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This Day in Arkansas History

August 20, 1846

James Anthony Dibrell Jr., a founder of the University of Arkansas Medical Department (now the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences—UAMS) and its second dean, was born near Van Buren (Crawford County). His father, James A. Dibrell Sr., was a prominent pioneer physician of the Van Buren area. The Dibrell home at 1400 Spring Street in Little Rock (Pulaski County) became known as “the gadget house” because of Dibrell’s love of modern devices such as doorbells, burglar alarms, and central heating. The home, today still a private residence, remains as a cornerstone of Little Rock’s Quapaw Quarter Historical District.

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T. Texas Tyler

Mena (Polk County) native David Luke Myrick, better known as T. Texas Tyler, introduced a distinctive country-and-western music style that made him a successful recording artist in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. With this style, in which many or all of the lyrics were spoken, Tyler inspired many performers who went on to greater fame, such as Red Sovine, Tex Ritter, and Jimmy Dean. Tyler died in 1972.

 

Mena (Polk County) native David Luke Myrick, better known as T. Texas Tyler, introduced a distinctive country-and-western music style that made him a successful recording artist in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. With this style, in which many or all of the lyrics were spoken, Tyler inspired many performers who went on to greater fame, such as Red Sovine, Tex Ritter, and Jimmy Dean. Tyler died in 1972.

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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, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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