Ozark Hills & Hollows April • May 2016

APRIL • MAY 2016

32

Pedal Trails You'll Love

Two Wheels and a Lot of Fun

45

Moonshine in Arkansas A Short History

42

Put Some Spice in Your Life Black Pepper Recipes

APRIL • MAY 2016

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April • May 2016 | 3

Ozark

Hills Hollows

CELEBRATING HERITAGE, FARM AND HEALTHY LIVING IN THE HEART OF AMERICA

Our hope is to provide a window into the lifestyle, passions and beauty of the people and activities that are going on all around the Ozark communities we live in.

Our publication is widely available throughout southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

Please enjoy our April • May issue -- and if you want to support us, please do so by advertising!

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS Brandi Newton ozarkhhbrandi@gmail.com 501-690-5999

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI Rob Lotufo ozarkhillsandhollows@gmail.com 417-652-3083

Our readers are your customers!

Ozark

Hills Hollows Celebrating Heritage, Farm and Healthy Living in the Heart of America PUBLISHER Rob Lotufo ozarkhillsandhollows@gmail.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sherry Leverich ozarkhheditor@gmail.com DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Veronica Zucca ozarkhhart@gmail.com

WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTORS Katrina Hine Jerry Dean Kim Mobley Nahshon Bishop Amanda Reese Stan Fine Kayla Branstetter Beckie Peterson Layne Sleeth PROOF EDITOR Barbara Warren

FACEBOOK Ozark Hills and Hollows Magazine TWITTER @ozarkhillhollow INSTAGRAM ozarkhillsandhollowsmagazine ONLINE www.issuu.com/ozarkhillsandhollows

www.ozarkhillsandhollows.com

Ozark Hills and Hollows is published bi-monthly by Exeter Press. In the pages of Ozark Hills and Hollows magazine, we hope to capture the spirit of country living in our beautiful region. Please feel free to contact any of our staff with comments and questions, and pass along any story subjects or ideas to our editor at ozarkhheditor@gmail.com. 417-652-3083 Exeter Press, P.O. Box 214, Exeter, MO 65647 4 |

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COVER: Blessed with beautiful scenery, wonderful weather and trails purposely developed, bike-riding for leisure and exercise is becoming increasingly popular in the Ozarks. Pack up your pedals and glide a local trail today.

Mabyn Ludke Photography www.Mabyn.com

Inside:

APRIL • MAY 2016

FEATURES: 18

Camp Rock Haven

36

Culinary Crickets

45

Moonshine in Arkansas

52

Kendrick House

64

Goodbye Sweet Sister

On the James River

A Chirp in Your Burp A Short History

Shadows from the Past A Flood Water Tragedy

IN EVERY ISSUE:

PLUS:

12

From the Ground Up

23

Gear & Gadgets

14

A Horsewoman's Journey

24

Celebrate with Us!

16

Backroads and Byways

28

Market Openings

32

Pedal Trails You'll Love

34

The Bicycle

21

Ready, Set, Grow!

He Moves Me

The Second Kick of the Mule

Talk To Me Plain Mindful Fishing

Help For Shooters

First Annual Barn Banquet Fresh Food and How to Fix It Two Wheels and a Lot of Fun

22

4 Flies

31

In the Shop

42

Black to the Basics

40

Good For You

56

Repurposing Revolution

60

Talking Turkey

62

Holler From the Hills

50 58

Spring Ozark Waters Blue's Bikes Mark Cox Tiny and Mighty Chia Seed

Among the Wildflowers Stalking the Wild Geranium

From the Hollow I Love the Ozarks

Part I, Getting Started The Under-Appreciated Black Pepper Trellis from Relics

Romancing the Wild Gobbler From Our Readers

April • May 2016 | 5

Celebrating Heritage, Farm and Healthy Living in the Heart of America

The best of the Ozarks, right to your mailbox.

SUBSCRITION ORDER FORM

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Please sign me up for 6 issues of Ozark Hills & Hollows magazine for $24.00 Ozark Hills & Hollows is published bi-monthly. In the pages of Ozark Hills & Hollows magazine, we hope to capture the spirit of country living in our beautiful region.

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Hills Hollows Please fill out this portion and send, along with a check payable to Exeter Press or a money order to:

Exeter Press, P.O. Box 214, Exeter, MO 65647 • 417-652-3083 Email: ozarkhillsandhollows@gmail.com

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April • May 2016 | 7

About Our Contributors: Christine Smith is a writer living in Joplin, Missouri. Born and raised in Chicago, she has been calling southwest Missouri home for the past two decades, and has developed such a fondness for the area that in 2013 she started a blog called Joplin MO Life, where she writes about the unique people, places, and things that she stumbles upon while exploring the Ozark region. When she's not writing, Christine can be found behind the wheel of her minivan taking her three daughters to various activities or, on a rare free weekend, hiking with her husband and children somewhere in the Ozarks.

Steve Parker is a relatively new transplant to NWA. Growing up in the farming country, he received his teaching degree in Nebraska before venturing to Arizona where he continued his education and teaching career. He and his wife Angie love to travel and have been to many countries around the world – but always look forward to coming back to the Ozarks Living in Fayetteville, he has become a rabid Razorback fan, a blues fan and enjoys the great food in the area. He loves to cook, ride his bike on the beautiful trails and... just enjoy life.

Sherry Leverich is a native Ozarkian.

Born in northwest Arkansas and raised in southwest Missouri, Sherry grew up on a dairy farm where she developed a love for agriculture and all things outdoors. She writes, farms and gardens on a small homestead with her husband and three sons, and raises produce for a local farmers market with her mom.

Veronica Zucca has been an Ozarks resident for 10 years, moving from the sandy city of Virginia Beach, Va. She and her husband raise their two children in a quiet hollow in Southwest Missouri.

When she’s not working as a freelance graphic designer, she enjoys time with her family -- taking in everything the beautiful Ozarks has to offer.

Kim McCully-Mobley is a local educator, writer, self-described gypsy and storyteller with a home-based project dubbed The Ozarkian Spirit.

The essence of this project is anchored in keeping the stories, legends, lore and history of the Ozarks region alive for the generations to come. She makes her home in Barry County on the Mobley Chicken Ranch with her husband, Al. She is always looking for that next adventure on the backroads and byways.

Nahshon Bishop grew up in southwest Missouri around small family farms. Since the age of nine he has been working for Bishop’s Lawn Care and Landscaping. In 2011 Shon graduated from College of the Ozarks with a degree in Horticultural. He has been working for Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in the Southwest Region of Missouri since 2011. Currently, he is the Small Farm Specialist for the Innovative Small Farmers Outreach Program (ISFOP) which serves southern Missouri counties. Shon also owns and operates Bishop Gardens L.L.C with his wife Heather, which sells early season tomatoes and strawberries, as well as cut flowers to the public.

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Jesse Woodrow lives on a small farm in southwest Missouri, where he enjoys building things, gardening and spending time outdoors. He chronicles his mini-adventures in hunting, fishing and self-sufficient living through writing and photography. He loves to cook, eat and visit with friends. His current passions include establishing a Boer goat herd, training a couple of nutty Beagle pups and renovating a forty acre cattle ranch and home.

Stan Fine is a resident of McDonald County in Missouri. Born in Long Beach California, he spent his childhood in the west, but went to high school in St. Louis. He then married his high school sweetheart, Robin. There they raised their two sons, David (who passed away with cancer in 2006) and Rob. Stan was a Detective Lieutenant in a St. Louis suburb and attained a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management, and a Master of Science in Administration. He retired in 2006 and he and Robin moved to Noel. Robin passed away, due to cancer, in 2013 after 46 years of marriage. Stan now plays golf, substitute teaches, and writes, especially in the wee morning hours.

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

H

ere in the Ozarks, VERY EARLY SPRING there wasn’t KATHERINE MANSFIELD much winter to The fields are snowbound no longer; thaw out this There are little blue lakes and flags of tenderest green. year. The spring The snow has been caught up into the sky – rains have come, and the ground So many white clouds – and the blue of the sky is cold. is warming up. As I write this, Now the sun walks in the forest, there are murmurs of a last ditch He touches the bows and stems with his golden fingers; snow coming in from Kansas, They shiver, and wake from slumber. but more likely it will turn to a Over the barren branches he shakes his yellow curls. light rain. We’ve got the garden Yet is the forest full of the sound of tears.... spots tilled and ready for planting.

A wind dances over the fields.

The pasture is all greened up, Shrill and clear the sound of her waking laughter, and looking beautiful. We’ve had Yet the little blue lakes tremble a good calving season, and our And the flags of tenderest green bend and quiver. little heifers are growing healthy and strong. Our chickens are enjoying scratching up the ground, looking for grubs and worms. We are getting way more eggs than we can eat, so our youngest son is selling them up at church. All is well on our little homestead in southwest Missouri.

We have some new contributors that we are very proud to introduce to you, one is Tom Koob, a published author and aficionado of the History and Fishery of Table Rock Lake.

We’ve got the scoop on local farmers markets, and are preparing a special Farm to Table event that we are launching – we hope to continue it for years to come. We’ve got some great stuff about biking and trails in our area, edible cricket farming, Ozarks folklore, turkey calling, real moonshine, lots of great food and cool places to visit. Springtime in the Ozarks is a wondrous time, with beautiful weather and lots of interesting things to do. We hope you can make the most of it, and maybe we can inspire you to try something new, visit a fascinating place, or just soak up the sunshine. Enjoy your time visiting Ozark Hills & Hollows.

Robert Lotufo Publisher, Exeter Press

April • May 2016 | 9

About Our Contributors: Tom Koob is a city boy who relocated to southwest Missouri to pursue his love of the outdoors and fishing. Tom and his wife Cindy have lived in Shell Knob on Table Rock Lake for 25 years. He enjoys studying and writing about the history of the Ozarks. Some of his work is published in his book Buried By Table Rock Lake.

Mary Lowry, originally from California, has made her home in the Ozarks for nearly 30 years. She lives on a small farm, which she loves, with her husband, and two teenagers – and is still learning to garden. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in dietetics from MSU, is a R.D., L.D. and a massage therapist. She has a passion for nutrition, and encouraging others and herself to heal and be whole – body, mind and spirit.

Wes Franklin is a born native of the Missouri Ozarks, where he has lived all of his life. He enjoys reading and writing about local history, especially Ozark folklore and culture, as well as classic literature. He also enjoys shooting blackpowder weapons. He is closest to heaven when roaming the hills and hollows of his beloved Ozarks.

Amanda Reese has spent most of her life training and teaching with horses.

She has also studied journalism and is currently working on two books centered around her love of horses and God. When she is not riding or writing, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters on their farm.

Layne Sleeth is a wildlife and environmental educator, writer, and aspiring homesteader. She grew up in Shell Knob, Mo., and now dwells in the woods of Northwest Ar., with her husband, Brian. In her free time Layne can be found reading, gardening, and planning her next travel.

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Hills Hollows FACEBOOK Ozark Hills and Hollows Magazine TWITTER @ozarkhillhollow INSTAGRAM ozarkhillsandhollowsmagazine ONLINE www.issuu.com/ozarkhillsandhollows

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groundUP From the

A GARDEN COLUMN BY SHERRY LEVERICH

Till it and Fill it ARE YOU GETTING THE FEVER?

The irresistible urge to get your hands in the freshly dug dirt – and plant something?

Maybe you are a garden veteran, or maybe you are venturing into unturned earth... either way, here are a few tips on digging up a new garden spot.

SEE OUR TILLER TUNE-UP TIPS ON PAGE 49

WHERE TO BEGIN. Locating the spot for your new garden space can be one of the most difficult decisions. Whether you decide on going with a traditional rectangle shape with straight rows, or something a little more modern, think about size and working with the surrounding area. If your yard has large trees, keeping a garden outside the footprint of the tree (basically the perimeter around the tree where the branches extend) will help, especially in the summer months when trees pull a lot of water. If it is a garden that you want to irrigate, consider how far away your water source is.

Garden planning, whether you are talking about flowers, herbs or vegetables and fruit, have become very integrated since “front-yard” gardens have become popular. Consider planting a variety of plants. Flowers bring pollinators, like bees and butterflies – and can sometimes deter predator bugs that plague vegetable plants.

Once you have set the garden shape and boundaries, sum up the situation. Is there existing grass? Grass equals sod, which is very difficult to till up. Here are three different methods: 12 |

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1

Smother the grass and let it rot over time. Simply covering the grass with thick, dense mulch will kill the sod, and enrich the soil – though it will be the next garden season before it has decayed enough to till and work up the soil.

During the sod-decomposing process, planting plants within the mulched area will work. Perennial plants work well for this, as well as potted, established annual flowers and vegetables. This is not a good method for seed planting in the first year.

2

Use a shovel and remove and compost grass and sod. After the sod is removed, tilling and digging in the garden is no problem. Till, remove large rocks (which we have plenty of here in the Ozarks!), and prepare rows or beds for planting seeds or plants. Once the grass/sod has been composted, it can be added back to the garden. This is great if you want to establish a row garden where you will use be planting seeds, or small plant starts.

3

Turning it over. Another way to remove sod and improve garden soil quality is to simply use a shovel to turn the earth over. Starting from the edge of your garden space and working inward, use the shovel to dig out large clods of sod/ dirt and flip it over so that the grass is upside down in the space. After your garden is all turned over, the exposed dirt can be scratched up with a rake and planted in seeds or plants. By the next garden season, the hidden sod should be well-composted enough to bring the tiller into the garden to work up the garden completely.

An April or May afternoon spent in the sunshine digging and planting always leaves me with satisfaction. I'm planning on growing a few rows of a heritage corn this summer to grind into a coarse, tasty cornmeal this fall. I'll keep you posted and share some hearty cornmeal recipes. Until then...get those plants and seeds in the ground – they won't grow unless you get them planted! I can already taste that first summer-ripe tomato!

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Prep the tomatoes, garlic, and basil and set aside.

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Add the chicken back in to soak in the sauce for a few minutes. Just before serving, stir in the basil. Top servings of pasta with the chicken and the sauce.

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foresterfarmersmarket.com April • May 2016 | 13

A Horsewoman’s Journey

BY AMANDA REESE

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He Moves Me “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

James 1:22

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climbed on the bay mare and with a light squeeze asked her to move out.

Pinning her ears and resisting, she made it quite clear she did not want to move her feet. I tapped her on the hindquarters and she kicked out. I persisted and drove her forward. She hopped around the pen. Eventually, she smoothed out into a nice lope.

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movement. To help a horse progress in training, a horse must respond to a rider’s cues. Training would be pointless if a horse merely heard or felt the riders cue and did not respond to the cue.

My goal as a trainer is to teach each horse to willingly and promptly respond to my cues. This means the horse must trust and respect me enough to allow me to dictate his movement; thereby, the horse becomes not only a hearer but also a doer.

When people initially hear the good news of Jesus dying for their sins, an opportunity is open to them. In Christ, people can become right with God. No matter what a person has done, forgiveness is available. Jesus’ death on the cross was payment of our human sins. It cancelled our debt. This was God’s way of showing us his forgiveness.

In Romans 10:13 we are told, “For whosoever call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” After hearing the good news of Jesus Christ and realizing your sin and your need for a Savior, become a doer by calling out to Jesus and asking him to save you. Once you have received, by faith, His free gift of salvation you are now adopted into the family of God. A child of the most-high King who will move you into the great plan He has for you and your life.

Remember the walk with Christ is exactly that, a walk that involves movement and doing. There are times that God tells us to be still, but remember just hearing God’s word is not enough. Not responding to God’s spirit and his word is to deceive ourselves.

Let God move you, and in the process He will develop your character as you do all He has for you in Christ.

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Backroads Byways

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BY KIM MCCULLY-MOBLEY

The Second Kick of the Mule

T

he 80+ of us gathered at Boone Tavern Restaurant & Hotel in Berea, Kentucky, one hot Friday night a few years back. We represented an eclectic mix of journalists, freelance writers, authors, educators, scholars, historians and colleagues attending a conference at the University of Eastern Kentucky in Richmond. I was busy soaking up the ambience of the taverns namesake: ole Daniel Boone himself.

We had immersed ourselves in the culture, lore, tourism, history and industrial needs and offerings of the region for three long days, which had included field trips to the bluegrass region, a distillery, a stud farm, old and new capitol buildings, a surface coal mine and a tedious jaunt to the Appalachian Mountains for a unique glimpse of a place called Appalshop in Whitesburg. The folks at Appalshop mesmerized us with their dedication to preserving the stories, history, traditions and values of the mountain people.

As dinner wound to a close, a slightly built, smiling, older gentleman took a stand and began to talk to us about the humor, traditions, culture and values of the Appalachian people.

Intrigued, I dug around in my bag for yet more paper as his contagious laughter, quick wit and charming method of delivery captivated us for over an hour.

Loyal Jones is an author, scholar, researcher, storyteller and public speaker. Well known in his own region, he has spent a lifetime studying the resiliency and optimism of the mountain people of Appalachia. When I looked up his biography online, I realized he received his master’s degree in education the year I was born: 1961.

As big business, coal mines and bankers focused on money and power a century ago, the mountain people of Appalachia clung to the steep, rocky soil as a legacy. Whatever shape it was in, the land helped mold, shape and define them into the resourceful people they came to be. Like the hillbillies of the Ozarks, the Appalachian hillfolk stereotypes got blown out of proportion through the years with the attention of national media and well-meaning politicians often appalled at the living conditions or literacy rates viewed at the surface level.

Below that surface, Jones said a quaint form of optimistic humor grew out of the hills and became a strong, coping skill for poverty, illness, loss and the never-ending struggle to survive in a region that found thousands leaving for the industrial opportunities in Illinois, Michigan or Ohio. Ironically, several of those who left decades ago to find jobs in other places have since retired and returned home…home to their roots, home to their values, home to the changing seasons, home to where the rugged hillsides and small towns still manage to call out their names.

Jones regaled his audience with a litany of jokes and stories, most of which had people wiping their eyes with their napkins or nodding in agreement as the next story started. One particular quote My great-grandparents – Tom and Mattie Morris – made their journey to the Ozarks some 105 years ago from the hills of Appalachia, where they had made their homes in Lee and Wise counties in Virginia and Harlan and Leslie counties in Kentucky. They brought similar customs, beliefs, music, work ethic and resourcefulness to their homes in rural northwest Arkansas. My grandmother, Carrie Oakley Morris Estes, is in the white dress fourth from the left. Her father was a carpenter and followed his trade to the Ozarks, where growth was anticipated. He was also interested in moving away from all of his relatives so that his children would have ample supplies of people to marry. This photo was taken around 1910.

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was shared and attributed to the late Bert Combs, the 50th governor of the fine state of Kentucky.

“You don’t learn anything from the second kick of a mule,” he was reported to have said.

Jones used the quote to make a point about the proverbial school of hard knocks. Most of us learn our lessons with the first kick. The mountain people of his region were often victims of time and circumstance, as well as a lack of opportunity. They did not see themselves as victims, though; nor do they see it now. They are hard-working, loyal, determined people – who have chosen a certain way of life for decades. Their values, according to Jones, focus on faith, land, family, resourcefulness and what he called “a sense of place.”

I sat up a little straighter in my chair and leaned forward. “Sense of place” is an awareness we share in the Ozarks. We know who we are. We know where we’ve been and we know where we are headed--most of the time.

While the mountain people may not always have the money or educational opportunities as others in various parts of the world, their minds are highly intellectual, Jones noted.

“Sharp people can see the possibility of a laugh in almost any situation,” he explained.

Some of his humor was a little off color, but reinforced the points he was trying to make.

He told a story about a country student arriving at a Kentucky college and walking up to a professor, and asking, “Where’s the library at?”

“We don’t end our sentences with prepositions at this university, young man,” replied the professor.

“Okay then, where’s the library at, jackass?” queried the student.

Another joke focused on another young man stopping to ask directions from a farmer in a field.

“Hey, grandpa, which road is the one to Louisville?”

“How did you know I am a grandpa?” the older man replied. ”I just guessed,” said the young man.

“Well, GUESS the way to Louisville,” replied the farmer.

Humor at its basic level is still a great equalizer. While hillbilly humor can often be condescending, it is also a beacon of hope and optimism for the mountain people – who can usually outsmart their city-slicker counterparts at most levels.

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Ozarkers Share Values

As Jones wound to a close, I made my way up to talk to him for a few minutes, I shared with him some bits of my own ancestry, which had my grandmother on the Estes side being born in Leslie County, Kentucky. Her maiden name was Morris and she had lots of Legg relatives. Those names still show up in hundreds of towns in southeastern Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia – where they worked hard, played bluegrass music and shared their stories. Some stayed behind, while others made the journey to northwest Arkansas – where my great-grandfather hoped there would be more opportunities for his children to marry people who weren’t relatives. (We made a joke out of this part of my family’s tale; but Great-Grandpa Tom Morris couldn’t have been more serious about his intentions at the time.)

I see tons of similarities between the values and priorities of the Appalachian people and my own hillfolk in the Ozarks. We are funny, proud, loyal, determined, optimistic and sometimes a little leery of the intentions of outsiders who come across as condescending.

We fight for our families and we know, deep down, that money and happiness or peace of mind just flat out aren’t the same thing. We know the things that last can’t be bought. Faith, quite often, sees us through some pretty tough times. Humor prevails in our everyday lives as laughter is often our common bond.

We use that humor as a coping skill. We laugh when it just takes too much energy to cry. We never lose hope with each promise of spring. We have a sense of time. We share a sense of place. We embrace humility and dignity. We are eternally optimistic.

And, most of us still don’t learn too much from that second kick of the mule.

Those wanting to contact Kim McCully-Mobley about column ideas or folklore projects can email her at:kmccully75@hotmail.com or jmccully@drury.edu.

Tax season may be a good time to evaluate opening an IRA or an IRA rollover Call me today for a consultation or comprehensive financial review Jacob D. McCully

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April • May 2016 | 17

CAMP ROCK HAVEN Early Float Fishing on the James River

B

Members gathered on the rambling porch of the club for this early photo. The building was constructed about the turn of the century with lumber hauled from Aurora by horse and wagon. The clubhouse, destroyed by fire in 1932, was in excellent condition at the time, according to Lyle Chamberlin, who now operates a fishing camp on site of the old building.

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efore the waters of the White River piled up behind Table Rock Lake Dam, the rivers and streams of this region provided a bucolic setting for Ozarks float fishing.

Camps and resorts catering to “big city” anglers sprung up on the White, James and Kings Rivers. One of the most popular destinations was Camp Rock Haven on the banks of the James at the west end of the old Cape Fair Bridge.

At six years of age, Scotty Chamberlin and his mother were paddled across the James River to their new home, Camp Rock Haven.

In 1930, Scotty’s parents Lyle and Alma Chamberlain (different name spellings have been used) purchased the Aurora Fishing Clubhouse. The Clubhouse was built in 1904 with lumber hauled to Cape Fair from Aurora by horse and wagon. A group of area sportsmen established the facility as a headquarters for fishing and hunting the surrounding area.

Lyle Chamberlain was looking for an opportunity to earn a living during the difficult times of the Depression. Lyle liked to fish and take photographs and planned to develop a fishing resort on the river.

The Chamberlains built several cabins on the site and began promoting the camp to clients interested in float fishing on the James River.

Scotty Chamberlin lived and worked at the camp on the river for much of his younger life. As a boy, he didn’t guide much, but was responsible for much of the equipment associated with the float business. He organized all the gear

BY TOM KOOB

necessary for a day’s float. The commissary included boats, chairs and paddles, food, ice chests, cooking utensils, tents, cots and bedding. The boats used were wooden johnboats designed for the river and built locally.

Scotty helped gather the gear, load the johnboats and transport the float clients to their put-in site. As a youth, Scotty shuttled anglers to and from the river in a 1½-ton Chevy long-bed truck. The vehicle was a converted Coca-Cola truck with dual rear tires. Scotty learned early to navigate the rough river roads. The roads were not much more than trails, cleared down to ledgerock and graveled, often just one lane. Tire punctures were frequent on the flint-strewn roads and Scotty became adept at repairing flats on the rayon tires.

In the evening, many float anglers would return from the river to Camp Rock Haven. They would eat supper at the Rock Haven Café (later the Fisherman’s Hat Café) operated by Alma Chamberlain with the assistance of some of the float guides’ wives. During the winter, the Chamberlains held lively square dances at their camp.

Scotty’s work continued with cleaning, sorting and restocking the equipment for the next day’s float. Laundry at the camp was cleaned in a wringer washer, hung out to dry and pressed in an “Ironrite”.

For several years, the only electricity at Camp Rock Haven was supplied by a Delco gasoline-powered generator. The generator charged a bank of batteries that powered lights, refrigerators, pumps and equipment. The original well at the camp was hand-dug. Later, a mechanically drilled well was bored on the property.

Scotty Chamberlin told of his life at Camp Rock Haven: “I didn’t know anything else. I just thought everybody else had that, where you worked day and night. The minute you got up in the morning, like six o’clock in the morning, you were busy until midnight. I thought everybody lived like that.”

The cabins and amenities at the resort provided service for many people before Table Rock Lake was completed.

Camp Rock Haven approached float fishing differently than some of the other outfitters in the area. Many float trips involved several days on the river, but Rock Haven specialized in one-day floats. Fishermen were put on the river at Cape Fair for a day’s float to Cole Ford. The Chamberlains

Remnants of Camp Rock Haven - Lyle Chamberlin's fishing resort and restaurant are buildings that were moved in preparation for the filling of Table Rock Lake - one mile of Cape Fair, Missouri. Picture abt. 1958

picked up their clients and shuttled them back to their camp where they were fed at the Fisherman’s Hat Café and relaxed for the evening in the cabins. The second day

would involve a float from Cole Ford to Stallions Bluff. The third day could be spent on the water from Stallions to Bill Roger’s camp at the Kimberling Bridge.

Scotty Chamberlin related the story behind the Fisherman’s Hat Café name: “The customers would leave their favorite fishing hats with their favorite fishing lures on the walls of the café. When returning (to the resort), they would don their hats and declare their desire to ‘hit the river’. The café was the local hangout for the guides hoping to pick up a guide job.”

Chamberlain’s float service involved considerable shuttling. In the early days, Jack Melton and Walter Hardin hauled johnboats for Camp Rock Haven. Later, Scotty drove the shuttle truck. Scotty related that typically the boats were placed on the flatbed, the deck chairs and equipment were placed in the boats and the float clients sat on the deck chairs for the bumpy ride back to camp. Some of the wealthier customers would have their own cars shuttled to the take-out site for a slightly more comfortable ride back.

Camp Rock Haven employed several local guides from the Cape Fair area.

Some of the guides who worked for the Chamberlains were Henry Bob, George, Ott and Dean Byrom, Junior Pace, Eldon and Waldo Haynes, George Foster, Henry Crabtree, and Clyde, Edward (Skip) and Harold Dean (Peanut) Carr.

The guides were in charge on the water. They were responsible for the equipment and safety of their clients, successful fishing and most camp duties.

April • May 2016 | 19

Chamberlain’s guides started out earning $3 a day and later were paid $5 to $6 plus tips. A typical tip was $5 per day.

The Chamberlains developed a successful business at Camp Rock Haven.

They attracted and retained many satisfied customers who enjoyed the attractive riverside camp, the hospitality and the excellent river fishing. During World War II, business slowed. Lyle took his family to Florida and then Louisiana to find work.

Lyle worked for the Higgins Company in Baton Rouge manufacturing landing craft for the war effort. The Chamberlains returned to southern Missouri in 1944.

The Chamberlains promoted the bass population in the James River by assisting the Missouri Department of Conservation’s fish stocking program. Lyle encouraged the Department’s employees to stay at Camp Rock Haven. Bass fingerlings were brought to the river in milk cans from the hatchery at Wentworth and carefully released into the James.

Two apartments were added between the original home and No. 4 cabin, with No. 4 cabin remodeled into the "Fisherman's Hat Cafe" for the camp.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE OZARKS A typical float trip out of Rock haven would pass some of the most impressive and interesting landmarks on the James River. Float trips started early with the Chamberlains and the fishing guides organizing the gear. Scotty would go to the camp commissary and draw the chairs, cushions and paddles. The water jugs would be filled, the lunches (prepared the night before by Alma) picked up and the insulated containers filled with ice. All this equipment would be loaded onto the truck

and driven down to the river. Here, the float clients would be waiting – anxiously looking out over the river. A fish would break the surface of the stream, beckoning the anglers. The guides for the trip would be there at the water’s edge, joshing each other and maybe suggesting the best tackle for their clients.

The equipment was loaded into the float boats and the anglers seated in their chairs. The guide pushed the johnboat off into the current, deftly

stepping into his seat at the stern. The water’s flow seized the craft and pushed it downstream. The guide speared the river with his six-foot, hand-carved, ash paddle. A red-tailed hawk drifted out over the James and screamed its call as the sun glinted down Bear Den Hollow.

The guide smiled. It was going to be a beautiful day on the river.

THEN THE LAKE CAME IN Camp Rock Haven was flooded several times by the James River. After each such event, the Chamberlains had to thoroughly clean and repair their facilities. When Table Rock Lake came, Camp Rock Haven was sold to the Corps of Engineers and buried under the rising water. Several of the cabins were moved downriver to Hideaway on Stallions Bluff and developed into vacation homes.

Scotty reminisced about his days on the river: “After the lake came in, I fished a little bit, but I kind of lost the desire. It wasn’t quite like river fishing. The friendships you made with those kind of people would just last the rest of your life.”

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Talk To Me Plain

Mindful Fishing An Investigation of a Spiritual Movement Whose Time Has Come PART TWO

BY LARRY ROTTMANN • ILLUSTRATION BY GARY ADAMSON

A

s it was for my busy professor father – and as I have been able to pass on to my son and grandson – quiet fishing has long been my escape from the frantically-paced and often violent world we all seem to live in now, and the more often I am able to get out on the water, the better I feel. And, when I nap in my boat or on the shore, it's the only time I sleep without dreaming about my Vietnam War experiences.

Angling is the sole nearly-stationary outdoor activity a person can engage in which is not considered to be loafing. The great American poet Walt Whitman – who as a medic, witnessed the horrible suffering from the Civil War – appreciated the value of idling too, and wrote in, “Song of Myself,” that loafing “invited” his soul, and “allowed...every atom of my blood [to be] formed from...this air.”

More recently, physicians and professional counselors have discovered that fishing can be a very useful exercise for helping military veterans (and others) who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Cope with past trauma.

In his 2010 book, “Once a Warrior, Always A Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home,” retired Army colonel and physician, Charles W. Hoge, writes that Mindfulness and open awareness work well when vets, “...sit and listen to all the sounds around them with minimal thought...breathing naturally while sitting or lying next to a stream...,” and that fishing in a lake or stream, “...is an opportunity for meditative moments when you can let go of the chatter of your mind, take a break from worries, and experience a sense of peace.”

Of course, this all comes as no surprise to legendary professional angler, Rick Clunn, from Ava, Missouri. A star on ESPN fishing programs, celebrated bass tournament winner, and named the, “Greatest Bass Angler of All Time,” by the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society for over three decades, Clunn has been taking fishing mindfulness (although he doesn’t call it that) to an unprecedented level. He often, “bonds and becomes one with the fish,” by angling in the nude, swimming naked – “because a boat gets between me and the fish,” – and he frequently sleeps on the shoreline at night, in order to stay more closely connected with the fish and their environment. Because of this, and according to Bassmaster Magazine, his fellow tournament anglers have often accused him of, “teetering on the brink of insanity,” or even worse, but his uncanny ability to catch bass is the proof of this over-the-top mindful approach to this profession. Clunn's unique angling methods have been described like, “dancing with the Wu Li Masters,” but he insists that he's simply tapping into already-existing innate spiritual knowledge which goes far beyond the traditionally practical and intellectual level of sport fishing.

Full awareness during quiet fishing creates Mindfulness, and as the monk Paramandanda has written, “Within Zen tradition, the moment of Enlightenment is sometimes likened to the turning over of a large carp in crystal clear water.

The water offers no resistance...and as the fish turns, light strikes the scales, refracting into rainbow colors, and for an instant the fish itself seems to be made

entirely of purely beautiful light.” Such overwhelming insights come when time itself is transformed into an astral, nearly supernatural phenomenon. And, it is this truly magical moment – not just the encounter with the fish themselves – that draws us avid and dedicated anglers back to the water, time and time again.

So I urge you to go fishing. Quietly.

Alone. And often. Seek the Mindfulness of the moment, and as Zen poet Rokan has written, “Listen in the sound of the water for the voice of rain.”

About the Writer: Guest Contributor Larry Rottmann is a Missouri native, a Vietnam Veteran, a semi-retired professor of English and Journalism, a loving father and grandfather, and a totally dedicated fisherman.

April • May 2016 | 21

4

FLIES That Catch Fish

on Spring Ozark Waters

T

BY JESSE WOODROW

he water is cold and moving, but the days are getting warmer. Fish are feeding fast and furious. We're gonna look at 4 sub-surface patterns that will catch fish, even on a cool, cloudy, breezy day. I've even got a minner pattern that will slay slabsides, bronzebacks, stripes, or anything big enough to swallow it. Nymph and streamer fishing is not as romantic as dry fly fishing, but as many of you know, it can be deadly productive on feeding fish. Keep 'em out of the weeds!

POLISH PHEASANT TAIL NYMPH How many Polish pheasant-tail nymphs does it take to catch a hoss trout? Just one, fished right. With spring comes higher, faster water, and hopefully more active fish. Increased water flows, a little color in the water, and bugs actively tumbling in the current. This is prime time for nymph fishing at its best. Whether you are a fan of the bead head or not, it is a highly effective way to fish.

This fly dives like a torpedo, stays close to the bottom, and has a classic buggy shape and buggy color. Fish it deep in the runs, seams, and pockets. Use it as an sinker dropper to drag lighter flies in a dropper rig down through the water column.

You might try fishing it in olive, brown, and black as well.

As for me, I'm gonna pound the streams for the next couple of months, but by June, I'll be planning my largemouth stalking strategies. Until then, enjoy the gorgeous Ozark scenery, the mild spring weather, and best of luck on the water. Have fun out there!

HONEY LEECH A sweet streamer for swift spring streams.

The honey leech is a very simple, compact fly – try it in sizes 12 or 14. I like the namesake honey color, as well as black and brown. It is durable, and very effective. I have fished these both dead-drifted under a strike indicator, and stripped after letting it sink for a few seconds. You can get these with a bead head for more weight, but the lead wire is often enough weight for moderate currents. Pardon the pun, but this is one leech that does not suck.

LASER MINNOW Psst – don't tell anyone, but this is not a trout pattern. This fly is a simple but productive creation that should be relatively easy tie and effective for everything from crappie and bigmouth bass to white bass and stripers. I recommend that you fish this on a full sinking line around whatever structure is available – sunken trees, weeds, stream banks, etc.

Let it sink, then strip it back in short quick bursts. Should be great for spring bass, crappie, and bluegill.

EURO SQUIRREL NYMPH I am a big fan of fox squirrel nymphs in all their infinite varieties. Like many Euro-style nymphs, it is a streamlined, heavy, and pretty much bare-bones version of the original. Try fishing this as a dropper, using it to bounce on or near the bottom while keeping in constant contact with it. If you ask me, you can't go wrong with this pattern as long as you are getting it wet.

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OZARK

Hills&Hollows

Donnie & Tammy O’Brien, agent/owners 26 Peacock Lane, Jane, MO

T s r e hoot SGEAR&GADGETS

BY JESSE WOODROW

he flowers are blooming, The critters are venturing out to feed and soak in some rays. Are you ready for some outdoor photography? Get out your camera, and accessories, your best comfortable shoes, hiking clothes, and hit the woods. Don’t forget bug spray, sunscreen, and a nice shade hat. Stay dry, be on the look out turkey hunters, bugs with stingers, and snakes with that pit viper look in their eye. Here is some gear that might make your outing a little more comfortable, productive or just plain fun.

Happy shooting!

CAMERA CASE I am always very protective of my camera. It is not only an expensive piece of equipment, but it's been a good friend to me through the years. A padded case will get you through airports, taxicab rides and rocky trails. Here's a bag with some retro styling, and lots of foam cushioning. These are definitely a matter of preference, and reflect your individual style. I wouldn't mind getting one of these for my birthday this year – just saying.

SOLAR CHARGER REFLECTOR Carrying a reflector will change everything for you, especially for close-ups. This one is very inexpensive, collapsible and can provide warm or cool lighting in shady spots. It may just brighten your day, and fill in the shadows of your next shot.

Photographer’s Hacks:

Keep a couple of clean Q Tips and kleenex in a sandwich sized Ziplock bag. If you aren’t able to get ahold of lense cleaner, wipes or brush, a gentle touch with one of these may get that smudge, water spot if spec of dirt out of your shot.

A solar Charger, and an adapter for your camera’s battery may prove to be a life saver on a long outdoor excursion. If you don’t want to go to that much trouble, just keep an extra battery charged up and in your kit pack.

TRIPOD I like a tripod, especially for macro or long range shots. Trouble is, I seldom have one when I need one. This Pixie, from Manfroddo is small enough for your glove box or backpack, and light enough to not be a burden. The styling is pretty cool too.

LENS BRUSH/LENS SPRAY

SD CARDS

For me, it’s a cardinal rule. Whenever possible, do not touch your lens! Use a brush, a wipe, a clean soft cloth, or a tissue. And use one of those right away if and whenever you do accidentally smudge your glass. There’s nothing worse than a good shot that is flawed by some junk on the lens. Don’t let it happen to you.

Keep a few extra. Its cheap insurance.

Don’t leave home without one, or two of these.

If you’re in Barry County, I’m for you.

Chad Yarnall (417) 847-3399

April • May 2016 | 23

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Please secure your seat by May 1 Call 417-652-3083, or email ozarkhheditor@gmail.com for RSVP and ticket reservation information.

April April •• May May 2016 2016 || 25 25

COME TO THE BARN WITH US

and enjoy a delicious dinner, highlighting an amazing variety of locally sourced foods skillfully prepared by a local chef.

Ambient music provided by Cindy Tucker with her acoustic guitar stylings, as well as Joe Zucca and Company's folk inspired instrumentals.

A lively auction will be held with donated items. The highest bidder will not only receive their prize, but the satisfaction that their money will go straight to HOW and the wonderful service they provide local veterans.

For directions to this event, visit www.exetercornmaze.com/directions

TO HELP WARRIORS RELAX, REHABILITATE AND REINTEGRATE THROUGH KAYAK FISHING AND THE OUTDOORS. Heroes on the Water helps our Nation’s warriors and veterans from all branches of the United States military unwind using the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks. What looks like a day trip of paddling and fishing is in fact something much deeper and long-lasting.

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April • May 2016 | 27

Market Openings ALL OVER THE OZARKS

Webb City Farmers Market 555 South Main Street Webb City, Missouri The Webb City Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon yearround. Regular season starts on April 19; Tuesday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.

Monett Area Farmers Market Monett South Park Monett Missouri Starting April 2, open Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon, and Tuesday evenings 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Neosho Farmers Market At the corner of Spring and Jefferson Neosho, Missouri Neosho's season kicks off May 7, and continues on Saturday Mornings, 9 a.m. to noon from May thru October.

Four-State Farmers Market 925 S. Range Line Road (Earnie Williamson Music) Joplin, Missouri Opening day, Saturday April 23 thru October, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Greater Springfield Farmers Market 2951 South Glenstone at Battlefield Mall Springfield, Missouri Regular season begins on April 12; 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until the end of October. They will also be open the first two Saturdays in April as well.

If you want to share the information of a market in your area that is not listed, please send market location, days and times to ozarkhheditor@gmail.com, and we will include that information in future issues.

28 |

OZARK

Hills&Hollows

Cassville Garden Sass Farmers Market South side of the square Downtown Cassville, Missouri Opening day, Saturday April 2, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. thru summer until October (they are open during winter months as well). A Tuesday evening market will open during the summer months from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Salebarn Road in Cassville.

Bentonville Farmers Market Central and Main on the Square Bentonville, Arkansas The Bentonville Farmers Market opens their regular season on April 23; 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday until October 29.

Holiday Island Farmers Market Veterans Memorial Park on Hwy 23 Holiday Island, Arkansas Every Friday 4 p.m. until dark, April 2 thru October.

Downtown Rogers Farmers Market 101 East Cherry Downtown Rogers, Arkansas Rogers begins their market on Saturday, April 29, thru October 29, from 7 a.m. to noon. From May 19 thru August 18, they also have a Thursday evening market from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Fayetteville Farmers Market On the square Fayetteville, Arkansas Outdoor opening day is Saturday April 2 thru November from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, April thru October at the Square in Downtown Fayetteville, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FARMERS MARKET

Recipes

A

s a fellow farmers market grower, I have always said, “You gotta know how to cook it, to know how to grow it.” Some of the best cooks I know grow their own food. I think a big part is that if you take the time to nurture and grow it, you definitely want to use it at it's best.

Some of the best conversations I have when visiting or selling produce at the market is talking about recipes. I asked a few of our local farmers market sellers and organizers to volunteer recipes to kick off the Ozarks growing season.

RHUBARB SAUCE Courtesy of Monett Area Farmers Market Ingredients: 5 cups finely chopped rhubarb 4 cups sugar ½ cup water 1 box strawberry Jell-O Directions: Boil rhubarb, sugar and water for 6 mins. Remove from heat.

Add Jell-O and stir well. Use fresh, but remaining can be refrigerated covered for several weeks. Great on fresh biscuits or toast.

KALE CHIPS Courtesy of Greater Springfield Farmers Market Ingredients: 1 bunch kale 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. seasoned salt Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees, F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite-size pieces.

Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner.

Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt. Bake until the edges are brown but not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes.

FRESH GREEN BEANS AND NEW POTATOES Courtesy of Holiday Island Farmers Market Ingredients: 6 cups of fresh snapped green beans 1 pound of new potatoes 1 small onion (chopped) 1 small garlic (chopped) A few springs of fresh thyme and rosemary enough broth (chicken or vegetable) to cover contents Directions: Place all items in crock pot, cook on low for 8 hours.

CAULIFLOWER SOUP

SLOW COOKER CABBAGE ROLLS

Courtesy of Downtown Rogers Farmers Market

Courtesy of Cassville Garden Sass Farmers Market

Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 head cauliflower, rinsed and chopped into large chunks 1 medium yellow onion, sliced 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt Directions: Heat 4 quart pan on medium-low heat. Add olive oil and heat for a few seconds. Add onion and pinch of salt. Toss onions to coat with oil.

Cover and continue to cook stirring often looking for a nice sweat, but no color. Add cauliflower with a pinch of salt. Add cold tap water to nearly cover cauliflower.

Cover and raise heat to medium-high. Cook until cauliflower is very tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat.

Do not drain, puree. Add salt and pepper to taste and a drizzle of olive oil for serving.

Ingredients: 1 large head cabbage 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce 3/4 cup quick-cooking rice 1/2 cup chopped green pepper 1/2 cup crushed crackers 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 ounce onion soup mix 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef 1 can (46 ounces) tomato or V-8 juice Salt & pepper to taste Grated Parmesan cheese, optional Directions: Cook cabbage in boiling water just until leaves fall off head. Set aside 12 large leaves for rolls; drain well. Refrigerate remaining cabbage for another use. Cut out the thick vein from the bottom of each reserved leaf, making a V-shaped cut; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, rice, green pepper, cracker crumbs, egg and soup mix. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.

Place about 1/3 cup meat mixture on each cabbage leaf; overlap cut ends of leaf. Fold in sides, beginning from the cut end. Roll up completely to enclose filling. Secure with toothpicks if desired.

Place cabbage rolls in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Pour tomato juice or V8 juice over rolls. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until filling reaches 160 degrees F. Just before serving, sprinkle with salt and cheese if desired.

April • May 2016 | 29

MORINGA-BISON CHILI Courtesy of Bentonville Farmers Market

SPINACH, CHICKEN AND BOWTIE PASTA SALAD WITH TERIYAKI VINAIGRETTE Courtesy of Webb City Farmers Market Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, cooled and cut in pieces 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta, cooked and cooled 1 pound baby spinach 1 bunch green onions or 2 T sweet onion 3 cans Mandarin oranges, drained 1 can water chestnuts, drained 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup nuts (choice of pecans, peanuts, almonds, cashews, pine nuts) 1/2 cup cilantro (optional)

Ingredients: 2 tsp. olive oil 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped 3 Tbsp. mild chili powder – use less if you prefer or more of a hotter variety such as chipotle 1 pound ground bison ¼ tsp. cinnamon 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped 1 pound chopped green or long beans 1 pound chopped zucchini or other summer squash 1 cup organic corn 1 medium sized sweet potato cubed 1/2 pound chopped moringa or other greens 8 cloves garlic, minced or pressed 2 pounds fresh blanched, peeled and chopped tomatoes or 2 (28-ounce) chopped tomatoes ¼ cup freshly chopped green chilies or or (8-ounce) can chopped green chilies 5 cups or 1 (15-ounce) can cooked kidney, pinto or black beans, no salt added or drain and rinse well 2 tsp. salt (optional) NOTE: Moringa is a tropical plant grown for its nutritious leafy-greens.

It possesses unique nutritional qualities that hold promise to millions of impoverished communities around the world who are in need of protein, minerals, and vitamins.

Directions: Coarsely chop the veggies in a food processor. Coat bottom of a 1-gallon or larger soup pot with olive oil, and cook onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add bison, and chili powder, cinnamon and cocoa powder and cook over low heat until no longer pink (always cook bison low and slow). Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for 1 ½ to 2 hours. If you prepare in a crock pot simmer on low for 6 hours. Serve topped with salsa, cubed avocado and chopped cilantro if you like.

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TERIYAKI VINAIGRETTE Ingredients: 1 cup canola oil 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce 2/3 cup white wine vinegar 3 Tbsp. sugar 3 Tbsp. brown sugar 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper

Directions: Cook chicken and bowtie pasta and cool.

Prepare vinaigrette. If you want, you can pour some of the vinaigrette on the pasta and chicken before cooling. Toss the other ingredients and add the chicken and pasta. Pour desired amount of teriyaki vinaigrette on the salad before serving.

SKILLET HAM AND POTATO QUICHE Courtesy of Neosho Farmers Market Ingredients: 1 package shredded frozen hashbrowns, thawed 3 Tbsp. butter divided 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil 6 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup shredded cheese 1 cup chopped ham 1/4 cup milk 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped peppers any color 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms salt and pepper to taste Directions: In a small skillet cook onions, peppers, and mushrooms in 1 Tbsp. of butter until just done. Remove and set aside. In large 12-inch cast iron skillet melt remaining butter and olive oil. Brush all over skillet including the sides. Press hash browns into skillet and place into a preheated 375 degree F., oven and cook 10-15 minutes until lightly browned. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, cheese, ham, milk and cooked vegetables together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour over hash brown crust and place back into 375 degree F., oven on top rack until center is firm and set, about 20 minutes.

Road or trail biking?

Whats your preference?

Gravel road.

What is your favorite local trail to ride these days?

Definitely The Frisco Rail-to-Trail in Joplin.

In your opinion, What’s the latest, best innovation in bike technology to come along lately?

Lights have definitely grown a lot, what with LED Technology for better battery life and better visibility.

Also, Fat Bikes and tires. I’m rolling on 650B wheels right now.

Favorite pack along snack?

Honey Stinger chocolate waffle.

Favorite pack along Drink?

I’m mixing it up, but Skratch Orange is my favorite right now.

If money was not a consideration, what bike would you be riding?

All City Spacehorse, it’s my all around go-to bike.

IN THE SHOP WITH: MARK

COX

Owner of Blue’s Bike Company, Joplin, Missouri COMMUTER | WEEKEND RIDER | MOUNTAIN BIKE AFICIONADO

How did you end up here, in this bike shop?

After years of experience working at Spokes & Spandex, my boss (the owner) retired. I bought his remaining inventory, and started this shop, about a year ago.

If you could be doing something else for a living, what would it be?

My childhood dream was to be a firefighter or work at a bike shop. I do both of those now.

If you could plan a perfect day out on your bike, where would it be?

Probably to ride the Katy Trail, from Clinton to St. Charles.

They have an event called the Pedaler’s Jamboree, which includes everything on two wheels, food, music. it’s a pretty awesome event.

Any suggestions for beginning Riders?

Have FUN! Don’t worry about making big purchases right away.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Talk to your local bike shop people.

Utilize your resources.

Favorite paint color for a bike?

I really like the new iridescent Chameleon finish. But if I had to chose something conventional, Flat Black with blacked out letters.

April April •• May May 2016 2016 || 31 31

PEDAL TRAILS YOU'LL L♥VE

Whether you want an all-day adventure out in the woods, or a leisure afternoon with easy pedaling for the whole family – there is something for everyone here in the Ozarks. So, pick a pretty day and load up the bikes.

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SPRINGFIELD Ozark Greenway Information on this system of trails can be found at: ozarkgreenways.org/explore/ greenway-trails It includes these trails among several other greenways: Sac River Trail. An 8-mile trail, 3 miles north of I-44 on Highway 13. Great views for mountain biker, or hikers.

RI U O S MIS

The Frisco Highline Trail. Connecting Springfield to Bolivar, at 35 miles, this is Missouri’s second longest Rail-toTrail. Paved from Springfield to Willard.

Trailheads in Springfield at 3845 W. Kearney, Willard, Walnut Grove, Wishart and Bolivar.

NEOSHO Mort Walker Trail, at the Bicentennial Conservation Area This is a gravel trail, best for mountain bikers. Hwy. 59/60 east to Oak Ridge Extension, south to Burr Crossing Road, then east to Landis Road.

Continue east on Landis to Doniphan Drive, then south to parking lot.

JOPLIN Frisco Greenway Trail A 4-mile trail from Joplin to Webb City, this Rail-to-Trail has paved and gravel areas. Good for the novice and expert. Trail head in Joplin at St. Louis and Zora, or Webb City at 1206 West MacArthur Drive.

BRANSON White River Valley Trail System

CARTHAGE Ruby Jack Trail Another Rail-to-Trail with 16 miles of diverse bike-riding adventure, mostly gravel. Start at Oak Street and Old 66 Highway – travels to Oronogo.

Challenging mountain biking with 11.75 miles, 4 loops. Get a map at the Table Rock State Park office – 5272 State Hwy. 165. The red loop starts just 400 feet west of the park office.

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BELLA VISTA Blowing Springs

EUREKA SPRINGS Lake Leatherwood Trails System

On Blowing Springs Road. Seven miles of looped trails of scenic, beautiful Ozarks.

This system of trails has something for everyone – coupled with the natural and historical beauty that surrounds Eureka Springs. Take Hwy. 62 West for 2 miles, turn right at the Lake Leatherwood sign before crossing the large bridge, then travel past the Leatherwood Fields sign to the next park entrance on the right for 1/2-mile to the park and lake.

PEA RIDGE Pea Ridge Battlefield Trail starts at battlefield park office and parking area on Hwy. 62. Fully paved trail makes this a 7-mile loop accessible to the whole family. Remember to check in at the park office. Bonus: Take time to read the Civil War historical markers placed all along the route, and Elk Horn Tavern.

ROGERS Lake Atalanta Due to open this summer, this highly anticipated trail-system and park project has been in the works for almost a year. Once complete, the trailhead can be accessed at the Clark Pavilion on the south side of Walnut Street down the hill from Historic Downtown Rogers. This innovative bike park will provide riding for the novice as well as the savvy dirt trail rider.

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FAYETTEVILLE Lake Fayetteville Trail A network of several trails, paved, gravel, multi-use. Something for everyone with beautiful scenery and a wildflower treat for the naturalist in everyone. Surrounding 200acre Lake Fayetteville this popular trail system truly has something for everyone. Parking lots are located in Veterans Memorial Park, 4451 N. Vantage Drive, and the Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex, 1153 E. Lake Fayetteville Road.

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Find us on:

April • May 2016 | 33

A NEW WAY TO LOOK AT AN OLD TOY T H E B I C YC L E

BY NAHSHON BISHOP

PART 1: ORIGINS TO PRESENT

T

he bicycle, I would humbly submit that an individual would be hard pressed to look back through history and find an invention that has had such a far reaching effect on the human species and how we conduct our lives, as this simple machine. Although viewed by many now in America as a child’s plaything, the bicycle has changed society forever in several ways. This article will be the first in a series that will (I hope) make a case for more people who live in the Ozarks to continue down the path of wellness and reconnect with the outdoors in a rewarding and enriching way, by dusting off “that old mountain bike” or purchasing a fitness bike, and hitting the trails.

As spring approaches, we are finally able to get back outside in relative comfort. As is the case for many individuals throughout the Ozarks, we are more than ready to get rid of the extra weight that has magically attached itself around the mid-section (and other areas) of our bodies. I have found a wonderfully rewarding way to do this (and we live in a perfect area for it) – the bicycle. This popular two-wheeled machine has a fascinating history, and I believe, could fit neatly into our lives. Please consider this idea as we move forward together through these articles. My hope, is to see you on the rode in the very near future.

THE E A R LY Y E A R S Many individuals are in disagreement over who created the first true bicycle. Karl Drais is currently the individual who is given credit for creating a machine he deemed the “Velocipede”. The Velocipede is widely regarded as the first two wheeled concept that gave birth to the modern motorcycle and bicycle movement. This simple (and uncomfortable) invention came to light in a time when people across the European continent where battling widespread starvation and slaughtering horses for meat.

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In 1817, this machine (also known as the running machine and dandy horse) was designed so that two wheels would support an individual by way of a long saddle that ran the length of the frame and connected each wheel. The individual would then move the dandy horse forward by kicking their feet (much like the Flintstones do to move their famous car) off the ground in alternative cadence. However, this unit was extremely uncomfortable for those riding over the cobblestone streets that where prevalent in

the early 17th century. Improvement upon this model came around 1870 in the form of “high wheelers”. This is the model that most individuals think of when asked about old bicycles.

The front wheel of “high wheelers” is extremely large making mounting one for riding nothing short of an acrobatic feat. The first mass produced model was all metal and had pedals that attached directly to the front wheel hub. It was a single speed bicycle and a huge improvement over the dandy horse for several reasons including solid rubber tires.

Of course, his machine also had its short falls. The center of gravity was so far forward on this machine and the rider so high in the air that an unexpected dog or rock would send and individual forward, head first onto the stone pathway. In 1879 Henry J. Lawson (an Englishman) invented and patented one of the first rear wheel driven bicycles which used a chain for momentum. In 1888, the first pneumatic tire made an appearance on a tricycle thanks to an Irish veterinarian who wanted his sickly son to be more comfortable riding his tricycle. The last name of this inventor was, Dunlap.

Finally, in 1903, the first Tour de France was held because a French magazine (L’ Auto) was in financial trouble and the contributors thought that a bicycle race would boost the newspaper’s circulation numbers. At this time in history, many individuals on the European continent (as well as America) found themselves well acquainted with this wonderful machine, the bicycle had finally taken off on a global scale.

Social Influence The bicycle has played a major role in the ability of individuals to move away from cities and into the country side. Through the late 1800s into the early 1900s, the bicycle was an affordable form of transportation for individuals who worked in major cities or municipalities without the land and upkeep necessary to keep animals (namely horses) alive. This cost effective form of travel, in turn, began to loosen social barriers for lower and middle class citizens. Essentially, urban sprawl had begun.

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO ME? In today’s health conscience world, I have found the bicycle to be an enjoyable alternative to other cardio-centered exercise routines. I have also found that in general, riding a bicycle is much easier on my lower back and knees than jogging or running. However, having had no medical training, please consult with your health care physician before beginning this (or any) new exercise routine. Currently, we

live in a wonderful part of the world to own, travel and exercise on a bicycle. Many of our side streets and county roads are paved and several municipalities throughout the Ozarks have invested money to make communities more bicycle friendly. For this spring, if you are looking to shed a few unwanted pounds, the bicycle would be a perfect supplement into a healthy and active lifestyle.

THIN GS I W ISH E D I WO U L D H AV E K N OW N DISTANCE First, traveling a mile on a bicycle is not the same as running or jogging the same distance. A one-mile ride on the bicycle will not accomplish much if you have been used to jogging/walking 1-3 miles every other day. A common conversion would be 20 miles on a bicycle is roughly equal to 5.5-5.7 miles of jogging or 20:5.5 ratio. Keep this in mind as you begin to explore the areas around your place of residence because your favorite walking or jogging path will not typically be long enough to burn the same amount of calories.

BIKE SHOPS Throughout this series of articles, I will be outlining some of my favorite bicycle shops across the Ozarks. For now, it is important for us to realize that a bicycle that you buy in a bike shop is going to be far better in quality than a bicycle purchased at the same place where you buy groceries!

WHAT KIND OF BIKE SHOULD I BUY? For our purposes, I would recommend looking at a “fitness bike”. This style of bicycle has an upright riding posture that is easier on your lower back. They are more easily balanced when standing up out of the saddle (seat) on those hills.

They are also generally less expensive.

AREN'T BIKES EXPENSIVE? I get this question all the time. The answer is that they do not have to be. You can purchase a nice fitness bike and the necessary equipment for less than $800. The bike and equipment investment should last you for years. For many individuals (including me) this is a lot of money, but add up your gym membership over 5 years and see what that total is.

A quality bicycle is an investment and should be viewed as such. When discussing this idea with my doctor, he stated “Shon, either you are going to pay now or you are going to pay later.” What he meant was either you are going to make investments in your health now or you will be paying hospital bills later.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR THOSE RIDICULOUS SHORTS? Speaking specifically from a male perspective, YES! The padding offered in cycling shorts is an absolute must for longer rides (over 10 miles). I have been assured that for ladies, they are just as important. However, new styles of biking shorts and pants have been introduced to the consumer market that are not skin

tight. There are even dressier options for those of us who commute into the office via bicycle. While technology has come a long way in recent years regarding materials and frame construction, the bicycle seat has seemingly remained stagnate and owning a good pair of biking shorts is essential.

In conclusion, we live in a wonderful part of the world to own, exercise, and travel by bicycle. I hope that you will join me next time to discuss the different brands, basic bicycle components and my favorite bicycle shops.

April • May 2016 | 35

CULINARY CRICKETS

A Chirp in Your Burp OZARK FIDDLER FARMS

E Johnathan and Abra, owners of Ozark Fiddler Farms

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY LAYNE SLEETH

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cologist, biologist, and author E.O. Wilson (as well as a leading expert on myrmecology, the study of ants) has called insects, “The Little Things That Run the World.”

And, he’s onto something. There are more than one million different species of insects identified with more yet to be discovered. They are, by far, the most numerous group of creatures on earth.

This may account for the fact that 80 percent of the world eats insects and accepts them as a valued, legitimate, and tasty food source.

Only a handful of edible cricket farms exist in the United States, and the Ozarks happens to be home to one.

Yes, you read that right – crickets for eating. With the progressive town of Fayetteville as a home base, husband and wife, Johnathan Ross and Abra Garrison are tapping into the intriguing world of edible insects with their fledgling cricket farm – Ozark Fiddler Farms. With the pleasant sound of chirping crickets as background noise, Abra and Johnathan share their burgeoning love for edible insects, of which there are apparently 1,900 species.

Believe it or not, there are two relatively well-known protein bar companies gaining traction that specialize in cricket protein bars – Chapul and Exo. Chapul’s, ‘Thai Bar’ sounds pretty appetizing, combining coconut, ginger, lime, almond butter, organic dates, and, of course, ground crickets. Exo has been featured in prestigious publications such as the New York Times and Entrepreneur.

Their website advertises, “Crickets are the new kale,” and you’ll find such flavors as Mango Curry and Blueberry Vanilla.

Ozark Fiddler Farms started taking shape when Johnathan and Abra read an article on edible crickets. The process piqued their interest when they discovered that the nutrition profile is similar to that of fish. Both have a background in health and nutrition, Johnathan with a degree in biology and previously working as a certified personal trainer, and Abra with over 12 years of licensed massage therapy practice. As they pursued the idea further, they contacted “the big guys” like Exo and Chapul and found that the biggest holdback in the industry is not having enough cricket farmers. Much of the time, the few edible cricket farms in North

Quick Nutrition Facts Crickets have 15% more iron than spinach

As you would assume, crickets are a little crunchy when eaten whole. It can definitely be a good crunchy, like chips, if the crickets are seasoned and roasted. The most humane and simple way to harvest crickets for consumption is to freeze them. In low temperatures, insects slow down and become dormant. Once this is accomplished, the crickets can go into a deeper freeze where they will be living crickets no longer.

America are out of their stock because the demand for crickets is so high.

Ozark Fiddler Farms made their public speaking debut at Dig In! Food and Farming Festival last year. “We hope to do more in the future. Right now, though, we are working on perfecting the system.” says Abra. They recognize that the “ick” factor is strong with many people in the United States, so educating people about this food source is the first stepping stone.

Conventional large-scale farming and factory farm food systems are not sustainable, and will eventually strip bare the natural resources that American soil and water has to offer. Obviously, a handful of crickets won’t satisfy a yearning for a juicy steak, but, arguably, crickets are healthier in more ways than one. The lifespan of a cricket is two to three months. With traditional grass-fed farming of large livestock, a good deal of space is needed. Whereas, with crickets, “You don’t need an open field for them,” says Abra. “Being insects, they love being next to each other in the dark.” The inside of the O.F.F. barn looks like a little NASA space station, lined completely with a silver reflective insulation called, “radiant

barrier”. A heater keeps the barn at a constant 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the crickets are happiest and tend to procreate. Reproduction is the key to success. A female can lay up to 100 eggs in her short lifetime. If all variables are favorable, the crickets start chirping.

Chirps are a good sign, as it means they’re mating, and soon will start laying eggs.

Pound per pound, crickets have two times more protein than beef The amount of vitamin B12 in crickets is comparable to that of salmon Crickets need less than 10% of the feed and water as cows to produce the same amount of protein Crickets are a whole protein, containing all nine essential amino acids

The incubator boxes don’t look like much, but there are hundreds of eggs in there!

April • May 2016 | 37

Rounded rocks line the crickets’ water dishes so they don’t drown in them.

Each corrugated cardboard breeder box holds a container of vermiculite which acts as a nest. The females lay their eggs in the vermiculite via ovipositor. Neighboring incubator boxes are full of small containers of vermiculite and eggs that maintain high humidity levels and a constant high temperature above 86 degrees. When the eggs hatch, the newborn crickets are called pinheads. “They can drown in just a droplet of water, so you have to handle them really carefully when they first hatch,” says Abra. “They’re almost translucent. . . like a little piece of lint.”

Johnathan adds, “They don’t go through a complete metamorphosis, so they’re just miniature versions of the adults.”

Once hatched, the tiny crickets must be moved to a slightly larger tupperware type container, but one that doesn’t have cracks that the little guys can get lost in. It takes a short 6 weeks from the time that the eggs hatch to when the crickets are of harvestable age and size.

Like any farm, daily rounds must be made to ensure the critters’ comfort.

Aluminum screen and egg cartons in the breeder boxes increase surface area and give the crickets plenty of places to hide and do their bug thing. O.F.F. is on one of the local health food store’s farmer’s list, so they get a big box of organic food compost each week for the pampered crickets. The crickets have a well-rounded diet, that is all organic with no wheat or corn. For their 38 |

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protein base, Abra grinds up sunflower and pumpkin seeds into a fine powder.

Thus, the feeding cost is very minimal and they are able to use things that would normally be thrown out. Whatever the crickets don’t eat ends up in the compost bin. Literally nothing is wasted.

If you’re wondering about different cricket species, Ozark Fiddler Farms raises banded crickets. House crickets are the most common cricket found in bait shops, as fishermen have found to get better bites with this species. However, in 2009 a virus wiped out a lot of the house crickets.

The vector for that virus is still a mystery, but banded crickets aren’t susceptible to it. Field crickets are the crickets that you’ll find out in your yard (likely full of pesticides), but they’re extremely bitter, and not gregarious, so they wouldn’t do well in an edible cricket farming situation.

Banded crickets are slightly smaller, but overall the best option for raising for human consumption.

Johnathan points out, “There aren’t enough farms right now to have a certain protocol. We are still learning, and it will always be a trial and error process.”

Raising crickets is a full-time endeavor and Abra fills that role, while Johnathan works full time at a lab in Fayetteville, and overtime when cricket farming calls.

The two feel that the community of Fayetteville and surrounding areas will be very supportive. “Arkansas is really big on local and all about supporting small-time farmers,” notes Abra.

Abra shared this recipe which uses cricket powder, along with flour.

CRICKET GINGERBREAD Blend Together: 1 3/4 c. Flour 1/2 c. Cricket Powder (100% Cricket Powder, not a blend) 1/2 c. Sugar Cut in: 2/3 c. Butter

Add: 3/4 c. Chopped Pecans Remove 1 1/4 cup of the crumb-nut mixture and press into an ungreased 9” square pan.

To the remaining crumbs, blend following: 3/4 c. Buttermilk 1/2 c. Canned pumpkin 1/4 c. Maple syrup 1/4 c. Molasses 1 Egg 1 1/2 tsp. Ground ginger 1 tsp. Soda 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon 1/4 tsp. Salt 1/4 tsp. Cloves Pour the mixture over the crumb crust in the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minunes or until it tests done.

Local restaurants that are serving up unique plates have shown interest in Ozark Fiddler Farms. Roasted crickets can be a crunchy bar food or easily substituted as a crouton on salads. When you grind the crickets up into a flour, it can easily be added to things like breads and cobblers.

With the right spices, none of the “cricketness” can be detected in a dish.

They hope to get some of the local health food stores on board with their product, as well.

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The cricket boxes at work inside the barn. Johnathan and Abra’s eventual plan is to have shelving with a few rows of boxes lining the entire barn.

It is suggested that crickets are just the “gateway bug” to a world of edible insects. With people getting more interested in nutrition and where their food comes from, the potential for this market is growing. Recently, there was an article in Men’s Health magazine about cricket protein powder. Though edible crickets seem a bit new-fangled, ancient figures like Aristotle wrote of the pleasures of edible insects. Down the line, sustainable farms like Ozark Fiddler Farms could help meet global hunger needs.

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North Business Highway 37 Cassville, Missouri 417-847-2131 April • May 2016 | 39

Good For You...

The tiny but mighty

CHIA SEED S

ome of us may remember when “Chia Pets” first became popular in the 1980’s. They were terra cotta animals that you added tiny seeds to the sides, kept moist, and several days later had a nice green coat or “fur” for your sheep, cat or whatever animal or creature it was. Recently I saw a, “Chia Barack Obama,” that you grow a chia Afro on his head, and Duck Dynasty, “Chia Willie,” that you grow his chia beard.

It wasn’t until a few years ago, that chia seeds became known for more than their decorative use. Those tiny chia seeds are not only edible, but a nutritional powerhouse. They are easy to digest and can be added to many recipes. Seeds can be added to fruit juice, baked goods, cereals and yogurt. They can be ground in your coffee grinder to add as a powder for

➳

These muffins are very similar to lemon poppy seed muffins, but have the nutritional boost of chia seeds.

Optional:ps

ro Add 2-6 d tial n e ss e n lemo a oil for extr e st ta n o lem

BY MARY LOWRY

protein shakes, or sprouted and eaten in salads or sandwiches.

Chia is also known as Salvia. It’s a gluten-free grain which is a member of the mint family with small white or lavender flowers on the tips of stalks, and grows up to 4-5 feet high in arid areas. It was cultivated as far back as 3500 BC, and a main food of the Aztecs and Mayans. Chia is the Mayan word for strength. The warriors ate this for strength and stamina for long distance running.

Native Americans also ate chia for added endurance.

What makes chia seeds so helpful for past warriors and today’s athletes?

It is a great source of complete protein for building muscle. It can also absorb up to 10X its own weight in water. This helps with keeping the body hydrated and electrolytes balanced. In fact, it may work as well as, or possibly better than gatorade, without all the added sugar. It also is a high fiber food.

LEMON CHIA MUFFINS

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder (non aluminum) 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup coconut oil or olive oil 1/2 cup raw sugar

½ cup milk 1 egg 1 lemon juiced to make up ¼ to ½ cup juice and the peel finely grated to make 1 Tbsp. (lemon zest).

1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 Tbsp. chia seeds

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease or line a muffin tin with liners. In a medium bowl, mix the first four dry ingredients together and set aside.

In a large bowl or mixer, mix together coconut oil and sugar. Add milk, egg, lemon juice, zest and vanilla extract. If you like more lemon taste you can add a few drops of lemon essential oil now to taste. Mix well. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in chia seeds – this batter will be fairly thick.

Spoon batter into muffin liners, filling about ¾ full. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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Makes 8 muffins

A one-ounce serving of chia seeds is roughly equivalent to 2 tablespoons, and consist of 11 grams of fiber. This helps with regularity, feeling full more quickly and controlling appetite. It also slows the absorption of other foods eaten, which helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, reduces sugar cravings, and avoids high insulin levels. These are all helpful for weight loss, diabetes control and prevention.

In addition to the fiber, chia seeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Although they are not high in DHA, which is especially good for the brain, they are still very high in ALA. Omega-3s are beneficial to the heart by helping lower blood pressure, reducing LDL cholesterol and reducing inflammation. This healthy fat content is also rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidants helps prevent atherosclerosis, cellular damage in the body, aging, and also help preserve the seeds and it’s oil content. They do not go rancid like so many other seeds and oils.

Lastly, this little wonder seed is a great source for other nutrients and minerals. It is a good source for bone building minerals. It is rich in calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and boron.

When sprouted it is a wonderful source for chlorophyll which can help clean and build the blood as well.

Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are mighty! We all can grow healthier as each of us find recipes we like, and ways to include chia daily. Here are some recipes that you may like to get started.

Remember, it isn’t advised to swallow a spoonful of the dry seeds, followed with a glass of water.

They may swell and cause difficulty swallowing, and possibly a blockage. Also, since chia seeds are high in fiber, start slow when taking in more fiber and gradually increase the amount over several days to prevent gas and bloating. Drink plenty of fluids.

CHIA JUICE I love pomegranate and cherry juice, but they can be pricey. So to stretch them out, and still have a wonderful healthful drink, I like to add chia to the juice.

Use 1 cup of warm water, and add 3 Tbsp. of chia seeds. Stir well till all the chia seeds are evenly dispersed. Put in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, mix 1 cup of your chia seed gel with 1 cup of your favorite juice. Mix well and enjoy! You will be surprised how far one cup of juice will go.

SPROUTED CHIA SEEDS

➳

Because Chia seeds absorb water and turn into a gel, they can’t be sprouted in mason jars, rinsed and drained like most other seeds. These are best put on unglazed terra cotta, ceramic or clay plates or plant saucers. From what I’ve researched they are usually safe to use - free of lead and other heavy metals.

You will also need a clear glass bowl, or covered casserole dish that fits over the growing tray or dish, and a spray bottle to mist it. One tablespoon of seeds makes about 2 cups of sprouts.

Soak the dish with water then drain.

Sprinkle your chia seeds on the dish in a single layer spread out with room to grow.

Mist the seeds.

Cover the dish with a clear glass bowl.

If you have a covered glass or casserole dish that the saucer can fit in, use that.

Place a ¼-inch of water in the other dish, and set the saucer in that. Cover with the lid. This may not require daily misting.

Mist the dish in the morning and evening. Make sure the dish is damp at all times but water isn’t sitting. Keep covered. Chia seeds should sprout in 4-7 days depending on the temperature.

When the sprouts are ¼-inch high put them in sunlight to green them up. (this will increase the chlorophyll content).

Harvest when sprouts are ½ -¾ inch high. To harvest you can cut the sprouts above the roots or store the whole sprout, roots and all in a bag or partially closed container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Cut the sprouts above the roots when ready to eat. Enjoy.

April • May 2016 | 41

BLACK

Basics TO THE

THE UNDER-APPRECIATED BLACK PEPPER

It sits right beside the salt shaker. It’s easily omitted, but as common as rain, black pepper is subtle yet flavorful, old-fashioned yet trendy. Black pepper goes on everything from fried eggs to cooked rice, and a hamburger or chicken-fried steak doesn’t taste the same without it. Can you imagine gravy without it, or a bowl of potato soup?

Whether you take after grandma and like it fine as dust, or you like to crush it yourself with a pepper grinder set on coarse, you crave the spicy flavor.

This spice, which happens to be the most widely used spice in the world, taste a little hot, and a little...peppery – it’s hard to even put a finger on it, it’s such an original flavor that can only really describe itself.

Where does it come from? Black pepper is the most highly traded spice in the world and is grown primarily in Vietnam. A smaller portion of the exported pepper is grown in Indonesia, India and Brazil. Historically it’s home was all over southeastern Asia. I think

maybe a better question is how does such an exotic spice become a farmhouse, settler staple? It’s not even a necessity, like salt.

Though it’s popularity waned and spiked throughout ancient and the middle ages, black pepper became commonly used, and prized within Europe. It was coveted for it’s ability to spice meats (especially when they were past their prime), and it’s medicinal qualities as well. In my research, I couldn’t really find how it got to be so widely used here, in America. But, it obviously has stood the test of time, and sets on every table, as king, with it’s alabaster queen, salt.

PEPPER AND HERB CRUSTED TENDERLOIN Ingredients: 1 3-pound boneless pork loin roast Rub: 2 Tbsp. cracked black pepper 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated 2 tsp. dried basil 2 tsp. dried rosemary 2 tsp. dried thyme ¼ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. salt Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees, F. Pat pork dry with paper towel.

Combine all rub ingredients well and apply to all surfaces of pork roast.

Place roast in shallow pan in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour until internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145 degrees. Remove roast from oven; let rest about 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

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CREAMY PEPPER SALAD DRESSING Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. milk 2 tsp. cider vinegar 1 tsp. black pepper, coarse or fresh ground ¼ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. onion powder ¼ tsp. Salt Directions: Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Keep refrigerated.

BLACK PEPPER AND PARMESAN BEER BREAD

BLACK PEPPER AND GARLIC ROASTED POTATOES

Ingredients: 3 1/4 cup all purpose flour 2 1/2 Tbsp. granulated sugar 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 1/2 tsp. salt 12 ounce beer 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, divided 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp. freshly cracked black pepper Ingredients: 3 pounds small red or white potatoes 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. black pepper 1 whole bulb garlic, peeled and crushed or sliced 1 Tbsp. fresh or dried parsley Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease the loaf pan. Place flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk together. Add beer, 1/4 cup melted butter, parmesan and black pepper. Stir together until the dough just comes together. Do not over mix.

Pour mixture into a prepared loaf pan. Pour remaining butter over top and bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the loaf. Remove loaf from pan and allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

PEPPERY SPICE MIXES

Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the potatoes in half or quarters and toss in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Place potatoes to a sheet pan and spread out. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until browned and crisp. Stir and turn every 15 minutes with a spatula during cooking in order to ensure even browning. Remove the potatoes from the oven, toss with parsley.

Shake it on pork chops, shake it on chicken, shake it on burgers and steaks...bbq season is upon us. Choose your favorite and keep it handy! Mix all ingredients. Store in an airtight bag or spice canister.

BARBECUE SPICE RUB

GARLIC PEPPER SEASONING

1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup paprika 2 Tbsp. ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. chili powder 1 Tbsp. garlic powder 1 Tbsp. onion powder

SPICY MONTREAL MIX

SMOKY PAPRIKA PEPPER MIX

1/4 cup salt 1/3 cup ground black pepper ¼ cup onion powder ¼ cup garlic powder 2 Tbsp. chili powder

1/2 cup salt 1/3 cup ground black pepper ¼ cup smoked paprika 2 Tbsp. celery salt 1 Tbsp. ground fennel

1/4 cup salt 2 Tbsp. garlic powder 2 Tbsp. black pepper 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. dried parsley

April • May 2016 | 43

VETERAN'S WELLNESS ✯ FAIR ✯

Giving back to our Veterans

PEPPER COOKIES

Sunday, May 1, 2016 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Ingredients: 1 1/8 cups butter 1 cup white sugar 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground black pepper 1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom 1 tsp. baking powder

Directions: Cream together the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the cream.

Add the baking soda to the butter mixture.

Sift the spices, baking powder and flour into the butter mixture. Blend until a nice dough is formed. Roll dough into sausages about 2-1/2 inches in diameter wrap tightly and let dough chill thoroughly.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Remove chilled dough and cut into thin slices. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 6 to 8 minutes. Let cookies cool on wire rack.

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CHINESE PEPPER CHICKEN Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast 2 stalks celery thinly sliced 1 medium white onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, sliced 1/4 cup light soy sauce

1/2 tsp. ginger powder 1 Tbsp. pepper vinegar 1 1/2 Tbsp. coarse ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. corn starch 4 Tbsp. canola oil, divided

Directions: Cut the chicken into one-inch bites, and marinade with 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce, ½ tablespoon of the pepper vinegar, cornstarch and the ground ginger for 30 minutes.

Using two tablespoons of canola oil, heat a wok on high.

When oil is hot and ripples as you move the pan, add the chicken. Cook on high heat until browned. Remove from the pan and add in the celery, onions and garlic with the remaining two tablespoons of canola oil. Cook the veggies on high for 2-3 minutes. Add in the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, the remaining ½ tablespoon of pepper vinegar, the cooked chicken and the black pepper. Cook for 15 seconds to combine everything and and serve immediately. Serve with noodles or cooked white rice.

FR O ’ M TH N I N N E RU

REVENUERS • to •

RESPECTABILITY ∏

A SHORT HISTORY † of † MOONSHINE IN ARKANSAS STORY AND ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE PARKER

l “Hey, y’all! Come on up on the porch and sit a spell, pull a cork, put your feet up and let’s talk a little MOONSHINE!”

l

M

oonshine has a rich and colorful history threaded through the hills and hollows of the southern states, but just how did that come about? To get the full story, we need to go back in history.

For centuries, man can be noted for two things... creation of art and the creation of liquor. Imagine yourself living in a cave, being pursued by a sabre tooth tiger, living off nuts and berries and still taking the time to draw images on the walls. Many believe this was more of a silent prayer hoping for a prosperous hunt, good weather, or safety from others, but as history progressed, man also discovered (probably by accident) how to turn whatever grain or fruit that was handy into alcohol... so although moonshine or (corn liquor) is a relatively new phenomenon, the concept of making liquor goes back centuries.

April • May 2016 | 45

One could put together enough history to fill many bookshelves, but to keep the story interesting, let’s just go back about 250 years where the making of “shine” got worth talking about. As we all know from our history courses, the Revolutionary War was fought for independence from the mother country England, but winning the

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war was quite expensive with only a small population to supply the money. The fledgling government decided to place a federal tax on spirits and liquors, having conveniently forgotten the lessons learned from the Boston Tea Party. And as one might imagine, the citizenry did not look on this new tax with favor partly because Americans were fighting the war to get away from overbearing British taxes only to be faced with high taxes from their own government.

Americans were a stubborn lot and decided to thumb their nose at the new tax, resulting in the Whiskey Rebellion and a push back on the government taxation. Although the government put down the rebellion in 1792, the skirmish caused the government to become divided into two parties, the Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, and the Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton. Many verbal

battles ensued in the government and in 1801 the Whiskey tax was repealed when the Republicans took control of the young government.

l

“’Ya’ll might think our troubles was over, but now we had the womenfolk to contend with!”

l

During the next 100+ years, making spirits encountered some social problems. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union WCTU was formed in 1874 focusing on banning both the production and consumption of alcohol.

This turmoil caused divisions in the family with the husband making “shine”

and the wife aligning with the WCTU. As in all conflicts, there must be a leader, and the leader of the WCTU was the famous hatchet-wielding and saloon destructor named Carrie Nation. Wielding her hatchet she and her WCTU followers would enter a tavern singing and praying while taking hatchets, bats, and anything else to destroy the stock in the saloon.

Although Carrie Nation was arrested 32 times, the movement rolled on.

The WCTU leadership wisely focused on changing the mind of legislators by recruiting their wives, and as the old saying goes, “If Momma ain’t happy, ain’t NOBODY happy!” The pressures of the WCTU led to states with dry counties ultimately leading to the next step... PROHIBITION.

Moonshiners responded quickly by modifying cars, giving them strong suspension able to carry up to 100 gallons of moonshine and after modifying the engine, easily outrunning the government issued vehicles. The engines were reconfigured to carry the load at a high speed leading to the term “Hot Rods”.

Runners began to brag about their cars and these Hot Rod drivers seeking bragging rights began racing. Fairground promoters started selling tickets and stock car racing began. Eventually NASCAR, as we know it, was the result.

Prohibition remained in place from 1920 to 1933 and the Eighteenth Amendment is the only amendment to ever have been repealed. The government had failed to stem the tide of alcohol and turned the problem over to the states giving them the power to legislate the

l “But lookit here… the moonshiners are gettin’ down right respectable.”

l

In the past couple of decades, several Arkansas entrepreneurs have managed to wade through the state paperwork and have ultimately received a license to legally distill moonshine whiskey.

∏

There are currently 4 licensed distillers, with only three making moonshine at the time:

The first and oldest, Rocktown Distillery is located in Little Rock, where you can tour the facility and taste a variety of different flavors. www.rocktowndistillery.com Arkansas Moonshine located in Newport, Arkansas boasting clear perfect Arkansas Moonshine. www.arkansasmoonshine.com White River Distillery located in Gassville, Arkansas and is the most northern of the three distilleries. www.whiteriverdistillery.com

Prohibition was the Eighteenth Amendment to the US Constitution banning the sale, production, importation, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. Like many laws, the people choose to obey or ignore.

The citizenry was not about to go without liquor resulting in an all-out battle between moonshiners and the tax revenue agents.

The government revenuers first tried to shut down illegal stills at their source. The moonshiners hid their operations deep in the woods of Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas.

Elaborate measures to prevent raids involved signals by children running to warn of government cars allowing for plenty of time to cover the stills.

Since stills were hard to find, the effort produced few results for the immense amount of government money being used. The focus then transitioned to stopping the moonshine from getting to its final destination.

legality of making and selling alcohol.

Today some 80 years later, nearly half of all counties in Arkansas are dry and very few places can sell beer and wine on Sunday.

Even after the repeal, the liquor industries, even the larger ones, were heavily taxed and had to pass the tariffs on to the customer, so the illegal trade continued to flourish. However, due to the illegal industry created by Prohibition, the moonshine maker became just a cog in the production line; having to pay under the table protection to corrupt law enforcement, judges, and interstate transportation officials, left little money to the suppliers of shine.

Moonshine was still thriving because it could be purchased illegally for a few dollars a gallon while the Government was adding an extra $5 per gallon to moonshine. To many locals, the reward was well worth the risk. In addition, many of the counties were dry and those wanting to purchase whisky legally had to drive a distance to purchase the overtaxed product.

A visit to the liquor store or the distilleries will show you some excellent examples of Arkansas Moonshine. More than just straight alcohol, distilleries are getting creative by adding some flavors to the brew.

∏

So there you have it... the making of moonshine has come a long way in the past two hundred years, but one thing for sure, each maker of shine (legitimate or otherwise) takes a fierce pride in making the best shine, from the best water, best grains and brewing techniques handed down over the generations to make “lightening in a bottle.”

l

“Course y’all gotta understand mine is bettern’ the rest. Let me take you out to the secret shed and pop another cork.”

l

April • May 2016 | 47

As her Nana puts it, "Just one of our girls lovin' on one of her girls." Little Lynkin, daughter of Troy and Whitney Wenzel, is learning all about loving and caring for animals since they started raising backyard chickens last summer.

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READY SET Tiller Tune-up Tips GROW!

Family owned and operated since 1971.

For over 30 years, Race Brothers Farm and Home Supply has been owned and operated by the DeForest family, who is dedicated to providing the Ozarks with quality service and products including a complete line of farm and home supplies.

Y

our tiller is your extra hand and your palette primer when it comes to small garden spaces and row-crop weeding. This highly stressed machine is expected to sit dormant over the winter and start up instantly when we need it in the spring.

Before you crank that engine for the first time this season, check some of it's important components so that your tiller will run smooth for years and year to come.

AIR FILTER: Check your air filter. If it's so dirty that it clogs the oxygen flow, it's going to leave you with a struggling workhorse.

Either clean the filter or replace it.

FUEL FILTER: Ever think of changing out your fuel filter? Sometimes debris can get in your gas tank and end up lodged in the filter. These are cheap and easy to replace, and can save the carburetors life.

FRESH FUEL: If you didn't use a fuel stabilizer to top off the tank for the

dormant winter months, you might consider replacing the sitting fuel with fresh fuel. Keep that little motor running clean.

ENGINE: Check oil, change if necessary. Make sure spark plug is good, and tightly installed.

ALSO: Check for loose and damaged tines. Clean out weeds, grass, twine, etc., that may be wound around tine spindles, and oil all moving parts. If necessary, replace worn or bent tiller blades. Check tires, belts, nuts and

bolts. Tighten anything that's loose, and oil freely moving parts.

KEEP IT CLEAN: The tiller has a tough and dirty job to do. Machines and moving parts struggle working through a environment inundated with abrasive dirt and rocks. Spray or brush dirt and rocks off of the digging part of your tiller after each use (be careful never to get the mechanics wet). Wipe down the motor case and other exposed areas with a lightly oiled cloth as well.

Be safe and have fun playing in the dirt! If you keep your tiller fresh and maintained it should last you through several garden seasons, and if something does go wrong, it will also help you with an easier diagnosis process.

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www.racebros.com April • May 2016 | 49

Among the Wildflowers

BY ROB LOTUFO

Stalking the Wild Geranium

Alias Geranium comes from the Greek, geranos meaning crane, and is called cranesbill or storksbill, because it's seed pods resembles a crane's bill.

Some other, more colloquial names are alum root, alum bloom – but it has no relation to alum. Alum was a common styptic chemical which had similar medicinal properties to the wildflower.

Some other colorful monickers include old maid's nightcap, rockweed, sailor’s knot, shameface and chocolate flower.

Indian Plant Lore Among the more interesting applications were its uses in the form of a poultice of chewed roots to treat the unhealed navels of babies, as a topical treatment for 'the venereal' and (by the Iroquois) as a root-tea antidote against a love potion. The tea was set near the person who had the hoodoo put on them against their will.

Benefits and Uses of Geranium Extract

T

here's a walk I take about this time of year, I call it “stalking the wild geranium.” I hike back to the base of the mountain, where the earth has cracked, and the sandstone tumbled down the slope, and a spring trickles out of the rock for a few months each spring. It's most always in partial shade.

One morning each year, between the first and third week in April, they will appear. The Wild Geranium blooms. They are most beautiful between 6 and 9 a.m., when the dew drops still hang on the pinkish lavender petals. They will last for a few months, but the blossoms will become dry, and a dull purple color as they age. It's a beautiful sight to see this part of the hollow speckled with shimmering blooms in the early morning light.

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My first fascination with these wildflowers was their delicate beauty, but as I started to study them, I found that the essential oil of this plant has some fascinating properties. In fact it is one of the only natural substances that actually repels ticks! The medicinal properties of the wild geranium became known to the early colonists through their interactions with the Indians.

Early Native Americans recognized the value of wild geranium, and used it as an ingredient in many medicinal treatments. Containing 10 to 20 percent tannin, the Ojibwe or Chippewa used the dried and powdered roots (which are rhizomes) to remedy mouth ulcers, inflamed gums and sore throat. They mixed it with grape juice as a throat wash for children with thrush. A poultice, or solution were used to treat hemorrhages, gonorrhea, cholera, burns, neuralgia, hemorrhoids, dysentery and diarrhea. It was used as eye wash and the powdered root,

often mixed with other herbs, was used for it's astringent and styptic properties (a substance that causes contraction of the tissues and stops bleeding).The tannin-rich plant was effective in the staunching of wounds and as a compress on swollen feet. The Mesquakie Indians brewed a root tea for toothache and for painful nerves.

Historically geranium extract has also been used as an anti-depressant, antiseptic,deodorant,anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and septic. It contains a powerful compound which is believed to be more potent than ephedrine, and it has a balancing effect on the hormonal system.

The wild geranium eventually became a popular medicinal export to Europe. Today, wild geranium extract is marketed as an anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhaging substance.

Incredible, but Edible?

The entire plant tastes mildly bitter. While the entire plant is edible, usually only the leaves are eaten. Lightly steamed leaves is the best method of preparing them, or boiled in slightly salted water. Can be chopped and added to salads raw. The root can be chewed like a gum. White-tailed deer eat the flowers of wild geranium. Birds eat the maturing fruits, and butterfly larvae have been observed feeding on the flowers and fruits.

We have everything you need to start or maintain a water garden!

Habitat and Cultivation This is a common plant in Missouri and can be found throughout the entire state. The plant is becoming popular in cultivation also because of its beautiful purplish flowers. Mostly found in woodlands in the wild, it does just as well in full sun. One of the most surprising and beautiful aspects of wild geranium is the color of its pollen. Unlike most wildflowers with traditionally yellow, orange, or white pollen, when viewed under a microscope wild geranium’s pollen is bright blue. This attracts a variety of insects, including the digger wasp, which come to pollinate the flower.

Upon pollination, wild geranium has a very unique way of spreading its seeds. Each seed is packed into a pod as the pod dries, the seeds are propelled into the air and can land as far as thirty feet away from the seed pod. The seed’s journey, however, does not stop there. Each seed has an awn or “tail” which is malleable: curling when dried and straightening when wet. The awn allows the seed to slowly creep a short distance before becoming stuck in a hole or crack.

The seed may use this movement to search for a suitable place to germinate or to escape, rather slowly, from predators.

Aside from being a miniature pharmacy unto themselves, these little purple beauties are a joy to discover, and a reminder that spring is here.

I hope you learned some interesting things about this wildflower that often goes unnoticed on the forest floor. They don't make as spectacular of a showing as some of the meadow dwelling bloomers, but if you crouch down and take a good close look, I think you'll agree that they truly are little gems of the forest.

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April • May 2016 | 51

Kendrick House THE FORGOTTEN STEP-SISTER

E Dressed in Civil War era attire, Kelly Harris, along with husband Mike and Erin, pose in front of Kendrick House.

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY CHRISTINE SMITH

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ach year, visitors flock to the picturesque town of Carthage, Missouri, to admire the ornate Victorian mansions that stand proudly on the town’s famous maple-lined streets. These are the beauties of Carthage: well-preened architectural sisters with superior “genetics.”

These homes are some of the almost 600 structures in Carthage that were added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1980s. Most of these historic buildings are concentrated around the downtown square and in the adjacent residential district to the south, so tourists tend to focus on visiting these wellpreserved “ladies” in this part of town.

But doing so means missing the opportunity to meet the older stepsister of these Victorians: Kendrick House - a home that was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1980s, but that doesn’t get many visitors.

Why? Because Kendrick House stands alone just north of Carthage, and people tend to forget she’s there: out of sight, out of mind. Those who do happen to drive by seldom give her a second glance, for her simple facade lacks the brilliant flair of her painted Victorian sisters.

But what Kendrick House lacks in visual elegance, she makes up for in a rich history that surpasses any other residence in Carthage. At Kendrick House, it’s not what’s on the outside that counts, it’s what’s on the inside.

Kendrick House is a survivor. Built in 1849, this home is one of the only residences in Jasper County, Missouri, to have survived the Civil War. It has stayed within the Kendrick family since 1850, through either ownership or management.

It is currently owned by Victorian Carthage, a non-profit organization run by Kelly Harris, whose husband Mike is both a descendant of the Kendricks and the current mayor of Carthage.

those days. He lived down on Center Creek and he was a carpenter. It says ‘1850.’ They found it when the family was trying to restore something so they just didn’t paint over it.” Little treasures like this are what makes Kendrick House a living museum.

We entered the kitchen, a room that had been added onto the original structure when the house was remodeled in the 1980s. The exposed brick wall lining one side of the kitchen is actually the exterior of the original home. Sennet Rankin, the original builder of the home, owned around 30 slaves, and used their manpower to make the bricks from clay taken from the nearby river.

The wall is three bricks thick, insulating the room from both temperature and noise. “In some places you can see where it looks like glass,” said Kelly. When firing the bricks in the kiln, “if the bricks get too hot, they get glossylooking because the sand turns to glass when it gets too hot.”

Kelly is fiercely passionate about preserving both Kendrick House and its place in Carthage’s history. When she’s not working at her day job, she can be found at Kendrick House, making sure that it’s clean and tidy, and ready for the occasional visitors who come – like me and my friend, who met Kelly at the home one day for a tour.

When Kelly tugged open the heavy front door of this Federal style home, decades of stories blew past us, anxious to breathe after years of containment. We entered the foyer of the home, and noticed that the painted oak flooring under our feet appeared pink, and the reason why is because the paint was tinted with oxblood, Kelly explained.

Kelly then pointed to a spot on the staircase where part of the painted baseboard had been stripped down to natural wood. “This is where the guy who built the staircase signed it,” said Kelly.

“It was kind of like a calling card back in

Sennett Rankin never lived in the house, though, nor did the man that he sold the house to, his son-in-law Thomas Dawson, who traveled west during the gold rush and became rich. When Dawson returned in the 1850s, he sold the house to William Kendrick, a blacksmith and gunsmith from Neosho, Missouri. The house and the accompanying 570 acres sold for $7000.

In the room next to the kitchen, framed letters of slave purchases hang on the wall.

One shows the sale of Obadiah Kendrick, which was signed with a mark like the letter “O” because Obadiah couldn’t write.

Another letter shows the purchase of a negro boy named John for $350.

April • May 2016 | 53

Kelly told us a story of one of the Kendricks’ slaves who was accused of harboring a Union soldier during the Civil War (the Kendricks were Southern sympathizers). She was hanged in an orchard north of the house, and they tried to kill her daughter Rose. However, Rose survived and lived with the Kendricks family; when she was older, she married a man named George and the two continued to live and work at Kendrick House.

As Rose and George became elderly, they weren’t able to do much work, so they were assigned the job of going around the grounds and unlocking and locking the doors to all the outbuildings, such as the blacksmith shop and the smokehouse.

Today, there’s a set of old metal keys that are kept in the kitchen at Kendrick House that might be the very keys that Rose and George used, although Kelly can’t say for sure.

Also in the addition stands the original Kendrick family table, which bears a scar from a fire caused by a candle left burning on it. But the table wears invisible scars, too. During the Civil War, when the house was occupied by the North in the 1861 Battle of Carthage, and then by the South in 1863, doctors used the Kendrick family table as an operating table when they worked on wounded soldiers.

More remnants of the Civil War era can be found in the front parlor, where

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horse hoof prints are forever embedded in the old wooden floor. “When they were here during the Civil War, usually only the officers had horses; everybody else walked,” said Kelly. “And if you were in

the army, they were going to know you by your animal being outside because they knew their horses kind of like we know our cars today. So they brought their horses in whenever they camped here and they fed them out of the drawers.” Since the floors were only a few years old at the time of the war, the wood was still soft enough for permanent marks to be left where the horses stamped their hooves.

It’s a small miracle that Kendrick House remained standing during the war, since most remaining area homes and structures had been destroyed by guerillas.

But don’t think the guerillas didn’t try they just didn’t succeed. During the war, “someone came and set the porch on fire,” says Kelly. “They were trying to burn the house down.”

“The family was hiding, and they came out after (the guerillas) left and pulled the porch away from the house with a team of horses.” After that, the family always left the porch off of the house; the current porch is a late 20th-century addition.

Kelly also noted that, back then, “they considered (Kendrick House) a mansion because it had glass in the windows and most people didn’t. They brought the glass over land by wagon from St. Louis.”

When the tour ended, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to sit on the sofa in the parlor and spend the rest of the afternoon listening to Kelly deliver more stories about Kendrick House with her unbridled enthusiasm for this living museum.

Kelly’s mission is to be the voice of this antebellum home. “I just want people to know about the history of the house, and let them know that it is here,” said Kelly. “Carthage seems to forget that this house was here during (the Civil War), and that it was one of the only houses left standing in Jasper County afterwards.”

Kelly invests a lot of her time and money into the upkeep of Kendrick House, and is constantly seeking ways to reach out for donations that will keep the doors to this Civil War gem open to the public. “It just needs love,” said Kelly.

If you plan a visit to Carthage, go see the painted Victorian ladies in the town’s

historic district, but don’t forget about their rustic stepsister, Kendrick House.

Although she’s plain on the outside, she demonstrates both grit and grace, and has quite a colorful past.

Other interesting features on the exterior are the iron star figures, which some people say are braces. Inside the house, rods can be seen running across the bedrooms, just below the ceiling, and they look like exposed plumbing pipes. “After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, people came through selling earthquake rods and they are supposed to keep your house from falling in. There have always been shysters running around,” said Kelly, chuckling.

April • May 2016 | 55

ing s o p r u p Re ion Revolut

Trellis f

BY SHERRY LEVERICH

D

oes your flower bed need a little excitement?

Adding vining, reaching plants, as long as they are properly trellised, can add summer-long color and vertical visual interest.

In the Ozarks, we are lucky to have a variety of native vines that are stunning and smell terrific. The Trumpet Vine is a pioneer hallmark, often seen continuing in existence long after an old homestead has been there and gone. This prolific vine, which requires containment, is generally easy to cultivate, since it is native and thrives in our soil and climate – “If you can’t TRELLIS grow a trumpet vine, then TIPS: you might as well give The most important thing up gardening,” is a when making a trellis is – MAKE IT popular sentiment.

STRONG! Vines can grow quickly and Though become destructive. Either cement it into banned from the ground, or tamp rocks around the posts. many yards Reinforce it with stakes using rebar and because of it’s wire. Look around – you probably already beastly tendencies, have some items that can be carefully the Honeysuckle repurposed into a useful and artsy cannot be beat if trellis. Here’s some repurposed you want mounds of items that make a great trellis, sugar-sweet blooms or vine growing base: that waft yummy fragrance through the air.

But – if you don’t want to give BICYCLE WHEELS honeysuckle a substantial arbor and a good With many spokes to grab onto, bike trim several times a season, it’s probably best wheels are perfect for an English ivy or to enjoy it from the dirt-road. grape vine. Start with a stable post and Other great old-time favorites include attach wheels with baling wire.

Wisteria, Clematis – which there are a huge variety of amazing cultivars, Virginia Creeper, Supple-Jack and even Wild Grapes are all beautiful and hardy. If you desire a less wild expression in your garden, a hybrid Climbing Rose, Concord Grape or English Ivy can create great greenery to frame your favorite trellis.

Whatever you decide to plant for your trellis creeper, keep those pruners handy, and don’t be afraid to tame those tendrils!

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OZARK Hills Hills OZARK

LADDER and old ladder provides vintage appeal. Make sure the base is held to the ground with rebar stakes or other posts. Another plus: place 2 x 8 wood planks across ladder steps for a flower pot or bird bath as well.

AN OLD TREE STUMP Talk about strong, an old treestump makes a great base for a mass of vines, especially for an oldfashion clematis or honeysuckle.

s from Relics OLD SCREEN DOOR Positioned as a back-drop in your flower garden, or attached to an existing patio wall, a door can provide an interesting feature, as well as give your vine a frame to grow on.

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FARMERS FAVORITE Take a cattle panel and four t-posts.

Set 2 t-posts on one side, the width of the panel. Attach the wire panel on end to the two posts with wire, bend it to make an arch, and attach the other end to two more set t-posts.

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Rogers, Arkansas 72756 April • May 2016 | 57

FH

ROM the

OLLOW

I love the Ozarks.

BY WES FRANKLIN

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Photo by Travis Franklin

I was born here. I’ll probably die here.

And if I ever move, it won’t be because I don’t love this place.

Sure, it’s rapidly changing as more and more folks from bigger cities and other regions with vastly different demographics move in, younger generations care less and less about tradition, and a host of other factors come into play. Call it progress. Call it whatever you like. Change is still the end result.

Some folks like to distance themselves from their Ozark background, from their native soil.

Some people – transplanted from who knows where – attempt to turn their new Ozarks home into a version of whatever place they escaped from, which is something I’ve never been able to quite figure out.

A few years ago I designed a bumper sticker. On one end was the silhouette of a black crow. On the other end a blooming dogwood branch. Cradled in the middle, in a sort of creepy bold font, were the words

“Native Ozarker”. I had 50 of them printed up, and gave them away to anybody who wanted one – if they qualified as nativeborn Ozarkers. The crow and the dogwood, to me, epitomized the mysterious dark beauty that is the Ozarks. They still do. It’s why I love it here. If you don’t understand that, I probably can’t explain it.

Some people say Southwest Missouri isn’t in the Ozarks at all. Those people are wrong on more than one point. My native McDonald County is about as “Ozarkie” as you can get and the Ozarks stretch much farther than you might think geographically, as I will explain, so I consider us all – and certainly myself – Ozarkers. I am certainly not a Midwesterner and cringe at the very idea.

No, residents of this area can be proud in saying they live in the Ozarks.

Included in that is the inheritance of a certain traditional subculture that has all but disappeared today. At the very struggling heart of this vanishing subculture is something that can be called nothing less than what it is: Superstition.

Where these beliefs first originated, probably nobody knows. But by the time I was born they had long began to fade away. Now they are pretty much gone for good as far as anything anyone actually still practices or believes. Or maybe not.

Perhaps a few of you cling to these forgotten Ozark “rules to live by,” maybe not so much because you necessarily believe they are true, but because they are things you were told a long ago in a time when the world seemed a whole lot simpler.

I’ll get into those at a later time. For today, however, let’s get some basics out of the way.

So just where are the Ozarks, exactly?

Glad you asked.

There is a basic geographic boundary, though I’ve seen it argued on paper, and it isn’t as definite in some places as it is in others. The region is roughly triangular and transcends the borders of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and even Kansas.

To give a very general description, the Ozark boundaries are basically the following (take a deep breath): From just

west of the junction of the White River and Black River in the southeast part of the region (Arkansas), go northeast to the Mississippi at Cape Girardeau (Missouri), then northwest to a little above the Missouri River at St. Charles County (Missouri), then continue west above the Missouri River to the Howard/Saline County line (Missouri), then southwest to the Kansas side of the Spring River on the Kansas/Oklahoma line (Kansas), then follow the Neosho River, and then Grand River, southwest to about Muskogee (Oklahoma), then go due east above the Arkansas River Valley (Arkansas) and back to where we started just west of the White River/Black River intersection (Arkansas).

I realize that description may be hard to follow, and you really need to see the map to get the picture. Also, please keep in mind that the description is very broad.

Who decided the borders? Beats me.

Geographers did at some point, but when or who I really can’t say. I’ll admit, I was a little surprised at how far the Ozarks extend when I first saw a boundary map a few

years ago. I never would have considered Cape Girardeau in the Ozarks, for instance, and didn’t think the Ozark region came anywhere near the Missouri River.

And from a strictly cultural aspect, maybe the Ozarks are a lot smaller after all. Is it a stretch to think what helps define the borders of a region may sometimes be the self-identity of the people who live there? I doubt few people near the Mississippi or Missouri Rivers consider themselves Ozarkers. On the flip side, ask any outdoorsman in the Mark Twain National Forest what region they’re in and the Ozarks will inevitably be the answer.

I think some popular notions about the Ozarks were created by an unwitting alliance between Hollywood and Silver Dollar City.

Say “the Ozarks” and what do you think of? What do other people think of? Not all stereotypes are necessarily bad, mind you.

They just may not be entirely true.

The Ozarks are a lot more – and offer a lot more – than what you might believe.

Don’t take my word for it, though. Travel our Ozarks and see for yourself.

April • May 2016 | 59

Talking Turkey

BY JESSE WOODROW

I

heard a big gobbler flutter down to the ground, about 150 yards in front of me, in the middle of some budding peach trees. He had his eye on my Jake decoy, as I tried to sound like a randy young yearling with my trusty diaphragm call. After a few rounds of my desperate turkey love pleas, the Tom was on a mission. He was going to open a can of Gobbler whoopass on my poor little feller, and teach him a lesson. I held my breath in silence as he strutted into the battle circle. Little did he know, he was also getting in range of my 36-inch barreled Marlin goose gun. Heart pounding, glasses starting to fog up, I lined him up as he started to strut around young Jake, sizing him up for the fight. I hoped like heck he didn’t notice that the one legged romeo was made of foam. One deep breath, one eye closed tight, I drew a bead and squeezed that trigger just like they taught me at summer camp, smooth and steady. A loud “boom!” a quick flutter and flop, he was down. Nothing earth shattering, just a quick kill, textbook style.

I probably won’t ever write a story about the dozens of freezing mornings I hooped and hollered and clucked and squeaked myself silly sitting on top of some lonely ridge on a snow covered early spring day. About my hunting buddies getting so full of old Jack D around their campfire that they slept through opening morning. About the season that I reckoned the only thing I’d ever call in were hungry coyotes and foxes.

This was a good morning, the way it’s supposed to play out. I’d been working through those Quaker Boy calling tapes in my truck for at least 3 years, learning the language of (turkey) love.

I started out on diaphragm calls, and I often don’t use a call at all now, just mouth noises, but there are oodles of gizmos, gadgets and tools to help you find your way. Here is a quick primer.

PUSH BUTTON CALLS

BOX CALLS

SLATE CALLS

A good starting call for the beginner, these calls are, for most of us, the easiest to learn and use. After you get a little experience, you will probably put them up, in favor of something that requires a little more finesse, and skill. But with some fine tuning and a minimum amount of work, you can make yelps, purrs, and clucks with one of these. Some manufacturers design them to be attached to the stock of your gun. This allows for one-handed operation. The main disadvantage of push button calls, aside from perhaps the “novice factor,” is that they are highly sensitive to rain and even high humidity. Moisture, can silence your calling ability, and cripple your hunt in a hurry.

Box calls are also easy to use and very effective, but they are far more versatile. The range of sounds are endless, depending on how you finesse the paddle while working the call. In many situations, a box call is the best long distance call you can use. A time tested trick is to wrap a rubber band around the call and move the paddle slowly. This will make a purr that can make a gobbler stand up and pay attention. This type of call is traditionally made of wood (often cedar), so rain and fog can sometimes render them useless as well. Some call companies have introduced weatherproof box calls that do a good job. You can make some basic calls with one hand on one of these, but to really get the job done it takes both hands.

If you are hunting by your lonesome, this can be quite a multitasking effort.

Slate calls are an old stand-by. They are round discs of slate, ceramic, glass, or other material paired with a striker. Strikers are usually made of wood or carbon. Every striker will make a little different sound. Slate calls, or “Pots,” require a considerable learning curve and more skill than box calls, but you can make an infinite variety of sounds with one used properly. Wood and slate pots can be affected by rain and moisture, but ceramic and glass ones are typically weatherproof. These are definitely two handed deals, so they are suited to early calling, with the finishing act being played out on a diaphragm call.

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DIAPHRAGM CALLS This is where the rubber meets the tongue, literally. Difficult to learn, but once you have mastered them, you’ll probably never go back to the “toys.”

Completely weatherproof, and hands free, they are the choice of many an old pro turkey hunter. Since they are hard to learn, impossible for some, they are a mystery for many hunters.

Like stick shifts and fly tying. I accidentally tried them out first, and I love to hear the sounds they make.

If you can’t get the hang of it for a while, you can always fall back on one of the mechanical techniques.

After a few years, chances are you’ll be fine with a few diaphragms in your shirt pocket, and leave the clunky stuff back at the house.

WING BONE CALLS This is the holy grail of turkey calls.

I’m sure it’s what old Hawkeye from Last of the Mohicans used, and it probably hung around his neck 24/7 back in the day. This was a standby of most Native American turkey hunters. Call it repurposing, the larger parts of a turkey’s wingbone were boiled and the marrow was removed.

From there, the pieces are glued together. These are very simple to operate. When you purse your lips together and make a kissing sound, the call will make a respectable yelp. You can add this to your repertoire of mouth call clucks, purrs and cackles, and have yourself a regular hen party.

I think by far the most important thing about turkey calling is to study their language. The worst mistake you can make is to talk too much! You may not ever even need that full tilt gobble you are so proud of. Learn to read the situation, simulate what that hen, jake or tom might actually do in real life. Listen to recordings, walk in the woods.

Maybe that’s what I was doing for the first three years of my turkey hunting career, getting educated.

April • May 2016 | 61

Holler

Got something you want to share?

Send letters and photos to Ozarkhhart@gmail.com, or mail them to: Ozark Hills and Hollows, P.O. Box 214, Exeter, Mo 65647

from theHills

Dear OHH, I would first like to offer my sincere compliments on the high quality content from cover to cover of your magazine! Recently, while on vacation in southwest Missouri, mainly McDonald County, I picked up a couple of issues of your magazine and was instantly a fan. Great articles, photos and recipes.

Both sides of my family are from McDonald and Newton Counties. This is like coming home when reading and looking at the articles and photos.

One of your fine writers, Mrs. Katrina Hine, also gave me a copy, and she gave me subscription information as well.

Living in Texas limits my trips “home” to just a couple a year, so I want and need to subscribe to the magazine! I’m enclosing my check for a 1-year subscription to Ozark Hills and Hollows Magazine.

Can’t wait for my first issue!

Sincerely, Joseph P. Collard

Barb and Gary Rose enjoying the winter months in Kauai, Hawaii...not picking berries today! Barb and Gary own RoseBerry Farm near Washburn, Missouri and harvest strawberries, blueberries and blackberries through the season on their u-pick farm.

We were delighted to stumble into Dale Bishop, who was showing her handcrafted “Fresh Mountain Soaps” at the Eureka Springs Chocolate Lover’s Festival. As she looked through our February – March issue of Ozark Hills and Hollows, she was amazed to see a story reminiscing over Dogpatch USA. Turns out, her and her husband used to work there – and as she looked through the photos...she suddenly caught a glimpse of herself! Yes, that was none other than Dale Bishop frolicking around in her little yellow dress. It was great to meet you Dale, thanks for letting us get a photo of you!

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Photo submitted by Howard Nelson of rural Cassville.

Dear OHH, I was a several year subscriber to Ozarks Mountaineer until they folded. Your clean, interesting, Ozarks family and neighbor stories are a great relief from all the garbage and filth and anti-family everything put out by most media today. That is why I do not subscribe to ANY mag-rags. I am not a purist...trust me...as I have been around the world a few times compliments of Uncle Sam and 5 tour middle east Vet...BUT I do know what is best for my reading...(and most other folks as well heeeheee!). Best of Luck to ya all in your endeavor!

Ev Denny Raising Boer goats is a joy for Julie Ball, especially in the spring when kidding begins. This picture is of her first births of the season.

Photo by Travis Franklin

April • May 2016 | 63

Goodbye Sweet Sister

BY STAN FINE

Kre, her sister, Paw, and their mother and father went to the river that afternoon. They went to the place of sadness where the large rock that rests on the river bottom rises up from the top of the water.

Kre carried with her a pillow, just one ordinary pillow. But, that pillow was the one that Kre's sister Wiver slept with each night. There is an old custom in Kre’s culture that her family believed in, and in Kre’s world customs must be adhered to. The custom states that if a pillow is thrown into the water where someone was last seen, the pillow would float down the river to the place where the person could be found; where Kre’s sister, Wiver could be found.

For ten long and perilous years, now nineteen-year-old Kre, her younger sisters, Paw and Wiver, and her parents, along with 43,000 other displaced Burmese citizens called the Mae La refugee camp in Thailand home. Life there for the family fleeing the violence in their home country of Burma was difficult, and those living within the camp’s boundaries and fences were little more than prisoners.

There were times when Kre’s father would tell stories of his life in what is now known as Myanmar. He talked about the beautiful people and the beautiful land, but also told the children that the family could never return to their home. He told them that returning to their 64 |

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homeland held only the promise of death.

However, Kre’s mother and father did have a dream. That was the dream of someday living a life without fear in the land of freedom, America.

There came a day when the family’s dream of coming to America was finally realized. The family of five came to Washington State, then moved to Minnesota and finally found a home in the small Southwest Missouri town of Noel.

Noel was home to approximately fourteen hundred people who enjoyed living in the tree covered Ozark hills and valleys. The waters of the slow-moving Elk River flowed under the Main Street Bridge and below the bluffs that overhang the road leading into town which is often referred to as “The Prize Drive” because of its scenic beauty.

When the hot summer sun warms the waters of Elk River the tourists bring their campers and fishing rods to Noel, but only the local residents know the best fishing holes and Kre’s family knew of such a place. It was where the big rock juts out of the water alongside State Road DD just outside of Noel. That is where the family made plans to spend Monday afternoon, July 13 of last summer. Although no one in the family could swim, they all enjoyed spending time together near the water while laughingly assessing each other’s fishing proficiencies.

Kre drove the family to the river where Wiver, Paw and Kre’s mother would wait while Kre and her father drove to the local grocery store to get some food and drinks for the day’s outing. Before driving away Kre cautioned the three staying behind about getting in the water and reminded them that none of the three could swim.

All acknowledged her words of caution and laughed as they waved goodbye.

Kre and her father were gone no more than ten minutes, but Kre knew something was wrong as soon as she caught sight of her mother. Kre’s mother was crying while Paw stood by her side talking on her phone. Kre feared the worst as she quickly jumped from the car and shouted “What’s wrong, where is Wiver?”

Without speaking Kre’s mother pointed to the water and the big rock. Kre didn’t yet understand and asked, “What happened; where’s Wiver?” Kre didn’t want to hear the words and already knew the answers to her questions. She now recalls that she was very angry with her mother and Paw for ignoring her earlier warning, and to

this day she harbors the haunting regret and guilt over those feelings of anger.

Kre’s mother, while still crying, said that the three had entered the water and waded out to the big rock. The three climbed onto the slippery stone and all at once Wiver fell into the dark, fast moving water. Paw also slipped but Kre’s mother grabbed her shirt which saved her from the same fate. Wiver was carried downstream as Kre’s mother watched and screamed her name, but there was no answer as the water soon swallowed Wiver.

Police and rescuers soon responded to Paw’s call for help but Wiver, at age 12, was gone. For three days more than fifty people searched for Wiver and what began as a search and rescue effort soon transformed into a search for Wiver’s body which ended at 11:10 A.M. on Wednesday, July 15th.

The two men in the small aluminum boat had been navigating the waters of Elk River during the daylight hours for the past three days. The two were searching for something they really didn’t want to find, but knew they had to find it. The two knew that their mission, and that of others on the water, must be brought to a resolution for their sake, and for the sake of others.

“Hey, there’s something over there,” the man in the front of the boat said. “I don’t see anything – where?” the man operating the small motor attached to the rear of the boat asked. The man in front raised up as to see better and while pointing to an object near a log said “Over there, near the log and just sticking out of the water, take the boat over there.”

Those who stood silently and watched as Wiver’s body was taken from the water swear that the river’s waters became calm, the wind ceased to blow and the birds in the trees no longer sang. It was as if all of nature was paying respect to the little girl found. For a moment, the world was at peace.

A week or so after Wiver’s funeral, and very early one morning when the night still cast darkness over the world, Kre was awakened by the touch and sound of her sister Paw. “Kre, Kre, wake up,” Paw said.

“Paw, it’s too early, go back to sleep.” “Kre, Wiver came to see me while I was sleeping.

She told me we should stop crying. Wiver said she was alright and we should not be sad. She told me she was in Heaven and some day we would be together again.

Then she said she would never again come

to me.” For a moment there was only silence in the darkened room then finally Kre said, “I’m glad Wiver is in heaven and I miss her, goodnight Paw.” Wiver loved so many things about life.

She loved to laugh, tell anecdotes, the color green and life itself. She came from the refugee camp in Thailand with a dream, a dream to be free; A dream to be free in her new homeland, America. Her dream came to fruition but her fate seemed to be preordained when she went to the river that hot summer day.

Wiver’s ambition was to someday teach young children and although that goal was never reached she constantly taught those around her how to laugh and how to appreciate all that life had to offer.

When Kre prays, she asks that Wiver know how much she is loved and missed but she also asks that Wiver remember that the three sisters will one day be together again.

Although Wiver’s death has caused so much pain to live in Kre’s heart, she knows that her little sister is free. Wiver is free from the refugee camp in Thailand and her soul is free from earthly restraints. She now lives in Heaven.

Kre and her family came to America to be free and if history has taught us anything, it is that freedom is not evergreen and often comes with a price: and for Kre’s family and Wiver, that price was so very great. I am constantly reminded that freedom is never really given to each of us but only offered as a loan; a loan whose payments are sometimes very high.

This story is not simply about the tragic drowning of a little girl but also about the dreams of freedom that lived, and continue to live, in the hearts of a family from Myanmar. It’s the story about a family that came to America and found the glorious light of freedom, but they discovered that the storms of heartbreak and tragedy inflict the oppressed and the free, alike. But, the family of, now four, knows that there will someday come a time when the group will once more be a reunited family of five, and they will be with Wiver.

On the day that the river returned Wiver to her family searchers found something else floating in the water; it was a pillow. Wiver’s bed pillow was found not far from her.

Kre now attends college and dreams of someday becoming a nurse.

April • May 2016 | 65

The Last Word

❝

As it stands, motherhood is a sort of wilderness through which each woman hacks her way, part martyr, part pioneer; a turn of events from which some women derive feelings of heroism, while others experience a sense of exile from the world they knew.

RACHEL CUSK

❞ MOTHER'S DAY

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With a cup of coffee...

We invite you to sit for a spell and visit.

One workday a month, we are traveling to a coffee shop near you. You'll find us with our laptops open, a stack of magazines and notebooks, and a steaming cup of local brew while we work on our next issue of Ozark Hills and Hollows. If you are in the area, we would love for you grab a mug yourself, pull up a chair and visit. We love talking to our readers and gathering story ideas, and hearing about what's going on in your neck of the woods. Please stop and see us.

Tuesday, April 19

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MOCHA JO'S COFFEE CAFE 505 E. Broadway in Monett Missouri

Tuesday, May 10

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

KEENBEAN COFFEE ROASTERS 1031 S. Market in Mt. Vernon Missouri

We hope you enjoyed reading Ozark There’s still so much more to come!

Coming up in June • July: Remember the One-room Schoolhouse Lake Life Harnessing Sun Power

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C E L E B R AT I N G H E R I TA G E , FA R M A N D H EA LT H Y L I V I N G I N T H E H EA R T O F A M E R I C A April • May 2016 | 67

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