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This Day in Arkansas History

October 7, 1907

Richard Shaver was born in Virginia. Shaver was an American writer and “outsider” artist best known for his controversial stories known collectively as “the Shaver Mystery,” which were presented as nonfiction in science fiction magazines, most notably Amazing Stories. These stories, in which Shaver claimed to have discovered an ancient, sinister civilization in underground caves, led to Shaver Mystery Clubs and influenced many artists and writers, including Harlan Ellison and Phillip K. Dick. Shaver died in the Arkansas town of Summitt (Marion County), where he had moved in the mid-1960s.

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Bull Shoals Dam

Congress authorized the construction of a dam on the White River to control flooding and provide electricity in 1941, but World War II delayed construction. Work on the 2,256-foot-long Bull Shoals Dam finally began in 1947 and was completed in 1951 at a cost of $100 million. In July 1952, President Harry S. Truman formally dedicated the facility. The name “Bull Shoals” is derived from the early French, who described the area of several springs as the “boills,” pronounced by the English as “bulls.”

 

Congress authorized the construction of a dam on the White River to control flooding and provide electricity in 1941, but World War II delayed construction. Work on the 2,256-foot-long Bull Shoals Dam finally began in 1947 and was completed in 1951 at a cost of $100 million. In July 1952, President Harry S. Truman formally dedicated the facility. The name “Bull Shoals” is derived from the early French, who described the area of several springs as the “boills,” pronounced by the English as “bulls.”

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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