McFADDIN-WARD HOUSE

December 2018 Vol. 35/No. 1 VIEWPOINTS

Social Change Accepted, Tradition Upheld

By Judith Linsley

During the years 1900-1950, broad social change transformed the art of enter-

taining in many ways. As leaders in Beaumont society, Ida McFaddin and Mamie McFaddin Ward stayed abreast of trends, incorporating many of them into their enter- tainment, even while adhering to tradition in other ways. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s was a lively time for Beaumont hostesses. Early twentieth-century social events were often formal teas, receptions, or balls. This was the era of “conspicuous con- sumption,” where the grand impression was paramount and society reporters augmented grandeur with lavish newspaper descriptions. In 1903 Ida held a “brilliant, beautiful” reception at Beaumont’s new Oaks Hotel on Calder. The Beaumont Journal raved over the “so successful, so elaborate and so fashion- Mamie McFaddin was no doubt proud of her holiday parties as seen in this December 1967 Polaroid, able” event, crediting Ida for “the elegance, above, she took of her dining table. An entry in Mamie Ward’s diary in 1940, below, refers to one happiness and success of the evening” where of her and her mother’s many parties. “Sunday, December 29 — spent morning fixing more flowers

guests “declared they had enjoyed the happi- 6 doz Pointsettas [sic] & other flowers — we had 15 bunches of flowers sent us besides what we

est time of their lives.” bought…dressed & all ready for open house Mother, Carroll & I had for Aunt Ouida, Mrs Blount, Décor at Ida’s parties was always news- Levy & Marie & Benny….house looked lovely had champagne punch, coctails [sic], Sherry coffee worthy. Her granddaughter, Rosine & tea — 300 called & all had good time Penneys [sic] catered” McFaddin Wilson, recalled, “She loved to plan the decorations, often around a theme.” Ida loved beautiful clothing, and In 1911, her New Year’s dance for a teenaged detailed newspaper descriptions of women’s Mamie and her friend, Leonora Norvell, outfits were de rigueur. At the 1903 recep- inspired the Beaumont Enterprise reporter to tion, Ida was resplendent in a “magnificent

write that the front porch was “beautifully white brocaded gown with court train screened with clinging vines, holly wreaths, trimmed with point and sable with dia- tall palms and graceful ferns,” the entrance mond ornaments.” Her ensemble at a 1911 hall “adorned” with poinsettias and ever- holiday party she gave for Mrs. Terry Duff, a greens “arched over doorways” and “garland- new bride, included a “rich rose-colored ing the stairway,” and “innumerable pot princess gown of plush with elabo- plants” scattered throughout. Narcissus, pink rations of crepe meteor.”

meteor roses, red carnations, and “all manner of fruits” rounded out the display. See PARTIES, page 6 Viewpoints-Page 2 -- Director’s Desk -- 10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MWH

1. There is a copper penny welded to the roof! Upon completion of the restoration of the McFaddin-Ward House roof project, the roofers welded a 2002 Lincoln penny to the peak of the widows walk. 2. The McFaddin-Ward House is wider than the Titanic! At 97-feet wide, the museum beats the famous ship by only a bit. The titanic was 92 feet 6 inches. 3. The McFaddin-Ward House was built in 1906. The address is 1906 McFaddin Avenue. And the last four digits of the phone number are, of course, 1906. 4. Although its name nowadays is the McFaddin-Ward House, the home was actually built by W.P.H. McFaddin’s sister and brother-in-law, Di and W.C. Averill. 5. Although the HVAC system runs off of a new electrical system, all of the lights and outlets in the museum still run off of the original 1906 knob- and-tube system. To lower the load required to run hundreds of lightbulbs at the same time, staff has switched out all of the incandescent bulbs to LED. 6. Over its history, the butler’s pantry has seen a few transformations.

An early expansion connected the room to the breakfast room and the elevator was added years later. In the Workers welded n basement are remains of a pulley sys- this 2002 penny tem once used for a dumb waiter. to the roof of the

7. Perry McFaddin Jr. was in the main house after

very first Boy Scout troop in completing the

Beaumont, formed in 1911. new roof in 2002.

8. There is a time capsule hidden

inside one of the balustrades! Only a

few of us know where it is. Top secret!

9. One of the McFaddin children

used to practice writing the alphabet

on the walls! The shiplap walls of the staircase leading up to the attic (not open to tours) have letters scribbled all Museum is the No, 1 attraction in and you may find some of your own! over them. We just realized this a few Beaumont, according to Trip Advisor! years ago when the began com- There are many other interesting ing off of the walls. things to discover about the 10. The McFaddin-Ward House McFaddin-Ward House. Come visit us

V Viewpoints-Page 3 ‘Other Views’

Mamie’s Adventures in Parenthood

By Arlene Chrstiansen modern meaning of the word, “nursing” here doesn’t refer to I’m always on the lookout medical care, but to general for little-known pieces of the child care — feeding, bathing McFaddin-Ward family puzzle, and dressing. and the best place to look is in Mamie’s brother Caldwell the McFaddin-Ward House McFaddin arrived in Hunting- Archives. For this issue, I’m ton on September 14; on drawing from Mamie McFaddin September 16 Ida arrived, hav- Ward’s diary entries. We have ing first “stopped off in her diaries for many years, Charleston to shop”; and on among them a five-year diary September 19, W.P.H. arrived, that she kept from 1920-1924, as did his grandson, Perry not long after her marriage to McFaddin Duncan, Skipwith’s Carroll Ward on May 17, 1919. son. It became a family

The particular story that reunion; every day was filled

I’m chronicling took place in with visiting, shopping, going 1922-23, when Ida McFaddin’s to movies and generally having brother, Dabney Caldwell, was fun. diagnosed with tuberculosis. On September 19, Ouida, The doctors sent him to Ida, Mamie, and W.P.H. went Saranac, New York, for treat- to Ashland and brought Dab ment, and his wife Edna went back to Huntington. Two days to help care for him. Their later, Ida, W.P.H., Caldwell sons, Dabney, Jr. (Dab) and and Mamie took a side trip to Theodore (Ted), about 4-1/2 New York without the little and 2 years old respectively, boys; there Caldwell left them went to Texas to stay with their for Boston and law school. relatives — Mamie and Carroll Mamie’s diary is blank from Ward, Ida and W.P.H. September 23 to October 27, McFaddin. but at some point they On September 9, Mamie returned to Huntington for the took the 9:10 p.m. train to boys and headed home by West Virginia to bring the two train, arriving on October 28 boys back to Beaumont, arriv- at 8:30 a.m. at the Beaumont ing in Huntington on station. There they were met Dabney and Teddy Caldwell, Mamie Ward’s young cousins, September 11 about 5:10 p.m. by Carroll and Perry stand on the balcony of the McFaddin-Ward House in front of Huntington time. Mamie’s McFaddin, Jr. Shortly after- Tom Parker Jr., son of Albertine and Tom Parker, ca. 1923. aunt, Ouida Caldwell Watts, ward, Mamie and Carroll Mamie’s half-sister Skipwith “went to town to get things for and her husband Henry Clay kids.” Mamie and Carroll had no On November 2 the South Duncan, and Ida’s brother On October 31 Dabney children, so parenting was quite Texas State Fair opened, and George Caldwell met the train. started Kindergarten. Mamie a departure from their normal Dab and Ted went several Ted was in Huntington, but doesn’t say where, but Caldwell routine; nevertheless, the times (Mamie reported they Dab was still in Ashland, had attended the Misses Cahn’s diaries show that they took had a “grand time”), once to Kentucky, where his mother’s Kindergarten on Broadway, and their duties seriously. Mamie the children’s parade. They family lived. it’s the only one listed in the writes about washing Dab and attended at least one children’s Even in Huntington, 1920 directory, so it’s probable Ted’s clothes, buying them birthday party and went “rid- Mamie began caring for Ted. that’s where Dab went. Because suits, getting their hair cut, all ing” in the car countless times, Her September 13 diary entry Dab was in school, Ted got to the things a mother would do. with or without a specific desti- reads “Ted’s nurse left — we go more places with Mamie and She was really there for them. nursed him all day.” Unlike the other family members. She also kept them entertained. See MAMIE, page 7 Viewpoints-Page 4 V Hanging Out at the Museum What’s Your Opinion?

By Karen Chapman That one really hit me in the gut, like calling my baby ugly. Do Raise your hands if you’ve you realize how much money we heard of Trip Advisor. Now lower spend around here to keep the them if you’ve never written a place up? 642Jeanniev is from review on the website. I’ll bet Beaumont; it’s a tough crowd. many of you put your hands back Thankfully, most of the down because most of us simply reviews are chest-swelling: don’t take the time to share our opinions about hotels, restau- It is impossible to express fully the rants, and tourist spots. detailed beauty of this museum. The If I asked the same group of furniture, bedding, artwork, antique you if you’ve allowed reviews on rugs, art glass windows, and turn of Trip Advisor to guide you in mak- the century china table settings are ing decisions about where to go, only some of the overwhelming my guess is I would see more amount of wonderful items to see. hands back in the air. My theory The guided tour encompassed three is we enjoy reading what others floors of the main house, the visitors think, but writing about it is center, the gardens, and the two another matter. I assure you, story carriage house. This extensive telling other travelers the good, tour was only five dollars for each the bad, and the ugly is important guest, and included a guide who not only to you but to the estab- described all of the rooms, what they lishment. An unbiased, almost were used for, and answered our anonymous barometer helps us questions. It is easily the best private make adjustments to and collection of antique items I have improvements in how we conduct seen in America. If you have an ten to the tales of the family, who are we are a close second right now to business. appreciation for the finer things in still involved with the house I believe. Spindletop-Gladys City Boom- The McFaddin-Ward House life, this tour is a must see. Highly recommended, and most town Museum. As happy as I am has had a listing on Trip Advisor Raven15 from Houston, Texas enjoyable :-) to share the limelight with that since 2010. In eight years, a mere Lankslass2 from Glasgow, United nice place, especially since it has 123 people have submitted …and this gold nugget: Kingdom direct historical ties to our story, I reviews of the museum, and I still like being No. 1, where we treasure each one. You should go We found this little gem through Trip These last two reviews were are most of the time. there sometime and read what Advisor, things to do in Beaumont, from out of towners who chose to Lately, I’ve been hanging out they say. Most of the comments and because the group sizes are limit- come here over anywhere else. at the Visitor Center asking peo- are extremely nice, as one would ed in number I emailed ahead to They understand beauty and ple where they hail from, why expect. A few are disappointing; secure our party of four booking. appreciate what we have, some- they are here, how they heard one, I even question whether they The maximum group size is 8 I thing we “Beaumonteers” need about us. Desk manager Laura were at our house or someone believe, as we were on a tight travel- to do. Are we really that spoiled Assunto does a good job of it too. else’s. ling timescale we couldn’t afford to and discerning? Is the most We hand out small business cards miss the date or tour. crowded restaurant parking lot in provided to us by Trip Advisor A 642jeanniev from Beaumont, The staff at the magnificent town really Golden Corral? I explaining how to give an opin- TX wrote: house were [sic] so welcoming and challenge you to go to ion about our museum. Laura and There really isn’t anything spectacu- knowledgable [sic] about the history TripAdvisor.com to see the #1 I are competitive people, and we lar about this place, somewhat run- of the family and the house. We were rated restaurant in Beaumont. know we have the best place in down. It appears that the prooperty all enthralled by the local stories and You won’t believe it. the city. [sic] was not mintained [sic] well. family history and enjoyed every Just so you know, when peo- So watch out, Gladys City The ushers/attendants are very minute of our tour!! ple search the internet for Boomtown. I may look like I’m Let stand 10 minutes rude!!! I cannot recommend it to If you have a couple of spare “Things to do in Beaumont”, the just hanging out, but we’ll be back t Stir sever- anyone. It’s a waste of money and hours and are in the vicinity please McFaddin-Ward House is high at #1 faster than you can say a energy!!!! visit this magnificent property and lis- on the list. On TripAdvisor.com, “there she blows”. Y Viewpoints-Page 5

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642Jeanniev is from B

Ida McFaddin’s silver punch bowl, made in America circa 1900 by Reed and Barton, would have been a glorious sight around the holidays when filled with freshly made eggnog.

Eggnog: A recipe for a festive good time

Eggnog was a perennial favorite for every household that adopted the new. entertaining at the McFaddin-Ward home. Nowadays, we may be able to order food In 1917, Mamie had a “few young people in delivered to our front doors, but if you feel for egg-nog” to meet a friend of the family. compelled to slow down and make some- In 1918, the family served eggnog on thing delicious the old-fashioned way, look Christmas morning when they had no further than the McFaddin-Ward House Christmas for Mamie’s young cousins, Jim cookbook, “Perfectly Splendid: One Family’s and Bob Caldwell. During the holidays espe- Repasts.” Below is the eggnog recipe from cially, preparing treats for friends and family the book: was something Mamie Ward enjoyed Eggnog doing… even if the process was sometimes 12 egg whites Is the most tedious. She would note in her diary, as she 3 quarts milk c did in 1919, that she “picked pecans for ½ cup cream candy.” Surely that candy would have been a 4 cups sugar delicious payoff for all that slow work of ¼ teaspoon salt cracking and picking of nuts. 2 tablespoons vanilla As modern machines made things easi- 1/3 cup rum (optional) er, Mamie and Ida still enjoyed getting in Beat egg whites for three minutes. J the kitchen during the holidays. Mamie Gradually pour in the milk and cream. Add even noted in 1938, when she and her moth- sugar, salt and vanilla. Let stand 10 minutes er made 3 gallons of egg nog, “I used electric to thoroughly dissolve the sugar. Stir sever- beater first time.” Ah yes, technology must al times. Add rum. Chill. Ida Caldwell McFaddin’s original eggnog have been a wondrous thing to cooks in Yield: 18 portions. recipe as seen in her personal recipe book. Viewpoints-Page 6 Parties Continued from page 1 World War I, lasting from 1914-1918, brought fewer, more subdued holiday festivi- ties. Thanksgiving 1918, coming just weeks after the Armistice, was celebrated with joy B and gratitude throughout the country. Typically, Ida took the lead in Beaumont, hosting a dance at her home for the Guild of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The Beaumont Journal noted that it was the first big event M since the armistice “lifted the black weight of war from the hearts of Beaumont people.” “The entire first floor of the McFaddin home had been cleared and thrown into one, con- stituting a spacious ballroom, which was filled with enthusiastic dancers [and] an orchestra stationed behind a bank of palms and ferns….” After May 21, 1919, Mamie was a young This December 1967 Polaroid photo shows the butler greeting guests at the door of Mamie matron and she and Ida often hosted events McFaddin Ward’s home, beautifully decorated for the holidays. together. Though the affairs were usually smallish luncheons and bridge parties, they still occasionally held large teas or recep- In the late 1930s, Ray and Juanita the dance, was updated, as shown by tions. They also added a new form of enter- (Nita) Pinney opened a catering business in Mamie’s diary entry after her dance at the tainment: the buffet, which had entered the Beaumont and soon became the caterers of Beaumont Country Club in December, local scene in the decade 1910-1920. choice for local society. For one 1942 party 1937: “Everyone had a good time [dancing (Mamie first mentions attending one in at the McFaddin home, the Pinneys provid- the] Big Apple…. Got home at 5 — feet April, 1916.) More casual than sit-down din- ed bacon & olive, cream cheese, and hot killing me. I danced blood blisters on them.” ners and balls, requiring less preparation and mushroom sandwiches, along with cheese (If you don’t know how to dance the Big fewer domestic employees, buffets rapidly puffs, kisses, nuts, candy, martinis, and toma- Apple, Google it. You’ll understand the grew in popularity. to cocktails. blood blisters.) After 1920, Prohibition in the U.S., Each year, Ida and Mamie faithfully In spite of their changes over time, Ida which outlawed alcoholic beverages, inad- decorated their home for the holidays, and Mamie were still regarded as keepers of vertently created illegal night clubs known adding various creative touches to their stan- tradition. A newspaper writeup for a 1940 as “speakeasies,” where patrons downed dard backdrop of greenery, garlands, and reception at the McFaddin home began mixed drinks, or “cocktails.” With poinsettias. Ida enjoyed featuring different with “Harking back to the mauve decade Prohibition’s repeal in 1933, cocktail parties flowers in rooms, as she did in 1930 at a huge (the 1890s) when the genteel art of hostess- legally became all the rage. Ida and Mamie tea for out-of-town visitors: poinsettias in the ing was in the curricula of every well enjoyed giving cocktail parties before entrance hall, pink roses in the parlor and ordered lady’s life,” and went on to describe Country Club dances or theater productions breakfast room, yellow and white chrysan- the “elaborate affair” in the “old southern or simply serving cocktails before a meal, themums in the library, red roses in the din- home,” which evoked the grandeur of a such as the one Mamie recorded in her diary ing room, pink chrysanthemums in the bygone era. By then, society reporters uti- in 1937: “lovely dinner with cocktails & music room, and yellow roses in the sun par- lized a more journalistic style of writing, and canapes, wine & liqueur. Didn’t leave till 12 lor. while the floral décor was briefly described, so think all had good time….” Mamie wasn’t afraid to try new no mention was made of the women’s Beaumont had no professional caterers Christmas greenery, especially what was clothing. in the early twentieth century. For Ida’s early available locally, even from her own yard. In Though almost certainly neither Ida parties, what couldn’t be bought at the bak- December 1939 her diary entry reads, “cut nor Mamie thought of herself as an agent of ery or other specialty store was prepared at the date fruit in palms & put all over house change, over a fifty-year span both women home. By the early 1920s, of course, Louis looks stunning I think — stock & poinsettias nicely incorporated new elements into Lemon was cooking for the family. on table, white mums around — red [fire] their entertainment planning. Every event According to Ida’s granddaughter Rosine thorn & laurel in sun parlor.” In the late they hosted, however, no matter how large Wilson, everything Louis “cooked was deli- 1930s, the two women also modernized by or small, unfailingly reflected their tried- cious, tender, even dainty.” For larger func- putting Christmas lights on the house exteri- and-true, traditional standards of manners tions, extra employees were brought in to or. and hospitality. Time could never change assist. Even that most traditional of events, those. V Viewpoints-Page 7 Viewpoints from the Visitor Center

By Becky Fertitta The annual camp is always “all hands on cious food. The group had a delightful

deck!” and 2018 was no different. Along trip to Tomball, Texas, plus a day trip

December is the perfect month to with numerous staff members, eight around southeast Texas that highlighted

reflect on the accomplishments and suc- adult and five junior volunteers assisted St. Anthony Basilica and the Museum

cesses of the McFaddin-Ward House with camp. of the Gulf Coast. We had an interest-

during the year. Accomplishments for McFaddin-Ward House volunteers ing talk about dolls and doll collecting, 2018 include completing an extremelyMstayed busy despite the post-Harvey dol- and the annual Swap Meet hosted by successful docent training class — seven drums that settled in last year and have Volunteer Service Council was a huge new docents added to our roster. And, yet to dissipate. The fascinating porch success! on a very special note, two of the new project gave all of us a look into the When you add it all up, there are volunteers are men. Several junior inter- underpinnings of the main house and many accomplishments and successes to preters took the training course in June made us even more awestruck by the celebrate from 2018. Now, with 2019 and were helpful, along with veteran JIs, skills of Oak Grove Restoration, the right around the corner, it’s time to with tours and summer camp. company that has completed numerous focus on the New Year. The Volunteer The McFaddin-Ward House hosted restoration jobs for the museum. The Service Council will meet in late seven outstanding public lectures during porch project meant no group tours for January at the annual appreciation ban-

2018 with subjects that varied from the about eight months, but we did host quet, and one item on the agenda will be

explosion of personal DNA testing to approximately 300 Odom 7th graders to to elect new officers. The proposed slate the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright tour. Each and every student entered the of officers for 2019 includes Kim to Southern Women Aging Gracefully, house through the kitchen door. Williams, president; Barbara Smith, vice just to mention a few. On several occa- Volunteers enjoyed three brown president; Joyce Gaskin, education com- sions, the volunteer social/hospitality bag discussions during 2018 as well as mittee chair; Kathleen Smith, education committee planned and served wonder- the quarterly book club, which is still committee co-chair; DiAnne Thomas, ful refreshments afterwards. July’s sum- very well attended. The curatorial staff social/hospitality chair; Sharon mer camp was well-received and lots of trained docents on new exhibits, and Passmore, social/hospitality co-chair; fun for campers, volunteers and staff. the social/hospitality group served deli- and Catriona Green, member-at-large.

Mamie On December 25 the diary states “Had “thick” with measles. Of course, Ted tree for boys then C & I delivered presents.” caught them from Dab; a few nights later Continued from page 3 Although we have no collections evidence he wasn’t feeling well so he slept with

of the family’s having a Christmas tree, Ted, Mamie and Carroll and cried most of the

nation. Frequently Mamie stayed home in an oral history done for the museum, night. The next day he broke out with

with them, and most nights she and they recalled a tree in the house when he and measles rash. While this was going on,

went to bed early. Dab were there. Edna Caldwell, the chil- Beaumont had its coldest weather in years, The Wards did get some help; in early dren’s mother, sent Mamie a very sweet let- with ice everywhere and even a little snow. November Rebecca Collins, normally the ter, expressing gratitude to Mamie and Ida Both boys eventually recovered, of course. cook at the McFaddin home, was recruited for all they had done for the boys. She wrote On Monday, April 30, 1923, Mamie

to be the boys’ nurse. Albertine Parker, that she knew it was the most wonderful wrote, “Wire from Aunt Ouida to come.” It

wife of W.P.H.’s chauffeur Tom, took over Christmas that the boys had ever had. was time to take the boys home to their

cooking duties, and one diary entry men- Generally, Dab and Ted seemed to do parents. Mamie and her cousin, Kydie

tions that Ida was working in the kitchen well in Beaumont, though they were occa- McKee, and the two boys left for

training Albertine. sionally ill. In January 1923, they both Huntington on Saturday, May 5, arriving

The regular household routine became sick, and Ida and Mamie gave Dab on Monday, May 7. The boys had been in

couldn’t be ignored, of course. Late Calomel and Ted castor oil. Mamie wrote Texas for seven months. When their par- November and early December was season- that Ted ate cow feed! Where could he ents met them at the station, Ted later al cleaning time for Ida and Mamie, one have gotten cow feed — the carriage house, recalled that he “threw a fit” because he room at a time. They also started shopping maybe? The next day they gave Dab castor didn’t want to leave his Mimi-Idi, his name for Christmas about the middle of oil too. Poor Dab! The doctor came to the for both of them. December, wrapping and mailing presents, house and thought Dab had whooping So we see another side of Mamie and by December 21 Mamie had all her cough, but it was soon seen that it was McFaddin Ward, Mamie as “foster” parent, gifts wrapped. measles instead. Mamie wrote that he was one that we had little idea even existed. Viewpoints-Page 8 NON-PROFIT The ORGANIZATION McFADDIN-WARD U.S. POSTAGE HOUSE PAID McFADDIN-WARD HOUSE BEAUMONT, TX 725 North Third Street PERMIT NO. 271 VIEWPOINTS BEAUMONT, TEXAS 77701-1629 Return Service Requested

Vol. 35, No. 1 December 2018 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 Volunteer Calendar

Saturday, December 29 Sunday, December 2 Thursday, December 13 Junior Interpreter Tour Day Christmas Photo Op Eggnog Open House 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1 p.m. Visitor Center/ Museum 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 29 Volunteer Appreciation Banquet Thursday, January 10 The Laurels Free Lecture: 6:30 p.m.

“Bed, Breakfast, and Beyond:

Twenty Years of Kooky Guests, Tuesday, February 5

Etiquette Program Gentle Ghosts, and Horses in Between” Silsbee Elementary JoAnn S. Dawson, presenter Time TBA Penneys [sic] catered” Visitor Center 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 18 Brown Bag Discussion Dr. Crimm, Thursday, February 14 Sam Houston State University Free Valentine Special Lecture: Lecture Hall “A Butler’s Life: Scenes from the Noon other Side of the Silver Salver” Christopher Allen and Kimberly Monday, February 25 Burton Allen, presenters MWH Book Club

Visitor Center Lecture Hall

6:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m.