Clara Waterman - The name behind Clara’s Corner
Were you lucky enough to know Clara Waterman? Clara was born on October 27th, 1909 and died on October 27th, 2010, her 101st birthday. She grew up on North Haven and was one of the four children of Nora & Clarence Waterman. Clara was known for her passion for monarch butterflies, her many years of teaching math, science and enthusiasm to fifth graders at the Stanley School in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and her eternal, un-ending patience at Waterman’s Store candy counter.
In the 1950’s & 1960’s, just like today, kids would ride their bikes down to the village and sashay up to the candy counter with a few cents in hand then deliberate and ponder and deliberate some more over what they would spend their limited funds on. Clara was ever cheerful, patient and encouraging and never pressed a child to make a candy decision until they were good and ready. As we considered fitting names for Waterman’s monthly giving program, it seemed a perfect opportunity to honor Clara’s dedication to many aspects of childhood as well as the idea that even seemingly small things (like penny candy or a monthly gift of $15) can be of important significance.
In 2009, a number of Clara’s former fifth grade students honored the significant impact she had on their lives by raising funds in honor of her 100th birthday and donated a Beverly Seamans sculpture and monetary gift to Waterman’s in Clara’s honor. The bronze shorebird can be seen in Waterman’s lower lobby over the water bubblers. Please take a look at it next time you are in Waterman’s and consider joining Clara’s Corner with a monthly gift to Waterman’s!
Thank you so much for your interest in the Clara’s Corner Monthly Giving Club! Clara's Corner is a great way to extend your gift giving throughout the year! You can choose the size of your monthly gift, the frequency and the start and stop dates. See link above to sign up. Thank you so much for your generous gift!
