Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Everything from Publicity stills with text reading "The Incomparable Mr. Harvey Lee the international star of transformation in fashions foibles fancies without peer in the age-old art of female impersonation" Harvey Wilson Goodwin to White girl and boy photographed by woman in front of sign "Welcome to Arkansas Land of Opportunity" Arkansas’s Image

This Day in Arkansas History

January 29, 1897

Mary Lewis, famed opera soprano, was born into poverty in Hot Springs (Garland County). She grew up in the slums until rescued by Reverend and Mrs. W. S. Fitch, who recognized her talent for singing. Before making her debut at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House to critical acclaim in 1925, she sang in cafes and worked in silent movies. Much of her later life, however, was plagued with disastrous relationships and alcoholic binges that precipitated a decline in her fortunes.

Learn more about Mary Sybil Kidd Lewis

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Monticello Street Scene

This earliest known photograph of the Monticello (Drew County) town square, taken in 1879, presents a scene typical of an Arkansas town of moderate size. Taken by Mr. F. W. Eck from the top of a local hotel looking north on Main Street, the photo clearly shows the many wooden structures of the town of approximately 900 citizens. One of the few brick buildings, the county courthouse built in 1870-71, is shown to the right with its 110-foot-tall clock tower.

 

This earliest known photograph of the Monticello (Drew County) town square, taken in 1879, presents a scene typical of an Arkansas town of moderate size. Taken by Mr. F. W. Eck from the top of a local hotel looking north on Main Street, the photo clearly shows the many wooden structures of the town of approximately 900 citizens. One of the few brick buildings, the county courthouse built in 1870-71, is shown to the right with its 110-foot-tall clock tower.

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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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