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The museum will feature items from Clay and other Wayne County Townships, photos, a genealogy library and more. Be sure to notice our post clock that stands outside the museum. Thrift
Shop The Stephen & Anna Elliott House (Circa 1848) - Special Features
History of the
Project On January 30, 2003, the final papers are signed. The transaction from David and Susan Brockman is completed. The clock location will now be in front of the dwelling. Many people today refer to it as the "Winkle Home" or the "Maraba Bennett House" It was originally built by Stephen & Anna Elliott. Additional rooms, a garage, inside plumbing, and electricity over the years have been signs of change and progress. Until recent years, the original tract of land included the restaurant and the former bank building to the west of the house. February 8, 2003, the first group of volunteers began to restore, refurbish and revive this home into a museum, genealogy center, and historical library for Clay Township. We planned a three-phase project. The house was re-wired and new plumbing installed. Three floors were sanded and refinished. Insulation and drywall was done. Two kitchen windows were replaced as well as new carpet in five rooms. We took out a full bath upstairs and installed a half bath downstairs. Two of three fireplaces were opened. New lights purchased and the front porch replaced with a Williamsburg pediment and columns. It required 40 gallons of paint to spruce up the house. Hopefully, our many basic decisions will make it easier for others in the future. Yet to be done this summer will be a museum sign, window treatments, tuck-pointing the brick, painting exterior windows, sunroom, and garage. This is "Phase I". Phase II: New roof
and shutters. Over 2,000 hours of work by volunteers (15 men, 17 women, and 2 children) has been done in five months. What a group! Oh yes, we even found $2.64 in the house and yard, a biscuit recipe in the wall, two knives, and a 1956 valentine. Please take time to see our "before" photos when you visit the museum. They will give you a better appreciation of our efforts.
Upstairs, you'll find the area where we are opening a "Thrift Shop" to help meet our financial obligations. We would welcome good, clean clothing, toys, books, furniture, etc. If you have items for the museum - you may loan or donate them. Wayne County memorabilia as well as Clay Township articles are desired. To each of you who have given us gifts, made monetary contributions, or volunteered labor - we are deeply grateful. You have made this venture possible. If you would like to assist us in the Thrift Shop, museum, or by volunteering your services, please let us know. Your monetary benefactions will allow us to meet our goals. Thank you for visiting our museum, library, and thrift shop. Correspondence should be sent to: The Clay Township
Historical & Preservation Society Circa 1848 Brick Home - Owners Abstract
Greens Fork Home | History | Clay Township Officials | Business | Churches | Museum | Organizations | Post Clock | School | 1936 Basketball | 1912 Fire | Miss Flossy Neff | Leon "Shorty" Allison
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A Thrift Shop has been opened to help support the new museum.
Shoppers and browsers are welcome, along with donations of clean,
saleable goods.
On October 22, 2002,
the day before approval from the State Highway Department was received,
the Historical Society was notified that the 1848 Federal Style Brick
house was for sale. Approval was granted by the Society to purchase the
house, as long as funding could be obtained.
You'll be surprised
at the native walnut stair banister (in 1848 people were shorter). Ask
about the secret drawer. The house also features the original eight- to
ten-inch plank flooring in the entryway with square nails. 
