May 5, Sincerely, Mike Beebe. Mike Beebe. MB:jb. Telephone (501) Fax (501) Internet Web Site

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1 30 th Anniversary

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3 State of Arkansas Mike Beebe Governor May 5, 2011 It gives me great pleasure to send greetings to all those gathered at the Scottish Rite Temple in Little Rock for the 30th Anniversary Founders Luncheon of the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas. For three decades, the members of the Alliance have been dedicated to protecting the architectural and cultural resources of our State, and their advocacy efforts have heightened our appreciation of Arkansas s heritage. Since Arkansas became a state in 1836, we have relied on individuals who are dedicated to chronicling and safeguarding our history, preserving the historic places that give cities, towns, and rural areas their unique character. The statewide, nonprofit Alliance, in partnership with local governments, promotes heritage tourism and economic development through the guidance of its founders commitment to fulfilling the mission of education, advocacy, and assistance. This event is a fitting opportunity to honor the founders of the Alliance: Parker Westbrook, Charles Witsell, Jr., Carl H. Miller, Jr., Dr. Bobby Roberts, and the late Kirby Smith. By dedicating their time and expertise to the pursuit of archiving and conserving Arkansas history, they have enriched preservation and restoration efforts statewide. On behalf of the State of Arkansas, thank you and best wishes for a wonderful event. Sincerely, MB:jb Mike Beebe State Capitol, Suite 250 Little Rock, AR Telephone (501) Fax (501) Internet Web Site

4 The Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas As Arkansas s only statewide nonprofit organization focused on preserving Arkansas s architectural and cultural resources, the Alliance has been educating, advocating and assisting preservation efforts across Arkansas since From educating lawmakers to assisting individual property owners, the Alliance is committed to protecting the many valuable heritage resources that make our state unique. The Alliance s numerous educational programs include the quarterly Arkansas Preservation Digest, the annual Arkansas Preservation Conference and the Ramble tours of historic sites. The Alliance has effectively advocated for public sources of preservation funding and incentives, such as the Real Estate Transfer Tax, which created the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council and the Arkansas Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit. The Alliance assists local governments and historic communities through administration of the federal Preserve America program in Arkansas and participation in the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program s Main Street Arkansas program programs which promote historic preservation and heritage tourism as economic development tools. We hope that you will support the Alliance in these efforts by becoming a member and participating in programs and events which enrich the sustainability and quality of life in Arkansas.

5 Sponsors and Patrons Platinum Sponsor Mrs. Theodosia Murphy Nolan Bronze Sponsor Mr. Parker Westbrook Patron Tables Arkansas State University Judge Morris S. Buzz Arnold Mr. William H. Bowen Catlett Law Firm, PLC Central Arkansas Library System Entergy Patrons M. Christine Allen Essa Alley - VCC Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Arkansas Flag and Banner Richard C. Butler, Jr. Gary Clements, AIA & Ann Clements Courtney C. Crouch, Jr. & Brenda Crouch Courtney C. Crouch, III Cromwell Architects Engineers Anita Davis Dreamland Ballroom Ecological Design Group, Inc. Thomas Fennell, AIA Dr. Mary Good Lynn Hamilton Herron Horton Architects Patsie Johnson J. Michael Jones Fay Jones School of Architecture Gill, Elrod, Ragon, Owen & Sherman Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau Carl H. Miller, Jr. WER Architects/Planners Kinco Constructors Jo Luck Emon Mahony, Jr. Cathie Matthews McLarty Companies Missy McSwain Justice & Mrs. David Newbern Mark and Cheri Nichols Ruby Architecture Louis E. Schickel Elaine Scott Scottish Rite Foundation Griffin Smith Anne Speed UALR College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences VCC Gus Vratsinas Wittenberg, Delony & Davidson

6 May 5th 30th Anniversary Founders Luncheon Program honoring Carl H. Miller, Jr. Dr. Bobby Roberts Kirby Smith, III Parker Westbrook, Founding President Charles Witsell, FAIA Welcome Frances Ross, Board President Welcome Mayor Mark Stodola Lunch Remarks Honorable David Pryor Message from National Trust for Historic Preservation President Stephanie Meeks Film Tribute Introduction Rep. John Charles Edwards Remarks Speaker Robert S. Moore Jr. Remarks Parker Westbrook, Founding President Closing Remarks Vanessa McKuin, Executive Director

7 Carl H. Miller, Jr. Honorees Carl H. Miller, Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer of Refrigeration and Electric Supply Company located in the Quapaw Quarter of Little Rock, Arkansas. He has served in many capacities on preservation-related boards and commissions throughout Arkansas including as the Secretary of State s representative to the Arkansas Capitol Zoning District Commission, as a member of the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History Commission and as a board member of Little Rock s Quapaw Quarter Association. Carl is an Ex- Officio board member of Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas as Advisor Emeritus to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Carl continues to serve as a board member of Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation and as a board member and Treasurer of the Little Rock Visitor Foundation. He is also a member of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program State Review Board and an advisory board member of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a Museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage which interprets Arkansas s African American history, life, and culture. Carl received the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas s Parker Westbrook Award for Lifetime Achievement in In the 1970s, Carl restored the 1892 Dibrell House in the Governor s Mansion Historic District of Little Rock as his residence, which has served as the site of many events for the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas over the years. Carl continues to care for the historic home and is currently restoring two houses in Little Rock s Quapaw Quarter.

8 Kirby Smith, III Kirby Smith, III was an attorney and was integrally involved with politics and public service in Arkansas in the 1970s and 1980s. Early in his career, he served as the President of the Young Democrats of Arkansas. He served as the Legal counsel to the State Democratic Party as well as the Chairman of the Pulaski County Democratic Party. Kirby also served as Assistant Attorney General under Bill Clinton. Kirby served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the 6th Judicial District and on several boards and commissions including the Engineers and Land Surveyors Licensing Board and the Pulaski County Election Commission. He also was the co-chair for Bill Clinton s Gubernatorial Inaugural in Before involvement in historic preservation as a co-founder of the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, Kirby was instrumental in developing legislation which created the Capitol Zoning District Commission, which protects the special historic character of the areas surrounding Arkansas s State Capitol and the Governor s Mansion. After the formation of the CZDC, Kirby served as the Chairman Commission as a representative of the Governor s office. Kirby was involved in the Quapaw Quarter Association as the Treasurer and Vice President of the Board of Directors. For a brief time, Kirby worked as the Director of Tourism for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

9 Parker Westbrook Parker Westbrook is the Founding President of the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas. His roots run deep in Washington and Nashville, Arkansas, though his first foray into preservation came when he was living in Virginia and working in Washington DC as Special Assistant for U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright. Mr. Westbrook purchased and restored an 1807 Quaker Cottage. After 26 years in politics in Washington DC, Parker returned to his home state of Arkansas in 1975 to serve as Special Assistant for newly-elected Governor David Pryor. Parker has served in a several capacities supporting the Pioneer Washington Foundation, Arkansas s oldest preservation organization. Parker first served as a volunteer restoration advisor, then as Executive Director, and finally as President of the Foundation for 19 years. Parker was inducted into the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism s Hall of Fame in 2007 with recognition for his dedication to promoting heritage tourism in Arkansas. He is an Advisor Emeritus to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a 2001 recipient of a Preservation Honor Award from the Trust. Rep. Mike Ross declared him a National Treasure in the Congressional Record. Parker has served on the State Review Board of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and the Historic Arkansas Museum Commission for nearly three decades. He also served for two terms on the President s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and was named Chairman of the Committee on National Historic Landmarks on the National Park System Advisory Board.

10 Charles Witsell, Jr., FAIA Charles Witsell, a founding partner of Witsell, Evans & Rasco, Architects/ Planners, has broad professional experience almost equally divided between historic preservation and new construction. In preservation, he has provided professional services on approximately 200 National Register-listed buildings in Arkansas, served on 11 boards and commissions advocating and regulating historic properties and/or programs in Arkansas, and served three terms on the board of Advisors of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Charles received the Historic Preservation Alliance s Parker Westbrook Award for Lifetime Achievement in In addition, he has authored one book, thirty-seven articles and delivered over 100 lectures on historic preservation topics. His current project, with partner Gordon Wittenberg, is a series of architect biographies and building histories, the forthcoming book Architects of Little Rock. Charles preservation projects include The Old State House, the Confederate Capitol, the Arkansas State Capitol, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, The Lafayette Building, Lakeport Plantation, and the 1874 Hempstead County Courthouse. Charles and his wife Becky have devoted their professional and personal lives to the cause of preservation as advocates and conservators of historic places. They have demonstrated profound devotion to the care of historic structures through their restoration of the 1889 Fredrick Hangar House and later the 1882 Frese Cottage in Little Rock s Governor s Mansion Historic District for their personal residences.

11 Dr. Bobby Roberts Bobby Roberts grew up in Helena, Arkansas, and graduated from Central High School in He holds a master s degree in Library Science from the University of Oklahoma and a Ph.D. in American History form the University of Arkansas. He has been Director of the Central Arkansas Library System since Roberts earlier served on the faculties of both the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. His specialty is military history with a particular interest in the Civil War. He is the co-author of four books on the civil war in The Portraits of Conflict series, author of 11 articles and book chapters, and co-editor of four civil war books. In 2002 Roberts received the Arkansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Award of Merit for his commitment to building quality public buildings. Under his direction, the Central Arkansas Library System has adapted and rehabilitated several buildings for library use including the 1921 Fones Brothers Warehouse building for the Main Library, as well as the 1882 Porbeck & Bowman Building and the 1914 Geyer & Adams Building as part of the Arkansas Studies Institute. In 2009 he received the Jimmy Strawn Historic Preservation Award from the Quapaw Quarter Association. Roberts was named Library Journal s Librarian of the Year for It is one of librarianship s most prestigious national awards.

12 Speakers Frances Mitchell Ross is a member of the Department of History at UALR. She is a past president of the Quapaw Quarter Association, the Arkansas Historical Association and past chair of the Capitol Zoning District Commission. Ross is the past president of the Historical Society of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and is completing work on a collection of biographical essays of judges of the U.S. District Courts of Arkansas, She currently serves as chair of the Historic Arkansas Museum Commission and looks forward to working closely with the Preservation Alliance in Mayor Mark Stodola entered City Hall as Little Rock s 72nd mayor in 2007, he brought with him an ambitious goal to make Little Rock The Next Great American City in the South. Throughout his career, Mayor Stodola has gained the tools to enhance public safety and improve neighborhoods to help Little Rock meet its fullest potential. Mayor Stodola began his public service career when he served as Little Rock s City Attorney from 1985 to In 1990, Stodola was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District. Mayor Stodola has served as president of the Quapaw Quarter Association and the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas. In addition, he is a member of the Heights Neighborhood Association, and chaired the Kavanaugh Promenade Development Project. Mayor Stodola graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in Political Science and Journalism, and received his law degree from the University of Arkansas, School of Law in Fayetteville. Mark is married to Jo Ellen and has three children; a daughter, Allison; and twin sons, Robert and John Mark. David Pryor has served Arkansas as member of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate. Mr. Pryor served as Governor of Arkansas from 1975 to 1979 and as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1960 to Pryor has served as Director of the Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He also served as the Founding Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, a position he held from June 2004 to January Mr. Pryor currently serves on the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and most recently he was named as the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas. Mr. Pryor has shown a commitment to stewardship of Arkansas history. The David Pryor Center for Oral and Visual History at the University of Arkansas has resulted from his gift of funds and the contribution of his gubernatorial and congressional papers.over the course of his career he has received numerous awards and distinguished service presentations from virtually every nonprofit organization in the state, including the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas. Senator Pryor received the Alliance s highest honor, the Parker Westbrook Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996, an award that was also given to his mother, Suzie Pryor, in 1981, the year of the Alliance s founding. Mr. Pryor is the author of A Pryor Commitment: The Autobiography of David Pryor, published by Butler Center Books, 2008).

13 State Representative John Edwards of Little Rock is serving his second term representing District 38 in the Arkansas House of Representatives. For the 88th General Assembly, Representative Edwards serves as vice chair of the House Public Transportation Committee, where he also chairs the Motor Vehicle and Highways Subcommittee. In addition, he is a member of the House Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committee, and the House Rules Committee. Edwards is a veteran of the Iraq War, being called to active duty in October of 2003 to serve with the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Arkansas Army National Guard. He is a Colonel in the Individual Ready Reserve and has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Humanitarian Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge, among others. Edwards has a keen interest in economic development and water-related issues and speaks frequently regarding water policy issues in Arkansas. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Southern Capital Partners, a non-profit component of the Southern Bancorp emphasizing comprehensive community development selected regions of Arkansas and Mississippi. Edwards also serves a member of the Board of Directors of the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas. Edwards is an attorney with the Anible and Edwards Firm. He and his wife, Cynthia, have two sons. State Representative Robert S. Moore, Jr. serves as Speaker of the House for the 88th General Assembly, which convened January 10, This is his third term in the House, where he represents District 12, which includes Chicot County and parts of Desha, Arkansas, and Ashley counties. Moore serves as a member of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee and the House Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committee. In addition, he serves on the Joint Budget Committee, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, and the Arkansas Legislative Council. Rep. Moore is a lawyer and farmer. Before being elected to the House, he served as Director of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Chairman of the Arkansas Transportation Commission and is a former Assistant Attorney General. He holds a bachelor s degree from Ouachita Baptist University and a law degree from the University of Arkansas. Moore is a member of numerous civic organizations in southeast Arkansas. He is a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Vietnam. Rep. Moore and his wife, Beverly, live on their farm near Arkansas City. Vanessa Norton McKuin is the Executive Director of the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas. An Arkansas native with family ties in South Arkansas and in the Ozark Mountains, McKuin holds a B.A. in Art from Hendrix College and an M.S. degree in Historic Preservation from Pratt Institute. After living in North Arkansas and New York City, Vanessa and her husband Tim are currently rehabilitating a 1902 Colonial Revival style home in Little Rock s Central High School Historic District.

14 Officers Board of Directors President Frances Mitchell Ross, Little Rock President-Elect Laura Gilson, North Little Rock Vice President of Programs Cary Tyson, North Little Rock Secretary Martin Smith, Birdeye Treasurer Neil Denman, Little Rock Executive Committee Members John Gill, Little Rock Missy McSwain, Lonoke Ex-Officio Members Board of Directors Director, Department of Arkansas Heritage Cathie Matthews, Little Rock Director, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Frances Missy McSwain, Lonoke Secretary of State Mark Martin, Little Rock Capitol Historian David Ware, Little Rock Advisors to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Dr. Ruth A. Hawkins, Jonesboro Debbie Shea, Dumas Advisors Emeritus to the National Trust Carl H. Miller, Jr., Little Rock Cheri Nichols, Little Rock Parker Westbrook, Little Rock Charles Witsell, Jr., FAIA, Little Rock M. Christine Allen, Little Rock Billy Blann, El Dorado Tracy Beavers, North Little Rock Courtney Crouch, III, Little Rock Kate East, Little Rock Rep. John C. Edwards, Little Rock John Greer Jr., Little Rock Gregory Herman, Fayetteville Jon Holcomb, Little Rock Dwight Hopkins, Van Buren Gina W. Jarrett, Paragould Jajuan Johnson, Little Rock Paula Oliver, Helena Dr. Charles Romney, Little Rock Ronnie Walker, Pocahontas

15 Arkansas Preservation Foundation John Herzog President John Gill Treasurer Carl Miller Vice President Laura Gilson Secretary The Arkansas Preservation Foundation was established in honor of Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas founding board member Theodosia Murphy Nolan. The Arkansas Preservation Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization established to support the programs and activities of the Alliance. The Arkansas Preservation Foundation is governed by trustees elected by the Alliance board. The foundation s purpose is for the management of assets including real estate and bequests and other funds contributed through planned giving. The Arkansas Preservation Foundation creates a firm base which will ensure that the Alliance s work can continue to make a difference throughout Arkansas in the next 30 years and beyond. For more information, or to contribute the Arkansas Preservation Foundation, call

16 Founding Board and Past Presidents Past Presidents Aubra Anthony, El Dorado Gary Clements, North Little Rock Dan Cook, Little Rock Paul Dodds, Little Rock Dr. Ann Early, Fayetteville John P. Gill, Little Rock Mark Hayes, Little Rock John Herzog, Little Rock Tommy Jameson, Little Rock John Mott, Fort Smith Cheri Nichols, Little Rock Jim Pfeifer, Little Rock Dr. Stephen Recken, Little Rock Mark Stodola, Little Rock Travis Walls, Benton Parker Westbrook, Little Rock Gloria WrightvMonticello Signers of the Articles of Incorporation Carl Miller, Jr., Little Rock Bobby Roberts, Little Rock Kirby Smith, Little Rock Parker Westbrook, Little Rock Charles Witsell, Little Rock Deceased

17 Founding Board Members Joan Baldridge-Ballard, Little Rock Paul Bowlin, Pocahontas Hester Davis, Fayetteville Ruth Dearing, Holly Grove Sam Elardo, Helena Daniel Fagg, Batesville Susan Guthrie Dunham, Oklahoma City Charlott Jones, Jonesboro John Matthews, Little Rock Ralph Megna, Little Rock Don Mehlburger, Little Rock Stan Miller, Little Rock Carl H. Miller, Jr., Little Rock Lois Bailey Moore, Risen/Colonial Ct. Theodosia Murphy Nolan, El Dorado Peg Newton Smith, Little Rock Roslind O Neal, Marion James H. Pilkington, Sr., Hope Carolyn Pollan, Fort Smith George Reynolds, Morrilton Bobby Roberts, Little Rock Ned Shank, Eureka Springs Kirby Smith, Little Rock Cyrus Sutherland, Fayetteville Tim Watson, Newport Mary Alice Weaver, Pine Bluff Parker Westbrook, Washington Ross Whipple, Arkadelphia Charles Witsell, Little Rock

18 30th Anniversary The Alliance has been a voice for preservation in Arkansas for three decades. We see this milestone as an opportunity to not only examine the institutional history of the Alliance but to plan for the future ensuring that the Alliance will continue to serve as the catalyst for stewardship of important landmarks well into the future. Building on the legacy of revitalized neighborhoods, restored main streets, and an expanding preservation ethic, we will continue to work with communities around the state to promote historic preservation as a tool for creating and maintaining vital, sustainable communities. Our future, just as our past thirty years have, will depend on support from our members and friends like you! Join us in celebrating the Alliance s 30th anniversary throughout May 5 Preservation Crustaceans Crawfish Boil, River Market Pavilion, Little Rock, 6:00-9:00 pm May 5-7 Arkansas Preservation Conference Difficult Histories: 30 Years of Preserving a Richer Heritage in Arkansas, Peabody Hotel May 18 Most Endangered Places List Announcement Preservation Libations friend-raising event October 15 Historic Ramble Tour of historic sites in Arkansas For more information on these events or to purchase tickets, call , vmckuin@preservearkansas.org or visit PreserveArkansas.org.

19 Special Thanks Dave Anderson Tipton Hurst Florists AJ Visuals Founders Lunch Committee 30th Anniversary Committee Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas Board of Directors Catherine Johnson AV Arkansas Albert Pike Memorial Temple Capers Parker Westbrook, Founding President Carl H. Miller, Jr., Founder Bobby Roberts, Founder Charles Witsell, FAIA, Founder Missy McSwain W.L. Cook John Greer Sandy Hanson Tommy Jameson Cheri Nichols Frances Ross Aaron Ruby Linda Sue Sanders Cary Tyson Leslie Fisher

20 The Alliance office: 1201 Tower Building, 323 Center St. Little Rock, AR Mailing address: P.O. Box 305 Little Rock, AR