Black and Arnold Lumber Co., Corning

Black & Arnold Lumber Company probably in 1900, Corning, AR.  From left, Fred Arnold, J.W. Black, C.R. Black.  “J.F. Arnold” “Bub Arnold”.  Dorlene Arnold estate.

"A sketch of Corning, made in 1876 by Dr. W. B. Harb, locates stave factories and saw mills on the west bank of Corning Lake, so that part of the city has been saw mill territory for the 100 years of Corning life.

"In 1904 the Black and Arnold Lumber Company operated along the shores and the above picture was made of the new firm, J. F. Arnold, left, and J. W. Black, right.  In the center of the picture stands J. W.'s son, Charles R. Black, Sr., who had just graduated from Corning High School.  C. R. Black replaced Arnold and the firm of J. W. Black Lumber Company had arrived...  and is still doing business on the old lake grounds.

"The picture had been made before dredge boats had been thought of, so the level of Corning Lake was far higher than it is today.

"The Black family had arrived in Corning in 1894 from Marion, Illinois, and C. R. Sr.'s first job in Corning was opening gates for teams hauling ice that was being cut from Corning Lake.  Wages were 50 cents per day.  The Black home, the first dwelling in South Corning, the Geisler Addition, stood on the corner of Second and Arnold and still stands across the street South, replace by a new home in 1912 that burned in the 1950's [sic]."

Black & Arnold Lumber Company in 1900, Corning, AR.  Man with stick is J. W. Black, to his right is Fred Arnold.  Far right with floppy hat is C. R. Black.  “J. F. Arnold.” Dorlene Arnold estate.

Black & Arnold Lumber Company in 1900, Corning, AR.  At left, Fred Arnold, third from left is J. W. Black.  “Bub Arnold” “Black & Arnold Lumber”.  Dorlene Arnold estate. 

Submitted by Danny Moore