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This Day in Arkansas History

September 13, 1999

Determined never to become an invalid, Richard Colburn Butler Sr. committed suicide. Butler’s most famous work as an attorney began in 1956 when he was one of several lawyers retained by the Little Rock School Board to defend the district against a suit filed by the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Butler was also a lawyer, banker, real estate investor, philanthropist, and horticulturist.

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Conway County Library

Four libraries built in Arkansas between 1906 and 1915 using grants from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie carry the classification “Carnegie Libraries.” The library in Morrilton (Conway County), known as the Conway County Library, received a grant of $10,000 on September 29, 1915, with construction being completed in October 1916. At the time of the library’s opening, it had the distinction of being located in the smallest town in America to have a Carnegie library. The building is still in use as a library in the twenty-first century.

 

Four libraries built in Arkansas between 1906 and 1915 using grants from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie carry the classification “Carnegie Libraries.” The library in Morrilton (Conway County), known as the Conway County Library, received a grant of $10,000 on September 29, 1915, with construction being completed in October 1916. At the time of the library’s opening, it had the distinction of being located in the smallest town in America to have a Carnegie library. The building is still in use as a library in the twenty-first century.

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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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