Date: Fri 17-Jul-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: JUDYC

Quick Words:

Beatrice-Utley-Obituary

Full Text:

Beatrice S. Utley

BRUNSWICK, ME. -- Beatrice S. Utley died after a brief illness in Brunswick on

June 26. She was 82.

An accomplished poet, painter and lecturer, her extensive participation in

museum and historic preservation activities brought her both local and

national recognition.

She was the first woman board member of Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Neb. She

directed the restoration of the historic General Dodge House in Council

Bluffs, Ia. She served on the Advisory Boards of the National Trust for

Historic Preservation and the Historic House Association. She was a consultant

for the US Department of the Interior.

As the first museum house chairman for the National Society of Colonial Dames

of America, she guided the reinterpretation of many museum presentations and

co-authored the book Guidelines for Museums. In recognition of her many

accomplishments she was placed on the society's National Role of Honor.

In retirement the Utleys moved to Connecticut where more of her activities

focused on New England. She served as an overseer of Strawberry Banke Museum.

A vice president of the Antiquarian & Landmarks Society in Hartford, Conn.,

Utley chaired the Connecticut Antiques Show for several years.

As vice president of the Connecticut chapter of the National Society of

Colonial Dames, she worked closely with the Webb-Deane-Steven Museum in

Wethersfield, Conn.

Mrs Utley's skill as an interior designer for her own homes and those of her

clients was displayed in numerous publications. Her innovative, creative ideas

were a major factor in many aspects of the organizations in which she

participated.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, William T. Utley; her son, William

T. Utley, Jr, of Harpswell, Me.; her sister, Barbara S. Gray of New Castle,

Del.; and a nephew, Jonathan W. Gray of Philadelphia, Penn.

A memorial service for Mrs Utley was held July 11 at the Congregational

Church, Route 97, in Hampton, Conn. Contributions in her honor may be made to

the Beatrice S. Utley Memorial Fund, Hampton Congregational Church, Hampton,

Conn. 06247.