Page 20 - 2025 Van Buren Chamber Community Profile

QUALITY OF PLACE

are offered on a weekly basis with a variety
of activities for that age group. The library
is a great place to create community and
is no longer the “shushing” place of the
past where a whisper and silence is all that
could be heard. Now, on any given day,
visitors can hear the laughter of a toddler
learning a new skill, or an older child
singing off key with the karaoke machine.
The library offers opportunities for
adults to connect and share common
interests such as knitting, scrapbooking,
and reading. Visitors can play dominoes,
board games, and solve a community
jigsaw puzzle at the weekly “Games and
Gab” event. New programs are offered
throughout the year and are posted to
the library’s monthly calendar, which is People attend the Health Fair, held annually at the Van Buren Public Library. Photo
available online or at the front desk. courtesy Van Buren Public Library.
A large community room is available
and residents a glimpse into Van Buren’s was in the Arkansas House at the World’s
for non-profit organizations to reserve. past. Fair in Chicago in 1893, as well as a
Businesses and educational groups may grandfather clock dating back to the 1740s.
also utilize the space for meetings and Drennen-Scott House A Steinway piano that was manufactured
The Drennen-Scott House sits high
training purposes. Other smaller meeting in 1860 is also on display. The Drennen-
spaces are available for study sessions or atop the hill overlooking the Arkansas Scott House has connections to the Trail of
small group gatherings. River. The popular tourist attraction dates Tears, the Underground Railroad, and the
For more information about the Van back to 1836, when it was constructed by Civil War, and it is listed on the National
Van Buren’s founder John Drennen. The
Buren Public Library, check the Facebook house and surrounding property were Register of Historic Places. Operated by
page or www.crawfordcountylib.org/ UAFS, the site includes a Visitors Center
passed down throughout the Drennen
History generations. In 2005, a family member and is open to the public for tours and
Van Buren residents take great pride transferred the home to the University special events.
in celebrating the town’s rich history. of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) for Crawford County Courthouse
From preserving century-old buildings to preservation and historical study. One of the city’s most recognizable
operating one-of-a-kind historic estates, In addition to beautiful grounds, the structures is the historic Crawford County
the city is home to a number of unique home is filled with incredible art and Courthouse. Constructed in 1842, it is
treasures. Such treasures give visitors antiques. Highlights include a frieze that
Continued on page 22

PRICES YOU’LL LOVE,

PEOPLE YOU CAN TRUST!

20 Van Buren Chamber 2025 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org