I love Siloam Springs

50 Years Ago

From the Herald and Democrat in 1967

Staff Sergeant Halbert J. Tusinger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tusinger of 510 S. College St., Siloam Springs, received the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal at Travis AFB, Calif.

Sgt. Tusinger was decorated for meritorious service as a jet engine mechanic at Phan Rang AB, Vietnam. He was cited for his outstanding professional skill and initiative.

(At the time of the article) He was at Travis with the Military Airlift Command that provided global airlift, air rescue, aeromedical evacuation, air weather and air photographs and geodetic services for U.S. forces.

The sergeant is a graduate of Siloam Springs High School.

30 Years Ago

From the Herald-Democrat in 1987

The Herald-Democrat and the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce, in order to help everyone promote Siloam Springs, offered free-of-charge buttons which read "I love Siloam Springs." Anyone who wanted one (or more) of the buttons could pick them up at The Herald-Democrat at 101 N. Mt. Olive or the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce at the corner of Broadway and University.

Gary Ward, Publisher of The Herald-Democrat, said he hoped that those who are employed in Siloam Springs would wear one of the buttons to show off their civic pride to prospective customers.

The promotion's two sponsors purchased 500 of the buttons for distribution.

10 Years Ago

From the Herald-Leader in 2007

In May 1991, when a young Don Warden was hired as director for Siloam Springs Museum, he had no way of knowing that 16 years later he would still be dedicating his life to the discovery and preservation of local history.

Stepping into his new position as the museum's only full-time employee, Warden immediately submerged himself in the artifacts and historical wealth that waited within the museum walls.

"Going from a student with some experience to being over an entire museum was quite a transition," Warden said.

"I was comfortable with exhibits from previous experience but they sure don't teach you double-entry bookkeeping in grad school."

A graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Warden entered his new career with a Master of Arts in anthropology, with an emphasis in museum studies. He learned about the job opening from another UA graduate student who had applied for the position.

After leaving the interview with a good feeling, Warden was asked to be the director of the Siloam Springs Museum within just two years of completing university studies.

More than a decade later Warden said he had ironed out the majority of the bumps that accompany a drastic vocational change.

"Of course, I'm still learning which keeps things interesting," Warden said.

"I could be in this job for a hundred years and never learn everything," Warden said. "History continues to happen."

Community on 10/18/2017