Note this parade, dated 1949, going beside what is now Quattlebaum Music building. Streets were brick, and the building seemed to have a drive up or walk up window for food and drinks. How things have changed. Here is the 2018 picture of that building.
The building has been decorated with a mural that is bright, cheerful, and is designed to make us remember singers and songs that are special to Arkansas and Searcy. Searcy has a new group of leaders who value art and who want to make Searcy AR attractive to visitors and those who live here.
This mural was partially paid for by Marla Duncan, shown in the dress in the picture above, who was honored at a dedication ceremoney on October 5, 2018 which dedicated the wall to her late husband, Montie Duncan, who lived in and loved Searcy all his life. Other members of the family are in the picture above. The dark curtain at the corner of the building was removed and shows a bronze placque honoring Montie. Montie was born in 1947 and died in 2012. Wonder whether his parents had the 2 year old on the court square to see the parade above!
Thanks, Marla, for giving to Searcy AR and for honoring Montie. He would have loved all the songs remembered on this wall, especially Hello Darlin' !
