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This Day in Arkansas History

April 30, 1965

Lillian Dees McDermott, social worker and community leader, died at her home in Little Rock (Pulaski County). Referred to as the “dean of social workers in Arkansas,” she was the first person in Arkansas to become a certified professional social worker. Throughout her lifetime, McDermott received many awards recognizing her accomplishments. She was named Little Rock’s most useful citizen in 1936. The Pilot Club named her woman of the year in 1942 for her work with members of the armed forces and their families. In 1961, McDermott was elected woman of the year in Greater Little Rock in the Arkansas Democrat’s annual poll.

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"Fayetteville Polka" Sheet Music

“The Fayetteville Polka” (1856) is the first published piece of sheet music written by an Arkansan. Austrian immigrant and composer Ferdinand Zellner, who became a resident of Fayetteville (Washington County) and a professor at the local Fayetteville Female Seminary in 1852, is said to have written the music to honor his adopted home. The polka was well received at the time and is often played by musicians in northwest Arkansas at area functions.

 

“The Fayetteville Polka” (1856) is the first published piece of sheet music written by an Arkansan. Austrian immigrant and composer Ferdinand Zellner, who became a resident of Fayetteville (Washington County) and a professor at the local Fayetteville Female Seminary in 1852, is said to have written the music to honor his adopted home. The polka was well received at the time and is often played by musicians in northwest Arkansas at area functions.

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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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