In March 1946, Arkansas’ electric co-ops were busy restarting the rural electrification of the state after World War II greatly slowed the movement. Beyond our state, the nation and world were undergoing major changes. Here are some facts and highlights from 1946, the year the co-ops began publishing what is now Arkansas Living.
- The life expectancy in the United States was 64.4 years for males and 69.4 years for females.
- The most popular baby names included: Barbara, James, Robert, Mary, Linda and Richard.
- Harold Russell, a disabled World War II veteran, portrayed an injured veteran coming home from war in the award-winning film The Best Years of Our Lives. Russell lost both of his hands during the war.
He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.