A very popular group on Facebook is called “Saline County
Happenings and Memories.” Its 5800 members share old photos, recall their
childhood, and even keep in touch on current events. Frequent topics range from
what “used to be” in a certain location to “what they’re building” on a
particular spot. It is a healthy group, well moderated so that the discussions
don’t stray to unpleasant or off topic subjects.
What is really fun is that when the right people see the
posts, old photos get identified, lost and found items are returned to rightful
owners. A good time is had by all.
Recently, a seemingly innocent question sparked a plethora of
posts with old pictures, ideas for preservation, and even a new Facebook group
called “Save the Rowland/Nelson/Smith/Lenz House”. The spark plug of this page
is Anthony Rushing, a military veteran, history teacher, and Historic
Preservationist. As a 6th
generation Saline Countian, he has a personal interest in this property, since
his own ancestors are buried in the nearby Nelson cemetery. In Anthony’s words:
“I vision it as a structure to promote antebellum yeoman life as well as late
1800’s immigrant life. I think it could be used as a meeting place for anyone
as a historical connection to our past.”
What
might have been an idle discussion has blossomed into renewed efforts to
restore and preserve a treasure that thousands have admired and wondered about
on their daily journeys in Saline County.
The house itself began as a log cabin that was built in the
1830’s, just after Arkansas became a state.
It was continuously inhabited, remodeled to suit each owner, and has
watched history passing by its front porch for many generations. It acquired
its most recent façade just before the turn of the 20th century, and
has remained much the same on the outside for more than 100 years. The last
inhabitants lived here in 1992, and with the help of “Coach” Rushing’s
students, it was restored during that decade, but is now badly in need of
another rescue.
So, what is in store for this monument to our pioneer spirit?
The home is already on the National Historic Register, but as the friends of
the Palace Theater in Benton learned, that doesn’t always count for much.
Rushing has been in contact with folks that know what to do. He has already
talked to Arkansas Historic Preservation, and even some experts on log
buildings, who have their own television show called “Barnwood Builders.” Funds
will be needed, a lot of sweat equity will be expended, and there are legal
ownership matters to be dealt with.
The fledgling group is planning a face to face gathering, and
then I am sure things will start happening quickly. The recent success of the
group who is developing the old Wagon Bridge across the Saline River has
inspired this new effort. If you are interested in becoming actively involved
in preserving our area’s heritage, watch for future announcements about ways
that you can help. Since this column only appears monthly, a better way to keep
up with the developments will be to watch the Facebook groups mentioned above.
If you are not a social media aficionado, send me snail mail in care of
Ouachita Life, or email me at jennycarlisle@sbcglobal.net.
An old TV show had a popular quote that said “I love it when
a plan comes together.” When this discussion first started, someone posted a
negative comment that said the reason the old house was not being kept up was
“No-one around here cares.” That, my friends, is not true. The gauntlet has
been thrown. We do care. Now, it is time to put action with our words. The
future in the Ouachita region is growing brighter all the time.
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