THE KATHERINE HINDS SMYTHE COLLECTION

PROCESSED BY DEBORAH J. BABB

2003

Memphis and Shelby County Room

Memphis/Shelby County Public Library & Information Center

3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

1

KATHERINE HINDS SMYTHE COLLECTION

SCOPE AND PROVENANCE

The photographs and papers in the Katherine Hinds Smythe Collection were given to the Memphis and Shelby County Room by Mrs. Smythe in 2000. The material in the collection documents the history of Memorial Park Cemetery at the time of its founding by Smythe’s grandfather, E. Clovis Hinds, in 1924 and includes early advertisements and legal documents.

A unique aspect of the collection is the material on Dionicio Rodríguez, the artist Hinds hired to create the Crystal Shrine Grotto and other sculptural work within Memorial Park, from 1935-1943. Included is the correspondence between Hinds and Rodríguez, as well as articles written about Rodríguez and his work in Little Rock, Arkansas and documents pertaining to the addition of his Memorial Park work to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

While there are some documents and photographs from the dedication of the Memorial Park Mausoleum in 1972, most of the material in the collection covers Smythe’s tenure as president of Memorial Park, beginning in 1976. Under her leadership, Memorial Park added a funeral chapel at the Memorial Park Cemetery and a new cemetery in south Shelby County called Memorial Park South Woods. This material consists of papers pertaining to Memorial Park’s advertising and public relations efforts in 1985-86. This includes material on the Hinds-Smythe Cosmopolitan Funeral Home, which was a Midtown Memphis expansion of Memorial Park facilities that operated from 1984-1996.

The collection contains many photographs documenting the development of Memorial Park, including photos of founder E. C. Hinds, Katherine Hinds Smythe, her son Hamilton Smythe, the Crystal Shrine Grotto, and the dedication of Memorial Park Mausoleum in 1972. Other photos depict Memorial Park’s flower gardens and special features through the changing seasons, as well as Dionicio Rodríguez’s unique sculptural works which beautify the gardens.

2 KATHERINE HINDS SMYTHE COLLECTION

BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE

Katherine Hinds Smythe was born in Mississippi and spent her early years in Tupelo, where she attended local schools. Following graduation from Tupelo High School, she attended Randolph Macon Woman’s College in Virginia. At the end of her freshman year, she transferred to Southwestern College (now Rhodes) in Memphis, graduating in 1953. An English major, she wrote for the school newspaper and co-edited the 1953 annual. Her academic abilities earned election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa. With teaching as a goal, Katherine pursued a Master’s degree at Duke University, specializing in Southern literature. A portion of her Master’s thesis on the work of Eudora Welty was published.

After graduating from Duke University, Katherine returned to Memphis and in 1955 married William Hamilton Smythe, a fellow student at Southwestern. Her first teaching assignment was at East High School, followed by a position at Memphis State University, where she taught literature for four years. Smythe retired from teaching to have her first child, William Hamilton, in 1959, followed by Katie in 1962 and Clay in 1967. As a young wife and mother she began her work in philanthropic activities through membership in Le Bonheur Club and the Junior League of Memphis.

In addition to her public interests, Smythe has dedicated much of her life to carrying on the business of Memorial Park Cemetery, which was founded by her grandfather, E. Clovis Hinds. Moving from Tupelo, where he had been in the clothing business, Hinds came to Memphis in 1918 and organized Cotton States Life Insurance Company. He later sold that company in order to launch Memorial Park Cemetery in 1924. Always close to her grandfather, Smythe grew up watching him create Memorial Park and select artists whose work enhanced this outstanding cemetery. Hinds inspiration for the cemetery came from Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California, one of the first memorial park-type cemeteries in the United States.

In 1963, Smythe began working part-time at Memorial Park, under the direction of her aunt Bess Hinds Anderson. Anderson, who had become president after the death of her father, Clovis Hinds, began preparing Smythe to one day take over direction of the company business. Although a busy career woman and mother, Smythe continued her volunteer work, serving as president of the Junior League in 1970. In the 1970’s, Smythe continued her active life of public service as president of the Rhodes College International Alumni Association and president of the board of the Memphis/Shelby County Public Library & Information Center. Smythe’s long-term association with the Public Library and her interest in community improvement was again demonstrated through her leadership in the Foundation for the Library, chairing the Special Gifts Division. The Foundation capital campaign successfully raised more than $20 million dollars for the new Central Library.

3 Assuming the leadership of Memphis Memorial Park Cemetery in 1978, Katherine Smythe combined the entrepreneurship of her grandfather Clovis Hinds with her own commitment to philanthropic and community-service oriented activities. While directing the day-to-day operation of a major cemetery business, Smythe helped found the Alliance for the Blind and Visually Impaired, served as director of the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce, and was appointed a director and chairperson of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. She is a past-president of the Cemetery Association of Tennessee and the Southern Cemetery Association. In addition, Smythe is a long-time member and current president of the trustees of Porter-Leath Children’s Center. Currently, she is also on the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Mid-South and is a member of the Planned Gifts Division of United Way.

Since the sale of Memorial Park in 1997 to the Canada-based Loewen Group, Smythe has been able to devote more time to her community activities. Her passionate interest in public education led her to serve on the education committee for the Tennessee Business Roundtable, and she was a member of the Partners in Public Education. While much of her educational work has focused on altering the fundamental structure of public education, Smythe has enjoyed teaching some high school English classes. She is also a member of Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. A successful businesswoman, a recognized community leader, and a devoted family member, Katherine Hinds Smythe continues her active role in the life of this community.

4 KATHERINE HINDS SMYTHE COLLECTION

BOX I

Folder 1 Cotton States Life Insurance Company – Policy Insuring Eva C. Hinds, 9 Apr 1917

Original Cotton States Life Insurance policy for Eva C. Hinds, 9 April 1917. (Company owned by E. Clovis Hinds and sold to H. W. Durham. It later became Cosmopolitan Life Insurance Company, c. 1920.)

Folder 2 Memphis Memorial Park – Corporate Charter, 9 Feb 1925

Corporate charter dated 9 Feb 1925. Memphis Memorial Park stock certificate for 500 shares @ $100 per share, issued to E. Clovis Hinds. Minutes of first meeting of Memphis Memorial Park incorporators.

Folder 3 Memphis Memorial Park – History

Early Memorial Park Rules and Regulations booklet. Two typed histories of Memorial Park. Copy of one-page history of Memorial Park. Clipping on opponents to establishment of Memorial Park in 1924. Memorandum on Reid v. Memphis Memorial Park, 1927. Copy of letter from E. C. Hinds to purchaser of “Burial State in advance of need.” Copy of Katherine H. Smythe entry in Society of Entrepreneurs Membership Directory, 1996. Copy of memorial by E. C. Hinds on Fred T. Andrews, builder of stone wall enclosing Memorial Park. Article on Memorial Park from Mid-South Business, 4 Aug 1980. Memorial Park, Inc. Organizational Chart from 1994. Document on Memorial Park labor tracking system. Copy of funeral/burial receipt. Copy of blueprint for Memorial Park Family Section.

Folder 4 Memphis Memorial Park – Rodríguez, Dionicio, Sculptor

Copies of correspondence between Rodríguez and E.C. Hinds on Rodríguez sculptures in Memorial Park, 1933-1942. Copies of inquiries from Katherine H. Smythe about information on Rodríguez. Copies of replies to Smythe’s inquiries on Rodríguez. Correspondence between Smythe and Lisa Simpson about article on Rodríguez. Miscellaneous letters to Smythe regarding Rodríguez. Copy of article on Old Mill in Little Rock, Arkansas. Typed history of Old Mill. Metropolitan Trust Company brochure with color photo of Old Mill on cover.

5 Folder 5 Memphis Memorial Park – Rodríguez, Dionicio, Sculptor – National Historic Register

Copy of National Historic Register Registration Form for Rodríguez Memorial Park sculptures, 1990. Letter from Memphis Mayor Richard C. Hackett supporting nomination of Rodríguez sculptures to National Historic Register, 1990. Copies of Tennessee Historical Commission certificate of Rodríguez sculptures entry on National Historic Register, 1991. (See biographical profile, page 13.)

Folder 6 Memphis Memorial Park – David Day Sculptures

Article on David Day from The Bartlett Express, 15 May 1980. Notes on Day’s “The Transfiguration” for Crystal Grotto tour information. Notes on payment to David Day for Crystal Grotto sculptures, 1979-1980. Copy of receipt for payment to David Day for restoration work in Crystal Grotto, 1981.

Folder 7 Memphis Memorial Park – Mausoleum – Dedication, 1972

Three programs from Memorial Park Mausoleum Grounds Dedication, 10 Nov 1972. Letter and notes from Katherine H. Smythe on program draft.

Folder 8 Memphis Memorial Park – Fountain

Letter to Katherine H. Smythe from Blair Huddart at Matthews International Corporation Memorial Division on fountain design, 1979. Fountain catalog and price list from Florentine Craftsmen.

Folder 9 Memphis Memorial Park – Awards

Certificate of Appreciation for support of Plus-Business program of MIFA and MLGW, 1985.

Folder 10 Memphis Memorial Park – Advertising

Memorial Park internal memos regarding advertising, 1986. Memorial Park Advertising Meeting notes, 1986. Mid-South Fair Report. Public relations outline, 1986. Advertising proposals for Memorial Park Funeral Home from OGR Service Corp. and B. L. McDonald Advertising Agency, 1985. Print ad proofs from Adrienne Roth Advertising, 1985. Correspondence from Mid-South Gifts on direct mail advertising. Broadcast media radio proposal, 1986. Advertising information from radio stations, WRVR, WREC, WEZI, and WHBQ. Drafts of radio advertisements. Miscellaneous advertising drafts.

6 Folder 11 Memphis Memorial Park – Cemetery Newsletter

Eight issues of cemetery newsletter, Seasons, Winter 1980; Fall and Winter 1986; Spring, Fall, and Winter 1987; Spring 1988; Spring 1989; and Summer 1997. Correspondence with Commercial Appeal regarding use of Old Mill photographs in Seasons. Negatives of Old Mill photographs used in Seasons. Copy of President’s Letter from Seasons. Copies of “Attitudes” quote by Charles Swindoll. Letter and handbooks on producing cemetery newsletters from National Association of Cemeteries. Cemetery newsletters from Wisconsin Memorial Park with letter from Sales Director.

Folder 12 Memphis Memorial Park – Cemetery Correspondence, General

Holiday letter to Memorial Park staff, 1985. Letter to Katherine H. Smythe from son Clay Smythe on holiday letter to staff. Note from Katherine H. Smythe about quotations on giving. Letter from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital thanking Katherine H. Smythe for memorial gifts, 1985. Letters from two families thanking Smythe for Le Bonheur memorial gifts. Other miscellaneous correspondence.

Folder 13 Memphis Memorial Park – Photographic Negatives

Envelope labeled “B/W June ’83 Rodríguez & gates & crypt.” Photographic negatives of E. C. Hinds portrait. Photographic negatives of locations in and around Memphis Memorial Park, including Rodríguez works.

Folder 14 Memphis Memorial Park – Cremation

Draft of article on cremation. Letters from recipients of draft brochure offering suggestions and approval for cremation brochure. Page from The Cremationist listing cremation statistics for 1981-83.

Folder 15 Memphis Memorial Park – Cemeteries & Funeral Direction

Copy of page from The Director listing tips for Funeral Directors. Article from Cemetery Management, “Memorial Day: Cemeteries reveal their plans.”

7

Folder 16 Hinds-Smythe Cosmopolitan Funeral Home – Advertising

Copy of market research study for Hinds-Smythe Cosmopolitan Funeral Home. Copy of notes on Hinds-Smythe Cosmopolitan proposed brochure. Two copies of Hinds-Smythe Cosmopolitan General Information Brochure draft. Correspondence from marketing staff on proposed brochure. Simplicity Service Plan brochure. Drafts of Simplicity Service brochure. Draft of brochure for group presentations. Copy of print advertisement for Hinds-Smythe Cosmopolitan with corrections. Clipping of Hinds-Smythe Cosmopolitan Comments on Simplicity Service Plan.

Folder 17 Hinds-Smythe Cosmopolitan Funeral Home – Distinguished Citizens of Midtown

Program for Distinguished Citizens of Midtown memorial service, July 1984. Program for Distinguished Citizens memorial service, May 1985. Two invitations to Distinguished Citizens memorial service, May 1987. Invitation and program for Distinguished Citizens memorial service, May 1989. Correspondence of Advisory Committee for Distinguished Citizens of Midtown regarding selection of distinguished citizens for Hinds- Smythe Cosmopolitan Funeral Home display.

Folder 18 Memphis Memorial Park – Advertisement

Large, early advertisement for Memphis Memorial Park. Located in Manuscript Drawer 28.

8 BOX II

Metal plaque reproducing Commercial Appeal article of Jan. 29, 1990, Katherine Hinds Smythe heads up Greater Memphis YWCA capital improvements campaign.

Metal & wood plaque, Katherine Hinds Smythe in appreciation for her serving as founding member Board of Directors 1983-1991 Alliance for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Bronze marker, The National Register of Tennessee Historical Commission, placed in Memphis Memorial Park noting the sculptures of Mexican artist Dionicio Rodríguez.

Round bronze medallion issued to the 400 founder members of Memphis Memorial Park. Reverse reads M-189, Mr. & Mrs. D. H. Kemper.

Round pewter plaque from Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce to Katherine Hinds Smythe, Treasurer, 1981.

Round pewter plaque from Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce to Katherine Hinds Smythe, Vice-Chairman, Community Affairs, 1994.

Bronze medal encased in a 4 x 6 acrylic block, commemorating Centennial Anniversary of American Cemetery Association, 1887-1987.

Small pocket mirror, Spencer-Sturla Memorial Chapel advertisement.

Small pocket mirror, J. T. Hinton & Son armored ambulance.

Desk piece with mirror, J. T. Hinton & Son, showing armored ambulance.

BOX III

Active Times cover story on Katherine Hinds Smythe, July 1996, six pages.

Memphis Memorial Park “The Cemetery Beautiful” advertisement from 1928, one side featuring the Masonic Section.

Certificate of Commission of Katherine Hinds Smythe as a Kentucky Colonel, 19 March 1992.

9 BOX IV

Album Pages Memphis Memorial Park - Photographs

1 Elliot Clovis Hinds, ca. 1935 2 Katherine Hinds Smythe, age 6, with grandfather E. Clovis Hinds at Memorial Park Grotto, ca. 1938 3 Two copies Katherine Hinds Smythe, age 6, with grandfather E. Clovis Hinds at Memorial Park Grotto, ca. 1938 4 Memphis Memorial Park entrance on “Poplar Pike”, ca. 1930s 5 Copy of Memphis Memorial Park entrance on “Poplar Pike”, ca. 1930s 6 Large gathering at Memorial Park Grotto (Easter service?) 7 Large gathering at Memorial Park Grotto, different view 8 Three small photos of Memorial Park entrance Small photo of (from left) Annette Enzor, Janice Enzor and Mary Enzor at Memorial Park Grotto 9 Four small photos of land at Memorial Park 10 Small photo of land at Memorial Park Small photo of Memorial Park Funeral Home Small photo of four Memorial Park employees 11 Group photo at Memorial Park, Mausoleum Dedication, 1972 12 J. C. Redden, General Manager, Mausoleum Dedication, 1972 13 Unknown Speaker, Mausoleum Dedication, 1972 14 John Steele, Architect, Mausoleum Dedication, 1972 15 Gene Strong, Allen Bros. and O’Hara Contractors, Mausoleum Dedication, 1972 16 Unknown Speaker, Mausoleum Dedication, 1972 17 Visitors to Memorial Park and chartered bus 18 Group photo of Hinds Memorial Chapel groundbreaking, Katherine Hinds Smythe holding shovel, 1979 19 David Cotton, Greenhouse Supervisor, with Katherine Hinds Smythe, ca. 1995 20 S. Clay Smythe and Katherine Hinds Smythe, ca. 1999 (b/w) 21 S. Clay Smythe and Katherine Hinds Smythe, ca. 1999 22 S. Clay Smythe and Katherine Hinds Smythe walking, ca. 1999 23 S. Clay Smythe and Katherine Hinds Smythe walking, ca. 1999 (b/w) 24 S. Clay Smythe and Katherine Hinds Smythe walking, ca. 1999 25 Memorial Park sign at entrance 26 Memorial Park sign at entrance Spring flowers at Memorial Park 27 Two small photos of Memorial Park fountain 28 Small photo of Cave of Machpelah Postcard – “Replica of Ferdinand IV Sunken Garden” at Memorial Park 29 Postcard – Memorial Park fountain Postcard – Memorial Park Administration Building 30 Postcard – Memorial Park artwork Postcard – Memorial Park front entrance on Poplar 31 Urns and blossoming trees at Memorial Garden, and copy

10 32 Urns and blossoming trees at Memorial Park 33 Urns and blossoming trees at Memorial Park 34 Cave of Machpelah with tulips in foreground 35 Cave of Machpelah with tulips in foreground 36 Reverse image of Cave of Machpelah with tulips in foreground 37 Cave of Machpelah with tulips in foreground, and copy 38 Cave of Machpelah with tulips in foreground 39 Cave of Machpelah with tulips in foreground, and copy 40 Abraham’s Oak and exterior of Crystal Shrine Grotto with tulips in foreground 41 Exterior of Crystal Shrine Grotto with tulips in foreground 42 Exterior of Crystal Shrine Grotto with tulips in foreground, and copy 43 Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth at Memorial Park with tulips in foreground 44 Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth at Memorial Park with tulips in foreground 45 Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth at Memorial Park with tulips in foreground, and copy 46 Covered Bridge at Memorial Park 47 Covered Bridge at Memorial Park 48 Cave of Machpelah at Easter with tulips in foreground 49 Cave of Machpelah at Easter with tulips in foreground, and copy 50 Cave of Machpelah at Easter with pool reflection, and copy 51 Cave of Machpelah at Easter 52 Cave of Machpelah at Easter 53 Cave of Machpelah at Easter 54 Cave of Machpelah at Easter with pool reflection, and copy 55 Cave of Machpelah at Easter 56 Rustic Bridge and Cave of Machpelah 57 Two small copies of Rustic Bridge and Cave of Machpelah 58 Two small photos of Memorial Park trees in fall 59 Two small photos of Cave of Machpelah and trees in fall 60 Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth at Memorial Park with snow in winter 61 Cave of Machpelah with snow in winter 62 Cave of Machpelah with snow in winter 63 Cave of Machpelah with snow in winter 64 Close-up of Cave of Machpelah with snow in winter 65 Broken Tree Bench with snow in winter 66 Broken Tree Bench with snow in winter, and copy 67 Broken Tree Bench with snow in winter, and copy 68 Broken Tree Bench with snow in winter 69 Broken Tree Bench with snow in winter 70 Broken Tree Bench with snow in winter 71 Two postcards – J. T. Hinton & Son armored ambulance

11 BOX V

Album Pages Artwork of Dionicio Rodríguez

1 Small photo of Katherine Hinds Smythe and man by Crystal Shrine Grotto historical marker on Poplar Avenue Small photo of Katherine Hinds Smythe and speaker at presentation of historical marker by Shelby County Historical Commission 2 Close-up of Crystal Shrine Grotto historical marker at night, and copy 3 “The Good Samaritan” painting – Crystal Shrine Grotto 4 Plaque by Miriam Dalstrom – Crystal Shrine Grotto 5 “The Nativity”, Italian ceramic figures – Crystal Shrine Grotto, and copy 6 “The Nativity”, Italian ceramic figures – Crystal Shrine Grotto 7 “The Nativity”, Italian ceramic figures – Crystal Shrine Grotto, and copy 8 “The Nativity”, Italian ceramic figures – Crystal Shrine Grotto 9 “The Nativity”, Italian ceramic figures – Crystal Shrine Grotto, and copy 10 “Jesus in the Temple” by Marie Craig, 1939 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 11 “Sermon on the Mount” by David Day, 1978 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 12 “Sermon on the Mount” by David Day, 1978 – Crystal Shrine Grotto, and copy 13 “The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter” by David Day, 1980 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 14 “The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter” by David Day, 1980 – Crystal Shrine Grotto, and copy 15 “The Transfiguration” by David Day, 1979 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 16 “Zaccheus up a Tree” by David Day, 1981 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 17 “The Last Supper” by David Day, 1980 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 18 “The Last Supper” by David Day, 1980 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 19 “The Last Supper” by David Day, 1980 – Crystal Shrine Grotto, and copy 20 “Christ in Gethsemane” by Luther Hampton, 1972 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 21 “Christ in Gethsemane” by Luther Hampton, 1972 – Crystal Shrine Grotto, and copy 22 “Christ in Gethsemane” by Luther Hampton, 1972 – Crystal Shrine Grotto, and copy 23 “The Crucifixion” by Dionicio Rodríguez, 1936 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 24 “The Resurrection” background by Dionicio Rodríguez, 1936, and “The Angel” by David Day, 1979 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 25 Reverse image of “The Resurrection” background by Dionicio Rodríguez, 1936, and “The Angel” by David Day, 1979 – Crystal Shrine Grotto 26 Postcard – Crystal Shrine Grotto Postcard – Crystal Shrine Grotto 27 Postcard – Crystal Shrine Grotto interior, prior to 1972 Luther Hampton sculpture Postcard – “Annie Laurie Chair”, stonework by Fred T. Andrews 28 Postcard – Cave of Machpelah Postcard – Cave of Machpelah 29 Postcard – Broken Tree Bench Postcard – Rustic Foot Bridge 30 E. C. Hinds sitting by Rustic Foot Bridge, ca. 1930s

12 31 Foot bridge at Memorial Park 32 Abraham’s Oak at Memorial Park with snow in winter 33 Photographic proof of Cave of Machpelah 34 Close-up of iron grate on front of Cave of Machpelah 35 Cave of Machpelah on page from Memphis Memorial Park: The Cemetery Beautiful 36 Broken Tree Bench at Memorial Park 37 Two postcards – Covered Bridge at Memorial Park 38 Small photo of Covered Bridge at Memorial Park Small photo of rustic bench at Memorial Park 39 Rustic covered shelter by Dionicio Rodríguez 40 Postcard – Broken Tree Bench at Pugh’s Mill Park in Little Rock, Arkansas Postcard – interior view of Old Mill in Little Rock, Arkansas 41 Postcard – northern part of Pugh’s Mill Park in Little Rock, Arkansas 42 Four small photos of Old Mill in Little Rock, Arkansas 43 Three small photos of Rodríguez work in Pugh’s Mill Park, Little Rock, Arkansas 44 Four small photos of Rodríguez work in Pugh’s Mill Park, Little Rock, Arkansas 45 Dionicio Rodríguez standing before Abraham’s Oak at Memorial Park

13 NOTES ON THE ARTISTS

DIONICIO RODRÍGUEZ

Dionicio Rodríguez, son of Catarino Rodríguez, was born in Toluca, Mexico in 1891 or 1893. He is known for having perfected a secret process in which he carved chemically-treated, reinforced concrete so that it looked like wood. Because he traveled throughout the United States to work on commissions and did not speak English, very little is known about him. As a boy, he developed his skills by working in a foundry and for an Italian artist who produced imitation rocks. Rodríguez later reproduced ruins of ancient buildings in collaboration with Mexican architects and engineers, working on major projects such as Chapultepec Castle, the presidential residence in Mexico City. Some sources have indicated that Rodríguez was married as a young man. Apparently the marriage produced no children and ended before he came to the United States in the 1920’s. During the mid-1920’s, Rodríguez moved to San Antonio to work on several projects, including some for Charles Baumberger, president of the San Antonio Portland Cement Company (now Alamo Cement Company).

During the 1930’s, Rodríguez worked for Arkansas developer Justin Matthews, sculpting pieces for three parks in Little Rock. In his most innovative work for Matthews, Rodríguez worked with an architect to design a site to look like an abandoned mill, in which everything but the stone walls of the mill were molded from cement. In the early 1940’s he completed a dozen works based on literary and Biblical themes for E. Clovis Hinds in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. The most outstanding of these is a massive grotto, the inside of which is studded with crystals and decorated with ten sculpted and painted scenes from the life of Christ. Other examples of Rodríguez's work have been found in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Suitland, Maryland; Ann Arbor, Michigan; New York City; and Clayton, New Mexico.

His inclusion of such painstaking details as insect holes, peeling bark, and broken- off branches in his work, which he called el trabajo rústico, demonstrates a highly refined aesthetic as well as technical mastery of his medium. He began each piece by fashioning a metal framework, to which he applied cement that had been mixed without sand. He then sculpted the moistened cement with his hands or simple tools such as a fork, spoon, or twig. He stained the cement while it was still wet, using chemicals for various tints. Though he trained workers to assist him on his commissions, many of whom have continued to work in his style, he jealously guarded his special techniques, particularly those relating to the tinting process, with the result that none of his assistants has approached his level of craftsmanship.

Dionicio Rodríguez died in San Antonio on December 16, 1955, and was buried in San Fernando Archdiocesan Cemetery; he had no immediate survivors. During the 1980’s several scholars became interested in Rodríguez's sculptures, and his pieces in Little Rock were awarded a National Register of Historic Places designation in 1986. His work in Memphis was added to the National Register in 1991.

14 MARIE CRAIG

Born in Memphis, Marie Craig attended Bruce School and Central High School. After graduation, she studied art and sculpture at the James Lee Memorial Academy of Arts (now Memphis College of Art) for three years before winning a scholarship to Boston Museum School. She then left to study in Europe, visiting many countries including France and Italy. Craig’s work was exhibited at art centers and museums throughout the nation, including the Whitney Museum, the Chicago Art Institute, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. She created one sculpture for the Crystal Shrine Grotto in 1939. In October 1942, she left her work as an artist to enlist in the Women’s Army Corps. Tragically, she was killed in a military vehicle accident in August 1943 at the age of 37.

LUTHER HAMPTON

A native Memphian, Luther Hampton graduated from the Memphis Academy of Art (now Memphis College of Art) in 1973. Before graduating, he completed one sculpture for the Crystal Shrine Grotto. Hampton taught in several positions throughout Arkansas and West Tennessee and demonstrated his sculptural technique at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Best known for his sculptures, Hampton’s work has been shown in numerous shows and galleries throughout the city. He has won several awards, including first place in the national Veterans Administration Creative Arts Festival in 2000 and a 2003 Governor’s Award in the Arts for his creative influence and for opening doors for other African American artists. Now retired from teaching, Hampton continues to live and work in Memphis, remaining active in the local arts community.

DAVID DAY

Sculptor David Day grew up in Bartlett, attending local schools. After graduating from Bartlett High School, he attended Memphis State University and obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture. While a Master’s student at Louisiana State University, a professor told Day that he was the first student in 10 years who was capable of earning a living with his sculpture. After graduating from LSU, he devoted his time to creating sculptures to show and sell at art fairs. The most exciting time of Day’s early career came as a result of his aunt’s knowledge of Memphis Memorial Park Cemetery and its need for a sculptor to complete the unfinished grotto area of the park. He was hired and worked from 1978-1981 on six sculptures in the Crystal Shrine Grotto.

After completing the grotto work, he taught art classes for students in elementary schools, adult education classes, local colleges and universities, and senior centers. In the early 1990’s, he carved an elaborate mural out of wood for St. Joseph Hospital in Memphis, consisting of a tree with each leaf having a donor’s name affixed to it. Due to the large number of donations, the mural expanded to encompass a forest, complete with saplings, shrubs, flowers, squirrels and rabbits. Since then, Day has continued to sculpt in stone and wood, as well as other materials, and is active in the local arts community.

15

HINDS-SMYTHE COSMOPOLITAN FUNERAL HOME

DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS OF MIDTOWN

Under the auspices of Hinds-Smythe Cosmopolitan Funeral Home, Katherine Hinds Smythe, President, initiated a project in the 1980s to collect biographical information on a core group of those Midtown individuals who have made significant contributions to the educational, political, economic, social, and cultural life of Memphis.

Until the post-World War II years, “Midtown” Memphis was a prime residential community and home to a large number of this city’s leaders. Their accomplishments and inter-relatedness in businesses, churches, schools, and the social life of Memphis helped shape the city’s character.

An advisory committee of interested area residents was formed for the purpose of establishing an exhibit honoring these influential citizens. Photographs and biographical sketches were gathered to provide a rich source of information on the “Distinguished Citizens of Midtown.”

On May 30, 1989, a memorial service paid tribute to a number of these early leaders, including Major Thomas H. Allen, president of the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Commission from 1940-1958; Mary Robinson, owner and operator after her father’s death of James S. Robinson Apothecary; Thomas H. Tutwiler, engineer and president of the Memphis Street Railway company and a moving force in bringing Southwestern College (Rhodes) to Memphis.

Biographical profiles for these individuals have been cataloged under the title Distinguished Citizens of Midtown: Major Thomas H. Allen, Walter Preston Armstrong, Sr., Judge Samuel O. Bates, Theophilus Nash Buckingham, Willis Cohoon Campbell, M.D., Walter C. Chandler, Edward Hull Crump, Dr. Charles Edward Diehl, Henry Warren Durham, Colonel Robert Galloway, Richard Halliburton, Mary Grimes Hutchinson, Joseph R. Hyde, Charles P. Jester, Eva Lee, Edward B. LeMaster, Judge John D. Martin, Charles Patrick Joseph Mooney, Isaac Lewis “Ike” Myers, Watkins Overton, Sr., Governor Malcolm Rice Patterson, Wassell Randolph, Mary Ann Robinson, Clarence Saunders, Raymond Skinner, Mrs. L. K. (Nelse) Thompson, Thomas H. Tutwiler, and Colonel Roane Waring. Additional information on these individuals is available in the Memphis Information Files.

16 HINDS-SMYTHE COSMOPOLITAN FUNERAL HOME

DISTINGUISHED MIDTOWN MEMPHIANS PORTRAIT COLLECTION

This collection consists of framed photographs of outstanding Memphians who were for most of their lives residents of the Midtown area.

Box VI Personalities: Edward Hull Crump (1874-1954) C. P. J. Mooney (1865-1926) Malcolm Patterson (1861-1935)

Box VII Internationally Famous: Nash Buckingham (1880-1971) Clarence Saunders (1881-1953) Richard Halliburton (1900-1935)

Box VIII Educators: Charles P. Jester (1872-1961) Mary Hutchinson (1872-1962) Charles E. Diehl (1875-1964)

Box IX Attorneys: Wassell Randolph (1880-1970) Major Thomas H. Allen (1881-1958) Walter P. Armstrong (1884-1949)

Box X Women of Distinction: Miss Eva Lee (1872-1960) Miss Mary Robinson (1883-1973) Mrs. Lawrence K. Thompson (1885-1968)

Box XI Real Estate Developers: Robert Galloway (1843-1911) Edward B. LeMaster (1859-1944)

Box XII Businessmen: Howard W. Durham (1881-1977) Joseph R. Hyde (1884-1972) Raymond Skinner (1896-1966)

Box XIII Arts, Medicine, American Legion: I. L. “Ike” Myers (1898-1960) Willis C. Campbell, M.D. (1880-1941) Roane Waring (1881-1958)

17 Box XIV Judges: Judge John D. Martin (1883-1962) Judge Samuel O. Bates (1884-1969)

18