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Historic Cannaday Building
Sold
Several years of questions and concerns about a part of Cotter's history
have been answered with the sale of the Cannaday building on the northwest
corner of Second and McLean. Built in 1906 by Dr. C.T. Cannady, its walls
have housed a meeting room upstairs and a variety of businesses and
organizations. The structure has deteriorated over the years and raised
concerns within the community.
The colorful
pictures on the top floor of
the Cannaday building were placed there
for the visit of the Smithsonian Art Train in 1997.
The
new owners are the Herb Parker family of Lamar, Arkansas. Plans are to
create a commercial endeavor there and use as much of the existing
structure as possible. Initial
assessments suggest the
first floor offers the best hope for salvage, but saving the second floor
is unlikely.
At the July meeting
of the Cotter Area Chamber of Commerce Mr. Parker assured the members that
work will move forward cautiously
and react to
situations as they arise. A security fence has been erected around the
property for public safety.
Three team oxcart parked
beside
the Cannaday Building early in the
20th century.
City Council Upgrades Water and Police Departments.
At their
monthly meeting July 22, 2004, the Council approved purchase of advanced
software and equipment to streamline meter reading and monthly billing.
The equipment includes two hand held meter readers, computer software,
printer, and extended warranties. The new equipment will save numerous
labor intensive re-reads and will expedite printing of bills. The purchase
is being made from Computer Systems of Arkansas and will total $7644.
A 2002 Dodge Durango will be added to the Cotter Police Department.
The four wheel drive vehicle will paid for in annual payments over the
next three years.
In a related matter there have been 25 applicants for the position of
school resource officer. Interviews are being conducted and hiring is
anticipated in the near future. Note: Certified police officer Laura
Hodges has been hired by Cotter Schools.
The Council passed Ordinance Number 162-72 (amended) to prohibit the
discharge of firearms within the corporate boundaries of the City of
Cotter, Arkansas, and heard a first reading of Ordinance #04-04
controlling the manufacture, sale and use of fireworks within the
corporate limits of the City of
Cotter, Arkansas. The second
reading of Ordinance #04-04 will be at the August City Council meeting on
Thursday, August 26, at 6:00 p.m.
In other matters the Council heard updates on the upcoming fall
festival September 24-25th. The re-dedication of the R.M. Ruthven
Bridge will be part of the festival on Friday afternoon, September 24th. Much
more information will be provided.
Cotter's Birthday Party July 7-10th was hailed as a huge success.
Mayor Jennings thanked all those involved.
Cotter Chamber Greets New Members
The Cotter Area
Chamber of Commerce continues to draw great crowds each month at the White
Sands Restaurant.
 At their July meeting new people included the Herb Parker family,
new owners of the historic Cannaday (Lacefield) building. Also attending
were Moose and Tina Watson who are building a bed and breakfast on the
bluff upriver. One newcomer commented that the enthusiasm in the room was
mindful of an old time revival. Members heard a presentation by newcomer,
Linda Howell, of new ideas for further celebrating Cotter's life on the
beautiful White River. Judi Sharp
presented the status of the City and Chamber Web site,
cotterarkansas.com,
and encouraged members to make sure their sites are linked to the Chamber
site to receive maximum exposure over the Internet. Planning for the fifth
annual fall festival will kick into gear soon and should be the biggest
and best ever celebration of Cotter.
 Saturday
Club  Annual
Bulb Sale Begins
Once again you have the opportunity to beautify Cotter in the
spring and contribute to a worthy cause. The bulbs offered by the Saturday
Club of Cotter are top quality, and all proceeds go to benefit the Club’s
projects to benefit the Cotter Schools. To purchase these bulbs for fall
planting, contact any member of the Saturday Club or call Wanda Fielding,
435-6371, or Judi Sharp, 492-4483.
 Mayor’s
Minute
The City
Council recently passed a resolution whereby Cotter is participating in
the National Flood Insurance Program. Because our normal homeowners
policies do not cover flood damage, we need to be affiliated with the
National Flood Insurance Program in order to qualify for Insurance that
covers flood damage. If you have been turned down for flood insurance,
tell your agent that we are now participating, and to submit your
application for the national coverage. The intent of the Council is to
make flood insurance available to Cotter property owners who live in the
federally described flood plain.
I’m sorry to report that due to circumstances beyond our control, we
no longer have a contract with an animal control officer. In the short
time that our local program was in effect, we rid the city of at least 30
stray animals. We are negotiating with another more experienced officer,
and hopefully another program will be in effect shortly.
I hope you have noticed how beautiful our Rainbow Bridge is looking
as it is being finished. The contract calls for all the bridge to be
cleaned in the final stages. The
environmental control people specified Simple Green as an agent. Because
it biodegrades as it falls into the river. It is applied cold, under
pressure, and makes the concrete look almost new. It is difficult to tell
which concrete is new and which is over 70 years old.
The next project is to install the special lights that bring our
bridge to life at night. Soon there will be a meeting of the Cotter Area
Chamber of Commerce, the Flippin Chamber, and the two cities to work out
the plans to light the bridge as soon as possible. If you have any ideas
on how to accomplish this, Please call me. We sorely need a commercial
electrician to design the circuits and supervise the actual installation
of the lights. The last time it was done, we were blessed with
experienced men who volunteered their time. Hopefully we can do it again.
August is upon us and the “Dog Days of Summer” will allow us to catch
our breath because September is going to be a busy month. Our ever
popular City-wide Yard Sale is scheduled for September 11. Our large item
trash pickup is going to be on September 13, and then comes our extra
special Fall Festival on September 24 & 25 that will feature our Bridge
Re-dedication on September 24. There is going to be so much activity, you
won’t have trouble finding a place to volunteer your help. See you there.
Oral History and Watercolor Workshops Offered in Cotter
Annie's Books &
Curiosities will have two workshops in August. Coetia Batarseh is offering
the "Watercolor for Dummies" (the second edition) on Thursday, August 19.
The subject will be trout, and different watercolor media will be
introduced. There will be three 2½ hour sessions, one beginning at 9 a.m., one at noon, and the third at 3 pm.
The $8 fee includes two watercolor cards with envelopes and all supplies.
On Thursday, August 12, Anne Ramey is offering two-hour workshops on oral
history at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Participants will gain enough
information to gather an oral history by the end of the workshop. This
workshop is free, and attendance is not limited. Alternate times may be
arranged.
"If you would like to publish in small numbers the memories of a
Cotter resident, a family member, or anyone else, this is for you,"
Ramey said. Those with a general interest are also encouraged to attend,
even if they have no intention of interviewing anyone. For those who are
interested, a free self-publishing workshop will be scheduled in
September. To register for either of these workshops, call Anne Ramey at
435-6018, email her at
annie@anniesatcotter.com, or stop by 125 McLean on
Fridays or Saturdays between 11 am and 4 pm.
Cotter History Books Available
"Elmo Hurst: In His Own Words" has been reprinted and is
available at Annie's Books & Curiosities at 125 McLean in Cotter. The store is open Fridays and Saturdays
10 am - 4 pm. Those who wish to purchase a
copy also may call 435-6018.
Also available at Annie’s, as well as at Rainbow Bridge Treasures and
Firehouse Antiques, is “The
Building of Cotter.”
All proceeds from both books will support the placement of historic
markers by the Saturday Club of Cotter.
Pictured
above, Mayor Bill Jennings serves the first piece of Cotter Centennial
birthday cake to Mr. Elmo Hurst as Mrs. Gene Hurst looks on.
Cotter’s Fall Festival to Celebrate Historic Bridge
Re-dedication
of the R. M. Ruthven Rainbow Arch Bridge will open Cotter’s fifth annual
fall festival, "Art, Antiques and Architecture...A Cotter Open House."
Ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., September 24th, with a
variety of state and federal officials expected to attend. Special
entertainment will be provided by Cotter Schools.
The bridge was designed by the Marsh Engineering Company and includes
distinctive rainbow arches patented by James Marsh in 1912. The Bateman
Contracting Company completed the bridge in 1930 and for many years it was
key to the development of east-west transportation in northern Arkansas
and US Highway 62. The bridge was later named for Baxter County Judge R.
M. Ruthven, who was instrumental in gaining its original approval. It has
been added to the National Register of Historic Places and is listed as an
American Civil Engineering Landmark. It has become one of the most
photographed bridges in Arkansas.
After seventy years of heavy usage by increasingly heavier vehicles,
the Ruthven bridge fell into disrepair and nearly had to be closed. Its
architecture was so unique it made duplication extremely difficult and
costly. The bridge’s history qualified the project for federal enhancement
funds, specifically for historic preservation. The Arkansas Highway and
Transportation Department was able to secure federal funding for 80% of
the $6.3 million project.
After the bridge ceremony, festivities will move below the bridge to
Big Spring Park. A variety of entertainment and great food will be
presented throughout the evening in the pavilion overlooking the beautiful
White River.
Early in
2002 work was begun by the Hardy Construction Company of Maumelle, Arkansas. Bridge foreman
Phillip Caves has stated this is the
most challenging job of his 35 year career of repairing bridges. Workers
had to be tied off some 60 feet above the water and innovative techniques
developed to protect boaters and pedestrians below from falling materials.
The interior of the bridge was replaced while the arches were repaired and
cleaned. Throughout the project, the artistry and architecture of the
beautiful bridge has been preserved.
Cotter’s fall festival is a celebration of Cotter’s 100 year history
as a railroad boom town. Cotter was incorporated July 7, 1904, as a
division point for the White River and Iron Mountain Railroad and was the
most prominent city in northern
Arkansas for many years. Today
the Cotter area enjoys a rebirth with restoration of historic downtown
buildings, completion of the
Anglin-Tinnon Railroad
Workers Memorial, an influx of new people, increased job opportunities
and, as always, world class trout fishing.
Saturday, September 25th, will be filled with attractions for the
whole family. A downtown parade steps off promptly at 10 am and will wind
its way through Cotter’s historic areas. Other attractions will include an
art show and sale, historic programs, entertainment, and outstanding
shopping opportunities for antiques, art, and crafts. Additional
attractions are being developed and more detailed schedules and
information will be provided.
Cotter’s fall festival is a promotion of the Cotter Area Chamber of
Commerce and the City of Cotter. If you or your organization would like to
participate in this year’s festival contact Festival Chairman Sonny Sharp
at 870-492-4483 (chamber@cotterarkansas.com),
Chamber President, Beverly Pence, 870-430-5012, or Mayor Bill Jennings,
870-435-6326. More information about the Cotter area can be obtained at
www.cotterarkansas.com/,
www.troutcapitalnews.com/, and
www.cotterar.com/.
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For more information, call Judi at
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