Jim Dailey

Here’s a copy of the message I sent to our four children …

Probably no other property owned by Dalton and Ellen Dailey has more history and meaning than 308 Rock street… the home of Dailey’s 50,000 sq ft friendly yellow building.

Today marks another historic moment … our family no longer has ownership interest in 3rd and Rock. Earlier this afternoon, the sale of Rock Street Lofts was closed to an out of state buyer with plans to continue operation as a residential apartment property. The new owners like this type of property and intend to preserve its history, architecture and character… I know Dalton and Ellen would be pleased. I assure you Patti and Jim are.

There are so many memories … I would like each of you to send your mom and me some of your favorite memories. I plan to post my memories and yours in a blog post.

With fond memories and mixed emotions, I send you this major event in the Dailey family life.

Love each of you

Mom and Dad.

This blog announcement is written mainly to preserve this significant moment in our family history.

It will be followed in a day or two with a list of responses from our children…

Laura,Donna, DJ, Jeff

Each has already been sending me pictures and treasured memories of growing up in and around this Historic building that has been part of our family for sixty years.

A short sample from Laura, our oldest:

Wow! I’m having some mixed emotions as well! Ty for sharing the news with us! Can’t wait to hear everyone’s memories!

-I’m picturing opening that front door and the bell ringing… Shirley is sitting at the front desk. I always loved going to see grandma at her desk and wondered what she did all day. I felt so special and like such a proud daughter and honestly felt close to you, dad, when i would go into your office as a young girl!

-I always loved the Christmas open houses… seeing all the people who came… grandma and grandpa loved showing off their grandchildren. I think I ate my weight every year in those Christmas tree cookies with the sprinkles on them!

-Loved how the old hardwoods creaked…

-Riding that elevator … always loved taking customers up in that bc it was such a great conversation starter!

-picking out our school supplies there ( although I was always bummed grandpa didn’t stock Trapper Keepers)- as a parent of 4 I know what a blessing it was for you all to get to have a discount on school supplies!

-I loved working there as a young adult… as soon as a customer knew I was a Dailey, most would have a story about how they acquired their first piece of furniture… or some gift item Grandpa gave them.

DJ found this ancient film clip …

https://share.google/f0HhcAFMDiyHoV4JA

Stay tuned … much more to come. If you have a memory, let us know.

On beautiful crisp days like yesterday, I love to “get my steps in” by walking around downtown. Often, like yesterday, I make a serendipitous discovery … this time, the First United Methodist Church Community Cafe. Of course, I had to go in! What did I find? … two delightful ladies, Judy and Jane. They could almost be two lovable characters from a Doctor Seuss book. Instead they were two amazing volunteers serving coffee and snacks and an overflowing of grace and love for people in need.

It was actually my pause to take this photo that resulted in my discovery of the Community Cafe. As I studied the juxtaposition of this 1899 National Register of Historic Places building of worship against a backdrop of mid century modern secular skyscrapers, my first thought was to visit the sanctuary. Unfortunately, it was locked. Undaunted, I marched on to the administrative office area hoping to seek permission only to be side tracked by the sign above. Upon entering the first door open, I was greeted by the welcome smiles from Judy and Jane. I was stuck by the large number of people doing just what the sign offered … enjoying a place to rest, some snacks and a fresh cup of Java.

I tip my hat to these two ladies and to the leadership of the First United Methodist Church. You are doing the work of Jesus … one smile, one snack, one cup of coffee at a time.

THANK YOU FOR CARING.

PS:As I walk the downtown sidewalks of our Capitol City, I’m reminded of the uniqueness and significance of urban cores … the history, the architecture, the diversity … the Heart! In addition, I am resolute in my belief that city, county and state governments must continue support for adaptive reuse, historic preservation, housing, the arts, entertainment, commerce, tourism and public safety… just to mention a few.

You will hear more from me on this topic. For now, be grateful for the Judy’s and Janes that have already rolled up their sleeves to make Little Rock downtown a better place for all. … one cup at a time.

When I started writing this blog, some 13 years ago, my intention was to highlight trails (travels), thoughts and tributes. I’ve journaled family events – birthdays, holidays, weddings, vacations; guy’s adventures – Charlie Brown Christmas hikes, SST annual ski trips, Fall National Park hikes; tributes to special people in my life … I call each, My Hero!

Full disclosure, Stephanie, is my sister; Hank, my brother in law. I have another wonderful sister, Kathy … but that’s for another blog. Today, my highlight and hero declaration is Hank Kelley with whom I’m associated at Kelley Commercial Partners. His birthday was yesterday. Today our KCP Team surprised him with a little birthday fun, fresh fruit, LR pictorial Cake, custom caps and lots of love for our leader.

On a personal note, Hank Kelly is an easy pick as my hero. He is a foundational cornerstone of our combined families … a hard working, smart, caring role model. He is one of the most respected business leaders in Little Rock having built one of the largest, most successful Commercial Real Estate firms in Arkansas. He is generous with volunteer community leadership … my guess is if you ask for the top 25 individuals you would want on your team… those you could count on, those who will speak frankly but fairly and in the best interest of all … I don’t care what the project or cause, Hank Kelley will be on that list.

He is a dedicated, caring, loving father, husband, friend. He is fun, competitive, inspirational, compassionate … most of all … Godly.

I’m blessed he is part of my life. Hank Kelley is MY HERO!!

Our world, our family, our City are better because of him.

Happy Birthday Hank …

Love,

Jim