In late June of 1953, the people of Bentonville and Pea Ridge celebrated the surfacing of Highway 72 between the two towns. The event was held at the southeast corner of the Bentonville square.  To the right you can see Phelps-Powell Lumberyard. Over 600 people were there for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The day Highway 72 was opened there was events held in both towns. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, the town held a fish fry dinner at the old horseracing track, which is where the main fire station now is on Southwest A Street. 

In the photo at the ribbon cutting (L to R): Hoss Webb (Pea Ridge), Fred McKinney (Pea Ridge), Craig Holt, Sam Dolittle, Earnest Hileman, Sheriff John Black (wearing a hat in background), Orval Faubus, Clayton Little (Attorney) ,Hugh Webb, Alvin Seam, Sollie Ricketts (Rural Mail Carrier), (Behind Mr. Rickets is) Cris Walker ( local veterinarian) Hugh Webb Jr.  

Fish fry held in Bentonville after the ribbon cutting ceremony. 
The old stadium bleachers can be seen in the background in the photo on the left.

Picnic held in Pea Ridge after the ribbon cutting ceremony