In my April 2018 column, I wrote of the accomplishments of the good people of Texarkana and the work they are doing to preserve their musical history and specifically their ragtime heritage and celebrate their vicinity as the birthplace of Scott Joplin and his music.
David Mallette, Executive Director of the Regional Music Heritage Center in Texarkana, with support from several dedicated local leaders and enthusiasts continues to wage an enormous public relations effort to inform the people in the Texarkana area about their legacy. And, as is often the case, it is a challenging effort to say the least. His determination and his huge contribution of personal time, effort and financial assistance is beginning to have an impact on local attitudes.
Currently Mallette is appealing for support to preserve the Orr School in Texarkana, Arkansas, where Scott Joplin studied as a youth. It seems the future of the building is in doubt and the appeal is for support to both restore the structure and to find an appropriate use for the old school.
I enjoy following accounts of their activities online, so when I recently read this rather urgent appeal from David, I took notice. When I contacted him about his appeal, he was generous in sharing his optimistic hope for the restoration project.
I distinctly remember Jerry Adkins proudly showing me Scott Joplin’s old school building, when I was invit
