Today in Hopkins County History- April 3
On this day in Hopkins County History (April 3)
1913– A cyclone (or what we now call a tornado) formed near Cumby over the Pleasant Grove community. Mr. C.W. Vaughn’s home was caught in the twister, but Vaughn himself made it to the safehouse just in time. The Cumby Rustler reported Vaughn’s furniture was flung about for approximately half a mile.
1981– Sulphur Springs growth rate was outstripping all other area towns, including Paris, Kilgore, Marshall, Tyler and Longview. From 1970 to 1980, Sulphur Springs gained 2,167 residents, bringing the population from just over 10,000 to over 12,000. Although growth doesn’t continue as fast in 2022 as it did 40 years ago, Sulphur Springs continues to be a destination to move for many.
1987– The Sulphur Springs Police Department began strategizing ways to keep large trucks away from the downtown square. Chief Donnie Lewis was spearheading a cause to redirect trucks to a designated truck route between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
1992– The Hollie Swatsell family of Como began breeding in poultry– but not the birds you’d expect. Hopkins County welcomed its first-ever ostrich ranch with the Swatsells.
1998– The city council found themselves hopelessly deadlocked regarding the library project, which they had started exactly a year earlier in 1997. The budget for the building was $1 million, but project costs for including a childrens’ area put the new budget at $1.53 million. A children’s wing was eventually added, but not before heated debates.
