RECOLLECTIONS

50 Years Ago Pea Ridge Graphic Vol. 2 No. 9 Thursday, March 2, 1967

Commemorating the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge, John W. Bryce, historian at Pea Ridge National Military Park, says, ” In order to understand why the Battle of Pea Ridge was fought, it is necessary to set the stage in Missouri and portray briefly the events there in 1861.” Missouri, a state with large slave holdings, had not seceded from the Union. A secession attempt had been made but was voted down. After Federal troops forced the surrender of St. Louis, Mo., Confederate troops turned the tide with a victory in the battle of Wilson’s Creek.

Later, the Federal Army, led by General Samuel R. Curtis, moved on Springfield, Mo., and forced and followed Confederate troops south across the state line. Confederate Major General Earl Van Horn announced his intent to launch an offensive that would drive the “invaders” from Arkansas, which he hoped would enable the Confederates to move to St. Louis and eventually seize control of Missouri.

Both Confederate and Federal troops attempted to strategically position themselves throughout the region to gain an edge in battle. By 11 a.m March 8, 1862, the battle of Pea Ridge, which was fought for control of the state of Missouri, had ended with a Federal victory.

A marriage licence was issued on Feb. 23 in the office of County Clerk Harry M. Pratt for Larry Dean Branham, 19, of Garfield, and Sharron Kaye Anderson, 20, of Garfield.

For Sale: 1955 International 1/2 ton pickup, $100. (Classified ad)

40 Years Ago Pea Ridge Graphic-Scene Vol. 12 No. 9 Wednesday, March 2, 1977

It was the perfect ending to a perfect season. The Pea Ridge Junior Blackhawk boys charged undefeated through the District 1-B Tournament at John Brown University in Siloam Springs to wrap up the 1976-77 cage season with a matchless string of 26 victories and no losses.

Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt has announced the approval of 3rd District counties including Benton, for participation in the Emergency Livestock Feed Program. Livestock owners are eligible for financial assistance in meeting the purchase cost of extra feed required by the usually severe winter weather.

The Pea Ridge Volunteer Fire Department responded to a tractor fire and three grass fires last week as dry and windy weather continued, according to Fire Chief Sammy Spivey. The tractor fire at the Albert Wiltgen residence in Garfield resulted in heavy damage to the tractor. No damage resulted from any of the grass fires.

30 Years Ago The TIMES of Northeast Benton County Vol. 22 No. 9 Wednesday, March 4, 1987

Future changes in the Social Security System will be the topic when U.S. Congressman Newt Gingrich, (R), 6th District Georgia, addresses the annual Benton County Lincoln Day Dinner at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Bentonville High School cafeteria. He will be introduced by Cong. John Paul Hammerschmidt, who will also speak.

The Pea Ridge School Board Tuesday asked superintendent Bill Alvarez to inform the attorneys and the district’s insurance carrier that the board is not interested in an out-of-court settlement of the two suits brought against the Board and past and present administrators and staff. “No settlement over 1 cent,” said Kent Webb; the consensus was that even that amount would be unacceptable.

A team of four plus two alternates will participate in the Region Tournament, Governor’s Academy Competition, 1987 Arkansas Quiz Bowl Saturday, March 7, at Springdale High School. Competing against Eureka Springs in the first round at 10:30 a.m. will be PRHS students Karen Light, Hugh Miser, Tim Moore and Wes Wilkerson, with alternates Cindy David and Cassie Webb.

20 Years Ago The TIMES of Northeast Benton County Vol. 32 No. 9 Thursday, March 6, 1997

More than 20 meals were delivered to people in their homes last Saturday, the first free meal provided by the newly organized Pea Ridge Samaritans. Organizer Debbie Anderson said that she and the other volunteers had prepared for as many as 50 diners.

The horseback riding trail at Pea Ridge National Military Park will be closed indefinitely because of storm damage from the weekend before last. Storm damage caused by the high winds and heavy rains left downed timber and dangerous snags which pose serious threats to horses and riders.

The Academic Spotlight was on Fred Walker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Walker of Pea Ridge, who graduated that spring as salutatorian of his class with a 3.902 grade point average.

The Pea Ridge Community Scholarship is in its 11th year of organizing and establishing a funding base for helping Pea Ridge graduating students to further their education by assisting with their financial needs.

10 Years Ago The TIMES of Northeast Benton County Vol. 42 No. 9 Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007

Open since right before the beginning of the year, Subway in Pea Ridge has seen continuous increase in traffic, according to Aaron Hollinger, owner, who has a grand opening scheduled Thursday. “We’ve been thrilled by the response — it’s been better than expected,” Hollinger said.

Lacy Montgomery was eastbound on Arkansas 72 just east of Pea Ridge about 1 p.m. Monday when the Ford Escort she was driving caught fire. Pea Ridge police and firefighters responded to the call. The car was completely destroyed.

Perk’Up Espresso opened its windows Monday at 6 a.m. Mitch and Christy Brown have high hopes for the new business venture and love working together in their own front yard.

Brightwater Memorial United Methodist Church

A combined Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church. It is hosted by both Brightwater Memorial United Methodist Church, 14108 E. U.S. Hwy. 62, and Pea Ridge United Methodist Church, 1205 N. Davis St., Pea Ridge.

Lenten studies will be held March 7 through April 11 on Tuesdays: 10 a.m. at Brightwater UMC and at 6 p.m. at Pea Ridge UMC. Information: 451-8161 or 451-1616.

Brightwater Memorial United Methodist Church Senior Citizen Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. every Thursday; cost is $3. Reservations 479359-3772 by Wednesday.

Boundless Grace Baptist Church

AWANA club meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays for kindergarten through sixth grade. Adult Bible study is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Youth will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday.

Sunday worship services are at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday school is at 10 a.m.

Episcopal Church Pea Ridge

Angel’s Share food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at 1300 N. Davis St.

First Baptist Church Pea Ridge

Wednesday night services include 5:15 p.m. dinner, 6:15 p.m. Kids Gospel project, 6:15 p.m. the Point student and 6:30 p.m. adult Bible study.

Faith Riders meet the second Saturday of every month and have weekly Thursday night dinners.