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This Day in Arkansas History

April 20, 1940

Calvin Leavy was born in Scott (Pulaski County), the youngest son of fifteen children born to a musical family. Leavy, a vocalist and guitarist, recorded “Cummins Prison Farm,” a blues song that debuted on Billboard’s rhythm and blues chart on May 2, 1970, and stayed for five weeks, reaching No. 40. It was also the No. 1 song on the Memphis, Tennessee, station WDIA. Leavy was the first person charged under a 1989 Arkansas “drug kingpin law” targeting crime rings. His last performance before his incarceration was with the gospel group the Zion Five. Leavy died on June 6, 2010, in Pine Bluff (Jefferson County); he had been due to be eligible for parole in 2011. He was survived by sixteen children of his eighteen children.

Learn more about Calvin James "Slim" Leavy

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Elkhorn Tavern

Shown here prior to its restoration is the second Elkhorn Tavern, located on the Civil War battlefield of Pea Ridge (Benton County). The original structure, named for the elk horns mounted over the front door, was burned by Confederate guerillas in early 1863. The tavern was rebuilt shortly after the war using the original south fireplace and the foundation. When veterans began to visit the battlefield, the owner turned the building into a small museum, displaying battlefield artifacts on the walls. The tavern was deeded over to the Pea Ridge National Military Park in 1960 and restored to its wartime appearance.

 

Shown here prior to its restoration is the second Elkhorn Tavern, located on the Civil War battlefield of Pea Ridge (Benton County). The original structure, named for the elk horns mounted over the front door, was burned by Confederate guerillas in early 1863. The tavern was rebuilt shortly after the war using the original south fireplace and the foundation. When veterans began to visit the battlefield, the owner turned the building into a small museum, displaying battlefield artifacts on the walls. The tavern was deeded over to the Pea Ridge National Military Park in 1960 and restored to its wartime appearance.

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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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