Arkansas's First Fast Food Chain

                As a child, dining out was a regular part of our family routine. I’m unsure whether it was because my parents disliked cooking a lot or enjoyed trying different places. Still, we often found ourselves at spots like Western Sizzlin’, Mexico Chiquito, and Bonanza at least two to three times each week. One of our frequent haunts was Minute Man, located at the intersection of John F. Kennedy Blvd. and North Hills Blvd. in North Little Rock (Pulaski County). Back then, I had no idea about the history of Minute Man and how it all began here in Arkansas; all I knew was that I loved their food.

                Minute Man was founded by Little Rock (Pulaski County) native, Wes Hall. Graduating from Little Rock High School in 1933, Hall had deep roots in the food industry throughout his early career. He began working at Food Palace, the first supermarket in Little Rock, from 1933 to 1936. During this period, he also pursued part-time studies in accounting at Draughon Business College. From 1936 until 1942, Hall was employed by Kraft Food Co. His service in the U.S. Army infantry took him to the Pacific Theater for seven months during World War II. Hall was called back to active duty from 1951 to 1952, where he managed mess halls for the Quartermaster Corps at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith (Sebastian County) and Camp Crowder in Missouri. In addition, he worked for Lido Enterprises, a cafeteria and restaurant business.

                The first Minute Man restaurant opened on May 26, 1948, at 407 Broadway in Little Rock, starting as a 24-hour coffee shop. Initially, Hall teamed up with three partners: Alton Barnett, Oliver Harper, and Walter Oathout. By 1956, Hall took over their shares, turning the flagship location into a highly successful fast-food establishment. At its height in the 1960s and 1970s, Minute Man thrived with fifty-seven locations throughout Arkansas and seven surrounding states. Unfortunately, by the early 2000s, just one location remained open in El Dorado (Union County). 

                Hall proudly asserted that Minute Man was a trailblazer in various fast-food innovations. In 1948, the Raytheon Company rolled out a test for three experimental “RadaRange” microwave ovens in restaurants across the country, and fortunately, Hall's establishment was among the selected few. This initiative showcased the chain's early embrace of microwave technology in the dining scene. One of the standout items prepared in these ovens was the Radar Deep Dish Pie, a dessert that left a lasting, albeit painful, memory for many in Arkansas due to its knack for scorching the roof of the mouth. Minute Man also gained a reputation for its “real charcoal-broiled hamburgers,” and introduced a gourmet burger featuring a double meat patty and a variety of toppings—an entire year before industry leader, McDonald's, launched their Big Mac.

                Hall’s marketing strategies were indeed revolutionary. In the mid-1970s, Minute Man became the pioneer in the fast-food industry by offering customers a complimentary glass as part of a Coca-Cola promotion. It also rolled out the “Magic Meal,” a special meal for kids, which caught the attention of Burger King. Burger King acquired the rights from Hall to use the concept from 1982 to 1983. Later, Hall sold the rights to the slogan "old-fashioned hamburgers" to Wendy's.

                In 2018, Linda McGoogan, who owned the Minute Man brand, and owner of the last remaining Minute Man in El Dorado, partnered with Perry Smith, an Arkansas native and founder of Matchbox Food Group, to revive Minute Man. They opened a new location in Jacksonville (Pulaski County) on September 11, 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they launched a food truck in downtown Little Rock in January 2021, and at one point, they were operating three food trucks simultaneously. Unfortunately, by early June 2022, the Jacksonville location closed, followed by the El Dorado restaurant shutting down in August 2024. The three food trucks also ceased operations.

                Minute Man, famous for its charbroiled hamburgers and rich, deep-dish RadaRange pies, will always have a cherished spot in the hearts of many Arkansans, like myself, who savored these favorites throughout the years.

The Ghost Town of Graysonia

                Throughout its 188-year history, Arkansas has witnessed its share of boomtowns—communities that emerged almost overnight due to the discovery of valuable natural resources or their strategic locations along major rivers and popular trade routes. From Zinc (Boone County) to Davidsonville (Randolph County) the state has been home to several towns that rapidly transitioned from vibrant centers of activity to ghost towns within just a few years. A lesser-known example of this phenomenon is Graysonia, which was located in southern Arkansas and is no longer found on area maps.

                Graysonia (Clark County) emerged as one of many mill towns in southern Arkansas during the twentieth century, fueled by the burgeoning timber industry in the region. At its height, Graysonia boasted one of the largest mills in the South, along with a vibrant community, though today, little of its former presence remains.

                In 1902, William Grayson and Nelson McLeod became key shareholders of the Arkadelphia Lumber Company. By 1907, the company relocated to a site near the Antoine River, as their previous location couldn't support the necessary resources for continued operation. The new community was named Graysonia in tribute to the company president, William Grayson.

                The mill in Graysonia thrived, largely due to the surging demand for lumber during World War I, with its most prosperous years falling between 1915 and 1920. More than 500 workers contributed to the impressive daily output of 150,000 board feet, far exceeding the 25,000 board feet produced by the mill in nearby Mauldin (Montgomery County) at full capacity.

                Graysonia was home to 350 residents at its inception, and its population more than doubled during its peak. Unlike many other company towns in Arkansas, Graysonia was unique because it incorporated and held elections for its government officials. Alongside a large commissary, the town featured amenities like a confectionary, a movie theater, three hotels, a school, and a church. It also boasted a modern water system and electric services.

                In 1924, the Bemis family became part of the Ozan-Grayson Lumber Company, which marked a new chapter for the business. The Bemises, who managed other local mills, brought their expertise and resources, leading to five prosperous years of lumber production.

                However, Graysonia faced challenges primarily from the lumber industry's "cut and move" approach, which involved harvesting timber and relocating operations to areas with better resources. This strategy was a significant factor contributing to the town's decline, but not the only one.

                The arrival of the Great Depression in 1929 had a devastating impact. While the mill at Graysonia managed to survive for a time, by 1931, the weight of the economic downturn and dwindling timber resources became insurmountable. The planer mill continued by utilizing stored lumber for a while, and there were discussions about running several smaller mills for production. Unfortunately, as financial conditions worsened, the mill ultimately shut down.

                In 1930, the discovery of cinnabar, the ore used to extract mercury, in southwest Arkansas offered a glimmer of hope. Mill workers were encouraged to remain in Graysonia and join the Arkansas Quicksilver Company. Sadly, the mining of cinnabar soon began to decline, driving residents to leave searching for employment elsewhere, either in different mills or mines. The once-thriving town became increasingly deserted. The directors of Ozan-Grayson informed stockholders that the land had lost its value and was no longer a viable tax investment. Consequently, the Bemis family opted to sell 10,000 acres to the McMillan family, timberland traders from Arkadelphia. The remaining 50,000 acres were utilized to establish a new mill in Glen Campbell’s hometown of Delight (Pike County) in 1937, incorporating equipment salvaged from the Graysonia mill.

                In November 1950, the Graysonia post office officially closed and its mail was redirected to nearby Alpine (Clark County). That same year, the U.S. Census recorded Graysonia’s population as zero.

                Today, there’s not much left of Graysonia. Those who venture out might come across a few remnants of old foundations, some scattered bricks, and bits of the mill machinery. The thick forest has overtaken much of the landscape, becoming a hidden gem for adventurous souls ready to explore.

The Modern Era History of Jacksonville

        

                In last week’s column, I explored the early history of one of my hometowns, Jacksonville. This week, let’s dive into the modern history of this significant city in northern Pulaski County.

                Following the attack on Pearl Harbor and America’s entry into World War II, the Arkansas Gazette reported on June 5, 1941, that a fuse and detonator plant—known as the Arkansas Ordnance Plant —was set to be established in Jacksonville. The federal government seized the nearby land through condemnation proceedings, rapidly increasing Jacksonville’s population. The plant operated from 1942 until the war’s end in 1945.

                The establishment of the ordnance plant prompted Jacksonville's official incorporation on September 6, 1941. John Bailey became the city’s first elected mayor, and one of the new mayor and city council’s priorities was to build a sewer and water system.

                After the ordnance plant closed its doors in 1945, several of the vacant buildings were acquired or leased by businesses, setting Jacksonville on a path toward a more industrial economy. In November 1947, the Arkansas Association for Crippled Children opened the Children’s Convalescent Center in the former ordnance plant’s hospital building. This center later relocated to Little Rock (Pulaski County) and eventually transformed into Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

                Jacksonville State Bank (now known as First Arkansas Bank & Trust) was formed in 1949, with Kenneth P. Wilson leading the way as president for many years. By 1951, Wilson and fellow community leaders began discussions with the U.S. Air Force about establishing an air base in central Arkansas. The residents of Pulaski County rallied together, raising funds and acquiring land near Jacksonville to contribute to the creation of Little Rock Air Force Base, which officially opened on October 9, 1955. The air base is located on 6,412 acres within Jacksonville’s city limits. Since it began operations in 1955, the base has played a vital role in boosting the local economy and supporting community growth. Notably, Little Rock Air Force Base holds the distinction of being the world’s largest C-130 base.

                After the Arkansas Ordnance Plant closed, Jacksonville’s population fell to 2,474 in 1950. However, the arrival of the Little Rock Air Force Base sparked a population increase, and growth has continued since then. While many residents commute to Little Rock for work, Jacksonville also offers a variety of job opportunities, especially at the air base. In the 1990s, the city invested in its infrastructure by constructing a new city hall and community center with an indoor pool, where my 83-year-old mom participates in water aerobics three times a week.

                In May 2005, the Jacksonville Museum of Military History opened its doors with a vital mission: to shed light on the significant contributions of both the civilian workforce and the military in various historical and ongoing conflicts. The museum sustains itself through a mix of private donations, grants, and support from the Jacksonville Advertising & Promotions Commission. It is proudly located on the grounds of the Arkansas Ordnance Plant administration building. 

                In front of the museum stands an Arkansas Ordnance Plant guard house, which was honored by being added to the National Register of Historic Places in September 2006. The museum also features a poignant memorial dedicated to the workers who lost their lives in the 1965 Titan II missile accident near Searcy (White County). This memorial bears the names of all 53 individuals who tragically died in the explosion, including my uncle, James Harvey.

                The Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District officially began on July 1, 2016, following a substantial reorganization of the Pulaski County Special School District. This shift was prompted by a 2014 referendum in which the residents of Jacksonville voted in favor of establishing an independent school district. The district operates seven schools and serves approximately 4,000 pre-k through twelfth-grade students in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. 

                Jacksonville has seen many changes throughout its history, yet it remains a vital part of central Arkansas’ economy and cultural narrative. As the hometown of my parents and my high school alma mater, Jacksonville will forever have a special place in my heart.

The Early History of Jacksonville

 

                Jacksonville (Pulaski County) holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I graduated from North Pulaski High School (“Home of the Falcons”), which was later merged into Jacksonville High School and demolished in 2024. I spent a couple of years living there after high school, and my parents still call it home. While Jacksonville is arguably best known for being the home of the Little Rock Air Force Base, the city has a rich history that goes far beyond this well-known military installation.

                The first settlers known to have moved into the area that became Jacksonville were two Revolutionary War veterans, Jacob Gray, Sr. and his brother, Shared. Originally from Williamson County, Tennessee, the brothers established their home in a location northeast of where Daniels Ferry Road intersects with Bayou Meto Creek, roughly twelve miles northeast of Little Rock (Pulaski County). In the winter of 1820–21, some family members and their slaves arrived, followed by the rest of their family in the spring of 1821. The Grays quickly set up a thriving community, planting crops and cultivating cotton.

                In 1824, Congress allocated funds for surveying a road from Memphis to Little Rock. This survey identified a route that passed by the Gray settlement, connecting to Daniels Ferry Road just north of Bayou Meto. Samson Gray, Jacob Gray Jr.'s son, and leader of the settlement, agreed to construct the road from the Bayou of the Two Prairies to Little Rock, including building bridges over both the Bayou of the Two Prairies and Bayou Meto Creek. By 1827, the small settlement had emerged as a popular stop for travelers.

                When Congress passed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the Memphis to Little Rock Road became a crucial travel route for the removal of several tribes. Many of these removal parties passed by the Gray settlement, where Samson Gray provided them with rations. Throughout the 1830s, other settlers like Reddrick Eason and Pleasant McCraw arrived in the area, establishing themselves along the road east of the Gray settlement. 

                During the July 1838 session of the Pulaski County court, Thomas Gray, brother of Samson Gray, submitted a request to construct a toll bridge over Bayou Meto Creek to replace the original bridge. Permission was granted to Gray, however, in October 1838, Gray sold the charter to John H. Reed, who completed the bridge in 1839. As a result, the bridge became known as Reed’s Bridge.

                In August 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, Union forces began their advance along the Memphis to Little Rock Road, moving from Brownsville (Lonoke County) toward Little Rock. On August 27, during the Battle of Reed’s Bridge, Confederate soldiers were compelled to retreat towards Arkansas’ capital city. In their withdrawal, the rebels set fire to Reed’s Bridge to slow down the Union forces' pursuit.

                After the war’s end, Nicholas Jackson settled in Gray Township and acquired land along a planned railroad route. In June 1870, he sold a prime piece of property to the Cairo and Fulton Railroad, with the stipulation a depot be built next to his land. This led Jackson to lay out the plans for a new town, which he named Jackson. A post office was established on August 7, 1871, with Jackson serving as its first postmaster. In the decades to come, more families settled in Jacksonville.

                By 1941, Jacksonville’s population was around 400. At that time, it lacked essential services like natural gas, streetlights, and a proper water and sewer system. The community was connected by a telephone switchboard, and electricity was supplied to residents via a branch line from Arkansas Power & Light. Notably, Gov. Homer Adkins, who guided the state through the challenging years of World War II, was originally from Jacksonville. 

                In next week’s column, I’ll explore the modern history of Jacksonville, highlighting the establishment of the Little Rock Air Force Base and First Jacksonville Bank & Trust (now First Arkansas Bank & Trust). These two institutions have played a crucial role in shaping Jacksonville into the thriving community it is today.