George McGill provides “Family History Share”

State Representative George McGill will share his family’s Fort Smith story at the Clayton House Sunday, September 27 at 1:30 p.m. The “Family History Series” program will reveal photos and stories of Fort Smith’s black community, reaching back to McGill’s paternal grandparents who lived in the shanty town called Coke Hill where the Fort Smith National Historic Site is today.

McGill’s story shines a light on his memories of city amenities no longer existing, of a childhood home steeped in service to others, and of a largely peaceful integration of Fort Smith during the Civil Rights movement. He recalls watching some of the nation’s baseball greats playing in the early 1950s at Andrews Field, now part of the Fort Smith National Cemetery. He and friends would shimmy up the light poles, perching at the top. “We didn’t have money to get in, but we had the best seats in the house,” he recalls. 

For more than 50 years, since he was in high school, McGill has coached 5th- and 6th-grade boys of Fort Smith’s Boys & Girls Club in baseball and football. He also mentors members of an elementary boy’s group he helped organize called the Golden Knights and a high school group called Young Brothers Leading. The platform of the high school group is advocacy among peers to stay away from their parents’ prescription drugs. He sees a great need for – and results from –mentoring. “You have to go where they are,” he advises. “If you want to make a difference in a child’s life, get off your duff and go where they are.”

After a music performance and refreshments beginning at 1:00 p.m., McGill’s presentation will begin at 1:30. Reservations are required due to limited seating. The program is free to members of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation; nonmembers are asked for a $10 donation toward the continued preservation and programs of the circa 1882 Clayton House. Call 783-3000 for more information and reservations.