BY JACLYN ROSE –
Born and raised in South Polk County, Holly Henry is a 2004 graduate of Hatfield High School. After high school, Henry moved to Russellville, Arkansas, where she completed her degree in Hospitality Administration from Arkansas Tech University.
It was during her college career, at the young age of 19, that Henry built her first cabin on her grandfather’s land. “I am from a family of farmers so I knew I had plenty of beautiful property, but I didn’t want to have cattle, so I built my first cabin and named it Doc’s Place after my grandfather, Doc Hamilton,” Henry said.
Located on 400 gorgeous acres outside of Hatfield, Doc’s Place immediately began renting out. “I wanted to quit school and come home to work but my mom made a deal with me that she would work during the week and I would work on weekends if I would finish school,” explained Henry.
In 2006 Henry married her husband, Chase, a Fort Smith native and upon graduating college, they moved back to Hatfield in 2008. Today, Pine Meadow Cabins boasts four luxury cabins, one vacation home and two bunk houses. The Henry’s, along with Henry’s parents, George and Sandra Hamilton, who co-own some of the houses, stay extremely busy.
In addition to Pine Meadow Cabins, the Henry’s own 98 storage units at Henry Storage Units in Hatfield, and Henry spends her mornings working at the Christian Motorcycle Association, doing what Henry calls her “stress free job” in payroll and human resources. “Chase is my number one supporter. It takes a special person to be married to me because I’m always working but he’s always right there working along side me. Every time I give him another idea of something I want to start, he’s there to encourage me,” said Henry.
In 2012, the Henry’s welcomed their baby girl, Rhyen. “I know it sounds clichéd, but I never knew what love was until I had Rhyen, I thought I loved my husband and I thought I loved my parents, but she has taught me so much,” explained Henry.
Henry also serves as the current president of the Mena Lioness Lions Club. “I have served on the board for the three years prior to becoming president and I could not do it without the strong board and great group of ladies we have. We raised $20,000 last year and the majority was given back to the local community. We donate to nine different local organizations,” explained Henry. “This month on September, 30, is our big fund raising auction. It will be held at Rich Mountain Community College’s new Ouachita Center in the Carver Hall. Stewman’s Flowers is going to decorate and American Artisans and James’s Grocery are going to cater and it is going to be a great event. We are so looking forward to it.”
“We moved back to Polk County because I wanted to raise my kids here. It is safe and the people are so friendly. I look forward to the days when Rhyen starts school and we get to start back to football games and school events. I miss those days,” said Henry.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
More Stories
Author and food historian Kat Robinson coming to Mena
Defying the odds
Reflections from History and Faith: