Two Rivers Museum – Ashdown, Arkansas
In the southern area of Arkansas there is a gem of a museum for those of you that really like to look back on the history of a region. Although it isn’t a huge facility with millions of dollars funding it, it is well done and has many items that will tweek your interest.
One of the displays has a horse-drawn hearse and a portable wooden embalming table. Now, where, other than here, are you going to be able to see things like this in Arkansas? There are also a wide variety of WWI and WWII uniforms for you to see. For those of you that don’t know how things were recorded prior to the computer age you will see a very old typewriter sitting on a desk while you stroll through the museum. Along with the typewriter you will be able to see an old printing press used to put out notices for the community. The trays of Linotype are there too. There are also some quits that are on display showing the talent of the residents of the area. There is an buck wagon that shows how transportation was handled during the time.
You will see the hats from the past on display as well as some photographs of houses in the community. You will be able to see the old range with appliances (such as the iron and ironing board) along with some documentation of the happenings in the area. There is a wedding dress of white silk on display with all the detail put into creating this beautiful piece.
The community of Ashdown is the home of 4,781 people (according to the 2000 census so might be larger now). The area is ideal for growing cotton, soybeans, rice, corn, wheat and other crops in the rich soil of the area. Although agriculture is a mainstay of the area timber is the greatest industry and Ashdown houses the largest paper producing facility in the world.
The museum is run by the Little River County Historical Society and promotes and preserves the history of Little River County.
Location: 15 E Main St., Ashdown, AR
Phone: 870-898-7200
Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 10 – 4