About White County, AR

Some of you have said you like my old photos and I'm glad. Some have said to give us the present to compare with the old. I am doing that today. First Security Bank used to look like the picture below. It was added on and covered over many times during the years. Now it is being restored to some of its former majesty. It's on the court square and the first picture is courtesy of Paula, who took it as a photography project for the Girl Scouts in the 40's.

I like the way it is looking.

Years ago the ice-man came to your house. He'd have blocks of ice on a wagon or some vehicle and he'd lift those blocks into your refrigerator (ice box) which had a place for ice storage. You could buy probably 25, 50 or 100 lb. chunks. (Correct me if I'm wrong, Anita or Don.)

Here'a a picture of the ice plant taken by Paula for a Girl Scout's project in photography. It's the place where the ice was frozen. What there was for coal I don't know. I never remember anyone delivering coal to anyone in the South but that's probably because I only knew wood-burning fireplaces.

The ice plant was located on Woodruff Street at the back side of Spring Park. It is gone now.

Last year I had communication from someone who wanted to move from Baltimore to the country. They decided to look at Searcy after doing extensive searches on the internet.

First trip they just looked around and went back to place their house on the market.

Then they came back with the intent to buy! Lucky me! We found them a house in a beautiful part of the country with a basement!! We don't have basements in this area. Only foolish people build houses with basements in the south. And this house with a basement wouldn't sell because it had a basement. Southerners know better.

They knew and loved basements so it was just waiting for them. They bought it, left Baltimore and settled in our area. They still come to see me. He calls me Mom and she and I go out to eat and catch up.

They stopped by a few days ago to show me their newest toy. For some reason "cats" came to mind to describe these two fun people riding around on a fun contraption. Say hello to my friends, Cowboy and Nancy!

On my way to work, I thought I saw birds on the power line. Look again! Not birds. Shoes! Two pairs of shoes wrapped around the power line. Little brat kids have been throwing shoes up in the air!

BUT THEN....BUT THEN....I started thinkin'.....little brat kids playing outside!! HOORAY!!

They got away from the computer games, the TV, and actually played outdoors. I can even hear them.

"MMMOMMMM. Brother threw my tennis shoes onto the power line!"

Mom, "Brother, what did you do that for!"

Brother, "I didn't mean to. I just threw them in the air and they landed there. I couldn't help it."

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Next day, sister spends half a day throwing brother's shoes up into the air with shoe strings tied together and finally succeeds in hanging them on the power line!

Brother says, "MMMOMMMM, Sister threw my shoes onto the power line!"

Mom, "You deserved it! You threw hers onto the power line yesterday. Let that be a lesson to you." And to herself she thinks, "Please God, let school start soon!"

And to me, the neighbor, I think perhaps there is hope yet. Kids play outside some of the time!!!

I got a call from a sweet little lady to list her home. She has moved to an assisted living home, but she is in the independent section. She doesn't need any assistance, she gets along just fine by her self. She drives and does her own cooking. THE FUNNY THING IS, SHE IS 93 YEARS OLD, LOOKS YEARS YOUNGER AND HAS A GREAT ATTITUDE. THAT IS HOW I WANT TO BE, IF I LIVE THAT LONG!

She is a retired school teacher, an avid reader, works crossword puzzles and is a very smart lady. I think keeping an active mind is a big plus in how we age. She is a very remarkable person. I knew her daughter from high school and she told her mother to call me. Her daughter was one of the most beautiful girls in school.

As she was showing me her home we had the best time! She went from room to room, without missing a step. We went outside and she showed me her yard and plants. I mean this little lady could move! I was totally amazed. She is such an inspiration! Did I mention she has a cell phone?

I am going to start taking better care of myself, and where is that crossword puzzle book?

www.http://maryjpaul.com