Arkansas Most Endangered Places Adds 3 Locations in 2023

“Two historic Arkansas properties and one neighborhood are on this year’s list of “Most Endangered Places” from the nonprofit Preserve Arkansas.

“The annual list highlights historic structures that are most at risk of being demolished, forgotten or developed in an insensitive way.

… “one entry, Centennial Baptist Church in Helena-West Helena, has been in danger of Continue reading

“Tiny Toads” Highlight Historic Sites in Conway

“The Conway Department of Public Works spent the morning [April 19, 2023] installing the world famous Tiny Toads throughout downtown.

“The Tiny Toads tour will highlight 11 unique historic sites around downtown Conway each featuring a bronze toad fashioned by artist Calvin Stinger.

“This interactive art installation aims to foster public interaction with the piece, inspire creativity, and promote the education of Conway’s unique history. Visitors can locate the toad at each site and, with the help of a tour guidebook available at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, participants can read the unique history of the site and view historical photos.

The Tiny Toads project was made possible through a partnership between the Conway Downtown Partnership, the City of Conway, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, and the Conway Public Art Advisory Committee.”

TINY TOAD TOUR GUIDE
https://media.conwayarkansas.gov/…/Tiny_Toads_Guide…

TINY TOAD STORY MAP
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/…/3682879c4e8c4b9389cccf02…

LOCATIONS
Grummer Massey Building
Tiny toad trying to balance a very large hammer

Halter Building
The young toad couple swing dance on the third floor of the Halter building where fun and games abound for the teens of the community.

Frauenthal and Schwarz Building
Mr. Toad Frauentag happily sits atop some of the wares that he sells in his mercantile.

Railroad Depot
The always punctual conductor road checks his pocket watch while patiently waiting for the arrival of the next train.

Jail
Mr. Toad Crook has been thrown in jail where he ponders when he will get out while the police toad soundly sleeps.

Goad Brothers Cafe
Luke and Jud Goad Toads hold a giant cookie covered in large chocolate chips to share with the community.

Farmer State Bank
Mr. A Toad wearing a top hat and tails and leaning on his cane proudly holds a large bag of money to take to the bank.

Smith Ford
Mr. Toad Smith celebrates his store opening in 1923 by driving a 1923 Ford Model T.

East Side Community
The hard working young student toad with his diploma in his pocket is proud to graduate from the Pine Street School.

The Drag Café
The Toad Trio Band is a jazzy entrée in the Drag Cafe where dancing and food abound.

— from Conway, Arkansas, City of Colleges Facebook

Historical Society Publishes Sesquicentennial Issue

Facts and Fiddlings journal, Faulkner County Historical Society

By Cindy Beckman, special to the Log Cabin

The Faulkner County Historical Society (FCHS) has published a special Sesquicentennial issue of its journal, “Faulkner Facts and Fiddlings,” to recognize and celebrate the county’s 150th birthday.

Named for Sandford C. Faulkner, planter, storyteller, and fiddler known for his popular mid-19th century folk song, “Arkansas Traveler,” Faulkner County was created April 12, 1873. One of nine counties formed during Reconstruction, the county was carved from Continue reading

“Memories of Toad Suck Ferry” at Our Annual Meeting

The Faulkner County Historical Society held its annual meeting on Thursday, April 13 at the Faulkner County Library. The program, “Memories of the Toad Suck Ferry” was a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Amanda Moore. Panelists included Barbara Marshall Smith, daughter of Ty Marshall—the last Toad Suck Ferry operator; Jack Bell, retired City of Conway official; and Jim Baker, former Faulkner County Judge. Continue reading