Tom and Mary McGowan in front of Boyle House (1921) during 1998 Quapaw Quarter Spring Tour of Homes |
Quapaw Quarter Spring Tour of Homes
The Spring Tour of Homes is an annual springtime
event that highlights the historic development and heritage of the
Quapaw Quarter area of Little Rock. Although the Tour has been
sponsored for many years by the Landmarks Trust of Greater Little
Rock, aka the Quapaw Quarter Association, it actually predates the
organization by several years.
Most of the tours have been located in the downtown
area of Little Rock, which contains the MacArthur Park, Governor's
Mansion, and Central High Historic Districts. Many fine homes and
churches were built in these areas during the 30-year period from
1870 to 1920. Unfortunately, many of these structures were
destroyed during the urban development of the 1950s and 60s. The
few local residents who protested these demolitions met with little
success, and decided to inaugurate an event that would focus
attention on the great loss to the city's character that these
demolitions represented. The Spring Tour of 1963 was the result of
these initial efforts. Under the leadership of the Trust, the tour
has become a cherished annual event that celebrates the historic
nature of many neighborhoods in Little Rock. Besides the downtown
area, tours have featured important structures in Hillcrest, the
city's first suburb at the turn of the century, and in North Little
Rock, across the Arkansas River.
As a result of the tours, thousands of people are now
familiar with the community's historic resources. In the last 38
years, the Landmarks Trust has sponsored more than 200 houses,
churches, and cottages in greater Little Rock in its Spring Tours.
Many individuals and families have purchased and renovated
buildings, while general interest has encouraged the nomination of
districts to the National Register of Historic Places.
Locally-zoned ordinance districts have also been established to
preserve and enhance these historic neighborhoods.
The project is documented with an eight-page written
report; ten 8 x 10 color photographs; promotional materials; and an
edition of the Chronicle Historic Preservation News featuring the 1998 tour.
Originally submitted by: Vic Snyder, Representative (2nd District).
More Local Legacies... |
|
|
The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.
|