came across some very interesting facts. For example, in 1986 it was estimated that it would cost $185 per square foot to reproduce the house. The estimate for 2014 would be approximately $427 per square foot. The museum is insured for “replacement cost coverage,” which is a type of insurance that guarantees that the insurance company will pay to replace the damaged property with new property and depreciation will not be deducted up to the limit of the policy. In other words, if we had a 20-year roof that we had had for 10 years and it was damaged, the insurance company would normally depreciate it 50 percent and pay half the cost of replace-
The museum went through quite a process in deciding on a design for the Visitor Center sign that faces Calder Avenue. The architect presented several examples before the final design was chosen. Some of the designs were quite elaborate; we didn’t end up with any of them. ment. With replacement cost coverage they would not depreciate it but would pay the full amount of the claim, not to exceed the limit of the policy. We must keep in mind that reproducing a house such as the museum is quite different from new construction. The lumber is not even the same size as material used in new construction today, never mind that there are no comparisons to the level of detailing and craftsmanship that originally went
into the house. Craftsmen who could perform the work would be few and far between. When the house was built, craftsmanship was the norm, but that is not the case anymore. Another interesting tidbit I came across was that the original address for the McFaddinWard House visitor center was 1905 McFaddin Avenue! The museum applied to the City Code Enforcement Department for permission to use 1906 Calder Avenue as the official
address. This was meant to simplify publicity, since the house was built in 1906, the address of the house is 1906 McFaddin, the carriage house address is 1906 North and the administrative office phone number is 832-1906. The request was granted on January 10, 1986. Many other stories can be found in these files, about different restorations and renovations, but time and space are limited. Maybe I can dig some more out for another issue.
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‘Three Squares & Then Some’ summer camp a success BY BECKY FERTITTA
The current version of the McFaddinWard House Summer Camp began in 2010 when the education staff decided to put all our eggs in one basket—three days of camp, all devoted to one theme and attended by the same 24 children, ages 8 to 12. Earlier camps had been one day each with varied themes and open registration. From the very beginning of the new formula, leaders of the volunteer education committee played a paramount role in planning and implementation. Meetings began in early spring to find, over time, just the right activities and crafts to support the theme and make the camp fun and memorable. That first camp in 2010, “Doing Our Part” also depended on the involvement of junior interpreters as helpers. It appears as though we may have really hit on something. The 2014 camp wrapped up in late July and from the comments we received, it was a huge success! The name of the 2014 camp was “Three
A camper looks on as a representative from the Muldrow Bee Farm, right, shows off an “observational hive” during the “Three Squares & Then Some” summer camp at the museum in July. Rachel Wilson, far right, helps a camper make a “seed bomb.”
Squares and Then Some!” an old-fashioned term associated with food—the theme of our camp. Cooking food, eating food, learning about ethnic dishes and sustainable gardening, along with forming healthy eating habits, were just a few of the topics our campers learned about. Each child left the camp with a cookbook filled with recipes, not only of dishes they’d eaten at camp, but also with favorite family recipes too. One grandmother sent an email to the staff, saying that “a simple request to bring a family recipe evolved into such a learning experience,” when she supervised her granddaughter as she prepared their favorite family recipe (banana pudding) to share with her parents and siblings. You can’t, and we wouldn’t, make up a story like this. We strive to make our camp fun and educational, and it is heartening to know that we are accomplishing that goal, at least in the eyes of this sweet grandmother. Another camper’s mom gave us a shout out on our Facebook, page sharing that, “My daughter had such a wonderful time this
week at camp. She’s already talking about wanting to go next summer. It was one of the BEST camps in Beaumont. Thank you so much!!!” Moms and grandmas writing to us absolutely makes our heads swell like balloons! The museum staff knows very well that one of the components to a successful camp is great kids! The staff also knows that at the very heart of camp is the loving participation of our volunteers, both adult and teenage. The adults planned and prepared, cooked and served, cleaned up and danced, laughed and helped wherever needed. The teenagers worked with the campers, loved the campers, toured the campers, made sure the campers ate and finished their crafts, danced with the campers, were loved by the campers! Need I say more except a million “thank yous” to all of you who love kids and love the programs we offer and always say yes to helping out! Let’s begin with thanks for our faithful and hard-working adults: Melissa Campbell, Peggy Ducote, Joyce Gaskin, Sarah Gerstenberg, Lisa Hitt, Lyndia King, Linda Martin, Priscilla Rouse, Barbara Smith, and Glenda Warren. Let’s end with thanks to the incomparable teenagers who helped make camp a huge success: Jacob Gerstenberg, Joah Gerstenberg, Haley Higgins, Lily Higgins, Trina Higgins, Valerie Hill, Karah Jackson, Katy Moorhouse, and Abby Theobald.
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Viewpoints from the Visitor Center By BECKY FERTITTA
The summer of 2014 flew by, as they say, like most do nowadays. The visitor center was the place to be, especially in July when our junior interpreters took center stage giving tours, assisting with activities, making us laugh! Yes, July was Junior Interpreter Month, and it went well. The staff appreciates the dedication of these young people: Christina Abel, Denavia Barabin, Josey Cade, Ali Egan, Jenny Egan, Jacob Gerstenberg, Julianne Haidusek, Haley Higgins, Lily Higgins, Valerie Hill, Karah Jackson, Michaela Jackson, Majesti Lee, Katy Moorhouse, Swann Nance, Cary Perry, Logan Perry, Heaven Relford, Noel Smith, Joseph Trahan, and Molly Tucker. Some of these young people will give tours again on Saturday, August 30, our next JI Guide Day. The McFaddin-Ward House staff sends a huge “thank you!” to all of our special teenagers, and to the taxi-service parents/grandparents/friends, etc. that helped to make it all happen! Although our adult volunteers enjoyed the month of July off from tourgiving, a hardy group continued to perform duties for the museum, assisting with social/hospitality and/or education activities. The Volunteer Service Council held an outstanding meeting in July, a covered dish delight (MWH volunteers are the best cooks in the world!) with fantastic table decorations and a dynamic and engaging speaker. The social/hospitality committee led by Joan Madigan did an outstanding job organizing the event. Teresa Orr, with help from Gloria and John Ayres, planned the perfect tablescapes for the evening. Billie Osborn, Lilo Stevens, and Laura Assunto assisted with set-up and cleanup, and prepared delicious casseroles. The evening was a huge success, thanks to the hard work of the committee and the participation of over 40 volunteers and staff. The education committee’s work is never done, it seems. During June and July, the dedicated group presented programs to several groups of children and was a major component in the success of
our summer camp. We had a record number of helpers at this year’s camp—seventeen volunteers (adult and teenage)— each and every day, logging in almost 300 hours. Education committee chair Lisa Hitt and co-chair Linda Martin were front and center for all the activities, along with committee members Melissa Campbell, Joyce Gaskin, Barbara Smith, and Glenda Warren. VSC president Peggy Ducote and president-elect Lyndia King were never far from the action of either committee. As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work!” And many hands make it a lot more fun! The MWH Lunch Bunch will begin meeting in September; Joan Madigan will forward the details to all of our volunteers. The MWH Book Club is meeting regularly—four times per year—with volunteers leading the discussion. In June, Melissa Campbell and Joyce Gaskin kept us enthralled with their presentation of “A
Death in Vienna” by Frank Tallis. Madlyn Benton led an excellent discussion of “The Paris Wife” by Paula McClain at the August meeting. Our volunteers do an excellent job preparing for and leading these discussions; their hard work is much appreciated by the loyal group of book club members. On October 13, the VSC will host the last general meeting for 2014. Curator Sam Daleo will be the speaker for that event. Plans are underway for volunteers to have a fall getaway to Old Town Spring. The traditional docent training class for the fall will not take place this year. Instead, we are holding a special tea and luncheon on Mamie’s birthday, November 5, to recruit potential new volunteers. Please contact Becky Fertitta (8322134) if you are interested in becoming a McFaddin-Ward House Docent. Volunteering at the McFaddin-Ward House is work, but it is also lots of fun!
One camper makes homemade “Play-Doh” on the first day of the
“Three Squares & Then Some” summer camp in July.
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VIEWPOINTS McFADDIN-WARD HOUSE
The McFADDIN-WARD HOUSE Historic House Museum
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Vol. 30, No. 4 September 2014 Published quarterly for volunteers of the McFaddin-Ward House and others interested in cultural and educational aspects of the museum. (409) 832-1906, office (409) 832-2134, visitor center www.mcfaddin-ward.org 2013 Press Club of Southeast Texas Excellence in Media Award winner for Best Newsletter
www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums
Events Calendar Thursday, September 18 Early Beaumont lecture and book signing 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 29 Mondays at the Museum 6:45 p.m. Thursday, October 16 Fall Community Picnic 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, November 4 through Saturday, November 8 Mamie’s Birthday Celebration Free Tours Sunday, November 9 Holiday Photo Opportunity Noon to 4 p.m.
Volunteer Calendar Saturday, August 30 Junior Interpreter Guide Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, September 1 Labor Day Staff Holiday Monday, October 13 VSC General Meeting Friday, November 14 Volunteer Bus Trip
Thursday, October 23 Movie Night: “The Alligator People” 6:30 p.m.
Monday, November 17 MWH Book Club Noon Lecture Hall Saturday, November 29 Junior Interpreter Guide Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.