Arts and Humanities Commons^™

The Early Arkadelphia Post Office, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

At this time of year, many people begin to make preparations to send or receive packages by mail during the holiday season.

Today, practically all homes and businesses receive some sort of communication each day the United State Postal Service operates. But, many don't stop to think about the improvements that have take place in that service through the years.

Clark Remembered For Exploration Of Louisiana Purchase, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

In the early days of Arkansas history, counties were physically much larger, although much more sparsely settled.

Clark County was one of five counties in existence when Arkansas Territory was established in 1819. In fact, the county celebrates its 199th anniversary later this week.

Crow Becomes First To Work In Arkadelphia Real Estate, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

Through the years, many Clark Countians have enjoyed distinguished careers and have made significant contributions to the development of the area.

One such individual was businessman Austin M. Crow. While no one today has a living memory of Mr. Crow, his wide-ranging activities place him among the early leaders of the Arkadelphia community.

Steps Taken To Reduce Flooding, Wendy Richter

Articles

Development of drainage districts in the early twentieth century benefitted Arkansas's economy, but their construction could often be controversial. Without proper drainage, low-lying land was useless for farming: once cleared and drained, rich soil could be very productive. In Arkansas, the history of districts in the northeastern part of the state has been explored, but little attention has been given to south Arkansas.

Clark County Civil Court Records, Archivists

Guides and Finding Aids

Clark County was established in 1818, and therefore became one of the five counties in existence at the time the area became known as Arkansas Territory in 1819. Court was held in various places in those early days, such as the home of pioneer settler Jacob Barkman, west of the Caddo River, near what is now Caddo Valley. Later, a county seat was established at Greenville, which was located to the southwest along the Military Road (also known as the Southwest Trail). In 1842 Arkadelphia (previously known as Blakelytown) became the permanent location of the county seat.

These numbered files …

Flood Of 1927 Damages County, State, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

Ninety years ago, what was arguably the nation's greatest natural disaster wreaked havoc on Arkansas and the entire Mississippi River Valley. The Flood of 1927 brought tremendous destruction to the region, taking hundreds of lives and inundating over sixteen million acres of land. Water covered more than 13 percent of the state of Arkansas, damaging approximately 162,000 homes. About 700,000 people were displaced as water inundated the land to depths of up to thirty feet.

Milling An Important Part Of County's Economy, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

In the early twentieth century, the Arkadelphia Milling Company was an important part of Clark County's economy. The company produced flour, meal, feed, and other products, and also supplied much of Arkadelphia's electrical power for many years. Among the Milling Company's best-known product lines were Dolly Dimple and Robin Red Breast, which were shipped to all parts of the world. Advertisements read, "Arkadelphia Milling Company Feeds the World." Other slogans painted on the sides of buildings included "The Heart of the Grain Plus the Art of the Brain," and "We Never Sleep."

Ucv Established To Preserve History, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

About 106 years ago, in April of 1911, a camp of the United Sons of Confederate Veterans was established in Arkadelphia. The group's founding came at a time of renewed interest in the Civil War---the fiftieth anniversary of the start of that conflict---as well as recognition of the fact that many veterans were passing away and living memory of that part of history would soon be lost.

Farming Popular Occupation In Clark County, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

At this time of year, many people begin to plant vegetable gardens and hope for a successful growing season. In the first part of the twentieth century, when farming was the occupation of many in Clark County, a good bit of agriculture-related news appeared on the front-page of the local newspaper. Stories often pertained to first or early harvests, as well as large or unusual produce. Legends and lore, as well as factual information, were all included in the paper. From the articles, it is clear that a wide variety of items were raised in the Clark County area, and …

Bethlehem School Served Students East Of Arkadelphia, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

In August of 1912, Arkadelphia's Southern Standard newspaper announced an upcoming event during which the cornerstone for the new Bethlehem School building would be laid. A program featuring speeches by B.F. Condray, Farrar Newberry, and R.W. Huie, Jr., would highlight the occasion. The school was located about six miles east of Arkadelphia on Highway 51 at the junction of Highway 128 and a county road--in the heart of the Joan community.

Beirne Considered Best Shipping Point, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

The town of Beirne in southern Clark County was founded in 1880 by James Lewis Beirne from Grafton, Illinois. Beirne established a sawmill as well as a Methodist church, at which he served as the first minister. Postal service began in the community in that year as well, with the town's founder as postmaster. By the end of that year, a railroad depot had been completed, and Beirne's sawmill and grist mill became fully operational. People of the surrounding area considered Beirne to be among the best shipping points for the new railroad passing through the state. The small village …

Telephone Service Simple In Arkadelphia, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

As the nineteeth century came to a close, telephone service began to flourish in Clark County. In its infancy, Arkadelphia's first telephone service was indeed simple; it allowed communication between two places. For example, in 1878, a store on Johnston Street connected with a nearby warehouse. And, a phone line linked the Southern Standard newspaper office with a local store. Other lines ran between particular businesses and residences.

Arkadelphia Entrepreneurs Provide Lodging For Visitors, Wendy Bradley Richter

Articles

From Arkadelphia's earliest days, various entrepreneurs have engaged in hosting visitors, whether in the form of restaurants or hotels. Little is known about those earliest businesses, but local legends surrounding some of those enterprises offer some interesting insights into life during the 1800s.