Original Desk Belonging to A.Z. Wells Discovered in Local Store
*Article originally published in the Wenatchee World on October 29, 2019. Read the article (subscription may be required).
A desk and chair, belonging to A. Z. Wells, was recently discovered at a local antique store. This beautiful partner desk is 63″ by 44″, made of Tiger Oak, and constructed without nails. The desk is only the second piece of furniture that has been found that belongs to the Wells Family. The Wenatchee Museum & Cultural Center is thrilled to announce the Wells’ desk, a piece of Wenatchee history, is now back home on loan and awaits your viewing.
We invite you to our First Friday Open House on Friday, November 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Come see this treasured piece of furniture and be a partner in its procurement. Tours will be given on the first and second floors with insider information including history about the house and the original owners, fun facts about its college days, and interesting details uncovered during renovation. Light refreshments will be served. We are now accepting donations to finalize the purchase of this historic desk and are thankful to those that have already donated by sending their gifts to the Museum at 127 S Mission, Wenatchee or by calling 509-888-6240. Join us on Friday, November 1 to see the desk first hand and find out more.
Mr. and Mrs. Wells were the second owners of the “Clark Cobblestone Castle”, and were valued members of the Wenatchee community. Mr. Wells was one of the partners in the Wells and Wade hardware store and Wells and Wade fruit company. He set up the A.Z. Wells Foundation in 1949 that still awards funding yearly to various groups in the area. In 1950, the couple donated their home, and the 5 acres that surrounded it, to the Wenatchee School District to house the expanding Wenatchee Junior College. Their home was the first building of the new school and housed offices, classrooms, the school’s cafeteria, the college bookstore, a women’s dorm, and was the hub of social activities.
The volunteers of the Wells House love sharing Wells House History with the community, from the Clark and the Wells families and their life here in early Wenatchee, to tales from its college days – which some of them still remember. They always welcome any additional information about the families and any leads on furniture belonging to either the Clark or the Wells families is always exciting.
Other upcoming programs at the Wells House include the December First Friday Open House on the 6th, and Holiday Tea on Saturday, December 14 at 12:30 p.m. The house will be decorated festively for the holidays. Bring your friends and take your afternoon tea sponsored by Cha Fine Teas and a light luncheon sponsored by the Hilton Garden Inn, Wenatchee while listening to Jeff Sandberg play soft saxophone holiday favorites. This year’s theme is Christmas with the Clarks and period-specific attire is encouraged. There are prizes to be won, and a live auction of decorated holiday wreaths. Tickets are $40 for Museum members and $50 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Tickets can be purchased online at wenacheevalleymuseum.org or by calling the Museum at 509-888-6240.
