Tag Archives: David Pryor

Legacies and Lunch: Deering Discusses Fisher and Political Cartoons

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John Deering, Chief Editorial Cartoonist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, will discuss the history and importance of cartoons created by George Fisher.  The talk takes place today as part of the monthly “Legacies & Lunch” program.

Fisher was a political cartoonist for more than 50 years whose work influenced and helped define Arkansas politics and politicians for a generation.

Among his legacies were Orval Faubus and the Farkleberry Tree (pictured at right), Bill Clinton graduating from buggy to tricycle to bike to pickup, David Pryor and his coon dog, Frank White and his banana and the Old Guard Rest Home.

Legacies & Lunch is sponsored in part by the Arkansas Humanities Council. Bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert are provided.

It will take place in the Darragh Center inside the main library building.  The program starts at 12noon and ends at 1pm.  The program is free.

Sculpture Vulture: Gov. Sid McMath

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As Arkansas Heritage Month draws to an end, today’s Sculpture Vulture features Gov. Sid McMath. A proud officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, it is also appropriate to feature him on Memorial Day weekend.

The sculpture was crafted by Bryan Massey, Sr. and was commissioned by the Central Arkansas Library System. It stands on the campus of the library branch which bears the Governor’s name. It was dedicated in 2006.

This bronze sculpture depicts Gov. McMath in shirt sleeves, slacks and a tie in mid stride. He confidently smiles as he raises his right hand to wave with the hat in the hand. It is based on a photo of the Governor walking in a Little Rock parade along side President Harry S. Truman.

Behind the statue are a series of medallions mounted on individual pedestals which depict scenes from McMath’s life. They are accompanied by a quote from U. S. Senator David H. Pryor “…the best friend Arkansas ever had.”

The plaza is flanked by the United States, Arkansas and Marine Corps flags.

In Memorium: W. Francis McBeth

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Former Arkansas Symphony Orchestra conductor W. Francis McBeth died late last week.  A longtime member of the music faculty at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, his impact on instrumental music was felt throughout the state, nation and world. 

When the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra was launched in 1966, it used guest conductors for the first several years.  As one of Arkansas’ preeminent band and orchestra conductors and composers, McBeth was asked to guest conduct from time to time.  In 1971, he was named Conductor of the ASO and served in that capacity until 1973.  During his tenure, the Symphony hired its first full-time professional musicians.  He also started the tradition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” being played at the top of the first concert of the season.  At the time of his retirement from the ASO, he was designated with the title of Conductor Emeritus. 

In 1975, McBeth was designated Composer Laureate of the Arkansas by Governor David Pryor.  Arkansas was the first state to designate any individual a Composer Laureate.

McBeth retired from teaching at Ouachita in 1996 but continued to compose and conduct throughout the country until recent health developments curbed those activities.