Off the Shelf: Children’s Literature of The W.H. Stark House

H.J. “Lutcher” Stark likely read many children’s books while growing up in The W.H. Stark House. Reforms in child labor and education laws, as well as evolving trends in childrearing and motherhood, all would have influenced Lutcher Stark’s childhood in the Stark Hou......More

H.J. “Lutcher” Stark likely read many children’s books while growing up in The W.H. Stark House. Reforms in child labor and education laws, as well as evolving trends in childrearing and motherhood, all would have influenced Lutcher Stark’s childhood in the Stark House. These education and labor movements often found their way into children’s books. Books like these not only told stories, but also taught children about the world and how they were expected to behave. The books on display in “Off the Shelf: Children’s Literature of The W.H. Stark House” date from 1881 to 1924 and were owned by the Stark family. They reveal how literature may have impacted young Lutcher Stark and his childhood in Orange, Texas. This exhibition is offered in conjunction with Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration from the Art Kandy Collection. “Off the Shelf” will be on display in Hallway 3 of the Stark Museum of Art from March 7 – December 20, 2025. Admission is free of charge. The Stark Museum of Art is open Wednesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The W.H. Stark House @ 610 West Main Avenue, Orange, Texas, 77630