The summer 2025 edition of the Jefferson County Historical Quarterly will be mailed to members of the Jefferson County Historical Society this week, says Joe Dempsey, editor and publisher of the magazine.
“We’re playing catch-up ball now with the quarterly,” Dempsey said. “We hope to have the fall edition in the mail in the next 30 to 45 days, and by spring 2026, be back on schedule.”
This is the first edition of the 64-year-old publication to be produced in full color, Dempsey said.
“In this issue, Carlton Currie gives us a fine, well researched glimpse into Pine Bluff all the way back to pre-Civil War days in a good story about his grandfather’s namesake,” Dempsey said. “We have two excellent archive articles from two former Pine Bluff mayors, J. P. McGaughy: ‘A Jefferson County dictionary of poker,’ and Dave Wallis: ‘A Most Historic Church,’ the cover story.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
A story from Richard Ledbetter, “Alas, poor compresses, we knew ye well,” takes a look at the role steam compresses played in the former land of cotton, as well as two local compresses.
“For a bonus, at the end of the story, he demystifies the distinctive Cotton Belt logo shape,” said Dempsey.
Other features include a story about the old Vesper theater, including a reprint of the dedication program. There are pictures or graphics for every story from local sources, Paul Perdue’s collection, or the Library of Congress, and internet research.
How to get a copy
Membership in the society includes receiving the quarterly by mail. Annual dues start at $20 with other membership-gift opportunities up $1,000.
“Those interested can mail a check with the member mailing address to: P.O. Box 1552, Pine Bluff AR 71613 and be added to the mailing list,” Dempsey said.