Letter – Hampton to McBean; “… My husband and I would be very honored to present two of our limited edition prints to President and Mrs.Carter …”; (Hampton House Studios); 07/01/1977; 23 pgs

Hampton, B Folder Citation: Collection: White House Central File; Series: Name File; Folder: Hampton, B; Container: 1378 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 15, 1978 To Ben Hampton Hugh Carter has given me the clay pots which you found at a Cherokee campsite 30 miles from Memphis. also As you may know, my son Jeff/has a deep interest in archaeology. He was as thrilled as I was when he learned that these native American artifacts are from 600 to 800 years old. You may be sure that my family and I will always cherish your thoughtful gift. Sincerely, Jimmy Carter Mr. Ben Hampton 3911 North Mission Oaks Drive Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412 7803161835 30 clay fots handwritten notation March 15, 1978 To Ben Hampton Hugh Carter has given me the clay pots which you found at a Cherokee campsite 30 miles from Memphis. As you may know, my son Jeff has a deep interest in archaeology. He was as thrilled as I was when he learned that these native American artifacts are from 600 to 800 years old. You may be sure that my family and I will always cherish your thoughtful gift. Sincerely, JIMMY CAR Mr. Ben Hampton 3911 North Mission Oaks Drive Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412 cc: Hugh Carter JC/mh/jmc/pt 3/11/78 Charles Free -- President Carter has taken the small bowls which Hugh Carter's friend found near Memphis to theMansion along with the "gift processing report" which was filled out. Please send a duplicate of the "report" to Marie Hallion so she can prepare draft response for President's signature. (a very, very nice one.) Thanks -- Susan Clough THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 10, 1978 MEMORANDUM FOR CHARLES FREE FROM: HUGH CARTER Please find attached a package sent to me for the President. Susan Clough indicated to me that she would like to have this gift sent back to her after it has been logged and acknowledged. I suggest an appropriate Presidential acknowledgement be sent. Thank you. Mr. Hamptonies Hig -Kathy Reed, TN 6 1727 3-14- FROM HAMPTON HOUSE STUDIOS 3911 N. Mission Oaks Dr. Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412 10: MR. HUGH A. CARTER, JR. ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT WHITE HOUSE STAFF WEST WING - WHITE HOUSE OFFICE WASHINGTON, D. C., 20500. AERA this pot came this pot came from a Cherobee from a cherokee Indian site Indian site approx 30 mi. approx 30 ini. up stream from up stream from Memphis, Tow. Memphis, Tm. 600 to 800 yrs. old 600 To 800 years ald DenHampton July 21, 1977 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hampton: I have for acknowledgment your letter to Mrs. Madeline MacBean telling her of your wish to present two of your limited edition prints to the President and Mrs. Carter. Your thoughtfulness in wanting to send such a gift is indeed appreciated. However, President and Mrs. Carter have decided that neither they nor members of their family should accept offers of personal gifts. We hope you will understand this decision and know that this expression of your friendship means much to the Carters. with their best wishes, Sincerely, Rhonda Bush Director of Correspondence for Mrs. Carter Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hampton 3911 North Mission Oaks Drive Chattanooga, J Tennessee 37412 RB: MFW: RI em Gift offer/turndown RECEIVED JUL 25 1977 SOCIAL FILES THE WHITE HOUSE washington Mrs. C The artist & wife, Mr. & Mrs. Ben Hampton, want to present you with any 2 of the 3 limited edition prints, miniatures of which are attached. They would be valued at more than $50. each (This info per Charlene Cozart of the WH Personnel Office who brought this correspondence over.) Carol 7/6/77 m.can handle this ANNA MS MS V 1 MEMORANDUM THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON TO: Marge Wicklein FROM: Madeline MacBean M nfm Marge, per our telephone conversation today. I'm sure that if these were personal friends, Mrs. Carter would have noted it. Thanks. mm 7/18 Hampton House Studios 3911 N. MISSION OAKS DR. CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 37412 PHONE 867.3880 July 1, 1977 Dear Mrs. Mc Bean, my husband and l would be very honored to present two of our limited edition prints to President and Mrs. Carter. We are great ad. mirers of them both, and hope they will enjoy seeing as dol and many other nature Georgians, the inspirational scenes of the South included in this collection Enclose d are miniatures of prints to choose from eration. Thank you for your consid- Mainmis. Sincerely Ben Hampton may Dykster 100 7/30/29 TON 11 HOUSE STUDIOS PROCLAIM LIBERTY PROCLAIM LIBERTY N. Mission Oaks Dr. PROCLAIM LIBERTY USA 13 USA hattanooga, Tenn. 37412 PROCLAIM LIBERTY USA 13c USA13c 7-3880 C.H. THROUGHOUT SM ALLTHE LAND LAND THROU UGHOUT THE ALLTHE LAND THRO OUGHOUT 13 HELAND ALL THE DNAT mptons daughter - Patsy whitworth TN DAATTAN a of JUL 374 1977 Wicklyn WHITE HOUSE MAIL RECEPTION & SECURITY JUL 5 1977 Processed by 5 your >> Mrs. Charlene Cogart X2260 X The Wilde Howse Personel offer Executate office Washington Presoo THE OF Den Hampto Ben Hampton american artist Artist naturalist Ben Hampton is known for his These observations have become a vital part of Ben is not the product of any formal art unique style of translating nature into reality on his paintings and are the features that have institute-but a self-taught artist. His art mirrors the canvas. Ben Hampton, as a native of drawn SO many to his art. His rise to fame was a unique style-his own style. This individuality pictorial Chattanooga, Tennessee, has drawn only a matter of time. is expressed in each of his works-his portrayal much inspiration for his paintings from these Ben's artistic talent was recognized in his of nature in a most realistic and alive way sets surroundings. His early life in the outlying rural chosen profession, commercial art, as he was the mood for all of his paintings. areas, endeared him to the wonders of nature the recipient of fifteen national awards for and the past that he SO well reflects in his works. excellence. He devoted his leisure time to Ben Hampton is contributing to the fostering painting for pleasure, and from this pursuit of a true awareness of the American way of Ben's innate artistic talent was evident early some of his now well known paintings life. Ben feels that understanding the past in his life. His devotion to the wonders of nature developed. In 1973, with encouragement makes the present so much more meaningful, inspired him to sketch intensely and accurately and support from his family, Ben decided to and one cannot help but image the past when his surroundings. This talent was nurtured as he forego his career in commercial art, and paint enjoying his works of art. The humble cabin, concentrated on communicating with the quiet professionally. His success was immediate - the horse drawn wagon, the old red barn, the beautiful world of nature. He gave special the public excitedly accepted his paintings. His hand plow-all characteristic of rural southern attention to every detail of the trees he saw, original oils are in great demand and are Appalachia, reflect a bygone era, but an era the birds he heard and the animals he loved. priced in the $18,000 to $20,000 range. that made for the greatness of America. LATEST RELEASES: SORGHUM MILL Sorghum molasses, a syrup made from the sweet juice of sugar cane, was cooked in a large vat and stored in buckets. Rich in iron and vitamin B, it played an important part in the pioneers diet, and is still enjoyed today. PLATE 1 - SERIES IV SIZE 13" X 26" NANCY WARD - CHEROKEE NATION Nancy Ward, "Wild Rose of the Cherokee" was one of the greatest women in American frontier history. She was a constant friend of the pioneer and served as a peacemaker between the settlers and the Indians. Except for Nancy Ward, the process of settling the Tennessee country would have been delayed by the constant friction between the Indians and the whites. Nancy Ward, with her trade beads, red tail hawk headdress and Cherokee pottery is the focal point of the montage. From this focal point of the petroglyph or Indian sign, the eye moves to Fort Marr, flying the British flag and from there to the covered wagon and livestock crossing the mountains into Tennessee. Completing the composite is the Cherokee Council meeting and the old tavern, located on the banks of the Ocoee - where Nancy Ward spent her last years. A monument marks her grave site in Polk County near Benton, Tennessee. SIZE 21½" X 20" CRIB HOUSE A companion to the creek house is another utilitarian construction - the crib house - used for storing corn for the livestock. The crib house was constructed on stilts to deter the rodents and SO designed that the wagons could be driven in under the cover and out of the elements for unloading. In this painting is a fox squirrel, perched on the rail, ready to scurry to his bed in the tree behind the shed. CAROLINA HAZE Plate II, Series III (14½" X 25") The pioneer home high in the mountains of North Carolina, near Tuckaseegee, is the setting for "Carolina Haze." Fir, hemlock, and spruce mingled with red bud line the background. Forsithia adoms the limestone wall adjoining the rail fence. The budding peach is nourished by the everflowing cool spring that provides water for the entire family, livestock and poultry. PLATE IV-SIZE 18" X 113/4" CREEK HOUSE Reflecting on days gone by, the creek house is a part of a complex of buildings at Claude's Creek of the Ooltewah-Snow Hill area. The building was constructed on the natural contour of the land, and the limestone wall shown in the painting was built to hold the bank in place. An everflowing spring in the creek house furnished water for BRIDGEPORT FERRY Plate I Series III (14½" X 213/4'') the family and provided a place to store butter, milk, and cheese. One of the many landmarks to be found in the tiny community Shown feeding on larvae, of Bridgeport, Alabama, is the shiny brown ferry that makes tadpoles and minnows in the creek dozens of trips daily across the Tennessee River. Once numerous is a tipped heron. as a mode of transportation, the ferryboat has all but SIZE 18" X 113/4" PLATE III disappeared from the American scene. SERIES II SUNDAY MORNING Plate IV, Series Il (103/4" X 22") The quiet stillness of a new snow in the Sequatchie Valley is obvious to the family snuggled warmly in their horse drawn buggy proceeding slowly but surely to their destination, the AUTUMN WATCH Plate III, Series II (14½" X 213/4") chapel in the misty distance. The beauty along the country High in the Appalachians where Autumn arrives early road is a silent winter wonderland-the silence being broken stand two barren apple trees inaugurating their Autumn only by the turning wheels of the buggy and the steady Watch over the valley below. The old house in the distance cadence of the horse's hooves. with its wide porch overlooking the valley suggests that the beauty of the valley may have been enjoyed for generations. GENTLE MIST Plate II, Series Il (141/4" X 213/4'') A summer sunrise, wrapped in a gentle mist, welcomes a new day for the formers of Middle Tennessee. Snipe and APPALACHIAN SPRING Plate I, Series Il (18" X 24") killdeer awake to the daylight around the bullrushes in the peaceful water of the farm pond and stirrings are The Great Smoky Mountains usher in spring in a grand and glorious imagined in the farmhouse and barn in the hazy manner. The full bloom of the azaleas, dogwoods, and background. A new day is born-the earth is alive and all rhododendron, the lush green of the grass and trees welcomes that is in it. Appalachian spring. DAD "Dad" is a character study of an old farmer of Hog Jaw valley. "The old man bears a striking resemblance to my own Dad," stated Ben Hampton when being interviewed about the painting. Great attention was given to facial detail-the kind expression, the gentle eyes, the deep wrinkles, the weathered lines-coupled with the friendly gesture of the hand, all gave special character and meaning to "Dad." PONDERING QUAIL The brilliance of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains created a subject for "Pondering Quail." The peaceful mountain retreat is situated among the sumac, sweetgum and chestnuts-leaves all ablaze with the colors of autumn. The covey of quail seem to be pondering over whether winter is really very near. (161/2" X 20") (17½" X 171/2") THE STUMP In the swamps of Georgia, near Dalton on the Conasauga River, Ben Hampton has captured on canvas a common sight-"the stump." Seeking refuge at the base of the stump is a cane cutter rabbit, surveying the surroundings which are its natural habitat. SAND MOUNTAIN CABIN This abandoned cabin on Sand Mountain near Stevenson, Alabama, brings to memory the past. The old homestead is returning to its natural state of grass, weeds, hickory saplings and refuge for wildlife. The bare trees suggest a late fall scene with winter on its way. (141/4" X 20") (161/2" X 20") CLAUDE'S CREEK (13" X 26") GOOD EARTH (24" X 151/2") Picturesque rural American landscape is a favorite of Ben The Good Earth is a composite of sights familiar to Ben Hampton. The complex of old farm buildings situated on Hampton. One can almost feel the weariness of the old the creek between Ooltewah and Snow Hill was familiar farmer as he prepares his ground for spring planting. to the artist as he fished there often as a young boy. He The farmers in the Appalachian hills and mountains felt vividly painted from memories of his youth and truly a special pride in their homesteads as is evidenced by yesteryear is reflected. the well-kept farmhouse, surrounding buildings and split rail fence in this painting. WINTER REFUGE The old fence post, standing silently and majestically in the new fallen snow is a familiar sight to rural Americans in the winter months. Near Bridgeport, Alabama, this site is common to the farmers as they patiently wait for spring. The quail in the foreground are not quite as patient in their watch for spring as they seem to seek refuge under the tall sage grass, knowing that their wait will be a long one. MONUMENT TO AN, ERA (25%" X 19") On "yen side of the river" across from South Pittsburg, Tennessee, the past is brought to life in "Monument to an Era." The weathered barn, the rusty mowing machine, the quail seeking refuge from (13" X 26") the approaching storm-our heritage preserved so colorfully and accurately by Ben Hampton. Hampton House Studios 3911 N. Mission Oaks Dr. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412 ISSUE ISSUE COLLECTOR SIZE EDITION DATE PRICE PRICE Sorghum Mill 13" X 26" 1,500 S/N Nov. 1976 $35.00 — Sorghum Mill 13" X 26" 3,500 S/O Nov. 1976 $25.00 - Nancy Ward 211/2" X 20" 5,000 S/O July 1976 $25.00 - Crib House & Creek House 113/4" X 18" 1,500 S/N Apr. 1976 $45.00 $ 75.00 Crib House & Creek House 113/4" X 18" 2,500 S/O Apr. 1976 $30.00 Sold Out Carolina Haze 141/4" X 25" 1,500 S/N Nov. 1975 $30.00 $125.00 Carolina Haze 141/4" X 25" 2,000 S/O Nov. 1975 $20.00 $ 75.00 Bridgeport Ferry 14½" X 213/4" 1,000 S/N Apr. 1975 $30.00 $125.00 Bridgeport Ferry 14½" X 213/4" 2,500 S/O Apr. 1975 $20.00 $ 50.00 Sunday Morning 103/4" X 22" 1,000 S/N Dec. 1974 $30.00 $100.00 Sunday Morning 103/4" X 22" 2,500 S/O Dec. 1974 $20.00 $ 50.00 Autumn Watch 141/4" X 213/4" 1,000 S/N Nov. 1974 $30.00 $ 75.00 Autumn Watch 141/4" X 213/4" 2,500 S/O Nov. 1974 $20.00 20.00 Gentle Mist 141/4" X 213/4" 1,000 S/N Aug. 1974 $30.00 $ 75.00 Gentle Mist 141/4" X 213/4" 2,500 S/O Aug. 1974 $20.00 $ 50.00 Appalachian Spring 18" X 24" 1,000 S/N Sept. 1974 $30.00 $300.00 Appalachian Spring 18" X 24" 2,500 S/O Sept. 1974 $20.00 $200.00 Dad 161/2" X 20" 1,500 S/N Dec. 1973 $20.00 Sold Out Sand Mountain Cabin 161/2" X 20" 1,000 S/N Dec. 1973 $25.00 $250.00 The Stump 141/4" X 20" 1,000 S/N Dec. 1973 $25.00 $125.00 Pondering Quail 17½" X 17½" 1,000 S/N Dec. 1973 $30.00 $200.00 Claude's Creek 13" X 26" 992 S/N Apr. 1973 $22.00 $125.00 The Good Earth 24" X 15½" 987 S/N Apr. 1973 $22.00 $200.00 Winter Refuge 13" X 26" 1,500 S/N Dec. 1972 $20.00 $150.00 Monument To An Era 253/4" X 19" 1,000 S/N Oct. 1972 $22.00 $800.00 S/N-Signed and Numbered These Collector Print prices may vary throughout different parts of S/O-Signed Only the country and should be used only as a guideline. A.P.-Artist Proof Artist Proofs vary with individual prints. All Hampton House prints copyrighted. All rights exclusive through Hampton House. A small percentage of prints above the stated edition, are held aside for promotional purposes, donations to schools, libraries, hospitals, various types of conservation programs, and as replacements for prints damaged in shipment.