The Mt. Helicon Art Fair was a success! A joint endeavor between First Presbyterian Church of Sullivan and Show Me Artists, has kicked off a promising restoration project for the Clark Family Cemetery. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the historical site hidden away by time. The removal of overgrowth and debris and the cleaning of weathered gravestones have marked significant progress already. However, there is much work still to be done as we strive to preserve and transform it into a recognizable landmark along Route 66.
Rev. Jacob Clark (1810-1857) was one of the town’s original founders. He named this place and the first post office here Mt. Helicon in reference to the beautiful and inspirational place in ancient Greece where the Nine Muses played, and represent the foundation of art and the humanities. When the Clark family settled here in 1850s, the excitement of the American Dream was alive and well. At a time before this area was developed, its natural beauty was unaltered. The springs, caves, gentle mountains, lush forests and abundant wildlife was an exciting opportunity for pioneers to find their place in paradise.
Clark passed away shortly before the town of Sullivan was established, named after Steven Sullivan for donating land for the railroad to be built. It is said that Jacob thought well of Steven and reserved a space for him and his wife in the Clark Family Cemetery. Later, Sullivan requested to be buried at the highest point in the area where rest now.
The story of Mt. Helicon and Clark’s vision have been lost in time and left in ruins. As travelers drive through present day Sullivan on Route 66 there was no clue that this story was buried here. A huge thank you goes out to visitors that bought local art and donated towards the cemetery restoration project, to Anchor Church (formerly First Presbyterian) of Sullivan for hosting the event and committing to preserve this unique and rich history in our community, and to Franklin County Cemetery Society for going above and beyond with clearing brush and cleaning headstones. Now that we have rediscovered Mt. Helicon, a sense of purpose is rekindled. It’s through art and community that we hope to inspire others and preserve Clark’s legacy in time for everyone to enjoy.
The Mt. Helicon Art Fair will be a recurring event that we hope to grow locally in Sullivan along side a series fo Show Me Artists events across Missouri to showcase the hidden talent all around us.
Show Me Artists was established to discover and support local artists across Missouri, connecting them to the community and shining a spotlight on unique local history through the arts.
To learn more about the art collective or join as a local artist please email support@ShowMeArtists.com