Pette Spansell Clark (1908-2000)
In grateful memory of the woman whose generous gift made the Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park possible.
Pette was born in New Mexico Territory, where she grew up on a large ranch and developed a great affinity for the outdoors. Her interest in the natural world led her to obtain a degree in geology from Washington University in St. Louis, where she met and later married Robert Clark.
In 1940 the Clarks moved to Richmond and, vacationing near Deltaville, they fell in love with the area. In 1946 they bought a summer cottage across Mill Creek from the present museum property, which they named "Clarkova". In the following years, their friendship with Captain Jerome Jackson resulted in their purchase of the Jackson Family homestead located near where the museum buildings now stand. For the next two decades, the Clarks purchased land adjacent to this house and in the surrounding area, a total of nearby 40 acres, in an effort to protect the land from development.
Pette was a dedicated environmentalist and protector of wildlife long before it became fashionable. She cared deeply for the animals, birds, and marine life on her property and left the majority of the land a natural habitat. In 1989 she gave her Deltaville property to Middlesex County wishing to establish a nature preserve where all
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In 2002 the Deltaville Community Association leased the Clark property and volunteers began developing the nature park and the maritime museum. The water and the museum became an independent non-profit organization in 2011.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 37° 33.094′ N, 76° 19.488′ W. Marker is in Deltaville, Virginia, in Middlesex County. Marker can be reached from Jackson Creek Road (Virginia Route 660) 0.1 miles north of Orchard Lane, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Deltaville VA 23043, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Marine Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); Boarding Cutter (within shouting distance of this marker); Explorer (within shouting distance of this marker); Deltaville Dollies (within shouting distance of this marker); Oyster Tongs (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Boarding Cutter (within shouting distance of this marker); Flagpole and Flag Etiquette (within shouting
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
