Cartoonist Fisher’s 100th birthday commemorated with party

The Central Arkansas Library System and several friends of the late political cartoonist George Fisher are planning a 100th birthday party in his memory on Saturday, April 8, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Darragh Center at the CALS Main Library, 100 Rock Street, Little Rock.

April 8 marks the 100th birthday of the award-winning cartoonist, who from 1976 to 1991 was the chief editorial cartoonist for the then-Arkansas Gazette. He later produced cartoons for the Arkansas Times. A native of Beebe, Fisher died in 2003.

Fisher drew thousands of cartoons featuring notable Arkansas political figures over his career. His first political cartoon was in 1937 during the United States Senate special election between Governor Carl Bailey and Congressman John Miller following the death of Senator Joseph T. Robinson. His first published cartoon was of Governor Homer Adkins in 1944. One of his most notable cartoons was of Governor Orville Faubus addressing the legislature with everyone in the chamber, including legislators, statues, and even mice, looking like Faubus. He also famously portrayed then-governor Bill Clinton as a child on a tricycle, graduating him to driving a pickup truck upon his ascension to the U.S. presidency.

Several books containing his political cartoons, including those from the popular “Old Guard Rest Home” series, have been published. His work inspired the Farkleberry Follies (1967-1999), a theatrical show spoofing politicians and the Farkleberry Restaurant (1973-1988) in Little Rock’s Regions Bank Building which featured his cartoon portraits.

Fisher’s cartoons and books will be displayed at the birthday party, and stories about him will be shared. Special music will be provided by the Rackensack Folklore Society, which was founded in Mountain View in 1963 to promote and preserve folk music. Fisher, who had a cabin at nearby Timbo, organized a Pulaski County chapter of the society in the mid-1960’s and was a regular performer.