Margaret Covey Chisholm Day proclaimed in Livingston

This news story first appeared in Overton County News on October 15, 2024.

Livingston Mayor Lori Elder Burnett proclaimed October 4 as Margaret Covey Chisholm Day on Friday, Oct. 4, in honor of the late artist’s contribution of the mural “The Newcomers” in 1940 to the United States Post Office in Livingston and as part of Overton County Arts “Paint Livingston” Plein Air Competition.

Mayor Burnett said in her address at the presentation that Chisholm carefully researched Overton County’s history and culture, taking great pains to the most redeeming aspects of the ancestors of the area.

Basing her painting on a passage in the journals of famous Tennessee Pioneer John Donelson, who described the usual pattern of settlement on the Tennessee frontier in the late 1700s and early 1800s, he wrote:

“After the cabin is raised, and the new comers are in it, every family near at hand, bring in something to give them a start. A pair of pigs, a cow, and calf, a pair of all the domestic fowls, and any supplies of the necessaries of life which they have, all are brought and presented to the beginners. If they have come into the settlement in the Spring, the neighbors make another frolic, and fence a field for them.

“All these acts of kindness and beneficence are . . . performed without ostentation, and cordially. The stranger so appreciates them, and the first occasion that presents they are ready with like spirit, to extend similar kind offers to emigrants who come next. The performance of them thus becomes as usage and characteristic of the frontier state of society.”

Mayor Burnett said, “As someone who was born and raised here, I am proud to say that this same culture of welcoming newcomers is alive and well in Overton County. We owe a great debt to our ancestors for establishing here, a culture of hospitality and of openness to new residents and visitors.”

Chisholm had three sons, of which, David Chisholm along with his wife, Ana, and daughter, Claudia, were present for the proclamation.

David said, “My daughter Fayzah Claudia and I are very pleased to be here. The whole Chisholm family is thankful to everybody in the Livingston community, who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. We know how much it takes to put on this type of event. We are inspired by your community, and will always treasure this amazing experience. We are truly grateful to all of you.”

Fayzah Claudia also commented, “I was inspired to be here, and seeing the beautiful landscape I wanted to draw.One of the painting competitors Brett, graciously shared some pastels and canvas with me, so I could also draw in this peaceful scenic environment. My father keeps saying, ‘Oh if only my mother Margaret Covey Chisholm could see this. She would love to see all these artists painting outdoors in Livingston’. ”

OC Arts Council member Gene Gantt was also on hand to help with presenting David and Claudia a recreation of the mural.