Historic figure stars at banquet

Sondra Torchia wears many hats. This year, she has the opportunity to play businesswoman and newspaper editor

Roberta Fulbright, who took on her husband’s 17 businesses after his death.

The local historian and actress takes full advantage of the chance to portray different historical figures and help out a good cause, all at the same time. Torchia, who portrayed Susan Gaskin last year, will portray Fulbright at the fourth annual McDonald County Historical Society spring banquet in April.

Fulbright was a remarkable woman in history who, following her husband’s death in the early 1920s and after raising six children — including a son who became a U.S. Senator from Arkansas — took over her husband’s 17 businesses in Fayetteville. Many businessmen intended to help poor Mrs. Fulbright run those businesses. But she relied on her own business instincts and made it through those early days to much success.

Torchia’s portrayal is just one feature of the spring banquet, set for 5 p.m. April 1 at the River Ranch Resort in Noel, Mo. Dinner is $30, or a table is $200 with all proceeds benefiting the McDonald County Historic Courthouse and Museum.

Tickets are available by sending a check, made payable to the Historical Society, to P.O. Box 572, Pineville, MO 64856. Tickets will be mailed in return. Donations also are being accepted for the auction. To donate or for more information, call (417) 223-7700.

Torchia