When Electricity Came to the Ozarks

Roy Stovall, a life member of the Arkansas Archeological Society, will headline the Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society's meeting on Tuesday, September 2026, at 6 pm, at the Donald W. Reynolds Library. His program "When Electricity Came to Arkansas," will span centuries from bear fat lamps of our forefathers, through Mountain Home's home grown electric company, construction of Norfork and Bull Shoals Dams to present day artificial intelligence data centers.

Stovall brings year of experience working with state and local archeologists, researching Arkansas History, and volunteer work on local hiking trails. He is an Arkansas Master Naturalist, a board member of the Ozark Keystone Trail Endowment, a life member of the Ozark Highlands Trail Association, and team leader of many volunteers who build and maintain local hiking trails. Adminission is free and the public is always invited.

In other matters, the Historic Randolph Casey House will be open during the Baxter County Fair Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10-7. The house was built in 1858 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is one of few pre-Civil War structures in Arkansas. It is owned by Baxter County, and the Historical Society helps maintain the property.

The public, especially donors, are encouraged to see the recently completed restoration work. Phase one of the effort was primarily the exterior and included a new roof, siding upgrades, front porch, back porch and back steps. Phase two of the restoration project will primarily address matters of the interior. Planning for phase two projects will include the 2027 grant cycle for funding. Grant applications will be made in conjunction with the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and considerable local expertise. The Historical Society is very grateful for support from public grant funds, the Baxter County Judge, the Quorum Court, and private donations from the recent "All Aboard" fundraiser.

For further information, contact Kevin Bodenhamer at 870-404-1182 or Sonny Sharp at 870-404-8516.