Library celebration to close Main block
A grand opening for the Argenta Branch of the William F. Laman Public Library System has been scheduled for 10 a.m. April 5 on the east side of the former downtown post office, 420 Main St., where the library branch is relocating.
The ceremony will require closing one block of Main Street between Fourth and Fifth streets in front of the new $3.5 million library for about 90 minutes that morning, according to event information.
The Argenta Branch is moving to the restored historic post office building from its former site at 506 Main St. The branch closed Jan. 11 to move books and other materials. The main Laman Library is at 2801 Orange St.
The U.S. Postal Service closed the downtown post office in June. The building, constructed in 1931, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
July date tentative for City Hall’s 100th
A commemoration of the 100th anniversary of City Hall is tentatively scheduled for July 27, City Clerk Diane Whitbey said.
The observance will coincide with the date that the building’s cornerstone was laid during construction, July 27, 1914. City Hall, at 300 Main St., was officially opened July 5, 1915.
The observance, planned for a Sunday, will include an open house for the public, with more details to be announced later, Whitbey said.
A time capsule was placed in a box inside the cornerstone in 1914, but city officials have said there are no plans to risk damaging the building to retrieve the box because a list of the items inside is on file in the city clerk’s office.
City Hall’s neoclassicial revival design by architect John L. Howard was based on a St. Louis bank, according to city historical records. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the centerpiece of the downtown Argenta Historic District.
Cook-off to benefit neighborhood group
A chili cook-off is planned for Saturday at The Church at Burns Park, 295 Military Drive, as a fundraiser for the Amboy Neighborhood Association.
Chili kits, which include a cup, spoon and a People’s Choice voting ticket, will go on sale at noon for $3. Cooking will be during the morning with competition judging to begin at 1 p.m.
Hot dogs, potato chips, cookies and beverages also will be on sale. A silent auction for donated items is scheduled during the afternoon.
Teams wanting to participate can register at Amboychili@aol.com.
The Amboy Neighborhood Association is a nonprofit that meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Monday of the month at the Burns Park Hospitality House.
Arkansas, Pages 15 on 03/16/2014