Worthen, Mary Fletcher

The Little Rock Athletic Association was formed in February 1882 by a group of young men for the purpose of recreation and socialization. Their first meetings were held at Bernays and Maxwell Store on the ground floor of the Capital Hotel. The organization soon leased a lot on the south side of the Arkansas River, near Main Street. Architects Harding and Bailey were chosen to design a building, which was completed later that year. This building was referred to as "The Boathouse," and the Little Rock Athletic Association was informally known as the "Boathouse Club." The club purchased several light-weight boats, which were used for boat races and for pleasure boating. Other activities included bowling, roller skating, and dances. Later, football and softball were added. The first Boathouse was destroyed by fire in 1887, when a fire broke out at the Union Cotton Compress, just west of the building. The club members contracted for a new and larger building, and chose B. J. Bartlett to design it. This building was completed in October 1889. The Athletic Association's new home was much larger than the first one. It had a bowling alley and indoor plumbing, including showers. Later, a swimming pool was added. The second Boathouse burned on April 13, 1938. By this time the club's membership had declined, and the building was not rebuilt. Four members, John F. Geister, Joe House, Jim Porter, and David Terry, Sr., remained until 1945, when they allowed the lease on the property to expire.