Here I am at the gallows used by "Hanging Judge Parker" to maintain law and order at "Hell on the Border," which is how Fort Smith, Arkansas was known back in the day. The gallows are on the grounds of Fort Smith National Park, maintained by the US National Park Service. (There is no truth to the rumor that this is the centerpiece of the new employee morale improvement plan.)
Downtown Fort Smith's two largest buildings are shown. They are about the same size. One is the First National Bank. The other is the Fort Smith Council on Aging building. Hmmm.... That might say something about their demographics.
Here's Cathy about to enjoy dinner at "Doe's Eat Place" in downtown Fort Smith. The dining room is the in the wine cellar of a turn-of-the century (that'd be 20th century) brewery. Doe's is a chain with about 10 locations, mostly in Arkansas and Texas. Their steaks are so big that they actually suggest that two people order one and split it. Believe me, even with half a steak, it was plenty of food.
No, your eyes are not deceiving you... That's a statue of none other than Popeye The Sailor Man, holding his prized can of spinach as he stands in the brand new fountain in the main city park in Alma, Arkansas. A portion of an allegorical mural painted on the side of the building next door can be seen behind our hero. Alma bills itself as the spinach capital of the world, since their main employer is the Alma Canning Company, proud producer of Popeye brand canned spinach.
More proof, in case you thought I was pulling your leg. (I only take Cathy to the most exciting places on vacation.)
A giant lighted cross gleams in the twilight on eastbound I-40 between Alma and Ozark, Arkansas. Strategically placed on a hill and on a curve, note also how the trees have been cleared to assure its visibility from the highway.
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