March is Women's History Month, and we are celebrating the accomplishments of strong women in Bentonville. From powerful women-led businesses, groundbreaking female artists and authors, as well as the driving forces behind the town's growth and evolution, this is a great time to reflect and recognize what women have done for our city.
Read on to explore ways you can support women throughout Bentonville’s past and present.
Women in Our History
Helen Walton
Not only was she the matriarch of the Walton family but also she had a massive influence over our town. From her community involvement in Bentonville to establishing a profit-sharing plan for employees, Helen has shaped many lives.
She even led the effort to start a children’s enrichment center for Northwest Arkansas because of the lack of childcare services in the area.
“Through the vision, financial support, and hard work of Mrs. Walton and other community leaders, the Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center opened its doors on September 7, 1982.” said HWCEC.
Louise Thaden
Born in Bentonville, Arkansas, Louise Thaden is a proud Arkansan and one of the greatest aviators of her time.
From being the first female pilot licensed in the state of Ohio in 1928 and becoming the first pilot to hold the women's altitude, endurance, and speed records in light planes simultaneously the very next year, to winning aviation's highest honor given to women, the Harmon Trophy in 1936, her story is so inspirational.
During her aviation career, Thaden set records and made history. In 1929, Thaden defeated colleagues including Amelia Earhart, Marvel Crosson, and Pancho Barnes in the first Women’s Air Derby—also known as the Powder Puff Derby. In 1936, Thaden not only won the Bendix Trophy Race the first year women were allowed to compete against men but she also set a new world record of 14 hours and 55 minutes from New York City to Los Angeles, California.
Thaden has left an incredible legacy for women and aviation professionals alike. We are so proud to be her hometown that we have Thaden Field House—an airport, FLY OZ Hub, a gathering place, home to Louise Cafe, and more.
Mary Mae Jones
Image Courtesy of Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Mary May Jones
Mary Mae Jones was a dedicated teacher in Bentonville for 43 years and is still remembered as an inspiration to all. Aside from her lifelong commitment, Jones was a pioneer for women in education.
Jones was one of the first teachers in Arkansas allowed to teach while pregnant—a revolutionary decision that endorsed women’s invaluable contributions to education.
In 2004, Bentonville honored her unwavering commitment with the opening of Mary Mae Jones Elementary School, an institution fostering an environment where all children can thrive.
In 2015, you might have seen her face on a box of Mrs. Field cookies! Jones was selected, among 10 others, from thousands of nominees for the “Share Your Hero” contest. The 10 nominees were then voted on publicly and Jones won! This meant her face was featured on a box of Mrs. Fields cookies and received a year's supply of cookies, as did the Jones Elementary staff member who nominated her.
Women-Owned Businesses
Eat
Markham & Fitz
Ramo d’Olivo
Sweet Freedom Cheese
Gooseberry Handmade Pies
Bentonville Brewing Co.
ArkanSeoul
Shop
Two Friends
Blue Moon
Bentonville Provisions
Third Space Coffee
Remedy Road
Hillfolk
The Perfect Choice
Oli + Meg