Authors in the Afternoon: Fort Smith Treasures with Wayne Bledsoe and Jim Kreuz

Local authors Wayne Bledsoe and Jim Kreuz will make a special appearance to promote and sign copies of their new book, Treasures of Fort Smith.  Treasures of Fort Smith is filled with color photos and interesting stories of 150 century-old homes that grace our city, along with several that are no longer standing. The dwellings of many of Fort Smith’s prominent citizens from the early 1900’s are featured here – names you’ll recognize - including the founders of William, Weldon and Lick, Sparks Hospital, Cooper Clinic, The Boston Store, First National Bank, Wortz Biscuit, along with past mayors, numerous educators, Judge Parker’s hangman, a world-renowned jazz musician, and a pioneer ophthalmologist. The book also includes several scandals have taken place over the years! Copies of Treasures of Fort Smith will be available for sale and signing at the event ($20 for soft cover, $50 for hard cover).  All profits will be directed to the Fort Smith Historical Society.

Wayne Bledsoe, a retired high school educator from Fort Smith, has owned two homes in the Belle Grove Historical District, as well as being past chairman of Belle Grove Historic District, past commissioner & coordinator of the Historic District, past president of the Fort Smith Historic Preservation Society (Clayton House), and past president of the Belle Fort Smith Tour for ten years. Wayne is a life member of the local Historical Society, having served on the board.  Jim Kreuz is a chemical engineer who retired to Fort Smith with his wife, Kelle, in 2017. They both stay occupied restoring old homes here.