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Amusing Americana: Little Rock mines humor from heritage
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Part of Little Rock’s bike/pedestrian trail crosses the Arkansas River by way of the Big Dam Bridge, an impressive 3,463-foot span with equally impressive views.
Coming from Washington, D.C., we didn’t expect to find the White House in Little Rock, Ark. But there it was.
In miniature.
On display at the Clinton Presidential Center until July 13, this super-downsized architectural marvel was built (and updated to reflect changes by each First Couple ) over 32 years by John and Jan Zweifel.
Measuring 60 feet by 25 feet, the replica contains tiny reproductions of art on White House walls, miniaturized TVs and clocks (that work), handmade furniture, and chandeliers ringed with lights.
Delight is part of Little Rock life. Take the Walters-Curran-Bell House. Built by Col. Ebenezer Walters as a wedding gift for his bride in 1842, this built confection now serves as the visitor center.
As revitalization transforms the downtown district, shiny hotels cast shadows on rougher tracts. But even upscale exteriors hold down-home charms. Crowds gather in the Peabody Hotel twice a day to watch its legendary ducks — led by a certified Duckmaster — march between their penthouse roost and the lobby fountain.
From there, we pedal the River Trail paved along the Arkansas River, crossing the spectacular Big Dam Bridge. Opened late in 2006 as the world's longest pedestrian/bicycle-only bridge, the 3,463-foot span overlooks dueling urban and Ozark panoramas.
Back downtown, we're informed the riverside sculpture of a friendly pig represents the fierce University of Arkansas mascot, the razorback hog.
Nearby, the Historic Arkansas Museum lures “2nd Friday Art Night” revelers with local art, artifacts and a bowl of Stone Fence — apple cider mixed with whiskey. The Revolutionary libation, said historian Louise Terzia, fortified American troops sufficiently to seize Fort Ticonderoga, helping win independence from England.
Equally spirited are the museum's exhibitions, such as “The Great Arkansas Quilt Show” — with appliquéd scenes ranging from meditative to madness. “Best Hand Quilting” winner Ramona Bates noted, “I may suture for a living, but I live to sew.” This Little Rocker’s day job? Plastic surgeon.
Arkansas-made antique toys on view until November include toy soldiers, rocking horses, doll houses, Tiddly Winks, and teeny china sets.
Skipping the free trolley, we walk across town to the Arkansas Arts Center. The contemporary outpost’s mix includes alternative Americana, pop culture retrospectives and inventions such as local sculptor Lauren Wilcox’s crafty-creepy “Parts for Toy Theatre.”
With such artful, history-filled amusements, even workaholic wonks can feel free to indulge.
