Shirley History continued

With its headlight moved to the center of the smokebox door, No. 14 demonstrates the “new look” of the North Arkansas locomotives under
President Stephenson’s restyling program.

No citizen of Shirley in the year 1912 was deluded into thinking that gold or other rich minerals could be found in the hills above the town, but on the ridges and valleys reaching over Van Buren and Stone County was a commodity that with back breaking toil could make the cash register ring in the town saloons and general stores. This commodity was the white oak and pine trees that grew tall along the valleys and ridges. The white oak had for many years furnished acorns as food for the Razorback hogs that roamed through the woods. The early basket making Indians must have gathered these ripe nuts for food because along the ridges one could find occasionally a stone hollowed out in the middle by the pounding of a rock which crushed the acorn and made it possible to wash the bitter taste from the nut before it was eaten. It is not likely that the Indians planted corn on the rocky soil of the high ridges. it is possible that the acorn played a art in their diet. Archaeologists in California found evidence of entire Indian cultures based on the use of White Oak Acorns for food. In 1908, H.D. Williams Cooperage Co. changed the entire economy of the white oak country by moving to Leslie. There they soon became the world’s largest Cooperage Co. it could produce up to 3,000 barrels per day and regularly shipped several carloads of wine barrels to France. The Company arranged timber leases on 85,000 acres in Leslie. This included a large acreage in Van Buren and Stone County. This part was not worked until some time in 1922. Cross ties, lumber, posts and poles also added to the timber economy of the area. I recall moving from the area occupied now by Fairfield Bay to a house bought by my parents on Highway 9, three miles north of Shirley. Along about 1925, i counted 275 wagons passing my house every day. All were headed for the railroad yards at Shirley. I recall one day counting over 275 wagons. The rush, headed south, would start about 9:30 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m.. Those passing at 4 p.m. must have come from far away. That afternoon the traffic would start heading back north. Sometimes there would be 50 wagons in one group. On occasions, the middle wagons would be left unattended while the owners rode with friends up near the beginning of the line. The creaking of axles could be heard far into the night. Ocassionally a yell would come from the ranks of wagoneers who had too much scotch or bourbon in town and had escaped north just before being picked up by the town marshall. This traffic continued on into the 30’s when trucks took over the hauling of timber.

“Man of La Mancha” Delights Hundreds

by Sherry Guess /Staff Writer

Fortunately, there will be three more performances this coming Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m and on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. for those who could not be there this past weekend. The Bay View Club was transformed through the artistic skills of our set crew into the superb setting of an old 16th Century Spanish prison. The cast remained onstage and ‘in character’ from the time we all arrived, through the intermission, and until the final curtain. This was a brilliant interpretation of a well-loved and classic award winning play that has stood the test of time. The characters played their parts to a tee: William Flemr was so far ‘into’ his character of Don Quixote, he had me looking behind me when he pointed out that castle far off in the distance to David McBee, his faithful servant and loyal friend. Dulcinea, played by Jackie Berbusse sang her most compelling rendition of her namesake’s song, I was fumbling around for a handkerchief to wipe my eyes. Each part, no matter whether a speaking part or not, was well played and the interaction in the background on stage amongst the characters was a wonderful way to provide the flavor of the kinsmanship that developed in these most difficult of circumstances. The entire cast harmonized so well on several songs they received thunderous applause and, at the end, a standing ovation. The Little Red Restaurant stayed open late to accommodate the audience who wanted to stop by for coffee and desserts, rounding out a perfect evening here in the Bay. Stop by the Library to pick up your tickets for this weekend. Tickets are available at $15 each or 2 for $25. The value is inestimable. The proceeds support our crown jewel – The Fairfield Bay Library.

Animal Shelter Gift

Gene and Jane Hatfield gave their Ford Aerostar Van to the Fairfield Bay Animal Shelter in a ceremony at the Animal Protection League’s monthly meeting in August. Shelter personnel have begun using the van to transport dogs and cats to veterinary appointments and to adoption events at Pet Smart in Conway. The Hatfields were thanked by Shelter manager Katie Cason for their generous gift. In addition to “thanks” the Fairfield Bay Animal Protection League, a 501C3 Not-for-Profit Corporation is also able to provide donors with a value receipt that is tax deductible. Besides money, the Shelter accepts gifts of value that can be used in the care of animals in the Shelter or re-sold at the Shelter’s Thrift Shop on Old Quarry Rd in Fairfield Bay. Donors and persons interested in volunteering to assist in the care of the homeless animals at the Shelter should call 501 884-6417 for information. Contact: Bob Holiday at 501 884-6000.

“How to Write a Business Plan” Seminar Scheduled

Robbie Ingle/ Chamber Director

If you have ever considered starting a business on your own or if you are now running a small business, you might be interested in attending a FREE seminar on “How to Write a Business Plan” to be presented on Saturday, September 24 at 9-11:30 am in the new Fairfield Bay Community Education Center in the Lakewood Village Mall.   This Seminar is being sponsored by the City’s Economic Development Center and the SCORE organization from Little Rock. Jim Sadler, the SCORE District Director for Arkansas, will be the presenter of this business seminar.  He has been volunteering at SCORE for seven years, counseling and mentoring to people who want to start a business and to people already running a small business.  Jim also serves as a Counselor through their nationwide on-line counseling system which gives him a chance to assist clients from around the USA.  Reserve your seat at this free seminar to learn important information about writing a business plan by calling   501-884-3324 or 884-4440 by September 21, 2011.

Recruiting Score Volunteers

Robbie Ingle Chamber Director In conjunction with holding seminars on starting a business and writing a business plan, SCORE volunteers are being recruited in Van Buren County and surrounding counties to help new and existing business owners. SCORE was started in 1965 to provide free, confidential counseling and mentoring to people who want to start a business and who are running a small business.  SCORE is a resource partner of the US Small Business Administration.  At one time, SCORE stood for Service Corps of Retired Executives, but with about one-third of their volunteers still in business, it is now called SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Businesses.  It is a non-profit association that has over 13,000 volunteer counselors in about 370 offices or Chapters in the USA.  In Arkansas, SCORE has about 40 volunteer counselors in two Chapters in Little Rock and Springdale.  Little Rock has Branches in El Dorado and Pine Bluff, and Springdale has a Branch in Harrison.  Little Rock covers 61 of the 75 counties in Arkansas. The recruitment of local SCORE volunteers is part of an on-going project to provide a confidential location for business owners to receive free advice and counseling from Counselors located anywhere through SKYPE and on-line video conferencing.  (A site has been set up at the Lakewood Village Mall, courtesy of Heber Springs State Bank to meet with a SCORE counselor in a private office and access SKYPE.) If you are a working or retired business owner, business executive or corporate leader willing to share your wisdom and lessons learned in business, please sign up by calling  Robbie Ingle at 501-884-3324, 884-4440 or Jim Sadler at 501-324-7379 ext 304.

Community Spotlight

Bill Bradley
Birthplace: Shriley, AR
Current Hometown: Shirley, AR
Employment: Jack-of-All

Q: What is your favorite thing about where you live now?
A: Living a mile from where I was born and raised.
Q: What is your least favorite thing about where you live now?
A: Too much littering
Q: Where is the farthest you have traveled?
A: California
Q:Who is the person you admire most and why?
A: My parents, they did a good job raising us kids.
Q:What is the best advice you have received?
A: Listen to what the Lord tells you.
Q: What would be or has been your dream job?
A: Hardwork and helping other people
Q: Where would you go on a dream vacation?
A: Rather stay here at home.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: Thieves
Q: What would you do if you won the lottery?
A: Don’t gamble, wouldn’t worry about it.
Q: Name one celebrity you would like to have lunch with?
A: Merle Haggard
Q: What is your favorite book or movie?
A: Anything about trains
Q: One thing about you that would surprise people?
A: All the different things I can do.
Q: One thing you would change about yourself?
A: Nothing, I’m happy with what the LORD gave me.
Q: Favorite memory from childhood or school?
A: At the age of five, taking my father a bucket of water, while he was on the plow and he said I was going to remember this day for the rest of my life.

V.F.W. Auxiliary Membership Pins Awarded

At our August V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary Meeting we awarded Membership Pins for Sisters in attendance – they are as follows: NEW MEMBER:  Marlene Hardy –  FIVE YEAR PINS:  Chris Lang – Sharon Luxon – Sharon Nuckolls – Barb Short  -  TEN YEAR PINS:  Patti Leitner – May Ann Potter – Naomi Royal – Linda Secrest – Martha Stackhouse – Els Watson – TWENTY  YEAR PINS:  Marie Travis – Marge Wright  -  TWENTY FIVE YEAR PINS:  Erma Doty – Goldia Garner  - THIRTY FIVE YEAR PIN:  Nancy Clark. Congratulations to all of our Sisters.

 

VFW Honors

Your Fairfield Bay V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary 4513, returned from our Arkansas State Convention in Little Rock with honors. Following is a list of awards we won. We won FIRST PLACE in “Cancer Aid and Research” – “Community Service” – “Hospital” and “Legislative”. We were runner-up in “Veterans & Family Support” – “National Home for Children” – “Youth” – “Americanism” – “President Special Project” (TV’s for Towbin Veterans Hospital”) and “Membership”. We are very proud of our accomplishments. We would not have achieved these goals without “YOU” the wonderful supporters of our V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary. “THANK YOU” for all of you help, assistance and support.

Keep Your Investment Working Hard – All Year Long

On September 5, we observe Labor Day, which is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. Of course, if you’re like most people, work is essential to your life, both as a means of personal fulfillment and as a necessity for achieving your financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement. But if you’re going to attain those goals, you’ll want your investments to work as hard as you do. For that to happen, you’ll need to take these steps: Know your investment objectives. Whether you work in an office, a manufacturing plant or any other venue, your goal is to produce a clearly identifiable result. And the same should be true for the way that you invest. In other words, you should know exactly why you own every single one of your investments — because only then will you have a clear, unified strategy for achieving your desired outcomes. Keep investing. As a diligent worker, you show up to work every day because you know that this type of consistency is necessary for success. A similar principle applies to your investing “career.” By investing steadily, year in and year out, you have a much better chance of reaching your objectives than if you were to take periodic breaks. Of course, when the financial markets are volatile, it can be tempting to take a “timeout,” but this stop-and-start approach can lead to missed opportunities. For example, if you jump out of the market when it’s down, you might miss out on the early stages of the next rally. Build a productive portfolio. Generally speaking, the most industrious workers are also the most productive ones. And just as productivity is an asset in the working world, it’s important in the investment world, too. Strive to own a mix of investments in a balanced portfolio, based on your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals. Develop your investment skills. To truly be a good worker, you need a set of skills, such as initiative, the ability to make decisions and the willingness to work on a team. However, throughout the course of your career, you may also need to add new technical proficiencies so that you can stay on top of developments in your field and maintain your productivity. As an investor, you also need some “core competencies,” such as patience, discipline and the ability to prioritize goals. But you also need to stay current on financial products, the economy, the markets and changes in tax- and investment-related laws. To help expand your knowledge base and receive timely guidance, you may want to work with a financial professional. Labor Day comes just once a year. But by keeping your investments working hard 365 days a year, you can keep making progress toward the lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

Faye’s Attends IJO Conference

Faye Rodgers, Lori Blagg, Logan Blagg, Sandy Seastrom, Shannon Smith, Leah Sexton and Marsha Trammell, all from Faye’s Diamond Mine recently attended a series of educational seminars, workshops and courses at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s Fall Buying and Seminar Conference held in Nashville, TN. They also had the opportunity to preview the lines of more than 150 top manufacturers and jewelry designers who exhibited their merchandise, some of which is exclusive to Master IJO Jeweler members and is not available from any other stores in this area. Faye’s Diamond Mine associates then carefully selected many unique and exciting items for the Fall season that are sure to delight customers. “Attending the IJO Conference gives us a competitive edge over our competition by keeping us up to date with what is currently going on in our industry” Faye stated. IJO (www.ijo.com)is an international buying group and educational organization of independent retail jewelers with almost 900 members worldwide. Its’ group buying power enables members to offer customers the finest in high-quality jewelry and loose diamonds at tremendous savings, while maintaining the reliability and integrity of an independent retail jeweler. Faye’s Diamond Mine is this area’s exclusive Master IJO Jeweler member located in the Northside Shopping Center in Clinton. Visit them soon to see the latest in jewelry fashions, or for a personal consultation on the diamond of your dreams. Find us on Facebook at Fayes Diamond Mine.

Obituary: Jimmy L. Bristow

Jimmy L. Bristow, age 80, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, August 11, 2011, at his home. Born in Carlinville, Illinois, on February 13, 1931, he was the son of the late Lee Emitt and Lorene Mae (Harris) Bristow. A resident of Fairfield Bay since 1995, Mr. Bristow was a retired maintenance manager for the United States Postal Service. He was a veteran of Korea, having served in the United States Air Force, and he also served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Naval Reserve. Mr. Bristow’s hobbies included woodcarving. He enjoyed serving as a Boy Scout Master and baseball coach when his children were in school. Mr. Bristow was a past member of the Lions Club and the American Legion. He was a member of the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bristow is survived by his wife, Claranne Bristow of Fairfield Bay; two sons, James Michael Bristow of Rockford, Illinois, and Curtis Bristow of Godly, Illinois; one daughter, Sue Knapp of Waterford, Michigan; one brother, J. Ray Bristow of Yellville; one sister, Lula Belle Bristow Taylor; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Mr. Bristow is also survived by other relatives and his many friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Braceville, Illinois. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home, Heber Springs. www.olmstead.cc

Obituary: Mary Croom Gordon

Mary Croom Gordon, age 93, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, passed away Monday, August 22, 2011, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. Born in Dardanelle, Arkansas, on July 6, 1918, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Celeste (Howell) Croom. Mrs. Gordon was a retired buyer for a department store. In 1975, she moved to Fairfield Bay where she loved the outdoors, playing golf, fishing, and boating in Greers Ferry. Mrs. Gordon is survived by her friend, Pat Simpson of Fairfield Bay; her niece, Celeste Croom Joh; and her great nieces and great nephews. Mrs. Gordon is also survived by other relatives and her many friends. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc

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