“The Big Rock of Little Rock”
Winthrop Rockefeller is remembered as an Arkansas governor, philanthropist, and former owner of Petit Jean Mountain. His indelible mark on Arkansas is easily noted throughout the state.
Old Independence Regional Museum has a picture of “Win” Rockefeller in its collection. It is the epitome of a political campaign with Win placing a kiss atop a baby girl’s head during his 1968 campaign for governor. He won the campaign, and Arkansas profited from his immense generosity.
Running his campaign on promises of a better education system, improved roads, reform in government, and economic progress for Arkansas, which ranked near the bottom of any state ranking from education to dental hygiene Rockefeller defeated the Democratic candidate handily.
When he was elected governor in 1966, Rockefeller became the first Republican to fill that position since 1874. His contributions to Arkansas by then were renowned. He endowed school systems, was a key player in establishing the Arkansas Arts Center, worked closely with funding hospital and mental health facilities, and incentivized students to graduate from college. At that time, his contributions to different areas of Arkansas exceeded $8,000,000. He quipped, “…there is no end to worthy causes.”
Rockefeller was elected to Arkansas’ governorship in 1966 and 1968. He was selected as the Republican candidate for governor in 1970, but failed to win the election over Dale Bumpers.
Come see this adorable picture of Rockefeller and his wee potential voter for yourself at Old Independence Regional Museum. As part of the Powell-Guard collection, we have it proudly on display as part of our portion of the Smithsonian Voices and Votes exhibit. This prestigious exhibit is only available for viewing through September 5, at which time it will be returned to the Smithsonian.
