Bauxite: The Death of a Dream
Pictured above: The Alcoa plant in Bauxite, originally built in 1952, but now owned and operated by the Almatis, Inc. By Cody Berry This week I wanted to cover the end of Bauxite as a company town. The end didn’t come because the mines were depleted or the aluminum industry shutdown after WWII. By 1944, … Continued
If You Like This… try these Book Recs!
Looking for something new, but not sure where to start? What about with something you already love!? Check out some of these popular movies, TV shows, and books to find new book recs. Who knows, maybe it’ll be your next big thing! Like KPOP Demon Hunters? Then you might love: Excited for the upcoming season … Continued
Power of the Card!
What is Library Card Sign Up Month? Grab your mask and cape! Starting September 1st, libraries across the country celebrate the annual holiday of Library Card Sign Up Month, (or LCSUM) showcasing the power of books, digital resources, and programs available at your local library for free. At Saline County Library, we’ve celebrated LCSUM by … Continued
Saline County and the American Revolution
By Cody Berry Not too long ago I was walking around the Saline County Courthouse, and I took a few minutes to look at the many veterans’ memorials. One of them was placed in honor of Asher Bagley and Benjamin Bryant who had served in the American Revolution. I had heard of Benjamin Bryant before … Continued
70 Years of Caring at Saline Memorial Hospital
By Cody Berry On Friday, June 20, Kari Lapp and I went to a private event at Saline Memorial Hospital celebrating its 70 years of history. There was a very special ceremony led by Saline Health System CEO Char Boulch and County Judge Matt Brumley. During the ceremony we were taken on a walk down … Continued
Life of the USS Saline County
By Cody Berry Did you know that the U.S. Navy had a ship named after Saline County? There was and it served in both World War II and the Korean War. The USS Saline County was a landing ship built in 1944, but it wasn’t given that name until July 1, 1955. The ship’s function … Continued
New Acquisition: Civil War Minie Balls
By Cody Berry This time we are taking a break from the mines of Bauxite and the upcoming exhibit about WWII to announce that the Gann Museum has recently acquired something very special. Saline County resident Don Lucy came to see me on June 5 to donate a set of 18 Civil War era Minie … Continued
Our Summer Reading Challenge is for Adults, too!
While we have some awesome opportunities for your little ones to participate in our Summer Reading Challenge, we also have some fun events for adults as well! Whether you enjoy a spooky time or want to experience a fun night of arts and crafts – we have it all! Take a look at our handy … Continued
Gann Museum Day
By Cody Berry Did you know that former Benton Mayor Lynn Moore and former County Judge Lanny Fite issued proclamations naming May 18, 1999, as “Gann Museum Day?” I didn’t either until I started looking through our many, many scrapbooks at the Gann Museum this week. At that time, the Gann Museum’s executive director was … Continued
Bauxite’s Reaction to Pearl Harbor
By Cody Berry On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, which propelled the United States into WWII. The Arkansas Democrat’s top headline that day read “Japanese Declare War,” above pictures of a battleship on fire and planes flying over the island. That day the Japanese bombed Manila, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and … Continued