50 years of excellent
- 1. 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE ARKANSAS READY MIX ASSOCIATION Local Concrete History at T. R. Pugh Memorial Park. Gone with Wind opening scene featuring 1800s look is actually concrete . Located in North Little Rock Arkansas with 80 years of durability
- 2. T. R. PUGH PARK IS UNIQUE IN FACT MANY PARK DETAILS ARE ACTUALLY CONCRETE Built in 1933 the Old Mill floors and staircases, foot bridges, seating areas tree stumps are individual concrete structures made by hand by Mexican concrete sculptor Dionico Rodriquez Located at Lakeshore Dr. & Fairway Ave.
- 3. EARLY DEVELOPMENT IN LITTLE ROCK Developer Justin Matthews used Mr. Rodriquez at both the Mill Park and Lakewood developments in Arkansas. So concrete contributed a major role in theme settings as 1939 Gone with the Wind scene shows
- 4. ATTENTION TO DETAIL His work in Little Rock was entirely made of cement. Rodriguez worked with many architects but his cement mixes and tinting methods remained mostly a secret. He layer 2-4 coats over the rougher base material , careful consideration to water-cement ratios and careful measuring of color formulas were key to success
- 5. CREATING PETRIFIED WOOD LOOKS Using mixtures of Concrete Steel reinforcement and expert Craftsmanship, in Mexico the work is called El Trabago Rustico Rodriquez work is second only to Frank Lloyd Wright on National Historic Records
- 6. CONSTRUCTION METHODS Reinforcement was placed into footings and bent at many
- 7. THE PARK WAS DEDICATED IN AUGUST OF 1933 Then Governor Charles H Brough praised both Mathews and Rodriquez at the ceremony. Dionico spoke of his other work in Texas but stated he most proud of the work completed in Arkansas. In 1986 it was placed on National Register of Historic places. Dogwoods are in bloom is excellent time to visit.
- 8. DIONICO RODRIGUEZ Born in Toluca Mexico about 1893 , though little is known about him and for all his work in the States he never learned English. It is known he began developing his talent with cement type materials in Mexican foundry. His job was to reproduce ancient looks from old European buildings. This work led Texas based Alamo cement to bring him to United States. We are not sure if he was ever married but he was a mostly loner with closely guarded secrets on his concrete mixes. He did pass some secrets to Carlos Cortez a nephew. He worked in Mexico and United States from around 1920 to 1955 he passed away December 16 1955
- 9. WORKING WITH CONCRETE It was not until the 1940s that air was first introduced into concrete construction, so it is testament to the creativity and workmanship[p that these concrete structures remain in excellent condition in central Arkansas
- 10. SUPER AIR METER Gives readings telling entrapped air from entrained air = Good air vs Bad air
- 11. OLD MILL PARK Some of Rodriquez’s work was renovated in early 1990s by a distant relative Carlos Cortez . The site is now overseen by North Little Rock Parks Department
- 12. THE MILL WATER WHEEL While when first viewed the water wheel may give the appearance of wood but actually concrete over 80 years in age. The work done by Mr. Rodriquez is termed Faux Bois
- 13. INSIDE THE MILL The 3 story structure is highlighted by stairs, handrails and floors all made to look like wood
- 14. WALKING BRIDGES IN THE PARK Was built in 1933 by Justin Matthews in honor of his friend Thomas Pugh this is how parks name came about. Architect Frank Carmean chose Dionico Rodriquez To use little known material at the time concrete to achieve a different look and setting
- 15. DIONICO RODRIGUEZ ( 1891-1955) Born in Mexico he became noted for his unique work with cement to create a construction style imitates wood. Some of his work is also at Alamo cement company with structures of fences and fountains. His work is also in San Antonio on Japanese tea garden. He has several projects on National Register of Historic places . Including Arkansas own Mill Park which has free admission. In 1940s President of Arkansas Power and Light Harvey Couch selected him for sculpture works at his retreats in Hot Springs
- 16. PARK HILL DEVELOPMENT IN LITTLE ROCK Frank Carmean architect and building construction superintendent toured the southwest where he came across Mr. Rodriguez working in San Antonio with Alamo cement company
- 17. OTHER SITES IN ARKANSAS Lakewood park Couch wood historic district in Hot Springs
- 18. BOOKS ON MR. RODRIQUEZ Seeing his work in Texas Arkansas and Tennessee Inspired Patsy Pittman Light to write a book on his work Fauzbiosconcrete.com
- 19. “ ”OWNER JUSTIN MATTHEWS Use concrete to give me a 1900s look, can you make petrified forest look Dionico who began as brick mason with little formal education, also served as apprentice for Italian artist Robles Hill who made imitation rocks. Dionico worked with straight cement with many “tricks” known only to him on mixes. To create the natural worn appearance he used his hands, forks, spoons and homemade tools. He was very selective on who helped him and he never worked off of plans or drawings. It would appear all mixes passed away with him as no records were ever seen His favorite tool was fork to carve
- 20. “ ” KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK HTTP://WWW.CONCRTEARKANSAS.ORG HTTP://WWW.CONCRETECARES.COM Thanks to past and present directors , Members and Officers 50 years OF EXCELLENCE
- 22. LEARNING OBJECTIVES MET TODAY Concrete will meet our needs when done correctly and attention to detail is followed. Support the ACI Flatwork program in Arkansas Rita will be examiner at the Kansas City Convention Contractors day APRIL 14 Kansas City