As a side note, if Arkansas is the 'Natural State' and all others are "Unnatural States', what exactly is an 'Unnatural State'? Are all other states engaged in constant acts of perversion? Are they exempt from the Natural Laws of Science? What are they?We had three more things in Little Rock that we had wanted to see - the Arkansas Historic Museum, the State Capitol and Central High School. The Historic Museum turned out to be mildly incredible. They had a very well done introductory film. Then there was tour of the buildings. This whole museum got started in 1939 when a woman recognized there was block in town that while dilapidated represented buildings that dated back to the origins of the city. Then there were art galleries and a really great exhibit on the Native American tribes of the area told in their own voice which was very powerful. On top of all that, the cost was $3.00 for the two of us (with our Senior discount). We've paid much more for much less many times.
Then we stopped for lunch where we finally succeeded in getting some really good fried chicken (a failure for our trip up until then). More on this in pictures. It was good we stopped because we were beat from the prior day. Then we went to the State Capitol because it is now our mission to visit the state capitols of each state we visit.
With our having heard the talk of the principal of Central High yesterday, a drive by photo shoot was all we felt was necessary. Then it was a three hour drive on to Fayetteville in the northwest of the state for one more scenic drive tomorrow.
Photos
Let's start with...
Our expectations were fairly low as we'd been to a number of recreation villages on this trip, but as stated above this place shot way above expectations
Artwork at entrance
In addition to the historic buildings, there were a number of art exhibitions but we were short of time and didn't get to them
The buildings here were built around the 1830's and 40's
This one is the oldest
It was in continuous use until 1938!
Grog was the mail libation served as it was cheaper to get Rum from the sugar plantations downstream than whiskey and beer from the east.
Where do you get 'two-bits' from?
You breakdown a silver Spanish coin into eight pieces
The proprietor had scales to make sure the splitting of the coins was accurate
Because it acted as a repository of monies, the bar had a protective cage around it
And if a fight broke out
You could close the larger window and still serve drinks through the smaller one
The main room where men came to drink and gamble
A nicer room for women or more genteel guests
Private room rented out to a painter
Owner's quarters
The dormitory for others to sleep in
Two bits got you 1/3rd of one of these beds
More examples of period rooms
From a kitchen a rotisserie
The open end was pointed to the fire place
Candle molds
Washboard
Candle based time telling unit
Each coil is 30 minutes
Using the wood piece within you could set the time the candle would burn
Useful for limiting the time a man might be visiting your daughter
The print shop of the Little Rock's only newspaper for many years
The publisher's office
Evidently you dealt with those who didn't like your editorials in a direct way
I could see Captain Spouse running this joint
Tools of the trade
A culinary interlude
Finding any let alone any good Southern Fried Chicken has alluded us until today
Thought it was a local joint because it looked like a hole in the wall
Turns out it is a chain
But damn good chicken
So crispy and just the lightest of breading
Spicy but not incendiary
Cooked so well there was no greases on the bread below
Even the Pecan Pie was great
Need one in Albuquerque!
On to the State Capitol
Well what do you know
A classic revival building with a dome
How unusual!
Loved these brass doors!
What does it take to make them this way?
I talked to this guy
He polishes them daily
I told him he did great work which I think was appreciated
Don't think my people even think about the world that goes into this
Deja Vu
Domes, balconies, halls, columns
Lights and windows of course
Ahem
Ionian Capitals
We could only see the House of Delegates through a door
Damn, in a building of Ionian capitals, these were Corinthian!
How did that happen?
The Great Seal
Why a great 'Seal'?
Why not a great Walrus or Whale?
Symbol of power
Senate seats
Get your exercise in!
And finally
Our drive by of Central High
If you are of a certain age, this building front is branded into your memory
So blessed to hear yesterday what the updated story has been!
2 comments:
Another day, another State Capitol...
You'll go into withdrawal when you return home.
very interesting to know they are keeping this history fresh in the collective memory
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