August 4, 1978

Clarence A. Linebarger died. Linebarger was the general manager and part owner of Bella Vista in Benton County, a successful summer resort in northwest Arkansas, from 1917 to 1952. He designed most of the resort’s amenities, including more than 500 summer residents’ cottages. The resort began to falter during the Depression. World War II caused rationing of gas and tires, so even those who had money could not travel to Bella Vista. Limited funds caused a deterioration of the resort’s facilities, and patronage dropped. The resort was sold in the early 1950s. Half a century later, the resort began transforming into a graduated retirement community. In 2006, citizens voted to incorporate, setting the stage for the next transformation for Bella Vista.