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This Day in Arkansas History

March 1, 1923

Petit Jean was established as Arkansas’s first state park by Act 276 of the Arkansas General Assembly. Situated on Petit Jean Mountain, the park encompasses forests, ravines, streams, springs, vistas, and unusual geological formations preserved almost as French explorers found them in the early part of the eighteenth century. Today, Petit Jean State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Arkansas.

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Chet Lauck

Chester Lauck was one-half of the comedy duo Lum and Abner, along with Norris Goff. The two men created the radio personalities that made them famous just before going on the air for a 1931 flood relief broadcast on KTHS radio in Hot Springs (Garland County). From this humble beginning, they went on to become one of the most successful comedy teams in entertainment history. Their down-home humor radio program was on the air for almost twenty-five years and was the first to be broadcast from Radio City in New York. Their radio success also led to their starring in six movies before retiring in the mid-1950s.

 

Chester Lauck was one-half of the comedy duo Lum and Abner, along with Norris Goff. The two men created the radio personalities that made them famous just before going on the air for a 1931 flood relief broadcast on KTHS radio in Hot Springs (Garland County). From this humble beginning, they went on to become one of the most successful comedy teams in entertainment history. Their down-home humor radio program was on the air for almost twenty-five years and was the first to be broadcast from Radio City in New York. Their radio success also led to their starring in six movies before retiring in the mid-1950s.

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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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