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This Day in Arkansas History

December 24, 1937

The Wilburn family children made their first public performance, on a street corner in Thayer, Missouri. The Wilburn Brothers were among the most successful and influential sibling duos in the country music industry during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s. Brothers Virgil Doyle (“Doyle”) Wilburn (1930–1982) and Thurman Theodore (“Teddy”) Wilburn (1931–2003), who hailed from Hardy (Sharp County), were stars of the Grand Ole Opry, recording artists with over thirty albums, recipients of the only “Lifetime Recording Contract” ever given by Decca Records, and hosts of their own nationally syndicated country music show for eleven years. In addition, they were talent agents who helped launch the careers of many other legendary country music stars, including Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless, and the Osborne Brothers.

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Williford Flood

Flooding of the Spring River in northeast Arkansas is a yearly concern for citizens of small towns situated nearby. Williford (Sharp County), located less than a mile from the river, floods almost every year. Williford resident Judy Polston is shown here in 1962 standing at a corner of the Williford business district in the flood waters. A branch of the Sharp County Library can be seen in the background.

 

Flooding of the Spring River in northeast Arkansas is a yearly concern for citizens of small towns situated nearby. Williford (Sharp County), located less than a mile from the river, floods almost every year. Williford resident Judy Polston is shown here in 1962 standing at a corner of the Williford business district in the flood waters. A branch of the Sharp County Library can be seen in the background.

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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, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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