Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library collaborated with the Clayton Historical Association to feature the past, current, and future achievements of leading ladies from the Town of Clayton.

The organizations held an event, titled Trailblazing Women of Clayton: A Women’s History Celebration on Saturday, March 16 in Town Council Chambers (111 East Second Street). It highlighted the lives of the following four iconic women and their roles in shaping the Town of Clayton's history:

• Sarah Stallings – divided her property in 1856 into plots along the railroad, known as Stallings Station, and was portrayed by Donna White, Representative of NC House District 26
• Lillie Mial –taught at a private school for black children that her husband started in 1886, later renamed William M. Cooper High School, and was portrayed by Symphony Murray, a student at American Leadership Academy
• Jessie Thurston – started the Woman’s Club of Clayton in 1918 and served as President until 1921. She served as county welfare superintendent (1925 – 1941), was a writer for the Smithfield Herald, and was portrayed by Bella Johnson, a student at American Leadership Academy
• Lucile Hocutt – led the movement for a public library in 1927 that came to fruition in 1931. Later, she deeded her home and land to the Town of Clayton in 1965 for future use as a public library and was portrayed by Ginger Jones, Clayton resident. 

A special presentation followed the performances. Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library and the Clayton Historical Association honored long-time Town of Clayton employee Pamela Baumgartner.

“Her attentive and tireless work over the years made this event possible,” said Library Director Joy Garretson. “We are grateful for Pam and wanted to show our appreciation by bestowing an award that encompassed her exceptional contributions to preserving the historical legacy of the Town of Clayton, NC.”

Baumgartner served as historian at Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library from 2007-2022. During that time, she collected photos, documents, and files to keep a living archive that would continue to tell the Town of Clayton’s story, and in 2008, she went on to publish Images of America: Clayton. 

“I love to find the pictures and then find out the stories behind them,” said Baumgartner. “…when you enjoy what you’re doing or what you did - and so many people helped you, so many people in the community helped me find information. It was a community effort. Anything that was done, it involved a lot of people, a lot of support.”

If you had a question related to the Town’s history, Baumgartner became your go-to person. She had endless historical nuggets to share, but the dialogue would also spark new ideas and topics for research. To her, there was a personal connection. She wasn’t just learning about the Town of Clayton’s history. She was learning about her own family history as well. Her family roots run deep with ancestors settling in this area back in 1762. 

“Our family stayed here on both of my mother’s sides, her grandparents,” said Baumgartner “So, I think it’s important. I wanted to learn what they did, where they lived, how many children, family names. The kids all call me - all my nieces and nephews - asking what some of the names are. You know, I want a family name. So, it’s fun to help them out.”

During some moments of reflection, Baumgartner contemplated how much the Town of Clayton has grown over the years.

“My mother graduated from Clayton High School in 1944 or 1945,” said Baumgartner. “I graduated in 1969. My daughter, my last child, she graduated in 2009. We went from… I think I had 72 in my (graduating) class. My daughter had close to 400 in her class, and I think my mother had 16.”

With each passing year comes changes, which Baumgartner has seen over the length of her career. While technology has been beneficial for research and archival purposes, she is investing time and energy into preserving the classics: old-fashioned storytelling and photos. 

“We grew up in the age where you’re taking pictures,” said Baumgartner. “Now, it’s all digital, and you don’t always have a lot of copies. They could be gone, which drives me crazy. What I’m trying to do is go through and find the oldest pictures of my family and get them put together in some kind of form, so they can be passed on.”

Today, Baumgartner continues her work with the Johnston County Heritage Board and Clayton Historical Association. She says everyone can play a part in history and encourages people to preserve historical memorabilia that they may have stuffed away or come across in their own homes, so those items can be logged and shared with others. Baumgartner says history can be a conversation piece that gives people a sense of connection. 

“I hope it improves their self-confidence and their feelings about their community… that they are a part of it. It gives them a sense of pride and belonging, I think, when they know more about their community and the things around them,” said Baumgartner.

To dive deeper into the Town of Clayton’s history, visit Clayton History  | Clayton, NC (townofclaytonnc.org).