This vintage real photo postcard features two young man sitting on the front bench of a horse drawn work wagon. The two horses are at rest and one of the young men is loosely holding the reigns. A caption on the postcard states “Working in Arkasaw (53156)”. The misspelling of the word “Arkansas” is likely an attempt at humor, poking fun of the accent of the residents of the state. It is interesting to note that “Arkansaw Territory” was the initial name of the “Arkansas Territory”. However, Arkansas became a state in 1836, long before this postcard was printed. The number printed on the card is probably there to assist in the photographers record keeping. This photograph is probably staged. An explanation for this hypothesis will become clearer as you read this entry. Printing on the reverse of the postcard indicates that the photographer of this image was N. E. McLeod. The internet’s Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture informs us that Happy Hollow was another name for McLeod’s Amusement Park. This site was one of Hot Spring’s most popular tourist attractions from the late 1800 until the 1940’s. It’s location was at the head of Fountain Street, just off of Central Avenue and north of Hot Springs Mountain. Happy Hollow was owned and operated by photographer Norman McLeod from the time of its founding (1888) through 1908. McLeod was born on a farm in Georgia . At the age of 19 he moved to Live Oak, Florida where he learned the photography business. He then attended college in Athens, Georgia. He started Happy Hollow as a photography studio and gradually developed it into an amusement park complex which included a zoo. In 1908 he sold the property. The park became known for taking humorous photos of it’s guests. Props included an old bathtub, a burro, and painted scenery which included a jailhouse and a gigantic angry bear. McLeod and Happy Hollow were nationally known. This postcard has an AZO stamp box indicating it was produced sometime between 1904 and 1918. To see more photographs by McLeod, click on category “Photographer: McLeod” or put the name “McLeod” in this blog’s search box. SOLD
Norman McLeod
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 