Around the Square
By R. F. Rook
Written in 1917 and published in the Melbourne Times (Arkansas).

It contains names of many pioneer citizens, businesses, and businessmen located around the square in Melbourne, Arkansas.

From the Courthouse, it's forty yards or more,
To Ed Billingsley's big rock store.
This institution is run by two
Of the cleverest men we ever knew.

Mr. Ed Billingsley is the name of one,
The other is old "Dad" Landers' son.
We call the old man Uncle Gill.
And he's the oldest man upon the hill.

We've seen his black hair turn to gray
And the flush of manhood fade away,
But still like the towering tree he stands
While Government is changing hands.

We've know this man since '61,
and know the South's no finer son,
He battled in the foremost ranks,
Likes his goods and wares to show.

But now feels this truth impressed,
He did his duty with the rest.
Then look south and you will see,
The apothcary's shop of Finley, C.B.
Dr. Finley, as you know
With scanty pay and scantier thanks.

He'll sell you paper and envelopes,
Cathartic pills and other dopes,
He'll sell you these and lots besides,
And in this man you may confide.

As you go south be sure to stop
At H. F. Moser's barber shop.
He always wears a pleasant smile.
And will cut your hair in the latest style.

You will find him at his post,
And not afraid of man or ghost,
A poor penniless lad was he
The first Melbourne he did see.

But with an aim he went to work
And never did his duty shirk,
And now he owns a good estate
And will the poor accommodate.

Next down the street as you go,
Is the Grocerman, Hix, you know.
"Uncle Kinney" is always there
And of the business gets his share.
He'll sell you bacon, rice and flour,
Sugar sweet and lemons sour.

First in strength and first in rank
Is our splendid Melbourne bank.
This strong bank has cash to lend,
The needy farmers to befriend.

The doors are open from nine til three
And Harris is the man you want to see.
Godwin keeps the cash on hand
And can tell you how you stand.
He's young and active, wide-a-wake
And seems intent a name to make.

Now, if you have some corn to trade,
Call on the Millers, Gill and Wade.
They are also blacksmiths, working well,
At least that's what the people tell.
They rise as early and work as late
As any man within the state.

Next is the Estes of the Melbourne Times,
Who is always ready to print your rhymes.
He prints his paper and works his farm
And does not mortal any harm.
He has a wife who lives next door
And a half a dozen chaps or more.
He is a man who's liked by all,
Black and white, great and small.

Next is Muncy's big hotel,
Where hungry folks are fed quite well.
He'll take good care of horse or mule
And treat his guests by the golden rule.
He serves you nice in many ways
But feeds you corn on wheatless days.
He has a son attending college,
Increasing daily his store of knowledge.

Next is Geo. A. Grimmett's store,
Whose vocation is named galore.
He'll cut your hair and fix your shoes
And tell you all the latest news
Repair your bridle and harness, too,
Sell you dry goods all brand new.

Then up the street as you go west,
You run into the Powell nest.
T. P. Powell is the oldest son
Of the firm of Powell & Sons.
It's Powell & Sons and Powell & Powell,
Bud Woods Powell and Hanley Powell,
Messrs. Carl and Vernon Powell,
As nice a bunch as you can find,
Who can't see this is surely blind.

They'll buy your cotton, corn and seed,
And sell you everything you need.
They'll sell you all, for which you call,
From a sawmill large to a needle small.

Then there's Baxter, E. A.
Who always happy seems to be
He's small in stature, large in brain
And death on fevers, spasm and pain.

 

 

 

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