Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
"Where Fun, Frolic and Frivolity Reigns"
Hot Springs National Park
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 13, 2023
1. "Where Fun, Frolic and Frivolity Reigns" Marker
Norman Evans McLeod was born in Georgia in 1853 and took an interest in photography as a teenager. After college he wandered the country, finally settling in Hot Springs in 1888. He originally created McLeod's Happy Hollow Studio near Happy Hollow Spring on Fountain Street, which started as a simple novelty photo studio but rapidly grew into MeLeod's Amusement Park, a wildly popular tourist attraction.
Although McLeod sold Happy Hollow in 1908 and died in 1915, other businessmen owned and operated the beloved venue until it closed in the late 1940s. Today, the comical photographs taken in Happy Hollow and treasured by families across the country are a gentle reminder of carefree times spent frolicking in the Great American Spa. McLeod's unusual images have even found a place in the Library of Congress.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 34° 31.124′ N, 93° 2.948′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. It is on Fountain Street 1.2 miles
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Happy Hollow Spring (here, next to this marker); Happy Hollow (within shouting distance of this marker); Cold Water Springs (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mountain Towers (approx. 0.2 miles away); "A Handsome and Durable Structure" (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Zig Zag Mountains (approx. 0.2 miles away); Shortcut Trail (approx. Ό mile away); Geology Rocks! (approx. Ό mile
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 13, 2023
2. "Where Fun, Frolic and Frivolity Reigns" Marker
Two markers are found at this location. The "Where Fun, Frolic and Frivolity Reigns" Marker is seen here on the left.
More about this marker. The center of the marker contains a photograph of Norman McLeod with his photography equipment.
Two photographs on the right of the marker contain captions of "Raymond Hatfield Gardner also known as 'Arizona Bill' was a Scout, U.S. Deputy Marshal, Arizona Ranger, Pony Express rider, and entertainer in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. He authorized a book and had his own radio show in the 1930s. Gardner visited Hot Springs and Happy Hollow Studio in the 1920s." and "Besides having their pictures taken against humorous backdrops or astride stuffed exotic animals, visitors could practice their skill at a hillside shooting gallery, see more than fifty live animals in a free zoo, ride a burro-drawn trolley car, or purchase unique mementos in McLeod's gift shop."
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 13, 2023
3. Marker at Hot Springs
Marker is visible on the left of the photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 343 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
