Chris Dorer, local resident and historian of Little Italy, was approached by the publishers of Arcadia Publishing to do a pictorial book on the community of Little Italy's early days, pre-1970. From the Arcadia website: "The Images of America series chronicles the history of small towns and downtowns across the country. Each title features more than 200 vintage images, capturing often forgotten bygone times and bringing to life the people, places, and events that defined a community."

"Local authors transform dusty albums and artifacts into meaningful walks down memory lane. Millions of vintage images become tiny time capsules, re-establishing memories of the formerly familiar, introducing generations to what once was, and reminding us all of what has been (and can be) in every corner of our nation. The popular series has expanded over time to preserve and celebrate additional worthy topics including local landmarks, architecture, ethnic groups, and more."

Mr. Dorer has published his own work on the history of Little Italy, Boy the Stories I Could Tell: A Narrative History of the Italians of Little Italy, Arkansas. Winfield, KS: Central Plains Book Manufacturing Co., 2002.

If you have vintage photos you would like to be included in this special edition of the Arcadia Images of America series, contact him via email. He needs pre-1970 photos of all the families and this could include gatherings, pictures of houses and buildings, spaghetti dinners, religious events, daily activities in Little Italy, etc.

Source: Little Italy Arkansas