Tag Archives: Cindy Beckman

George Washington Donaghey: “Looking Back”

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Reprinted here by special permission of the author, Cindy Beckman, a retired Conway High School history teacher who writes local history.

Recently, the University of Central Arkansas revealed plans for the development of the Donaghey Corridor. At the center of this plan is Donaghey Avenue, named for George Washington Donaghey, governor of Arkansas from 1909 to 1913.

Before becoming governor, George Donaghey was a carpenter in Conway. Although he was born in Louisiana, Donaghey considered Conway his home. He first came to Conway Continue reading →

Beckman’s New Book on Arkansas Education & Arch Ford

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As commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education from 1953 to 1978, Arch Ford served under five governors and ushered Arkansas education into the modern era. “His vision was to expand educational opportunities because he believed education was the foundation for improving people’s lives,” writes author Cindy Burnett Beckman in Man of Vision: Arkansas Education and the Legacy of Arch Ford, just released Continue reading →

Burnett’s Impact in Faulkner County: “Looking Back”

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Reprinted here by special permission of the author, Cindy Beckman, a retired Conway High School history teacher who writes local history.

This past week, my family celebrated the life of my uncle, Carlton Burnett. He passed away on Independence Day after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. As we reflected on the man and his life, I began to realize what a major impact he had on the development of Conway and Faulkner County.

Carlton was born and raised on a farm in Pleasant Valley, north of Conway. He and his brother worked hard with their father in clearing and Continue reading →

Going to the Lake: “Looking Back”

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Reprinted here by special permission of the author, Cindy Beckman, a retired Conway High School history teacher who writes local history.

One of summer’s favorite activities is going to the lake. With modern transportation, that can mean going north to Greers Ferry Lake or going south to Lake Ouachita, Lake DeGray or Lake Hamilton. But in past years, Faulkner County residents couldn’t go that far to swim, fish or picnic.

Many Faulkner County families had their own favorite spot along the Cadron Creek or the Arkansas River Continue reading →

Fish Frying on the Fourth: “Looking Back”

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Reprinted here by special permission of the author, Cindy Beckman, a retired Conway High School history teacher who writes local history.

Today is the 240th birthday of the United States of America! Today we fly our flags and set off fireworks! Today we celebrate our freedom and liberty!

In previous generations, hard work on the farm kept many from the celebrations but by the industrialized 1960s, many had the day off to celebrate with family and friends. So we headed to the lake, fired up the grills, Continue reading →