MORE FROM THE FOUNDATION

From the President's Desk

Let me welcome you to the updated Matthews Historical Foundation (MHF) website. If you’re a member of MHF, we thank you for your support of Matthews history. If you’ll like to become a member, please click on our membership form. If you’re new to MHF, we want to offer you the opportunity to be part of the history activities in Matthews.

The Foundation was formed in 1986-87 by a group of dedicated volunteers and still remains a board of committed volunteers. An organization is only as strong as their members, and MHF is very lucky to have dedicated individuals, past and present, on the board making a difference in their community.

Our mission is to research, preserve, and protect the cultural, architectural, and historical heritage of Matthews and to involve and educate future generations of this heritage. We strive to fulfill our mission and vision of “preserving our past for the future”. We are the owners and stewards of two historic Matthews properties, the 1880 Massey-Clark House and 1890 Reid House. Our Community Meetings, open to the public, provide educational and informative programs.

Every year brings new and exciting tasks but 2013 was an especially busy year for us. June 13, after years of preparation and in partnership with the Town of Matthews, we opened the Matthews Heritage Museum at 232 North Trade Street. It is located in the Massey-Clark House, completely renovated in 2010. In November, we had the most successful Autumn Dinner and Auction to date.

We would love to have you join us in our quest for Matthews and local North Carolina history.

Paula Lester
President, Matthews Historical Foundation

Scout Project - continued

Over the years Matthews Historical Foundation (MHF) has benefitted from scout troops in our community. Eagle Scout projects have included the brick walk at the Reid House, brick parking pads at the carriage house, landscaping, planting trees and shrubs, a paver pad for the garden fountain, mulching, and constructing garden benches. Girl Scouts inventoried the grave stones in Matthews Historic Cemetery to earn their Gold Star Award.

In 2016 Brian Dardis from Boy Scout Troop 164 Providence Presbyterian Church worked at the Reid House to complete his Eagle Scout requirements. For years, we have struggled with excessive moisture and critters under the house. Brian’s project included designing new covers for the 3 crawl space access doors that match the exterior of an 1890 house. The project also had to be approved by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission. These new doors are a permanent improvement.

Also in 2016, Jed Higdon, from Boy Scout Troop 15 St. Francis United Methodist Church worked at the Massey-Clark House, home to the Heritage Museum, to complete his Eagle Scout requirements. Jed’s project included constructing a garden bench, re-staining the back porch and steps, mulching the property, planting rose bushes, and installing sidewalk pavers. These improvements certainly enhance the appearance of the property.

In 2013-14 twins Brad and Justin Stojetz, freshmen at Ardrey Kell High School from Boy Scout Troop 164 Providence Presbyterian Church, continued the tradition established by their father, David, also an Eagle Scout. David accomplished his Eagle project at an historic site in Illinois.

Brad’s project consisted of cutting down a tree, replacing a picket fence by hand and planting shrubs. Justin's project consisted of creating a patio for the fountain and rewiring it, building a trellis for the plant growing up on the garage and laying fresh mulch.

Also in 2013-14, Joey Sinopoli, a junior at Weddington High School from Boy Scout Troop 140 Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, completed his Eagle Project at the Reid House. His project included yard clean-up, pruning and planting along the side yard. Joey also helped construct two benches placed in front of the wall and magnolia tree.

The Matthews Historical Foundation would like to thank these Scouts who have worked diligently to complete their projects. Their accomplishments are evident in our gardens and their commitment to our community has certainly made a difference. We also want to acknowledge the scout leaders and parents who provide their time and guidance to scouting in our community.