Arkansas Listings in the National Register of Historic Places

Abstract

The Commercial Building Designs of Charles L. Thompson CHARLES L. THOMPSON is one of the most celebrated architects in our state's history. He was born in Illinois in 1868. By the time Thompson turned fourteen, both his parents had died, and young Thompson went with his siblings to live with relatives in Indiana. He had to quit school at an early age to help support his family. He found a job assisting an architect who quickly recognized the young man's natural talents and set him to work doing architectural drawings. Although he received no formal education in architecture or design, Thompson was an avid reader and taught himself how to be a draftsman. In 1886, Thompson presented himself for interviews with architectural firms in several states, including at the Benjamin Bartlett firm of Little Rock. One can only imagine Bartlett's reaction at having seventeen-yearold Thompson show up on his doorstep and announce that he was ready to go to work as an architect. But Bartlett gave the youngster an opportunity to prove himself at the drafting table. Bartlett, it turned out, needed a new architect. His former chief designer, Max Orlopp, had recently left to open his own office (Orlopp would come to be known for having designed numerous buildings in Arkansas and Texas, including the Hornibrook House in Little Rock). Thompson's subsequent career spanned many decades, and he would be affiliated with several partners. When Bartlett moved to Mississippi in 1890, Thompson bought Bartlett's interest in the firm. In 1938, after fiftytwo years as a professional architect, Thompson announced he was retiring in order to devote more time to other interests. He died in 1959 at the age of ninety-one. Thompson was an extremely prolific designer, and many examples of his work still exist. Due to Thompson's stature as an architect, most of these surviving designs are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. His work included not only many private residences, churches, and public buildings but also commercial structures. A building intended for commerce uses its styling to convey a message to those who see it. The corporate headquarters for a multinational company may want to make a statement about the firm's size and importance to the economy by occupying a huge, expansive structure with thrilling decorations. A financial institution, on the other hand, might prefer to emphasize its conservative nature with design elements borrowed from the classical world. Historic bank buildings frequently resemble Greek and Roman temples, underscoring their devotion to longevity and continuity and hinting at prudence in long-range financial planning for customers. The Farmers State Bank at Conway in Faulkner County, designed in 1918, is a good example of this reliance on classical design to make a statement about the institution (this and other Thompson-designed properties discussed in this article were listed on the National Register on December 22, 1982). The facade of this building features four monumental columns as part of an overall design that pays homage to the ancient world. These columns, however, are engaged, meaning they are attached to the wall, which is not authentically classical but less expensive. The effect is to convey a sense of stability to design, precisely what a bank would want its clients to associate with the business. Another large, imposing, Thompson-designed building is the First National Bank of Morrilton in Conway County. This is the tallest building in town, rising five stories. …