I have a story to tell you today—a story that makes me smile. It’s about the goodness of people and West Concord’s history besides.
At the Museum this summer we received an “out of the blue” phone call from a gentleman named Gerry Day who lives in the state of Oregon. His sister, Sue Armintrout, had inherited from their mother, Irma Day, a beloved antique walnut bed with a West Concord connection. When Irma bought the bed in Salem, Oregon in 1970, the following letter came with it:
The Clifford Bed
Made in 1842, by A. French Clifford in Bangor, Maine. Carved
from black walnut with the footboard of oak, bowed to fit
the frame, and with the design of pre-Victorian fleur-de-lis
and medallions. (Early Victorian influences were felt, however,
in the carvings). This is the original finish as handed to my
grandfather, Dr. Frank F. Clifford, who used it in his guest
room in West Concord, Minnesota. Upon inheriting the bed,
my mother used it in the main bedroom before she raised
a family and was able to buy other furniture. She kept it
for about 60 years, waxing and polishing it, but retaining
the original finish.
(Signed by Beth Dow, Dr. Clifford’s granddaughter)
Gerry and Sue very much wanted the bed to go to a good home where it would be cherished in its original condition, not cut up or painted. Through research they discovered our Historical Society and offered to donate the bed to us if we could find a way to transport it from Oregon to Minnesota.
The Museum indeed wanted the beautiful bed with its Dr. Clifford connection and set out exploring ways to get it to West Concord. Every avenue explored was far too expensive so one of our Board Directors suggested we put a plea on Facebook for someone who might be taking a road trip to the Pacific Northwest and would be willing to bring the bed back with them. It was a long shot, but two very supportive and kind community members answered the call to service. Beth Hodgman and Brad Johnson absolutely warmed our hearts, when—although they weren’t planning a road trip to Oregon—decided to take one, just to help us out. Where can you find people like that? With loving care Beth communicated with Sue in Dallas, OR and coordinated plans for the bed pick up. Brad and Beth traveled 4065 miles over Labor Day week and on Monday, September 8th, the Clifford Bed arrived at the museum. It is set up in the Heritage Room and looks so much like it was always meant to be there. We’re happy to say that Beth and Brad did get to see some sights and have some adventures, too. We will always be grateful to them.
So you may be asking, “What’s all this hubbub anyway about something that belonged to Dr. Clifford?” I can’t overstate what Dr. Clifford meant to West Concord from 1892 to 1938. He arrived in West Concord only 7 years after the founding of the town. In his 46 years of medical practice he was a most important member of the West Concord community. He took on many roles—from Mayor to Fire Chief to School Board member to Postmaster—he served in a multitude of capacities. He also took on leading roles in the West Concord Dramatic Club’s plays. He even played tuba in the Modern Woodmen of America band in town. Dr. Clifford donated the land where the Methodist Church (now the Bell Tower Center) was built. His lovely home stands today directly south of the church on Irvin Street.
At that very home in September of 1933, the West Concord Enterprise reported that “One of the most beautiful home weddings that ever has taken place in West Concord, occurred Tuesday afternoon at the home of Dr. F. F. Clifford, when his daughter, May, was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Bert K. Johnson.” We have come full circle. Sue and Gerry’s mother, Irma, in Oregon purchased the bed from May’s
daughter, Beth, and now the bed has come home.
Next month’’s article will be about Dr. Clifford’s life in West Concord—there is so much to tell. In the meantime, please come visit the Museum to see the bed at home in the Heritage Room. Somehow it feels like the Clifford Bed is glad to be back.
