Names to remember in this regard are former New York resident and Conway founder Asa Peter Robinson; plantation owner John E. Little; former Confederate POW, Conway mayor, newspaper owner and college supporter Colonel G. W. Bruce; the 1872 mercantile owner Max Frauenthal; the many owners of the necessary wagon yards; soft drink bottling works owner Rev. J. C. Dawson.; six newspapers owned individually by eight men and one woman; 15 hotel owners; and renowned cabinet maker, builder and Arkansas Gov. George Donaghey. Between 1891 and 1913, Hendrix professor George Burr would design and operate the light plant as well as a sewer system and the first telephone system. Five men established the first bank. Only a small sample of later 20th century bustling businesses included Dave Ward’s bus company, James Clayton’s radio station KCON, Heiliger’s book store, Dean Milk Co., Warren’s Freezer Locker, Neil Ward’s Ornamental Iron, Tommy’s Restaurant, and yes, the Dandee Dog! There are several forms of entrepreneurship, but there are two basic types. Freelancing is when an individual’s own identity is in his or her own product or services, and payment is received upon completion. Entrepreneurs are paid when their owned or operated businesses sell their commercial products or services, likely assisted by one or more employees. In our own state of Arkansas, there is a long list of past and present persons who became famous for each type. A few freelancers representing Arkansas would include architects E. Faye Jones and Edward Durell Stone; opera conductor Sarah Caldwell, singers Glen
Campbell and Johnny Cash as well as Conway Twitty and his drummer, Conway native Tommy Markham; horticulturalist and designer P. Allen Smith; and makeup artist and professional casting agency owner Sarah Tackett, another Conway native. Among the many prominent business entrepreneurs are W. T. Dillard, J.B. Hunt, Paul Klipsch and Sam Walton. It is easy to see all of those who sell their personal “brand,” and those who promoted ideas to create a wide distribution of commercial products or services. Our town of the 1870s did not take long to become a thriving town with every imaginable business anyone of that time could expect. By 1960, our automobile dealerships, apparel shops, groceries, department stores, cobblers, dining establishments, funeral homes, meat markets, feed stores, hotel and ice cream shops were what put us on the map. All of them had single or four-digit phone numbers! Also by 1960, our changing culture brought new products and services that came and went and the Big Box stores had their effect. Several family businesses remain despite product and generational changes. Newer generations or residents may have a desire to push a new idea or “build a better mouse trap.” Some have a goal of becoming one of the “moneyed,” and many simply want work that provides a living but is enjoyable and utilizes their personal abilities. It seems now would be a good time to encourage more of the latter and let them start businesses! Not everyone belongs in a cubicle in front of a computer. Indeed, it is impossible for anyone to avoid needing to call a mechanic, plumber, seamstress, proofreader, caregiver, handyman or clock repairman. Their phone
WE KEEP EVERYTHING GOING.
Colonel George Washington Bruce. number may not be only three digits or even in the phone book or online at first, but recommendations by “word of mouth” can often be better than a highway billboard. Selected text from “Faulkner County Its Land and People” (1986) is included in this article.
Just like you.
You’re committed to being there for the people you care about, no matter what. We know the feeling. At Conway Corp, our team works tirelessly to make sure things are running smoothly – the big stuff, and all the little stuff – for everyone who calls Conway home. It’s simple, really: if our families need it, we’ve got it covered. Period.
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Powering Conway since 1929.
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(501) 450-6000
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ConwayCorp.com
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