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This Day in Arkansas History

September 18, 1890

Hendrix College, which had been known as Central Collegiate Institute since its establishment fourteen years earlier as an ungraded school in Altus (Franklin County), formally opened its academic year after having been relocated to Conway (Faulkner County) by vote of the board of trustees the previous spring. Bidding for selection as the new site was based on pledges of financial support and land and was hotly contested by several Arkansas cities. From an initial enrollment of twenty pupils in 1876, the school has grown into one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the nation.

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St. Bernards Medical Center Ticket

In 1900, as a result of a malaria outbreak in Jonesboro (Craighead County), the Benedictine sisters at Holy Angels Convent founded what is today known as St. Bernards Medical Center. Money for the hospital came from several sources, including a form of medical insurance called “hospital tickets.” A person would be guaranteed admission to the hospital for one year upon purchasing a ticket, such as the one shown here, for the sum of nine dollars. From these humble beginnings, the hospital has become a major part of medical care in northeast Arkansas.

 

In 1900, as a result of a malaria outbreak in Jonesboro (Craighead County), the Benedictine sisters at Holy Angels Convent founded what is today known as St. Bernards Medical Center. Money for the hospital came from several sources, including a form of medical insurance called “hospital tickets.” A person would be guaranteed admission to the hospital for one year upon purchasing a ticket, such as the one shown here, for the sum of nine dollars. From these humble beginnings, the hospital has become a major part of medical care in northeast Arkansas.

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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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