| We knew him when...then-Governor and former President of the United States Bill Clinton provided the dedication of the new Industrial Park in Calico Rock in 1986. Since that time, the land was traded to the school district for land they owned on Boswell Road which became the Hale Garner Industrial Park that is in use today. -Photo by CRIDC- |
| Past Comes Alive |
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French fur traders traveling up the White River from the Mississippi River first saw the magnificent beauty of the calico colored bluffs overlooking the waters teeming with Rainbow Trout in what was natural for growing cotton which was traded when the river boats came to town. Learn more about our history. Flooding of the White River posed a problem until the North Fork River was finally controlled with a Hydro-electric Dam in the 1940s. Today, river boats, cotton farming, and the late night brawls in Peppersauce Alley are all a distant memory, but the laid-back lifestyle and the pride of our hometown has never changed. Before the bridge was built over the White River, visitors and folks living in the area had to cross using a ferry. Men like Virgil Thornley served as ferryman for years, carrying passengers and their vehicles across in either direction. Today, the pillars that held the ferry system in place still stand as a testament to the foregone days before the bridge made crossing the river a cinch. You can see these pillars when you visit the Calico Rock area on Main Street by the train tracks. Inside the Chamber of Commerce/CRIDC building, visitors can obtain an Historic Walking Tour map, hear local folklore and get their very own Calico Rock as a souvenir. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. You can also find out the origin of all the buildings on Historic Main Street. Modern-day Family Shoe and Dry Goods soda fountain building was the original home of the Evan's Pharmacy. In those days, pharmacists compounded most of their own elixirs and tonics. Today, Jacqueline's Antiques, located on Main Street, has an original bottle of one of those tonics-Evan's Pharmacy Olive Oil. You can view the bottle, find out more of our history, and get lots of great antiques and treasures on your next visit to Calico Rock. Later, the pharmacy was owned by Reed Mac Perryman. Mr. Perryman moved the pharmacy to a larger facility at the corner of Highway 56 and Park Street. His daughter , Brenda Ward, became the pharmacist and later sold the business to Sarah Beth Mitchell. Gwen's Olde World Antiques, Don Quixote's Gourmet Restaurant, Family Shoe and Dry Goods, the Chamber of Commerce/IDC offices and Visitor Information Center, Wildwood Farms, Jacqueline's Antiques & Treasures, Erma's Collectibles, the Calico Clipper, and Knowle's Furniture all occupy historic buildings on Main Street. Stop by and see the treasures you can make your very own! At one time, Main Street bustled with patrons going between Evan's Pharmacy, First State Bank of Calico Rock, Chaney's Department Store, and the movie theatre. Today, visitors scurry between antique shops, Bassett Real Estate and White River Insurance, and Knowle's True Value Hardware but our Main Street is alive and in the process of revitalization. Today, Calico Rock is home to the Community Medical Center of Izard County, the award winning White River Current newspaper, an NCA accredited elementary and high school, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Regional Offices, the Arkansas Department of Corrections North Central Unit, Sentinel Industries, Historic Main Street, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world! This is our home town and we hope that you will take a few minutes to become acquainted with our community and all we have to offer you. |
| Many of these photos come from various personal collections. We are always interested in expanding our collection of photographs and thus preserving the history of Calico Rock. If you are interested in donating or loaning your photographs or memorabilia, contact the Chamber office at 870-297-4129. Preserving our history will ensure our future! |
Copyright 2007-2011, Calico Rock Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. Contact | Chamber Members Current Site Designer: Kimberly Williamson |
Calico Rock
| Historic |
| On the banks of the White River |
| Coming Up: Reliving History in Calico Rock ~ July 16th - Click Here for Details! |