Cotter Care Crews built the Railroad Workers Memorial in Cotter, Arkansas: Trout Capital USA

The Cotter Care Crews

Cotter, Arkansas

     During 1992, the Tennie Craig Community Guild, a women's club, saw the need for the cleanup and beautification of Cotter, as parts of the town were deteriorating. In May 1992, the club appeared before the city council and asked for its help in such a project, as apparently the city was unable to solve the problem on its own. Several other citizens were present at the meeting, and they, too, were concerned about the condition of the town.

     Thus, Cotter Care Crews was organized during June of 1992 by several Cotter residents. The purpose of the non-profit organization was to improve the community of Cotter through beautification of streets and homes and the development of parks and other facilities; the objectives were to be met by residents volunteering their talents, time and efforts. Membership was to include all Cotter citizens, and no membership roster or dues were required.

     Meetings with elected officers usually are held monthly. Present and past presidents include Clyde Collins, Wanda Fielding, J. D. Pratt, Doris Anglin, and Lynn Anglin Stude.

     The Cotter Care Crews have had many events to raise money for needed projects. Some of these events included Pig-in-a-Poke Barbecue, Two Cooks Tea Room dinners, bake sales, Cotter Tour of Homes, ball concession stands, Belgian Waffle breakfast, Ham and Beans dinner, Soup and Salad luncheon, Adopt a Christmas Wreath, drawings for a quilt and paintings, and Pennies for Tots for playground equipment.

     During its ten years of existence, Cotter Care Crews has completed or worked with the city or other local organizations to complete numerous projects by funding or labor or both. These projects have greatly aided the city and Cotter residents. Some of the major projects include the 1992 and 1993 community cleanup, Christmas programs with lighted trees, Christmas lighted figures and ornaments, Christmas wreaths for power poles, walking trail, pedestrian bridge across Big Spring outlet, planting of numerous flowers and trees, ball field fence and score board, remolding and furnishing of Spring House Community Center, Bit Spring Park, playground equipment, co-sponsor of Smithsonian Art Train, Tour of Homes, start of the annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Railroad Memorial. Other projects too numerous to list are the results of the hard work and dedication of present and past Cotter Care Crews members.

     The best and most heartwarming experience has been the caring and harmonious cooperation of citizens working together and sharing numerous pot luck meals. Unfortunately, due to the decline of membership during the last three years, several annual projects such as Christmas and Easter programs have been turned over to the city or to the Chamber of Commerce.