Schools are out, hot weather has arrived and its time for getting away from it all for a few days of relaxation and fun.
In 1900, the concept of vacation was entirely different from today. Families did not simply pack up the suitcases and head to amusement parks and distant places. Those living in the delta regions that had enough cash and a desire to escape the heat and miasma of the flatlands looked to the mountains of the River Valley for relief. Catching a train, they would arrive at stations located in Dardanelle, Blue Mountain, Danville, or Magazine and then catch a hack which would transport them up Petit Jean, Nebo, or Magazine mountain to various hotels that would house them for a few days of rest. Often the wagons would have a difficult time transiting the steep slopes and the passengers would have to get out and walk. This was especially true on Magazine mountain where passengers were expected to exit the wagon, walk up the narrow defile in the cliff face, and proceed to West End Hotel.
Upon arrival at the mountain resorts, guests could play golf, tennis, or simply lounge in the relative coolness of the mountain peaks. Buckman Inn, located on the north slope of Magazine mountain, dammed a spring to construct a small ice-cold swimming pool. To use the pool, one would walk several hundred yards downhill to the dressing room, swim, and then have to climb back up the very steep slope to return to the Inn.
Traveling musical and acting groups would provide outdoor entertainment in amphitheaters, accompanied by the flickering lights from kerosene lamps and the sounds of the whip-poor-wills calling in the darkness. Buckman inn costs were $2.50 per day or $8.50 per week, a rate that few local people could afford at that time.
The automobile changed our concept of vacations forever. Given more freedom and distance to travel, American’s began to venture further and further from home. By the sixties, Disneyland and other theme parks attracted huge crowds. In Arkansas, Magic Springs, Dogpatch, and the more distant Silver Dollar City became the go-to places. By that time, small travel courts that catered to over-night stays, had sprung up across America and the big hotel chains were quickly replacing them. Fast food for the travelers were available at various small cafesand a big hamburger chain was rapidly expanding across America.
My family, with limited finances and several children, would make day trips to Dogpatch and enjoy a day out. Rather than expensive fast food, we would pack bologna sandwiches, soda, and chips and stop for a picnic at scenic places along the route. Overnight trips usually meant staying with relatives and sleeping on pallets on the floor. A 1968 family trip to California involved taking five kids, my grandmother, and parents to spend time with relatives in California. We pulled out into the desert at one point and spent the night, something unheard of in today’s world. Meals were purchased at the supermarket and consumed at the various truck stops. I am not sure how we all fit into the car but we definitely had togetherness.
Arriving in California, we stayed a week at my uncle Darrell’s house; moving in with his family and three kids living in a three-bedroom home. When our vacation ended, Darrell decided he wanted to return to Arkansas as did some other relatives. We caravanned back to Arkansas with relatives following in two other vehicles.
Times change but it is still good to get away, spend time with family, and enjoy life. May your vacations be as good as those I remember from my past.
