This small park overlooks Greers Ferry Dam and the Red River. In the shade under the shelter, a pleasant breeze made it comfortable even on an afternoon when the temperature was in the low 90s.
The Internet explains, “In his last major appearance [October 3, 1963] before his death [November 22, 1963], President John F. Kennedy stood on a flag-draped platform overlooking the just-completed Greers Ferry Dam and spoke of the prosperity the lake would bring to the region.” I can’t help wondering if the park would be here if he hadn’t died just 50 days later.
Fifty yards downstream from the shelter, there’s an unflattering bust of Kennedy.
And across from Kennedy’s bust is one of Wilbur Mills, the U.S. Congressman from Arkansas who promoted the dam project and emceed the dedication. There’s nothing on the plaque about his alcoholism or the long-standing affair he had with stripper Fanny Foxe. The scandal ended his career 11 years after his appearance here. I thought the bird poop and broken glasses were a nice touch.
