New York, N.Y., circa 1918: Arkansas namesake warship, boasting a length of almost 600 feet and escorted by a fleet of tugboats, had just cleared the Brooklyn Bridge. It likely was leaving the Brooklyn shipyards after repairs. The ship saw service in both world wars and helped to secure landings at D-Day, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Camden, 1913: Gov. George Washington Hayes had returned to his hometown, where he d been born in 1863. He had won a special election to replace Gov. Joe T. Robinson who was off to the U.S. Senate. Hayes served from 1913-1917, promoting better roads, statewide Prohibition and reforms to child labor laws. Hayes died in 1927 of influenza.
Harrison, circa 1950: The Rio Motor Hotel had one of the largest hotel or motel swimming pools in Arkansas. With 67 rooms to let, the Rio was near the intersection of U.S. 65 and 62. The Rio was razed some time ago, leaving Harrison with the same chain motels as much of roadside America today.
Hot Springs, 1912: Someone, perhaps a parent, wrote this card s message from little Artie to Thelma in Michigan, "I am almost a man and wear a real boy s suit. Would like to have picture of you. I am going to kindergarten and like it dandy. Write me a card! Cousin Artie"
Esau, circa 1905: The Fourche River Lumber Co. built a large mill on the banks of the river in 1900, led by its president N.P. Bigelow. Residents were so pleased with the mill they voted to change the community s name from Esau to Bigelow. The mill closed in 1921, and many left Perry County in search of other lumber jobs.