Historic Bell Tower in Tontitown

All that is left of the historic St. Joseph Catholic church in Tontitown, Arkansas. The old church was torn down a few years ago but they left the tower as a historic landmark. Tontitown is the home of many Italian immigrants who migrated in the later 1800's.  My husband's family is one such Italian family who have lived and farmed in the area for generations.  The annual Grape Festival celebrates this heritage and is a favorite festival in Northwest Arkansas. We always look forward to the homemade pasta served at the spaghetti dinner which is served every night of the festival along with grape ice cream. There are a few vineyards left and wine continues to be made and sold in a winery just down the road from the church.