Originally published in The Chattanooga Times Free Press
Current debates about preserving history can be toxic, but our Bluff View Art District illustrates an important dimension to that debate: Art. One of Bluff View’s treasures is its oldest building, the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. The museum’s collection of antique glass, porcelain and pottery is one of the finest in the world. And the story behind the collection is as fascinating as the artifacts themselves.
Visiting the museum, I heard about Anna Safley Houston who was supposedly born in 1876. I say “supposedly” because written records were iffy back in the year that Alexander Bell invented the telephone and the art of glassworks was emerging. Born in a small rural town, Anna was an unlikely collector of that art which she stored in an East Ridge barn.
Board member Clare Hetzler shared how Anna is part of the museum’s attraction. “Reading about Annie and learning about all the many items displayed in the museum increased my connection to the museum as did involvement with events, touring visitors and serving on the board. Her collection is vast and varied and a testament to her tenacity and singleness of purpose. I very much admire her and what she was able to accomplish in a time when options for women were quite limited.”
Yes, there were controversies surrounding Anna and her 9 husbands and divorces. But Lori Cleghon says, ”Anna Houston’s story is a unique piece of Chattanooga’s history. The Houston Museum works to preserve and share her amazing collection. It’s been my pleasure to serve on the Houston board of directors and to be a part of this ongoing effort.”
History can be personal. Board member Julia Dooley explained, “I decided to join as a volunteer at the Houston Museum and then later became a board member because I have deep family roots in this museum. My grandfather, Robert Baker was one of the original founders of the museum. My grandmother Mary Baker was the museum’s Director from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. I decided after my retirement that I’d enjoy trying to help this wonderful museum embark on a new and exciting future. We are very committed to the preservation and education of our collection. We’ve served the Chattanooga community for over 60 years.”
The aging building has experienced considerable damage resulting in discussions of selling it. Board member Jane Lupton reflected on her concern regarding the modernization of some of its spaces. “Unable to make the difference that I had hoped to make, I resigned from the board and stayed off the board for about four years. Later, I started showing up at board meetings without being asked – it became obvious that the board was going to get things done.” She wanted to be included and the board re-elected her.
So renovations are planned, but history and art will be preserved. Board member Lulu Copeland commented, “I agreed to served on the museum board due to the building project proposal over a year ago. The original proposal was to tear down the building and build a new mixed use complex. My original reaction was excitement for a new development that can enhance the Bluff View Art District. But after a year of getting to know the museum and the board members’ passion about keeping the old house, I’m now convinced the new chapter can happen with a preservation project as well.”
And so the Houston Museum’s artifacts will continue to glow in its windows. And the Museum teaches us that history should be known, art should be treasured and controversies explored. These are lessons that can, and should, be applied widely.
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