Once Upon Dickson: An Illustrated History, 1868-2000 [Hardcover]

Anthony J. Wappel (Author), Ethel Simpson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 8, 2008

Once Upon Dickson tells the story of Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas, the colorful and ever-changing link between the center of town and the University campus. Carefully researched, it will appeal to a large popular audience of residents and visitors to the city’s premier entertainment district and to University personnel and alumni, for whom it is as memorable in their college experience as Old Main or Razorback Stadium. In a time when Dickson Street is undergoing radical change, the book serves as a reminder that the street has been changing almost from the earliest time in its history. Residences, churches, public institutions, and businesses have come, gone, and sometimes come again, but because of its location, Dickson Street remains at the heart of Fayetteville.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Anthony J. Wappel is archivist at the Historic Washington County Court House and a former staff member of the University of Arkansas Libraries Special Collections Department. Since his arrival in Fayetteville to attend graduate school in 1986, he has been a regular visitor to Dickson street in a period of great change. He has compiled the history of Dickson Street from photographs, newspapers, and other documents from the University libraries, local historical societies, and courthouse records and has written a narrative of the people, businesses, and events that made Dickson Street's history.

Ethel Simpson has lived in Fayetteville on and off since 1958, and went to the UArk Bowl on her first date in Fayetteville. Her first date with Vergil Simpson was for beer at George's. After their marriage, they taught in Maryland and Louisiana before returning to Fayetteville in 1969, and she finished a PhD. In comparative literature at the U of A. She worked for thirty years in the Special Collections Department of the University of Arkansas Libraries, where she acquired an extensive knowledge of the history of the University. She is the author or editor of five books, including Image and Reflection, A Pictorial History of the University of Arkansas.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 420 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix International; New edition (July 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976800772
• ISBN-13: 978-0976800774
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,622,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Like memory itself, a bit flawed, August 12, 2009

By 

A. Hickman (Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Once Upon Dickson: An Illustrated History, 1868-2000 (Hardcover)

It's great to see a book like this in print. I snapped it up immediately when I saw a copy in Barnes and Noble. Every page is a trip down memory lane for those of us who ever visited Dickson Street, past or present. But, I must say, I'm somewhat disappointed that so many of the facts are wrong (For example, ROTC didn't convert a laundry into a restaurant--that had already been done by the restaurateurs who opened the Ark) and that the editing is so sloppy (my name is misspelled and missing from the index; plus I inherit a new partner for 42nd Street). Couldn't somebody have just asked the relevant parties? Some of us are still alive. Also, what was the name of the ice cream shop next to Metcalfe's in the '70s? Wappell and Simpson are to be congratulated on their monumental attempt at recreating the past. They even mention the Wall! I just hope the book survives into a second edition with all the errors corrected.

5.0 out of 5 stars Once Upon Dickson: An Illustrated History, 1868-2000, January 19, 2009

By 

C. Lawrence - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Once Upon Dickson: An Illustrated History, 1868-2000 (Hardcover)

This book was a Christmas present for my parents who actually lived on Dickson street, Fayetteville, Arkansas back in the 1950's. They absolutely love the book and have relived many memories from those days. This book was really great with lots of photos and detailed history of the street over the many years. They even found the doctor that delivered my brother over 50 years ago in this book. I know my parents are very pleased! It's a great read for anyone interested in this historical street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Grandparents lived one block over, July 30, 2008

By 

Ernest Bylander "jerry by" (Sherman, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Once Upon Dickson: An Illustrated History, 1868-2000 (Hardcover)

I spent many summers on Scott Street, and just across from Jug Wheeler and one block over from Dixon. I worked briefly one semester at Dixie Radio repairing appliances, radios and TV's. I also recall walking down to the RR station to see the "Wheels go round", although later when it was a diesel engine it wasn't quite as great. Mother was a friend of Morris Collier (Drug Store) and always stopped by to visit. We went to Wholesome Bread Store for bread and to the post office for savings stamps during WWII. I also recall Bloody Mary and the beer garden. Earlier I had saved a pigeon and the owner promised me all the grapes I could eat from his grape arbor. I recall fixing a juke box at a fraternity house across from the University. Also my name is on the U of AR sidewalk (up from Dixon) twice, my Father's is on at 1931, Aunt Ruth's on in '44 as I recall. We went to the Presbyterian Church on Dixon. I walked downtown to the Square and to one of the three theaters there up Dixon. It was quite a nostalgic visit to Dixon in the book.