In the late 1920s, Babcock discovered an additional passion: a love of nature, which resulted in the creation of a museum of natural history for her city and state. This museum was in response to critics like H. L. Mencken, who had criticized the state for its backward culture and impoverished people. As a response to Mencken’s criticism, Babcock established a quality museum to challenge the state’s reputation as a cultural wasteland.
Babcock displayed exhibits in a storefront on Main Street, Little Rock. She exhibited many interesting pieces, including “King Crowley,” allegedly an image of an early Native American, decorated with copper eyes, silver pupils, and a copper heart below the neck. Babcock was convinced of the item’s authenticity, but critics challenged her stance.
In 1927, Babcock obtained the third floor of City Hall for the newly created Museum of Natural History and Antiquities. (See UALR Seminar in Public History Files on MacArthur Park, 2012: UALR.MS.0199). In 1928, Babcock was named director of the museum and worked diligently to acquire and borrow exhibits from museums across the country. Private citizens assisted Babcock, donating pioneer and war memorabilia as well as Native American artifacts.
In 1941, The Arsenal Building at City Park (now MacArthur Park) was vacant. Babcock seized the opportunity and convinced Fred Allsopp, a prominent Little Rock citizen, to provide funds for moving the museum’s treasures into the building.
Babcock retired from her position as museum director in 1953 at the age of eighty-five and started her new life on top of Petit Jean Mountain, on land which she had purchased earlier. On April 28, 1962, Babcock celebrated her ninety-fourth birthday at her mountain home, aptly named Journey’s End. She passed on June 14 of that year while working on manuscript, a fitting end for a talented writer.
