Initial Aims of project:

1. reproduce a history of the creation of the roof and dome and examine how this specific structure fit into STATE government.

2. an examination of the personal, physical and public world of Joseph Clark, the head architect.

These investigations produced several general themes:

1. Clark is associated with a new concept of government (central, strong, FEDERAL, a government which had a PLACE to be). The loose confederation of colonies shifts to STATES in the period of constructing the dome of the statehouse. He allies himself with those who believe in a strong central government. Sympathetic to the construction of government as a whole he becomes engaged in the literal "building of government". . As an architect he attempts to bring his skills to creating the best "face " of government. . With its seamless, fluid construction the Greco-Roman dome on the State House "caps" the time period's optimistic beliefs in an increasingly (and enduring) centralized government.Philosophically, the construction of public buildings represents the epitome of opportunity for the entrepreneur in the new world

2. Strong belief in the ability to SHAPE government (both literally and figuratively). Time of optimism; if given the necessary resources, anything is possible. Clark allies himself with those who believe in centralized finances, speculators who want to make their own fortunes while producing a national good. Comparable to what the new American is thinking about: the extraordinary potential for wealth in the New World. [See Franklin's Autobiography and St. John de Crevecouer's depictions of "What is an American" for contextual framework] Clark's focus shifts. Moves from state government to NATIONAL government; he applies to be head architect of the CAPITOL. Clark's ambition is thwarted but he nonetheless participates in the construction of DC and delivers the oration for the laying of the cornerstone (worker bee analogy within speech similar to Crevecouer's descriptions of American life and incidentally analogous to perception of America as land of HONEY).

3. Speculative DC circa 1790-1800. Time of opportunity. Clark's role represents a larger understanding of what opportunity was conceived of being in the new republic. Begins his performance at the state level. Makes alliances with individuals who will support his notions in both the public/ private world (ie Alexander Contee Hanson). From construction of dome moves to larger stage. What are the new opportunties created by the revolution and as Dr. Papenfuse described how "are these opportunities pursued by people of vision". Underlying this question is MONEY. The vision of the architect is ultimately linked to the financier (Greenleaf and his Dutch connections represents a new shift...from national to INTERNATIONAL). All of the players assumed that they jsut needed to build and get people to sustain the development engine. The fundamental problem with a vision of building a capitaol out of the wilderness was that there was not sufficient funding to support public constuction.Congress did not pay for the building of DC. Resources were concentrated elsewhere (ie Baltimore).They built on an assumed credit. Eveything hinged on Greenleaf's ability to obtain funds from Dutch investors. They FAIL as a result of insufficient financial infrastructure.

4. Clark's particular financial strategy:

1. mercantile goods. Not just built houses but also involved in obtaining materials at lower costs(lime, brick, etc). Also could pay workers with goods so desperate for at Greenleaf's Point.

2. Dr. Papenfuse's shell game analogy: Able to contract with MNG by raising capital. Mortgaged land to start business. (see Wilson and selling of house in Annapolis is 1794 to brother Stephen). Where did he get his property? The process of acquiring resources was based upon a shell game. (see chancery record 69). Clark assigned debt to land to which there was no actual property (later revealed in Beale's chancery case decided in 1831).

3. Clark ruined when MNG fail to reimburse him the $72,000 dollars he claims to have spent on the buildings plus his 8.5 % commmission rate. Isabella describes her husband as deranged by 1795. Morris hears that Clark is severely ill and requests to be kept abreast of his financial situation. Eventually, Clark is cut off from the adventrue without ever being paid.

Future Focus: Role of women in speculative world illuminated by this particular case. After Clark fails Isabella is left to pick up the pieces. How does the family survive? THey move back to Baltimore. After Clark dies, in particular to Petticoat Alley[located near Fell's point] (suggests a decline in economy from residence of 20 High ST). She remarries and later moves back to Washington with Beale. Can trace steps Isabella and her daughters take to recoup the money she believes her husband deserves. Emphasizes marriage as a partnership and as a tool for economic survival ( Isabella remarries within in a year after moving to Petticoat Alley). Economics of widowhood and marriage. Isabella marries Beale who takes over Clark's estate. HE writes letter to MNG informing them that he will be contacting them to get the money owed to Clark. (see also chan rec case where he attempts to get lands assigned to Clark). After Isabella dies in 1804 he continues to sue in the name of Mary and Jane (the two surving daughters). Thrity years later Mary petitions the government for funds owed to her father so that she may rejoin her husband in Columbia.

Questions to ask about the role of women at this time:

1. How did the Revolution shape women's opportunities and involvement in the public world.

2. Clark is bitten by speculative bug How do his subsequent failures impact women's roles in the family unit and broader public world. Is this comparble to Judith Walkowitz's descriptioon of women as new social actors in site of 19thh century London streets ( intersection of class, culture, and performace?)

3. Is Isabella's story unique or indicative of broader trends (I think DEBLOIS' wife would be an interesting comparison Dr. Papenfuse. She also wrote letters to MNG about the horrors of the point).

Focus for the thesis:

Dr. Papenfuse, Because you would like me to focus on the newspapers today, I will save this section for a later date. I have a particular framework in mind in which I would like to articulate the narrative of Isabella and Mary Clark.

See you Monday!

Anne