Lakeport Plantation

Lakeport Plantation Presents Author: Dr. Robert Patrick Bender, March 17, 2012

2012-02-23T07:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 17, 2012, 2:00 pm — 3:30 pm

Dr. Robert Patrick Bender will be at the Lakeport Plantation to discuss the life and career Lake Village's Confederate Brigadier General Daniel Harris Reynolds. Dr. Bender is the editor of Worthy of The Cause for Which They Fight: The Civil War Diary of Brigadier General Daniel Harris Reynolds, 1861-1865 (University of Arkansas Press, 2011). A book signing will follow Dr. Bender's talk.

Reynolds, a lawyer at the onset of the Civil War, raised "The Chicot Rangers," who fought in both the Trans-Mississippi West and in the East. Reynolds' diary covers the entirety of the Civil War from 1861 to 1865 and consistently documents the harsh realities of battle, the shifting fortunes of war, the personal conflicts that sometimes divided the soldiers, and a committed Southerner coming to grips with the realities of defeat. He resided in Lake Village from 1858 until his death in 1902.

Books will available for purchase at $35.00 (cash or check only please). Call or email to reserve a book — 870 265 6031 or lakeport.ar at gmail.com

All are welcome to this free event.

This event is an official event of the Arkansas Sesquicentennial Commission

A Stroll through downtown Warren, Arkansas

2012-02-22T14:56:00.001-08:00

After a meeting in Warren (Bradley County), I had the chance to stroll around downtown Warren. I was impressed with how much of its historic fabric is still intact.

The courthouse is an impressive two-story structure designed in 1903 by Little Rock architect Frank W. Gibb. The National Register form on AHPP's website describes the building as :
an impressive two-story brick structure with towers. Distinctive features of the building include brick quoins arched windows with keystones, gauged brick voussoirs, denticulated cornices, and the usage of two colors of brick. A cut-stone water table extends around the entire building. The most distinctive feature of the building is the clock tower located on the southwest corner. The main body of the tower is two-and-one-half stories with a four-faced clock located atop. Centered above the clock is a cupola featuring archways, denticulated cornice and a hexagonal roof.

Near the courthouse are two Art Deco style buildings, the 1931 Warren Municipal Building and the 1948 Warren YMCA (now the Donald W. Reynolds YMCA after a 2005 remodeling and expansion).

Warren Municipal Building

Warren YMCA / Donald W. Reynolds YMCA

Two other bulding that caught my eye were the First State Bank of Warren (1927) and the Bailey House (ca. 1900). The Bailey house, built for a local druggist, has a unique cupola and other Victorian features. AHPP's description of the Bailey house claims it "is one of the most architecturally interesting residential structures in south Arkansas." The First State Bank of Warren struck me with its proportioned neo-classical architecture and the watchful eagle perched atop the building. First State Bank does not appear to be on the National Register.

Bailey House

First State Bank of Warren

There are many other historic buildings in downtown Warren. AHPP's website lists 13 buildings that are on the National Register, so you can explore more there. Luckily, in July 2012, AHPP will hold a Walks in History Tour and we'll be able to learn more.

Walks in History Tour sponsored by Arkansas Historic Preservation Program

July 14, 2012 - Historic Downtown Warren

Historic Downtown Warren. In 1880 Warren, the Bradley County seat, became the western terminus of the Ouachita Division of the Little Rock, Mississippi River & Texas Railroad, providing a reliable means of transportation for the town’s vast timber resources. A multitude of small lumber mills operated in Warren and Bradley County in the 1880s, but the industry was later dominated by large mills like the Southern Lumber Company and the Arkansas Lumber Company. The aforementioned companies partnered in 1899 to build the short-line Warren & Ouachita Valley Railroad from Warren to Banks to aid in the shipping of timber. Warren is also the self-proclaimed “Pink Tomato Capital of the World,” hosting the Pink Tomato Festival each June. The tour group will meet at the Dr. John Wilson Martin House at 200 Ash St. Co-sponsored by the Bradley County Historical Museum.

Courthouse Records: Lycurgus Johnson to Lydia Taylor

2012-02-16T10:52:00.002-08:00

The marriage of Lycurgus Johnson, age 24, and Lydia Taylor, age 19, on June 13, 1842 is recorded in county records at the Chicot County Courthouse. The marriage was officiated by Lycurgus' uncle, Benjamin Johnson, who was the Federal Judge for the District of Arkansas.

Lydia Taylor was the daughter of Col. Benjamin Taylor. Col. Taylor was among the Kentucky kinsmen who began buying Arkansas land in the 1830s. He had four daughters, Ann Taylor Johnson Worthington (widow of Lycurgus' uncle James Johnson before marrying Isaac Worthington), Mary Jane Taylor Cable, Lydia Taylor Johnson, and Theodosia Taylor Sessions. Col. Taylor died in 1850 when he and his horse were swept away and drowned during a rainstorm. He is buried in Lexington Cemetery.

Lycurgus and Lydia had twelve children during their marriage:

1. Joel Johnson, born May 16, 1843, died Dec. 30, 1847
2. Benjamin Taylor Johnson, born March 25, 1845, died Jan. 8, 1848
3. John Henry Johnson, born Oct. 23, 1846, died Dec. 20, 1847

4. Mary J. Johnson, born October 21, 1848
5. Linnie Johnson, born September 12, 1850

6. Theodore Johnson, born May 6, 1852

7. Annie Johnson, born April 25, 1854

8. Cave J. Johnson, born February 13, 1856

9. Walter L. Johnson, born January 8, 1858

10. Julia J. Johnson, born July 12, 1860, died November 1, 1869

11. Victor M. Johnson, born February 17, 1863

12. Cable Johnson, born March 15, 1865, died August 5, 1867

Except for one, all the children, were born in Chicot County, Arkansas at the Florence Plantation or Lakeport Plantation. Linnie Johnson was born in Lexington, Kentucky in September, where the family spent their summers. The couple's first three children died within three weeks of each other at the Florence Plantation in Arkansas. Mostly likely the cause of their early deaths was a cholera, yellow fever or influenza epidemic. Those three children are buried at the Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The two children who died at Lakeport Plantation after the Civil War, Cable (d. 1867) and Julia (d. 1869) are buried at Lakeport. Lydia and Lycurgus are both buried in the Frankfort Cemetery near Lycurgus' father, Joel. It is unclear where Lycurgus' mother, Verlinda Claggett Offutt (1795-1868), is buried. There is no marker for her at Frankfort Cemetery and she's not listed on Joel's obelisk marker.

Lakeport Christmas Ornament

2011-12-07T08:23:00.001-08:00

We commissioned a Lakeport Christmas ornament this year. The ornaments are two-sided with the house one one side and the Lakeport cotton logo on the other. If you are interested call or email to reserve one for your tree. The cost is $12 for the ornament.

Holiday Hours 2011-2012

2011-12-07T08:09:00.001-08:00

Open limited hours on December 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 and 30

(Staff will be on-site for tours at 10 am until 12 pm);

Closed December 22-26 and December 30-January 2;

Resume regular hours on January 3.

Lakeport's 3rd Annual Holiday Open House

2011-11-18T07:59:00.001-08:00

Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come join us for Lakeport's 3rd Annual Holiday Open House on December 3 from 11 am to 2 pm. Celebrate the start of the Season with tradition, history & classic holiday arts & crafts for the kids.

Schedule:

11 am -- Guided Tour of the Lakeport Home
12 pm -- Story time
1 pm -- Santa arrives (bring your own camera for pictures)
1:45 pm -- Reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas

There will also be ornament making in the house and historic games throughout the day.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

Call us at 870-265-6031 for questions and volunteer opportunities.

Lakeport Plantation is an Arkansas State University Heritage Site.

Thanks to everyone who came out!

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours 2011

2011-11-11T12:51:00.001-08:00

2011 Thanksgiving Holiday

Limited Hours on November 23 (Day before Thanksgiving). Staff will be onsite for tours at 10 a.m. until Noon.

Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday - November 24 and 25; Resume regular hours on November 28th.

Closed Labor Day 2011

2011-09-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Lakeport will be closed on Labor Day -- Monday, September 5

Lakeport will resume regular hours on Tuesday, September 6.

Lakeport is Open Year-Around

Monday-Friday Tours at 10 am & 2pm

Saturdays -- By appointment

Sundays -- Closed

Historic Preservation in Lake Village: Remembering, Tearing Down, and Preserving History

2011-08-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Back in April the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program focused on downtown Lake Village for their "Walks Through History Tour." In February, Lake Village's downtown was added to the National Register for its local significance under Criterion A (economic development of the city) and C (mid 20th century architecture). According to AHPP "The Lake Village Commercial Historic District exemplifies the growth of the city through its peak in the 1950s. The period of significance extends from 1906 to 1960."

The script for the AHPP tour, given and researched by Rachel Silva, is now available on AHPP's website as a pdf file. My Pictures of the tour are below:

This August one of the buildings discussed in the tour, the Dixie Queen, was torn down. The tour script says, "Not in district—built about 1935 as a filling station. Later became the Dixie Queen Dairy Bar, a popular hangout for Lake Village youth in its heyday."

Dixie Queen, April 2011

Dixie Queen, August 3, 2011. Photo by Ned McAffry.

Slab on N. Lakeshore Dr., August 8, 2011

While the loss of the 1935 Dixie Queen / filing station leaves a hole in the city's historic fabric and an empty lot along the lake front, the city of Lake Village continues with its plans to restore the historic Tushek Building for city offices.

Tushek Building, April 2011

The 1906 Tushek Builing is described in the National Register nomination as the "finest example of a commercial building designed in the Beaux Arts style in the county seat of Lake Village." The earliest known photo of the building is from a 1908 postcard:

1908 Postcard of Lake Village (corner of Main & Court Streets). Courtesy of Blake Wintory

Meanwhile, over in Monticello (Drew County), the city celebrated the dedication of the rehabilitated Ridgeway Hotel Historic District (includes H. M. Wilson Building). The Ridgeway, a 1930 hotel and a 1912 hardware store, have been rehabed into senior living apartments. The historic district was added to the National Register in 2009.

1935 Lake Chicot Garden Club Visits Lakeport

2011-06-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

While doing research at the Arkansas History Commission in the Clara B. Eno Collection, which contains the source material for her 1939 book, Historic Places in Arkansas, I found a June 1935 article about the Lake Chicot Garden Club's visit to Lakeport.

By 1935 Lakeport had been vacated by the Johnsons, who moved to Greenville, Mississippi, and sold to Sam Epstein. Frank Dantzler and his wife, Fannie (both originally from Macon, Mississippi), occupied the home and ran the plantation for Mr. Epstein. Mrs. Dantzler died in 1936 and Mr. Dantzler continued to operate the plantation until 1950. He died in 1952. Both are buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Macon.

The article describes the house (not always accurately) as having a "spacious front lawn filled with oaks and magnolias," "wrought iron balconies, 12-foot tall mahogany doors, arched doorways, winding stairs and beautiful coped ceilings." Outside the house, the ladies of the club found "old slave quarters, dairies and outdoor kitchen still in perfect condition."

Commentary: The ornamental iron is cast iron, the doors are 10' 8" pine with a faux grain in oak and rosewood, and there is only one arch in the house. There was probably only one dairy and the "outdoor kitchen" was likely the smokehouse, since the kitchen, with a built in cast iron stove, is attached to the house. I'm very curious about the "old slave quarters"; is it the collection of building north of the house captured in a 1927 photo during the flood? We have since decided these buildings date to after 1870, probably to the time Victor Johnson ran the plantation.

Eno listed 11 historic places in the Chicot County (vs. 34 in her home county of Crawford).

Eno's Historic Places in Chicot County (1939)

1. Battlefield of Dutch [sic Ditch] Bayou.

2. A Skirmish during the War between States occurred on the Tecumseh Plantation.

3. Confederate Monument at Lake Village, erected by the Capt. McConnel Chapter of Lake Village, George K. Cracraft Chapter of Eudora, and the citizens of Chicot County. It stands on the Court House lawn on the lake front.

4. Site of the Corneil Warfield home on Grand Lake on Highway 65 just beyond Eudora. It contains secret closets.

5. Home of Lycurgus Johnson, a noted family.

6. The John Saunder home, occupied as a hospital during the War between the States. Now the home of Judge Harry C. Cook.

7. Lewellen [sic Llewellyn] Place 12 miles above Luna Landing.

8. Luna Landing in the northern part of the county on the Mississippi river, where the inhabitants of the nearby county received their supplies from 1840 to 1903. From the Steamboat Landing on Grand Lake, those in the southern part were supplied.

9. A monument marks the sight where Lindbergh made his first night flight in 1923. This is on Highway No. 2, two miles north of Lake Village. Marked by the Delphian Club.

10. Indian Mounds, Mt. Tecumseh, about 50 feet high.

11. Lake Village County Seat, marked by Centennial Commission.

I plan on visiting Eno's sites and updating their description. Check back for more information.

Saturday Hours -- Summer 2011

2011-06-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Good News:

Lakeport will be open this summer on Saturdays from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm.

Saturday Hours began June 4, 2011 and will continue until ~~September 3~~ August 27, 2011.

Rows of Cotton, June 7, 2011

Snow at Lakeport, February 11, 2011

Help a Friend -- Johnny Cash Boyhood Home & ASU

2011-06-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

Updated: June 10, 2011

Cash home in its current condition

ASU Staff in front of Johnny Cash's boyhood home in Dyess

Friends & Johnny Cash fans -- Help Arkansas State University and the City of Dyess preserve and open the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home to the public. Vote to help us win $25,000 to go towards the restoration of the house that inspired and cultivated Johnny's songwriting and music.

ASU and the City of Dyess were chosen from a national pool of applicants to be one of 100 historic "places that matter" who are eligible to win $25,000 to go towards the restoration of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home. We are competing for votes with 99 other sites, so we're trying to get our name and link our there as much as possible – please pass on to friends and family.

A quick one-time vote and a valid email address is all it takes for you to support the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home project. Contest ends June 30th. VOTE TODAY! (registration required to vote)

http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/this-place-matters/community-challenge/places/arkansas.html

A little more info:

ASU has recently purchased the boyhood home of Johnny Cash in Dyess. As one way to fund the restoration, we have been selected to compete for the “This Place Matters” grant through the National Trust for Historic Preservation for this site. It is a popularity contest to see how many votes each entry can receive. The first place prize is $25,000.

Here is where you can help. If you will take a few minutes to go to: www.preservationnation.org/communitychallenge and register to vote for Arkansas State University and the City of Dyess, you can help us secure first place and stay there. It only takes a few minutes. You can only vote one time per email account but if you have more than one email, I would encourage you to vote with each account. As of today we keep moving from first to third and then back.

Every day, visitors from around the world come to see the place where he grew up. But this is not the house that JC Cash lived in. His house was new, freshly-painted inside and out, and a dream-come-true for his family. We want to restore it back to the original and we can with your help.

You have a little bit of time – until June 30^th, so please vote.

If you have already voted, thank you. I knew you would do it.

And if you haven’t bought your tickets for the Johnny Cash Music Festival on August 4^th, consider this your reminder, too.

Lakeport Technical Reports

2011-05-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

Closed Memorial Day & Open Saturdays this Summer

2011-05-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

Lakeport will be closed on Memorial Day--Monday, May 30, 2011.

However, we will be open Saturdays this summer starting in June.

On June 4th -- Lakeport is part of the Lake Chicot State Park's Civil War Event:

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Civil War Writings – Visitor Center

The letters, reports, and diaries of the Civil War show us the personal story of what these men went through during our country’s tragic split. Join the Park Interpreter, as we examine these writings and discover what they tell us about the Civil War. Visitors will also have a chance to write using the same tools the soldiers used 150 years ago.

10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The Life of Civil War Soldiers

Join the Park Interpreter as he conducts a living history programs that represent what life was like for both the Union and Confederate soldiers in Arkansas. There will be reproduction equipment and uniforms so don’t miss your chance to see history come alive. If you have any questions about life as a Civil War solider this is your chance to ask.

1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. The Battle of Ditch Bayou

Join the Park Interpreter as we take an in-depth look into the battle fought on the other side of the lake. Firsthand reports from soldiers and civilians will show us what really happen here on June 6^th 1864.

2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p. m. The Battle of Arkansas Post

Join us for a look into the Union assault on Fort Hindman that took place on January 9-11, 1863. Joe Herron, Park Ranger for Arkansas Post National Memorial will be giving us a presentation on what occurred during this battle and the effect it had on the surrounding area.

3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lakeport Plantation and the Civil War

Join us as we travel to the other side of Lake Chicot to visit the historic Lakeport Plantation. Dr. Blake Wintory, Assistant Director of Lakeport Plantation, will provided visitors with a guided tour of Lakeport Plantation. During his tour he will discuss the effect the Civil War had on Lakeport Plantation. Maps from Lake Chicot State Park to Lakeport Plantation will be handed out at the end of “The Battle of Arkansas Post” presentation.

Ditch Bayou Battlefield in Chicot County part of Arkansas Historic Preservation Program's New Cell-Phone Tour

2011-05-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Ditch Bayou Battlefield, the last major battle fought in Arkansas, is part of Arkansas Historic Preservation Program's Cell-Phone Tours of Historic Sites in Arkansas. The Battle, fought on June 6, 1864, was part of a Federal effort to drive Confederate forces way from the Mississippi River and cease attacks on Union shipping. The outnumbered Confederate forces lost only 4 men before running low on supplies and withdrawing. Federal forces lost 132 men. The audio fo r all the sites is also available online for streaming or downloading.

AHPP ANNOUNCES CELL-PHONE TOURS OF HISTORIC SITES AROUND ARKANSAS

LITTLE ROCK–The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program now offers free cell-phone tours of historic sites around the state, AHPP Director Frances McSwain announced today.

“These cell-phone tours will allow visitors to get in-depth information on historic properties at the touch of a button,” McSwain said. “We currently have 15 cell-phone tours recorded and will add more in the coming months.”

The cell-phone tours can be accessed by calling (501) 203-3015 or by visiting http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/tours-events-workshops/audio-tours/. Current tours include Boyle Park (Stop 21), First Lutheran Church (Stop 41), Robert E. Lee School (Stop 51), Little Rock City Hall (Stop 61) and the Fourche Bayou Battlefield (Stop 11) in Little Rock; Crestview Park (Stop 31) and the Park Hill Fire Station and Water Company (Stop 71) in North Little Rock; Cane Hill Battlefield (Stop 10) in Washington County; Elkins’ Ferry (Stop 12) and Prairie D’Ane (Stop 13) Battlefields in Nevada County; Poison Spring Battlefield (Stop 14) in Ouachita County; Fort Southerland (Stop 18) in Camden; Marks’ Mills Battlefield (Stop 15) in Cleveland County; Jenkins’ Ferry Battlefield (Stop 16) in Grant County, and Ditch Bayou Battlefield (Stop 17) in Chicot County.

The Ditch Bayou Battlefield markers (A)are approximately 5.5 miles from the Lakeport Plantation (B).

The AHPP is the Department of Arkansas Heritage agency responsible for identifying, evaluating, registering and preserving the state’s cultural resources.

The Lakeport Plantation house is an Arkansas State University Heritage Site. Built for Lycurgus and Lydia Johnson in 1859, the Greek Revival home is one of Arkansas' premiere historic structures and is now the only remaining antebellum plantation home in Arkansas on the Mississippi River. The Johnson family retained ownership of the house until 1927, when the Chicot County plantation was purchased by Sam Epstein. The house was added to the National Register in 1974 and was gifted to Arkansas State University in 2001 by the Sam Epstein Angel Family. Following a massive restoration effort, the home opened to the public on September 28, 2007.

Read more about the Battle on the Encyclopedia of Arkansas or in the Arkansas Historical Quarterly:

Shea, William L. “Battle at Ditch Bayou.” Arkansas Historical Quarterly 39 (Autumn 1980): 195–207.

Civil War Event at Lake Chicot Sate Park Ends with Tour of Lakeport -- June 4th

2011-05-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Lake Chicot State Park

Civil War Event, Saturday, June 4^th 2011

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Civil War Writings – Visitor Center

The letters, reports, and diaries of the Civil War show us the personal story of what these men went through during our country’s tragic split. Join the Park Interpreter, as we examine these writings and discover what they tell us about the Civil War. Visitors will also have a chance to write using the same tools the soldiers used 150 years ago.

10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The Life of Civil War Soldiers

Join the Park Interpreter as he conducts a living history programs that represent what life was like for both the Union and Confederate soldiers in Arkansas. There will be reproduction equipment and uniforms so don’t miss your chance to see history come alive. If you have any questions about life as a Civil War solider this is your chance to ask.

1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. The Battle of Ditch Bayou

Join the Park Interpreter as we take an in-depth look into the battle fought on the other side of the lake. Firsthand reports from soldiers and civilians will show us what really happen here on June 6^th 1864.

2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p. m. The Battle of Arkansas Post

Join us for a look into the Union assault on Fort Hindman that took place on January 9-11, 1863. Joe Herron, Park Ranger for Arkansas Post National Memorial will be giving us a presentation on what occurred during this battle and the effect it had on the surrounding area.

3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lakeport Plantation and the Civil War

Join us as we travel to the other side of Lake Chicot to visit the historic Lakeport Plantation. Dr. Blake Wintory, Assistant Director of Lakeport Plantation, will provided visitors with a guided tour of Lakeport Plantation. During his tour he will discuss the effect the Civil War had on Lakeport Plantation. Maps from Lake Chicot State Park to Lakeport Plantation will be handed out at the end of “The Battle of Arkansas Post” presentation.

May is Preservation Month -- Lakeport Technical Reports Made Available

2011-05-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

The National Trust for Historic Preservation declares each May National Preservation Month. This year's theme is "Celebrating America's Treasures." City and county officials throughout Arkansas have recognized the month and made their own preservation declarations.

Yesterday, the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas announced "The Most Endangered Places in Arkansas" aka "Seven to Save." There is a video of the announcement on Facebook or you can read about the seven on Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Blog . The annoucement has no power to save these sites, but it does raise awareness of historic places and generates public, technical, and financial support.

Lakeport was never on the Preservation Alliance's most endangered list--although, the H. L. Mitchell/Clay East Building, now ASU's Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, was on the list in 2000. Lakeport was in need of expert restoration work. Much of the technical work for the restoration was documented and complied into technical reports. Sonya Walker (formally of the Lakeport project) has authored eight technical reports on parge coating; chimneys; foundation and footers; windows; shingled roof; guttering and sheet metal work; cornice, siding, and paint; and smokehouse and mechanicals. Reports on dendrochronology and historic archeology have also been authored.

For Preservation Month these reports are being posted online. Today, there are links for the first three reports and I'll continue posting more each day.

Lakeport Plantation Technical Reports:

Vote for Lakeport Plantation!!

2011-05-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism is conducting an online poll for the state's favorite museums, parks and other attractions. You can vote for 10 sites each day until June 8th.

So, please vote for the Lakeport Plantation and 9 of your other favorite Arkansas places. Lakeport is listed under "Attractions."

http://www.arkansas.com/175/Default.aspx

There are also several other Southeast Arkansas locations:

John H. Johnson House (Arkansas City, Desha County)
Rohwer Internment Camp Historic Marker (Desha County)
Guachoya Cultural Art Center (Lake Village, Chicot County)
Lake Chicot State Park (Chicot County)
Jerome Historic Marker (Drew/Chicot counties)
Arkansas Post National Memorial (Desha County)
Arkansas Post Museum State Park (Desha County)

And Arkansas State University's other Heritage Sites:

Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum
Southern Tenant Farmers Museum
Arkansas State University Museum

I'm still putting news about the 2011 Flooding of the Mississippi River in Chicot County on our blog,

Mississippi River is Risin' 2011

2011-05-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 14, 2011 -- Photo Courtesy Rusty Johnson of Lake Village, Ark.

Updated 5/19/2011 @ 12:20 am 5/16/2011 @ 10:50 am 5/14/2011 @ 11:25 am; 5/10/2011 @ 12:30 pm and @ 8:20 pm

Lakeport is on dry land, but over the levee, just 800 feet away, the flood waters are nearing their crest. ~~They are expected to reach their peak on Sunday, May 15th. Revised to May 17. 16 and back to May 17 again to 64.5'~~. The river has crested, see MS Levee Board News below:

MS Levee Board News 5-20-2011

The MS River has crested at Arkansas City and Greenville and is cresting at Vicksburg!

UPDATE – May 18, 2011

CURRENT GAGE READINGS

Arkansas City 52.7’

Greenville 64.0’

Vicksburg 57.1’

MS RIVER FORECAST

Arkansas City Crested May 16^th at 53.1’

Greenville Crested May 16^th at 64.2’

Vicksburg Cresting at 57.1’

This highwater exceeded the 1973 highwater levels by 6’.

This highwater put us 3.2’ above the 100-year flood on the MS River.

The 100-year flood on the MS River is 61’ at Greenville and 54’ at Vicksburg.

MS Levee Board News 5-15-2011

The MS River is cresting at Arkansas City!

UPDATE – May 16, 2011

CURRENT GAGE READINGS

Arkansas City 53.1’

Greenville 64.2’

Vicksburg 56.5’

MS RIVER FORECAST

They lowered the Greenville crest by 6” to 64.5’ on May 17^th:

Arkansas City 53.1’ cresting

Greenville 64.5’ crest on May 17^th

Vicksburg 57.5’ crest on May 19^th

This forecast will exceed the 1973 highwater levels by 6’.

This forecast will put us 3.5’ above the 100-year flood on the MS River.

The 100-year flood on the MS River is 61’ at Greenville and 54’ at Vicksburg.

The Corps of Engineers, at a meeting at the Chicot County Courthouse in Lake Village on 5/9/11 and 5/10/11 (the ones I attended), assured citizens that the levees are holding up and they are designed to withstand this historic flood. These informational meetings will be held every day at the Chicot County Courthouse at 4 pm until further notice.

A few other points the Corps made:

Levee system is in good shape.
Fields are dry; a few inches of rain will not be a problem.
The rise ~~has~~ slowed ~~this week~~; has crested, but will be a slow draw down.
We will have highwater into June. Our northern neighbors are holding a lot of water in their reservoirs that they will eventually have to release.

the slow drop in floodwaters prevents the levees from sloughing

There is some seepage along levees, but this is normal and not a concern.
An older levee near Eudora was topped last week by the floodwaters; this levee is not part of the mainline levees.
No water is or can be pumped into Lake Chicot. The pumping station at Lake Chicot is NOT designed to pump water into the lake--just out of it.
Levees perpendicular to each other (directly across the river) have the same elevation.
Sand boils are being monitored; they know where they are historically and none are considered a threat at this time.

boils that are moving clear water are not a threat. boils that are moving material/dirt/sand are.

it takes a lot of movement of material to consider them a threat.

Watch for wildlife that have been displaced from their habitat by the flood.
Gov. Beebe has activated the National Guard to help watch the levees in Desha and Chicot counties.

approximately 30 70 Guardsmen will be in the counties.

Good internet resources:

Media reports in Chicot County

KATV -- Floodwaters Rising in southeast Arkansas, Mississippi (5/15/2011)
KATV -- River cresting Sunday [not sure if that day is accurate] in Desha, Chicot Counties (5/15/2011)
Huffington Post (in Greenville, MS) -- At Epicenter of Past River Flood, A Town On Edge (5/14/2011)
KATV --Chicot County Almost Out of The Water, Levee Holding (5/13/2011)
Delta Farm Press -- Anxiety rises with river levels on Mississippi (5/9/2011)
Southwest Times Record (Fort Smith) -- Members Of 188th Assist With Flood Relief (5/14/2011)
THV -- Arkansas National Guard heads to Chicot County for flood preps (5/13/2011)

The levees are fine.

And while you are here: Please vote for the Lakeport Plantation and 9 of your other favorite Arkansas places in the Department of Parks & Tourism's Favorite Places in Arkansas Poll. Lakeport is listed under "Attractions."

http://www.arkansas.com/175

If you compare the photos from May 4, 10 and 16, you can see the water has continued to inch up along the levee. (Tip pause the slideshow and look for comparable photos).

In the Spring of 2008 the Mississippi River also rose and neared the top of the levee. The 2011 flood waters are expected to be 7.1 feet hight than 2008 (see Press Release below).

April 5, 2008 -- Lakeport can be seen to the Right.

Levee reinforcements at Lakeport, April 1927 -- House in background -- Photo is Courtesy Library of Congress.

Press Release from Chicot County Judge Mack Ball

May 4, 2011

Chicot County Judge Mack Ball reports that a flood warning for the Mississippi River remains in effect for Chicot County. The flood stage is 48.0 feet, with moderate flooding occurring and major flooding predicted. At 4:00 P.M. Monday, the river stage was 53.2 feet. The river will continue to rise to near 64.5 feet by Sunday, May 15th, exceeding the flood of 2008 by 7.1 feet.

The County Judge met with the Eudora Mayor William Stanton and Lake Village Mayor JoAnne Bush in his office Monday afternoon to brief the Mayors of rising waters from the Mississippi River. Also in attendance was Mike Morgan, Chicot County Emergency Management, the Tony Booker, Chicot County Sheriff’s office, David Gillison of the Southeast Arkansas Levee Board and Sammy Angel with the Lake Village Fire Department.

Judge Ball issued a flood disaster request to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management on April 27, 2011 in order to obtain necessary supplies to prevent a breach in the Mississippi River Levee System. Barricades have been placed at all entrances to the levee system and driving on the levee is strictly prohibited and will be enforced. Sandbags are being filled by prisoners at the Delta Regional Detention Center in Dermott to be used at two sand boil sites in Chicot County. Authorities are constantly monitoring these two particular sites, but citizens are encourage to contact the Judge’s Office with any information concerning other suspected boils.

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has personnel in place to monitor the levee system and all known historical sand boils in Chicot County. Also, the Southeast Arkansas Levee Board is constantly monitoring for sand boils and river seepage caused by the high water.

As of May 2, 2011, no vehicles will be permitted to travel on the levee. The Chicot County Sheriff’s Department, Arkansas Game and Fish, Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and the National Guard will be authorized to issue tickets accordingly. This “zero tolerance” policy is in place to protect both the citizens and property in Chicot County. It is each resident’s responsibility to follow the laws and instructions from the Southeast Arkansas Levee Board, Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, National Guard, U.S. Corp of Engineers, Chicot County Sheriff’s Office and the Chicot County Judge’s office.

All major decisions by the Corp of Engineers or any other state or federal agency will be reported to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and the Chicot County Judge. The County Judge will notify the Mayors of each city in Chicot County. The steps will then be in place to inform you as citizens.

If a breach of the levee does occur, officials have developed a system of getting the word to you as a citizen by utilizing fire departments, law enforcement and the Arkansas National Guard. The authorities are simply asking for you to use all precautions and report any unusual developments.

In the event conditions warrant an evacuation all available personnel will notify the citizens of Chicot County. It is at this point that, EVACUATION WILL BE MANDANTORY and your cooperation will be necessary in order to protect both life and property in Chicot County.

At this time only precautionary measures have been issued from each of these entities. Please know that all authorities are working together for your protection. All state and national agencies are on alert for any additional changes in the present conditions of the Mississippi River.

Summer Teacher Workshops at ASU Heritage Sites

2011-03-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Arkansas Heritage Sites at Arkansas State University will be hosting a series of teacher workshops this summer. Each workshop will provide six hours of inservice credit. All workshop themes and activities fit into the Arkansas Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks. These workshops are designed to feature the multi-topic and interdisciplinary educational opportunities available through three great and unique Arkansas Delta sites.

June 14, 2011: Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, "World War II in the Delta."
This workshop will focus on the POW camps that were located in the Arkansas Delta, as well as the impact the war had on agricultural production in the state. http://stfm.astate.edu/

June 16, 2011: Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum & Education Center, "The Hemingway Connection."
~~This workshop will focus on Ernest Hemingway's connection to the Pfeiffer Family of Piggott and his contribution to Arkansas's literary legacy. http://hemingway.astate.edu/~~ Canceled

June 22, 2011: Lakeport Plantation, "The Sesquicentennial of the Civil War in Arkansas."
Lakeport is one of 23 official stamping sites for the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Passport Program. This workshop will focus on Lakeport's and the surrounding area's connection to the Civil War. http://lakeport.astate.edu/

June 28, 2011: Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, "'Roll the Union On': The Music That Inspired a Movement."
This workshop will focus on the protest songs written by John Handcox and how music was used to mobilize a labor movement of the mid-twentieth century.

Please feel free to forward this announcement onto anyone who would be interested in attending these workshops. For those who are interested in registering for a workshop(s), registration is available through the Arkansas Heritage Sites on either the home page or the education page (the registration tool is located in the left hand side link menu): http://arkansasheritagesites.astate.edu/AHS/

Interested folks can contact Rachel Miller directly: rachel.miller@smail.astate.edu

Lakeport Plantation Joins Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Passport Program

2011-03-10T10:54:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

3/10/2011

The Lakeport Plantation and Lake Chicot State Park are two of 23 stamping sites for the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Passport Program. According to a press release from the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission: Travelers in Arkansas can visit sites around the state to learn about Arkansas’s Civil War history while earning prizes through the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Passport Program, Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission Chairman Tom Dupree announced today.

“The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission welcomes everyone to visit the state’s many Civil War sites by participating in the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Passport Program,” Dupree said. “Visitors can get their passports stamped at 23 different places around Arkansas and can visit other Civil War-related properties while they are in the area. Once all 23 stamps are acquired, visitors can send in the back cover of their passport to receive an official Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial coin or patch.”

Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Passports can be acquired at any of Arkansas’s Welcome Centers, at the participating stamping sites, by writing Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, or by e-mailing acwsc@arkansasheritage.org.

Other Stamping Sites in Southeast Arkansas include: Arkansas Post National Memorial (Gillette vic, Arkansas County), St. Charles Museum (St. Charles, Arkansas County), the Delta Cultural Center (Helena-West Helena, Phillips County), and the Phillips County Museum (Helena-West Helena, Phillips County). Associated Sites in Southeast Arkansas include: Ditch Bayou Battlefield (Lake Village vic. Chicot County), Helena Confederate Cemetery (Phillips County), and the Drew County Historical Museum (Monticello, Drew County). For more information on the Passport Program and a full list of stamping sites and associated sites visit http://www.arkansascivilwar150.com/civil-war-sites/passport/

Preservation & Tourism News for Lake Village & Chicot County

2011-03-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, in a press release, announced Lake Village's downtown has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. On Saturday, April 9th at 11 a.m., AHPP will hold its Walks through History program in downtown Lake Village. Lakeport will also be open following the Walks through History program.

DOWNTOWN LAKE VILLAGE LISTED ON NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

LITTLE ROCK—The Lake Village Commercial Historic District at Lake Village in Chicot County has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the country’s official list of historically significant properties, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Director Frances McSwain announced today.

The Lake Village Commercial Historic District – which is bounded by Lakeshore Drive, Jackson Street, Chicot Street and Church Street – features buildings dating to around 1906.

“The district reflects the growth of Lake Village as a nucleus of commerce and trade in southeast Arkansas,” the National Register nomination says. “As the county seat, Lake Village is a center for local government and the Chicot County Courthouse is a cornerstone of the downtown commercial district. The Lake Village Commercial Historic District contains 38 buildings and one monument.”

The AHPP is the Department of Arkansas Heritage agency responsible for identifying, evaluating, registering and preserving the state’s cultural resources. Other agencies are the Arkansas Arts Council, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and the Historic Arkansas Museum.

On Friday, February 18th, the Delta Byways held their 11th Annual Delta Awards in Forrest City. Lake Villagers were dominated for two awards; Brianne Connelly of Lake Village was nominated for the Tourism Support Award and Lake Village Mayor JoAnne Bush was nominated and won Tourism Person of the Year.

Tourism Person of the Year Winner JoAnne Bush with family and supporters from Lake Village

Brianne Connelly, Tourism Support Nominee, with James Bacon

11^th Annual Delta Awards for Tourism Achievement

The 11th annual Delta Awards recognizing tourism achievements in Eastern Arkansas were presented during festivities Friday evening, February 18, at the Forrest City Civic Center in Forrest City, Arkansas. The event was sponsored by Arkansas Delta Byways, with support from the St. Francis County Museum and the Forrest City A & P Commission.

Finalists for the awards were as follows, with the winner designated by an asterisk:

1. Media Support Award

Cross County Historical Society Newsletter, Wynne

*Delta Crossroads Magazine, Piggott, Rector, Manila and Trumann

Rob Johnson, Forrest City Broadcasting

2. Hospitality Award

Edwardian Inn, Helena

*Lake Poinsett State Park, Harrisburg

Paragould Community Center, Paragould

3. Entrepreneur Award

ASU Farmers’ Market, Jonesboro

E. J. Miller, Colton’s Steak House, Marion

*Periwinkle Place, McGehee

4. Tourism Support Award

Brianne Connelly, Lake Village

*Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Little Rock

Scott Lane, Dermott

5. Festival/Event of the Year

Blues on Broadway, West Memphis

Loose Caboose XXI, Paragould

*Tour duh Sunken Lands Harvest Ride, Dyess, Lepanto, Marked Tree and Tyronza

6. Boot Strap Award

Dyess Days, Dyess

*Main Street Paragould’s Holiday Traditions, Paragould

McGehee Historic Depot, McGehee

7. Promotional Award

Arkansas DeltaMade Artists - Betsy Brackin, Norwood Creech, Suzanne Churchill,

Edward Wade and Nancy LaFarra Wilson, All Counties

*City Branding Programs, Blytheville, Helena, Paragould and West Memphis

Bike Crowley’s Ridge, Mississippi River Trail

8. Outstanding Member Award

Linda Hinton, Tyronza

*Sheilla Lampkin, Monticello

Vicki Trimble, Lake Frierson State Park, Jonesboro

9. Cultural Heritage Award

*Exploring the Arkansas Frontier, ASU Museum, Jonesboro

Civil War Helena, Phillips Helena

Parker Pioneer Homestead, Harrisburg

10. Tourism Person of the Year Award

*JoAnne Bush, Lake Village

Rosalind O’Neal, Marion

Munnie Jordan, Helena

Lakeport Plantation Receives Donation of Original Furniture

2011-02-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

For immediate release:

2/17/2011

The Lakeport Plantation, on February 17, 2011, received a donation of two pieces of Lakeport’s original furniture and a Johnson family doll. The artifacts, an antebellum washstand, a carved chair, and a family doll that survived the 1927 flood in Greenville, Mississippi, are the gift of Glenn Smith of San Rafael, California in memory of his wife Verlinda Catherine Rose (Linnie). Lakeport Planation Assistant Director, Blake Wintory, stated “We appreciate the Smith and Rose families for giving these important historical pieces back to Lakeport. These pieces have not been in the house for over 80 years; they are essential elements for telling the story of the plantation.”

The artifacts have gone across the county from Lakeport to Greenville to Memphis, and then onto California and Washington as the Johnson family moved west. Linnie Rose acquired the pieces from her mother, Catherine Verlinda Johnson Rose, who received them from her father, Dr. Victor Johnson. Victor, the youngest son of Lycurgus and Lydia Johnson, was the last Johnson to live at Lakeport. He and his family moved to Greenville, Mississippi in 1917. Ten years later, following the flood of 1927, the family moved to Memphis. In 2008, Sharon Rose, Linnie's sister, donated a washstand that is similar the washstand received today. Underneath the gray marble top is a shipping label that reads, “L.J. Lakeport, Ark.” Sharon remembers both wash stands being in her family’s home. She stated “I’m so happy Glenn donated those items to Lakeport; it’s where they belong.”

Lakeport Special Delivery: What's in the Box?

2011-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what came special delivery to Lakeport today?
Stay tuned.

The folks at Ship Smart are some amazing packers:

Highway 82 Bridge Demolition

2011-02-15T07:55:00.000-08:00

The old Highway 82 bridge (Benjamin G. Humphreys Bridge) is no longer in one piece. Last week the eastern part of the bridge was taken out through a small explosion (I almost fell out of my chair at Lakeport). This morning the center part of the bridge is being lowered on to a barge(s).

Lowering old bridge's center

Notice the missing section on the right (eastern portion of bridge)

More evidence of bridge's demolition

Update (2/15/2011, 3:12 p.m.):

Middle section has been lowered onto two barges

Update II (2/16/2011): Video implosion of eastern side of bridge -- courtesy of mcgee3394 on YouTube

Link to last summer's blog entry on the old bridge: