So each Sunday we (Yosef and I) are going to try to explore some of Arkansas rich Jewish history. To answer one of the questions I get asked most frequently. There are Jews in Arkansas? The answer is yes there are and there have been here for over 150 years. That's right folks I said 150 years. Here are a couple of places we explored today. The first place we stopped today was the Porbeck & Bowman building in the River Market District of down town Little Rock a stones throw from the Clinton Library. The building was constructed in 1882 by Max Hilb. Mr. Hilb was one of the first Jewish settlers to arrive in Arkansas in the late 1850's. The building housed the Concordia Association, the Jewish social organization of Central Arkansas. The Concordia Club assisted Jewish immigrants to Arkansas in adjusting to their new life in the American south. The two story area was also used as a social hall. At that time in the south and for about 100 years after Jews were not permitted in other social halls and country clubs in Arkansas. Which brings is to our next stop on our Arkansas Jewish history journey. Western Hills Country Club the all Jewish country club. Built in the 1930's this sprawling luxury club was complete with a stunning pool and golf course. Western Hills provided a place for the Jewish communities elite to relax in comfort without worrying about segregation or discrimination. After desegregation signs posted on public swimming pools and local country clubs reading in bold print "No Coloreds No Jews No Dogs" came down and there was no longer a need for a Jewish Country Club. In the Early 70's the club closed the property was sold to Western Hills United Methodist Church which stands on and maintains the property today. The once luxurious club house and pool have fallen into deep disrepair not so far gone however that one can still look upon the lavish dilapidated building and grounds and imagine what it would have been like to belong there in it's hay day. You can nearly hear the soft music on the breeze and the sound of laughter and conversation all around and the ruckus of children splashing in the pool. The hum of life in a safe place a haven from discrimination so often felt by the Jews of that time. The ghosts of a Jewish past all but forgotten now. It was a little sad to see the once stunning edifice in it's present state. I am glad we went though and learned what we did. It made me feel even more blessed to be free and be able belong to any social club I wish as a Jew in the south now. Come back next Sunday for the another installment of Arkansas Jewish history.
