Matthews Historical Foundation

Matthews North Carolina

"Preserving our Past for the Future"

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Historic Clark House 

We are very excited to announce that on May 27, 2008, the Matthews Town Council voted to lease the historic Clark House to the Matthews Historical Foundation.  Located at 232 North Trade Street in downtown Matthews, the Clark House is one the oldest homes in Matthews.  Dating to the mid-1800s, it was built by W.W. Orr and purchased by Dr. Massey.  It became the Massey family home until they sold it to the Clarks in 1919.  The home was occupied by the Clarks until 1977, at which time it was purchased by the Town of Matthews.  Many people remember it as the Matthews Help Center.  They occupied the building for many years until 2004, at which time they moved to their present location at 119 North Ames Street.  In 2006, the house was designated a historic property by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission.  

The Clark House would function as a different venue than the Reid House, owned by the Foundation and operated as a special event rental facility.  The plans are to open the house as the Clark House Gallery, where local artisans would display pottery, paintings, jewelry, glass and other hand crafted items.  Items would be displayed on consignment with the Foundation taking a small percentage of money from each sale for operating expenses.  The MHF would also maintain a small office in the house, giving the Foundation a permanent location.     

As plans get underway for the restoration, the American Military Museum will use the house as an office along with the Matthews Historical Foundation. This will allow the Military Museum to acquire artifacts and work on the up fit of their building.  This will also allow the Foundation to raise the necessary funds to begin the restoration project.  In a quote to the Charlotte Observer, Paula Lester, president of the Foundation, “This house will give us a place where people can stop by, ask questions and learn more about what we do.  We’ve had a lot of citizens interested in the Clark House and we’re encouraged by that. It’s going to take the contributions of our citizens to make the Clark House Gallery a reality”.   

The estimated refurbishing cost of the house is over $100,000.  Becky Willard, Foundation Vice President is quoted as saying “We hope our citizens will get behind this worthy project by showing their generosity through volunteer service or financial support”.    The Matthews Historical Foundation is a 501c3 Non Profit Organization.  All donations are tax deductible to the donor.  Use the following link to send us your comments or questions http://www.matthewshistoricalfoundation.org/contact.htm

 

 

 
 
 
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