By Jack James
If you find yourself bored and needing something to do, take a small trip about five miles east of Lavaca. Located on the corner of highways 217 and 252, this old structure can be found on the Harold and the late Pauline Jones home place. Hickory Ridge Cemetery is just down the road to the east.
The old building is in bad shape. The native rock walls stand firmly holding up ailing walls of weathered wood and a rusted tin roof. You may not know it, but the building is an important piece of area history.
I am getting some of my information from an old article printed many years ago. It has been in the museum since I inherited my position there in 2005 and the print is very faded. This page drew the attention of several visitors recently so I thought maybe I should bring it back to our view.
I researched a few sites and discovered that the building is listed on an 1887 map of Sebastian County and detailed in the Beverly Township area. The article visits a genealogy of people and homesteads of the area and suggestions about who owned the land and when. Mr. Luther Seaton is quoted in the article as saying that a post office was once located in the space. Sure enough. On the 1887 map, it is plainly documented as “Beverly P.O.” According to Seaton, the place where the building stands was once given as a wedding present by a Mr. Hunter to his daughter Ellen who married F. M. Nixon. Mr. Nixon used the structure for a store at that time. It also held the post office.
According to my research, the postmaster of the Beverly area was Mr. T. H. Carter in 1888. The area also was home to the Carter Plantation where the first post office was located in 1877. This Carter Plantation was once over 1000 acres that were worked by slave labor and had its own grist mill, gin and this store, evidently. There is history that states a wedding anniversary party took place there in the early 1900s and the happy couple received congratulations by President and Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt. (Perhaps this is why he made a Whistle Stop campaign tour through Lavaca when he was running for the presidency?)
The post office was located there until 1915, according to some pages that I found online. Slowly, the postal service from the outlying areas of Arbuckle Island, Union, Ursula and Beverly were consolidated with Lavaca. The little building was still a store until the 1930s when a new store was built and the old place became used as a barn.
This neglected little building is, by my calculations, somewhere in the neighborhood of 128 to 138 years old. Harold and Pauline Jones are quoted as wishing that the structure could be restored for historical value. Harold just passed away this week, joining his beloved Pauline in the hereafter. I hear that others in the family agree that it needs to be saved. I don’t have a say in the matter except I do think that it would be a shame to let this little building fall down and be destroyed.
How about someone taking an interest into seeing if preserving this place? It may be eligible for becoming a historical structure and placed on the National Historic Register! If I can help as a part of the Lavaca Museum, please let me know. Also, if the history that I have written from other writings is mistaken, please drop by the museum this Saturday and help me straighten it out.
See? Sometimes we pass things time and time again and never really pay attention! Keep your eye out for other places in the area that you would like to know about and we will see if we can uncover the real untold story!
Beverly Post Office & Store
First Train to Charleston
By Jack James
The first passenger train on the Arkansas Central Railroad was run on March 1898, when the Commercial League was asked by the management to inspect the road and the car occupied by a large number of Fort Smith’s representative citizens. An empty coal car was also attached and it contained a number of people, who called it the “observation car.” The train left Fort Smith at 1:15pm and made the 28-mile trip to Charleston in one hour and forty minutes, although they made many stops to take on passengers.
Cotton and coal mining was a large part of the area’s economy. Therefore, the coming of the railroad was a tremendous boon the Charleston and the area. In 1898, Lavaca had two cotton gins and Charleston had three. The coming of the railroad caused an increase to the population of Charleston. By 1900, Charleston had grown to 650 residents.
They train was welcomed in Charleston by the shooting of guns, the music of a band and all of the residents turning out to greet them. Major A. S. Cabell made an opening speech, making everyone feel at home, and then the crowd marched toward the business center of the town. At Colonel J. P. Falconer’s store they were met by the hosts of the festivities, Colonel Falconer, General B. F. Armstead, Colonel Pettigrew, Dr. R. M. Southard and other prominent men of Charleston. Although they didn’t have much to say, they were so happy that they seemed to have hugged everybody that they met and, it is said, that in their excitement, “they hugged themselves.”
George Sengel gave an address in which he spoke on behalf of the Commercial League. He recalled what they had done for the railroad, calling the Arkansas Central, “Fort Smith’s $5,000 baby.” Colonel Pettigrew’s response paid a glowing tribute to Colonel Godman, the projector and builder of the road. Colonel Godman made a few remarks, after which a beautiful dinner was served by the townspeople.
The railroad was an important part of the area in both trade and as a passenger route as it connected Fort Smith and down to Paris. Depots along the line began to vanish in the 1920s but freight trains continued the route in some capacities until the tracks were removed in the 1990s
(Information references from an undated clipping from The Charleston Express and the Encyclopedia of Arkansas)
SADA Assists in Tornado Cleanup
By Tammy Moore Teague
Local non-profit SADA, Students Against Drugs and Alcohol, wasted no time in responding to the need of their neighbors in wake of Friday’s tornado.
The group worked in the Parkridge addition and old Uniontown Road area near Van Buren. They began working early Saturday morning and worked through the evening. Their work was critical as they cleared trees from the roadway to allow first responders access to hard hit areas.
Additionally, the charitable group worked to clear a tree off a home belonging to a 97-year-old, 40 year navy veteran. Their service minded mission is for veterans, children and community. Time after time they have proven their dedication to that motto. SADA owner, Tom Ross is proud of the group’s service and dedication to the community.
After working to assist the tornado victims in Crawford County, SADA members made their way back to Lavaca to appear in the city’s annual Christmas parade. “These guys do this because they care about our community,” stated Ross.
The group is a great asset to this community, and supports local organizations and events such as Barling Cruise Night. If you are interested in learning more about this organization you can visit their Facebook page.
Every dollar that is donated to SADA goes to toward the mission. Ross explained that no one within the organization receives payment for the assistance they provide. If you would like to donate or help with this mission you can go here.
Scott County Sheriff’s Office Hosts Christmas Party, Honors Employees
By Tammy Moore Teague
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office held a Christmas party at the fair grounds on Sunday, December 2 at 4 p.m.
Approximately 60 people attended the annual event. Those attending included the employees and families from the jail, collectors office and sheriff’s department.
During this time, Scott County Deputy Jonathan Woodard received a Valor Award. This award was presented to Woodard following the officer involved shooting which occurred at Nella. Woodard has been a deputy within the department for the past eight years.
Additional awards went to Jamie Goff, who was voted “Best Dispatcher,” Abbie Sparks, who was named “Female Jailer of the Year,” Nathan Sneed, who was named “Male Jailer of the Year,” Sean McNevin, who was awarded “Control Tower Operator of the Year,” and Joey Bolin, who was named “Deputy of the Year.”
Employees of the department presented the sheriff with a Case knife and keepsake box with the Sheriffs Prayer. Scott County Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher Jamie Goff said, “We had a great night celebrating Christmas, with food and fellowship. We are so thankful to work for Sheriff Shores and we appreciate all the work Randy and Terri Pyles did to make the Chris
tmas party a success!”
Chamber Sponsors Annual Parade
By Jack James
The 2018 Lavaca Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1, did not disappoint! The streets of downtown and along Main Street were filled with anxious local citizens: parents and grandparents looking for their loved ones riding on floats, groups looking for the vehicles representing their organizations and churches and children with plastic bags cheered, clapped, grabbed and dodged candy being tossed from festive floats. It was Lavaca at its best!
Somewhere around thirty vehicles, ranging in size from a child on a battery-powered toy car to a gigantic 18-wheeler, drove down our Main Street from the parking lots of the First Baptist Church to the parking lot at the intersection of 255 and 96. Indeed, there was something for everyone. Bright lights were blinking from entrant’s cars and trucks, beautiful music and singing filled the night air. Even old Santa was there, bringing up the rear of the parade atop one of our beautiful firetrucks, on his way to City Hall to greet children and find what they wanted for Christmas this year.
Spearheaded by Shelly Hockaday, Lavaca’s City Recorder and Water Clerk and the city representative to the Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce, the parade was in expert hands. She represented herself and the many hats she wears very well. The Chamber is proud to have Shelly and the city partnered with us to make Lavaca a better place to live and work.
The purpose of the Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote business in and around our community. This parade not only was fun for our people but allowed others to see our great town, drawing people to local shops and restaurants. Hopefully they will consider us if they need a home or want to open a business of their own.
Our chamber donated funds to help pay for awards to the winners of the different divisions. Those included:
Large float:
First place- Lavaca 4-H
Second place- Cub Scout Pack 674
Third place- Lavaca 1st Assembly of God
Small float:
First place- Mark and Elaine Williams family
Second place- Big Knife Shop & Welding
Third place- SADA Students Against Drugs and Alcohol
Walking/Battery powered:
First place- Gideon and Emma Mounts
Second place- Kinley Cole
Third place- Brixx Dye
Side by Side/ATV:
First place- Lorie Robertson
Second place- Cody Christian
Third place- Chasidy Beavers
Vehicles/Antiques Clubs:
First place- GCC Ready Mix
Second place- Johnny Helms
Third place- Larry Tracy
Band First- Lavaca High School
Animal Drawn/Clubs:
First- Don Weaver
Second- Bobby White
Third- Kari Cannedy
On behalf of the Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce, Merry Christmas!
This Week in Lavaca.
Photos by Amanda Hall
Here is the schedule of activities for the Lavaca Public Schools. Plan accordingly to come out and support as many of these events as possible.
This week at Lavaca has all of our school basketball teams back in action. The 7th grade team are excited to get back on the court tonight, December 3rd, vs County Line. Following the 7th grade games the Junior High Ladies will play, followed by the Junior High boys who looks to remain undefeated at 6-0. The 7th grade games will start at 4:30.
Thursday, December 6th, Lavaca Public Schools will have a Spelling Bee in the PAC at 9:30 am.
After some well deserved time off, the High School Golden Arrow basketball teams will take the court Friday, December 7th following the Junior High games as they open Conference play at Mountainburg. The Junior High games will start at 4:00.
Saturday, December 8th, the 7th grade Boys and Girls will close out the week by playing in a Jamboree at Cedarville. Times for the Jamboree are yet to be determined.
Hackett Hosts Annual Christmas Parade
By Tammy Moore Teague
The City of Hackett hosted their annual Christmas parade on Saturday, December 1 at 6 p.m.
Taking first place for their float was the Hackett High School FFA. Following the parade the community enjoyed a traditional free chili dinner. Additionally, the kids got the opportunity to visit and take photos with Santa!
A special thanks to the Hackett Special Events Committee, Fire Department, Police Department and all the volunteers who helped with the parade.
Sr High Hornets Place 5th In Classic
By Megan Hecox
The Border Classic has come to an end for the Sr High Hornets. The Lady Hornets faced Flippin, Mount Judea and on Saturday, Green Forest, who they fell short against 38-35. The Hornets played Flippin, Green Forest, and Lead Hill whom they beat 72-43 on Saturday for 5th Place.
The (2-4) Lady Hornets kept pace against the Lady Tigers up one side of the court and down the other. In their final game of the tournament against Green Forest, Taylor Glass led the team with 16 points. Audrie Chaney and Autumn Neal brought in 13 points between the two of them. The girls played phenomenal during their time in the Classic.
The boys stole the 5th Place victory from Lead Hill, ending the game with a 29 point lead. Head Coach, Broc Adams, says of the (2-4) Hornets during their Classic play, “We grew a lot as a team and I saw some things that make me very excited for the rest of the season with this group.” Avery Hester was the top scorer for the Hornets, bringing in 23 points. Brady Hester and Dillon Kats made a total of 29 points in their game against the Lead Hill Tigers.
Up next for the Sr High Hornets is their game on Tuesday, December 4th in Mulberry at 6 pm. Then on Friday, December 7th, they will face Danville at home starting at 5 pm.
Hackett Jr High Strives For Greatness
By Megan Hecox
Its dribble, pass, play time for the Jr High Hornets as they get ready for a new week. The Lady Hornets have made great strides in finding their identity as a team. They have improved greatly on their offense and continue to work hard on the defensive side of the ball. As for the boys, the Hornets are an extremely talented group of young men. They have found a balance in their performance that shows through their work as a team.
The Jr High Hornets will play December 3rd against Pleasant View at 6 pm. On December 6th the 7th/8th grade will play Northridge at 4:30 pm. And on December 7th the Jr High boys will face Danville at 5 pm. All games will be played at home.
Jr Tigers Hit The Net
By Megan Hecox
The Mansfield Jr High Tigers are really starting to find their groove and come together as a team. The Tigers and Lady Tigers faced an incredibly good Lavaca team last Friday night. Both Lady Tiger teams beat the Lady Arrows with the Jr Varsity winning 22-6 and the Varsity closing the game 37-26. The Tigers pushed hard with everything that they had but ended up falling short to the Arrows in both games. The Jr Varsity finished with a score of 36-18 and the Varsity came in at 46-24.
“Against Lavaca, we played with a lot of intensity to earn the win,” said Head Coach for the Lady Tigers, Erica McKay. “As a team, we have to continue to work on being aggressive on defense without getting ourselves into foul trouble early and making the easy shots from the beginning of the game.”
The Tigers and Lady Tigers have a full schedule coming up as both teams will be playing almost every day this week. On Monday, Dec 3rd, the 7th grade, and Jr High will face Charleston at home starting at 4:30 pm. The boys and girls played their first round of the Waldron Jr High Arvest Classic this past Saturday. They will continue on Wednesday, December 5th with Round 2. The girls will play Waldron at 5 pm and the boys will play Waldron at 6:15 pm. Mansfield will finish on Saturday, Dec 8th with the Lady Tigers facing Ozark at 4 pm and the Tigers playing Ozark at 5:15 pm. On December 6th they will play their first conference game at Cedarville starting at 4:30 pm.
