January 11, 1925

Betty (Flanagan) Bumpers was born in Grand Prairie (Franklin County). The family moved to Fort Smith (Sebastian County) during World War II, and later to Iowa before returning to Franklin County. Betty Bumpers, wife of former Arkansas governor and U.S. senator Dale Bumpers, is known for her far-reaching efforts to promote childhood immunizations and world peace. In 1982, Bumpers and other congressional wives founded Peace Links on the idea that ordinary American women could develop lasting relationships with women in the Soviet Union based upon a shared concern for the well-being of children and families. Peace Links gave a voice to those who were not inclined to protest in the streets yet still wanted to express their desire for peace.