Clay County Times-Democrat: Local News: Mary Linam still busy at age 95 (03/11/09)

Mary Linam

Mary Linam is known to many in the area for her abilities with a needle and thread, having owned and operated her own seamstress business, as well as doing upholstery work with her husband of 70 years, Hughey.

Linam, 91, also has been a member of the Rector Woman's Club for several years. Her ability and willingness to remain active at an age when many are no longer able to do so has made Linam a role model for many. As such, she has been selected as the organization's Honored Lady for 2009.

"Well, they surprised me," Linam said of her recognition. "I didn't have any idea they were going to pick me. I'm proud of it, but I'm not sure I deserve it."

Linam says she enjoys being a part of the important Rector organization.

"We do a lot of good things for our town. It's just a good organization and I'm happy to be a part of it."

The former Mary Davisson grew up in Essex, Mo. It was while living with her parents in the small town in 1928 that she first met a Maytag washing machine salesman from Sikeston named Hughey Linam. After being introduced by mutual friends, the two married later that same year. They soon moved to Hargrave Corner, where they stayed for more than 40 years, raising three sons and a daughter.

In 1989, the Linams moved to Rector. They have made their home on Fairview ever since, working together making and selling quilts and reupholstering a wide range of furniture. The couple is known for having one of the best gardens in town, as well as some of the prettiest and best tended lawns.

Though the Linams have slowed down a bit and no longer spend seven to eight hours a day working with their upholstery and seamstress work, they remain active nonetheless.

"We still do some upholstery work, but not like we had been," Linam said. "We still spend a couple hours a week in the shop doing this and that."

Still, visitors to the couple's home are more likely to find the Linams in their yard doing some project or inspecting work rather than inside on the couch.

"We just don't care much for sitting around," Linam said. "We've always worked and will always be doing something as long as we're able."

Linam will be recognized by other group members during a special Woman's Club ceremony later this month.

dIDN'T THE lINAMS OWN A SMALL STORE ON THE HIGHWAY JUST NORTH OF HARGRAVES CORNER FOR SEVERAL YEARS?

-- Posted by LT Gipson on Thu, Mar 12, 2009, at 5:16 AM

Hughey's mother Mamie Linam did own that store. It was dirrectly across the street from where Mary & Hughey lived and had their upholstry shop and for a time a smaller building with knitting supplies for sell.

-- Posted by pmhess on Thu, Mar 12, 2009, at 8:36 AM