Dedicated
Volunteer Recognized For Her Work At Fenton
Since 1982, Phoebe Forbes has worked one day a week to document the Fenton History Center’s dresses, children’s clothing, costumes and other textile artifacts at the center.
Although she is now retired she also maintained the collection during her 25 years of employment at Jamestown Community College.
“Her time here has been invaluable as a volunteer,” said Noah Goodling Fenton Director.
To celebrate her work a party for her was held in the Hall House at the center’s Washington Street location. In that time, Forbes was also presented with a handmade Amish quilt and past and present Fenton staff members were also on hand to honor the occasion.
Forbes has continuously updated and catalogued textile pieces that Fenton receives through donations. The scope of the textile collection is vast and ranges from the late 19th century to the present day. Some items in the collection include items from the wardrobe of Reuben Fenton and dresses that belonged to Lucille Ball. Under Forbes’ oversight, she has organized all of the artifacts into databases. At the same time she has also contributed to exhibits and projects at the center.
During her time, Forbes has also established an eye for determining the characteristics of textile garments. Among them are age, types and manufacturers. She has also earned the trust of staff members by helping them choose what to use in exhibits. Staff and volunteers have come to know Forbes by meeting her while she has working on the textile collection.
“She has an appreciation for textiles of all kinds,” Goodling said. “She has revolutionized our system of cataloguing and marking (textiles).”
“She takes on every project,” said former director Joni Blackman. Blackman said she got to know Forbes through her time at the center’s collection department.
“She has been able to write articles on certain items and can tell the age and time period just by looking at photographs,” Blackman said.
Former center archivist Karen Livsey recalled the times she has shared with Forbes as a friend and a volunteer. At the same time she admires Forbes’ ability to differentiate between the various textile products in the center’s collection and her attention to detail.
“We have worked very well socially,” Livsey said. “She is able to tell the box type and determine clothing series.”
In addition, Livsey complimented Forbes on her attention to detail.
“Phoebe is knowledgeable, dependable, and supports team efforts.” Livsey said. “Fenton’s reputation is enriched because of volunteers and staff who are dedicated to artifacts and their stories. Phoebe is at the heart of that hard-working, devoted crew.”
“She can be relied on because of her understanding and knowledge of fabrics,” said Norman Carlson center collections manager, “She is the best resource.”
“Knowledge, earned through many years of study and experience, is a priceless gift, and willingly sharing it for many years makes it even more special,” Fenton Board of Trustees president Rick Lundquist said in a statement to The Post-Journal.
When asked why she enjoys working with textiles Forbes said her love of them was passed down from her mother.
“She taught us to sew at a young age and she loved clothes,” Forbes said. “I enjoy cataloguing.”
Forbes also credited the volunteers and staff who help her weekly.
In addition to volunteering at Fenton, Forbes is also active at the Carroll Town Historical Society and the American Association of University Women.
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