Tag Archives: State of Arkansas

June 27 Architeaser: Stephens Game & Fish Nature Center

Posted on by

IMG_6042Last week featured a pair of friezes from the original Arkansas Game & Fish Commission building on the State Capitol grounds.  Today’s Architeaser is the Game & Fish Commission’s Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in downtown Little Rock.

The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center opened December 17, 2008. The 16,232 square foot building on 3.4 acres in Little Rock, overlooks the Arkansas River and is within the Julius Breckling Riverfront Park.

The Center is located at park level which is, at that point, approximately one story below the President Clinton Avenue street level.  The photo depicts the walkway and the stairs which lead down to the Center’s exhibit space. The sharp angles of the stairs and rooflines are reminiscent of cabins and lodges which are often found in nature.  Just like with this building, such facilities in the wild often are built to span ravines or to take advantage of unique landscapes.  The exposed beams are associated with the Arts and Crafts movement which espoused an appreciation of nature and natural surroundings in architecture.

The center focuses on the wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities that our state’s fish and wildlife resources provide. Exhibits highlight the role of fish and wildlife management and many of the projects conducted throughout the history of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The location along the Arkansas River allows many watchable wildlife activities within an urban area. Basking water turtles, butterflies and migrating pelicans are common sights. A portion of the Arkansas River Trail crosses the site, offering more options for exploration. The grounds of the center include beds of native plants found throughout the state, while the main building includes an exhibit hall, aquariums, gift shop, theater and special educational programs.

June 25 Architeaser: War Memorial Stadium

Posted on by

IMG_6008Today’s architeaser is the main entrance on the eastern side of War Memorial Stadium.  It is one of the few parts of the stadium that closely resembles what was built and dedicated in 1948.

The stadium was designed by architect Bruce R. Anderson and was constructed for a cost of $1.2 million.  The original seating capacity of 31,075 was expanded in 1967 and 2010. It is now more than 54,000.

The three panels depict football players. The one on the left depicts a player (ostensibly a quarterback) throwing a football. The middle panel shows two defensive players running into a rusher. The third panel shows a kicker after having punted a ball.

War Memorial Stadium is owned by the State of Arkansas and administered by the War Memorial Stadium Commission.

 

Special activities at Old State House today

Posted on by

OSH logoSaturday is a great time to see the museum and do activities with your family. The Old State House Museum has a full schedule of activities planned throughout the day.:

10:00—Make a paper doll to take home.

11:00—Play Victorian lawn games and enjoy the summer weather.

1:00—Learn about the archeology of the Old State House Museum

2:00— Play Faro, a popular Victorian card game

3:00—Play Victorian lawn games and enjoy the summer weather.

4:00—Play graces, a popular 19th century game on the front lawn of the Old State House Museum

The Old State House Museum hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Old State House Museum is the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Construction on the building began in 1833 and was declared complete in 1842. In 1911, the state government moved out and the building underwent a succession of uses.  Finally, in 1947, the Old State House became a museum by acts of the Arkansas legislature.

The Old State House Museum is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and shares the goal of all seven Department of Arkansas Heritage agencies, that of preserving and enhancing the heritage of the state of Arkansas.

LR Look Back: Mayor John Widgery

Posted on by

LR sealOn June 17, 1802, future Little Rock Mayor John Widgery was born in Portland ME to Mr. and Mrs. William Widgery.  His father died in 1804.  At the age of 11, John Widgery entered Bowdoin College.  He was the youngest student admitted to the college.

Widgery studied law with his uncle, Nathan Kinsman.  He married Ann L. Woodward, who was from Boston MA.  According to Bowdoin College records, he later “wandered away into the Southwest” spending time “in the Cherokee country.”

Widgery spent most of his adult life in the south. For a time Widgery was clerk of the Mississippi House of Representatives.  He then moved to Little Rock prior to 1840.  By 1840, he was Recorder for the City of Little Rock.

According to media reports at the time, several tradesman groups encouraged Widgery to run for Mayor in January 1841.  He did run but lost to Rev. Samuel H. Webb.  The next year, Widgery ran again and this time was elected Mayor.  He took office in January 1842.  On May 24, 1842 he resigned from office.  He later served as Secretary of the Arkansas Senate (where he made $8 a day when the Senate was in session).

Widgery eventually settled in St. Louis.  He later returned up north.  He died on August 2, 1873 in Portland ME and is buried there.  He and his wife did not have any children.

Happy 177 Arkansas

Posted on by

One hundred and seventy-seven years ago today, Arkansas was admitted to the Union.  Happy Birthday Arkansas!

Arkansas birthday

June 4 Architeaser: Justice Building Rotunda

Posted on by

IMG_5749Today’s photo features the rotunda of the 1976 annex of the Justice Building on the State Capitol grounds. This section was dedicated in January 1976 and was designed by Noland Blass. The circular building houses the Supreme Court chambers. It is surrounded by a hallway which wraps around the chamber and is sheathed by panels of glass .  Notice how the glass reflects the surroundings but also allows for a clear view through to the sculpture on the interior wall.

The original portion of the Justice Building was dedicated on June 10, 1958.  Before the Court Room was built, the Supreme Court held court in a temporary (for nearly 18 years) court room in the south end of the Justice Building.

On a personal note, it was in this building in 1986 that I served as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals at Arkansas Boys State.  I don’t remember the “case” we heard or how we ruled.  But I do remember getting to wear a black judge robe over by Boys State T-shirt.

May 30 Architeaser: National Old Line Building

Posted on by

In 1955 the National Old Line Insurance Building was opened.  This seven story structure has been described as “perhaps the finest example of the International Style of architecture in Arkansas.”  Over the years, the building has switched ownership and changed names several times.

Over the years the building has generated controversy. Because of its height (7 stories) and architectural style, it has often been derided as detracting from the look of the adjacent Arkansas State Capitol Building.  There have been several suggestions that the building be torn down and replaced by a parking lot or a lower and more architecturally-sympathetic building.  Conversely, there have also been attempts to expand the building.  Neither school of thought has succeeded.

Today the building is known as the 501 Building (an homage to its address on Woodlane as well perhaps as a nod to the area code of Central Arkansas).  It houses many state offices.IMG_5660