Category Archives: History

Birthday of first Little Rock Mayor

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Dr. Matthew Cunningham was born on July 5, 1782 in Pennsylvania. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, he ended up in New York City. It was there he met and married a young widow, Eliza Wilson Bertrand. After a brief stint in St. Louis, Dr. Cunningham was one of the first settlers of Little Rock in February 1820. He became the first physician in Little Rock.

In September 1820, Mrs. Cunningham and her children joined him. She became the first female in the Little Rock settlement. Dr. and Mrs. Cunningham had a son, Chester, who was the first baby born in Little Rock. They also had a daughter, Matilda, who would later marry Peter Hanger.

In 1831, Dr. Cunningham was elected the first Mayor of Little Rock. He won the race 23 to 15 over Rev. W. W. Stevenson. The first City Council meeting took place at the Cunningham house at the southwest corner of what is now 3rd and Main Streets (where Bennett’s Military Surplus is located).

Dr. Cunningham served one year as Mayor. He lived until June 15, 1851 and is buried at Mt. Holly Cemetery. His wife, son, daughter and her family are buried next to him.

Architeaser June 20

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Yesterday’s Architeaser was one of the diamond-shaped windows in the galleries at Historic Arkansas Museum. In 2001, the museum expanded and added several new galleries. The windows were part of that expansion.

Here is today’s Architeaser.

QQA Preservation Conversations Tonight

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The Quapaw Quarter Association’s monthly Preservation Conversation continues tonight.

This month’s topic is “The Why and How of Working with the Historic District Commission and Capitol Zoning District Commission.” The discussion will by led by Brian Minyard of the City of Little Rock and Boyd Maher of the Capitol Zoning District Commission.

The program takes place this evening at Curran Hall, 615 East Capitol Avenue. From 5 to 5:30 a reception will take place. The program will run from 5:30 to 6:30. At 6:30 participants are encouraged to keep the conversation going at Lulav Eatery, which will offer a 25% discount to those who attend Preservation Conversations.

The Quapaw Quarter Association’s mission is to promote the preservation of Little Rock’s architectural heritage through advocacy, marketing and education. Incorporated in 1968, the QQA grew out of an effort to identify and protect significant historic structures in Little Rock during the urban renewal projects of the early 1960s. Throughout its existence, the QQA has been a driving force behind historic preservation in Greater Little Rock.

Arkansas Statehood Celebration – Saturday

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Tomorrow, the Old State House and Historic Arkansas Museum will present a salute to Arkansas’ statehood. These two museums of the Department of Arkansas Heritage will offer a glimpse of what life was like during the 1836 Presidential election, the first one after Arkansas became a state.

Visitors will have the chance to experience the politics, entertainment and commerce of the period. From 9am to 12 noon the program will be at Historic Arkansas Museum. At noon, participants will parade from the Historic Arkansas Museum to the Old State House waving flags and banners for the presidential candidate of their choice. The program will continue at the Old State House until 5:30pm.

There is no admission charge. Visitors will also be able to cast votes in a mock election.

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Architeaser – June 14

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Yesterday’s Architeaser was a cast iron shutter dog in the shape of a bunch of grapes. It can be found on 3rd Street on the campus of Historic Arkansas Museum. Other structures on that campus have shutter dogs in the shape of stars, this building is the only one with the shape of grapes. Histories Arkansas Museum is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

Since today is Flag Day, here is today’s Architeaser.

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Sid McMath Centenary

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Community organizations and the McMath family are working together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Governor Sidney Sanders McMath with activities on June 14-15 at Central Arkansas Library System venues.  Gov. McMath was born on June 14, 1912.

These organizations were important to Governor McMath at different times in his life, and the activities reflect those connections. The celebration will begin with a Historical Perspectives conference on McMath’s history and accomplishments on Thursday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Arkansas Studies Institute building, 401 President Clinton Ave. Individuals who knew or worked with McMath in various projects and offices will offer presentations with subjects including The Making of a Governor, Confronting Jim Crow, and Man of Faith.

A Centennial Salute and Reception will be held on Friday, June 15, at 10 a.m. at McMath Library, 2100 John Barrow Rd. Presentation of the colors will begin the program, which will include a speaker from the McMath family. Governor Mike Beebe will speak about the significance of McMath’s time as governor. A reception in the McMath Library meeting room will be followed by family activities of health and vision screenings, mobility demonstrations, Marine Corps and college information, and a children’s book giveaway. Parking is limited, but additional parking is available at Parkview Arts/Sciences High School, 2501 John Barrow Road.

All activities are free and open to the public. The celebration is presented by the McMath family, the Central Arkansas Library System, Henderson State University, Lion’s World Services for the Blind, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, U.S. Marine Corps, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, University of Arkansas, and Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.

June’s 2nd Friday Art Night

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As Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II wrote, “June is bustin’ out all over.”  Tonight, art is bustin’ out all over downtown with the monthly 2nd Friday Art Night.

Among the many stops are:

Quapaw Quarter Association at Curran Hall, 615 East Capitol Avenue.  The artists Dixie Rogers and David Bud Bell will have art on display throughout the period rooms in Little Rock’s official visitors center.

Butler Center Galleries, 401 President Clinton Avenue. Pattern in Perspective: Recent Work by Carly Dahl and Dustyn Bork. Carly Dahl and Dustyn Bork are an artist couple who both work in painting, printmaking, and installation.

Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 East Third Street.  Recent Acquistions; A Collection Vision, 2008-2012.  A look at artwork acquired by HAM over the past four years.  In addition there will be live music by Blue-Collared Greens and a beer tasting with our local brewery, Diamond Bear.

Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott Street.  Art Musings.  Work by clients of the Creative Expressions Program of the Arkansas State Hospital.