Jim Dailey

It’s Hot … Let’s Head For The Mountains!

And that’s precisely what we did … within 12 hours from the time we said it’s hot, we were packed and on the road to Santa Fe, New Mexico and Creede, Colorado.

First stop … a night in Amarillo and a dinner at our favorite Italian Restaurant, Napoli’s, located in the heart of downtown Amarillo.

Next stop … The Cadillac Graveyard.  I’ve wanted to stop for several years and finally this time we pulled off Interstate 40 West of Amarillo and walked the short distance out into the middle of an active farm to witness up close this unique example of American Creativity.  Not only is the sculpture of ten partially buried automobiles fascinating, it is a living art exhibit with countless travelers trekking … spray cans in hand … to add their own artistic graffiti to this already colorful display.

On to Santa Fe, New Mexico … the oldest and highest elevation Capitol City in the nation.  With its art, architecture, food, culture and history, this city beckons one to return time after time.

San Miguel Church … ca. 1610 the oldest church structure in the USA.

Then a short drive to Alamosa … Home of the Manhattan Project. 

Today a traditional city with shops, neighborhoods, churches and schools … but in the early 1940’s, the secret city created for the purpose of research and the development of the first Atomic Bomb. Below pictured are replicas of the two bombs dropped on Japan.  Little Boy and Fat Man. Let this moment in history forever remind us of the horrific devastation and loss of lives our world has once experienced. Let that not happen again.

It was cooler in Santa Fe but we knew Creede would be even cooler.

We set out for Creede with no plans and no place to stay.  With the friendly assistance of Bart at the Creede Chamber, we found one night available at a neat B&B in downtown Creede and the second night at the wonderful Antler’s Resort on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Twenty years ago we happened on Antlers and were fortunate to find it for a second time.  Frankly, it was just like coming home … we stayed in the nicely upgraded old style motel rooms with a porch literally 15 feet from the river.  The porch swings, the spring loaded screen doors (brought back childhood memories of mom yelling “don’t let the door slam and don’t let the flies in”).   Everything is great about this place … Leigh who greeted us and even got up the next morning to say goodbye, Patti one of the owners, Stephan the Chef from Switzerland who wanted to show the couple from Arkansas his picture when he served President Clinton, Mahry and thats the way she spells it – a perky young lady who served us dinner on the deck and told us she performs in the Repertoire theater, Zane who served us breakfast.  On and on … the suspension bridge over the river, now cabins and a RV park.  What a fantastic place … we will return. Leigh you were awesome!!!

The above is included for all my short dog loving friends … come with us next time.  We will definitely return. Amen!

The Big Yellow Building Downtown Little Rock … circa 1965

Dailey’s Office Furniture and Office Supplies was “The” Office Products and Office Design Company in Arkansas for many decades during the last half of the nineteen hundreds. Founder, owner and CEO … my dad, Dalton Dailey, was always hardworking, imaginative and never afraid to be a little edgy to be at the forefront of trends as he successfully built a business which brought people from all over Arkansas into the Capitol City.

Yes … it really was painted Centerline Yellow

The artist drawing above was often used to capitalize on the easy to identify 55,000 square foot retail business located at Third and Rock Streets. Just in case you think I’m teasing, take a look at the picture below.  There was a small building built next door after Dailey’s Office Center was painted yellow.  That building was just removed to make room for a hotel on the cleared site.  Wow, what memories, what history and what changes in the neighborhood.  Sure wish my dad could see it today.

FYI … the Dailey’s building is still in the family.  With some partners, it now houses loft Apartments.

More on the Dailey Family story in future posts.

Food Trucks are an every day part of our Little Rock Commerce …

A walk thru the Simmons Tower ground level garage on Wednesdays will truly get your salivary glands a watering.  Even if one doesn’t stop to sample the product of these savory aromas, it is impossible to pass by Kyle Pounder’s food truck without a hello and a big smile.  That’s because this friendly entrepreneur will always greet folks with a big smile and a warm hello.

The power of a smile …

With or without his delicious food, my Wednesdays are a whole lot better because of this man’s smile.  Our world could certainly be a better place if each of us did a couple of simple things like picking up a piece of trash on the sidewalk and smiling at a passerby.

And … I’m sure Kyle wouldn’t mind if you stopped by for a smile and maybe even a sandwich.

Kyle Pounders you are one of my Little Rock Heroes !!

History and Hidden Treasures in Arkansas including the Johnny Cash boyhood home.

I should probably start with the current exhibit “The Open Road” now featured at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.  Okay, I will … yes I will because it’s a perfect segue to my past week of travels in Arkansas.  Johnny Cash fits nicely along with several other interesting and historic stops along my route.

For Arkansans, this is a “must see”.  For others, this is definitely a “should see”.  With more than 100 images from 19 photographers on the move across America from the 1950’s to today, one is mesmerized by the reminders of times past culturally, racially and economically.  For anyone who has ever taken a trip and still holds on to a box of old photos, this exhibit is amazing. Here is a quote from Jacob Holdt:

Here is another describing the work of Robert Frank:

Next stop … Wilson, Arkansas.

The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism has provided funding for a much needed upgrade to the Hampson Archeological Museum and State Park where a vast nationally renowned collection of Dr. James Hampson is displayed.

Wilson is a small East Arkansas Delta farm town. The last thing one would expect to find is English Tudor architecture.  What a special treat to see this small village with so much character and history.  In addition to the unique flavor of architecture, I was treated to a flavorful lunch in the Wilson Cafe and Tavern.  Owners, Joe Cartwright and Shari Haley, have put together a restaurant and menu that would fit perfectly in the Heights Neighborhood of Little Rock.  Check out the bowl of soup pictured below.

Johnny Cash and Dyess in just a minute … First the Parkin Archeological State Park …

My thanks to park staff, especially Mel Harvey, for showing me around.  Of particular interest to me and other State Parks Commissioners was the archeological dig going on behind Mel on a prominent Indian mound.  There is speculation remnants of a buried wooden cross may date back to around 1541 and have some significant connection to the Spanish Hernando de Soto expedition.

Finally … Johnny Cash and The Historic Dyess Colony …

Just as the pictures at Crystal Bridges tell a visual story of America, hopefully a few of my pictures will capture enough of the history of the Dyess Colony and how Johnny Cash came to have his boyhood home on a farm in Eastern Arkansas.

In brief, the Dyess Colony was established as a Federal agricultural resettlement community. The Cash family along with about 500 colonist families moved to homes and farms in the 1930’s as part of the WPA under Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Below, farm number 266 was the Cash Family land …

When I arrived at the Administration Center I was warmly toured by Tim and then greeted by my friend, Ruth Hawkins from Arkansas State University … Ruth has been one of the constant figures in the planning and development of the Dyess Colony museum and the Johnny Cash home restoration. I saw the pictures of Johnny as a child, toured the theater, saw the old projector and the use of flooring from the gym where Johnny danced … now used as ceiling and wall decor.

But … I came to see the home … the home of the Iconic Johnny Cash!

As Tim drove me out to the farm we passed wide open farm land and I guess I was prepared to do a “ho hum” and head for Little Rock.  Well, I was absolutely spellbound when we arrived, walked up the sidewalk and stepped inside.  Here was the ghost of history … the ghost of the depression and yes, the ghost of The Man in Black.  It was almost a religious experience as I walked thru the small home of the family and the man that is so much a part of America’s struggles as well as our faith and our grit.  I am so thankful to have seen it and that it is being preserved for all.

Closing thoughts …

Even though this post is rather lengthy,  I have barely touched the surface in describing these Arkansas treasures.  I hope you will google and visit our wonderful attractions, State Parks and natural beauty.  Speaking of natural beauty, I love the flowering roads of our state this time of year … Get out and see them for yourself!!

Come Grow Old Along with me … the best is yet to be!

Ten guys, an annual trip, a weekly lunch together … how unique is that?  I say “unbelievable”.   Yes, unbelievable and rare … that 9 or 10 guys could be friends, remain friends and stay committed to sharing time and friendship together for almost four decades. Other than my marriage and family, there is nothing more important or significant in my life than this group.

As I’ve written before, for 35 years our annual adventure was a skiing trip.  Last year, 2015 and this year, 2016, a more temperate climate called us to Scottsdale, Arizona for golf, hiking, touring, eating and relaxing.

2016 … a picture perfect trip.

The Group … SST … Stanley Ski Team 2016

Watching the Republican Debate 

Hiking Butcher Jones Trail at Saguaro Lake near Scottsdale

Below, a couple of shots on the drive to Scottsdale with JC …

Above … the sandstone arches and bluffs  and 5000 year old Lava Flows of El Malpais National Monument and a sample of a huge petrified log at The Painted Desert/ Petrified Forest National Park.

Tim sent above photo at Apache Lake … a large reservoir fed by the Salt River near Superstition Mountains.

Below a couple of shots from Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo.  JC and did a six mile hike to the bottom photo … the Lighthouse.