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This Day in Arkansas History

May 3, 1899

The United Methodist Children’s Home, originally called the Arkansas Methodist Orphanage of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was incorporated. Located in Little Rock (Pulaski County), it began as a movement to create an orphanage in the denomination’s Little Rock Conference in 1897. Called in modern times Methodist Family Health, the home has expanded its services to provide children and families with a continuum of care, including an emergency shelter, therapeutic foster care, therapeutic preschool day treatment, residential homes, psychiatric residential treatment centers, a counseling clinic, and the Methodist Behavioral Hospital.

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Three of the North Little Rock Six

The North Little Rock Six were six African-American students who attempted to desegregate North Little Rock High School on September 9, 1957. Earlier, the North Little Rock School Board voted to begin integrating classes at the twelfth-grade level; however, after actions taken by Arkansas governor Orval E. Faubus to oppose the integration of Little Rock Central High School, the board halted its integration plan. Three of the six–Gerald Persons, Harold Smith, and Richard Lindsey–are shown here in 2007 at a fiftieth anniversary event. The system was finally desegregated in 1964, when eight students were admitted to elementary school.

 

The North Little Rock Six were six African-American students who attempted to desegregate North Little Rock High School on September 9, 1957. Earlier, the North Little Rock School Board voted to begin integrating classes at the twelfth-grade level; however, after actions taken by Arkansas governor Orval E. Faubus to oppose the integration of Little Rock Central High School, the board halted its integration plan. Three of the six–Gerald Persons, Harold Smith, and Richard Lindsey–are shown here in 2007 at a fiftieth anniversary event. The system was finally desegregated in 1964, when eight students were admitted to elementary school.

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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, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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