Today in Hopkins County History- April 5
On this day in Hopkins County History (April 5)
1892– The Cumby Rustler (or in those days as it was known, “The Rustler”) published its first edition. The town was known as Black Jack Grove, and the small periodical only contained land transactions and advertisements. It announced one community event: a confederate veterans’ reunion for the following week, hosted by Mr. W.M. Teer.
1912– The town of Brashear called for a special election on incorporation. In that year, according to historical data, the town had a population of 400 and even its own post office and two-teacher school. Brashear now has a population of about 149 and no school, although it does have a postal sub-station. The town still speaks on incorporation from time to time, most recently in 2001.
1945– Hopkins county AgriLife agent Mary Ellen Crumpler urged residents to “use oatmeal and save bread” so that more wheat could be sent overseas during WWII. “If every man, woman and child in this country will replace two slices of bread with a serving of oatmeal each week, it will mean 135,000 tons of wheat for the hungry in four months time,” Crumpler noted.
1991– As the Gulf War ended, prices for building materials spiked due to supply chain issues. This didn’t stop Sulphur Springs builders, according to city permitting’s Carol Teer. Building permit applications between March and April 1991 rose by 78%, she said.
1996– SSPD Officer Ronnie Sharp rescued a baby horned owl who collided with a delivery truck outside of town when it was learning to fly. Officer Sharp nursed it back to health at the police station before coordinating with Fish and Wildlife to get the owlet into a rehabilitation program.
