HISTORICAL MUSEUM NEWS
Village on the Lakes Writers and Poets
In honor of April being National Poetry Month, the Village on the Lakes Writers and Poets Society met at the museum on April 15, featuring a presentation by Joan Roberts on the Poet Laureate of Bella Vista, “Uncle Henry”…Henry Coffin Fellow of Wichita, Kan., who spent his summers at the Bella Vista Summer Resort in the 1920s. He published several volumes of poetry, which are featured in an exhibit at the museum. Her presentation was followed by an open mike in which other local poets read some of their works.
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
A recognition ceremony was held at the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail pavilion on April 20, at which volunteers who designed and constructed the trail in the early 1990s were honored by the POA and the city of Bella Vista. The event grew out of a suggestion by museum docent Nancy Bumgardner to conduct an oral history interview of some of these volunteers. That interview was conducted by Nancy and docent Carole Harter and taped by museum volunteer Jack Kellogg, who then worked with the POA to set up this recognition ceremony. Recognized by Mayor Peter Christy, standing in for POA general manager Tom Judson (who was out of town) were Joe Range, whose daughter Pat Fogelman accepted the plaque in his memory; Bob Sterrett, whose wife Lorna accepted in his memory; George Brannon; Bill Farrell; Jim Janssen; and Dave Wiemer, the trail architect who made a trip back from his home in Iowa for this event. An additional 17 current volunteers were given certificates of appreciation for their work in continuing to maintain the trail, followed by the unveiling of the plaque now mounted at the pavilion by POA director of marketing and communications Kim Carlson. The plaque lists all 27 of the original volunteers who made the dream of the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail become a reality and a big part of Bella Vista history.
Pioneer Cabin project
The Bella Vista Historical Society has continued to work on the previously-announced project of the old log cabin to be donated to the museum by Scott and Angie Butler. The museum has been approved for a grant by the Benton County Historical Preservation Commission to pay for some of the expenses but still needs more support to make this project a reality. Businesses and organizations, as well as individuals, are welcome to make a donation by mailing it to or dropping it off at the museum, or going online to www.gofundme.com/cabinfever. Any donation over $100 will be recognized on a plaque inside the cabin.
Long-term residents of Bella Vista
The museum staff would like to find the residents who have lived in Bella Vista the longest and recognize them at a future event. If you know someone who has lived in Bella Vista for 30-40 years or more, please contact the museum at 479855-2335 and leave your contact information.
History Club May 10
At 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, the History Club will present Ardith Winters Wharry of Fayetteville with her program on “A Review of American History Through the Eyes of Quilters.” A former Bella Vista resident, Ardith started the local quilt guild, Calico Cut-ups, in 1991, and will present a sample of a quilt from each time frame in history that she covers.
The History Club has no dues and admission is free. Everyone is invited. Refreshments will be provided by the evening's sponsor, the Calico Cut-ups.
Private tours available
Private tours of the museum are available outside of normal open hours for church groups, students, civic clubs, businesses, etc. To arrange for a tour, leave a message at the museum, 479-855-2335, or contact Xyta Lucas at 479-876-6118.
Hours of operation
The Historical Museum is located at the corner of Highway 71 and Kingsland, next door to the American Legion, and is open 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Phone 479-855-2335. Website www.bellavista.museum.org.