Lively, friendly Mildred Johnson is proud to say that when Miss Laura’s Visitor Center originally opened, on a Monday, “I was there Wednesday to volunteer.”
Ever since Fort Smith’s unique welcome center was established, Mildred has been welcoming whoever comes through the door and telling them about the city. This year, she is being recognized for giving our city an incredible 5,000 hours of her time.
“It’s fun to meet people,” Mildred said. “I’ve met people from China, who came along with interpreters. I’ve met people from every state and I don’t know how many foreign countries.”
Sometimes, Miss Laura’s Visitor Center is the only stop a traveler will ever make here. Others may be beginning a stay. Volunteers lead them on a tour (rated PG) of the former brothel, give a bit of history of Fort Smith and answer questions about current opportunities visitors may enjoy. There is plenty of literature (such as this magazine) to offer visitors, to lead them onward to explore Fort Smith. There are apps to download, as well.
As she guides them through the restored Victorian-era house, the former schoolteacher asks them not rush ahead of her to different artifacts. “Don’t steal my thunder,” she cautions them. “We’ll get to that.”
Mildred also hands visitors a brochure about Miss Laura’s, itself. “Now, you can read this and see how much I lied to you,” she jokes with them.
Each guide has their own style, using the same information, but there’s only a loose script. Their individual personalities are an asset to the tour.
“Volunteering is a gift, a donation of oneself,” said Ally Dean, tasked with recruiting Miss Laura’s volunteer corps. “It is a labor of love.” She’s deeply appreciative of the four volunteers who are serving at Miss Laura’s after a long closure to the public. And her mission is steep – it ideally takes a pool of 60 to 70 people to staff the tours of the visitor center. At minimum, 26 people are required. The goal is to schedule folks in pairs to cover two shifts per day Monday-Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The shift times are 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-4 p.m.
Ally and the staff of the Convention & Visitors Bureau are continuing the tradition of showing appreciation to the volunteers, noting their length of service and making occasions to celebrate and socialize together. While Mildred previously has been presented a special clock and a diamond star necklace (as one of Miss Laura’s “Starrs”), it was Ally who noticed this faithful volunteer had given even more hours since then. Mayor George McGill was to decree a “Mildred Johnson Day” as this magazine went to press, to recognize her outstanding 5,000 hours of service.
“Our volunteers love Miss Laura's, the building, her history and legacy, and what she represents to the city of Fort Smith. They love greeting visitors, sharing the story of Miss Laura's while learning stories from all over the world, and helping those visitors choose what else they might do while they are here, from lunch and lodgings to local attractions and other historic sites,” Ally said.
She is actively recruiting more guides now, of all ages. Anyone over age 18 with time to give is invited to get in touch with her. “I can't wait to watch more people fall in love with Miss Laura's and what we do here.”
Mildred certainly loves her once-a-week shift at Miss Laura’s. She’s tickled to give men and kids a tin marshal’s star. There are souvenir certificates of health for women, replicas of historical documents from Miss Laura’s days of operation. “I give them a clean bill of health,” Mildred says, eyes twinkling. “I tell them they can charge whatever they want to.” Find out more about volunteering by calling Miss Laura's Visitor Center at 479-783-8888.
