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This Day in Arkansas History

July 15, 1968

The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs (Carroll County) had its first public performance. The Great Passion Play is an outdoor drama depicting the last week in the life of Jesus Christ. More than 7.5 million people from all over the world—an average of 100,000 a year—have attended this tourist attraction, the outdoor play with the largest attendance in the United States, as of early 2011. The production includes animals, period costumes, a life-sized city, numerous special effects, original music, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and more than 200 cast members.

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Charles Watkins

Charles Watkins of Montgomery County served as the first parliamentarian of the U.S. Senate, a position he held for many years. He first went to Washington DC in 1906 to serve on the staff of Senator James P. Clarke. By 1923, he was appointed the Senate clerk, and in 1935, his duties were expanded to parliamentarian. Watkins was greatly admired for his knowledge of the procedures of the Senate, and in 1958, he coauthored Senate Procedures: Precedents and Practices. He retired at age eighty-five in 1964 and died two years later.

 

Charles Watkins of Montgomery County served as the first parliamentarian of the U.S. Senate, a position he held for many years. He first went to Washington DC in 1906 to serve on the staff of Senator James P. Clarke. By 1923, he was appointed the Senate clerk, and in 1935, his duties were expanded to parliamentarian. Watkins was greatly admired for his knowledge of the procedures of the Senate, and in 1958, he coauthored Senate Procedures: Precedents and Practices. He retired at age eighty-five in 1964 and died two years later.

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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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