A brief history of Ravenden’s Raven, one of the most recognized roadside attractions in northeast Arkansas.
For 35 years, the Raven has kept watch over the City Of Ravenden.
The Raven was the idea and creation of Mr. Bob Clements of Ravenden.
With the help of Butch Dail, we’ve tried to retrace the story of “The Bird”.
The Raven was constructed by Mr. Clements with the help of Mr. Danny Smith in 1991. Mr. Clements was given a novelty gift, a Raven and the idea began. Mr. Clements then scaled the small gift and began construction of the Raven.
As the story goes, Mr. Clements showed up at the Ravenden Fire Department one day with a load of rebar and began construction of the Raven. Butch Dail detailed how he showed Mr. Clements how to use fiberglass and the Raven was born.
Once completed, The Raven was moved out of the fire station bay to its current location along Hwy 63.
The Raven has been vandalized over the years including a time when the Ravenden Fire Department was called out around 1am one morning after the Raven was set on fire. Although badly damaged, the citizens of Ravenden rallied around their landmark and it was rebuilt, this time stucco was used.
Side note, the culprits who set the fire were caught shortly after setting the blaze walking across the Spring River Bridge on Lawrence 107, one adult and one minor were turned in to authorities.
The Raven also made an appearance in Fox’s King Of The Hill television show, Season 4 Episode 24.
Later, Mr. Butch Dail shared that the City Of Ravenden added both flag poles and shrubs, a plaque was placed beside the Raven by the Ravenden Baptist Church. The City Of Ravenden and the Ravenden Volunteer Fire Department place decorations including the City’s Christmas Tree at the Raven’s side annually.
Our “Thanks” to Mr. Butch Dail for sharing some of the history of the Raven.