DECATUR... the city, 60th Anniversary by Marilyn Fletcher
from The Decatur Herald May 16, 1968
from The Decatur Herald May 16, 1968
DECATUR, ARKANSAS: located 15 miles north of Siloam Springs and 12 miles south of the Missouri-Arkansas line on Highway 59; population (est.) 520; home of Peterson Industries; the Crowin'est town in the World.
Corner Springs was the original name of the settlement eventually to grow into being Decatur. Once thought to have been an Indian campground, settlers began arriving in the area several years before the Civil War. Farmers came from Tennessee and North Carolina to claim the land given them by government titles. There was relatively little trouble with the Cherokees who took advantage of the open range lands.
The most prominent families included those of William Burrows, Ben January and Colonel Hastings. They were self-sufficient people; they had to be because of the general hard times during the Civil War period. They held a nonpartisan attitude as far as the war was concerned. There is no report of anyone owning slaves, and the nearest battle was fought 30 miles away at Pea Ridge. Some of the local caves hid a few young men who wished to have no part in the conflict.
The first school is believed to have been built in Corner Springs in 1870. A few stores and shops began to do business about this time, too: a couple a general stores, a livery stable and a blacksmith shop.
Then on February 12, 1883, the United States government established the Decatur Post Office. Although it is not known for sure why the name Decatur was chosen and Corner Springs was dropped, one story indicates that the name was changed in honor of a military officer, Decatur Stephens. However, the southwest part of the town remained to be referred to as Corner Springs through 1903.
A tobacco factory was built in 1890 by a Southern businessman. It was quite successful for a while but people soon realized it was too much work for what little gain it afforded. After it went out of operation the building was remodeled into the Swazey Hotel.
Undoubtedly, the most important single event in Decatur's history was the acquiring of the railroad in 1893. With it came prosperity which continued right up to the depression of the 1930's. The rail not only meant personal communication and transportation, but it linked the rural town with larger commercial markets. The production of fruit, mostly apples and strawberries, and vegetables, such as tomatoes and green beans, grew to an overwhelming proportion at that time. In one particular day, fourteen carloads of strawberries were shipped north. Many outside workers were brought in to help during the busy season, but most of the year-round jobs were held by the local people. The growers prospered; the canning factories and packing plants prospered; and Decatur reaped the rewards of both.
Corner Springs was the original name of the settlement eventually to grow into being Decatur. Once thought to have been an Indian campground, settlers began arriving in the area several years before the Civil War. Farmers came from Tennessee and North Carolina to claim the land given them by government titles. There was relatively little trouble with the Cherokees who took advantage of the open range lands.
The most prominent families included those of William Burrows, Ben January and Colonel Hastings. They were self-sufficient people; they had to be because of the general hard times during the Civil War period. They held a nonpartisan attitude as far as the war was concerned. There is no report of anyone owning slaves, and the nearest battle was fought 30 miles away at Pea Ridge. Some of the local caves hid a few young men who wished to have no part in the conflict.
The first school is believed to have been built in Corner Springs in 1870. A few stores and shops began to do business about this time, too: a couple a general stores, a livery stable and a blacksmith shop.
Then on February 12, 1883, the United States government established the Decatur Post Office. Although it is not known for sure why the name Decatur was chosen and Corner Springs was dropped, one story indicates that the name was changed in honor of a military officer, Decatur Stephens. However, the southwest part of the town remained to be referred to as Corner Springs through 1903.
A tobacco factory was built in 1890 by a Southern businessman. It was quite successful for a while but people soon realized it was too much work for what little gain it afforded. After it went out of operation the building was remodeled into the Swazey Hotel.
Undoubtedly, the most important single event in Decatur's history was the acquiring of the railroad in 1893. With it came prosperity which continued right up to the depression of the 1930's. The rail not only meant personal communication and transportation, but it linked the rural town with larger commercial markets. The production of fruit, mostly apples and strawberries, and vegetables, such as tomatoes and green beans, grew to an overwhelming proportion at that time. In one particular day, fourteen carloads of strawberries were shipped north. Many outside workers were brought in to help during the busy season, but most of the year-round jobs were held by the local people. The growers prospered; the canning factories and packing plants prospered; and Decatur reaped the rewards of both.
Image shows one of many strawberry farms that surrounded the Decatur area.
The first newspaper was published around the late 1890's. It was called the Decatur Advance. Found in one particular issue were classified ads for a general store and drug, a grocery store, a produce store, two city hotels, a blacksmith, and a contract builder. There were two churches at that time, the Baptist and Methodist. The organization of Rebecca's and Odd Fellows had membership then, too. Below are two very provocative articles that appeared in this issue which serve to indicate the mood of the times:
"We can assure strangers here that they will be among friends. The people here are fat and good-natured and seem to be overflowing with 'the milk of human kindness' and extend a hearty welcome. In a few days you will feel at home, and keep right on feeling that way. Our people are free from todayism -- No one is looked up to on account of riches or looked down on because they are poor, but all on an equality -- the right way to be. If there ever was a paradise on earth, it is certainly here. Come to Decatur!
"This [is] bound to become a popular resort for northern people to spend the winter and southern people to spend the summer, where it never gets too hot nor too cold, but always strikes the happy medium. If you want health and happiness come to Decatur where you can live cheaply and everybody will welcome you."
A more efficient school, both primary and secondary, was built in the early 1900's. By 1910 there were four teachers and an estimated 120 pupils which is a fair number considering there were rural schools within a five mile radius.
Decatur was incorporated in 1908 after the successful opening of the first bank the year before. The city covered 332 acres and had about 250 inhabitants. It could now function as a unit and benefit from the rights and privileges of a corporation.
The only recollection of foreign immigrants residing in the area was that of some Hollanders who installed a canning factory around 1910. They contracted farmers to grow apples and tomatoes.
"We can assure strangers here that they will be among friends. The people here are fat and good-natured and seem to be overflowing with 'the milk of human kindness' and extend a hearty welcome. In a few days you will feel at home, and keep right on feeling that way. Our people are free from todayism -- No one is looked up to on account of riches or looked down on because they are poor, but all on an equality -- the right way to be. If there ever was a paradise on earth, it is certainly here. Come to Decatur!
"This [is] bound to become a popular resort for northern people to spend the winter and southern people to spend the summer, where it never gets too hot nor too cold, but always strikes the happy medium. If you want health and happiness come to Decatur where you can live cheaply and everybody will welcome you."
A more efficient school, both primary and secondary, was built in the early 1900's. By 1910 there were four teachers and an estimated 120 pupils which is a fair number considering there were rural schools within a five mile radius.
Decatur was incorporated in 1908 after the successful opening of the first bank the year before. The city covered 332 acres and had about 250 inhabitants. It could now function as a unit and benefit from the rights and privileges of a corporation.
The only recollection of foreign immigrants residing in the area was that of some Hollanders who installed a canning factory around 1910. They contracted farmers to grow apples and tomatoes.
Here is a float with Holland Canning Co. of Decatur - American Fruit Co
An indication of the economic opportunities of the area about this time can be found in the following real estate [excerpt] from an issue of the Decatur Herald dated January 2, 1912:
"The choice of the Ozarks, where Fruit growing is a success; where the Luscious Strawberry is making respectable bank accounts
for the small tract farmer; where all vegetables are profitably and successfully grown for the best markets, in car lots; where
stock raising is profitable, Dairy and Poultry farming is ideal..."
Decatur was affected by the Depression in much the same manner as other areas of the United States. The drought was hardest on the farmers. As crops failed, people were forced to look elsewhere for their source of income. Without customers, stores went out of business and eventually the bank, which is very important to a rural community, closed. Only those who had diversified with cattle, hogs and chickens managed to get by. Caring for fruit trees and plants became too costly. Even after the depression was eased, there was never any large scale fruit growing in Decatur again.
"The choice of the Ozarks, where Fruit growing is a success; where the Luscious Strawberry is making respectable bank accounts
for the small tract farmer; where all vegetables are profitably and successfully grown for the best markets, in car lots; where
stock raising is profitable, Dairy and Poultry farming is ideal..."
Decatur was affected by the Depression in much the same manner as other areas of the United States. The drought was hardest on the farmers. As crops failed, people were forced to look elsewhere for their source of income. Without customers, stores went out of business and eventually the bank, which is very important to a rural community, closed. Only those who had diversified with cattle, hogs and chickens managed to get by. Caring for fruit trees and plants became too costly. Even after the depression was eased, there was never any large scale fruit growing in Decatur again.
Early image of Main Street in Decatur from the early 1900's
About this time, a man appeared on the scene who would eventually shape Decatur's future. Lloyd Peterson, a native of the area, started a cooperative store in 1931. As the poultry business gained momentum and popularity, he began hauling chickens, and later raising them on a small scale. In 1937, he put out 500 Rhode Island Reds and made a profit of $107.00. By 1939, he had four incubators operating. He just kept on going; re-investing his earnings in an industry that would grow to be Decatur's and the surrounding area's major source of income and production.
Early in 1952, Decatur appeared to be on the verge of obscurity. The town's major source of income, a poultry processing plant, was forced to close down and move away because of the lack of proper sewage disposal facilities. There were no improved streets, no bank, no large paying industry, and only a poor water system. One by one, other businesses closed too: first the lone drug store, then the poolroom, the cafe, the barbershop and even a gas station. People began to leave looking for jobs and new homes. The once active hamlet soon resembled a ghost town.
The remaining community leaders and businessmen decided it was time to take direct action in hopes of saving what little was left to save and get Decatur back into the swing of things. They formed the Decatur Development Company, a nonprofit corporation. The organization, under the leadership of such men as Irving Hepner, E.E. Dewey, Lloyd Peterson and E. D. Wilmoth, grew, and gradually the townspeople got the spirit and things begin to happen.
To do anything on a large scale, money is needed: therefore, sixty-five thousand dollars was raised and additional funds were provided through bonds. The first accomplishment was the installation of municipal sewage facilities. With this came the building of a new poultry processing plant, leased to Seymour Company of Topeka, Kansas. Decatur's weekly payroll jumped to ten thousand dollars.
In April, 1953, Decatur's Chamber of Commerce was organized with fifty members and a full time paid secretary-manager. Progress continued on a broader scale than ever expected. The city water system was developed, and natural gaslines were installed; a fire department was organized and equipped to meet the growing needs; streets were paved and a street light system created; the public school was remodeled; a new Peterson Industries building was constructed; and an airport near Crystal Lake was put into operation.
Early in 1952, Decatur appeared to be on the verge of obscurity. The town's major source of income, a poultry processing plant, was forced to close down and move away because of the lack of proper sewage disposal facilities. There were no improved streets, no bank, no large paying industry, and only a poor water system. One by one, other businesses closed too: first the lone drug store, then the poolroom, the cafe, the barbershop and even a gas station. People began to leave looking for jobs and new homes. The once active hamlet soon resembled a ghost town.
The remaining community leaders and businessmen decided it was time to take direct action in hopes of saving what little was left to save and get Decatur back into the swing of things. They formed the Decatur Development Company, a nonprofit corporation. The organization, under the leadership of such men as Irving Hepner, E.E. Dewey, Lloyd Peterson and E. D. Wilmoth, grew, and gradually the townspeople got the spirit and things begin to happen.
To do anything on a large scale, money is needed: therefore, sixty-five thousand dollars was raised and additional funds were provided through bonds. The first accomplishment was the installation of municipal sewage facilities. With this came the building of a new poultry processing plant, leased to Seymour Company of Topeka, Kansas. Decatur's weekly payroll jumped to ten thousand dollars.
In April, 1953, Decatur's Chamber of Commerce was organized with fifty members and a full time paid secretary-manager. Progress continued on a broader scale than ever expected. The city water system was developed, and natural gaslines were installed; a fire department was organized and equipped to meet the growing needs; streets were paved and a street light system created; the public school was remodeled; a new Peterson Industries building was constructed; and an airport near Crystal Lake was put into operation.
View of Downtown Decatur in 1957
All of these accomplishments definitely deserved recognition. On May, 1954, Decatur was notified that they had won first place in the annual statewide contest for municipal and civic improvement sponsored by Arkansas Economic Council, State Chamber of Commerce, the Arkansas Resources and Development Commission, and the Arkansas Power and Light Company. The purpose of the contest is to awaken interest in municipal betterment by offering prizes in several population categories. The award consisted of $700.00 and a parchment denoting the city's achievements during 1953.
The work did not stop there. The town was then entered in the national competition and further tasks were undertaken. Chiefly they involved establishing a new bank, Decatur's first since the depression, and building an auction pavilion. Open house was held for the bank and many of the other businesses on the day of the annual barbecue and homecoming celebration in August. The event attracted 5000 people who were invited to take in the town and enjoy the good food and music provided. But more important was the fact that the bank that first day received $300,000 in deposits, thus giving Decatur a solid financial basis. The next month a town newspaper, "The Decatur Herald," began publication again. For the first time in many years they really had something to print.
When the jury to select the All American cities for the National Municipal League was in session later that year in Kansas City, an eleven man delegation arrived to tell Decatur's success story. The awards, based on citizen effort, are sponsored by the N.M.L. and Look magazine. Competing against over 250 cities, Decatur was the smallest town in the nation to win the coveted honor. Other cities awarded included Chicago, Illinois, Newark, New Jersey, and Warren, Ohio. None of these cities were ideal, but they were all better places to live as a result of citizen action.
Decatur was officially proclaimed "All American City" in February, 1955, at a huge banquet arranged through the Chamber of Commerce. The celebration marked the culmination of over two years of outstanding community achievement.
Among all the publicity and congratulations one gesture stands out from the rest. Mayor Daves received a telegram from President Dwight Eisenhower congratulating the people of Decatur on their progressive work to promote community improvements.
DECATUR TODAY: 1968
Decatur is rated as a 2nd class city of Arkansas. Today it is spread over approximately 580 acres. The 1960 census tabulated 415 persons, but the estimated population now is 520. In contrast with these figures which just take into account those within the city limits, the immediate service area outside the boundary extends about five to seven miles in all directions and thus the population of this area pushes the total well over 1000.
The city government is patterned according to the mayor-council type. The mayor, four councilmen and a clerk-recorder are elected to service by the community every two years. They do not receive a salary, and therefore, most of their work must be done in spare time. The city is responsible for the maintenance of streets, the fire department and the city marshal, but the water and sewer system operate as a separate city company.
A definite need for more houses in Decatur has been felt for a long time; elderly people and newcomers who wish to settle in the community are forced to seek residence elsewhere. Presently, an Urban Renewal contract has been established between the city of Decatur and the City Planning Division of the University of Arkansas, and the two are involved in planning two federal housing projects which will provide facilities within several years.
Below are listed the present establishments and businesses in Decatur which gives an idea of what services and products are available.
Medical clinic, telephone company, bank, 3 service stations, railroad depot, drug and pharmacy, auto-body shop. shoe store, used car lot , real estate, 2 grocery stores, used furniture store, department store, motel, hardware store, auto parts shop, newspaper office, beauty salons (3), feed store, barber shop, 3 cafes, boarding house, dairy drive-in, trucking firm, florist shop, laundry, gift shop, livestock auction, plumbing shop, poultry industry, lumber yard, airport.
In addition, there are the United States Post Office, the fire department, city offices, the elementary and secondary schools, and five churches: Seven Day Adventist, the First Covenant Church, the Assembly of God, the Methodist, and the Baptist Church.
As stated before, the first Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1953. As a voluntary non-profit organization, its aims are to promote better business relationships, better community development and citizenship. Its officers, elected by the members, include a president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer, and a five member board. Currently. the Chamber is proposing a five-year plan which will consist of parks and recreation facilities, general city clean-up, housing industry, Beaver Lake water supply, sidewalks, and placement of highway signs.
In 1935, a tornado struck the area and greatly damaged Decatur's school. A new two-story building was constructed in the same basic foundation of the old one. This once modern and efficient facility serves as the present high school, grades seven through twelve. It has an indoor gymnasium-auditorium, but separate building for home economics/cafeteria and shop. The elementary grades enjoy a new complex which was built in 1960. The facility consists today of eight elementary teachers, and eleven high school teachers. The combined enrollment to date is 431 pupils. Recently, plans were begun to build a new high school. Bonds have been approved and by the mid 1970's, it is felt the objective can be completed.
The work did not stop there. The town was then entered in the national competition and further tasks were undertaken. Chiefly they involved establishing a new bank, Decatur's first since the depression, and building an auction pavilion. Open house was held for the bank and many of the other businesses on the day of the annual barbecue and homecoming celebration in August. The event attracted 5000 people who were invited to take in the town and enjoy the good food and music provided. But more important was the fact that the bank that first day received $300,000 in deposits, thus giving Decatur a solid financial basis. The next month a town newspaper, "The Decatur Herald," began publication again. For the first time in many years they really had something to print.
When the jury to select the All American cities for the National Municipal League was in session later that year in Kansas City, an eleven man delegation arrived to tell Decatur's success story. The awards, based on citizen effort, are sponsored by the N.M.L. and Look magazine. Competing against over 250 cities, Decatur was the smallest town in the nation to win the coveted honor. Other cities awarded included Chicago, Illinois, Newark, New Jersey, and Warren, Ohio. None of these cities were ideal, but they were all better places to live as a result of citizen action.
Decatur was officially proclaimed "All American City" in February, 1955, at a huge banquet arranged through the Chamber of Commerce. The celebration marked the culmination of over two years of outstanding community achievement.
Among all the publicity and congratulations one gesture stands out from the rest. Mayor Daves received a telegram from President Dwight Eisenhower congratulating the people of Decatur on their progressive work to promote community improvements.
DECATUR TODAY: 1968
Decatur is rated as a 2nd class city of Arkansas. Today it is spread over approximately 580 acres. The 1960 census tabulated 415 persons, but the estimated population now is 520. In contrast with these figures which just take into account those within the city limits, the immediate service area outside the boundary extends about five to seven miles in all directions and thus the population of this area pushes the total well over 1000.
The city government is patterned according to the mayor-council type. The mayor, four councilmen and a clerk-recorder are elected to service by the community every two years. They do not receive a salary, and therefore, most of their work must be done in spare time. The city is responsible for the maintenance of streets, the fire department and the city marshal, but the water and sewer system operate as a separate city company.
A definite need for more houses in Decatur has been felt for a long time; elderly people and newcomers who wish to settle in the community are forced to seek residence elsewhere. Presently, an Urban Renewal contract has been established between the city of Decatur and the City Planning Division of the University of Arkansas, and the two are involved in planning two federal housing projects which will provide facilities within several years.
Below are listed the present establishments and businesses in Decatur which gives an idea of what services and products are available.
Medical clinic, telephone company, bank, 3 service stations, railroad depot, drug and pharmacy, auto-body shop. shoe store, used car lot , real estate, 2 grocery stores, used furniture store, department store, motel, hardware store, auto parts shop, newspaper office, beauty salons (3), feed store, barber shop, 3 cafes, boarding house, dairy drive-in, trucking firm, florist shop, laundry, gift shop, livestock auction, plumbing shop, poultry industry, lumber yard, airport.
In addition, there are the United States Post Office, the fire department, city offices, the elementary and secondary schools, and five churches: Seven Day Adventist, the First Covenant Church, the Assembly of God, the Methodist, and the Baptist Church.
As stated before, the first Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1953. As a voluntary non-profit organization, its aims are to promote better business relationships, better community development and citizenship. Its officers, elected by the members, include a president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer, and a five member board. Currently. the Chamber is proposing a five-year plan which will consist of parks and recreation facilities, general city clean-up, housing industry, Beaver Lake water supply, sidewalks, and placement of highway signs.
In 1935, a tornado struck the area and greatly damaged Decatur's school. A new two-story building was constructed in the same basic foundation of the old one. This once modern and efficient facility serves as the present high school, grades seven through twelve. It has an indoor gymnasium-auditorium, but separate building for home economics/cafeteria and shop. The elementary grades enjoy a new complex which was built in 1960. The facility consists today of eight elementary teachers, and eleven high school teachers. The combined enrollment to date is 431 pupils. Recently, plans were begun to build a new high school. Bonds have been approved and by the mid 1970's, it is felt the objective can be completed.
These were the remains of the town's public school after the tornado of 1935. It blew off the roof and knocked down many of the second floor walls. It took over a year before a new school could be completed.
No discussion of Decatur is complete without mention of Peterson Industries. Peterson's and Decatur are synonymous. It surprises many to note the divisions of this huge corporation. Peterson Industries, Incorporated, employs approximately 695 people, and covers 4,080 acres of land. The company operates a feed mill, a town hatchery, and a processing division, marketing Crystal Lake brand dressed poultry. L & L Farms involves breeding Santa Gertrudis cattle. Other companies under the industries include Peterson LP Gas Company of Arkansas, LP Gas Company Oklahoma, Decatur Mutual Indemnity Company, and Peterson International with franchises in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Taiwan, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada, England, Greece and Brazil.
Last, but by no means least, is Peterson Farms and Hatchery, of which there is a branch in Connecticut, emphasizing breeding and research of chickens and turkeys. The famous Peterson Male is flown from Crystal Lake airport to locations all over the eastern half of the United States. To date there are 5,593,816 chicks on feed, contracted to farmers over a large area of Northwest Arkansas, providing a source of income for rural families. The most modern equipment and facilities are implemented for total efficiency, linking rural initiative with industrial know how.
Acknowledgement; Mrs. Addie Murphy, Mr. Eldridge Pickens, Mr. E.D. Wilmoth, Mrs. Grace Dewey, Mr. and Mrs. Orba Sester, Mrs. Lila Addington, Mrs. Mary Ellen Thompson, Mr. Ercell Hines, Mrs. Thelma Fletcher, Benton County Courthouse, Decatur Post Office, Look Magazine, February 8, 1955, K.C. Southern Newsfolder, April 1955, Mrs. Perkins, Decatur High School Sec.
Last, but by no means least, is Peterson Farms and Hatchery, of which there is a branch in Connecticut, emphasizing breeding and research of chickens and turkeys. The famous Peterson Male is flown from Crystal Lake airport to locations all over the eastern half of the United States. To date there are 5,593,816 chicks on feed, contracted to farmers over a large area of Northwest Arkansas, providing a source of income for rural families. The most modern equipment and facilities are implemented for total efficiency, linking rural initiative with industrial know how.
Acknowledgement; Mrs. Addie Murphy, Mr. Eldridge Pickens, Mr. E.D. Wilmoth, Mrs. Grace Dewey, Mr. and Mrs. Orba Sester, Mrs. Lila Addington, Mrs. Mary Ellen Thompson, Mr. Ercell Hines, Mrs. Thelma Fletcher, Benton County Courthouse, Decatur Post Office, Look Magazine, February 8, 1955, K.C. Southern Newsfolder, April 1955, Mrs. Perkins, Decatur High School Sec.