Established in 1870, Malvern's journey began as a humble railway station, but the town quickly transformed into a key player when it became the seat of Hot Spring County shortly after its incorporation. The region's rich agricultural and mineral assets laid a robust foundation for Malvern’s sustained economic growth, with brick production emerging as a pivotal industry.
The Cairo & Fulton Railroad put Malvern on the map in 1873. Legend has it that a rail official, finding the hilly landscape reminiscent of his Virginia roots near Malvern Hill, convinced the company to adopt the name. Residents were eager to incorporate, making attempts in January and October 1875 that ultimately fell short. However, persistence paid off, and on July 22, 1876, the county court officially decreed the formation of Malvern, with Samuel Henry Emerson serving as the town’s first mayor.
At the time, Rockport had long been the economic hub of the region, sitting at the head of navigation for the Ouachita River and serving as the county seat of Hot Spring County. But the advent of the railroad ushered in a period of rapid development for Malvern, prompting its citizens to seek a shift in government power. The initial vote in February 1877 didn’t yield success, but by July 1878, 176 voters rallied for change. On October 15, County Judge William Morehead authorized the county seat's relocation from Rockport to Malvern, marking a significant milestone in the city’s history.
The construction of the first county courthouse in 1888 was just one step in solidifying Malvern’s political and financial stature, with a new courthouse built in 1936. Adding to the city’s financial landscape, the Bank of Malvern was chartered in 1889, further invigorating economic activity in Hot Spring County.
Malvern has cemented its reputation as a hub for brick production, thanks to its rich clay deposits, particularly in nearby Perla (Hot Spring County). One of the trailblazers of this thriving industry was the Atchison Brick Company, which opened in the early 1890s. The timing was fortuitous; after devastating fires ravaged downtown Malvern in 1896 and 1897, the city seized the chance to rebuild with durable all-brick structures.
In 1907, Malvern’s economic landscape evolved as the Clem family opened Clem Bottling Works, which quenchingly produced soft drinks such as Clem’s Orange, R-Pep, and Pep-Up, until 1972. In 1916, the Malvern Daily Record newspaper began publication. A year later, Arkansas Brick and Tile Co. took over the Atchison facilities, signaling a consolidation in the industry. Meanwhile, C. A. Bryan and Son was another early player, but after a fire at their plant, they sold to Malvern Brick and Tile Co. in 1924.
The industry saw new developments in 1919, when Fort Worth-based Acme Brick Company acquired 120 acres in Perla. They began shipping products from their Perla Plant Number 1 in 1921, and just five years later, Acme took over Arkansas Brick and Tile’s operations, expanding their production footprint even more. While growth was somewhat stagnant during the 1930s and 1940s, the post-war years ushered in a period of strong expansion for Acme.
Today, Acme Brick remains a cornerstone of both Malvern and Perla, reflecting the area’s continued commitment to brick production. A landmark development came in 1967, with the construction of a fully automated plant in Perla. The original Malvern plant was closed in 1980, replaced by a new operation named the Ouachita Plant. That same year, the city boldly proclaimed itself the “Brick Capital of the World.”
Malvern is also the home of Grapette International, which manufactures Grapette soda and other soft drinks and beverage syrups sold throughout the world. Invented in 1939 by Benjamin T. Fooks, Grapette was originally based in nearby Camden (Ouachita County).
Malvern is not just bricks and mortar; it is also home to a wealth of historic sites. The Alderson-Coston House, Clark House, Gatewood House, Strauss House, the Pine Bluff Street Historic District, and many more are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hot Spring County Museum adds to the rich tapestry of this vibrant community, preserving the legacy of a city built on brick, ambition, and history.
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