February 26, 2012

1:00 p.m.: Museum opens for tours

1:30 p.m.: Refreshments are served and music begins

2:00 p.m.: Presentation begins

3:00 p.m.: Refreshments, tours continue

"Clayton Conversations" -- 4th Sunday 

     Fort Smith Historian Chuck Girard will take the audience back to the early days and

buildings of Fort Smith, with "Fort Smith Landmarks of Yesteryear." His slide show and commentary are the result of decades of research and are sure to please. "One of the best ways to learn and understand  how and why things are, is to examine photographic and written evidence that has been preserved," Girard says. "Sometimes -- more often than not -- the reader will discover a fact or occurrence that was never expected. Historic research is always a treasure hunt. Sometimes you strike out, but other times you find a gold mine of information. The fun is in the quest!" 

At right, the Kansas City Southern / Frisco Depot

at Rogers Avenue and Seventh Street was what Girard labels one of the "top five" downtown buildings no longer standing. "They possessed such unique architectural design, they actually defined the style and character of the city." This event is sponsored by First National Bank of Fort Smith.

Thursday, Feb. 2

4-6 p.m.

     All teachers are invited to the Clayton House to learn of the field trip offerings

of four local history attractions: The Clayton House, the U.S. Marshals Museum, the Fort Smith Museum of History, and the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Also presented will be application forms for a new 4-museum field trip to be offered in Spring 2012. Refreshments and door prizes. Free. Click here for more information.

    Dr. Taylor A. Prewitt joins us for our premier "Clayton Conversations," with a presentation on "Medical Care in Fort Smith the Late 19th Century." A Fort Smith cardiologist with Cooper Clinic from 1969 to 2003, Dr. Prewitt is also an author. His latest book, in the publishing stage now, is entitled Reciting Robert Frost in the I.C.U.: Essays on the Literature of Medicine. It features his commentary on a collection of some 60 books written by or about doctors, patients, and others who care for the sick and the dying, including several looks at the Victorian era. Dr. Prewitt's vast knowledge and wonderful sense of humor are treasured by many of this region, and this premier discussion will be sure to delight.

Above right, Dr. Taylor A. Prewitt, "Clayton Conversations" speaker for January 22. This event is sponsored  by Cooper Clinic, P.A.