1950's typing class.Who remembers this?  Do they still have them?I found this old picture inside a 1950 Searcy Arkansas yearbook.  It was a free picture just inside the book with several other pictures, mostly football.  So I assume that it was from the 1950 school year. Searcy Sleuths may even recognize some of the students.  I definitely remember being in a classroom that looked like this and learning how to type.  Now I think that it was one of the best classes to take and learn typing.  Typing is still something I still do a lot of when using the computer. The knowledge has stayed with me all through the years.So.....do they still teach typing in school? If not, what took its place?  03/04/2025

 The Ultimate 1968 Fashion Photo Example!Hold it!!  I was not referring to the people in the photo even though being a hippy was popular back then.  I was talking about the wrought iron porch pillar posts.    Driving now through Searcy's first subdivisions with covenants, Lambert Terrace and Cloverdale, you can still see lots of wrought iron decor like these.  Some has been replaced with wood but lots remain. If curious, click the link below for my view of what happened regarding carports and garages in our area.  In 2007 I wrote a blog about the unofficial history of carports and garages in the south.  Read the blog by clicking the link below.  It tells an interesting story.               https://activerain.com/droplet/tnNBQuestion? Oh, the couple? That is my husband and me dressed to ... 02/24/2025

Pine cone roses?A long lasting gift.So many, many years ago these rose-shaped cones were given to me.  I sometimes think that if I were going through motherhood right now I'd end up in jail for giving my kids the freedom that I gave them when they were growing up.  We lived on the edge of town near pastures, streams, woods, etc., and I let them roam around at will.  They survived and had a great time.  I might receive gifts that they found and brought home.The picture above shows probably the best gift and the longest lasting.  They were off a tree that grew somewhere in the McRae Street, Searcy AR neighborhood.  They were beautiful then and they still are.  They had a small hole in the back and I glued stems in the holes  in lots of them for putting in vases.The tree died and we don't ... 02/21/2025

Norma Young and Kay WrightRemember 1971?  Searcy AR was home to a wonderful cook who may have invented Chicken Dipper's Nuggets and won a $10,000 award. (How much would that be today? Google says $77,927!) Norma Young is shown on the right above and her daughter, Kay Wright, on the left.  I cannot remember going to a restaurant and ordering chicken nuggets at that time so that is why I say she possibly began them.  I am showing her recipe below.  She entered a cooking contest and won!  I just rediscovered the cookbook, Kay's Kitchen, which was published in 1984, and written by Norma and Kay.  Kay was a great cook also.I seem to remember making them and serving them to the family.  The kids loved them!!  You had to cut the chicken yourself. One chicken breast made 12 nuggets! It is calle... 02/15/2025

     Handsome Hubby Always a great memory from 2008!  I have blogged this before but it is still one of my favorite Valentine's stories and so true.  Valentine's Day has rolled around again and this memory always pops back up! It is about my husband and a new side of him.  He has never been a romantic!  The club that we attend decided to delay Valentine's until Saturday night and charge an enormous amount for the dinner.Well, our buddies decided along with us that we'd boycott the dinner and celebrate Valentine's Day on the proper day.  We were sitting around the table at the club discussing what we'd do instead. Two of us left to go to the ladies' room and when we got back the rest of the table said, "We've got it planned.  ____ will buy the steaks, Rodger (my hubby) will cook the stea... 02/11/2025

What! A fence blog?I admit that I might be a little amazed that I am putting this picture on a blog.  But I was in Beebe AR,  which is a neighbor to Searcy AR, on a dreary rainy day in a private yard.  When I got out of the car, walked around mudholes to get in, I noticed nothing unusual.Then when I got back to my car, opened the door and got inside and looked out the driver-side window, I did a double-take!  I shouted, "That fence is a work of art!"  This picture does not do it justice but you get the idea!!  Age, weather, nature has done a good job of painting this picture!!!!I may have to go back and admire it again! 02/10/2025

Tour was so delightful and educational.This historic home is for sale right now and the REALTORS were invited to tour it.  I accepted the invitation and was delighted to see all the historic items still in and around the house.The windows in the house are original.  The tile on the roof  had to be special ordered to be the same type as the original when built in 1924 and designed by Charles Thompson, architect. The Edward Lightle family moved into the house in 1926.  Thus, the name Lightle House.  Notice the wonderful brick work that looks as if it could be around another 100 years!It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.  Go there to read more about the home and to see it.  Howell Realty Pros have the listing and it would be wonderful to have another owner che... 02/07/2025

Recognize this?  The small building on the left is still in Searcy on Spring Street at 110 Spring just before you get to Spring Park.  The info at the court house says it was built in 1950 and is 1152 sq. ft. in size.  Sleuths,  anyone know who the guys were?This picture shows it a little on the left and a parade was going on with a date of 1955.  The larger building was a depot, I think, and is now long gone.I love this building!  I admire it when I drive by and I took this picture a few months ago.  And I am always thankful that it is still standing.  One of my favorite memories is that when my daughter required braces on her teeth I had to take her to Little Rock to a dentist.  Then when my son needed braces a dentist had moved to Searcy and had his office in this building!  What a g... 02/02/2025

Phyllis Alexander, Searcy artist, impresses me again!I have blogged (bragged) about this lady before.  She has been a successful Searcy AR artist for many years and here she has accomplished another successful venture.  She has illustrated two children's books!  Here she is in my kitchen (she is also my neighbor) and I asked her to let me picture her with the books!  One is written by Wesley Thompson and the other one is written by Stephen W. Smith.  She did wonderfully expressive illustrations on each page!!You would love going back to two of my blogs and see other examples of her art skills. Check these out!  You will be as impressed as I am!! Click on each one below.                      https://activerain.com/droplet/4Jst                       https://activerain.com/droplet/JjDXPhyl... 01/26/2025

Stunning New Construction Home in Beautiful Bella Vista, Arkansas20 Singleton Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72715Welcome to your dream home! This gorgeous new construction residence is nestled in the picturesque community of Bella Vista, Arkansas. Boasting modern architecture and high-quality finishes, this home is designed to provide comfort and style.As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by an inviting open floor plan that seamlessly connects the main living areas, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Cozy up to the stunning fireplace, which serves as the focal point of the spacious living room, creating a warm ambiance on those chilly evenings.The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring state-of-the-art appliances, sleek countertops, and ample cabinetry. Enjoy meals in the adjoining ... 01/14/2025

This artistic bag, or sack as I call it, popped up in an upcoming estate sale.I do not remember its being done so tell me if you Sleuths remember. About 33 businesses evidently advertised on the outside of the bag.  I think you can see the names in the pictures of the bags.Notice in the picture above there is a "Free Kittens" ad.  Wonder who paid for it? In fact, the artwork is pretty creative and humorous.  But in the final picture it has a name and date but I can't tell what the name is.  So that is the reason I am yelling for help from the Sleuths!  HELP! 01/13/2025

Greetings, Barbara!!It is time to clean up, get rid of, look again, wonder where this stuff came from, drag out, sift through and be amazed at the pile of items.  That is what I was doing. Two bottom dresser drawers had not been touched in many years. Where did all these lovely ladies vintage hankerchiefs come from?  What about all these old scarves from the 50's, 60's, 70's and even further back?  Remember women's slips?  Back when we had to wear dresses.....Gloves?  Back when we had to wear gloves with the dresses.....Panty hose?  Back before ladies just quit wearing hose at all.... Here's a glimpse of the drawers.This is after I had dragged things out trying to organize for about an hour.  There was even an old hankerchief from China, nestled on a piece of paper and tied there with s... 01/03/2025

Hey!  Razorback fans!!This is a new one for me!  I had never seen one before! It is in a lovely house that is now listed and even though I have been in the house several times, I noticed it in the listing pictures on the internet.  All we know is that it had been specially ordered for the laundry room of this home by an ardent Razorback fan.  In case you are not from Arkansas and are not familar with "Hogs" it is the nickname for the football team at the University of Arkansas.  The Razorback Hogs are loved by so many fans.  The fans are hysterically infatuated with the "Hogs" and I am not that surprised that one spent money for a hog-shaped sink!!NOW!!In case you are one of those fans and are interested in a home, check this one out in River Oaks, Searcy AR.  Address is 118 Red Oak.  H... 12/31/2024

Wasn't Liz Taylor lovely?We are so involved with Christmas and Santa Claus right now that finding this old picture in my collection makes me wonder how Santa Claus got so heavy!  I again recall that growing up way back with bobby sox and saddle shoes, we were taught to be thin.  Go back to this blog for a minute and see pictures and read what we were taught in school.                        https://activerain.com/droplet/5llVLooks as if Liz had a 25" waist if anybody could have!  We girls tried way back then but we never looked like this movie star!!  Have wonderful Santa Claus and Christmas memories as 2025 rolls around!!                       12/22/2024

A Favorite SantaI have a small collection of Santa Clauses and this is one of my favorites.  It is called a 20th Century Claus and personifies the traditional American Santa.  I love his bobby socks and saddle shoes that were so popular in the 50's.  And be sure to see what he is gifting.  Television set, '57 Chevy, record, Cola, and a blonde possible Marilyn Monroe doll!I wish all of my activerain friends a happy holiday season!! 12/20/2024

  Example of Happy Times!Leon Person and his friend Toby Noble.I borrowed this wonderful picture from Sherry Quattlebaum Person, who married Leon Person many years later when they became adults.  Noble Motel, in Searcy AR, was a very popular spot. Click   https://activerain.com/droplet/4H4B to see the very beginning of the motel started by Toby Noble.  The picture you'll see there was given to me by his son.Back to the picture above.  The Christmas-looking tree in front makes me wonder if they picked up a Christmas tree on their way to the fishing hole and doubled their pleasure!  They evidently had a successful fishing trip.  I don't know what kind of fish they are and thinking of cleaning all those fish tires me.Clicking here   https://activerain.com/droplet/Hzr6   shows another blog ... 12/18/2024

Old Duncan's car lot bodyshop.This building is not historic except as being a part of a successful car lot for many years.  Folks may remember Duncan's Chrysler Plymouth Jeep Eagle located at 704 E. Race Street in Searcy AR.  They may chuckle as they remember V. W. Duncan, famous for the saying, "What Ole Po Dunk says it is, it is!"Po Dunk was a fantastic salesman and started the car business at 202 S. Main in 1946.  He moved to the Race Street location and in 1964 acquired the Chrysler-Plymouth line and added Jeep products in 1979. Duncan's had great repeat business due to good service by excellent family members and employees.The business closed in approximately 2008.The old bodyshop building was in disrepair and the family decided to remove it. In this picture you can see the surroun... 12/14/2024

 White County courthouse drawing.1986 is the date signed by the artist and must be the approximate date  of the drawing for this plan for the courthouse grounds.  I clipped this article by Tommy Jackson, editor of the Daily Searcy Citizen, but I did not keep the extension of the article on page 3A.  The article says there was a move afoot to enhance the beauty of the courthouse which was built in 1877.  The White County Quorum Court had agreed to match on a dollar-for dollar basis up to $3000 for contributions  made by the public to the Courthouse Grounds Beautification Committee for the purpose of professionally landscaping and maintaining the courthouse grounds, and dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per month for maintenance.I guess I liked the drawing and it looks like it is signed by She... 12/09/2024

Can you believe this advertisement?All we see now are advertisements for LOSING weight!  I found this old ad while sifting through all my saved items and could hardly believe what I was seeing.  It says it was done by Key Publishing Co but has no date on it.  The fine print at the bottom says, "The accompanying portrait is that of Sarah MacHenry, Philadelphia, posing with her two sisters, who writes: 'FAT-TEN-U FOODS increased my weigh 39 pounds, gave me new womanly vigor & developed me finely. My two sisters also use FAT-TEN-U and because of our newly found vigor we have taken up Grecian Dancing and have roles in all local productions'."I researched online and found one for sale saying it was vintage 70's.  I think it would have to go back further than that. Perhaps Sleuths will be abl... 11/24/2024

It is that time of year again to make your selections for the BEST OF NORTHWEST ARKANSAS! It is my honor to have been nominated for this and I would LOVE your vote!CLICK HERE TO VOTE - I am under Real Estate - Real Estate Agent, Nicky Dean with Collier and AssociatesI would love to be YOUR REALTOR! Call today for all of your real estate needs in Northwest Arkansas. 479-236-3457 | nicky@soldbynicky.comwww.SoldByNicky.comwww.RealEstateInNorthwestArkansas.comwww.NorthwestArkansasLuxuryHomes.com  11/21/2024