Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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This Day in Arkansas History

October 14, 1959

Jazz pianist Alphonso “Phonnie” Trent died of a heart attack in Fort Smith (Sebastian County). Trent was a renowned jazz pianist and band leader who led the Alphonso Trent Orchestra, a group of young African-American musicians who toured the country, made several recordings, and had a lengthy engagement at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

Learn more about Alphonso E. "Phonnie" Trent Explore full history calendar

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Donald Meek

In 1974, Johnson County sheriff Donald Meeks served as secretary of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch Committee, which was organized to explore the possibility of establishing a ranch for underprivileged boys. Approximately two years later, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch was incorporated. By 2005, the organization administered four ranches located throughout the state. In 1977, a camp was established for girls, and in 1998, the name was changed to Arkansas Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranches.

 

In 1974, Johnson County sheriff Donald Meeks served as secretary of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch Committee, which was organized to explore the possibility of establishing a ranch for underprivileged boys. Approximately two years later, the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch was incorporated. By 2005, the organization administered four ranches located throughout the state. In 1977, a camp was established for girls, and in 1998, the name was changed to Arkansas Sheriffs’ Boys and Girls Ranches.

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Brick building with tall pointed tower and gate entrance Muslims Faiths and Denominations multistory building with parking lot and grounds with trees Tyson Foods, Inc. Animal Culture, Businesses Yellow brick buildings with red roofs East Camden Ouachita White woman with short hair talking to old white man with crowd in the background Judy Chaney Petty Wolf Pulaski Leaders White man in suit holding his cowboy hat leaning against a rock with sky and valley behind him Winthrop Rockefeller Governors Older African-American man in glasses and suit Clifford E. Minton World War II to Faubus Era Barbed wire fence and grass field with prison buildings and water tower in the background Cummins Unit Law Enforcement White man sitting in shirt and tie speaking into a microphone Knox Nelson State Figures African Americans lined up at "Tyronza Chapter" buildling American Red Cross Hospitals and Research Facilities Elevated view of streetscape including various buildings parking lots streetlights and trees Cabot Lonoke Multistory brick prison buildings with chimneys Arkansas State Penitentiary Law Enforcement White woman with long hair and earrings Hillary Clinton Executive Branch University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service Graduate: Professional and Trade Schools Long multistory modern building with cantilevered ends mirror tinted windows and penthouse overlooking park and river William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park Attractions (Historic and Current), Libraries and Archives "Where shall it be" newspaper clipping Choctaw Freight Terminal Land White visitors with grass pavilion and round hut on lake Heifer International Philanthropy

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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Our overview page covers everything you would want to know about our beautiful state, including state symbols, demographics, and more!

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