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This Day in Arkansas History

August 14, 1958

Blues musician “Big Bill” Broonzy died in Chicago. Although Broonzy achieved fame and success in the Chicago blues scene and the folk revival in the United States and abroad, some of his earliest encounters with the blues and his earliest experiences as a performer and songwriter were in Arkansas. He spent most of his childhood in the Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) area. Broonzy had been diagnosed with throat and lung cancer, but he continued to perform until his death. Broonzy was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1980.

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Ozark Folk Center

The Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View (Stone County), a facility that preserves Ozark heritage, opened in 1973. Interest in such a facility was sparked by the success of the Arkansas Folk Festival, which had begun in 1963. Construction began in 1971, three years after Congressman Wilbur Mills was able to secure a $2.5 million grant, and the total cost of construction was $3.4 million. Twenty-four craft demonstration areas designed to showcase and preserve the crafts and folkways of the local Ozark culture are the main draw of the park.

 

The Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View (Stone County), a facility that preserves Ozark heritage, opened in 1973. Interest in such a facility was sparked by the success of the Arkansas Folk Festival, which had begun in 1963. Construction began in 1971, three years after Congressman Wilbur Mills was able to secure a $2.5 million grant, and the total cost of construction was $3.4 million. Twenty-four craft demonstration areas designed to showcase and preserve the crafts and folkways of the local Ozark culture are the main draw of the park.

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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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