Spooky Mysteries of Arkansas! | McLarty Daniel CDJRF of Springdale

October 11, 2018 · 5 min read

As the nights grow long and cool in October, it’s a perfect time for sitting around the campfire or a warm house, contemplating the plentiful mysteries of this state we call home. Arkansas has more than her share of spooky head scratchers, and with Halloween just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to share some of our favorites. Seen below are four Arkansas Mysteries that may well never be solved, from the disappearance of a well-known attorney to the sighting of an “airship” on a mountain near Hot Springs, long before the advent of powered flight. We here at McLarty Daniel CDJRF of Springdale love swapping tales like these in October. If you’re in need of a great new or used car to help you get out there and find your own spooky adventures, come see us for a test drive, or check out our big selection online right now! THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MAUD CRAWFORD: Maud Crawford seemed to have her life well and truly together, right up to the moment when she disappeared off the face of the earth. A prominent attorney in the small town of Camden in Ouachita County, Crawford had graduated at the top of her class at the University of Arkansas law school, becoming one of the pioneering female lawyers when women were still rare in the profession. A local community leader and socialite, Crawford had also served on the Camden City Council. Then, on the evening of March 2, 1957, Crawford simply disappeared from her large home on Camden’s quiet Clifton Street, leaving behind her car, car keys, and her purse containing $149 in cash. Though an extensive search was conducted, she was never seen again. Investigators in the case noted that at the time of her disappearance, Crawford’s former law partner and Camden resident Arkansas U.S. Senator John L. McClellan was chairing hearings on the influence of the Mafia over organized labor, with suggesting that Crawford was kidnapped as part of an effort to intimidate or influence McClellan. No confirmation of that theory has ever emerged, however. Neither has any trace of Maud Crawford, who was declared dead by the courts in 1969. THE HOT SPRINGS AIRSHIP OF 1897: UFO sightings in Arkansas have been plentiful over the years, but the presence of all manner of low-flying aircraft have provided a handy explanation for most tales of flying saucers spotted by eyewitnesses in the 20th Century. That explanation doesn’t fit, however with the Hot Springs Airship of 1897, which was spotted six years before the Wright Brothers first took to the air. On May 7, 1897, a deputy sheriff and local constable were investigating reports of cattle rustling near the small town of Jessieville, just outside Hot Springs, when they reportedly saw a bright light in the sky that soon disappeared behind a mountain. The two men went to investigate and claimed they came upon what they described as a cigar-shaped craft approximately sixty feet long that had landed by a stream near Blue Mountain. As they approached, they saw a man, who later identified himself as the pilot of the craft, using a long, flexible hose to suck water into the ship. Described as tall and rail thin with a long black beard, the pilot reportedly said he and two companions were touring the country in the flying machine. He invited the lawmen aboard for a ride, which they cordially declined. When they happened back by the location later in the evening, both the craft and the man they’d seen had disappeared. It was just one of dozens of sightings of cigar-shaped flying craft across the country in 1897 and 1898, including sightings in Texarkana, Mississippi, and the famous Aurora Airship Crash of April 17, 1897, in which residents of the tiny town of Aurora, Texas claimed an airship very similar to the one reported near Hot Springs hit a windmill and crashed, with residents of the town saying they buried the alien bodies recovered from the craft in the local cemetery. THE TEXARKANA MOONLIGHT KILLER: Today, Texarkana is a bustling way station on busy I-30. Back in the winter and spring of 1946, however, it was a town in the grip of terror, whipped into a frenzy of fear by the Phantom Killer, a stealthy, masked gunman who struck by night and evaded all attempts to catch him. The Phantom’s first victims were a pair of teenagers, Jimmy Hollis and Mary Larey, who were shot in a car on the secluded “lover’s lane” on February 22, 1946. Though badly wounded by several shots from a handgun, Larey and Hollis both managed to survive. The next couple, Richard Griffin and Polly Ann Moore, were not so lucky. Exactly four weeks after the assault on Hollis and Larey, Griffin and Moore were shot in their car near where the first attack had occurred. Over the course of the three month rampage, five people would be killed and three wounded, despite the best efforts of Arkansas State Police investigators and members of the Texas Rangers, who joined forces in the hunt for the cross-border killer. The last murder attributed to the Phantom was that of farmer Virgil Starks, who was shot inside his home on May 3, 1946, with Starks’ wife, Katie, being severely wounded. Though the murders caused panic in the town, with sales of firearms skyrocketing and roving, armed posses staging decoys on lover’s lane and laying ambushes for the killer, the perpetrator was never caught, and apparently never killed again in the area after the Starks murder. A movie based on the case, “The Town That Dreaded Sundown,” was released in 1976. Whew! That’s a lot of mysteries! We’ve only really scratched the surface of these cases here, so if you’d like to dig a little deeper, there’s plenty more information to be had online. One thing that’s not a mystery, though, is where to go for the best deals on cars, trucks, vans and SUVs, and the best service after the sale: McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Springdale! With a sales lot, body shop and fully staffed service center under one roof, we’re one-stop shopping for all your automotive needs. Stop in today for a test drive, or check out our big selection of new and used vehicles online right now! Happy Halloween!

Posted in:

Mar 27, 2024 in Arkansas

Best Car Shows in Northwest Arkansas

For car enthusiasts, Northwest Arkansas offers a vibrant scene with a variety of exciting events throughout the year. There are numerous car shows in our community — some, big, some small, some absolutely massive! These shows are excellent opportunities for motorheads to showcase their prized vehicles, connect with like-minded individuals, and support worthy causes.No one appreciates a great car show more than the team at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat in Springdale, Arkansas. We’ve been around long enough to experience some of the best events that the state has to offer. If you’re hoping to catch an awesome car show in the area, check out this list of our favorite car shows in NWA! Eureka Springs Jeep Jam For Jeepers, the Eureka Springs Jeep Jam is a must-attend event. This celebration of the Jeep community lasts for multiple days, featuring several thrilling trail rides and culminating in a spectacular show. Attendees can enter their vehicles to win awards such as Best Modified Jeep, Best Interior, Most Patriotic, and more.What’s even better is that 100% of the proceeds from this event go towards supporting Peterson Outdoors Ministries, benefiting injured veterans and individuals with disabilities. Mark your calendars for the next Jeep Jam, September 12-15, 2024! How to Choose a Theme for Your Jeep Cruising the Ozarks EXPO Cruising the Ozarks is synonymous with cool car shows and events in Northwest Arkansas, including their frequent Cars and Coffee meet-ups. However, their pièce de résistance is the Cruising the Ozarks EXPO. This event includes multiple car shows, road tours, live music, and activities for the whole family. Plus, with unique attractions like lawn mower races and a drive-in movie, attendees are promised non-stop excitement. Don’t miss out on the next Cruising the Ozarks EXPO on August 24, 2024! Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend For over three decades, the Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend has been a staple for Corvette enthusiasts. As the third-largest non-commercial Corvette event in the United States, it attracts around 1,000 Corvettes annually. It seems these iconic vehicles and the beauty of NWA in the fall are a winning combination. Attending this event also helps support charitable causes in the community. Past proceeds went to organizations like the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Boys & Girls Club, and the Humane Society. Join the festivities and attend the 33rd Annual Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend from October 3-6, 2024! Historic Sites to Visit in NWA Heroes & Hotrods in the Ozarks Heroes & Hotrods in the Ozarks is not just about showcasing classic cars; it’s about honoring veterans and giving back to those who have served. Since 2019, this organization has raised over $55,000 for veteran-centered nonprofits in NWA. Their annual event features an arts & crafts festival, a live auction, and even helicopter rides! And, of course, they also have an incredibly impressive car, truck, and motorcycle show. Save the date for June 7-8, 2024! Bonus: Modern Mopar Muscle of the Ozarks If you drive a modern Dodge, Ram, or Jeep vehicle (anything 2005 or newer), this awesome club is worth a look. They host a number of exclusive events, cruises, meals, and other gatherings around Northwest Arkansas. At these meet-ups, members can bond over their appreciation of powerful and uniquely modified Mopar vehicles. If you can relate, consider joining Modern Mopar Muscle of the Ozarks today! In the Market For a New Dodge, Jeep, or Ram? In conclusion, NWA car shows offer more than just cool vehicles. They are where people can make lasting memories, impact their community, and share in their mutual passions. We hope you have a blast exploring these top-tier car shows! And if you’re ever in Springdale, Arkansas, don’t forget to visit McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat — where the love of cars is celebrated every day.

Jun 09, 2021 in Arkansas

Beautiful Arkansas Lakes to Visit in Your Jeep

Time to stretch your legs and get out of the house after a strenuous winter and social distancing. While we wait for things to get back to normal thanks to Covid vaccinations, there’s really no safer leisure activity than a long drive to enjoy the Northwest Arkansas scenery. Nothing beats taking a leisurely drive in your Ram 1500 or Ram Heavy Duty, exploring new locations or revisiting your favorite and familiar locale. McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat in Springdale, AR would like to share with you a few of our favorite outdoor hotspots that are prime examples of the Natural State’s beauty. DEVIL’S DEN STATE PARK 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74 West Fork, AR 72774 Starting our list close to home is our favorite, Devil’s Den State Park, just 50 minutes south of Springdale. For some good fishing, Lake Devil which is an 8-acre lake located in the park is a favorite spot for the locals. Also, You can rent canoes and pedal boats for a nice day out on the water. If you want to stretch your legs on land, there are several hiking and biking trails, like Fossil Flats Trailhead that will lead you throughout the surrounding Ozark National Forest. DEGRAY LAKE RESORT STATE PARK 2027 State Park Entrance Road Bismarck, AR 71929 Located near Hot Springs, AR, a four-hour drive south from Springdale, are the beautiful shores of DeGray Lake within the DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Trust us, the drive is worth it! DeGray Lake hosts tons of fun activities for the family from swimming beaches to guided horseback riding. Plus, there is a full-service marina that has bait and tackle, fuel, and boat rentals including party barges, kayaks, and pedal boats. You’ll find first-class lodging and amenities at the DeGray Lake Resort or, if you like to rough it, there are many available campsite options. LAKE CHICOT STATE PARK 2542 Hwy. 257 Lake Village, AR 71653 If you want to take the family boat and explore Arkansas’ biggest natural lake, come visit Lake Chicot State Park, the home of Lake Chicot. It’s the largest natural lake body in the Natural State as well as the largest oxbow lake in North America! Located in the delta region of Arkansas, it’s one of the favorite fishing spots for Arkansas anglers. There are plenty of park programs that include lake and levee tours. For overnight stays, there are 14 cabins and 122 campsites available for you and your family to kick back and enjoy the delta-nights by the lake. Lake Chicot State Park includes a marina, park store, and a seasonal swimming pool. There are many spectacular things to see in Arkansas and our favorites are the lakes and beaches. And there are plenty of those to visit. One of the spectacular vehicles to explore the Natural State is in a Jeep. No matter if it’s a 2021 Jeep Compass or a 2021 Wrangler, Jeep makes durable and versatile SUVs that will see you all the way through the rugged and smooth travels. Come by McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat in Springdale and begin your Arkansas adventures in the best of the best of SUVs. Browse our available selection of Jeep models and begin your journey here. CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THE MCLARTY DANIEL SALES TEAM

Jun 18, 2020 in Arkansas

Great Lakes To Visit In Arkansas This Summer!

Arkansas is a beautiful state to live in and we are proud to be residents of the Natural State. Part of that beauty is that Arkansas is home to many lakes and reservoirs, many of which offer great recreational activities. There are at least 2,340 lakes and reservoirs throughout this gorgeous state. Seen below, check out this list of some of our favorite Arkansas lakes to visit, especially on a hot summer day. So break out your swimsuit, pack up the kids and your favorite snacks, and make a day at one of the lakes that make Arkansas an exquisite place to live, work and play. BEAVER LAKE, ROGERS, AR Close to home is the gorgeous Beaver Lake located across both Benton and Carroll Counties. This 28,000-acre man-made reservoir sits right in the Ozark Mountains along the White River. It is picturesque, with a stunning shoreline made up of towering cliffs and caves, covered in various species of trees. Beaver Lake is a popular tourist destination, not only for its beauty but also for its recreational activities. There are 12 parks around its 487 miles of shoreline where visitors can go camping, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Beaver Lake also is a source of drinking water for Northwest Arkansas. LAKE DARDANELLE, RUSSELLVILLE, AR Further south is Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River that stretches through five counties in the western part of Arkansas. It is home to Lake Dardanelle State Park that sits on both sides of the lake in both Russellville and Dardanelle. The park provides visitors with picnic areas, pavilions, boat ramps, and playgrounds. In addition to parks, there is an abundance of forests surrounding the lake and plenty of camping grounds to have fun with the family. LAKE OUACHITA, MOUNTAIN PINE, AR Arkansas’ largest lake, Lake Ouachita is 40,000 acres of clean, freshwater nestled in the scenic Ouachita National Park. There is a load of fun things to do at Lake Ouachita, from scuba diving to kayaking. You’ll never run out of places to swim with the numerous beaches, open waters, and quiet coves. One activity you will never get tired of is the great fishing. Bream, crappie, catfish, and striped bass can be caught out of Lake Ouachita. Around the lake, there are plenty of day-use areas and overnight accommodation with more than 90 campsites. Arkansas has much to offer for family summer fun, this is just a very small list of beautiful destinations to visit in our Natural state. If you want to start your family’s summer vacation in a quality vehicle, contact your friends at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Springdale. Let us assist you in getting your summer started off right. Have a fun summer and we hope to see you soon! CLICK HERE TO CONTACT THE MCLARTY DANIEL SALES TEAM

EPA-estimated MPG. Actual mileage may vary.

Related Posts

Best Car Shows in Northwest Arkansas

Beautiful Arkansas Lakes to Visit in Your Jeep

Great Lakes To Visit In Arkansas This Summer!

Contact Us