More Interesting Facts

Prior to the Civil War, flint glass contained lead.  During the Civil War, the glass was made without lead.  Why??? Answer:  Lead was needed for making "minny balls" for the Confederate rifles to shoot.

There is a very good reason why the Helena Museum of Phillips County is PINK!!!  The building itself was of French architectural style and the color was reminiscent of the historic period when Arkansas, as a part of the province of Louisiana, was under French rule.

We use electric irons to press wrinkles out of clothes but in the mid 1800s, hot irons were used to kill parasites, bacteria, and mildew as well!!!

What is the difference in a mug and a stein?  The lid of course!  The history of steins dates back to the 14th century as a result of the bubonic plague and several invasions of flies throughout Europe. Germany established laws in the 16th century requiring food and beverage containers to be covered to protect their contents. Containers could be easily opened and closed with one hand by combining a lid, hinge and thumblift.

French "40 and 8" boxcars were used to transport either 40 men or 8 horses to European battlefields during World War I and World War II.  American soldiers rode this train as well and were successful in helping to liberate France.  Following World War II, France was in ruin and suffering.  Americans responded with 40 million dollars worth of food, clothing and medical supplies loaded into 700 cars, known as the "Friendship Train", that was shipped to France in 1947.  This effort saved the lives of many French citizens.  France reciprocated with their own "Merci Train", which consisted of 49 of these original box cars, one for each state, filled with gifts ranging from humble offerings to priceless art and antiques.  These boxcars now represent a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of American veterans and symbolize friendship and gratitude between American and French citizens.  You can find this one located on Pecan St. on the American Legion grounds in Helena.

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Phillips County was Arkansas' seventh county formed on May 1, 1820  and named for the Arkansas Territory.   Early in the 1800's, the United States government sent Nicholas Rightor to Phillips County to survey and sectionalize the area.  In 1820, Mr. Rightor laid out the streets of a town which was called "Helena", named after a beloved daughter of Sylvanus Phillips who had died in her youth.

The plat book, made for Nicholas Rightor's company, can be found at the Helena Museum.  It was all hand written and drawn on linen paper and was graciously donated to the museum by James and Gloria Tappan of Tappan Abstract Co.

The Spirit of the American Doughboy, sculpted by Ernest Moore Viquesney (1876-1946), was designed to honor veterans and casualties of World War I.  The statue depicts a soldier walking through tree stumps strung with barbed wire, his rifle in his left hand and his right hand held high clutching a grenade.  This one, erected in 1927 on Cherry St. in Helena, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Helen Keller always signed her name using a ruler and pencil. She didn't use a pen to keep from getting ink on her hands. Sadly, many Helen Keller artifacts were destroyed during the 9/11 tragedy. The Helena Museum is very fortunate to have a signed picture on display.

In the mid 19th century, embalming was not common and mainly performed to preserve the body for medical study purposes.  The practice became popular in the United States during the Civil War.  Embalming preserved soldiers who died far from home so they could be returned to their families for customary burial. 

When you visit the museum you can see a section of wood flooring from Thomas Edison's electrical laboratory with an original copper nail.  Copper nails were used to avoid interference with his galvanometers and sensitive electrical measuring instruments.

Thomas Edison attended school for only three months because his schoolmaster reported that he had an "addled-brain".  His mother home-schooled him.

Why were Confederate soldiers sometimes called "Butternuts"???

Confederate soldiers in the Civil War were known as "graybacks" even though their uniforms were often tan from fading or they were dyed at home with a butternut dye made from walnut shells and

vinegar. It was nontoxic, easy to use, and brought color to the uniforms quickly.  Check out this link to make your own butternut dye.