BY JUDY LINSLEY

In her book, “Emyl Jenkins’Southern Christmas,” the authorgives two reasons for the richChristmas traditions in the

South. First, the earliestSouthern settlers — mostlyAnglican English, Irish, andGerman— came from Europeancultures that, unlike the NewEngland Puritans, reveled in the

“festivity and enjoyment” of theholiday. The second was the rel-atively mild weather, whichallowed people to gather and cel-ebrate. Ida and W.P.H.McFaddin were both products ofSouthern culture — SoutheastTexas and West Virginia — soChristmas at the McFaddinhome in Beaumont was a richblend of two Southern traditions.

Giving topped the list offamily traditions. Christmasshopping began sometime in thelate fall. Sometimes the twowomen shopped together, butMamie usually worked alone,doing much of Ida’s at the sametime. “Shopped, I think, all day,”she wrote in her diary in 1921.

TheMcFaddins were gener-ous at Christmas; in 1914,Mamie wrote, “Papa bought mea seal skin coat.” She alsoreceived pearls. Future husbandCarroll Ward, still a relativelynew beau, gave her a watch andbracelet. In 1921, she got a dia-mond ring and a negligee “andlots of things.”

Ida McFaddin and MamieWard enjoyed exchanging beau-tiful gifts, whether personal itemssuch as nightgowns or elegant sil-ver serving pieces. In 1947, inOctober, Mamie found “2 silverbowls for Mother’s Christmas

BY CAROL CUCCIO

Little did we know that yearsago, when we got one special vol-unteer, we would later get a sec-ond, and two great friends out ofthe bargain.

Linda andGlennCummingsare very dear to our hearts at theMcFaddin-Ward HouseMuseum.They are the very embodiment ofthe phrase “southern charm.”With their gracious hospitalityand treatment of friends — bothold and new — like family, theyare good people through andthrough. As the saying goes,“they just don’t make them like

V

IEWPOINTMcFADDIN-WARD HOUSE

December 2013Vol. 30/No. 1 V S

Happy Trails —From Beaumontto Boerneand beyond!

See TRADITIONS, page 8 See CUMMINGS, page 10

McFaddins kept theirChristmas traditions alive

Linda and Glenn Cummingsenjoy their farewell party atthe visitor center.

During World War II, war bonds were considered especiallysuitable gifts.

By ALLEN LEA

Whew! Where has this year gone?For some, it was just another year toscratch through on the calendar, but forus here at the McFaddin-Ward House,well — it was somewhat busy! In addi-tion to the plethora of daily tours, proj-ects and events that we always provide,we had two memorable additions to theyear. In April, we were thrilled to partic-ipate with the Texas Association ofMuseums as they held their annual con-ference here in Beaumont; and as if weweren’t tired enough from that, we host-ed our own triennial conference inNovember. We had a lot of fun planningand executing both, but I think it’s safeto say that we are conferenced out.

It’s not all fun and play, of course.Hosting events and programs means

hours of planning by museum staff, andall the while work goes on behind thescenes in order to keep the museum inits normal pristine condition. Two of thebedrooms on the second floor of themuseum received paint restorations inOctober, and the front porch got a freshcoat of paint, just in time for theChristmas season!

As 2014 comes into focus, we areplanning forward. Hosting educationallectures and activities for the public ispart of our mission as a museum, and itis also something we enjoy doing. Theword “lecture” sometimes conjures upunpleasant visions of an hour-longsnooze fest, but we make it our missionto seek out programs on interesting top-ics, given by speakers who not onlyknow but love their subjects.

In 2014, we will be increasing our

lecture series from two or three to four— one per quarter — two of which arealready scheduled. On January 30,Meredith Meuwly, Director of AppraisalServices at Heritage Auctions in Dallas,Texas, and appraiser for the “AntiquesRoadshow” on PBS, will inform us aboutfakes and forgeries in the art market.And on May 1, Perry McFaddin Clarkfrom the Amizetta Estate Winery inNapa Valley will discuss different grapevarieties and the art of wine making.

We hope you are as eager to attendthe lectures as we are to host them.Remember, all of them are free and opento the public. See you there!

CONFERENCES AND LECTURES AND PROJECTS — OH MY!

-- Director’s Desk --

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Suited and masked, two painters carefully remove old paint from window trim in the green bedroom before painting canbegin. Four of the bedrooms were closed during the three-week restoration but are now back on view.

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BY SAM DALEO

In October of 1985, the McFaddin-Ward House was being transformed into amuseum. Part of this transformationinvolved the cleaning of the parlor andbreakfast room/conservatory; both roomsare unusual for many reasons, but especial-ly for their canvas-covered, hand-decorat-ed walls and ceilings. The larger room, theparlor, comprises eleven oil-on-canvaspanels of various sizes, including a 15’ x17’ single piece for the ceiling. The panelsare glued to the plaster walls and ceiling,using lead white oil paint as the adhesive.All are painted pink and decorated with abeautiful, hand-painted rose vine (doneby an unknown itinerant artist). A paint-ed, gilt, wooden, applied decoration alsoenhances the walls. Everything — canvasand wood alike — had to be cleaned.

Unfortunately, since early 1907,when the McFaddins moved in, a layer ofgrime had slowly accumulated, caused bypollution from open windows, cigar andcigarette smoke, and other factors. Thestaff felt that a professional cleaning bytrained conservators was necessary.Cleaning of the breakfast room/conserva-tory went smoothly; however, work in theparlor did not. The parlor presented staffand conservators with an unexpectedproblem, and as sometimes happens, anunexpected problem necessitates a uniquesolution.

Museum staff had contracted with theTexas Conservation Center, at thePanhandle-Plains Historical Museum inCanyon, to undertake this project. Theconservators there had originally thoughtthe cleaning could be done with a solvent.Everything they tried, however, was toostrong and removed paint, or not strongenough and left dirt. They finally settledon Pink Pearl erasers — that’s right, justlike the ones used in school! This was atechnique the head conservator, TonyRajer, had used before on small paintings,but never on this scale. Doing the workwith erasers was going to take muchlonger than originally estimated andwould cost more, due to the longer work

time and the extra help that would beneeded.

Tony (working with two assistants)immediately began hiring extra techni-cians, about fifteen in all. Many were stu-dents from Lamar University whoresponded to a “help wanted” ad. I waslucky enough to be asked to help andassisted evenings and Saturdays, as didcurator Clark Pierce’s girlfriend, “Wiz.”Four scaffolds were erected, erasers werepurchased and work began. When Tonyexhausted Beaumont’s supply of PinkPearl erasers, he went to Houston to buythem. I do not know how many erasers ittook, but quite a few, as one might imag-ine. Work started around eight in themorning and regularly went until ten oreleven at night. At the end of each work-day, workers vacuumed and swept up eras-er dust that had accumulated.

Conservation work on the parlorbegan on January 5, 1986, and was com-pleted on February 3, 1986. The processinvolved not only erasing the walls andceiling, but also inpainting with acrylicemulsion paints and watercolor on the

wooden decoration, as needed. Some ofthis decoration had to be re-attached inplaces with white glue. Flaking paint wasconsolidated and wrinkles in the canvaswere glued down, using the adhesiveBEVA 371. When all was completed, theentire surface area was cleaned with a 5%solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate) inwater applied with cotton swabs. Finally, ahand-applied surface coating of SoluvarMatte varnish was used to protect thecleaned canvas.

The work was hard, dirty and tedious,but it was also extremely rewarding.Watching as the room came back to life,looking as it had in 1907, made it worththe effort. It was a great experience towork with Tony Rajer and the other con-servators. They had very positive attitudesand were extremely confident and profes-sional. Tony decided not to clean onesmall area next to the radiator, to showhow dirty the room had been. It is not vis-ible from the tour path; you have to crawlbehind the furniture to see it. Whenever Ido, I am still amazed at how dirty the roomonce was, and how beautiful it looks now.

Viewpoints-Page 3

Pink Pearls in the Pink Parlor

Conservators left a single uncleaned spot in the parlor behind the radiator near the south window.

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COLLECTIONS CORNERB

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By ARLENE CHRISTIANSEN

This past October, Becky Fertitta and Iwere fortunate to be allowed to attend theMountain Plains Museum Association’sannual meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska. Inattendance were approximately 400 museumprofessionals from the ten-state area thatencompasses the association. Much like ourown Texas Association of Museums, theMPMA annual meeting is a forum for mem-bers to participate in sessions and shareknowledge, as well as to network with col-leagues from across the region.

At Lincoln, Becky spoke to the groupon volunteers, sharing what it is like to vol-unteer at the McFaddin-Ward House andalso what is involved in coordinating such agroup. I belong to the membership commit-tee, a group that promotes the MPMA andmakes potential members aware of the bene-fits of membership. Becky and I were alsothere to promote the McFaddin-Ward HouseMuseum, and of course, our own upcomingconference. It was a fun and exciting experi-ence.

Speaking of our own conference, theMcFaddin-Ward House hosted one:“Conservation Savvy: From Expert to DIY,”November 7-9, 2013 covering a broad rangeof conservation topics. It was the museum’seleventh historic house museum conference.Dr. Karen Pope of Baylor University’sAllbritton Art Institute led off Thursdaynight with her keynote speech, “Perspectivesfrom Art History,” relating the value of con-servation to art history and the museumworld. The museum had worked with Dr.

Pope in planning this conference.Ten speakers presented a number of

methods for best conserving glass, furniture,paper, paintings and frames, as well as how todigitize records and photographs. The speak-ers also offered guidance on how to decidewhen a project can be done in-house andwhen an expert should be consulted; otherspresented sessions on conservation of struc-tures and disaster planning. The partici-

pants spent a pleasant Friday afternoon atMcFaddin-Ward House enjoying tours ofthe house, carriage house and the curatorialoffice building, and were able to speak withstaff about conservation projects at themuseum.

On Friday evening, attendees received aspecial treat: the music of Pipp Gillette, whoperformed traditional folk and cowboy songsfrom the 19th century. His instrumentsincluded guitar and three kinds of banjos,one made from a large gourd in the tradition-al African method!

Participants offered comments on theirevaluation forms such as: “A wonderfulconference! The food was great and I lovedPipp Gillette.” “The conference was veryprofessionally done. The employees ofMcFaddin-Ward House were extremelywelcoming. Super, super, super!” “The con-ference was extremely hospitable andenjoyable! The food and entertainmentwere exceptional.” “Very informative, goodline-up of speakers.” The McFaddin-WardHouse staff was gratified to know that theirefforts had paid off with another successfulconference.

ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW

Pipp Gillette poses with staffer Judy Linsley along with Walker and Ann Lea at theMcFaddin-Ward House conference, Nov. 7-9.

The museumhosted athree-dayconference,

“ConservationSavvy: FromExpert toDIY,”

November7-9.

Viewpoints-Page 5

p

By Carol Cuccio

I would have never dreamed that themuseum world would fulfill so many things Iwas looking for in a job. Growing up, I hadconsidered a lot of different paths, from veteri-narian to nurse — and even teacher. I wasnever certain, but I always knew that whatev-er I did, I wanted to make a difference. I hadalways loved museums as much as the nextperson, but who knew that I would end upfinding my niche in the museum world orstumbling into the perfect career? Just barely,though; I almost missed out.

In mymid-twenties, while trying to figureout that next step, I put conventional life onhold and joined the Peace Corps. I had a life-time of agricultural expertise I could put to use,and I figured this would be an ideal way to tryto make an impact. The experience openedmy eyes to a whole new world of opportunity,and I was able to temporarily fulfill the desireto help and bring about change.

As I wrapped up my two-year servicecommitment and prepared for my readjust-ment into American life, I considered sever-al options for my next move. I seriously con-sidered pursuing my childhood dream ofbecoming a veterinarian or nurse, but morethan anything, I was ready to be back nearfamily and friends. I needed to be home. Idecided to settle back in Southeast Texas,find a job, and cool my heels before I consid-ered moving and starting a new life againsomewhere else.

Fresh back from Africa, I started my jobsearch with gusto, sending out more than 30applications in a little less than twoweeks.Notbeing very inspired by many of the jobs I hadapplied for, especially after spending 27months in “the bush,” I decided to give thewant-ads one more look before I started to fig-ure out a plan B. I came across a posting I hadsomehow missed — an education opportunityat the McFaddin-Ward House.

I sent in my résumé and didn’t have towait long. Within a day or so, I received a calland an interview, and learned that they hadalmost decided not to interview anymore can-didates before my application arrived. Littledid I know at the time that I would embarkupon a journey that would inspire a passion for

the museum field.Within a few days, I had thejob and started down the path to fulfillment.

The museum has given me so much insuch a short time. I gained valuable experiencein just about every aspect of museum manage-ment. From planning educational program-ming and assisting with exhibit installations toconducting television interviews and workingwith volunteers — I got to do it all with theMcFaddin-Ward House. I have always beenlucky to be part of such a great group of pas-sionate, nurturing people, and for that, I willbe forever grateful. I made amazing friends, wasable to head up some exciting projects, and gotto work with incredible people. I learned somuch and felt that I helpedmake a real impacton the community.

I met people from all over the world andamazing things happened during my tenure. I

started Beaumont’s first community garden,met Allen Rienstra, the love of my life, andadopted my sweet dog Rosie on my way intothe office one morning, just to name a few —and I gained a huge range of experiences thatwill benefit me for the rest of my life.

Looking back on my time with the muse-um, I would never have guessed that acceptinga part-time job would have led to a career andso many opportunities. The next one hasarrived. This month, I begin the next chapteras I accept the Head of Visitor Services posi-tion with the Bullock Texas State HistoryMuseum in Austin. Though I am sad to leavethe McFaddin-Ward House, I look forward tomy next adventure. I hope you all stay intouch, and please be sure to stop in the nexttime you find yourself in Texas’ capital city.Thank you for a great five years!

Who Knew a Part-Time Job WouldIgnite a Passion — and a Full-Time Career

Carol Cuccio, above in green, is inter-viewed for a TV story about the McFaddin-Ward House victory garden. After fiveyears at MWH,Cuccio says that, “Creatingthe victory garden was one of my biggestachievements at the museum and helped mesee the impact my work had on the commu-nity,” adding, “Working at the museumgave me so much, even my dog Rosie,whom I found on the way to work onemorning.”

Viewpoints-Page 6 V

Fall brought busy times to theMcFaddin-Ward House, when we host-ed a Community Picnic in October anda historic house museum conference in

November. The day after the confer-ence, the museum’s annual ChristmasPhoto Op took place in the entrancehall of the house.

-- FALL FESTIVITIES --

Viewpoints-Page 7

Viewpoints-Page 8 V

present” at Cherry Jewelers in Beaumont. In1941, Ida wroteMamie fromHuntington, “MySanta from you and Carroll was grand.”Whendeclining health limited her shopping, Idagave Mamie money, always accompanied by asweet, loving note.

Ida McFaddin always remembered herfamily inWest Virginia: parents, Mary and J.L.Caldwell, and sister Ouida Watts, mailing orshipping their gifts to them. Many times theyspent Christmas in Beaumont, however,which became another holiday tradition.

Christmas giving went far beyond familyand close friends. TheMcFaddins rememberednot only their employees—domestic, officeand ranch—but people in the community whoserved and assisted them. Often Ida andMamie sent checks or small gifts to Ouida’sdomestic staff. This created an especially busyshopping season for Mamie, who was deter-mined not to leave anyone out. In 1941, shewrote in her diary that she bought “candy forsales girls [at the White House, a Beaumontdepartment store] & sweater for Tom Parker&gift for Albertine [chauffeur and his wife].” In1947, Mamie “went to White House for more

ribbon, tags etc. & wrapped rest of Christmasgifts — 44 in all.” Her shopping usually endedwith one last trip to town on Christmas Eve,followed by delivery of gifts. No wonder herholiday diary entries frequently contain theword “exhausted.”

Charitable giving received special atten-tion at Christmas. The Beaumont DayNursery, later the Beaumont Children’s Home,was one of Ida and Mamie’s favorite charities,both women serving on the board for manyyears. In addition to monetary donations,Mamie often chose, bought, and wrappedChristmas gifts for the girls who lived there. In1940, she and her friend Clytie Allen decorat-ed the Christmas tree at the Home.

A festive house was a must. After shemarried and took on more household opera-tions, Mamie saw to it that the house was ele-gantly decorated each year. As a member ofthe Magnolia Garden Club, and a person whoenjoyed beautiful gardens and flowers, shefavored live décor — evergreens, pine cones,fruit, flowers — and arranged it herself, withassistance from Ida. Beaumonters attendingparties at the McFaddin home over the yearsrecalled masses of beautiful poinsettias in theentry hall.

The live greenery may explain whyMamie didn’t decorate until just before

Christmas. OnDecember 22, 1941, she “deco-rated the house…put up sleigh Bells atdoor…pine burrs & greens & Leonard putlights on outside.” In 1942, she started evenlater, on Christmas Eve, recording that she“fixed house. Ma put around cones, I fixed allthe flowers, fruit & candy.” That year she dec-orated for a post-Christmas dinner with “can-dles, leaves & apples.”

No Christmas would have been completewithout family dinners. Ida andMamie hostedthem each year for the family in Beaumont, forvisiting relatives and friends, or for the Wards,after Mamie and Carroll married. Usually theywere held at the McFaddin home, but duringWorld War II, with domestic employeesscarce, Ida sought other venues. In 1944Mamie recorded, “Carroll & I to HotelBeaumont to New Year’s dinner Mother hadfor family — 20 including children.”

Eggnog parties and open houses wereespecially popular traditions. One Beaumonterrecalled of those Christmases, “Socially it wasa very entertaining time. There was actually aseason from Thanksgiving to Lent and womenbought clothes all year for it. Teas, dances, din-ner after dinner.” Several open houses becameso entrenched in the custom that they occu-pied the same time slot each year: one wasalways at night; another was the last to beheld.

New Year’s brought more fun. DuringProhibition in the 1920s, the Crosby Hotelhosted a New Year’s Eve “cabaret.” Peoplecould bring in their own alcohol— unofficial-ly, of course. In 1918, Mamie, brother Perryand fiancé Carroll Ward bought liquor fromthe local bootlegger before they went.

The McFaddins’ parties usually fellbetween Christmas and New Year’s. Somewere grand social occasions; in 1940, theBeaumont Journal praised the “festive decora-tions” at an “elaborate affair” hosted by Ida,Mamie andCarroll “in the large and exquisite-ly furnished old southern home.” In 1944, Idaand Mamie invited 150 friends for cocktailsand hors-d’oeuvres. In her words, “all cameearly & stayed late & had a good time,” andshe went to bed “tired but happy.”

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”ends with this description of the reformedEbenezer Scrooge: “and it was always said ofhim, that he knew how to keep Christmaswell….” The McFaddins also knew how tokeep Christmas well.

The holiday exhibit, “Deck the Halls:McFaddins and their Christmas Traditions”will be on display through December 30 at theMcFaddin-Ward House.

TraditionsContinued from page 1

Ida received this holiday-themed Western Union telegram at Christmas in the 1940sfrom her sister-in-law Irene Caldwell and her family

B

them each year for the family in Beaumont, forvisiting relatives and friends, or for the Wards,after Mamie and Carroll married. Usually theywere held at the McFaddin home, but duringWorld War II, with domestic employeesscarce, Ida sought other venues. In 1944Mamie recorded, “Carroll & I to HotelBeaumont to New Year’s dinner Mother hadfor family — 20 including children.”

Eggnog parties and openhouseswere espe-cially popular traditions. One Beaumonterrecalled of those Christmases, “Socially it was avery entertaining time. There was actually a

season from Thanksgiving to Lent and womenbought clothes all year for it. Teas, dances, din-ner after dinner.” Several open houses becameso entrenched in the custom that they occu-pied the same time slot each year: one wasalways at night; another was the last to be held.

New Year’s brought more fun. DuringProhibition in the 1920s, the Crosby Hotelhosted a New Year’s Eve “cabaret.” Peoplecould bring in their own alcohol— unofficial-ly, of course. In 1918, Mamie, brother Perryand fiancé Carroll Ward bought liquor fromthe local bootlegger before they went.

The McFaddins’ parties usually fellbetween Christmas and New Year’s. Somewere grand social occasions; in 1940, theBeaumont Journal praised the “festive decora-

tions” at an “elaborate affair” hosted by Ida,Mamie andCarroll “in the large and exquisite-ly furnished old southern home.” In 1944, Idaand Mamie invited 150 friends for cocktailsand hors-d’oeuvres. In her words, “all cameearly & stayed late & had a good time,” andshe went to bed “tired but happy.”

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”ends with this description of the reformedEbenezer Scrooge: “and it was always said ofhim, that he knew how to keep Christmaswell….” The McFaddins also knew how tokeep Christmas well.

The holiday exhibit, “Deck the Halls:McFaddins and their Christmas Traditions”will be on display through December 30 at theMcFaddin-Ward House.

MeredithMeuwly will kick off theMcFaddin-Ward House 2014 lectureseries on Thursday, January 30, with“Fakes and Forgeries in the ArtMarket.”

Meredith earned her Bachelor’sdegree in Classical Studies and ArtHistory fromDukeUniversity in 2000,and a Master’s degree in Modern Art,Connois-seurship, and the History ofthe Art Market from Christie’sEducation in New York in 2001. Shespent the next five years in Christie’sNew York Antiquities Department assale coordinator and cataloguer ofancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, andNear Eastern works of art. During hertime at Christie’s, she worked onnumerous high-profile auctions,including the Doris Duke Estate,Ancient Egyptian Art from the Harer

Family Trust, and the John W. KlugeMorven Collection of Ancient Art.

Meredith joined HeritageAuctions in 2007 as SeniorConsignment Director in the Fine &Decorative Arts Department, oversee-ing two auctions each year. In January2010, she became the Director ofAppraisal Services, preparing formalappraisals for more than 35 specialistcategories.

In addition to her duties atHeritage, Meredith participates as anappraiser for the Antiques Roadshowon PBS, specializing in Glass, Silver,and Decorative Arts. She is an accred-ited member of the InternationalSociety of Appraisers, serving on theFine Art committee. She is also aboard member of the Foundation forAppraisal Education.

The program will begin January30 at 6:30 p.m. at theMcFaddin-WardHouse Visitor Center, 1906 CalderAvenue, Beaumont.

‘Fakes and Forgeriesin the Art Market’

to kick off museum’s 2014 lecture series

V Viewpoints-Page 9

Meredith Meuwly

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TraditionsContinued from page 8

that any more.”Unfortunately for Beaumont, this won-

derful couple is leaving. Last month, they saidtheir goodbyes as they packed up their home ofmore than 30 years, loaded up four dogs and acat, and relocated to the hill country. It was areal change for them; Linda is a nativeBeaumonter andGlenn has lived here for near-ly 50 years.

Linda, who got her degree in educationfrom Lamar, first came to the museum in thelate ’80s as a volunteer and a few years later, washired on in the education department, whereshe worked for 13 years. Linda helped “raise”several of our junior interpreters; they first gotto know her when they came to AfternoonPastimes and other programs for younger chil-dren. Her skill and creativity in developing andexecuting education programsmade her a hugeasset to four education coordinators over theyears; and her enthusiasm, her contagiouslaugh, and the ever-present twinkle in her eyeendeared her to everyone around her.

Glenn, also a Lamar graduate, has beeninvolved with the McFaddin-Ward Housesince 2001, after he retired from AmeripolSynpol.He trained as a docent and becameoneof “our guys”— one of just a handful of men inour volunteer corps. We all love Glenn for hisjokes, his kindness, and of course, the campfirebiscuits he very graciously makes on occasion.

Linda and Glenn are no strangers to vol-unteer service in other nonprofits, either.Wesley United Methodist Church, Texas GulfHistorical Society, and Tyrrell HistoricalLibrary Association, to name just a few, willreally miss Linda’s dependable and dedicatedservice. They, and we, know that if she promis-es to do something, she delivers; and she’ll per-sonally make sure the outcome is the best itcould be.

Glenn will also be missed by the TyrrellHistorical Library Association, as he served asits president this past year. A former Boy Scout,he continued in Scout work as an adult. A fewyears ago, he learned of an Eagle Scout,Brinkley Bass, who later became a decoratedWorld War II pilot and was killed in action.The story was so compelling that Glenn wrotea biography of Bass, “Trailing A Texas Eagle,”which was published in 2010.

Glenn, a soft-hearted soul, is also known

for taking people— and “critters”— under hiswing. He keeps close tabs on the welfare of anelderly gentleman in a local assisted living facil-ity who has no family. He and Linda haveadopted several dogs in the last few years, aCatahoula hound mix (maybe), two dachs-hunds and a Labrador retriever (namedBrinkley Bass), all of whom made their wayinto the couple’s hearts and home.

Glenn and Linda obviously enjoy doingtheir own “thing,” but they also do a lot togeth-er. For several summers, they worked forPhilmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Bothalso love to travel and invariably make newfriends everywhere they go. We like to tellthem that they could travel from coast to coastin the United States and never have to stay ina hotel!

Of course, both Glenn and Linda havealways dedicated themselves to the causes near-est their heart — their daughters, Stephanieand Jennifer— and their devotion has paid offbeautifully. Now grown, both lovely daughtershavemade their parents proud.With them, themuseum lucked out and got yet anotherCummings bonus: over the years, the two girlsalso became involved in the museum —Jennifer in the children’s and JI programs,Stephanie as a volunteer and parttime employ-ee.

All of this is to say that Glenn and LindaCummings are treasures, and we will miss themmore than we can ever say. Good Luck, Glennand Linda, and happy trails — wherever theylead you!

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CummingsContinued from page 1

By MICHELLE CATE

A charming vintage collectionof Santas will be on display at theVisitor Center this winter season.They are on loan from our very ownDocent Glenda Warren and are acurated selection from a larger collec-tion her husband, Robert “Bob”Warren gathered over many years.Bob was Vice-President at the “Old”Baptist Hospital on College inBeaumont from 1959-1986. Hebegan playing Santa often in the1960s to cheer Beaumont childrenand continued to do so until the early1970s. During those years, Bob’s col-lection of Santas really started grow-ing, because people who knew he had

a penchant for portraying Jolly OldSaint Nick began giving them tohim. For over a decade, Bob alwaysmade time to show up as Santa forevents at clubs, organizations, andchurches, until he passed his red coaton to another. However, he was stillbeing given Santas through the year2000!

The display will include a widevariety of Santas, ranging from milk-glass to mechanical wind-up toy, fromquilted to Coca-Cola. Please come byand enjoy them sometime inDecember. Perhaps you can takethem in while enjoying refreshmentsat our Open House December 14, orwhile sipping Eggnog at our EggnogEvent December 19. We hope so!

BOB’S SANTAS

Bob Warren as “Santa” handing out gifts to the delight ofschool children in 1963.

Glenn and Linda Cummings portrayW.P.H. and Ida McFaddin for seventhgraders in 2008.

Viewpoints from the Visitor Center

By BECKY FERTITTA

The McFaddin-Ward House is very for-tunate to have a remarkable group of approx-imately 65 adult volunteers, who are com-mitted to helping make the museum the verybest that it can be. From themuseum’s incep-tion, the McFaddin-Ward House Board ofDirectors planned that volunteer docents,not paid staff, would provide tours (and even-tually perform other functions as well). Theboard then enlisted professionals to develop acourse of instruction that would ensure ahighly competent group of interpreters.Although it has undergone many changes,thirty years later, the McFaddin-Ward HouseDocent Training Program remains a first-rateprogram that continues to bear amazing“fruit.”

Because of the extremely high regard Ihave for our volunteers, when the VolunteerService Council (VSC—umbrella organiza-tion for all MWH volunteers) leaders askedme to explain the organizational structure forour volunteer recognition program inViewpoints, I jumped at the chance; I knowthat even though the program makes perfectsense to me as volunteer coordinator, it mustseem mostly a mighty muddle for our volun-teers.

The awards program confuses volun-teers partly because being recognized for theirservice is an added bonus— they really enjoyvolunteering at themuseum and never give athought to the “pat on the back” they mostassuredly deserve. But recognition is a keypart of the package; along with excellenttraining, it forms the basis of our volunteerprogram. In the early days, volunteers wererecognized only by years of service. It wassoon evident that this method was not quitefair to many really devoted workers; so in1996, the current recognition program wasimplemented and remains in place to this day— with a few tweaks along the way.

Volunteers’ hours are logged day in andday out, all year long, and cumulative totalskept from year to year. When volunteersamass a total of 125 hours of service, womenreceive a silver service pin, a jeweler’s rendi-tion of the front doors of the McFaddin-Ward House, while men receive a tie tac inthe same style. Volunteers usually reach thislevel after about three years of service; but

most are quite surprised at the award, becausethey have no idea they have given that manyhours. When the volunteer has accumulated250 hours of service, usually in two moreyears, a small diamond chip is added to theservice pin. This recognition comes as no sur-prise, because they have to return the pin tome to have the jeweler insert the enhance-ment.

At 500 hours, volunteers are recognizedwith a small gift, a key chain made from thewood of our historic oak tree, “Rachel.” Shetoppled over in 2008, thanks to HurricaneIke. Rachel is one of a pair of oaks who havegraced the grounds of the museum for wellover 100 years. She and her companionWilliam, both named for W.P.H. McFaddin’sparents, were given names in order to becomemembers of the Louisiana Live Oak Society.

When volunteers have given 750 hoursof service to the museum, they receive aframed print of the McFaddin-Ward House.And on the rare occasion that a volunteertops the 1000-hourmark, twelve so far, she orhe is given a pen and pencil setmade of woodfrom Rachel. The box that holds them,although not made from the same wood, isengraved with the volunteer’s name and theyear. The stations along this “RecognitionTrail” honor our volunteers for every hourthey give over the entirety of their career, beit through tours, helping with outreach pro-grams, or planning programs.

Two additional awards are given eachyear. The Visitor Service Award honors theperson who donated the most hours in thecalendar year working with visitors, usually adocent who has gone far beyond the normalamount of time in giving tours. The Visitor

Service Award gift varies from year to year.The second award is the highest a volunteercan receive: the Volunteer InnovationPersonified (VIP) designation. The VIPrecognition highlights a volunteer who con-sistently goes far beyond the call of duty andhas a real impact on the museum’s mission.A small ruby and an additional diamond areadded to the VIP’s service pin.

Small changes have been made to ourrecognition program through the years, butnone so much as a recent change in the spe-cial honor shown to the past president of ourVSC. For many years, the president’s servicepin was sent to the jeweler for a light gold-wash denoting the special status. Because ithas become extremely difficult to accomplishthis particular task, past presidents nowreceive a plaque, suitable for hanging, withthe McFaddin-Ward House logo screen-printed on a slate that once graced the roof ofour museum. When the museum’s roof wasrestored in 2001-2002, the contractor usedslate from the same quarry in Pennsylvania toreplace the original. The original pieces thatwere in good condition were saved and nowcan be given to our past presidents — a littlebit of history, just for them!

It is such an honor to be the one whoshares these special gifts of recognition withthe adult volunteers at our annual apprecia-tion banquet. I hope that the program out-lined above shows our volunteers how muchthey are valued and appreciated. I also hopethat in addition to gifts and accolades, mywords and deeds, as well as those of the entireMcFaddin-Ward House staff, let our volun-teers know that they are the museum’s great-est assets.

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The distinctivedesign of theMcFaddin-WardHouse front door isrendered in silverand is given to vol-unteers who haveserved 125 hours.Women receive apin; men receive atie tac.

Events Calendar

Thursday, December 12Movie Night:

“We’re No Angels”6:30 p.m.Lecture Hall

Saturday, December 14Holiday

Open House1-4 p.m.

Visitor Center

Thursday, December 19Eggnog Evening

and Christmas Light Ride5-7 p.m.

Lecture Hall

Thursday, January 30Lecture: “Fakes and Forgeries

in the Art Market”6:30 p.m.Lecture Hall

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McFADDIN-WARDHOUSE

Historic House Museum725 North Third StreetBEAUMONT, TEXAS

77701-1629Return Service Requested

Vol. 30, No. 1December 2013

Published quarterly for volunteers of theMcFaddin-Ward House and others

interested in cultural andeducational aspects of the museum.

(409) 832-1906, office(409) 832-2134, visitor centerwww.mcfaddin-ward.org

2013 Press Club of Southeast TexasExcellence in Media Award winner for Best Newsletter

Volunteer Calendar

Wednesday, December 4Volunteer ChristmasPreview and Reception10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.Lecture Hall

Saturday, December 28JI Tour Day

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, December 29JI Tour Day1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, January 25Volunteer Appreciation

BanquetMCM Eleganté

11 a.m.

Saturday, February 1Junior Interpreter BanquetMcFaddin-Ward House

Visitor CenterNoon

Monday, February 10Volunteer Swap Meet11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Lecture Hall

Monday, February 17(date tentative)MWH Book ClubLecture HallNoon

IEWPOINTMcFADDIN-WARD HOUSEV S

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBEAUMONT, TXPERMIT NO. 271

www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums

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