26 June 2020

Patsy Clark Mansion aka The Francis Lester Part 2 1950s 1960s

Patsy Clark Mansion, Part 2 of Many

1950s-1960s

According to Spokane newspapers of 1951, it may have initially been known as Francis Lester Hotel.  There were many weddings and receptions held in this establishment.  The Spokesman Review indicates it has always been known as an Inn with no mention of it being a hotel “It was called the Francis Lester Inn in the 1950s and 1960s (Clouse, 2019).  



1958

Invitation to the New Francis Lester


The Spokesman-Review, 1958

You are invited ...
The new Francis Lester is now accepting reservations for receptions, club meetings, fashion shows and private parties.  Now you or your club can meet or entertain graciously in this famous residence.  Large, beautifully appointed rooms offer complete privacy and you may rest assured that all details will be taken care of by their expert staff.  The Francis Lester is ideally located in Browne's Addition, facing beautiful Coeur d'Alene Park and there's plenty of parking space. 
A couple of thoughts.  First, this is the first time it is not called a "hotel."  It almost looks as if it has been renewed or has new owners or new management.  Also, just the wording "The New Francis Lester" makes me think it was the Francis Lester before this time.    Second, this type font is about 1.5 spaces between lines, and has two spaces between sentences.  This double space before the next sentence is how I was taught when I took typing in High School.

1961

This is the first year the Francis Lester Inn advertises -- other than the invitation to the new restaurant opening in 1958, above.


May 1961

Earl Hipp and Kenneth Hipp purchase the hotel

We know, from a future article, that the father and son team Earl Hipp and Kenneth Hipp purchased the hotel.  It was already a restaurant by now (The Spokesman-Review, Francis Lester Inn 1962 Old Clark Mansion Hit By Flames, 1962).

22 November 1961

New Restaurant opens


(Burke, Francis Lester Hotel 1961 new restaurant opens, 1961)

Bill Burke is a columnist from The Spokesman-Review
A new restaurant opening its doors to the general public for the first time Thanksgiving is the Francis Lester Hotel on W. 2nd across from C. d'A. park.  Built in 1898 for the Patrick Clark family at a reported cost of $500,000 the "elegant atmosphere of the nineties" has not disappeared.  Much of the original furniture is still in use and the contrast of walking out of our modern troubled existence into the calm, quiet and venerable livig [sic] room of a nineteenth century millionaire is an experience you must enjoy.  The food is excellent and although I was unable to pry loose the name of the Chef I came away with the distinct impression that his name would bring back memories of fine food to many a Spokane diner.
Once again, the way this article is written makes me think that it was shut down after the Hipps purchased the establishment, perhaps to refurbish it?  And now it will open as the Francis Lester Hotel.  And here we see that the Chef may be well known to begin with but is not willing to have his name made public.  I suspect word of mouth got around, though.

Below we find the advertisement for Thanksgiving Day Old Fashioned Turkey Dinner.  And it is listed as Hotel.

Thanksgiving Day Dinner advertisement


(The Spokesman-Review, 1961)




1 December 1961

Successful grand opening


(Burke, Francis Lester Hotel 1961 successful grand opening, 1961)

Again, by columnist Bill Burke
GRAND OPENING SUCCESSFUL -- The grand opening of the Francis Lester Hotel restaurant was a grand and glorious success.  Leighton Dugger, manager of the restaurant, said they expected to have a fairly good opening on Thanksgiving Day, but instead it turned out to be completely full house ....
Below is an advertisement for a Friday meal in the same paper for the same date.

Friday Fish Dinner


The Spokesman-Review, 1961)



8 December 1961

Dining at the Francis Lester


Bill Burke, columnist at The Spokesman-Review, writes about several restaurants he's dined at, including "the elegant atmosphere of the Francis Lester" (Burke, The elegant atmosphere of the Francis Lester, 1961).  Since it was only part of the sentence, I didn't get a clipping of that one.  Easy enough to find, if you have a newspapers.com account.

Special Sunday Dinner


Spokane Chronicle, 1961



1962

5 January 1962

Francis Lester Hotel 1962 review by Dick Diner

Diner, 1962

Tuesday night I stepped from the twentieth century, and its maddening pace, back into the quiet leisure of the 1890's for a dinner I will long remember at the Francis Lester Hotel.  I was served a most delicious broasted chicken dinner with all the trimmings and then some, right down to the garlic toast and baked potato (sour cream, chives, and bacon was available, naturally).  I asked Leighton Dugger, manager, if I could meet the chef and was escorted back towards the kitchen where I was introduced to a man who wants no publicity but loves to cook.  Without a doubt he has gained more friends through the wonderful meals he has prepared since his very first in 1900 than anyone I know.  The chef (who is 75 years young) relates that he has seen many, many changes in his kitchen over the years.
AFTER DINNER, an inspection of the Clark Mansion, now the Francis Lester, was a must.  The mansion was built in the 1890's at a cost of nearly a half a million dollars.
So, this unnamed chef doesn't want his name made public.  He seems to have been in this same kitchen for over 60 years, and he is aged 75 at the time of this article.  Somewhere, in an article about 60 years ago, there is a mention of a chef working for the Clark's.  I wonder if it was the same person?




30 October 1962

Advertisement


The Spokesman-Review, 1962)

When the thought of dining comes to mind you probably picture yourself enjoying a fine repast to the soft background melodies of your favourite musical score.  Your imaginings may be put into reality at the Francis Lester where excellent food combines with proper music for an outstanding old world atmosphere.
In January of 1962, Burke called it Hotel.  This is the first instance where I find it is mentioned as Inn.  This version is the one people remember when they talk about the Francis Lester.

10 November 1962

Consider the Francis Lester Inn


The Spokesman-Review, 1962

We realize that we do not have the elegant surroundings that so many fine eating places have tried to duplicate at great expense, and which in turn have been added to the food bill.  We do not have the imitation; all we have are the original surroundings that make it such a pleasure to dine in.
I love the bit of sarcasm and irony here.


16 November 1962

Old Clark Mansion Hit By Flames


The Spokesman-Review, 1962

Here's some new information historians hadn't written about.  The only reason I found this is because I searched Newspapers.com for the Francis Lester Inn.  I love Newspapers.com.
An historic Spokane mansion, the Francis Lester Inn, was badly damaged by fire Thursday afternoon.
Confined to the attic and several upstairs rooms of the three-story building, at W2208 Second, the fire erupted shortly after 3 p.m. and was brought under control about 45 minutes later.
Chief Dunham said the cause of the fire was not immediately determined but said an investigation would be held.
Damage was confined to the west section although smoke and water permeated other areas of the structure.
Hundreds of spectators lined the streets along Hemlock and Second watching firemen scurry up 100-foot extension ladders.  The building's tile roof hampered firemen trying to reach the burning attic.
Not Occupied
The inn, which primarily caters to wedding receptions, banquets and other social affairs, had one tenant but she was not home when the building burned, Earl Hipp, owner of the building, said.
Hipp's son, Kenneth, S611 Browne, was in the building when the fire started but escaped unharmed.
Hipp said he and his son purchased the hotel in May 1961.  The building was insured, he said.
The inn, built in 1889, was designed by Kirtland Kelsey Cutter, who also designed the Davenport Hotel and the Spokane Club.  It was built for the family of Patrick Francis Clark, a multi-millionaire mining magnate.

This is the source for the information that Earl Hipp and his son Kenneth Hipp had purchased the hotel in May of 1961, see above.

The damage was mostly in the attic, and they don't know why or how it started.  Could it be electrical?  When was the wiring last checked out?


The Spokesman-Review, Old Clark Mansion Hit by Flames, 1962

So, this is the front of the house.  You can see smoke billowing out the front, but no really clear idea where the fire actually is.  And, I don't know the orientation of the building ... wait, I'll Google it.  Okay it looks like the fire might be in the right hand side of the mansion.


The Spokesman-Review, Smoky Bedroom Corner, 1962
This is the image on page 6 mentioned in article above

Spokane firemen seek out smoldering timbers in the corner of a bedroom at the Francis Lester Inn at W2208 Second, which burned Thursday.  The fire was believed to have started in the attic where most of the damage was done.  At left is a closet, beyond the firemen, a fireplace, and in right foreground, a bed.
I wish I had a clearer image, but this is what we got, folks.


17 November 1962

Cause of Fire Under Study


Spokane Chronicle, Cause of Fire Under Study, 1962

Capt. James Bell, fire department investigator, today was trying to determine the cause of the fire which Thursday afternoon damaged the upper floors of the Francis Lester Inn, W2208 Second.
Despite the fire, the restaurant in the 74-year-old Clark mansion was back in operation today.
Assistant Fire Chief Charles Burger said considerable damage was done by the fire in the attic and third floor of the west wing of the building.  Some water damage was reported on the second floor and no damage on the first floor.
Chief Burger said firemen, hampered by the metal roof of the roof of the building, made an excellent "stop" on the fire.
So, this article says the "metal" roof was a hindrance to the firemen, but they were able to put it out.  Damage was confined to the upper floors, but not the first floor, and that the after the fire was out, the restaurant was open for business.


Another paper reporting the fire investigation


The Spokesman-Review, Fire Cause is Probed at Mansion, 1962

Fire Department arson investigators probed the Francis Lester Inn, W2208 Second, Friday to determine cause of the fire which damaged the attic and several rooms upstairs in the historic mansion Thursday.
Assistant Fire Chef [sic] C.P. Burger said Capt. James Bell, arson investigator, was questioning witnesses and studying the structure.
Burger said damage was confined to the west wing of the 62-year-old building although smoke and water affected other sections.
More than 30 firemen fought the fire which erupted shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday.  The building, designed by Kirtland K. Cutter, was built for the family of Patrick Francis Clark, mining magnate.
This article expands the roles of Burger and Bell.  This is when we understand that they might suspect arson.


19 November 1962

Fire is deliberate




Spokane Chronicle, Fire Set, Chief Reports, 1962

Fire Chief W.A. Dunham said today a fire at the Francis Lester Inn, W2208 Second, last Thursday was of incendiary origin
Dunham said more than two different fires in the upper part of the building were set.
He said Capt. James Bell, investigating the cause of the fire, has questioned a number of persons.
Dunham said some of the evidence found at the scene is being examined in the sheriff's office crime laboratory.
Fire damage was confined to the attic, roof and third floor of the old Spokane mansion.  The second floor was slightly damaged by water.  The first floor was not damaged and the inn continued to be open for business.
So.  This was a fire caused by an arsonist.  I wonder what the evidence is?  Did they find the guy?  What was the motive?  Hold, please.
Well, I searched again in Google and in Newspapers.com for an article about the arson investigation.  I found nothing and I used several search terms, in both 1962 and in 1963.  If you know anything about the arsonist, drop me a line using the contact form on the right, or use the message box below.  Thank you.


21 November 1962

Advertisement


Spokane Chronicle, Advertisement, 1962

It has come to our attention there has been a trifle amount of damage to the upper part of our building not being used for any purpose.  Therefore there has been absolutely no interruption of the fine services being provided by The Inn to the public.
Again with the ironic wit!


1963

16 March 1963

Complete dinner


The Spokesman-Review, Complete Dinner, 1963

$1.85 is worth about 15.64 in 2020


16 June 1963

Father's Day Tribute





Davis, 1963

Davis, 1963

This article is a recap of the Clark family.  Originally, I was going to pull apart the pertinent historical stuff and place it in the proper decade post, but nothing is new information.  So, it serves, here, as a bit of a refresher course.
The Francis-Lester Inn, West 2208 Second Avenue, Spokane, is an historical monument to its original owner, Patrick Francis Clark.
The elite decor of the Clark Mansion is still maintained by the present owner
Kirtland K. Cutter was the designer and architect of the Clark Mansion.  Cutter was also the architect of the Davenport Hotel, Spokane Club, and the James N. Glover residence on Eighth Avenue ....
The State of Washington was admitted into the Union 11 November 1889, which is also the year of the great fire which burned 32 blocks of Spokane's buildings.  At this time, Cutter came to Spokane.  With superb manners, and a delicate, skillful pen, Cutter was highly favoured by Spokane's mining millionaires -- including Patsy Clark.  Patsy let Cutter write his own price on material and furnishings for the Clark Mansion.
Visiting Europe, Cutter chose sepia sandstone from Italy and Cladrastis vrgilia, also called yellow wood or gopher wood for the dining room.  Patsy and his family, who were devout Catholics, were gazed upon as they dined by the carved visages of 29 monks' heads fashioned at the end of the ceiling beam in the dining room.
The stained glass windows at the head of the stairlanding, and also above the front door, are jeweled peacock feather motif.
In 1898, there was no hot air central heating system, and the Clark Mansion has magnificent fireplaces in almost every room used by the family -- in total, 12 of the 26 rooms.  The mansion has three stories, a carriage house adjoining, and it is said that it cost $1 million and took two years to build it.  Rugs were imported from Turkey, and a handsome grandfather clock was purchased through Tiffany's in New York City.  Its works and Westminster and Whitman chimes were made in England.  Light fixtures, stairway posts, and most of the wood panelling were imported from Europe.  Furniture of Louis XIV period was made to order in Cleveland Ohio.  The ceiling mural in the French Room is the creation of a French painter.
Contemporaries
Who were contemporaries and friends of the Clarks?  Senator W.A. Clark, W.J.C. Wakefield, Austin Corbin, John A. Finch and A.B. Campbell (who gave the land for the former Spokane Public Library).
Patsy Clark in 1877 volunteered for the Nez Perce Indian War.  He was in the Big Hole Battle under Major William A. Clark.
Patsy Clark was born in Ireland, 17 March 1850 and migrated to America in 1870.  While in Butte, he courted and married Mary Stack [in 1881].  This was the robust era of the mining camps of the Coeur d'Alenes.  Patsy first learned about mining in Pennsylvania, where he went to visit a sister who had come to America before he had.  "Gold!" was the catalyst that propelled Patsy first to California, and then to Butte.  As foreman of the Alice and Anaconda mines.  Patsy first proved his worth to Marcus Daly.  Later he became associated with W.A. Clark.
Several phrases here can be found in future histories of Patsy Clark.  Interesting that this is the article that seems most used for research.
Mary Stack Clark was always her husband's staunchest ally and the caring, gracious hostess of their many outstanding social triumphs in Spokane.  The Clarks had six children:  Ella, who in 1906 married Harry A. Richards, was wedded in Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane.  The marble altar of Italian derivation, representing Leonardo da Vinci's THE LAST SUPPER, was given to Our Lady of Lourdes by the Clark family.  Patrick W. and John F., as well as Ella, were all born in Butte.  James B., Rhea, and Katherine Clark were born in Spokane.  Patrick P. Clark, the son of James B., built the grey mansion at West 2308 Third Avenue ....   Today, the Patrick P. Clark home is now the Isabella Club for young business women and belongs to the Catholic Daughters of America.  Both Clark residences are reminders of the fashionable days of "Browne's Addition" ....
In 1926, the Clark Mansion was sold by Patsy Clark's widow to Eugene Enloe.  Thereafter, Mrs Clark and her daughter lived at the Westminster Apartments ....  Mrs Clark died at the age of 86 on 8 June 1948.  Patsy Clark died 7 June 1915.  The Clarks were "at home" to these friends on Thursdays, according to the 1900 BLUE BOOK.  
What is the Blue Book?  Is it a directory for the Elite?  The Westminster apartments are where Patrick W. Clark lived.  I knew from city directories in previous posts that Mary Stack Clark lived in the same apartment, but I didn't know that a daughter lived with them.  Let's try to figure out who that daughter might be.  Ella is already married by this time.  That leaves Rhea and Katheryn.  Rhea also was married to Guy Amsden 7 July 1917.  Let's check on Katheryn.  Katheryn and Gordon Lamey were married October 1917.  So, two weddings in 1917.  I don't know which daughter lived with Mama Mary.
Spokanites, who remember him during the late 1890s and early 1900s, all paint with words the same portrait of a gentleman.  Patsy was a hard worker, but also a courtly, warm, family-loving, father-image who intensely enjoyed the fruits of his labour -- his home and family -- in early-day Spokane.  Father's Day is a good day to honor this Spokane figure.
How the immigrant Irish lad matured to manhood, after settling in Spokane is one of many sagas of the city of Lakes and pines and black-browed rimrocks.
Patsy Clark is buried at Fairmount Cemetery in the Clark family mausoleum.
The author's assessment of Patsy's character is pretty much the same as mine.  I love it when my conjectures are independently verified.


1964

26 January 1964

Finest in Dining


The Spokesman-Review, For the Finest in Dining, 1964

Check out the art work, here.  The logo.  The Grandfather Clock.  The corner embellishments.  The food swag.  I love it all!


1965

28 January 1965

Law Suit


Spokane Chronicle, Law Suit, 1965
Parties Settle Court Lawsuits
Two suits scheduled for trial ....  
In one, Richard C. and Mary Nehls had sued Earl B. and Daisy Hipp and Kenneth D. and Isabella Hipp for injuries Mrs Nehls suffered ... in a fall down stairs at the Francis Lester Inn.  Amounts of the settlements were not reported.

Remember, the Hipps are the owners of the mansion and restaurant.


23 April 1965

Nurses to Give Tea



The Spokesman-Review, Nurses to Give Tea, 1965


20 July 1965

Finishing School



Spokane Chronicle, Academy Finishing School, 1965

The Academy Finishing School, located in the Francis Lester Inn, has office positions open, if you would like to apply.


27 July 1965

Academy of Professional Modeling


The Spokesman-Review, Academy of Professional Modeling, 1965

Okay.  So this is the same business as the one above.  Know how I can tell?  The phone numbers are the same.  Typically, "modeling school" and "finishing school" are used interchangeably.  Wonder if any famous actors and models came through this office?


Boyd 1966

So, this is a very long article, but quite interesting.  It is about the author's childhood memories of living in the wilds of Browne's Addition.  She describes Indians running past their house yelling wildly, and Indian women walking past sedately.  She writes about one incident that stood out, about a Chinese funeral procession.
I have pulled out the section pertaining to the Clark's in particular, below.

Boyd 1966 detail

In the next few years, larger and more expensive houses were built, mostly by men who had made their wealth in the mines.  The Clark brothers, Patrick and James, built on another street and a park grew up near them, Coeur d'Alene Park. ... Many of these houses were really beautiful stately mansions.  Some are still standing, their exteriors little changed, but as they have been cut up into apartments the inner charm and symmetry was, regrettably, destroyed.


1967

11 October 1967

New Teachers acquainted with history of the inn


The Spokesman-Review, New Teachers, 1967

The local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, National Women's Educational Honorary Society has this event annually in order to educate those female teachers who are new to the area about the history of the Francis Lester.


28 October 1967

New Law Suits


Spokane Chronicle, Law Suits, 1967
The Spokesman-Review, New Law Suits, 1967

Both articles describe new law suits filed in the Superior Court.  Earl and Daisy Hipp, and Kenneth and Isabelle Hipp (the father/son team and their wives who own the mansion) are named by the Champions and the Kennedy's "and unknown persons who may claim interest in certain real estate."  It looks like they want to stop whatever real estate transaction is going on, and to quiet [sic] title.  This would include Westminster Apartments (where Patrick W. Clark lived with his mamma Mary Clark) and Francis Lester Inn.  The first article explains that damages of $40 from the Champions are expected.


1969

In the Spokesman-Review article in the future, we find that sometime in 1969, Gerry Larson bought the house with the intention of demolishing it.  He had done this with other historical places, and came close to doing so with this one.  "Instead, he restored it and stayed for several years" (Clouse, 2019).


20 April 1969

Open House


Francis Lester Inn, Open House, 1969

So, we find from this advertisement, that the Larson's purchased the house before April 1969, and it seems they will still continue to use the place as a restaurant and gathering house, still calling it Francis Lester Inn.


9 June 1969

Extra Large Room for Rent


Spokane Chronicle, Room for Rent, 1969


7 December 1969

New Owners


Francis Lester Inn, New Owners, 1969

Here is an advertisement for the Inn claiming new owners and improved facilities.  Did Gerry Larson sell it again?  Or did he make some upgrades and is still claiming they are new owners.  It has been just nine months or so after the purchase, so I guess you could say they are still new.  I made a notation along the way that their first ad was 12 October 1969, but I didn't include it here.



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Resources

Burke, B. (1961, November 22). Francis Lester Hotel 1961 new restaurant opens. Retrieved January newspapers.com, 2020, from The Spokesman-Review.

Burke, B. (1961, December 1). Francis Lester Hotel 1961 successful grand opening. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review: Newspapers.com

Boyd, E. L. (1966, March 6). Francis Lester Inn 1966 Earliest Browne's Addition by Edith L. Boyd. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review: Newspapers.com

Clouse, T. (2019, November 24). Patsy Clark mansion for sale – to the right buyer. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from The Spokesman-Review: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/nov/24/patsy-clark-mansion-for-sale-to-the-right-buyer/

Davis, M. O. (1963, June 16). Francis Lester Inn 1963 A Father's Day Tribute. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review: newspapers.com

Diner, D. (1962, January 5). Francis Lester Hotel 1962 review by Dick Diner. Retrieved February 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com

Francis Lester Inn. (1969, April 20). Francis Lester Inn 1969 April 20 Open House. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review: newspapers.com

Francis Lester Inn. (1969, December 7). Francis Lester Inn 1969 New Owners. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review: Newspapers.com

Spokane Chronicle. (1961, December 8). The Francis Lester Hotel 1961 advertisement, Special Sunday Dinner. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspspers.com

Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1962, November 17). Francis Lister Inn 1962 Cause of Fire Under Study. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1962, November 19). Francis Lester 1962 Inn Fire Set, Chief Reports. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

Spokane Chronicle. (1965, January 28). Francis Lester Inn 1965 Law Suit. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

Spokane Chronicle. (1965, July 20). Francis Lester Inn 1965 Academy Finishing School ad. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

Spokane Chronicle. (1969, June 09). Francis Lester Inn 1969 Extra Large Room for Rent. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1958, November 16). Francis Lester 1958 invitation to the new Francis Lester. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1961, November 22). Francis Lester Hotel 1961 advertisement, Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1961, December 1). Francis Lester Hotel 1961 advertisement Friday Fish Special. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1962, October 30). Francis Lester Inn 1962, October 30 ad. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: Newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1962, November 10). Francis Lester 1962 ad, November. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1962, November 16). Francis Lester Inn 1962 Old Clark Mansion Hit By Flames. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1962, November 16). Francis Lester Inn 1962 Smoky Bedroom Corner Probed by Firemen at Hotel Blaze. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1962, November 17). Fire Cause is Probed at Mansion. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1963, March 16). Complete dinner advert. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1964, January 26). Francis Lester Inn 1964 ad for the finest in dining. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1965, April 23). Francis Lester Inn 1965 Nurses to Give Tea. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1965, July 27). Francis Lester Inn 1965 Academy of Professional Modeling. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1967, October 11). Francis Lester Inn 1967 New Teachers acquainted with history of the inn. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review. (1967, October 28). Francis Lester Inn 1967 New Law Suits filed, also Westminster Apartments. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

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19 June 2020

Patsy Clark Mansion Part 1 1899 - 1949

Patsy Clark Mansion, Part 1 of Many

Finally, The Mansion itself


So.  The mansion was finished before the turn of the century, before 1900 [I felt I needed to clarify WHICH century had just turned!].  It was made of the finest quality stuff, and had a huge floor plan and grounds.  By today's standards, even, it qualifies as a mansion.

Patsy Clark, and his wife Mary, had a profound impact on Spokane society.  They brought prosperity to the city, and the most visible aspect of that affluence is their mansion on Second Avenue.  It was designed by Kirtland Cutter who built the home after the Great Fire of Spokane burnt down the business district.  Cutter himself designed many of the new buildings in downtown.  Some sources say the building was the Clark family home until they both died (Pettit, 2016), but evidence shows otherwise.  In previous posts we see indications that the home was sold in 1926, and we see the home is owned by Eugene Enloe.  I would love to know why Mary and Patrick her son decided to sell the mansion in the first place.  Was it too big?  Were there not enough servants?  What did Enloe do with the place?

Ah, I found an answer.  According to the Patsy Clark Mansion website, it was "a" private residence for about fifty years, until about 1998 (Patsy Clark Mansion, n.d.).

1899

Clark decided to rebuild his home using the best materials, the most exotic furnishings.  He hired as many as 75 carpenters at once to work at the same time (Klamper, 2007).  It was to be the "most luxurious mansion ever,"  according to Spokane's Historic Preservation Department (Clouse, 2019).  It was, indeed, massive at just under 12,000 square feet and it was the talk of the entire West Coast (Alexander & Weiser-Alexander, 2010).

Exterior

The exterior was a sandstone imported from Italy (Prager, Historic Patsy Clark's restored, 2006), bricks made in St Louis Missouri (Alexander & Weiser-Alexander, 2010), stained glass windows made by Tiffany in New York City (City of Spokane, 2005).  Cutter's design transcends categories with his eclectic work of art (Prager, Historic Patsy Clark's restored, 2006).  Corner towers and arched loggias suggest Spanish and Moorish influences (Alexander & Weiser-Alexander, 2010), and other aspects reflect Romanesque and Italianate styles (Prager, Historic Patsy Clark's restored, 2006).

Interior

The interior was just as lavish, with custom made Tiffany lamps and chandeliers; onyx fireplaces, stained-glass windows standing 14 feet high; gold-lined chairs; silk curtains; and a grandfather clock brought over from England which reportedly cost $17,000 (Alexander & Weiser-Alexander, 2010), (Video Producers Inc., 2006).  Cutter included Egyptian gopher wood in the dining room which is irreplaceable (Prager, 2006), and the library rug is supposed to have cost a goodly bundle.  One of the nine [NINE!] fireplaces is on the landing between the first and the second floors.  This fireplace, Prager says, is typical of Kirtland Cutter's style (Historic Patsy Clark's restored, 2006).

1930

In 1930s the address 2208 Second Avenue in Spokane Washington was in the phone book listed as owned by Eugene Enloe.

Eugene Enloe owns the Mansion
2208 Second Avenue
Spokane Washington
1930 City Directory

1945

Spokane City Directory

2208 W. Second is blank




One has to wonder why they neglected to include the Clark Mansion, here.  Was it not owned?  


1948

25 December 1948

MusicMakers playing the Patsy Clark Mansion


(Bruneau, 2004)
Also (Clouse, 2019)

Playing the Patsy Clark Mansion
In 1948 the Music Makers was one of the local bands playing for local dances.  The group played ... Patsy Clark Mansion, where this photo was taken.






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--------------------------------------------
Resources


Alexander, D., & Weiser-Alexander, K. (2010, December). Patsy Clark, Mining Magnate & the Haunted Clark Mansion. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from Legends of America: https://www.legendsofamerica.com/wa-patsyclark/

Bruneau, D. (2004, December 25). Clark Mansion 2004 Playing the Patsy Clark Mansion in 1948 photo by Dick Bruneau. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com

City of Spokane. (2005, December 2). Patsy Clark Mansion. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from Historic Preservation Department: https://web.archive.org/web/20060709175611/http://www.historicspokane.org/SpokaneRegister/patsyclark.htm

Clouse, T. (2019, November 24). Patsy Clark mansion for sale – to the right buyer. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from The Spokesman-Review: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/nov/24/patsy-clark-mansion-for-sale-to-the-right-buyer/

Patsy Clark Mansion. (n.d.). Patsy Clark Mansion. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from Patsy Clark Mansion: https://www.patsyclarks.com/

Prager, M. (2006, November 10). Historic Patsy Clark’s restored. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from The Spokesman-Review: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2006/nov/10/historic-patsy-clarks-restored/

Video Producers Inc. (2006). Patsy Clark Mansion. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from HauntedHouses.com: https://web.archive.org/web/20070928151335/http://www.hauntedhouses.com/states/wa/patsy_clark_mansion.cfm


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12 June 2020

Patrick Clark Family, Part 10 of Many 1940s and 1950s

Patsy Clark Family, Part 10 of Many 1940s 1950s


1940

Spokane City Directory

Mary Clark and Patrick Clark


1940 Spokane City Directory


Mary R. Clark, widow of Patrick F, resides at  W2301 Pacific Ave
Patrick Clark, in mining, home is W2301 Pacific Ave



Patrick Clark
1940 Spokane City Directory

When we look at the street directory, we find that this address is the Westminster Apartments.  Because Patrick's name is on this list, I presume he is the one renting the apartment, and has his mother living with him.

22 March 1940



Patrick William Clark 1940 Obituary
The Semi-Weekly Spokesman-Review, 1940



P.W. Clark, Mining Man, Answers Call
P.W. Clark, son of Mrs. Patrick Clark and the late Patrick Clark, pioneer mining man of the northwest, died here this morning.  He had been in ill health for some time
Mr. Clark was born in Butte, Mont., February 28, 1885, but had resided in Spokane since 1889, and was associated with his father in the mining business.  The senior Mr. Clark first was associated with the Alice mine development at Butte and later opened the great Anaconda mine there.  AFter coming to Spokane, the Poor Man mine in the Coeur d'Alenes was opened.  Still later he and his son were associated in the War Eagle mine in Rossland, B.C.
The old Clark home at W2208 First [sic], erected here in 1889, was the most beautiful house in Spokane's pioneer society section of Coeur d'Alene park.  The family sold the house in 1926.
Surviving, besides his mother, are his widow, Edna; two sons, Geoffrey and Patrick; two sisters, Mrs Harry Richards and Mrs. Guy Amsden; two brothers, John F. Clark, Sacramento, and James B Clark of Oakland. 

23 March 1940

Patrick William Clark Obituary



Patrick William Clark 1940 obituary
The Semi-Weekly Spokesman-Review, 1940

Clark, Patrick W. -- Age 54 years.
His home was at W2301 Pacific, having resided in Spokane the last 51 years.  He was a member of Spokane lodge No. 228, B.P.O.E.  Survived by his wife, Edna Lavell Clark; 2 sons, Geoffrey and Patrick; his mother, Mrs. Patrick Clark; 2 sisters, Mrs. Harry Richards and Mrs. Guy Amsden, all of Spokane; 2 brothers, John F. Clark, Sacramento, Calif., and James B. Clark, Oakland, Calif.  Funeral Mon., ... from Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral.  Entombment in the Patrick Clark mausoleum at Fairmount.


1944

13 August 1944

Nadine Dudley Clark 1944 death notice


The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington, 1944

Nadine Dudley Clark was wife of Patrick Parnell Clark, the son of Patsy's brother James and Charlotte Willman Toner Clark.  Her Find a Grave memorial is here.




1948

8 June 1948

Mary Stack Clark dies at the age of 87.

Washington State Death records proves her death in Spokane Washington, her parents as John and Mary Mahoney Stack.  Washington Death Records database online found on Ancestry.com.  I couldn't find any images of death certificate nor any other death record for her.  According to her great grandson, John H. Richards, Mary Stack Clark was "part of Spokane's heartbeat, participating in it's civic, social and charitable life for 50 years" (The Life and Times of Patsy Clark:  Mining Pioneer, 2018).

I did find one obituary for her in the Spokane Newspaper.

The Spokesman-Review, 1948

Rites are Set for Mrs. Clark

Funeral for Prominent Matron Will Be Tomorrow
Funeral services for Mrs. Patrick Clark, who died in a local hospital yesterday morning, will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes cathedral tomorrow at 10 a.m. ....  Interment will be made in the Clark mausoleum at Fairmount.
Pallbearers will be Geoffrey and Pat Clark, Henry and John Richards, grandsons of Mrs. Clark, Dr. Frank Brown and John M. Shipley, whose wives are Mrs. Clark's granddaughters.  
Although in ill health for several months, Mrs. Clark's condition did not become critical until a week ago, when she was taken to Sacred Heart hospital.  A long-time resident of Spokane, and one of the city's most prominent and widely known matrons, her friends were legion in all walks of life.
Married in Butte
Born Mary Stack in Dubuque, Iowa, July 4, 1861, she and the late Patrick Clark, who amassed a fortune in mining, were married at Butte, Mont., in 1881.  The came to Spokane 60 years ago.  Mr. Clark, whos natal day was St. Patrick's day, died June 7, 1915.
For many years, the handsome Clark residence of pink sandstone, at W2208 Second, facing Coeur d'Alene park, was a brilliant social center.  The home was frequently opened for charitable events.  Since it was purchased 22 years ago by the late Eugene Enloe, Mrs. Clark had lived in the Westminster hotel apartments.  In 1946 it was converted into the Francis Lester apartments.
A devout Catholic, Mrs. Clark in her early residence here, worked with Mother Vincent when plans for Sacred Heart hospital were started.  The beautiful Italian carved marble altar in Our Lady of Lourdes cathedral was a gift from Mrs. Clark.
Sorrow came to Mrs. Clark in the deaths of a daughter, Katherine, who was Mrs. Gordon Lamey, and of her two sons, John F. Clark and Patrick W. Clark.  Surviving is another son, James B Clark of Oakland, Calif., who came here a week ago, and two daughters, Mrs Harry A. Richards and Mrs. Guy Amsden, all of whom were at their mother's bedside when death came.  Mrs. Clark is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.


Her Find a Grave memorial is found here.  It is here we find an image of the mausoleum she is interred at, a photo of her mansion, a link to her husband's Find a Grave memorial, and links to her four childrens' memorials (Lewis, 2011).


Picture of
Photo added by Rick Valentine
FAG memorial 78329481
(Lewis, 2011)


The mausoleum is located at Fairmount Memorial Park, Spokane, Washington.  The plot is designated as Family Clark Side 9 East No 2 A.

According to Pettit, other family members are intered there, including their infant daughter Mary, who died in Montana, their infant son Thomas, and Clark's mother among others (Landmarks: Patsy Clark, brother close in life and death, 2016).

This woman is amazing.  She was the daughter of Irish immigrant.  She survived the deaths of her sister Ella in 1911; husband Patrick 1915 when she was age 53;  her Mother in 1921; her brother James Stack in 1932;  brother John Stack 1935;  brothers Patrick Stack and Thomas Stack in 1937;  daughter Kathryn Clark Lamey in 1937; son Patrick William Clark in 1940;  son John Francis Clark in 1942.  Ella Clark Richards is the only child still living.


1957

15 April 1957

Ella Clark Richards obituaries


Ella Clark Richards obituary 1957
The Semi-Weekly Spokesman-Review, 1957

Mrs. Ella Richards, City Pioneer, Dies
Mrs Ella Richards, 73, a Spokane pioneer, died yesterday at a local hospital.
Mrs. Richards, W2301 Pacific, was born in Butte, Mond., but came to Spokane at the age of 5 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs, Patrick Clark.  Her father was in the minng business.
Survivors include the widower, Harry A.  The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last June.  Others surviving are four children including Mrs. John M. Shipley, Henry Richards and John Richards, Spokane; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild, and a sister, Mrs. Guy Amsden, Spokane.
She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes cathedral. ... Burial will be in Holy Cross cemetery.
Interesting that they say four children survive, but list only three.  They failed to mention the eldest son, Patrick Clark Richards.  Mrs. John Shipley is Rhea Richards Shipley.  Mrs. Guy Amsden is Maria Erma Clark Amsden.
Her Find a Grave memorial is here





Ella Clark Richards obituary
Pioneer Woman is Dead
Spokane Chronicle, 1957


Pioneer Woman Is Dead

Mrs. Harry A. Richards.
Funeral services for Mrs. Harry A. (Ella) Richards, 72, W2301 Pacific, resident of Spokane 68 years, will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic cathedral.  Burial will be in Holy Cross.
Born in Butte, Mont., Mrs. Richards came to Spokane in 1889.  She died yesterday in a Spokane hospital.
She and her husband Harry A., who survives at the home, were married in Spokane in 1906 and observed their golden wedding anniversary last June
She is survived by four children, Mrs. John M. Shipley and Henry and John Richards, all Spokane, and Pat C. Richards, Oroville, Calif.; nine grandchildren, one great grandchild and a sister, Mrs Guy Amsden, Spokane.




Ella Theresa Clark Richards 1957 obituary
The Semi-Weekly Spokesman-Review, 1957



Richards, Ella Theresa -- Her home, W2304 Pacific.  She had been a resident of Spokane since 1889.  Survived by her husband, Harry A. Richards, at the home; 1 daughter, Rhea Shipley, Spokane; 3 sons, Pat C. Richards, Oroville, Calif., Henry M. Richards, John S. Richards, both of Spokane; 1 sister, Mrs Guy Amsden, Spokane; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.


25 April 1957

What a blow to the family!  Just 10 days after Ella died, Harry also dies.


Harry A. Richards obituary
(Spokane Chronicle, 1957)


Harry A. Richards Dies 10 Days After Wife Ella
Harry A. Richards died last night, just 10 days after the death of his wife, Ella.
The 75 year old insurance man, in semi-retirement for the last year, came here from New York at the age of 10.  His father Henry N. Richards, was president of the Washinton Water Power company from 1895 to 1910.
Four children, two brothers and a sister, nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild are among his survivors.  In Spokane, they include two sons, Henry and John Richards; a daughter, Mrs. John M. Shipley, and a brother, Seth Richards, long active in financial, civic and Boy Scout affairs.
Rosary will be said ....  The requiem mass will be ... in Our Lady of Lourdes cathedral....  Interment will be in Holy Cross.

His Find a Grave memorial is here 


1969

10 January 1969

Guy Rollin Amsden obituary


Spokane Chronicle, Guy Rollin Amsden obituary, 1969

Death Claims Guy R. Amsden
... Guy Rollin Amsden ... died in a Spokane hospital yesterday at the age of 81.
Funeral services are planned for 10:30 a.m. tomorrow at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic cathedral ....  Interment at Holy Cross will follow.
Born in Vermont, Mr. Amsden came to Spokane at the age of 11 and had made his home here since them [sic].  He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Sumner Amsden, pioneer Spokane residents.
The younger Mr. Amsden was a stock broker here.
In 1917, Mr. Amsden and the former Rhea Clark Rollin were married in the mansion home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Clark, and early day mining family here.
Mrs. Amsden survives her husband at the home, W1522 Eighth.  Three generations of nieces and nephews also survive.
This has Rhea Clark's last name as Rollin, which would -- under typical circumstances -- indicate a first marriage for her.  I never found such record, and I surmise that -- since Guy's middle name is Rollin -- that the author made a typographical error.  If you know of a previous marriage, let me know by using the contact form on the right, or the message box below.


21 March 1969

Mrs Guy R. Amsden obituary


Spokane Chronicle, Mrs Guy R. Amsden obituary, 1969

Mrs. Guy Rollin Amsden, 78, W1522 Eighth, daughter of early day mining magnate Patrick F. Clark and Mrs. Clark and a life-long Spokane resident, died today in a Spokane hospital, just 10 weeks after the death of her husband.
Mr. Amsden, a stock broker, died here 9 January at the age of 81.
Mrs. Amsden's death came four days after her 78th birthday.  Her wedding, one of the big social events of the year, was at the home of her parents, now the Francis Lester Inn.
They marked their 50th wedding anniversary 7 July 1967, with a dinner party arranged by some of their nieces and nephews at the Francis Lester Inn.
Mrs. Amsden was the third president of the Junior League of Spokane and one of its sustaining members.  She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cathedral and its Altar Society.
Surviving are three nieces, Mrs John M. (Rhea) Shipley and Mrs Frank Vinton (Helen) Brown both of Spokane, and Mrs Thomas F. (Margaret) barrett, San Carlos, California; and five nephews, John S., Henry M. and Patrick C. Richards and Geoffrey L. Clark, all of Spokane, and Henry T. Clark, Los Angeles.
... Burial will be in Holy Cross
Yes, this is another case of the husband and wife dying soon after the other.  Again, what a blow to the family.  From both obituaries, it seems they did not have any children, since none are listed either dead or alive.  Her Find a Grave memorial is here, created by Jim Lee.




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Resources

Pettit, S. (2016, August 10). Landmarks: Patsy Clark, brother close in life and death. The Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Retrieved January 2020, from https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/aug/10/landmarks-patsy-clark-brother-close-in-life-and-de/

Spokane Chronicle. (1957, April 15). Ella Clark Richards 1957 obituary, pioneer woman. Spokane, Washington. Retrieved January 2020, from newspapers.com

Spokane Chronicle. (1957, April 15). Ella Theresa Clark Richards 1957 obituary. Spokane, Washington. Retrieved January 2020, from newspapers.com

Spokane Chronicle. (1957, April 15). Ella Theresa Richards 1957 funeral notice. Spokane, WA. Retrieved January 2020, from newspapers.com

Spokane Chronicle. (1957, April 25). Harry A. Richards 1957 obituary. Spokane, Washington. Retrieved January 2020, from newspapers.com

Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1969, January 10). Guy Rollin Amsden 1969 obituary. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Semi-Weekly Spokesman-Review . (1940, March 23). Patrick William Clark 1940 Obituary. Retrieved December 2019, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Semi-Weekly Spokesman-Review. (1940, March 22). Patrick William Clark 1940 Obituary. Retrieved December 2019, from newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Semi-Weekly Spokesman-Review. (1957, April 15). Ella Clark Richards 1957 Obituary. Retrieved December 2019, from Newspapers.com: Newspapers.com

The Semi-Weekly Spokesman-Review. (1957, April 15). Ella Theresa Clark Richards 1957 obituary. Spokane, Washington. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com

The Semi-Weekly Spokesman-Review. (1957, April 16). Ella Theresa Clark Richards 1957 Obituary. Spokane, Washington. Retrieved December 2019, from newspapers.com

The Spokesman Review. (1948, June 9). Mary Stack Clark 1948 Obituary. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1944, August 13). Nadine Dudley Clark 1944 death notice. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com

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