Arvest Bank named top-level sponsor of Hidden Hot Springs

Arvest Bank has been named a top-level sponsor for the 2023 Hidden Hot Springs fundraiser, the Garland County Historical Society said in a news release.

“The annual fundraiser provides significant funding for the nonprofit’s efforts to preserve Garland County history,” the release said.

Now in its fourth year, the Oct. 1 fundraiser will showcase two homes of historical significance in Garland County, the Kraemer-Harman house at 513 Second St. and the Burgauer-Rudisill house at 705 Quapaw.

“The Garland County Historical Society is greatly appreciated and supported by the Arvest Bank for its significant contributions to preserving and educating our community on local history. Thanks to their efforts, we now have one of Arkansas’ most exceptional collections of local history,” Franklin Bass, Arvest Bank community bank president for southwest Arkansas, said in the release.

Bass also noted the Society’s community outreach.

“It’s heartwarming to witness the Society’s commitment to sharing these valuable items through their programs with schools, civic groups, and other organizations to promote interest in local history,” he said.

Society President Bitty Martin expressed the board’s gratitude for the “generous gift.”

“Arvest Bank is well known for their community support. The Garland County Historical Society is honored to be a recipient of this gift to support our signature event, Hidden Hot Springs.”

A limited number of tickets for the Oct. 1 event are available from the Society’s website at http://www.garlandcountyhistoricalsociety.com or at the Society’s headquarters at 328 Quapaw. Call 501-321-2159 for more information.

The Garland County Historical Society’s Hidden Hot Springs home tours on Oct. 1 will offer a firsthand look at the legacy of two early residents, including the 1884 home of Ferdinand, left, and Concordia Kraemer at 513 Second St. Besides touring the historic home, eventgoers will see a gigantic Cedar of Lebanon tree that has been recognized as the largest in Arkansas by the state’s Champion Tree program.

Submitted photo One of the homes on the Garland County Historical Society’s Hidden Hot Springs home tours on Oct. 1 was built in 1924 by Dave, left, and Carrye Burgauer in what is now the Quapaw-Prospect Historic District. The mansion’s location at 705 Quapaw suited Dave Burgauer’s active role as a banker and community leader in Hot Springs.

Submitted photo