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Cherry Street Historic District (Helena–West Helena, Arkansas) facts for kids

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Cherry Street Historic District
DowntownHelenabluesfest.JPG
Cherry Street during the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, October 2007
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Location Along Cherry St. between Porter and Elm Sts., Helena–West Helena, Arkansas
Area 17.5 acres (7.1 ha)
Built 1879
Built by John Isaac Moore
Architectural style Classical Revival, Early Commercial, Commercial Vernacular
NRHP reference No. 86003546 (original)
10000288 (increase)
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP August 17, 1987
Boundary increase May 27, 2010

The Cherry Street Historic District is a cool, old neighborhood in Helena–West Helena, Arkansas. It's like the downtown area, full of shops, fun places, and entertainment. Cherry Street runs between Elm Street and Porter Street. This street is super important because it's deeply connected to the amazing history of blues music, especially since the 1940s.

A Look Back in Time

Early Days and Tough Times

Back in the early 1900s, when West Helena became a town, the main business was cutting down trees and making wood products. Many companies made things like barrel parts. However, a law called Prohibition later caused some of these businesses to close.

After that, two big floods hit Helena and West Helena. This made things very difficult for the towns. Then came the Great Depression, a time when many people lost their jobs and money. It was a really tough period for everyone.

The Birth of the Blues

Even during these hard times, something special was happening. In November 1941, a radio show called King Biscuit Time started. It was broadcast by a radio station called KFFA. This show helped spread the exciting new sound of blues music.

King Biscuit Time made many blues pioneers famous. These included amazing musicians like Robert Lockwood, Jr., Robert Lee McCollum, and Sonny Boy Williamson II. Their music brought joy and hope to many people.

Cherry Street Today

Home of the Blues Festival

Today, Cherry Street is still a very lively place. Since 1986, it has been the home of the annual King Biscuit Blues Festival. This festival is a huge event that celebrates the rich blues heritage of the area. People come from all over to enjoy the music and the atmosphere. The festival has had different names over the years, but its spirit remains the same. It keeps the blues tradition alive on Cherry Street.

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