HISTORICAL MUSEUM NEWS
New look at the museum
We continue to hear from visitors that they are impressed with the way the museum looks today compared to what they remember it looked like on their previous visits. A few years ago a group of volunteers, led by then-President Carole Harter, decided to totally remodel the museum. They opened up the windows that had been boarded over, they installed new lighting throughout the museum, they had repairs done on the ductwork that was creating moldy odors, and they added a new exhibit room and office, converting the former office into a very impressive gift shop. If you have never visited the museum or it’s been several years since your last visit, please come in and see what the museum has to offer you today. Exhibits start with the Native American days, then go to the building of Lake Bella Vista in 1915, continuing through the Linebarger, Keith and Cooper eras of the past 100-plus years and on to the incorporated city we are today.
Paul Pautsch presentation
We really appreciate the program presented on the evening of Aug. 16 by Paul Pautsch, former tennis pro of Bella Vista, on the history of tennis in Bella Vista from the first tennis court built by the Linebargers on the northeast corner of Lake Bella Vista where the parking lot now stands for the walking trail to the new tennis facility in the Kingsdale complex. Paul talked about his years working with the Phillips Pro-Celebrity Challenge and its successor, the Cancer Challenge, both of which raised money for cancer needs in Northwest Arkansas. He also reminisced about his playing days here with everyone from Sam Walton to the top tennis professionals in the country. We thank volunteer Jack Kellogg, who taped the program — which will be available for viewing at the museum at a future date.
Fay Jones exhibit
The temporary Fay Jones exhibit continues to draw visitors from all over Northwest Arkansas and southern Missouri. Don’t miss out on seeing it; it’s a real tribute to the work of architect Fay Jones, who was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and a native of Fayetteville. We also have several videos on Jones which are available for viewing near the exhibit, thanks to volunteers Jack Kellogg who compiled the videos, and Jim Lucas who built the DVD stand. As always, admission is free.
Private tours
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 U.S. Highway 71 and Kingsland Road and is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. The phone number is 479-855-2335, and the website is bellavista.museum.org.