Coffee Bar and Woodworking Demonstration October 2, 2009

Enjoy coffee and doughnuts at the hardware store complete with a demonstration of nineteenth century woodworking techniques by Duane Hidelberg of Natural Dam, Arkansas. Mr. Hidelberg is listed in Early American Life magazine as one the top two hundred traditional craftsmen of furniture, both painted and formal, in the United States. An example of his work is the reproduction of Judge Isaac C. Parker’s chair at the Fort Smith National Historic Site.

View the exhibit Progress in a Small Frontier Town: The Story of the 1907 Atkinson-Williams Warehouse Building which explores the businesses to occupy the building before it became the home of the Fort Smith Museum of History. Built for the Atkinson-Williams Hardware Company in 1907, the building was also home to Williams Hardware and Automotive and later Speer Hardware. The exhibit comes to life with photographs from the different eras and with artifacts on loan and from the museum’s collection.

Beginning at 10 A. M. enjoy coffee and doughnuts reminiscent of the Coffee Bar at Williams Hardware. Mr. Hidelberg will give demonstrations throughout the day until 5:00 P. M. The Coffee Bar and demonstrations are included with museum admission, $5 Adults, $2 children, under age six are free.

The Fort Smith Museum of History is located at 320 Rogers Avenue. Call 479-783-7841 for more information.

Official Website: http://www.fortsmithmuseum.com