Lawrence, 1907 (Garland County)

The striking home belonged to “Umbrella Bill” McGuigan, a businessman of controversy who carried an umbrella everywhere he went. He served a single term as a state legislator, reportedly with the single, successful intent to repeal the state’s anti-horse-racing laws. Afterward, he built Essex Park, which soon faded in the competition with Oaklawn Park. The house was torn down in the 1950s. Send questions or comments to Arkansas Postcard Past, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203.