ClaytonPatch
"New" and "fresh" are not adjectives that typically come to mind when you hear the word "museum," but that’s not the case at the Clayton Historical Society and Museum, now firmly planted on Main Street’s soil.
Originally built on Keller Ranch, near the Clayton Community Library, this 31-year-old museum – said to be the home of Joel Clayton – is divided into several sections, one of which showcases a revolving exhibit of artifacts and collectibles, hence the new and fresh.
Ted Meriam, president of the Clayton Historical Society and Museum, said Clayton residents bring in seasonal or thematic artifacts to display on a quarterly basis.
A “Stitch in Time” has been up since Sept. 19, thanks to Kathleen Calhan, a Sunnyvale resident who is married to Charles Calhan, Joel Clayton’s great-grandson. She might keep it up for a week or two into the new year.
Her collection includes clamps, needles, scissors, pins, pin cushions, spools, sewing birds, darners, sewing kits, thimble cases and sewing machines.
“All objects are on loan,” Meriam said. “The displays are changed constantly, every three to four months. We rarely have repeats of displays.”
One room in the museum has photos of Clayton’s pioneers, another focuses on businesses in the town's past. A kitchen area highlights housekeeping and cooking collectibles from the early 1700s to the 1800s, and a kid’s hands-on section is full of typewriters and communication devices of yesteryear.
Mary Spryer, a Clayton resident since 1994, is the museum’s curator. She says she loves her volunteer job.
“I think it's interesting to actually see the history of the place where you live. Our little house museum is really a treasure; many communities much larger in size don't have a museum at all,” said Spryer, who holds a bachelor of arts degree in history.
“The citizens of Clayton are very lucky that there were people who, over 40 years ago, were forward-thinking enough to save our museum building from being demolished and who raised the money to move it to its current location and renovate it.”
Meriam, a Clayton native who returned home after college, said he enjoys donating his time to recalling the past because it affects the future.
“I love it. It gives me an interest in history and I like being around people of the past,” Meriam said. “It’s very important to honor our past along with moving forward so we can meet the needs of our future residents. This organization gives me that opportunity.”
During Meriam’s first year as president, he and his board of 16 directors achieved the goals they set for 2010, including increasing membership and building fund-raising opportunities.
One of their newest fund raisers, a Clayton Christmas Home Tour, made $3,000.
“We had 200 people come through — it blew out our expectations!” said Meriam, who works for Microsoft. “2010 was a foundational year for us, where we focused on policies, procedures and putting a budget in place.”
This year’s goals will focus on extending their partnership to fourth-graders and their classroom curriculum, as is done now with third-graders, and developing the Native American plant garden.
“We also plan to deepen our relationships with our current donors and continue to grow our fund-raising base,” Meriam said.
Spryer praises the museum's volunteers: “I love the people. People who volunteer and give back to the community and help improve something outside of themselves are a special breed.”
Check the museum's website for events or visit it at 6101 Main St. For more information, call 925-672-0240.
