Delight, Arkansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Delight, Arkansas
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Location of Delight in Pike County, Arkansas.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Pike |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.55 sq mi (1.43 km2) |
| • Land | 0.55 sq mi (1.43 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 361 ft (110 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 288 |
| • Density | 522.69/sq mi (201.65/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
71940
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| Area code(s) | 870 |
| FIPS code | 05-18100 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2404211 |
Delight is a small town in Pike County, Arkansas, United States. In 2020, about 288 people lived there. It's known for its friendly community and interesting past.
Contents
History of Delight
Delight became an official town many years after Arkansas became a state. The first people known to live here were the Quapaw Indians. Later, white settlers started building homes near Wolf Creek.
Early Settlers and the Post Office
Some of the first families in the area included the Kirkhams, Kelleys, and Dixons. In 1832, a post office was opened. It was called "Wolf Creek." This post office was a mail stop between Little Rock and Washington, Arkansas.
How Delight Got Its Name
In 1873, Samuel Hasley bought the land where Delight now stands. Later, the land was sold to Abner H. Hancock, and then to David Mobley. His family kept the land until 1860.
In 1895, a railroad company bought land to build tracks through the area. Everyone was excited about the new train service! A spot for the train station was chosen. William H. Kirkham, a veteran, had given the land for the town. So, he got to choose the town's name. He said, "This is such a delightful place to live!" That's how the town got its name: Delight. The town officially became incorporated on July 25, 1904. John Brock was the first mayor.
Growing Industries and Businesses
The new railroad brought new businesses to Delight. R.B. F Key started a sawmill and planer in 1897. They cut down trees and made lumber. This lumber was used to build new homes in Delight. It was also shipped far away by train.
The town also had large amounts of gravel nearby. So, carloads of gravel were shipped out too. Key built a big hotel for traveling salespeople. Many new stores opened. Some of the first shop owners were A. E. Westbrook and the Geiser brothers. O. L Mckinney opened the first cold drink stand.
As Delight grew, it needed a doctor. Dr. Rice was the first town doctor in 1903. Other doctors like Dr. Rodgers also helped the community. Ed Brewer became the first postmaster.
Changes Over Time
Around 1909, the Blakely brothers bought the sawmill. But soon, most of the trees were cut down. The sawmill business closed. People then focused on farming, with cotton as a main crop. The 1920s were good years for Delight.
However, the Great Depression hit in 1930. Like many towns, Delight faced hard times. But people didn't give up hope. In 1936, the Ozan Lumber Company built a new, large sawmill. By 1937, the town was busy again. New houses were built, and Delight became a busy mill town once more.
Education in Delight
Students in Delight go to schools in the South Pike County School District. This district runs Delight Elementary School. Older students attend Murfreesboro High School.
School History
Delight used to have its own school district. It had Delight Elementary and Delight High School. But in 2010, the Delight district joined with the Murfreesboro School District. This created the South Pike County School District.
Delight High School's sports teams were called the Bulldogs. Their colors were blue and gold. Basketball was very popular in Delight. The Bulldogs won state basketball championships in 1955, 1964, and 1994. The Lady Bulldogs cheerleaders also won a state title in 2002.
Delight High School closed in 2010 because there weren't enough students. Now, some students go to Murfreesboro High, which is 12 miles away. Others go to Blevins High School, about 15 miles away.
Delight also had a special school called a Rosenwald School. These schools were built to help educate African American children. In 1965, Delight High School joined with Simmons High School from Okolona.
Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 539 | — | |
| 1920 | 391 | −27.5% | |
| 1930 | 408 | 4.3% | |
| 1940 | 481 | 17.9% | |
| 1950 | 574 | 19.3% | |
| 1960 | 446 | −22.3% | |
| 1970 | 439 | −1.6% | |
| 1980 | 431 | −1.8% | |
| 1990 | 311 | −27.8% | |
| 2000 | 311 | 0.0% | |
| 2010 | 279 | −10.3% | |
| 2020 | 288 | 3.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2014 Estimate |
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The population of Delight has changed over the years. In 1910, there were 539 people. The number went up and down. By 2010, the population was 279. In 2020, it grew slightly to 288 people.
Famous People from Delight
- Jimmie Lou Fisher: She was Arkansas's longest-serving state treasurer. This means she managed the state's money for a very long time.
- Ralphie May: A well-known comedian. He often talked about spending his childhood summers at his grandfather's farm in Delight.
- Scott Reeves: An actor and country music singer.
- Gus Wingfield: He was a former Arkansas state treasurer and state auditor. He moved to Delight when he was a child.
See also
In Spanish: Delight para niños
