2025.10.16 THROW BACK THURSDAY - THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HEIGHTS

THROW BACK THURSDAY - THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HEIGHTS  

PLUS CLASS NEWS

In the last years of the 19th Century, some Little Rock businessmen became fascinated by the prospect of building Little Rock's first golf course and club. Their search for a course location led them to what they described as an almost inaccessible mountaintop 300 feet above the Arkansas River, which they ascended on foot through overgrown forests. By 1902 they had purchased 80 acres of the property and the Country Club of Little Rock had been organized. The club's presence provided an impetus for selling lots around what is now Country Club Boulevard.

The club property also bordered steep hillsides sloping down to the river. Some highlights of my exploration of this area, what I call “the other side of the Heights”, are chronicled here.

I set out to look for a steep, unpaved road I had seen mentioned in the club history which allowed travel to the then new club from what is now known as Rebsamen Park Road. Built in 1903, it was described as a one-lane “treacherous” and “dangerously steep” roadway and it was restricted to “one way travel”, with the direction changing from “up” to “down” every 30 minutes. I found the old road above Treetops Condominium, deeply rutted, but still intact on the edge of a steep and beautiful wooded ravine. Visions of mules dragging construction materials and fearful club members looking down the steep ravine in horse-drawn buggies a century ago were interrupted by the current presence of deer bounding through the ravine.

After discovering the old road to the Heights, I explored further down the wooded riverside landscape and ended up in the beautiful subdivision called Sherrill Heights. This neighborhood, with fine views of the river, was developed by John Sherrill about 1950 and named for his young granddaughter, Sherrill Heerwagen. It remains a showcase for handsome mid-century homes. I was immediately drawn to one of them - a boldly-designed modern home, which, to my surprise, figured importantly in Arkansas sports history.

My favorite home, it turned out, was built by George “Skeeter” Dickey and his wife Millie in 1955. The Dickey's are one of the “first families” of Arkansas sports. Skeeter, a Central High graduate, was the youngest of three boys who were major baseball talents, and he spent seven years in the Major Leagues. His tenure with the Boston Red Sox placed him alongside one of baseball's legendary stars, Ted Williams. “They were good friends”, as Dickey's daughter, Joye Cook, describes her dad and Williams; “My mother said Ted Williams would stretch out from first base so gracefully, he looked like a gazelle!” Skeeter Dickey's baseball career was cut short due to service to our country during World War II and a broken leg incurred in rigorous base-running; but he landed back in his hometown of Little Rock and launched a new and very successful career. He earned his broker's license in 1948 and became one of the first five employees of Stephens Inc, at the side of Wilton R. "Witt" Stephens, where he soon became his vice-president.

Happy to settle down after the constant traveling life of a ball player, Skeeter and Millie described their dream home to Scott Farrell, a young modernist architect at the Ginocchio-Cromwell firm. They favored the new design trends of post-war southern California – concepts such as bringing large amounts of natural light into living areas and opening living, dining and kitchen areas so they flowed into each other. There were to be natural building materials such as brick interior walls and stained redwood trim. The exposed post and beam structural system would become a design feature. The completed home exceeded expectations and the Dickey’s and their three children enjoyed happy lives there.

Skeeter's older brother Bill, who had roomed with both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig during his tenure with the New York Yankees, was inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame. Upon retirement from the sport, he joined his successful brother in banking at Stephens Inc. When the new Arkansas Traveler baseball park opened in North Little Rock in 2007, it was named for two important sets of brothers in Arkansas business and sports history – Witt and Jack Stephens and Bill and Skeeter Dickey.

Amazing what you can learn in an afternoon on the “other side of the Heights.”

Thanks are due to Joye Dickey Cook, Mike Hood and the research desk staff at Roberts Library.

1956 CLASS NEWS

Our sincere condolences to Leo Aday in the loss of his wife of 67 years, Barbara, on October 10.  

Their marriage began on April 4, 1958, in Greenville, Mississippi, and was a true love story.

Visitation: Thursday, October 16, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Smith Funeral Home 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, AR
Funeral Service: Friday, October 17, 2025 11:00 AM The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 13901 Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, AR

1957 CLASS NEWS

Neta June Avery

July 30, 1938 – October 6, 2025

With hearts full of love and memories, we honor the vibrant life of Neta June Avery, who graced this world until her peaceful departure on October 6, 2025 with family by her side.
Born amid the natural beauty of Corley, Arkansas, on Magazine Mountain, Neta’s independent spirit and determination defined her approach to life. Neta's enthusiasm was as bright as the colorful clothing she loved to wear. She embraced new experiences with open arms. Neta graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1957; this is where she met her high school sweetheart, Jack Avery. They married in 1957 and were married for over 55 years. Their relationship paved the way for a lifetime of adventure. Their lives were filled with travel, square dancing, parades and other events through the Shriners. Jack and Neta loved entertaining friends and family in their home.  Engaging in hobbies that showcased her creativity, such as sewing, Neta found joy in making some of her own clothing and linens. Her love for flowers brought color to both her home and her life. She cherished collecting thimbles and spoons, each one telling a story of her adventures and memories. Neta truly enjoyed family. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer with pride for her grandson at his football games.  She loved shopping and going out to eat with friends and family. Neta worked various administrative roles in her career which was marked by her dedication and ability to bring a personal touch. At Baxley-Delamar Monument Company, Neta touched many lives, by helping families design meaningful tributes for their loved ones.  Even in the face of cancer, Neta exemplified strength and determination and she lived her life exactly how she wanted, fiercely independent, until the end. Her robust spirit and resilient attitude were hallmarks of who she was. Neta is now reunited with her loving husband, Jack Avery, her parents, William and Pearl Wade, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins who have gone before her. Neta leaves behind cherished memories through her sons, Brett Avery (Debby) and Bart Avery (Connie), along with her beloved grandchildren Jeremy Avery (Charity), Brittany Fulmer (Billy) and Drake Avery, who all called her Grannie. Her great-grandchildren, cousins, and extended family through her In-Laws and dear friends. Her family carries a piece of her vibrant spirit in their hearts.  A graveside service will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 10200 Hwy. 5, Alexander, AR, followed by a time to share memories from 3:30-5:00 at Smith Funeral Home Little Rock.    A heartfelt thank you to all at CARTI Cancer Center, and to her cousins Michael Rafe and Sherri Doerpinghaus (Charles) for being available at a moment’s notice to help when in need. Her Sister-In-Law Ava Roberson who took Neta to her hair appointments. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the CARTI Cancer Center or a favorite charity in Neta’s name.

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ML