The Clark Mansion Part 5.1 1980s (1981-1982)
1980
We still don't know what happened to the Clark Mansion Restaurant fight that took two years. There is nothing in the newspapers for this particular year.
17 January 1980
Public events scheduled for Ethel Kennedy's visit
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| The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington, 1980 |
Ethel Kennedy is on a campaign for her brother-in-law Edward M. Kennedy. She is the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. She will spend about three hours in Spokane covering two open house receptions -- the first at Gonzaga, and the second at Clark Mansion.
2 March 1980
Poor Clare Sisters honor benefactors
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| Parsons, Poor Clare Sisters honor benefactors, 1980 |
The Poor Clare Sisters are nuns living cloistered lives. Except when they host a coffee each year where they participate in the benefit tea and fashion show which supports their order. One of the items up for auction is a continental banquet at Clark Mansion.
5 march 1980
Auctioneve II items are Varied
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| Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington, 1980 |
This is the auction where a continental banquet at the Clark Mansion.
8 March 1980
Auctioneve II
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| The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington, 1980 |
Here we find that the continental banquet at the Clark Mansion which is up for the benefit auction is "among the most expensive items" and was donated by Tony Anderson. Who is still, I believe, the owner of the Clark Mansion. I don't know the outcome of the battle of the restaurant.
16 March 1980
Auctioneve II results
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| Parsons, Auctioneve II results, 1980 |
According to the author, a record number of people attended the benefit auction, netting a profit of $35,500 (equivalent to over $111,000 today). That banquet at the Clark Mansion was valued at $1,730 and was purchased for $750, less than half the value.
5 September 1980
Five guilds slate party
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| Spokane Chronicle, 1980 |
Prospective members to be guests at an "All Guild" membership party, with wine and hors d'oeurves at the Clark Mansion.
2 October 1980
Spokane String Quartet to begin season
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| The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington, 1980 |
The String Quartet will repeat their performance on 16 October at Clark Mansion
9 November 1980
An interesting party recently
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| Parsons, An Interesting Party Recently, 1980 |
Interesting party, indeed! So this is put on by the Washington Historic Preservation, held at the Clark Mansion. They sent out invitations, but several of the invitees didn't get them until AFTER the event! What a shame.
"... the hostesses wore period gowns, some of which were heirlooms." One woman wore her grandmother's wedding dress, another wore her own very old gown. A third wore her husband's grandmother's dress, another wore a gown from about 1915s and yet another wore the top part of a 1900 wedding gown (the skirt had a 15 foot train).
28 November 1980
Artists at reception
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| The Spokesman-Review, 1980 |
1981
Still no sign of the restaurant controversy. This is about four years, now?
29 April 1981
Preservation Meeting
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| The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington, 1981 |
"Neighborhood Conservation" is the theme of a[n] historic preservation workshop ... in Clark Mansion. Included will be sessions on researching home and neighborhood histories. An informal walking tour of Browne's Addition historical district is planned ....
Maybe I need to sign up?
1 May 1981
A [sic] Historical Preservation Workshop
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| The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington, 1981 |
6 May 1981
Preservation workshop set
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| Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington, 1981 |
"Conservation: Keeping America's Neighborhoods Together" is the theme of National Historic Preservation Week ....
The free workshop will begin ... at Clark Mansion. Topics discussed in the morning include "Researching the History of Your House and Neighborhood," "The National Register of Historic Places," "Spokane Landmarks Commission," and "Restoration & Historical Integrity."
7 may 1981
Preservation -- Exploring the History of Your House and Neighborhood
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| The Spokesman-Review, Spokane WA, 1981 |
30 June 1981
Browne's Addition Walking Tour
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| P.C., Browne's Addition Walking Tour, 1981 Full Article |
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| P.C. Browne's Addition Walking Tour, 1981 Directions and Descriptions |
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| P.C. Browne's Addition Walking Tour, 1981 Map detail with numbered stops |
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| P.C. Browne's Addition Walking Tour, 1981 Details of the Westminster Apartments, Clark Mansion, Fotheringham Mansion |
See above for this fascinating walking tour. I don't know the area now, in 2020, so I have to question -- is this a safe option? To go walking around a neighborhood, exposed, is this still a safe place? One day, I will have to take a driving tour to see this area for myself.
The last image is details of the Westminster Apartments where Mary Stack Clark stayed with her son Patrick W. Clark before she died; of the Clark Mansion; and of the Fotheringham Mansion where the Clark Family stayed while their own home was under construction.
12 July 1981
Carriage House Attic Sale
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| The Spokesman=Review, Spokane Washington, 1981 |
This looks like a garage sale, but in the attic of the Carriage House -- which technically is a turn-of-the-century word for a garage. It has it's own address, I see.
16 July 1981
Planners are told to include past
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| Davis, Planners are Told to Include Past, 1981 |
The Browne's Addition residents and property owners this week told city planners their neighborhood's future must include the past.
About 70 persons, including members of the Browne's Addition Community Development Neighborhood Steering Committee, attended a neighborhood design plan open house and workshop ....
The area, already a federal- and state-designated historic district, contains [seven listed historic homes].
Over 90% of the population live in apartments, causing problems including traffic flow and parking availability.
Owners of the Clark Mansion recently applied again for a special use permit to convert the house into a restaurant ....
Well, Okay, then. The owners -- are they still Anderson and Quinn? -- are trying again for a restaurant. I wonder what will happen, seeing that I have "future vision." Another thought -- the residents mostly live in apartments. When you cram a lot of people into small space, you have more crime. Those who lived there at the time also were concerned, according to this article. And, even without the restaurant, the area has traffic flow problems and lack of available parking.
23 July 1981
Clark Mansion Merits on Board's Agenda
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| Spokane Chronicle, Spokane WA, 1981 |
1 August 1981
Clark Mansion Owners to try Again for Restaurant Approval
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| Herron, Owners to Try Again for Restaurant Approval, 1981 |
A.H. Anderson of Spokane and Charles D. Quinn of Seattle, owners of the mansion ... are filing for the second time for a permit under a 1979 amendment to the city's zoning ordinance.
[editor's note -- This article clears up that Anderson and Quinn are, indeed, the current owners.]
The hearing [with the City Zoning Board] was scheduled after the City-County Historic Landmarks Commission approved the restaurant conversion.
The special permit must be approved by the Zoning Board and City Council
Some residents ... claim the zoning change would not require adequate off-street parking for a restaurant and that there would be increased traffic in the area.
7 August 1981
Mansion proposal gets OK
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| Davis, Mansion Proposal Gets OK |
The ... Commission has determined that use of the Clark Mansion as a restaurant 'is compatible' with Brown's [sic] Addition Historic Preservation District guidelines.
Since then [the 1978 attempt to change the residential zoning to limited commercial zoning was blocked], there have been changes in city zoning ordinances that now permit historic preservation 'special uses' in multi-family residential zones.
6 August 1981
Restaurant Plan Approved
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| Precs, Restaurant plan approved, 1981 Part 1 |
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| Preecs, Restaurant plan approved, 1981 Part 2 |
The request for a restaurant in the historic Clark Mansion ... was a replay of a battle first fought in 1978. Owners of the mansion won a zoning decision approving the restaurant then, but it was overturned in court.
Attorney Jim Frank said "I think the opposition to the restaurant has diminished considerably."
Only three Browne's Addition residents opposed the conversion.
"The current owner has held the property for three years. The monthly heating and lighting costs run as much as $2,400. The property cannot be maintained in its present condition, unless it is adapted for reuse" said Frank. [editor's note -- this would amount to about $6800 per month in today's money]
Frank further contends that the "highest and best use of the property" might be for a 50-unit apartment complex on the land. "But the owner is committed to preserving this unique historical landmark intact, if a way can be found to make that presevation [sic] economical."
7 August 1981
Clark Mansion Gets Go on Food
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| Spokane Chronicle, Spokane WA, 1981 |
This week's Zoning Board action drew little opposition from residents of the Browne's Addition area.
Only three persons testified against granting the special permit and parking variance for the restaurant
The special permit for the Clark Mansion is to be reviewed by city officials in two years, and the ... Landmarks Commission is to review plans for remodeling the mansion to accommodate the restaurant.
The restaurant will be allowed to operate with 14 off-street parking spaces, nine fewer than ordinarily would be required.
22 August 1981
Clark Mansion Legal Notice for Use as Restaurant
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| Frank, Legal Notice for Use as Restaurant, 1981 |
Pertinent documents regarding approval of use of Clark Mansion for a restaurant may be examined during normal City business hours
29 September 1981
Martha Shannon Fundraiser
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| The Spokesman Review, Spokane WA, 1981 |
5 November 1981
Guilds' School Benefit
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| Spokane Chronicle, Spokane WA, 1981 |
6 November 1981
Christmas Bazaar
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| The Spokesman Review, Spokane WA, 1981 |
13 November 1981
A Centennial Flower Show Will be Presented
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| The Spokesman Review, Spokane WA, 1981 |
The Holiday Showcase
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| Spokane Chronicle, Spokane WA, 1981 |
14 November 1981
Centennial Elegance
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| Spokane Chronicle, Spokane WA, 1981 |
15 November 1981
Centennial Chrysanthemums
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| The Spokesman Review, Spokane WA, 1981 |
Flower Show Highlights History
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| Rutherford, Flower Show Highlights History, 1981 |
So this is a Centennial Year for Spokane, which was founded 1881.
21 November 1981
Tony Anderson Awarded for Preserving the Historic Clark Mansion
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| Craig, Tony Anderson Awarded for Preserving the Historic Clark Mansion, 1981 |
26 November 1981
Splendid Homes Reflected Owners' New Riches
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| Warren, 1981 |
Interesting look at the area and the homes and the history
Clark Mansion Mines Produced the Riches that Built Spokane
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| Johnson, 1981 |
Mining interest in the North Idaho region goes back as far as Spokane's origins and, indeed, many of the profits from the mines found their way to Spokane, where they paid for down-town buildings and some of the city's early, large, elegant homes.
Over the years, in turn, Spokane evolved as a supply point for the mines, competing with Portland, whose merchants put up some money to build a road into the area.
Spokane ... is now the second largest mining hub in the country ....
Several of the early mining magnates would have an influence on Spokane, if for no other reason than because they are responsible for some of the city's largest buildings and more striking period architecture.
One was Patrick "Patsy" Clark .... A millionaire in his 20s, he would go on to become a partner in some mines near Roslyn, British Columbia, including the Le Roi, a gold and silver mine.
In 1891, Clark was among a group of men who incorporated Hecla Mining Co., now one of the largest firms in the Coeur d'Alenes.
Find information about the Hecla Mining Co., which is still active in 2020.
1982
(A trio of partners) converted it [the mansion] into a restaurant, Patsy Clark's, which opened in 1982 and operated for 20 years (Clouse, 2019).
See? I told you I had future vision!
After being owned by investor Eugene Enloe, the house served as the Francis Lester Inn, a restaurant and event location, until 1982 (Boggs, 2004)
I think this means that the era of only events ended this year that it is going to be a restaurant. I originally thought the Francis Lester Inn was operating until this time. Boggs didn't make the information very clear (Boggs, 2004). Alexander and Weiser-Alexander also wrote that the Francis Lester Inn operated until 1982 (Patsy Clark, Mining Magnate & the Haunted Clark Mansion, 2010), as well as the City of Spokane itself! (City of Spokane, 2005). No wonder I was confused! Glad we cleared all that up.
1982 -- The first seven months was with nothing in the newspapers. I used two search terms: Clark Mansion and Patsy Clark's. This is a transition year for the name change. At the beginning of August -- BOOM! here we go.
1982 -- The first seven months was with nothing in the newspapers. I used two search terms: Clark Mansion and Patsy Clark's. This is a transition year for the name change. At the beginning of August -- BOOM! here we go.
4 August 1982
Clark Mansion to be preserved
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| The Spokesman-Review, Spokane WA 1982 |
The owners of Spokane's elegant Clark Mansion have given the state the power to preserve the historic building ....
Tony Anderson, Chuck Quinn and Ken Bauer gave the state a [sic] historic preservation easement.
That gives [the State Historic Preservation Officer] the authority to review and reject any proposed changes in the building's exterior ....
This easement is a binding agreement which will ensure that the landmark 1898 Victorian mansion will be preserved indefinitely.Here, in this article, we find the name of the third partner in the game, Ken Bauer. I don't recall seeing his name before this, only a reference to "a trio of partners."
5 August 1982
End of battle celebrated
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| Rayniak, 1982 Clark Mansion will probably look the same on the outside on the heels of an agreement between the state and owners of the mansion |
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| The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington, 1982 |
As the cork on a giant champagne bottle popped Wednesday, the five-year controversy over opening a restaurant in historic Clark Mansion came to an end.
The controversy started in 1977. Destruction of the building, a[n] historic landmark, was often cited as the only alternative to a commercial enterprise.
"This is one of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen," said Historic Preservation officer Jake Thomas. "It's pretty obvious that Cutter was basically having a good time spending a lot of money."
Clark Mansion to be restaurant
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| Spokane Chronicle, Spokane WA 1982 |
The Clark Mansion's 84-year-old history took another turn yesterday with the announcement that the imposing home in Brown's [sic] Addition will be turned into a restaurant.
Plans call for reopening the restaurant this October as "Patsy Clark's Restaurant," after spending $1 million to renovate and modernize the restaurant area .... [editor's note -- $1 million in 1982 would be over 2.6 BILLION today, in 2020]
To me, this advertisement is pride! They just look proud to finally advertise for applications.
8 October 1982
The New Restaurant will be accepting applications
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| Patsy Clark's, 1982 |
To me, this advertisement is pride! They just look proud to finally advertise for applications.
Patsy Clark's the New Restaurant at the Clark Mansion Will be accepting applications .... Prospective applicants must be well groomed, vibrant individuals willing to make the sacrifices of opening a new restaurant.
Patsy Clark's will be a dinner house operation with full cocktail service & capable of serving private dinner parties in our 4 banquet rooms. We will also serve Sunday brunch.
All applicants must come to interview with current telephone numbers for all business & personal work references used as references will be thoroughly checked.
26 October 1982
Clark Mansion now accepting reservations
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| Patsy Clark's, 1982 |
Another proud advertisement, this time with logo of the restaurant. I think it looks rather great!
27 October 1982
Good taste returns to mansion
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| Merryman, 1982 |
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| Merryman, 1982 |
Mining magnates, timber barons, captains of industry, princes of commerce and their ladies could expect an invitation to Patsy Clark's monument to Spokane's Gilded Age.
Ordinary folk strolling through Coeur d'Alene Park had to content themselves with speculation on the opulence behind the Clark Mansion's ebullient facade.
Come mid-November, the guest list will be open to anyone willing to pay for a luxurious meal at the renovated "Patsy Clark's Mansion."
After four years of controversy and $440,000 spent on the purchase and renovation of the 26-room house, ... Quinn ... and partners Ken Bauer and A.H. "Tony" Anderson will reopen the mansion as a restaurant. [Editor's note -- $440,000 in 1982 would be the equivalent of over 1.1 million in 2020]
It is a restaurant, said Quinn, of which Patrick Francis Clark himself would have been proud.
The article then goes into Clark's history, of which I covered in previous posts, and I prefer you look there for your history. Because, hey! I worked hard researching and writing the stuff.
By mid-century [1950s] the debutante had become a dowager. Periwinkle blue velvet wall-coverings had turned brown with nicotine. Coats of paint and false walls divided the upstairs living quarters. Plush Turkish carpets had thinned and faded.
Designed for show, not profit, the building survived the conversion to a hotel, a modeling school, a restaurant and a museum, but it never again prospered.
In 1977 [Quinn] purchased the building for $210,000 from contractor G.O. Larson. [equivalent to $893,000 in 2020]. Eight years earlier [1969] Larson had bought it for $100,000 when its previous owner had asked him for a demolition bid on the structure. [equivalent to $702,000 in 2020].
Rather than abandon the project, in 1979 Quinn and his partners asked for and won for a change in city zoning ordinances to permit special uses of historic buildings. For two years, they let the project rest. During that time, Quinn said, several of the restaurant's opponents moved away. Others apparently accepted defeat in the battle.
After receiving a[n] historic preservation award ... Quinn and his partners gave the state an historic easement ....
This summer, the partners launched the renovation project that Quinn said should faithfully restore the shine to the mansion's first two floors.
Though much of the original furniture had been sold at one point, one of the previous owners managed to buy it back at an estate sale. The hand-carved chairs, book cases, clocks, tables and settees are those that Cutter chose to fit the mood and scale of the house.
The article goes on to describe the lounge in which patrons will sit around the original dining table rather than at a bar; and the menu of prime rib, duck, lamb, seafood, steaks, and other delicacies.
Downstairs, Quinn said, the rack of lamb will be the high item on the menu at $16 or $17 per person [equivalent to $42 or $45 in 2020].
Upstairs, private parties will have the use of "Mr. Clark's Boardroom," "Mrs. Clark's Sitting Room" and "Mrs. Clark's Bedroom" for elegant dinners.
Several things caught my eye, not just the 2.5% inflation since 1982.
- This is the first article I've noticed that describes how bad the interior conditions became, with the nicotine walls and threadbare rugs.
- The author, Kathleen Merryman, has a wonderful sense of rhetoric with her use of archaic terms and descriptors. I could actually see the picture she painted with her words.
- In two years' time, most of the opposition moved out, leaving only 8 out of the original 90 or so protesters. That's a lot of turnover, there.
- Much of the original furniture had been lost, but was now found at an estate sale. That makes me wonder whose estate? How much did they pay for those items? Which items were they? Inquiring minds want to know.
- Interesting concept, having bar patrons sit around the large dining room.
- Three rooms are listed for smaller private parties and dinners. Elegant dinners. Dinners which I may never partake in my life.
30 October 1982
Restaurant needs 2 piano players
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| The Spokesman-Review, Spokane WA, 1982 |
If you are a piano player, here's your chance to play in history!
4 November 1982
Painting, We are Winding up the Clark Mansion
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| The Spokesman Review, Spokane WA 1982 |
I kind of like how this advertisement is both a unique wording and personalized ad. Pretty effective, plus what a feather in their cap -- Yes, I just painted the Clark Mansion! Do you want this historic brushwork on your place?
16 November 1982
Glittering mansion reborn as fine restaurant
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| Jamison, Quin, Anderson, Bauer, 1982 |
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| Feinstein, Glittering Mansion Reborn as Fine Restaurant, 1982 |
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| Jamison, Dreyer, banquet coordinator, 1982 |
If there is ever a place for elegant ghosts, this is it.
You can just see their glittery, wispy gowns wafting past the Tiffany windows, hear the rustle of phantom satins across the Oriental rugs, sense the shadows of posh parties past flickering against the Cherub-painted ceilings.
This is Patsy Clark's mansion, an impossibly ornate edifice flaunting its fluted columns on Second Avenue.
It's been teasing passers-by with its Victorian facade for decades.
Ya gotta love good rhetoric!
It's well-nigh impossible for the architecture buff, the history buff or the merely curious to contemplate the exterior of the fine old mansion for more than a few moments without giving birth to a gnawing desire to see what lurks within. [Editor's note -- Yep. That's me! I want to go inside in the worst way!]
This is more than a pretty restaurant or an elegant place to dine. This is one of the finest old houses in the state.
At this point, we get more history that I've already covered in previous posts.
Since its heyday as a social setting for the most gilded of Spokane's Gilded Age, the Clark Mansion has had a spotty history.
It has been both a nursing home [ed.note -- I didn't find that in my research] and a hotel. It has housed Frosty's Cakery, a catering service, and the Academie of Professional Modeling.
In the '50s it was the scene of Saturday night dances for teenagers [again, I never saw that information in my research, until now]. In the early '60s there was a bad fire on the top floor.
Yep, I covered that one. That fire was not mentioned in any other histories that I am aware of, probably because there is so much to write about and so little space to say everything.
And through it all, incredibly, it retained its architectural integrity and beauty, much of its original finishes and fixtures. Through all the various owners and assorted uses that the old mansion experienced, much of its magnificence somehow survived -- the mahogany and bronze, the bird's-eye maple woodwork in the upstairs bedrooms, the fireplaces of mosaic and onyx, the opaline glass lamps, the brass and crystal chandeliers.
Eating at the mansion will be very much like it was at the turn of the century.
The same magnificent grandfather clock, 9 1/2 feet tall, still chimes in the lobby. The very velvet embroidered curtains and drapes that hung when Clark gave parties there still grace the windows.
The same chairs and mirrors, the same China cabinet, the same fancy furniture, the same fairy-tale opulence that surrounded Patsy Clark when he dined, will surround anyone with the price of a fancy meal.
As Chuck Quinn, one of the new owners [for five years], put it recently, "This is not a restaurant. This is the preservation of a house via a restaurant."Oh, my! I really want to inspect that building now!
17 November 1982
Congratulations to the management and staff
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| KWV Wines, 1982 |
The Clark Mansion is now Open and Serving
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| Patsy Clark's, 1982 |
Age of Elegance returns with Mansion Opening
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| Parsons, Age of Elegance Returns with Mansion Opening, 1982 |
This describes how the first opening night went described as the Age of Elegance. Some of the 115 guests wore period costumes and drove antique cars, all of which was reminiscent of the hey-days of the Mansion Clark Built.
The guest lists the three owners, the mayor, among others.
The Priest of the Spokane Catholic Diocese blessed the event "in the name of Patsy Clark, who donated the altar at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, among his other contributions to the community."
More familiar house history.
Quinn said that after a total investment equally [sic] the original cost of the mansion "Patsy Clark's restaurant will offer fine dining in Spokane's most comfortable atmosphere and at a reasonable price."
Although only dinners will be served at this time, a daily "tea time" in the same manner as Mrs. Mary Stack Clark held for freinds every afternoon at 3:30 p.m., will be honored at the mansion, featuring a wide variety of libations and gourmet foods.
Guests paid $35 per person [equal to about $93 in 2020], with proceeds to go to the Eastern Washington Historical Society.
The ends of the beams in the dining room has 29 monk heads looking down on diners -- each of the heads, carved in Europe, have a different expression.Is there any significance to the number 29? If you know, drop me a line, either in the comment box down below or in the contact form on the right.
The cream onyx fireplace in what was once the French drawing room was the setting for the biggest wedding remembered in Spokane's early days. Ella Clark, one of the Clark's six children, married Harry Richards. She walked down the stairs of the great house to meet the groom in front of the fireplace in what is now the restaurant's largest dining room.
26 November 1982
Rick Powers named General Manager
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| The Spokesman-Review, 1982 |
Clark Mansion is finished ad
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| The Spokesman-Review, 1982 |
Here's another advertisement essentially saying "The brush that touched the Clark Mansion can now make a mansion of your home"
3 December 1982
The former manager of a Bellevue restaurant has been named manager
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| Spokane Chronicle, 1982 |
6 December 1982
Clark Mansion Chose Scollard's Custom Draperies
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| Spokane Chronicle, 1982 |
Your house can look like a million dollars!
15 December 1982
Gala raises #2,900
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| Parsons, Gala raises $2,900, 1982 |
The Eastern Washington State Historical Society got a check from the grand opening dinner. You know, the one where people paid $35 per head (almost $100 per person). Well the check was for $2,900, which is over $7,700 in 2020 (Official Data Foundation, 2020).
That was quick! The afternoon "tea time," in the tradition of Mrs. Mary Stack Clark, has been revived with a wide variety of libations served in the elegant style.
Patsy Clark's looking for a baker
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| The Spokesman-Review, 1982 |
17 December 1982
The Ultimate Christmas Gift ad
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| Spokane Chronicle, 1982 |
18 December 1982
Assistant Wine Steward, Dishwasher needed
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| The Spokesman Review, 1982 |
20 December 1982
Garnet Dinner Ring
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| The Spokesman Review, 1982 |
Time for an Intellectual Interlude
Etsy has many images of a variety of Garnet Dinner Rings. Garnet is a ruby-red gemstone that is very lovely
Dinner Ring: According to Market Square Jewelers the dinner ring is a less ostentatious complement to the Cocktail Ring. "When Prohibition was enacted in 1920 ... the cocktail was born as a way to make these harsh [moonshine and homemade liquor] more palatable. Speakeasy night clubs and cocktail parties were an opportunity for the fashion setting flappers to show off their style, and flaunt their liberation. Cocktail in hand, rings were the perfect accessory for this new lifestyle.
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| Market Square Jewelers, 2019 |
After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the cocktail party became ... more mainstream. ... the cocktail party became the dinner party ... and the dinner ring was born. [They] are lower in profile but no less glamorous. the "north to south" style is most notably associated with the term. This design stretches along the length of the finger.
The Way it Was
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| Rutherford E., The Way it Was, 1982 |
Nostalgi-crusted charm of earlier days was evoked by the recent opening of Patsy Clark's Restaurant .... Butlers, cooks, maids, and other "hired help" aided in producing a gracious life style.
Each of those beautiful edifices were homes of families that had the wherewithall to furnish the spacious rooms with furniture and furnishings commensurate with the quality of the home. And the ladies of the manor made sure her table was set with nothing but the best.
Reminders of that bygone era were recalled by one prominent Spokane hostess, who wishes to remain anonymous. A true gentlewoman, who dislikes publicity about her private life, she will be known as Jane Smith in this story.
Describing her formal dinner parties, she laughingly referred to the problems of seating guests so two men or two women would not be seated next to each other.
Another of Smith's problems was getting the maid from the kitchen without breaking into anyone's conversation. "I worked out my own system of unobtrusively pressing a bell contrivance which rang in the kitchen when I needed help. One ring meant one thing, two rings gave a different message and so on" she explained.
"It was a definite rule that from the setting of the table until it was cleared for dessert a plate must remain at every place. An elaborate service plate was at each setting before we were at table. Our dinners would begin with a clear consomme served in a proper, but impractical two-handled dish. It was impractical because handles break off so easily. Next was a fish course before the entree. A salad course was served before the dessert, definitely a departure from today's serving style.
"Before the dessert was served another elaborate service plate holding a doily topped with a finger bowl was put at each place. Then before the maid brought in the dessert, guests would pick the coily and fingerbowl off the service plate and put them above their own places.
"I remember the embarrassment of one of our guests who didn't pick up the doily and the maid had to put the dessert on it."
Any self-respecting hostess would have the fingerbowl less than half filled with cold water, and occasionally would float a gardenia, a few violets, or another flower in it.
The ubiquitous Emily Post of that era stressed "A slice of lemon is never seen in a well-appointed house in an after-dessert fingerbowl."
"A bread and butter plate is never used at a formal dinner," said Smith. "The maid would pass rolls or bread in a flat dish or a basket. The guest would help himself and put the bread or roll on the tablecloth."
The much-adhered-to Post noted that "dishes must always be presented to the left of the person being served, and it is better that plates be removed at the left too, but if more convenient, to removed them from the right was permissible."
Emily had rigid rules for seating the guests. The lady of highest rank is on the host's right. The lady of the next highest rank is on his left. The third lady sits on the right of the man of highest rank. The fourth lady on the left of man of the second rank and so on. The lowest in rank is nearest the center.
Emily doesn't explain how a harried hostess could ascertain who had what rank.
She pointed out that today's informality may be a lot less work and worry, but that today's mad-paced life has lost some of the "graciousness of life that lent a richness to living in those early years."
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Resources
Boggs, A. (2004, July 15). Patsy Clark's looks like a million. Retrieved December 13, 2019, from SpokesmanReview.com: https://web.archive.org/web/20071029212221/http://www.spokesmanreview.com/tools/story_pf.asp?ID=15707
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/
Craig, J. (1981, November 21). Tony Anderson awarded for Preserving the Historic Clark Mansion. Retrieved February 2020, from Spokane Chronicle: Newspapers.com
Davis, H. (1981, July 16). Planners are told to include past . (by Ancestry) Retrieved February 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Davis, H. (1981, August 1). Mansion proposal gets OK . Retrieved January 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Feinstein, A. (1982, November 16). Glittering mansion reborn as fine restaurant . Retrieved January 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Frank, J. (1981, August 22). Legal Notice for use as restaurant. Retrieved January 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Herron, S. (1981, August 1). Mansion owners to try again for restaurant approval . Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washingto: Newspapers.com
Jamison, D. (1982, November 16). Glittering mansion reborn as fine restaurant Dreyer, banquet co-ordinator. Retrieved January 24, 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Jamison, D. (1982, November 16). Glittering mansion reborn as fine restaurant image Quinn Anderson Bauer. Retrieved January 24, 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Johnson, A. (1981, November 26). Mines Produced the Riches that Built Spokane. Retrieved January 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
KWV Wines. (1982, November 17). Congratulations to the management and staff. (Sannev, Inc.) Retrieved February 23, 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Market Square Jewelers. (2019, February 26). The History of Dinner Rings. Retrieved February 24, 2020, from MSJ Handbook: https://www.marketsquarejewelers.com/blogs/msj-handbook/the-history-of-dinner-rings
Merryman, K. (1982, October 27). Good taste returns to mansion. Retrieved January 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Official Data Foundation. (2020, February 20). Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator. (I. Webster, Editor, & Alioth Finance) Retrieved February 24, 2020, from U.S. Official Inflation Data: https://www.in2013dollars.com/; https://www.officialdata.org/
P. C. (1981, June 30). Browne's Addition Walking Tour . (by Ancestry) Retrieved February 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Parsons, O. J. (1980, March 2). Poor Clare Sisters honor benefactors. Retrieved February 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Parsons, O. J. (1980, March 18). Auctioneve II results. Retrieved February 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Parsons, O. J. (1980, November 9). An Interesting Party Recently. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Parsons, O. (1982, November 17). Age of Elegance returns with mansion opening. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Parsons, O. (1982, December 15). Gala raises $2,900. Retrieved February 23, 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Patsy Clark's. (1982, October 8). The New Restaurant will be accepting applications. Retrieved January 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Patsy Clark's. (1982, October 26). The Clark Mansion now accepting reservations. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Patsy Clark's. (1982, November 17). The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. Retrieved February 23, 2020, from The Clark Mansion is now Open and Serving: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Preecs, B. (1981, August 6). Restaurant plan approved. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Rayniak, B. (1982, August 5). Clark Mansion Image with article End of battle celebrated, Ancestry. Retrieved February 23, 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com by Ancestry
Rutherford, E. (1981, November 15). Flower Show Highlights History. Retrieved January 2020, from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Rutherford, E. (1982, December 20). The way it was. Retrieved January 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com, by Ancestry
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1980, March 5). Auctioneve II items are Varied. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1980, September 5). Five guilds slate party. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1981, May 6). Preservation workshop set. (by Ancestry) Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, S. W. (1981, July 23). Clark Mansion merits on board's agenda. (by Ancestry) Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1981, August 7). Clark Mansion Gets Go on Food. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1981, November 5). Guilds' School Benefit. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1981, November 13). The Holiday Showcase. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1981, November 14). Centennial Elegance. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1982, August 5). Clark Mansion to be restaurant. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1982, December 3). The former manager of a Bellevue restaurant has been named manager. Retrieved FEbruary 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1982, December 6). The Clark Mansion Chose Scollard's Custom Draperies. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington. (1982, December 17). Ultimate Christmas Gift. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com, by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1982, December 18). Assistant Wine Steward, Dishwasher. Retrieved February 23, 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1980, January 17). Public events scheduled for Ethel Kennedy's visit. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1980, March 8). Auctioneve II. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: Newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1980, October 2). Spokane String Quartet to begin season. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1980, November 28). Artists at reception. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1981, April 29). Preservation Meeting. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1981, May 1). A [sic] Historical Preservation Workshop. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1981, May 7). Preservation -- Exploring the history of your house and neighborhood. (by Ancestry) Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, S. W. (1981, July 11). Carriage House Attic Sale. (by Ancestry) Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1981, September 29). Martha Shannon Fundraiser. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1981, November 6). Christmas Bazaar. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1981, November 13). A Centennial Flower Show will be presented. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1981, November 15). Centennial Chrysanthemums. Retrieved February 2020, from Newspapers.com: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1982, August 4). Clark Mansion to be preserved. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1982, August 5). End of battle celebrated. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1982, October 30). Restaurant needs 2 piano players. Retrieved February 23, 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1982, November 4). Painting, we are winding up The Clark Mansion. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1982, November 28). Rick Powers named general manager. Retrieved February 20202, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1982, November 26). The Clark Mansion is finished ad. Retrieved January 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1982, December 25). looking for a baker. Retrieved February 23, 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane Washington. (1982, December 20). Garnet Dinner Ring. Retrieved February 23, 2020, from Newspapers.com by Ancestry: newspapers.com
Warren, V. (1981, November 26). Splendid Homes Reflected Owners' New Riches. Retrieved January 2020, from Spokane Chronicle, Spokane Washington: Newspapers.com
Events at the Mansion and Walking tour. Shared
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