Mena Street
This photo of downtown Mena was taken before the tornado hit the town, and since this is the south side of town, which had limited damage, it shows little change today.
Rich Mountain can be seen in the background. This is where the Queen Wilhelmina State Park is located, only about 13 miles from the downtown Mena area. Many people miss this beautiful drive, because they reach the mountain from the back side, on Highway 270. It is a beautiful drive from Mena to the top of the mountain.
Mena was added to the Main Street Arkansas program and the new light post, flags, and brick insets on the sidewalks were added as part of that program. These light posts were designed using old photos of the town showing such posts in the early 1900s.
Following articles from The Mena Star
Feb. 24, 1897-- The City Council appointed a committee to report on question of granting franchise for lights, water and a street railway.
June 11, 1900--New electric light plant turns on lights for first time.
The town of Mena was a boom town, built by ad for the railroad, in order to harvest the virgin timber in the Ouachita Mountains.
July 28, 1897--The firm of Williams & Watson shipped three car loads of fine walnut timber to Germany last Friday night. The cars go to Port Arthur and the logs are transferred to the vessel at that point.
Shirley Manning webmaster/owner
