A unique piece of Arkansas and presidential history will be permanently displayed Wednesday as the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony for the historic podium used by President John F. Kennedy during the dedication of Greers Ferry Dam on October 3, 1963.
The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at the William Carl Garner Visitor Center. The podium was also used by President Bill Clinton during the dam’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The historic podium was donated by Jean Garner, wife of the late William Carl Garner, whose contributions helped shape Greers Ferry Lake into one of Arkansas’ premier recreation destinations.
Garner devoted more than 57 years to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, leading preparations for President Kennedy’s historic visit to Greers Ferry Dam. According to those who knew him, Garner even stored the President’s limousine and the historic podium at his home before the 1963 dedication ceremony. He also loaned the podium for the 50th Anniversary used by President Bill Clinton.
ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations owner Bob Connell also reflected on Garner’s lasting legacy.
“Carl Garner graciously accepted my Henry Award from the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism Governor from than Governor Mike Huckabee when I was unable to attend the ceremony. It was a true honor to know Carl and witness his dedication to Arkansas tourism. I also had the privilege of taking what I believe is the only photograph of President Bill Clinton with Carl Garner at the 50th Anniversary of the Greers Ferry Lake Dam. I was helping Carl from his wheelchair with my right hand while taking the photo during the festivities following our live broadcast. It’s a memory I’ll always treasure, and it’s fitting that Carl’s legacy continues to be honored for generations to come.”
The public is invited to attend Wednesday’s ceremony celebrating one of Arkansas’ most significant historical artifacts and the man who helped preserve its legacy.
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