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