The hidden rainbow

'Neath a Fayetteville bridge

SOMEWHERE-way up high on the arch of Fayetteville's historic Maple Street bridge-lies a hidden rainbow. It was painted there by a group of artists whose dream really did come true more than 30 years ago.

But a few years back, workers covered that faded spray of primary colors with a layer of battleship-gray paint. The rainbow was history. In more ways than one.

Patrick Horan of Fort Smith, as an art student at the university in the early 1970s, remembers recruiting other students to help him paint the rainbow across a side of the bridge. This classic example of public art was completed over the course of a year-no thanks to, or permission from, city hall. It was a classic example of public art. Call it graffiti ennobled.

This multi-colored span above the railroad tracks would give the bridge its nickname over the next three decades-the rainbow bridge.

But what many considered a visual delight and a Fayetteville landmark doesn't necessarily impress the city's official keepers of History and Heritage. These are the folks who will oversee the forthcoming restoration of the bridge, which was built in 1936. And they're not in favor of restoring Mr. Horan's rainbow. Why?Well, it wasn't there originally. Therefore it doesn't belong.

To those who would preserve the past in aspic, the bridge's history ended in 1936, when it was built. Anything memorable or decorative or even historic added as late as 1970 must go.

Here we have a perfect illustration of the difference between the historian's outlook and the antiquarian's. The historian understands that the past changes even in our recollection of it. The preservationist would simply edit out any history that has occurred between now and when the object was new.

Paula Marinoni, Fayetteville's deservedly admired preservationist, says the rainbow wasn't a part of the original bridge, so it shouldn't rise again.

Chris Brown, the city engineer, takes a more historical approach. He, too, is actively involved in restoring the bridge. And he believes the rainbow is a significant part of its history. Which it is.

When the past is restored, why omit so significant-and charming-a part of it? It would be an insult to the bridge's own history. And a sad loss to those in Fayetteville who always smiled when crossing the bridge.

Restore the rainbow.

Editorial, Pages 18 on 08/28/2009

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