“Building a Region: A Century of Local Architecture” – Fort Smith Museum of History

Fort Smith Museum of History
“Building a Region:  A Century of Local Architecture”
Opening Reception
January 30, 5:00-7:00 p. m.
6:00 p. m. Program with Local Architect Bob Laser

Opening January 30, the Museum’s latest exhibit, “Building a Region: A Century of Local Architecture,” examines architectural drawings created by local architects.

Beginning with noted Fort Smith architects, Alonzo Klingensmith, and Chester Nelson, the exhibit touches on the history of the many architectural firms in the city. Visitors may view a 1912 Klingensmith drawing of a Fort Smith residence, Nelson drawings of noted buildings such as Goddard Methodist Church, the Wheeler Avenue Boys Club, the Booneville Sanatorium, several University of Arkansas at Fayetteville buildings and Fentress Mortuary which won national recognition in 1931 for design. 

Engineer’s drawings of the “Million Dollar Free Bridge” constructed between 1919 and 1922 are included. An 1899 drawing on linen of an elevator designed for a local building is intriguing as research continues to discover the building’s location. Several  well-known local buildings which have undergone renovation will also be featured. 

An opening reception will be held Thursday, January 30, 5:00-7:00 p. m. with a program at 6:00 featuring local architect Bob Laser. The exhibit will run through May.