Hot Spring County: Now & Then

10/23/2025

Hello everyone!
Just wanted to check in and let you know I’ve been a little under the weather this past week. It’s nothing serious, but it’s kept me from putting together a new Hot Spring County Now & Then video. I’m starting to feel better and should be back at it soon! Thanks for hanging in there with me — I really appreciate all of you following along. New stories are coming your way soon!

10/14/2025

Newspapers from days of Olde!

From the Clark County Standard, July 10, 1880

Headline: Malvern Lad Killed by Lightning; Father Also Struck

We learn that they had quite a storm at Malvern last Monday, and that the residence of Professor Leiper who lives in the eastern part of town, was struck by lightning and his little son, a lad of ten years was struck and killed. He was asleep at the time near the fireplace and never woke. The house was considerably damaged, but no one else was hurt.

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From the Clark County Standard, July 10, 1880

Headline: Malvern’s Brass Band Performs in Arkadelphia

The Malvern Brass Band - The interest of our barbecue, Thursday, was very much enhanced by the music of the above band. The gentlemen composing it are all leading citizens of our thriving sister city of Malvern, and we think they deserve special mention and thanks. We were surprised to learn that they had only been practicing about 6 weeks. Malvern ought to and no doubt does feel proud of them. They played several pieces excellently on our streets late Thursday afternoon and were applauded by our people. We take the following names of the members from Mr. Floyd's hotel register, where they stopped: Prof. S. D. Taylor; Teacher, Prof. Morse; P. A. Peyton; W. A. Lea; R.O. Brady; Gussie Brassler; John Williams; Prof. Wm. Gay; H. Hunnicut; L. D. Cooper; A. C. Taylor; H. Berger; and W. P. Goodwin

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From the Clark County Standard, August 16, 1879

No headline, but one of our “Live” citizens visited Arkadelphia. We hope they're all "live".

Our friend, Dr. E. L. Brassler, one of the enterprising and live citizens of Malvern, came down this week to attend a meeting of Bradshaw Lodge No. 60. I. O. O. F. of which he is an honored member. He reported his town is in a thriving and healthy condition. He is a good friend of the STANDARD and has it mailed to him regularly.

10/07/2025

Not all Hot Spring County history occurs in the county. Some happens great distances from here such as in this story.

10/02/2025

09/10/2025

Here are more vintage newspaper snippets from Malvern Newspapers, printed over 100 years ago. Compare the journalistic style to how you might see them published today…a different time for sure. Texts are copied word-for-word, as they appeared originally.

From the Malvern Daily Record, October 30, 1916

(Headline) ”Malvern Man Makes Name as Boxer" October 30, 1916:

The following taken from the Prescott News in regard to J. B. Meddley of this city, will no doubt be of interest to his friends here. Mr. Meddley is a resident of Malvern, but has his headquarters as Lineman for the Mackey Telegraph Company in Prescott.
J. B. Meddley, the Mackey Telegraph lineman, who boxed three rounds last night at the carnival with the Swede in Sailor Jack's athletic tent, made a name for himself among local boxing fans when he completely upset the "terrible Swede" at two different and distinct times with a right swing to the head, and had it not been for the kind-hearted fans who were crowded up to the ropes, the above named Swedenite would have been knocked out-- of the ring.

Meddley rushed his opponent continuously and kept him on the defensive during the three rounds. As Meddley's right jolts were distributed promiscuously, the terrible one was forced to protect his face and therefore was not awarded many chances to land a blow.

Both have kindly agreed to meet in a six-round bout on next Saturday night which promises to furnish a little interesting excitement.

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From the Malvern Daily Record, November 6, 1916

(Headline) “Building New Line from Little Rock to Malvern"

L. J. Cathareny, foreman for the Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Company, arrived in the city Saturday with twelve linemen, who are at the Higdon Hotel, where they will have their headquarters while working on the extra line to be built from Little Rock to Malvern by the Southwestern Telegraph & Telephone Company. This was decided upon several weeks ago by this company and actual work on the line is now in progress. The necessity for this additional line was caused by the increase of toll messages from this point north, and will mean much better service for the patrons of the company. It will probably take several weeks to complete the line.

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From the Malvern Daily Record, November 20, 1916

(Headline) “Auto Upsets With Young Folks: Remarkable Escape of Occupants, Without Serious Injury"

What came near being a serious accident, in which eight prominent young people received minor injuries, occurred at 8 o'clock last night, when an automobile being driven by Floyd Day, upset and pinned the occupants underneath it. Those in the car when the accident occurred, besides Mr. Day, were Misses Elizabeth Chamberlain, Frances Davis, Mary Day, Eileen McHenry, Anna McHenry, Lenna Leiper, and Chester Clardy. None were seriously injured, but all were more or less bruised up. Miss Chamberlain fainted when the accident occurred, but was soon revived. Several doctors were summoned and all were taken to their homes in this city.

The accident occurred on Sullenberger Street, and was caused by a dog running in the pathway of the machine. The dog was killed, but those speaking of the occurrence say the Ford was able to proceed home on its own engine.

Disclaimer: These snippets were taken from the Malvern Daily Record. The articles were included in the Hot Spring County Historical Society’s annual publication, The Heritage. Reprinted here with permission of the Hot Spring County Historical Society.

09/03/2025

The tradition began in Camden in 1926 and is continued now in Malvern. Grapette! It was a favorite beverage for many in the early years and still is today in the U.S. and worldwide! But that's not all! Click on the video to learn more about this remarkable company based in Malvern.

08/28/2025

Here are more vintage newspaper snippets from Malvern Newspapers, printed over 100 years ago. Compare the journalistic style to how you might see them published today…a different time for sure. Texts are copied word-for-word, as they appeared originally.

From the Malvern Daily Record, December 9, 1916

(Headline) ”Drilling for Oil is Underway: Taylor Henson Has Machinery Going And Well is 100 Feet Deep"

Drilling for oil in earnest began on the Tavlor Henson property two and one-half miles northeast of Malvern last Wednesday, and the well is now about 100 feet deep, and the force are working day and night. The first well was started several weeks ago, and it was found that the drill was not heavy enough, and a larger one was secured, and the actual drilling was started as above stated.
A representative of this paper visited the scene of the operations this morning, and found a large force of men busily engaged in the work of sinking the first oil well to have ever been sunk in Hot Spring County. When interviewed, Henson stated that he has every reason to believe that he will strike oil on this property, and that if he does, it will mean much for this community.
Still larger machinery than that being used has been received and will be put in place next week, when a larger force of men will be put to work, and all possible speed will be used to complete the work.
A large number of our citizens have visited the oil well, and seen the drill in operation, and it is said by some that every indication is that there is oil to be found in this community. Henson has the money to continue the work just as long as he desires. He also believes that oil in abundance lies beneath his lands, and with these two things, he will no doubt continue the work until he strikes oil or until he is thoroughly satisfied that none exists.

From the Malvern Daily Record, November 23, 1916

(Headline) “Former Malvern Man Heads Masons: J. S. Reamey, Many Years a Citizen of This Place, Is Elected Grand Master"

At the closing session of the Grand Lodge of Masons yesterday in Little Rock, J. S. Reamey, for many years a citizen of Malvern, and a brother of our fellow townsman, S.S. Reamey, was elected Grand Master of the lodge. His many friends in this city and Hot Spring County will be glad to hear of this much-deserved honor. Mr. Reamey is now a citizen of Hot Springs, where he moved to from Malvern some years ago.
Other officers elected were as follows: Fay Hempstead, Little Rock, Grand Secretary; J. W Tucker, Grand Treasurer; Milton Winham, of Texarkana, deputy grand master; G. W. Wells, of Imboden, grand senior warden; W.R. Chestnut, of Harrison, junior grand warden; Baker Clark, of Little Rock, re-elected grand lecturer; U.S. Utley, of Benton, grand orator; Robert Liddel of Rector, grand senior deacon; Louis Bauerlein of Camden, grand junior deacon.
The committee to work out the details for the home for aged Masons and widows was not appointed when the Grand Lodge adjourned, but Mr. Reamey, the newly-elected grand master, will make the appointments later. It was also decided yesterday to hold the school for the instruction of district deputy grand masters immediately after the adjournment of the Grand Lodge each year instead of in January, as at present. The 1917 school, however, will be held in January.

Disclaimer: These snippets were taken from the Malvern Daily Record. The articles were included in the Hot Spring County Historical Society’s annual publication, The Heritage. Reprinted here with permission of the Hot Spring County Historical Society.

08/19/2025

Here is another installment of vintage newspaper snippets from Malvern Newspapers, printed over 100 years ago. Compare the journalistic style to how you might see them published today. A different time for sure. Texts are copied word-for-word, as they appeared originally.

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From the Malvern Daily Record, December 18, 1916:

(Headline) ”Is Cattle Thief Malvern Robber?
(Sub Headline) Boot Worn by Him Identified as Belonging to Local Shoe Dealer"

A blood-stained boot, removed from the foot of the slain cattle thief who was killed by a farmer of Garland County several days ago, has been identified as the property of Jimmie Rowan, and is now attracting much attention in the latter's shoe store in this city.
Together with Sheriff J. E. Stanley, Marshal Caleb Ross, Night Marshal Billy Roberson, and Ed Gray Thrasher, Mr. Rowan went to Hot Springs yesterday to view the body of the cattle thieves who had been killed in that county and whose bodies are being held at Hot Springs for identification.
Several months ago someone broke into the store of Mr. Rowan, and among other things stole a large tan pair of boots, and their identification leads the officers to believe that it was Julius Carden who was killed near Hot Springs, and he is not only the robber, but was also in a gang of robbers who in a running fight with the officers of this place, shot Sheriff Stanley and then made their escape. The sheriff carried with him a photograph of the man, and the close resemblance lead all to think Carden is the man.
If the man is Carden, a reward of $3,300 has been offered in Oklahoma for his capture, dead or alive. A banker in Oklahoma will arrive in Hot Springs tonight, and it is though he will positively identify Carden.

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From the Malvern Daily Record, December 11, 1916

(Headline) “Malvern Basket Ball Team Defeats Bauxite"

It was a happy crowd of young folks that returned from Bauxite Saturday afternoon, when the Malvern High School basketball team returned from Bauxite with a feather in their cap, having defeated the Bauxite team by a score of 11 to 10.
The score was 9-9 at the close of the second half, but it was agreed to play until a field goal was made. Miss Helen DuVall for Bauxite scored all Bauxite's points. On the Malvern team Miss Laura Lee Hannum, Miss Elsie Lee, and Miss Effie Brazil starred. Bauxite's scores consisted of four field goals and two free pitches. Walter Terry of Little Rock was referee, and G. C. R***r of Bauxite was umpire.
Those attending from Malvern High School were Misses Elsie Lee, Floye Lee, Ruby Worley, Laura Lee Hannum, Alma Wilson, Alpha Orr, Helen Downey, Jessamine Butler. Miss Mable Adair was coach, and they were chaperoned by Profs. R. E. Cloud and J. E. Retherford.

Disclaimer: These snippets were taken from the Malvern Daily Record. The articles were included in the society’s annual publication, The Heritage. Reprinted here with permission of the Hot Spring County Historical Society.

08/15/2025

In this video, we're going to talk about saving history in Hot Spring County.

08/11/2025

This is our first installment of vintage newspaper snippets from Malvern Newspapers, printed over 100 years ago. Compare the journalistic style to how you might see them published today. A different time for sure.

From the Malvern Times-Journal, June 18, 1913:

July 4th will be celebrated at Ray’s store, Saginaw, with a picnic and barbecue (sic). The arrangement committee is composed of W.M. Sirratt, George Shinn, and Pad Thompson. A good time is assured all.

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S. S. Reamey and little son, spent Sunday with relatives in Hot Springs.

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Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Browning entertained Monday evening complimenting the second marriage anniversary of their daughter, Mrs. James Northwang of Little Rock.

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Walter Cobbs, manager of the Walco Commissary, accompanied the Little Rock business men's excursion to Hope last week, Walter says it certainly made him proud of Malvern, his home town to hear so many good things said about the way the people here treated the excursionists.

These snippets were taken from copies of the Malvern Times-Journal which were donated to the Hot Spring County Historical Society from the estate of Bonnie Jean Stanley. The articles were included in the society’s annual publication, The Heritage. Reprinted here with permission of the Hot Spring County Historical Society.

08/01/2025

For over a century, the stained glass windows at First United Methodist Church in Malvern have told stories of faith in radiant color and light. Stained glass windows may have been one of the earliest forms of mass communications by telling stories of both the Old & New Testaments.

07/23/2025

We’re kicking off something new here on Hot Spring County: Now & Then!

Not long ago, we shared a feature on the history of newspapers in Malvern, traveling back to 1876. While digging through the archives, we couldn’t help but notice how “old-time” journalism had such a formal, buttoned-up tone compared to the conversational style you see in today’s news.

So, we thought it would be fun to share some real examples with you! Over the following weeks, we’ll be posting 2–3 short clippings from the early late 1800s and the early 1900s—many of them from the Malvern Times-Journal.

These little snippets are quick reads, but they give a fascinating peek into what life (and news) looked like back then. We hope you enjoy stepping back in time with us! Keep watching. They start this week.