Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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This Day in Arkansas History

February 12, 1907

Roberta Evelyn Winston was born in Helena (Phillips County), one of six children of William and Anna Winston, proprietors of a general store. She began studying piano at age six. Her family relocated to Cairo, Illinois, before she was ten, and, following her arrival in Chicago in 1917, Winston played for various church functions, working with Thomas A. Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music,” at Chicago’s Pilgrim Baptist Church. Winston was one of the most significant figures during gospel music’s golden age (1945–1960). A performer and publisher, she reached iconic status in Chicago, where she influenced numerous artists (such as Alex Bradford, James Cleveland, and Albertina Walker) and had an impact on an entire industry with her innovation and business acumen.

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Tumbling Shoals Suspension Bridge

The suspension bridge built at Tumbling Shoals (Cleburne County) over the Little Red River was one of three such bridges built in the area by Henry Churchill in about 1912. Measuring some 440 feet in length, the bridge was salvaged before the waters of Greers Ferry Lake covered its location in the 1960s. One of the other bridge sites was also covered by the waters; however, the third bridge remained in use until 1989, when it collapsed, killing five people.

 

The suspension bridge built at Tumbling Shoals (Cleburne County) over the Little Red River was one of three such bridges built in the area by Henry Churchill in about 1912. Measuring some 440 feet in length, the bridge was salvaged before the waters of Greers Ferry Lake covered its location in the 1960s. One of the other bridge sites was also covered by the waters; however, the third bridge remained in use until 1989, when it collapsed, killing five people.

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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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