Arkansas Times: A Decade-by-Decade Look at the ’70s

The Arkansas Times is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, with a special issue that delves into its past five decades of publication. The issue is filled with curated archival material arranged loosely by decade, serving as a scrapbook of the publication’s history rather than a comprehensive history of Arkansas or the Times. Included in the archival content is a profile of singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams from 1979, highlighting her musical talent and original style. The issue also revisits Beans and Grains and Things, an organic food grocery store in Little Rock that paved the way for Wild Oats and Whole Foods in the area. Additionally, an article from 1977 explores the growing acceptance of marijuana in Little Rock among professionals, as well as the adoption of the catfish as the Arkansas Times’ mascot in 1977, with the fish being touted as a more appealing state symbol than the razorback. The issue also pays tribute to The Shack, a beloved breakfast spot where the original Arkansas Times staff would meet daily. The publication’s history is intertwined with significant events in the state, such as the Christmas display at the Arkansas Capitol in 1975, which featured a plaster baby Jesus. The 50th-anniversary issue of the Arkansas Times offers readers a glimpse into the publication’s evolution over the past five decades, showcasing its unique voice and connection to the state of Arkansas.

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