Editor,
If you moved here in the last 42 years, having been drawn by the unique beauty of Eureka Springs, you have the Historic District Commission to thank. While other towns were “modernizing” without regard to their history or architecture, Eureka Springs chose a different route.
Eureka Springs artist Louis Freund was the leader in the movement. Recognizing the significance of our architecture, he advised the mayor and city council and Chamber of Commerce that while Colonial Williamsburg was spending millions of dollars to recreate their historic setting, all we had to do was preserve what we had. So, in 1970 Eureka Springs was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The HDC was formed in 1979 to assure the preservation of this historic place.
It would be a shame to dissolve the HDC. And it would be a shame to dishonor the memory of Louis and Elsie Freund by doing so. The arts and historic preservation are two of the cornerstones that bring value to this place and make it worth a visit by others.
Please vote to preserve the Historic District Commission.
Doug Stowe