Barbara Duncan's blog

My new best friends. The BaldKnobbers from Branson Missouri.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:56:03 -0600

Nutsy, I'm so sorry!

I may have found someone to take your place!

I'll bet you can't make your face look like this. Can you put your lip over your nose and pose with me in a picture like this?

Can you dress with this much style?

Nutsy, I doubt that you can smile this broadly either! Have you seen a happier face anywhere?

This guy is all smiles.

He also is a classy dresser and has on a very becoming hat!

Branson Missouri is the South's version of Las Vegas. There is a strip of hotels and show houses and other forms of entertainment that stretches for miles.

The entire city is known for wholesome family entertainment.

Oh! And look here, Nutsy! Isn't he a happy individual?

I discovered these guys at Branson Missouri at the show called The BaldKnobbers. This show was celebrating 50 years of show business in Branson.

Their advertisements always show these three guys and I fully expected the show to be the old "Hee...Haw" type that had a lot of fiddles and corny jokes.

I was surprised. The show was very professional with lots of great singing. These three guys were the comics and did a superb job of entertaining when it was their time for comic relief.

And at the intermission, the whole crew came out and sat on the edge of the stage and posed for pictures or posed with us if we desired. I almost fell in love and forgot one squirrel named Nutsy.

If you have a trip to Branson MO planned I can recommend the BaldKnobbers Jamboree at the BaldKnobber Theater on the strip! Have fun!!

Let's hear it for the Dirty Thirty! Books, that is. Thirty most challenged......

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:22:05 -0600

Look what I found in my old things this time.

It's a clipping from some magazine back in the early 80's that has come back into my life.

This list of the Dirty Thirty inspired me to start a reading project.

Being a teacher at the time with easy access to the library, I vowed that I'd read them all.

If they were dirty or challenged that was motivation for me to find out why.

This list was compiled based on surveys from 1965 to 1982 of the most challenged books. I kept the list to mark off books as I read them.

I have read lmany of them and must say some of them are great books and you'll wonder why they received objections.

Keep in mind this list is very old. No telling how they'd rank today.

Happy reading!!

Eastern Star ladies having a formal affair in Little Rock Arkansas.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:57:08 -0600

Found! Another great old picture that was probably taken in the 50's. My mother-in-law is right in the middle of this group. It is an Eastern Star function that is probably on the state level. I say on the state level because we can't recognize any other Searcy folks.

Wyndelene Duncan was part of the Eastern Star, which is a division of the Masons. The young girls as they grow up are called Rainbow Girls and the boys are part of DeMoley, or so I'm told.

On the back of this picture Mrs. Duncan wrote down names. The person is called Grand Electa, Grand Martha, Grand Chaplain, Grand Adah, Grand Esther, Grand Marshall, etc. What they all meant may be secret. She did not have a name for herself on the back.

What I like is the way they all have on dresses just alike! Except for one lady who must have been the grandest of them all. There were three men and one precious little Rainbow.

Here's what Wikipedia says.

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world that both men and women can join. It was established in 1850 by Rob Morris, a lawyer and educator from Boston, Massachusetts, who had been an official with the Freemasons. It is based on teachings from the Bible,^[1] but is open to people of all monotheistic faiths. It has approximately 10,000 chapters in twenty countries and approximately one million members under its General Grand Chapter. Members of the Order are aged 18 and older; men must be Master Masons and women must have specific relationships with Masons. Originally, a woman would have to be the daughter, widow, wife, sister, or mother of a master Mason, but the Order now allows other relatives^[2] as well as allowing Job's Daughters, Rainbow Girls, and Triangle Girls to become members when they become of age.

Men's fashions. Don't these guys look handsome. All brothers. Daniel Funeral Home.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:54:23 -0600

What a good looking bunch of guys, right? In this picture they are in front of someone's home in Little Rock and dressed for a funeral.

Funerals were their business also. The one in the center is Elvis Danial, father of a blogging friend, Marian Daniel Ingram. She supplied this photo. The one in the light colored suit to the right is Clifford Daniel, who also helped run and own Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy Arkansas. The old Daniel Funeral Home is now Roller-Daniel Funeral Home and is located on East Race Street.

Here's what she says, "My dad is in the middle and five of them are his "own" brothers. They also had four sisters. My grandfather, Will Daniel, had six sons and one daughter with his first wife, Emma, and they lost two besides. She died in 1911 and then in 1913, he married his second wife, Orena, who already had Charlie Anderson (he was the engineer of the Kensett train for years) and then they had Clifford and Sonny and three girls."

Now here's what my blogging buddy, Anita Hart says. She's always a wit!

"What I like about the picture is how nicely they are all dressed for the funeral. You go to funerals today and you see all sorts of dress (and undress) on the family. I made sure my son had a nice, starched white shirt and nice black shoes all prepared for Mother's celebration. I went to a classmate's funeral several weeks ago....they played recorded music and the one played as the funeral got underway "Somewhere Between Jesus and John Wayne".....if you Google it, it is by The Gaither Brothers. On U-Tube."

Anita and I both like the double-breasted suits which must have been the style of the day!

Searcy Arkansas was home to Rodger's Perfection, World's Grand Champion walking horse.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:29:23 -0600

I made the statement once before that now when we go through old pictures and junk drawers we find perfect blog fodder. What a great old picture this one is!!! Handsome man! Beautiful horse!

This picture shows Joe Webb astride Rodgers Perfection, World's Grand Champion Walking Horse in 1959. He was owned by Dr. & Mrs. Porter Rodgers of Searcy, Arkansas. Dr. Rodgers was a beloved Searcy physician who owned a hospital named after himself. He owned lots of land and horses, I believe, and had his horses trained by Joe Webb, who also lived in Searcy Arkansas.

Joe Webb also owned a riding camp which all little kids wanted to attend. My daughter loved horses and we finally saved up enough money to send her to camp one summer at his camp. She was thrilled, thrilled!

Here's another back then and now house in Searcy Arkansas.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:27:23 -0600

Having saved several old pictures of houses in Searcy from being thrown away forever, I wondered where they were located. I kept the photos in my car and tried to identify them. Here's another one on a street in Searcy Arkansas.

Looks as if this house has a shingle roof. It is obviously not new because the shrubs are so big but the builder must have been taking pictures of houses he'd done. The house plans were also in the soon-to-be-discarded pictures that I saved.

Here is the house today. Super sleuths, blogging buddies, do you remember it?

Would you call this catnapping? I am feeling guilty.....Help me please....

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:30:54 -0600

My cat, made famous by a blog that included Raven and Nutsy, has disappeared.

My cat, who just came up to our house and made her home on our back porch 7 years ago, has gone.

My cat either found a better place to live and ran away or she has been done in by something larger than she was. We miss her. My husband even admits that he misses her. In fact, he was the one who told me to come see what was on our porch that day 7 years ago. A cat and two kittens!! He said, "If you give them some milk, they'll stay."

He swears that he said, "!!$$##&&%!! Don't you give them any milk or they'll stay!" But that is just the red-neck-expected response. He is really pretty gentle. Once we got rid of the two kittens which quickly turned into 7 kittens, we had the cat spayed and the job became easier.

Back to my guilt feeling. We were eating dinner a few nights ago and a big gray cat came right up to our door and started begging. He was looking right at me and saying, "I'm hungry! I'm friendly! I understand you may have a vacancy on this back porch." Hubby made that same remark again, "If you feed him, he'll stay. "

With his urging, I fed him. He was back the next morning begging again. He was back that night at 6:00 begging again. Morning and night for several days he has come begging. We had left-over cat food from the lost cat so why not feed this cat? He eats like he's starving.

But is he? Here's the thing I'm worried about. Are we guilty of attempted alienation of affection? Are we trying to steal someone's pet? Are we too quick to think that we have been handed another cat just like the one that disappeared. What do you think? Should we shun this cat? Shoo him away?

Here's his picture. This was made tonight after he'd stuffed his belly and was getting a little groggy and sleepy. He's a little cross-eyed too.

Traveling ladies from Searcy Arkansas with fashion notes.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:58:35 -0600

Two more pictures contributed by my blogging buddy, Anita Hart. Her mother is in each of them and they were traveling. The first picture shows the ladies in Hot Springs Arkansas in the mid 50's. She has the identity of some of them. Her mother, Corrine Hart, Inez Pickens (Dean of Women at Harding College), Margurrite O'Bannion (Exec. Secretary to Dr. George Benson), Myrtle Roberson (owner of the Rendezvous Restaurant), and an unknown lady with the long fur tails.

The long furs were so popular then. I think the more furs you had, and they still had the heads on them, the more money you had.

Personally, I never had any fox or fur heads and tails.

They definitely had to have on high heels (but not as high as today's!) hats and gloves and the little purses that matched the shoes.

That was during a time when fashion dictated the length of the dress. It appears that fashion said to have the skirt about mid-calf and these ladies, who loved to be fashionable, followed to the inch!

The next picture finds girls at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis TN. They are actually on top of the Peabody. That's where the famous Peabody ducks live.

For those who have never heard of the Peabody, it is famous for the ducks who march into the lobby to spend the day swimming in the fountain and basking in the love and adoration of the guests at the hotel. At the end of the day they march back up to their home on the roof.

A red carpet is laid down for the little ducks to walk on.

They again have on their hats and probably gloves are somewhere present. Two-toned pumps must have been in style. No doubt the purses matched the shoes. Corinne Hart, our famous one, is second from our right. Looks like slightly askew hats may have been the rage!

They're giving away magazine subscriptions. Have you noticed?

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:54:21 -0600

Magazines are neat to have arrive at your front door.

I get some that I don't really like, especially the hubby's golf ones!

I used to like the "perfect homemaker" type. You know, they'll tell you how to have a better house and a better garden. Personally, I'm more interested now in financing, history, etc. But one of the older ones that I'd subscribed to for two years because it was SO cheap went out of business and they finished the subscription with another magazine.

That one has come up for renewal. I don't want it. I don't like it. I swore I'd not take it again.

But I opened the renewal offer. For $5.99 they'll send me 12 more issues plus a bonus cookbook FREE! That would not pay the postage to mail 12 copies plus a cookbook, would it?

I've noticed that in the last few years you can get a subscription to a magazine for almost nothing. The only thing I can see is that if they tell an advertiser that they have ________ subscribers, the advertiser will pay for ads. Without the advertisers the magazine is dead anyhow. It must be worth taking a chance.

One that I'd always liked, "Newsweek", changed its format so terribly that I will NOT resubscribe. They had a good thing going and ruined it. Now if only I can make up my mind whether to send these home's and garden's people $5.99 to keep the magazine coming. I'd actually be doing it out of pity but we do need to contribute to charity, don't we?

A Bird for Thanksgiving. This bird is a real turkey.....ugly.....

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:23:22 -0600

At the St. Augustine Florida alligator farm, they also had a few birds in captivity. Some were lovely. Some were noisy. Some were.....well.....look here.........

My daughter was reading about this poor bird and said it was a stork. She said the thing hanging in the front is supposed to attract the opposite sex. She said the reason storks have the reputation of delivering babies is because it looks like they are carrying something in the sack.

I believe she also said they get pecked on the head a lot. I guess that has to do with "pecking order." I just couldn't help but stare and stare at these poor birds. They make we think of someone who has pulled their cloak around their shoulders and want to disappear.

Happy Thanksgiving, all of you on the Rain, and to this bird who will definitely not get eaten!!

Original and today in Searcy Arkansas. Nicely maintained home then and now.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:27:31 -0600

Having inherited a few old pictures of Searcy Arkansas houses that a widow was throwing away, I have posted a few on these blogs to see if Searcy residents recognize them. The designer of the houses had taken photos and saved the photos and the floor plans. Once he died the widow wasn't keeping them. I kept them from being lost forever.

Here's another picture of a newly built house.....or at least one that wasn't very old.

And here is the same house today. It appears largely unchanged, doesn't it. Those little trees really grew!!!

Barbara Duncan, superstar real estate agent, meets Robert Wadlow, the gentle giant

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:57:11 -0600

On a trip to St. Augustine Florida last week, which took me away from activerain for a few days, decisions had to be made on what to visit. We decided to visit the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum even though I had doubts about its interest to me.

Was I wrong!!

The trip through the museum was so much fun! Here I'm staring up at the likeness of Robert Wadlow, the now celebrated "gentle giant."

He was 8' 11" and wore a size 37 shoe and was once billed as the world's tallest man. I think there may be taller ones since his time.

He grew too fast for his own safety, however, and died at the age of 22. Google him for more about his life.

In the same room was this other fellow. He must be the widest man or something similar. However, with obesity becoming more and more common, he may not be the world's heaviest man.

I also loved this guy taking a picture of his wife. They have put every mole or discoloration possible on him. When a person walks by, between him and his wife (girl friend?), the camera snaps.

If you're in a place with a Ripley's museum, visit it. I don't think they'd all be the same but if they were all like this one, you'll have a great time. The one in St. Augustine was possibly the first one and it may be the most entertaining one.

I recommend them!

I can't do it. #$!@$%#$ I have tried and I just can't give them away. Ladies only, please.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:35:08 -0600

It's another year of Winter weather.

Drag out the old Winter clothes and put up the Summer ones.

I have done that.

Now eliminate the ones that you no longer wear!! OK, I can handle that.....

How about this nice green pant suit. Man, I look good in that! (Well, perhaps I "looked" good in it.) It is tailored. Pleated pants that go to the waist. The jacket is long enough to cover any widened hip flaws. I'll think about giving this away because it is lined and hot and my office is TOO hot.

Okay, here's another lovely suit. The jacket is a little shorter but it still covers most hip problems. Pants also go to the waist and have belt loops for me to hang my phone. But it is very old and perhaps should go? Here's a gray suit. I liked it too but it was sans belt loop pants.

Looky!! My favorite Liz jacket, covers the hips, long sleeves with definite tailored look. And here's my Jones New York one!! You know, even though they were on sale I paid quite a bit for them. With this global warming and my heightened body temperature I may not get to wear them again so should they go?

What about this one? Skirt and weskit! Weskit? Is that a word anymore? Used to be. Oh, I loved this outfit. What? Size 10? 10? When was I a 10? I'll lose weight and wear it again possibly.

My Liz shiny sweater!!! It had to be worn at Christmas or parties back before everyone wore glitter every day of the week. Hey!! I may be able to wear it now as an everyday sweater!

#$%#&$$#!!! That's it. I cannot part with any of these things this year! I'll just go sneak some of my husband's old clothes out and get rid of them and I'll have room to keep these outfits for a few more years. He'll never miss them because he has too many and never gives anthing away.

Great solution, Mrs. Duncan!!!!

My very favorite coat of all times is>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. WAS.....: (

Gosh, I wish I had not given that away. It was lightweight, had a faux fur collar so that when I wore it to New York to NAR convention, no one spit on me. Wait! That may have been before fur brought out nasty comments and expressions........Anyway, that was a good lesson. Don't give away your favorite things!

Very good solution, Ms. Barbara!!

Time for Searcy Arkansas history again. Old house as it is today.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:40:46 -0600

A friend of mine, eons ago, was preparing to move and had a lot of things to throw away. Being a scavenger, I claimed some of it. One thing she had was several pictures and floorplans of houses in Searcy that had been designed and built by her husband. I guess they were built probably in the 40's and 50's. The houses were not fancy. I kept the pictures in my car for a long time and tried to find which ones they were because they were not addressed.

Here's one of the old pictures.

And here's the way it looks today. Anyone remember it? Interesting to compare, isn't it?

The River rises and she just sits and draws in Columbus Georgia

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:18:16 -0600

I made a trip to Columbus Georgia over the past few days and missed out on a lot of Activerain, I'm sure. Withdrawal pain was pretty severe but I made it.

Making a tour of the city which is alongside the Chattahoochee River, my daughter pointed out this sculpture as her favorite and is now my favorite also.

I love the sculpture because she's a young artist just sitting and drawing on her sketch pad. Her purse has just been laid down beside her, her socks are wrinkled and her sweater is oversized. She appears to be so natural.

Below her we saw this. Notice the water has risen above the walking and seating area. It's raging while our artist keeps her cool.

Spouse is on title but not on mortgage. What ultimately happens or might happen?

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:15:14 -0600

I wrote this blog on 1-23-2008 and it is still bringing in comments. It proves that the blogs live on. A search pulls them up and another questioning comment may come in. I'm redoing it to see if any new answers might develop. If you wish to read comments from almost two years ago, they're there.

I went to two closes last year where the spouse was left off the mortgage. We sat there and the couple signed all the papers.

The spouses had to sign the mortgage giving up their dowrer rights but they were not held responsible for the loan by signing a note for the amount of money.

Then the deed was brought out and the left-out spouse was on the deed. The mortgage companies were actually letting the person be part owner but not responsible.

The first time it happened the man spouse was shaking his head and acting offended that he was left out. Seems the lady was able to get a lower interest rate without him!

The second time it happened the man-spouse was self-employed and the lady had a salaried position. Naturally they like the salary person and the loan becomes easier with less paperwork. Once again he was not responsible for the loan but he was put on the deed.

Today a spouse was telling me that because his wife had so many debts, bills, etc., they were going to leave her off the note but put her on the title! There it is again!! What is going on!? If some of you mortgage people can explain this, I'd appreciate it. My question is this......if the spouses get divorced, are they both responsible for the mortgage? If one spouse gets into financial trouble or legal trouble does it attach to the house?

Are the four bedroom sets included in the sale of the house?

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:11:46 -0600

Looking through the new listings today on our MLS hotsheet I saw this house that looked interesting. It was around $220000 in a great area.

What do we do first?

We look through the 15 pictures. Right? That's what I did.

That's what a buyer is going to do when it goes out into the wild blue yonder called the internet.

I saw two pictures of the front, with photographer moved over about 10' before snapping the second shot.

I saw about 4 pictures of bedroom sets that might be for sale. (Well, why else would they be featured?) I saw the bathrooms, the entry about 3 times BUT I never saw a swimming pool or the back of the house where the pool might be!

The only reason I discovered it might have a pool was reading below when the features are pushed in comments. I couldn't believe it! A pool! Some folks would jump-up-and-down-and-scream for a pool. I would pass on if it had a pool because I don't want one.

But either way, a pool is a BIG feature.

My head is getting weary from being shaken in dismay so often while looking at MLS pictures. That may be the reason my neck hurts.

Veteran's Day. Here's a tribute to my dad when he was a Vet.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:33:25 -0600

His name was Elco. He came from a family that was so large they ran out of names. His only name was Elco.

Where Elco as a name came from, I don't know. At least it was better than some brothers who were just named initials like J. B. or O. B.

My dad was called for duty during WWII. I can barely remember it but I do remember my mother being sorta scared in those old houses in the country with his being gone.

Once he came home on what is called a furlough and he drove up to the house and put on this gas mask that was handed out in service. That mask scared me to death. I can still remember the fright. Everyone thought it was funny except me.

Mainly I remember how he was saved from going overseas because the war ended. It was one happy bunch of people when that news came over the radio. He was at a base near the water waiting to be shipped out.

I also remember how he treasured this photo of himself. It is a posed one in uniform with hand tinting. That was pretty darned fancy in those days. He always wanted to make sure no one destroyed this picture.

There were so many GI's who had these pictures made and sent back to family. I now treasure it just as he did. It hangs on my wall, framed, and in this quick shot as a memorial blog, there are glass reflections. God bless our country today and every day.

What did all the little chimneys on these buildings contribute? Help wanted.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:48:19 -0600

Driving through old Searcy Arkansas, which is being restored and revived, I notice the tall old buildings with the little chimneys on the side. Nearly always the building is taller in the front and slants down toward the back and these little chimneys are at intervals.

This old building has been restored with an architectural firm and a law firm having done the makeover. The brick squares above the store fronts look almost like they could have been ventilation. Then we have the two rounded filled-in brick spots on the side. Explain away if you can.

The one on the right has been restored nicely and it also has the slanted roof and chimneys. The building that says auction has also, I think, now got a new front which I need to photograph.

Here's a closeup of the brick architecture on the front of the two buldings. Nice, isn't it?

Only the older ones of you will know what this is. Check it out.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:58:45 -0600

Advertising was big when this thing was published just as it is today. We might even pass these things out as ad gifts if times hadn't changed.

Hotels were featured here. In Little Rock, Arkansas check out the Grady Manning, The Marion, The Albert Pike and The Lafayette.

You youngsters give up? I found this in a stack of old stuff and it brought back memories. On the back of this advertisement, which is slick and attractive on the front, there is a very porous paper which was used to blot ink!!

I hate to admit that I can remember when ball point pens were "discovered." Before that you either used a pencil or an ink pen. The ink pen could be the kind you dipped in an ink bottle or it could be a fountain pen. Either way it had to be blotted. These little conveniences were found everywhere. Not too many are found today so perhaps this is a collectible!

This house is NOT for sale in Searcy Arkansas.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:26:26 -0600

Pioneer Village, a part of the White County Historical Society, held an open house today. I attended. It was delightful and brought back so many memories. Here's the main house that is NOT for sale.

And here are few shots of the rooms inside it.

An amazing thing about this house was how many bed spaces it found. There must have been enough bedspaces (can't call them rooms) for 5 or more kids to have a sleeping spot. Here's a picture of one of the least favorable things from yesteryear....the out-house. But who ever heard of a log out-house?

Pioneer Village is located on Higginson Street in Searcy Arkansas. It contains a post office, general store, school house, blacksmith shop, a depot, smokehouse, barn and an old jailhouse in addition to this period house that is called the Gordon House. It is an on-going project with members of the Master Gardeners taking care of the grounds.

Today costumed members were greeting visitors and demonstrating crafts, arts, and everyday life from the past. One lady had a fire going with a pot of stew cooking. Walking through it, entering the buildings and visiting with the hosts made for a very enjoyable afternoon outing.

For those who long for the "good ole days" here's the way it was....

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:06:33 -0600

Sobering old photos! These pictures are sorta continuing the story we started a few days ago regarding the house on Arch Street in Searcy Arkansas that has been changed so much.

These are what we need when we are feeling as if times are awfully tough. Blogging buddy Anita supplied these photos of possibly some of her relatives, definitely at her home on Arch Street in Searcy.

The question is whether this man is absolutely worn out from working, whether the car hit the tree, or whether he is just doing what he usually does everyday. If he'd had air-conditioning and TVs as we have today, he'd not be doing the nap at this place!

Another question here. Is she exasperated because of the man's behavior under the tree? Is she just showing off her legs?

I can remember hanging clothes on a clothes line. If you had children and diapers it took a lot of hanging. Once we got a clothes dryer and my husband made the observation that he sure missed the smell of sheets hung outside to dry and perhaps it would be nice to use a clothes line again I didn't speak to him for days! And I said dirty words under my breath.

New restaurant in Searcy Arkansas. The Whistlestop Barbeque is like a museum...

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:04:24 -0600

A new restaurant has opened at 2315 W Beebe Capps Expressway on the West side of Searcy Arkansas. Lots of vehicles have been parked around it saying that Searcy is trying it out. Searcy is great about going to a new restaurant and giving it a try. Usually ONE try! If the food is not excellent, that's it! It's not going to be around very long.

I gave it a try the other day. Here's what I liked best of all. The decor will bowl you over when you walk in the door. There are boats hanging from the ceiling, bicycles perched on dividers, old uniforms hanging from the ceiling. It is like visiting a museum and stepping back in time. You can feast your eyes on all the old stuff.

And the one who provided the old stuff, free of charge and doing the work himself, is our very loved builder Steve Ghent who moves old houses and restores them, who respects and loves history. He has collected these items throughout the years and used them to give atmosphere to this restaurant.

My friend and I had a very pleasant meal so the food is good at this new restaurant. I hope it is here for a long time. And if you see Steve Ghent tell him how much you enjoy his decorating this building.

Letona Arkansas depot with our favorite Corrine Hart waiting there.

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:41:13 -0600

The White County Historical Society has a collection of pictures on its website and they've said we can share them. Here's a great one of the train depot in Letona, Arkansas.

Letona is about 15 miles from Searcy and has 215 residents at this time.

We're exploring how the trains went to every little town and below is a picture of the Letona depot. But first we we found this picture of a young woman named Corrine Harrison Hart at about 1924 sitting at the depot. Corrine is Anita's mother. Anita is a contributor to this blog. Anita, do you think the man in the background is ogling your mother?

I love the depot picture because of the houses in the background. Letona, if you visit, still has a lot of houses with large lots. I'd have to go back to see if any of these are still standing.

One very interesting thing I discovered about Letona this year is that if you live in city limits you have to go to the post office to get your mail. I sold a house in Letona and the people were surprised, as was I, that the mail didn't run to the houses in the city. That would be good exercise if you walked to the post office each day.

The butler probably did it.......Halloween fun in Searcy Arkansas......

Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:34:36 -0600

Halloween parties are fun! The elaborate costumes that some folks buy or rent are amazing to see. We attended one last night and the star of the show could be this butler. He talks, he growls, his eyes shift and he makes you feels as if he is alive!! Or could come alive!! Or may be alive! After all, it was Halloween when spooks run free. Those eyes followed me all night long.

The guy on the left owns this spook and that guy on the right is the owner's twin!

And the couple on the right************************

*******************we were underdressed!