Mandolin Maker John Wynn (1938 to 2010) by Joshua Heston What is Ozark culture? “Self-made,” said John Wynn, without missing a beat. “When they got here to such backwoods, hilly country that you couldn’t hardly farm because there wasn’t a level piece of land around, they had to build everything they used. They built their…
Entrance sign to Board Camp Crystal Mine near Mena, Arkansas. Mysteries at the Board Camp Crystal Mine by Margie Kay My experience at the Board Camp Crystal Mine in Board Camp, Arkansas, began long before I set foot on the property. I’d heard about this mysterious place where people said they’ve seen not only Unidentified…
PLATE 2. Hiking to Cave Spring by Joshua Heston Cave Spring in Shannon County, Missouri, has seen its fair number of canoers (the Current River flows past the mouth of the spring) as well as hikers. I had the chance to visit in April, 2010, finding it to be one of the most exciting and…
Them Hills by Candice Gage with art by Mikki Sale “Why’d you want to move to them hills?” Grammy’s dark brown eyes crinkled with quiet laughter. My great-grandmother’s present was fading, but I was old enough at twenty-six for her to know — though not as well as she still knew the Ozark hills of…
PLATE 1. Confederate Church (Methodist Episcopal Church South) was a safe haven for Confederates during and after the war. A Confederate Church & Jesse James by Clint E. Lacy You might never guess the treasures hidden in your own background. That’s what I learned after buying our house at the corner of Englehart Lane and…
Country Rain by Betsey Mae Graves with art by Mary Arneson If you grew up in the west like I did If your daddy farmed the land like mine did Then you love the rain You love the rain Hear that sound, smell the air My momma said As the thunder rolls without a care…
Editor’s note: I was challenged by a good friend to write a “creepy story” involving the nationally recognized Kewpie doll created in the early 20th century by Rose O’Neill, whose Bonniebrook estate lies just a few miles north of Branson near Bear Creek. For the record, I actually find Kewpies to be rather endearing but…
Beneath the Willow by Dalton Quick (with art by Freeman) Josiah often fell asleep beneath the willow. He would come home – his body worn physically and mentally in equal measure, his heart racing with the pains of today, his mind anxious with the thoughts of tomorrow. He would walk around the house, careful not…
The Hollister, Missouri Chamber of Commerce’s goal is to lead, serve and promote the Hollister and Tri-Lakes Area. Hollister is Missouri’s Southern Gateway to the Ozarks. We offer monthly networking luncheons at The Keeter Center on the College of the Ozarks Campus, as well as the Great Hollister Easter Egg Hunt, October’s Grape and Fall…
Twinkle Market “Twinkle Market started with a simple desire to create unique and affordable home decor, however we have evolved into so much more!” says co-owner Sidney Roach. “We are now a home and gift market located in Historic Downtown Hollister. We carry a WIDE variety of unique gifts, home decor and refurbished furniture.” Twinkle…