DECEMBER 2017 • JANUARY 2018
Ozark
C E L E B R AT I N G O U R H E R I TA G E , N E I G H B O R S A N D R U R A L L I V I N G I N T H E H E A R T O F A M E R I C A
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DECEMBER 2017 • JANUARY 2018 DECE
30
Home-Baked Gifts Tasty Bread Recipes
42
Sights and Swans Winter at Heber Springs
58
A Helping Hand-Up Foster Resources
Cox Monett Hospital 417-354-1280
DECEMBER 2017 • JANUARY 2018
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May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Best wishes to our beloved friends and readers for an amazing year ahead. May the sunshine of happiness always shine above you. May the dove of peace rest over you and live in your home. May the dense forest of love surround you all year round.
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Celebrating Heritage, Farm and Healthy Living in the Heart of America
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C. William Hof, MD
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December 2017 • January 2018 | 5
Ozark
Hills Hollows CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE, NEIGHBORS AND RURAL 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 this issue -- and if you want to support us, please do so by advertising! Sherry Leverich ozarkhheditor@gmail.com 417-846-6171
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 Block Layne Sleeth Savanna Kaiser Lisa Florey Wes Franklin GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jason Medlock
PROOF EDITOR Barbara Warren
FACEBOOK Ozark Hills and Hollows Magazine TWITTER @ozarkhillhollow INSTAGRAM ozarkhillsandhollowsmagazine ONLINE www.issuu.com/ozarkhillsandhollows
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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 6 |
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Hills&Hollows
Inside:
DECEMBER 2017 • JANUARY 2018 FEATURES: 22
Owl Prowl Habitat and DIY
30
Home-Baked Gifts Breads for Everyone
42
Sights and Swans Winter at Heber Springs
50
Ghosts of the Past Story of the Young Bros.
58
A Helping Hand-Up Foster Resources
PLUS: 14
Loving Local Business Gift Guide
33
The Tinker’s Gift An Inspired Story
40
Gear Guide For Rural Dwellers
45
The Perfect Gift… For Your Chicken
48
Treat Yourself How-To Home Spa
54
Community of Caring A Caring Kitchen
64
Wyndy’s Christmas Surprise At Five Years Old
IN EVERY ISSUE:
COVER: Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice! This issue of OHH has a little bit of everything to love about Winter in the Ozarks.
10
From the Ground Up Brown Sugar Fudge
16
A Horsewoman's Journey He Proves Us
20
Backroads and Byways Digging Through the Layers
26
Among the Wildflowers Eastern Red Cedar
38
Back Home in the Hills The Christmas Hunt
62
From the Hollow Beeman Hollow, End to End
December 2017 • January 2018 | 7
ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS: Layne Sleeth is a born and raised Ozarks dweller with a penchant for the natural world. Layne currently abides on a Southwest Missouri hilltop with her dearest dogs, cats, and creative husband, Brian. When not reading or jotting down words and thoughts, you can find Layne tending and admiring plants, cooking good food, playing games with family, or learning something new.
Jessica Hammer is a small-town girl from Halfway, Missouri. She grew up on a beef farm, and is a recent graduate of College of the Ozarks. She loves being outside watching birds with her husband, Jason, and her dog, Zoey. Jessica freelances for local magazines and looks forward to starting a lifestyle blog in the future.
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.
Katrina Williamson is a city girl who was born and raised in California. She relocated to the Ozarks 22 years ago where she married a cattle farmer. She soon realized she had always been a country girl at heart. Together, they raise cattle, goats, and three children. When she is not spending time with her family, she is writing, reading, working in her garden or enjoying her chickens. She takes delight in writing about life experiences, farm life and also the beauty of nature. Check out her blog, happylifetaketwo.wordpress.com
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 over 10 years, moving from 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 and all the beauty the Ozarks has to offer.
Kim McCully-Mobley is a local educator, writer, self-described gypsy and storyteller with a homebased 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.
Katrina Hine is a relocated flatlander from Kansas, landing in the unique McDonald County region of Southwest Missouri. Her writing career began as a reporter for the local newspaper while pursing her Master's degree. Her continued passion to tell the stories of people, places and their history keeps life interesting. Katrina loves the endearing "realness" of the Ozark's and its people. She is a regular columnist in the McDonald County Historical Society newsletter, and also writes for Ozark Farm & Neighbor Ag newspaper and the Oklahoma Department of Tourism's magazine, Oklahoma Today. Her and her husband, Randall, have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
Beckie Block was born and raised in the Wheaton area, and is admittedly a small town girl. She enjoys her job in customer service, along with writing freelance and blogging. She admits to always carrying a pen and paper in case she needs to jot down thoughts and ideas to write later. She has three children, two at home and one in Nebraska, where she enjoys going to visit her two grand-daughters. Beckie spends her free time in church activities, gardening and baking.
Barbara Warren is a freelance editor with several years experience. She is currently working on her fifth book to be published this winter. She has had short stories and articles published in magazines such as Mature Living and Home Life, as well as being a devotional writer for Open Windows. Barbara is one of the founders of the Mid-South Writers Group, and has been speaker at writers conferences and other area writers groups. She lives on a farm in the beautiful Ozarks, where they raise beef cattle.
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Jim Petersen's fondness for water and nature grew from tromping around the streams and lakes of the Black Hills of western South Dakota. He has spent most of his professional life as a scientist studying and writing about the hydrology and aquatic biology of the streams and lakes of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. He is currently a freelance writer/editor and lives in Little Rock.
Larry Dablemont has a degree in wildlife management from the University of Missouri, and writes about all aspects of the outdoors. Owner of Lightnin’ Ridge Publishing, he puts out an outdoor magazine, has written ten books and writes a weekly columns for 40 newspapers in three states. Does public speaking and publishes books for other writers. Born and raised on the Big Piney River, he worked many years as a naturalist for the Arkansas State Parks and as a naturalist for the National Park Service on the Buffalo River.
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.
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.
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
Christmas Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men! Till ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, A chant sublime Of peace on earth, good-will to men! Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men! It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent, And made forlorn The households born Of peace on earth, good-will to men! And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said; For hate is strong, And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!" Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men
Home for the holidays
F
rosty mornings and cool days. In the morning we put out hay for our hungry cattle. Gone are the green grass days when they can graze all day on the plentiful pasture. When it gets really cold, the pond freezes over, so we chop holes in the ice near the shore so they can drink. These guys, and many others depend on us. The chickens and ducks can't find much forage, so they need feed to stay healthy through the winter months. We keep the rabbits out of the wind and rain, to keep them warm and dry. We have a trio of little piggies working their way through weeding and tilling up the hoophouse, where the remnants of our vegetable garden, and a host of weeds are all that's left of the summer's bounty. We've got fresh venison in the freezer, as well as herbs, veggies and plenty of pork, chicken and beef. On our farm, winter is the time to tidy up and hunker down for cold weather. We've had a great calving season, with healthy mommas and babies. We've got our hay stores ready, and are hoping for a short, mild season. We've all got so much to be thankful for. Family and friends, a warm home, food on the table, these we should never take for granted. Here in the Ozarks we are blessed indeed. With a beautiful countryside, friendly neighbors and a wealth of opportunity before us. This holiday season, we have some special treats for you. I'll do what I can to introduce you to some secrets of Eastern Red Cedar tree, while Sherry digs up some dirt on...homemade fudge! Kim Mobley will take you down some lesser traveled backroads and byways, while Amanda Reese guides us through her Horsewoman’s Journey. We'll learn about building nesting boxes for owls, and how to lure them into our yards, and visit some wintering swans at Heber Springs Arkansas. We have put together a batch of great local gift ideas for this Christmas. Gift giving doesn’t have to include purchases at the mall or on the internet, it can be home-baked goods, or preserved food with a holiday flair. Turn your home into a comforting day spa for an indulgent treat. We've even got a gift guide for your backyard chickens! In this issue we bring you the gift of storytelling, with Christmas themed musings from authors Tom Koob, Larry Dablemont, and Stan Fine. Remembering the less fortunate ones is a very important part of the season. We have special features about foster children, and a community kitchen to remind us of that. Here at Hills and Hollows, we never forget how blessed we are to have a wonderful community of contributors, friends and neighbors. We are so grateful to get the chance to spread the joy of our Ozark people and places, especially during this season. We wish you and your families a joyous holiday time, filled with loved ones and good cheer. And we send you all our best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! Robert Lotufo Publisher, Exeter Press
Specializing in land, ranches and farms Office licensed in Missouri and Oklahoma Member of two Multi-list Systems
417.226.3363
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Donnie & Tammy O’Brien, agent/owners 26 Peacock Lane, Jane, MO December 2017 • January 2018 | 9
groundUP From the
The Best of Everything BY SHERRY LEVERICH
D
ecember holds a year full of magic. All of our Christmas cheer, we store up for this special time of year. It's time to make that special punch or creative appetizer for our holiday guests. Time to make that fruit cake that we spend all year dreaming about, and make those scrumptious cookies and candies that we wait an entire year waiting for the opportunity to bake and cook. We create and make for entertaining, for gifts, and for our family and friends to enjoy. I think that for a lot of people (like myself ), this expression of love brings us a lot of joy. Every year, I have favorite recipes that I use every single year, but I also have new recipes that I want to try, and may add to that every-growing yearly list of favorites. This year, my mom pointed out a recipe that she has been seeing frequently, and thought it might be something that I would be interested in. Brown Sugar Fudge. What a delicious idea! I love the caramely nature of brown sugar. A lot of times, I use brown sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar, just because I love it so much. This recipe intrigued me because I have always been intimidated by praline recipes...but feel comfortable making fudge. Could this be the perfect combination of both?
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Yes...indeed, it is a delicious, melt-inyour mouth fudge that has the buttery, caramely, nutty taste of praline. It's a keeper, and I hope that you all enjoy it too! What a great way to ring in the season of joy, love, Christmas cheer. Do you have a recipe that you would like to share in next years Christmas issue of OHH? Email it to me at ozarkhheditor@gmail.com, or snail mail it to Ozark Hills and Hollows, Editor, P. O. Box 214, Exeter, Mo. 65647. Merry Christmas Everyone! Happy New Year; let's make 2018 the best one yet!
Brown Sugar Fudge Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick) butter 16-ounce brown sugar 2/3 cup evaporated milk (5 oz.)
1 tsp. Vanilla extract ¾ cup powdered sugar ½ cup black walnuts
Directions: Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper. Spray with oil. Toast nuts in an iron skillet stirring constantly until you can smell the toastiness. Remove from heat and set aside. In a heavy bottomed pan, melt butter and add brown sugar and evaporated milk. Over low heat, mix well and cover with lid for 5 minutes (this will help speed up the heating). Stirring occasionally, heat until the temp. reaches 240 degrees, F., or soft-ball stage. Remove from heat. In a mixer bowl (like a kitchenaid), mix fudge together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix for about three minutes, until fudge starts setting up and become dull instead of shiny. Mix in nuts. Immediately scrape with heat-resistant spatula into prepared pan. Let cool until solid and cut or package as you would like.
Cider-Glazed Chickens
BY FORESTER FARMER’S MARKET
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION, PER SERVING: 525 CALORIES 10 G FAT 1 G SATURATED FAT 17 G CARBOHYDRATE 3 G FIBER 10 G SUGARS 90 G PROTEIN
2 Forester Farmer’s Market© whole fresh chickens
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups apple cider, divided
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup sugar
4 small yellow onions, quartered and divided
1/2 cup kosher salt 2 tablespoons black peppercorns 8 garlic cloves, smashed 4 fresh bay leaves 2 small yellow onions, quartered 6 cups water 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
4 small apples, quartered and divided 4 small carrots, halved and divided 4 fresh thyme sprigs, divided Cooking spray 2 cups cider 1/4 cup apple jelly
To prepare brine, bring 2 cups cider, sugar, 1/2 cup salt, and peppercorns to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high. Cook 5 minutes or until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove pan from heat. Stir in remaining 4 cups cider, garlic, bay leaves, and 2 onions. Cool completely. Combine brine with 6 cups water in a brining bag. To prepare the chickens, add chickens to brine. Add water to bag, 1/2 cup at a time, as needed to cover chickens. Refrigerate 12 to 24 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove chickens from brine; discard brine. Pat chickens dry. Combine 1/4 cup butter, chopped thyme, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breast and drumsticks by inserting fingers and gently pushing between skin and meat. Rub butter mixture under loosened skin. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under chickens. Place 1 onion, 1 apple, 1 carrot, and 2 thyme sprigs in body cavity. Tie legs with kitchen twine. Preparation Cider-Glazed Chickens Place chickens on the rack of a roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Place remaining onions, apples, carrots, and thyme sprigs in bottom of pan; place rack with chickens in pan. Add 2 cups cider to pan. Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons butter and jelly in a small saucepan over medium-high; cook 2 minutes. Brush half of jelly mixture over chickens. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Brush chickens with remaining half of jelly mixture; bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 170°F. Place chickens on a cutting board. Let stand, loosely covered with foil, 20 minutes (internal temperature will rise to 180°F). Remove skin before serving. Reserve pan drippings for gravy, if using. Serve with roasted apples and vegetables from pan. Find more great recipes at www.foresterfarmersmarket.com
Forester Farmer’s Market® is butcher-shop quality chicken – a healthy, wholesome chicken that is rare in today’s marketplace. Our nutritious, hometown quality will take you back to a time when chicken was chicken.
Why Forester? ALL NATURAL
RAISED WITH NO
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My goal is to provide your family the same quality chic ken that Ma cooked for Dad. Trea t your family to chicken that’s chic ken. r
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foresterfarmersmarket.com December 2017 • January 2018 | 11
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
PERSONAL APPLICATION
A Horsewoman’s Journey BY AMANDA REESE
He Proves Us
W
hen referring to horses, the word “proven” typically means a horse demonstrated its ability to successfully perform or produce performers. Pictured is a stallion named Not Ruf At All, “Ruf ”. He is owned by Vaughn Zimmerman, of Rogersville, Mo. Ruf is the National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) highest money earning stallion with a life time earnings of $456,501. He is also a NRHA Triple Crown Champion. Ruf earned the NRHA Triple Crown championship by winning the 2013 NRHA Open Futurity, the 2014 NRHA Open Derby, and the 2016 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Open Championship. Ruf, along with 12 |
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Wimpys Little Chic and Spooks Gotta Wiz are the only NRHA Triple Crown Winners in history. Ruf’s show record is superb. His achievements exceed the successes of many great performance horses. Yet on his own, Ruf could not prove himself. Great horsemen helped develop Ruf into a champion. As a two-year-old, Ruf was trained by Bobby Avila Jr., of Rogersville, Mo. After a year in Avila’s training program, Ruff was sent to Whitesboro, Tex. Jason Vanlandingham trained Ruf for the next four years. Vanlandingham and Ruf won the open futurity, derby, and NRBC. These wins earned Ruf ’s title as the NRHA Triple Crown Champion.
In the hands of his master, Ruf achieved great victory. As Christians, we are promised great victory in Christ. The Bible says, “But thanks be to God, who give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 The word victory is translated from the Greek word nikos. Nikos describes a triumphant conquest. Nikos means victory, to utterly vanquish one’s foes. It is a complete victory. Like Ruf needing help on his conquest to shine in the show pen, we need help on our conquest to shine before God. Sin has separated each of us from our Creator. We cannot overcome this sin problem on our own. Our greatest efforts to be righteous, apart from Christ, are not good enough. We all mess up and “fall short” of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The good news is, we can be saved and receive the victorious life Jesus offers. Romans 10:13 says, “for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Romans 10:9-10 assures us, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and our justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Speak out and ask Jesus to save you. Remember our victory is found in Jesus Christ. He reconciles us to God. He washes away our every sin. We don’t prove ourselves to God. Jesus proves us righteous before God. Merry Christmas and have a blessed new year!
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Find us on: December 2017 • January 2018 | 13
Ozark
Hills Hollows PRESENTS
OUR GIFT GUIDE FOR LOVING LOCAL y not have known Check out this list for products you may or ma were entirely local to the Ozarks Region One of the joys of the Holiday Seas on is gift-giving. It's an opportunity to show love de and gratitude to those around us that inclu . us, love us and help us throughout the year Mos t of us know that buying local helps our communities thrive and grow – so this
year, we are sharing some local options for t, gift-giving. Some you may have heard abou some you may not. We hope it helps fill out your list with some interesting, special and unique gifts for ever y special pers on you would like to remember this year.
Reborn Co. Candle Reborn Co Candles and other great gift options are available at 5 Pound Apparel in Springfield, Mo.
Reborn Co products are made in Springfield, Mo., by hand. Reborn Co Candles are 100% soy, which burn clean. All of the products used are made in the USA. Reborn Candles include more fragrance oil than most companies use, and fill your home or office with wonderful scents! Please go to rebornco.net, or facebook and instagram @therebornco to find a local retailer like these: Salon 119, Wichita Ks., Heaven's Scent Flowers, Republic, Mo., Ruby’s Marketplace, Springfield, Mo., Silver Dollar City Candle Shop, Branson, Mo., 5 Pound Apparel, Springfield, Mo.
Big Cedar At Big Cedar Lodge there are countless ways for families to make memories to last a lifetime, from exploring through an ancient cave and nature trail to an afternoon of fun with an underwater themed round of bowling. Make the entire family smile with a Big Cedar gift card!
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A. G. Russell
AGLB-C172CF........................... $145 AGLB-C172CO ............................ $95 AGLB-C172GR............................ $85
Since 1964, A. G. Russell™ Knives has supplied the knife needs of customers worldwide. The A. G. Russell name means quality, dependability and knowledge. Their only retail store is located in NW Arkansas on I49 at exit 81 in Rogers. The selection of knives and quality gifts for men available is unsurpassed. Holiday Hours are 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. M-F and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat. www.agrussell.com www.russellsformen.com
Doug Hall Art Doug Hall’s Fine Art of 1700s Woodland Indians can be seen at Doug Hall’s Log Cabin Gallery, three miles south of Neosho; 19314 Hwy 59. Doug’s oil paintings are nationally acclaimed for his colors, light and shadow. The canvas reproductions can be purchased at the Gallery or online. www.DougHallArt.com. Rocking chairs around pot belly stove welcome you and Muzzleloader shoots are held every Sunday. Coffee’s always on.
Terra Studios At Terra Studios, find the famous Bluebird of Happiness®. Watch as skilled artisans create these thoughtful gifts, or choose from thousands of unique, handmade gift ideas by over 100 local artists. Stroll the art park, snack in the whimsical café, or simply enjoy and shop, 10 – 5 daily. FMI terrastudios.com
December 2017 • January 2018 | 15
My Brother’s Salsa Bringing people back to the table. All Natural. No Ordinary Salsa! Family Owned & Operated. My Brother's Salsa is Bentonville, Ark., based, and can be found at many retailers and grocery stores all over the area! Also available for ordering online: www.mybrotherssalsa.com, more recipes and complete list of local retailers. facebook @mybrotherssalsa
Chicken Tamale Dip (yields 4 cups) 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded 15 oz. can cream style corn 8 oz. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, shredded 1/2 cup My Brother’s House Salsa 2-3 green chiles* (Hatch or Anaheim) roasted, peeled, seeded & chopped *(can substitute 4 oz can of green chiles)
In mixing bowl combine chicken, cream corn, shredded cheese, My Brother's House Salsa and green chiles. Pour into a baking dish. Bake at 400* for about 20 min. until cheese is bubbly. Serve with My Brother's Corn Tortilla Chips or warm flour tortillas.
Edgewood Creamery At Edgewood Creamery we pride ourselves on producing handcrafted cheeses and cream-line milk from our own dairy, using a natural and balanced rotational grazing system. As a family we love what we do, and we are proud to create products that make others smile. From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas! Gift boxes available in-store and online at www.edgewoodcreamery.com Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Also, visit their farm store located in Purdy, Missouri! A complete list of retailers is available online, but Edgewood products can be found at: Downstream Casino - Quapaw, Ok., Suzanne's Natural Foods - Joplin, Mo., MaMa Jean's (all locations), Price Cutters, Harter House, Harps.
Riceland Riceland provides marketing services for rice and soybeans grown by its 6,000 farmer-members in Arkansas and Missouri. Each year, its 1,500 employees receive, store, transport process and market more than 125 million bushels of grain. Riceland Products, which are a great, and local, product, are available at many local retailers – but check out new products and gift selections online! Rice ‘N Easy Flavored Rice Mix is the perfect way to add a little flavor to your dinner table this holiday season. Choose from five delicious flavors of our premium parboiled rice mixes, and have it shipped to your door with Amazon Prime. 16 |
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Sassafras Springs Winery The Winery at Sassafras Springs Vineyard is located at 6461 E Guy Terry Rd., Springdale, Ar. Enjoy exceptional wines in our beautiful tasting room, under our covered patio next to the fireplace, or on one of our many over-sized decks. Sassafras Springs also includes a beautiful venue suitable for large weddings as well as receptions. The currently offer Syrah, Geno's Select blend, Cheryl's Sassy Red blend, Riesling and Chardonnay. Visit or call to find out more. (479) 419-4999 facebook @sassafrasspringsvineyardspringdale, www.sassafrasspringsvineyard.com
Perennials Looking for something special for the garden lover on your list? Perennials, Etc. has been established for decades and their helpful owners will go above and beyond to make your gardening needs and desires come true! Check out their statuary, weather vanes and fairy garden supplies available all year long, or grab a gift-card for a shopping spree when spring arrives in the Ozarks! Highway 62 just north of Garfield, Ar., facebook @nwaplants, call: 479-359-3412
Eureka Fine Art Gallery EUREKA FINE ART GALLERY is unique in that eight artists are co-owners who share the creative and operational duties of the gallery. Artists Barbara Robinson, Drew Gentle, Charles Pierce, Ernie Kilman, Denise Ryan, Larry Mansker, John Willer and John Rankine are established Eureka Springs artist. Stop by, call or go online to see their great art that would delight someone on your gift list. Paintings, textiles, jewelry and more! 2 pine street, Eureka Springs, Ar. 479-3636000, eurekafineartgallery.com, eurekafineartgallery@gmail.com
Glamping Pods of America Available right here in the Ozarks! These unique, European design, but completely locally built, all-season glamping pods are a great way to add guest quarters to your backyard, create an instant hunting cabin on the wooded acreage, or establish a resort on that lakefront property! You will be amazed at the quality and versatility of these buildings. 143 Add On Road, Noel, Mo. Facebook @glampingpodsofamerica Call (417) 385-1664 www.glampingpodsofamerica.com December 2017 • January 2018 | 17
Larry Dablemont Books As we come to the Christmas season, I want to remind readers that I publish an outdoor magazine called the Lightnin’ Ridge Outdoor Journal and have written nine different outdoor books that will make great Christmas gifts. If you are interested in seeing those books, or the magazines, just call my executive secretary at my executive office. $12.00 each. Postpaid. Call 417-777-5227 or write: Box 22, Bolivar, Mo 65613 Now mailing Christmas orders. Books inscribed and signed
Copperhead Designs Every piece is totally hand fabricated by me, each is unique, and each piece has its imperfections, just like all of us! Made with Copper, Sterling Silver, and some pieces include natural stones as well! To purchase, please visit www.copperheaddesignsjewelry.com, send an email to copperheaddesigns@yahoo.com or find us in Tomblin's Jewlery in Cassville, Mo., and Tan Club in Jefferson City, Mo.
Hungry Hollow Brewing Co Located in rural Hungry Hollow just outside of Cassville, Missouri. All of HHBC’s beers are crafted in a wood-fired steam brewhouse with the finest ingredients including the hard limestone-filtered water that the Ozarks are so known for. Any craft beer fanatic would love to be gifted one of the two brews that are currently offered, The Three Point Five Imperial IPA and the Ozark Farmhouse French Style Saison. Both are available in 750mL bottles, perfect for a holiday party to share with friends. Contact brewer and owner Joe Zucca at 417-342-2072 or josephzucca@gmail.com. Or visit their website at hungryhollowbrewing.com or facebook.com/hungryhollowbrewing
Red Road Woodworks From the heart of the Ozark Mountains, these spoons and wooden kitchen utensils are crafted out of beautiful native Ozark hardwoods. From kraut mallets to coffee scoops, we have your wooden kitchen utensil needs covered. Proud supporter of rural communities and their people. Family owned since 1984. Sustainably produced. redroadwoodworks.com or our Etsy shop at Etsy.com/shop/redroadwoodworks
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T H E A R EA’S M O S T OFTEN CHOSEN FUNERAL HOME
Ozark Vintage Christmas Snapshots SHARED BY JUDY RODRIGUEZ
Fohn
FUNERAL HOME Owners Jim and Janice Fohn
PR PLANNIN Please call us at 417-847-2141 to set up an appointment to discuss pre-planning with a caring professional.
IMMEDIATE ARRAN M NTS We offer our support with online and in-person support as you consider making immediate arrangements.
RI
S PPORT
Our website offers many helpful articles by the Center for Loss and Life Transition - Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D., Director
Three locations serving Southwest Missouri CASSVILLE
1303 N. Main 417.847.2141
SHELL KNOB Highway 39 417.858.3151
McQueen Funeral Home WHEATON
514 Hurlbut (Hwy W) 417.652.7268 or a list of current scheduled services please visit our website:
www.fohnfuneralhome.com December 2017 • January 2018 | 19
Backroads
& Byways
BY KIM MCCULLY-MOBLEY
Digging Through the Layers of Old Books and Musty Papers The cold winter months bring an onslaught of all kinds of indoor work for me. I still love stomping around in the snow or hearing the crisp crunch of leaves under my feet in the woods. But I also love to dig out boxes of artifacts, relics and papers from the past. I need to hold them, see them, feel them and smell them. What do they have to tell me? I love to flip through the old, yellowed, cracking pages of newspapers, books and magazines from yesteryear. I usually find myself cleaning out old boxes of newspaper clippings, magazine articles and vintage advertisements and promotions about the Ozarks during the winter months. (I do this to create space for new ones that happen to fall in my hands at flea markets, thrift stores or from well-meaning friends who know my love for old things.) Often, I close my eyes to get the full effect of the sound of the items as they rustle in my hands as I take in the sweet, comforting smell of musty paper, worn brittle through the decades of time. It is a favorite smell, even though I know, deep down, the smell is a scientific one…based on the degradation process of organic materials like paper, glue and ink. The smell sometimes becomes stronger as things age. Whatever the case, the smell is one of nostalgia and usually—good memories. It reminds me of the word petrichor, a poetic word for the smell of fresh earth after a rain. Both smells are triggers for sense of place…time passing and our ability to appreciate those moments where simple joys keep us happy, safe, loved and comfortable. I was given some copies of old newspapers several years ago from the Ozarks area. They are part of a collection I own of Ozarkiana materials. I am particularly fond of some clippings called “Bob’s Column” from my hometown newspaper. 20 |
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Bob Lowry was a notorious newspaper man from Aurora, Missouri. He served in a variety of capacities, but found people dubbing the newspaper “The Aggravator” instead of The Advertiser because of his reputation. Through the years, he was called lots of things like: tough, feisty, notorious, cantankerous and spunky, just to name a few of the ones we can actually print here. He was tall, lean and walked with purpose. He asked lots of questions. If he was talking to you, you had better hope you had the right answers. The Lowry family owned The Aurora Advertiser for over a century. Bob has been gone several years now, but served as an avid watchdog for his community and the region. He helped compile the 1970 Centennial Book to celebrate Aurora’s 100th birthday. I first went to work for the local newspaper as a teenager in the 1970s. My brother was on the staff as the sports editor and the news editor for a time and new owners had taken over the reins. Bob was getting up in years, but was still as feisty as ever. (I would return as editor in the fall of 1987 and would work there fulltime for another 17 years.) Bob wasn’t afraid to take on the school board, the city council, the governor himself or any other state or federal agency that needed a poke in the chest. He came in one day and told me to get loud, get proud and
be prepared to enjoy spending time with myself a whole lot. He told me that once I “got ink” in my blood, I would never be able to get away from it. Little did I know then how true that would be. At first I was a little afraid of him. Then, I learned that he was well-read. He was somewhat crusty. He was outspoken. He paid great attention to details. He had no filter. He loved Aurora. He loved the Ozarks. He loved taking a stand. Soon, he gave me a stack of his old columns to read through and do with as I wished when I was finished. One of those columns started out by telling on some of the employees at the historic Bank Hotel on Highway 39 and Madison Avenue. Apparently, these folks had been scammed by the same man twice in the same week! Later that week, the same man pulled the same trick on the Bank Hotel Manager Joe LeDue. Bob decided to be the Good Samaritan and alert the whole darn town about the scam, as well as the questionable intelligence of his friends at the Bank Hotel. He would often use humor and sarcasm to make a point. Some appreciated it, while others did not. Either way—it never mattered much to Bob. “All hands have been alerted for a possible third appearance,” his column read. And apparently the folks at the Bank Hotel got over the humiliation for the good of the whole town. They also appreciated their 15 minutes of fame as the column made the rounds. In our neck of the woods, stories still abound about Jesse James, big bucks, bear sightings, cattle thieves, loud explosions, snakes in the grass and Big Foot himself. Some of these stories have some small crumbles of truth to them, while others become widely exaggerated over the course of time, social media sharing and exaggerations that come into play like an old-fashioned game of gossip. I am reminded of the old story about Frozen Charlotte. The Frozen Charlotte dolls were popular from the 1850s through the 1920s. They were
often made of white or blue bisque materials and rarely wore clothing. Based on an old folk ballad called “Fair Charlotte,” and a Seba Smith poem called, “A Corpse Going to a Ball,” the dolls were often purchased by parents to send messages to their children about the necessity of dressing warmly and properly during frigid winter months. Apparently, Frozen Charlotte was out on a sleigh ride with her boyfriend and didn’t want to muss up her pretty frock by wearing a cloak. Thus, she was frozen stiff and dead upon her arrival back home, much to her parents’ chagrin. Not to be outdone in the gender world, toy companies also manufactured the male counterpart for Charlotte, he was called Frozen Charlie, of course. There was a period of time when the little dolls would show up in puddings, cakes and pies as a sort of prize. Much like fairytales, Aesop’s Fables and the legends of the past, most stories are told for the sake of the story (they are too good to be kept quiet), for the sake of the life lesson involved (you must wear a coat when it’s cold) or for the sake of cheap therapy in the telling of your tale. Whatever the case, keep those stories coming. I think the late Bob Lowry would appreciate the names this writer-turnededucator has also been called through the years of serving her community and the Ozarks through writing, teaching and storytelling. The printable ones include: well-read, crusty, outspoken, tough, feisty and spunky. I can’t help but laugh. History does have an uncanny way of repeating itself. I am in great company with this storytelling work. I am hopeful that Bob Lowry would be proud. We can only know where we’re going when we know where we’ve been. I’ll be seeing you on the Backroads and Byways of this place I call home. I’ll dig out my boxes of papers and curl up with a cup of hot tea and an old quilt while I pour through them. I’ll continue to take photos and walk the backroads, looking for stories and remnants from the past. And, much like our Frozen Charlotte, I’ll be carrying my coat so that it doesn’t get in my way.
1100 S. Elliott Aurora, Missouri 417-678-3333
www.fibaurora.com
ESTABLISHED 1970
Newbold & Newbold PC
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS James E. Newbold, CPA Kevin J. Newbold, CPA Kristi D. Newbold, CPA ACCOUNTING | PAYROLL | TAXES
1402 S. Elliott Ave., Aurora Mo. 417-678-5191
Our Team in Action for Justice 417.737.7154 | 877.470.4304 200 S. Elliott Ave. | Aurora, Mo.
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A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS SINCE 1964
SERVICE VENDING Co. 600 W. High Street Aurora, Missouri 65605 417-678-3330 December 2017 • January 2018 | 21
Barred owl. Photo by Larry Strong
T
he author of “Ozark Magic and Folklore” 1947, Vance Randolph, traveled the hills and interviewed old timers born in the 1800s, mining for oral tradition from antiquity. Owls are mentioned in recurring theme.
STORY BY LAYNE SLEETH
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Folklorist Randolph notes, “The Ozarker does not like to hear a screech owl near his cabin, since it is always an unfavorable sign and may indicate sickness or approaching death.” Often, owls were perceived as bad omens, and were looked upon with a suspicious eye. In another passage, Randolph notes, “A man in Madison county, Arkansas, tells me that to throw a handful of salt or feathers on the fire will silence a screech owl outside the cabin. 'Maybe it’s the smell of salt a-burnin’ that does the trick,' he said thoughtfully.”
Though the combination of folklore wisdom and ludicrous superstition imparted in this book is amusing to read and ponder, each mention of owls is in a pessimistic notion. Hill folk these days enjoy the hooting of owls, even though the screech owl's highpitched whinny is startling. Owls have generated interest and speculation for centuries in other cultures, as well. In Greek mythology owls were closely associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
More often heard than seen, owls are a beneficial part of the food chain of our local ecosystem. They are highly efficient in controlling rodent populations. Owls have fringed feathers at front of their wings that make their nighttime flight silent. Owls swallow their small prey whole. The food travels down the esophagus to the proventriculus, where enzymes begin digestion. From there, food travels to the ventriculus, or the gizzard, where bones, fur, teeth and indigestible pieces are formed into "pellets" and regurgitated. Often, you'll find these pellets underneath a tree, at a favorite perch or under a nest. Owl eyes are fixed in the socket, and they can rotate their heads to a maximum of 270 degrees to track a moving object. Due to their nocturnal nature, opportunities to owl watch are rare. Here is an overview of the most common owls in the Ozarks and their behaviors:
Strix varia: The barred owl is large, about 16 to 20-inches long, with brown and white vertical bands on the body. They have dark eyes set into a round head. Barred owls inhabit areas near rivers and lakes that are fledged by woods. Their call is
easy to identify; it's a series of hoots that is often described as sounding like, "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?" This common Ozark resident dines on a variety of fare, including rodents, snakes, frogs,
small mammals, insects, and sometimes aquatic creatures. In our area, these owls are finding mates and nesting around February to March. Two or three owlets will be reared in an abandoned hawk’s nest of the parents' choosing. Barred owls may also use nesting boxes.
Otus asio: This tiny, yellow eyed owl has ear tufts and a startling call that is either an even trill or an ascending and descending whinny. There are three morphs, or color varieties, of Eastern screech-owl in Missouri; brown, grey and red (red being least common and referred to as "rufous"). Small prey is the food of choice for these 8-1/2- inch adorable raptors. Grasshoppers, beetles, moths, mice, moles, and small birds are a few favorites. They nest in tree cavities bored by woodpeckers. Nesting is from March through May, and they will incubate a clutch of five white, round eggs. As people tend to take out dead and hollow trees, screech owl populations are at risk without proper habitat. Screech-owls benefit from manmade owl boxes. December 2017 • January 2018 | 23
Bubo virginianus: The great horned owl is quite large (an average of 22-inches long), with prominent ear tufts and round, yellow orblike eyes. They have a low and deep hoot. They can live in urban areas and forests, just the same. Great horned owls can make a meal of nearly anything, including mice, small mammals, snakes, birds, even other owls or turkeys. They have no sense of smell, thus enabling them to be one of the very few critters that will snack on skunks. Breeding takes place in late January and February. Great horned owls nest in old squirrel or hawk nests, but can nest in hollowed trees, as well. They have two owlets that remain with the parents until the next breeding season.
The facial disk is the area around the face that contains concave feathers that function to funnel sound to the owl's ears, allowing them to hear movements of prey and potential danger.
Tyto alba: Barn owls are beautiful, graceful, and immensely useful in rodent control. Their coloring can be white and tawny, fading to greyish. Their heart shaped face is quite distinctive. Barn owls give a harsh scream and occasionally hiss. They are strictly nocturnal hunters that prefer pastures and open woodland habitat. Small rodents, birds, bats, and reptiles are all good food sources for barn owls. Incredibly, barn owls eat one and a half times their weight each night. According to an article by the late Missouri Department of Conservation ornithologist James D. Wilson, "One once was observed delivering 16 mice, three gophers, a rat and a squirrel to a nest within 25 minutes." True to name, barn owls tend to take up residence in barns and other old buildings, but occasionally hollow trees. They will nest in any season, and lay 5 to 10 white eggs. Nesting boxes are readily used by barn owls. 24 |
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Barn owl. Photo by Alice Leverich
Aegolius acadicus: The small saw-whet owl is a winter visitor from the Northern woods. It has a round head that appears larger than it's body and orange-yellow irises. They bear a brown belly with white spots and a pale white facial disk. Sawwhets are slightly smaller than screech owls. The reclusive saw-whet owl eats mainly mice and lives in dense forests. Their call is a high pitched "tootoo-too". Little is known about their winter distribution. Nesting occurs in their summer region, further north of the Ozarks. These small statured owls will nest in tree cavities mainly, but also nest boxes. Saw-whets have a clutch of 4 to 7 eggs.
Since fall of 2014, scientists have been monitoring saw-whet wintering populations at the Ozark Natural Science Center in Huntsville, Ark. Ornithologists use mist nets, fine mesh screens made of black nylon that birds can't see, to capture these owls for study. They measure the captured sawwhet owl, put a band on the owl's leg with a unique identifying number, and release the owl. Live owl cameras provide an upclose opportunity to observe the nests and habits of owls, and are sometimes available on Cornell Lab of Ornithology's allaboutbirds.org. Alternatively, you can build an owl box for supporting a nesting pair of owls in your backyard. Certainly, if you want owls to nest on your property, habitat is key. Dead trees, or snags, serve as ready-made owl homes. However, you will have good luck with a handmade owl box with barn and screech owls, provided ample food is available. Placement of the owl box should be 15 to 20-feet high, with a 6-inch opening for barn owls and a 3-inch opening for screech owls. Since both of these owls have a number of larger predators (great horned owls, raccoons, and cats) that must be kept out of the nest, do not add a perch at the entrance hole of the box. You can place your box on the sides of barns or other outbuildings, on a pole or in dead trees. If you place the box in a live tree, predation on nests is more likely to occur. If a live tree is the only option you have, use aluminum nails only as they are less damaging to the tree. Drainage holes are essential in any bird house. Clean out your owl box in late fall, before nesting season begins. Barn owls regurgitate their pellets inside of their nest to serve as soft bedding for their young. Keep yearly cleaning in mind when building or purchasing a box. Boxes that have a removable side make this task easier. You can find free owl box plans on the Missouri Department of Conservation webpage. The screech owl box pictured was built using plans published by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1983.
We used screech owl box plans published by the Missouri Department of Conservation
A 3" hold saw creates an entrance hole that is just right for tiny screech owls.
The bottom of our box has notched edges that allow for drainage and ventilation.
The roof of the box is slanted so that it sheds rain properly. December 2017 • January 2018 | 25
Among the Wildflowers
F E N C E - R OW SENTINEL
W I T H H EA L I N G P OW E R S
Eastern Red Cedar BY ROB LOTUFO
I
’m pretty sure there is big medicine in the eastern red cedar tree. I have a time tested hunting secret I'd like to share with you. On a freezing winter morning, I try to find a medium to large cedar tree, crawl under its canopy and wait. It blocks the wind and seems to stay warmer under there. On rainy days it keeps me dry, the snow seldom gathers below the boughs, and the sweet cedar scent completely masks my own. I have actually fallen asleep under one in a snowstorm and had a nice sized buck wake me up by sticking its head under the branches and sniffing at me.
The common Ozark Cedar Tree is actually a sturdy and durable juniper tree. It can also grow to be very old, some of them live for hundreds of years. The oldest red cedar ever reported was in Missouri, it lived for 795 years. Eastern juniper is
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a pioneer species, one of the first trees to repopulate cleared, eroded, or otherwise damaged land. It is commonly found in prairies or oak barrens, old pastures, or limestone hills, along highways and near recent construction sites. There are
distinct male and female trees. Female trees produce beautiful blue berries every three years. Several animals are fond of the berries, including quail, pheasant, turkeys, raccoon, opossums, skunks, foxes, deer and rabbits. Fun fact: it takes about 12 minutes for a cedar waxwing to pass the seeds through its gut. The seeds that have been processed by this bird have levels of germination roughly three times higher than bare seeds. This plant is a host for the juniper hairstreak butterfly. For humans, Eastern red cedar berries are related to common juniper berries, but are superior in flavor. The berries are mild without the turpentine notes and bitterness of common juniper. They are almost sweet with a woodsy/pine flavor. The berries can be eaten dried, fresh, chopped or powdered. The fine-grained, soft brittle red heartwood is fragrant, very light and durable, even in contact with soil. Because
LEGEND In an old Indian legend, a young hunter has a vision of a redheaded woodpecker that teaches him how to make the flute from a red cedarwood tree; the young hunter uses his flute as a love charm to win his wife, who was the daughter of a big and powerful chief of the village.
of its rot resistance, the wood is often used for fence posts. It makes excellent longbows, flatbows, and Native American sinew-backed bows. The wood was used by Native Americans to make items such as canoes, bedding, mats, drums, and flutes. Native American tribes have historically used juniper wood poles to mark out tribal hunting territories. French traders named Baton Rouge, Louisiana, (meaning "red stick") from the reddish color of these poles. The Indians marked their boundary with red cedar
&
poles decorated with blood, fish heads, and animal skulls. The Native Indians obviously held the Eastern red cedar trees in high reverence, which was also recognized by early explorers. Known as the, “Tree of Life,” by Native Americans, the Eastern red cedar was and still is used in ceremonies. Regarded as a holy tree, it has often been burned in purification rituals and sweat lodges. A number of tribes include cedar as one of the four sacred medicines, which are cedar, sage, tobacco and sweet grass.
WHITE FUNERAL HOME
MEDICINE Leaves and twigs were boiled and steamed to help with bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. Berry tea for cankersores, anti-parasitic to treat worms, to stop vomiting and disinfect topical wounds. A warm poultice of the boiled berries was used for rheumatism and arthritis. Root tea was a general tonic. Elders advised to put some red cedar in your shoes and only goodness will come your way.
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ON SITE CREMATORY
December 2017 • January 2018 | 27
Many Cherokee descendants carry a small piece of cedar wood in their medicine bags around the neck for protection. In a legend of the cedar tree told by the Cherokee Indians, the trees literally hold spirits of their ancestors,and they believe the wood carries powerful protective spirits. It is told that the Creator placed the spirits of their people in a newly created tree. Cedar is especially associated with prayer, healing, dreams, and protection against disease. Many Salish tribes consider the cedar tree a symbol of generosity and providence, and had special rituals regarding the felling of cedar trees. In folklore; cedar brings good luck and good fortune, health and healing. Cedar was burned to invite positive energy, happiness, harmony and peace, Fresh cedar boughs are used as brooms for purification. 28 |
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Eastern red cedar, the "red stick" is actually one of the oldest tree families on earth (Ancient Egyptians used a juniper to make chariot wheels in 1300 B.C.). An essential oil can be obtained from the wood, and cedar camphor is used in soaps, face creams, deodorants, perfumes, polishes, etc. Cedarwood oil was used by Egyptians for cosmetics, magical perfumes, as an insect repellent and, to embalm mummies.
Eastern red cedar wood is still used today in herbal medicine for respiratory conditions, as an expectorant to help clear coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis. As an anti-spasmodic, it’s used to treat aches, pains and stiffness, arthritis and rheumatism. It’s also known for its use in treating cystitis, as an antiseptic, astringent, and as a diuretic. Made as a tea, it can ease nerves and is claimed to relieve headaches. Used in skin care, it is known to be good for an oily complexion. People take Eastern red cedar for joint pain (rheumatism), and skin rash. Juniper berries can be taken as a tincture or as an infusion. The most traditional, and perhaps most popular, use of juniper for medicine is for the stimulation of bladder and kidneys. The berries are used when there are excess fluids in the body, or when the kidneys are sluggish, dilating tissues to increase urine flow, and reducing excess mucus production. It’s diuretic actions are truly remarkable, and is used in many cases of edema. Eating 3-5 fresh berries is suggested for an upset stomach. It's antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antiviral actions have been shown to be effective against everything from UTIs to Staph infections. Its needles contain an antibiotic that is effective against tumors. In 2011 a University of Missouri research team extracted a chemical compound found in cedar needles that was an effective antibiotic for the treatment of a super-bug known as MRSA. Red cedar has been used in different cultures all over the world to banish, “evil spirits,” and is smudged in Scotland on Hogmanay, or as the rest of the world calls it, New Years, to cleanse the home and prepare for the coming year. Sounds like a good idea, especially if it chases away the brown recluse spiders in our attic and stowaway field mice in our pantry.
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December 2017 • January 2018 | 29
Quickbreads and Pound Cakes are Delicious and Easy to Make SEE COMPLETE RECIPES ON PAGES 54-55
F
or those of us who love to cook, giving and sharing creations from our kitchen is something that comes from the heart. Just like a gift sought and bought in a store, it is important to cook or bake something that you know the recipient will love. Seems like just about everyone loves pumpkin bread or banana bread. It’s also easy to make, and the process can easily include the youngest members of the family. It also keeps well – about a week, and longer if frozen. Nuts, raisins or other dried fruits can be added to just about any recipe according to personal preference. Easy to mix, Easy to bake...and also easy to package! Just wrap it or bag it and it’s ready to go – a perfect hostess gift, teacher gift or treat for a customer or colleague.
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Buttery and smooth, pound cake is a people pleaser. Can be eaten by itself, or coupled with some of the blackberry jam you made in July, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
With an old-fashioned taste, and perfect combination of spices, this loaf will be a treat for anyone – and a taste from the past if shared with older generations. Combine a loaf of this with a box of Earl Grey tea, and it’s a great gift anyone would smile about.
When baking in smaller pans, it’s best to set them on a cookie sheet for support and to keep them from tipping on the oven rack.
double chocolate espresso cake
This indulgent loaf is for the chocolate lover. This very moist cake tastes wonderful and keeps very well. It would be a great gift along with a pound of local roast coffee.
These cakes can be baked in large loaf pans, or in some cases, would bake quite well in a bundt pan if being served at a banquet or dinner. For the sake of giftgiving, the smaller loaf pans work very well for packaging. Small loaf pans can be found in stores. Different ones are available for your needs, reusable metal ones, foil and paper liners can be used as well. I have gotten used to re-using disposable foil pans. The loaves are generally solid enough to hold their shape without a pan, and they are easier to wrap and bag without a pan.
After baking, loaves should be cooled on their sides, then removed from their pans to cool completely before packaging.
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Simple cellophane bags work great for packaging and are easy to find in the party or baking section of most craft stores.
Parchment paper is just as air-tight as plastic and looks neat just secured with some twine.
Brown paper bags are easy to customize. A simple hole punch, some twine and card stock for labels makes a quick and easy way to present your gift. Bread can be wrapped with plastic wrap, a cellophane bag or parchment paper inside the paper bag.
Be sure to label your bread! Another nice touch would be to also include the recipe as well. Layering different colors of cardstock works well – but get creative! Lace and ribbon, wrapping paper, tissue paper...have fun and make it festive! 32 |
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The
Tinker’s Gift
A SHORT STORY BY TOM KOOB
American Winter Life. Chromo Print & Pub. by Gibson & Co. Cin. O.
S
tanley was a tinsmith, and a good one. He cut, molded and soldered tin into useful items – candle snuffers, jewelry boxes, ladles. Stanley lived alone in a small cottage a mile from the village. His home was alongside a rivulet running through a forested glen. Every few days, Stanley collected the tin items he had crafted and took them to the village. The mercantile store displayed Stanley’s wares and they sold well.
Stanley wasn’t lonely, he told himself; he was independent, self-sufficient and solitary. Those were good traits. He was satisfied. Stanley had loved once. Elizabeth was young and beautiful and carefree. But the diphtheria took her. Stanley was deeply saddened by the loss of Elizabeth. But he steeled his mind and pinched his heart. Time healed the loss until his memory of Elizabeth was just a tiny compressed thought, deep in his mind. Stanley knew it was Christmas Eve. He wasn’t particularly religious and
generally didn’t observe Christmas. He gave no gifts and expected no gifts. Christmas was a good time to sell his wares, though. So Stanley packed several tin objects into a wooden crate. He carefully arranged the pieces and packed excelsior around them. There were two ropes attached to the crate. Stanley placed the wooden box on the table, threaded his arms through the ropes and hefted the crate onto his back. It was an efficient way to transport the items to the village.
It was cold out. The sky was leaden and the air had that sharp, crisp feel. Stanley dressed warmly. He knew once he was moving along the trail, the exertion would help keep him warm. The tinsmith arrived in the village just before mid-day. He went directly to the mercantile shop. The proprietor was happy to see him. “Several people have asked for your tinware, Stanley. They should sell well as Christmas presents.” Stanley unloaded his metal pieces and arrayed them on one of the store’s counters. He collected his receipts from his last delivery. His business was doing well. As he left the shop, the proprietor said warmly, “Merry Christmas, Stanley.” Stanley turned at the door. “Thank you. Merry Christmas to you.” December 2017 • January 2018 | 33
Stanley made a stop at the cafe. He ordered a bowl of soup and bread. It was warm and relaxing in the cafe. Stanley enjoyed his small meal. He could have stayed at the cafe. If he had brought a book, perhaps he would have read for a while. But he needed to start for home. Daylight was short and the trail was rough. Stanley paid for his meal and as he opened the cafe door to leave, the door tripped a little tin bell. It was a bell he had made. It gave a small tingling sound. Stanley liked the sound. It had started to snow. The tiny crystalline flakes dropped lightly from the tin grey sky. As Stanley left the village, the snow fell harder. Now the flakes were larger and angling down, pushed by the force of the approaching storm. Stanley set down the now empty crate and raised the collar of his coat. The snow was accumulating on the trail as he entered the forest. It was quiet at first, the trees shunting the wind. But the storm grew and channeled its frozen fingers through the woods. Snow began to build up on Stanley’s shoulders and head. It formed little mounds on the toes of his shoes. The crate became heavy, collecting the weight of the snow. Stanley stumbled through a whirling snow globe landscape, the storm’s fury unleashed. He thought he was atop the ridgeline above the glen. His home should be just below. But he could not see anything clearly through the blizzard. Stanley felt the trail edge downward. He stepped cautiously, but his foot encountered a stone, slick and icy. The stone rolled and his feet shot forward. Stanley crashed backwards, falling on the wooden crate. The box splintered. The tinsmith began rolling down the snowcovered trail, faster and faster. His face pushed into the snow as he rolled, filling his mouth with the icy crystals. A tree loomed in his path. Stanley pushed his arms out in an attempt to avoid the obstacle, but he failed. His head swung up and met the tree trunk full on. Stanley’s view immediately went from white to black. The tinsmith lay inert as the whiteness piled up on his body. A spark in his brain winked on; awareness a tiny white spot on the back of 34 |
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Vintage Illustration Of Santa Claus is a drawing by Tracey Harrington-Simpson his eyelids. Stanley tried to open his eyes. They were frozen shut. He squinted once, twice, three times and with a painful snap, his eyes opened. Stanley’s head throbbed. He was very cold. He was shivering and his teeth began to chatter. He knew that was his body’s attempt to create warmth. He knew he would probably die here. His body could not produce enough heat to stave off hypothermia. He would doze off and then he would lapse into a deep, permanent sleep.
Stanley did lose consciousness. He dreamed that he felt warm. He felt something ticking his face. Stanley opened his eyes. A tiny mouse stared at him. And the mouse said, “I have a gift for you. The gift of my body’s heat.” The mouse climbed up and snuggled under Stanley’s chin. Stanley dreamed again. And in his dream, he felt a warm breath on his face. He opened his eyes. A long-eared rabbit stared at him. And the rabbit said, “I
have a gift for you. The gift of my body’s heat.” The rabbit curled up against Stanley’s chest. Then in the dream, the tinsmith felt a paw touch his arm. He opened his eyes. A rangy coyote with ice matted in its fur stared at him. And the coyote said, “I have a gift for you. The gift of my body’s heat.” The coyote sidled up and over Stanley’s legs. Stanley woke up once again. A deer stared at him and stamped his front hoof. And the deer said, “I have a gift for you. The gift of my body’s heat.” The deer knelt down, snug up against Stanley’s back. In his dream, Stanley felt their warmth touch him and move into him. Then the dream was gone and there was no awareness. Stanley heard something. But what he heard was silence. He forced his eyes open. He moved his arm and clumps of snow slid off his frozen coat. The tinsmith pushed himself up into a sitting position, his back against the tree trunk. His head swam and his vision blurred. It was morning and the snow had stopped. The sun shone brightly, gleaming off the blanket of the snow’s whiteness. Stanley vaguely remembered what had happened. He had been caught in the blizzard. He had fallen and hit his head. Stanley knew he was lucky to be alive. Then he remembered the dream. The creatures had come to him and spoken to him. They had lain with him and kept him warm. They had given him a gift that saved his life. But that was foolishness. Animals didn’t talk. They didn’t give gifts. Stanley looked down. There were prints in the snow around him: the tiny circling paw prints of a mouse, the familiar quartet of a rabbit’s track, the clear paw marks of a canine, and the crescent moon shapes of a deer’s hooves. It did appear that they had been here. Stanley struggled to his feet. He was near the base of the trail that came down the hill. He had nearly made it to his home. He could see his cottage just off in the vale, now covered with snow. Stanley cautiously walked toward home. As he moved, he slapped his hands against the buildup of ice and snow encasing his
body. He felt the blood coursing through him, making his face, his fingers, his feet tingle. Once home, Stanley built a fire in his iron stove. He removed his clothes and hung them up to dry. He dressed in woolen underwear and socks. Stanley made tea and sat next to the stove, warming himself inside and out. The tinsmith thought a long while about what had happened to him. He indeed had received a gift – the gift of life, a gift from the creatures of the forest. Then Stanley realized it was Christmas and he smiled. Stanley had an idea. It formed slowly and then took shape. Over the next several days, Stanley worked furiously at his craft. He formed tin with his hands and his tools. When he was done, he hiked up the hill and found his broken crate. He repaired the wooden box and carefully packed his new creations. Stanley made the trip to the village. He was greeted at the mercantile. “Well, hello Stanley, haven’t seen you for a while. Everything okay? Did you have a merry Christmas?” The tinsmith smiled and said, “Yes, I did. I received a wondrous gift.” “Well, what did you get?” “I received a very special gift. And I want to share that gift with people.” Stanley opened his crate and began removing his gifts. Each one was different in size and shape, but the theme was always the same. Stanley had crafted tin lanterns. He placed one on the counter. He opened the lantern lid and set a candle inside. Stanley lit the candle and replaced the cover. The tin lantern shone and light crept out through the intricate designs Stanley had cut into the sides of the lantern. The light sprayed out and danced around the room. The yellow glow was warm. The lantern had a different design on each side. One side showed the shape of a mouse, one revealed a rabbit, one a coyote, and the fourth, a deer. “Why, that’s beautiful,” the store proprietor said. “Yes, I think so, too.” “What will they sell for, Stanley?” “Don’t sell them. Give them away. These are a gift from me.”
We have over 14,000 sq. ft. of shopping pleasure and are one of the oldest markets in NWA
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December 2017 • January 2018 | 35
GEAR, GADGETS & GIFTS for Every Rural Dweller on Your List
All the ideas listed here are available at your local Race Brothers Home Supply, located in Springfield, Carthage and Monett, Missouri.
MUCK BOOTS Every person who spends anytime outdoors can use a pair of Muck Boots. And, now, every style and size imaginable is available. They keep your feet warm, keep them dry and the durable traction tread keeps a grip on each step you take.
HAT WITH EARFLAPS When the stormy winds blow, those extra flaps keep ears warm.
FOLDABLE CREEPER SEAT Help with automotive chores by buying the family mechanic this rolling platform.
GLOVES Any gloves and all the gloves! Stocking stuffers or just great gifts, outdoors people need gloves of all kinds. Thick gloves, work gloves, tight gloves, coated gloves, leather gloves...the list is unending!
WEED BURNER Great chemical-free way to get rid of unwanted weeds. Also can be used to sterilize top of soil before planting garden. Also works great for de-icing. 36 |
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Family owned and operated since 1971.
BIRD FEED AND BIRDFEEDER Everyone enjoys watching colorful winter birds busily eating during the cold crisp days of winter.
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.
SEAFOAM A good preventative for winter upkeep on the outdoor engines. It makes a great stocking stuffer!
HEATED PET WATERERS For anyone who has outdoor dogs or cats, a heated bowl is a must! Just knowing that they have access to non-froze water is a chore off the list. Also good for chickens too!
BOOTSCRUBBER Every home-owner will thank you for a bootscrubber. No one wants muddy boots tracked through their home.
CLOTHING | ELECTRICAL PLUMBING | LAWN AND GARDEN OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT TOOLS | TRUCK ACCESSORIES PET SUPPLIES | TOYS C AT T L E H A N D L I N G E Q U I P M E N T
SPRINGFIELD 2310 W. Kearney 417-862-4378 CARTHAGE 2309 Fairlawn Drive 417-358-3592 MONETT 210 Hwy 37 417-235-7739
www.racebros.com December 2017 • January 2018 | 37
BACK HOME
The Christmas Hunt BY LARRY DABLEMONT
M
y life didn’t amount to much until I turned nine or ten years old, and got my Iver-Johnson 16-gauge. But Mom didn’t hunt and she didn’t see any reason for me to start so early. She was ten inches shorter than Dad and you’d think that alone would resolve the matter in my favor, but you’d had to have known my mom. If Dad and I were going to get to go out and hunt up something for Christmas dinner, we’d have to accomplish it with some trickery. He was tricky, but Dad was awful smart too.
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in the HILLS As smart as Dad was, he hadn’t gotten much schooling. He had to quit make it on his own when he was only in the 9th grade. But his heart was always in the woods and on the river and so was mine. Mom sort of done us both a favor when she arranged to have some of her family come for Christmas dinner. We were too poor to have a big feast unless Dad and me went out and hunted something to go with the potatoes and gravy and biscuits. We needed to save the chickens to lay eggs. Dad’s solution to the problem was rabbits and squirrels and quails and ducks. He said that I could go hunting with him with my new used Iver-Johnson 16-gauge single-shot and we’d come back with so much meat Mom could invite all my aunts and uncles and cousins, even that wild bunch from Iowa. Mom had a fit. She said I was too little and too young and it was too cold and the snow was too deep. Dad bit down on the stem of his pipe and said by dang he’d be the judge of all that and he had made his decision. It might be he should have been a little more diplomatic cause Mom got down to crying and that made it tough for Dad. But I hadn’t calculated on Dad’s trickery. He winked at me as he puffed on his pipe, peering over the top of Mom’s red hair hugging her and saying she was right and he just wasn’t thinking. But he wondered if she’d agree to just let me go along, if we’d only go out an hour after the temperature got to 30 degrees. Dad was smart, but like I said, he was tricky. Mom figured she won the argument, and went to figuring on how to bundle me up so I wouldn’t get the new-mown-ya. About that time, he was sneaking my IverJohnson shotgun out to the barn. The next day it warmed up a little, and skies were gray again, with a little bit of a north wind and little bits of snow spitting down. By mid-morning it was in the midthirties and Dad and me headed for the barn. It was a glorious day for a hunting trip. Dad stuffed my jeans pockets with shotgun shells, and broke my shotgun down so he could hide it up under his coat. From the barn we headed down into the timber above Indian Creek, with Mom
watching from the window, and Dad trying his best to keep the stock and barrel and forearm of my little shotgun where it wouldn’t show. When we got down into the woods, well hidden from the view of our little house. Dad put the shotgun together and we rested a bit while he lit his pipe. He went over all the safety points again, and then told me I had to keep the gun open until he said I could load it. That kind of dampened my spirits. No hunter I ever heard of went out with an unloaded gun and hoped the game would wait ‘til he got a shell out of his pocket. But there wasn’t any arguing the point. Dad was awful smart, but he was pretty hard-headed and not inclined at all toward compromise unless Mom forced him into it. Down through the woods and across Indian Creek we went, where the snow was deepest and where I began to realize that hunting could get into work. Up the far hillside and across the fence, into the broam-sedge fields of Mr. McKinney’s place. Mr. McKinney had a really big farm, and the hunting was good there. There were deer tracks coming along the fencerow past the cedar glade, and Dad stopped and showed them to me. I had never seen a deer. Back then they were scarcer than perfumed polecats. But there sure were lots of quail and rabbits. Dad killed a rabbit right off. It jumped from beneath a patch of sumac, and went skipping across the snow like a flat rock thrown across the pond. I heard the old pump-gun roar, and I knew that rabbit was headed for the Christmas dinner table. The snow was deep, up to near the top of my galoshes, with a cold wind making my eyes water. I had a shawl wrapped around my neck so tight I couldn’t hardly find my chin. I struggled to keep up with dad and keep my shotgun barrel out of the snow. We walked up to Mr. McKinney’s house with one rabbit. My uncle Roy could eat one rabbit all by his-self, at Christmas dinner. Mrs. McKinney made us hot chocolate and Mr. McKinney jerked off my stocking cap and tousled my hair and went on about how fast I was growing up. He told
Dad I sure was a fine looking boy. I didn’t put much stock in that. He would have told Dad I was a fine looking boy even if I was the ugliest kid he had ever seen. I wasn’t interested in being a finelooking boy, I wanted to be a hunter. I wanted to kill something. I wanted to walk up a big covey of quail running in the snow with a bullet in my shotgun, and get three or four of them before they flew. Halfway through the hot chocolate, Mr. McKinney brought up the ducks. Boy did Dad’s ears perk up when he heard that. Dad loved to hunt ducks. He and Grandpa would float the river in the old johnboat and sneak up on mallards and woodducks and sometimes even get some squirrels on the same trip. Dad and Mr. McKinney talked for awhile about his big spring-fed pond to the south of his place and how many ducks had been flying in to land on it, right next to his cornfield. When we headed that way, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to keep up, Dad seemed to be so excited he forgot I was along. We headed up the drainage area below the pond, with snow starting to fall a little harder. The pond bank was high, and we sat down at the bottom just as a half-dozen big ducks circled around overhead and settled in on the open water. Dad said to be quiet and still, so I did, but I watched those ducks come down and it was about the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. Their wings made a swishing sound like a sudden wind when they passed overhead, and you could hear one just quacking like the dickens. Up on the pond, three or four others were quacking back at them. Dad left me at the bottom and he went up to peek over, through the weeds and willows along that end of the bank. Then he slid back down and told me I could take a look. I remember peering over that bank seeing what looked like hundreds of mallards, packed in there against the high reeds, splashing and flapping their wings and quacking and sticking their heads under the water. It was a sea of green heads in the lee side of that high bank out of the wind. Back at the bottom of the pond bank, Dad told me I could load my gun, but then
he loaded it for me. In a whisper he told me how we were going to do it. I’d sneak up the bank, and he’d come up behind me. He said at his signal we’d raise up and give ’em what for, just like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie at the Alamo, just like doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp at the O.K. Corral. Dad was smart allright, and sort of poetic at times. My heart was beating so hard I could feel it even through all those clothes, and I was so excited my ears weren’t cold and my toes weren’t numb anymore. Finally, we were at the high point in my life. I goofed-up when I snuck up that snowy bank by sticking my gun barrel up in the air. I was so excited my hands were shaking. But dad had figured on that. He was ready and that ’97 Winchester began to roar. It was chaos and confusion from that point on. I cocked the hammer and there was a sky full of mallards, fighting for altitude over that pond, climbing high into the sky above me, into the north wind at our back. I aimed at the whole bunch, not thirty yards straight above me, and I squeezed the trigger. The next thing I knew, I was sliding down the pond bank on my back, with snow down my neck and my heels pointing toward the gray clouds into which wild mallards were rising, my shotgun sliding along side of me. Then I saw it as plain as day. Right above my right boot was a big old greenhead, folded up and hurtling down on top of me, falling from the flocks with a heavy thud into the snow beside me, stone dead. I could hear Dad up there on the pond bank whooping with joy. I heard him reload and dispatch of a couple of cripples. But I was preoccupied with my first mallard. I picked him up and looked at that beautiful bird, his gleaming green head and bright yellow beak, the glowing red feet and black curls in the tail. I had killed something, and the feeling was great… but a little sad as well. It had been a real live creature only minutes before and now it was dead as a hammer because of me. Well – not exactly because of me. That drake was a victim of circumstance. He had flown into the area where my shotgun was pointed. I sat there and basked in the moment, December 2017 • January 2018 | 39
as snow fogged down around me, and I could hear Dad up there splashing around at the edge of the pond raving about the gods of the hunt smiling on the patient and the deserving and the desperate. He came back and sat down beside me and went on about that big mallard while he lit his pipe and the pleasant smell of tobacco permeated the winter cold. It was a moment of great magnitude, and we savored it. I don’t know how many ducks flew away from old man McKinney’s pond that day. But I know how many didn’t. There were eight mallards left there on and around that pond. Dad had lined up a passel of them on the water with his first shot, and then clobbered three more in the air If it hadn’t been for me, he would have only had seven. He talked about that the next day while we were in the cellar picking mallards almost all day long – jerking off the feathers right down to the skulls and knees. On Christmas day,
Grandma McNew said she’d about as soon eat a pigeon, but Grandpa Bert and Aunt Margie and Uncle Roy said they sure did like the way Mom cooked mallards. But, I’ve got to say Aunt Margies blackberry cobbler beat everything else. It’s strange how things happen. Mom never trusted Dad again, but she finally admitted it was going to eventually come down to me being a hunter and carrying my shotgun loaded. She’d have to accept it… after all, I was a Dablemont, and Dablemonts were outdoorsmen, born to hear the song of wind in the pines and flowing water over river shoals. Born to roam and wander the woods, following the baying of the hounds, drawn to the distant sunset. Kin to the wild
geese, blood brother of the wolf, descended from Canadian Cree hunters and French trappers. That was me. I was a Dablemont. Unfortunately Mom was still a McNew!
As we come to the Christmas season, I want to remind readers that I publish an outdoor magazine called the Lightnin’ Ridge Outdoor Journal and have written nine different outdoor books that will make great Christmas gifts. If you are interested in seeing those books, or the magazines, just call my executive secretary at my executive office, at 417-777-5227, and you can order some of them via credit card. Truthfully, I am not one of these people trying to make lots of money from the celebration of the Birth of Christ. I think you’d probably do better to give a friend or family member a jar of pickles or jelly you made yourself. Ladies, you might make your husband a nice pee-kan pie and you husbands should think how much your wife might like a pair of earrings made with a couple of wild turkey spurs. But it can’t be argued that both men and women love to read one of my outdoor books. And if you want me to send one of them to someone for you I will sign and inscribe it to whomever will receive it, and send it directly to them four days before Christmas with a card telling them who the gift is from. And if you can find one, you might mail me one of those Christmas fruitcakes. Just a little one will do fine, because I believe it is more blessed to give than receive, and I want to see all you folks blessed a whole lot. Larry Dablemont PS. All proceeds received from the sale of Lightnin’ Ridge Books will be used to pay expenses at our Panther Creek Youth Retreat for underprivileged children in the upcoming year.
Larry Dablemont’s two newest books are $12.00 each. Postpaid. Call 417-777-5227 or write: Box 22, Bolivar, Mo 65613. Now mailing Christmas orders. Books inscribed and signed!
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HOME Sweet HOME A Bit of Hospitality
If you are living in the Ozarks paradise, might as well find the home or business of your dreams too, right? Here are a few businesses in the area to get your search started.
A Resort near Roaring River
Ready for a Restaurant
Cassville, Mo. Beautiful, updated and well-kept vintage cottages with full hook-up R.V. Park, this sweet treasure is located on the scenic drive from Cassville to Roaring River State Park. It includes an in-ground swimming pool, and is actually located directly across from the Cassville City Golf Course. This resort has hosted travelers from all over the country, and keeps very busy throughout the season, which starts off with a bang as Trout season starts on March 1 of every year. Also includes 3-bedroom, 2-Bath manufactured home (built in 1995). A great deal of storage buildings, and an underground storm shelter with electricity. $645,000 20243 State Highway 112, Cassville, MO 65625 Aaron Carr • Four seasons real estate 417-847-0156
Eureka Springs, Ar. Own a piece of nostalgia in Famous Eureka Springs, Arkansas! If you enjoy this touristy hot-spot, this is a great way to jump in a be a part of the action. The ever popular Rowdy Beaver Restaurant/Bar is waiting for a new owner. Restaurant, tavern, and merchandise shop! Seats approximately 190, with a full bar, deck and separate restaurant. Over 6000 square feet of unlimited potential. Listing is for real estate and equipment. $1,200,000 417 Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Sarah Frietag • Re-Max Lakeside 417-858-6126
General Store and Lunch Stop
Lake Life Scene
Exeter, Mo. Come take a look, best coffee in town! Charming restored country store/cafe with a loyal following. Full service deli counter. Lunch and breakfast served. Lotto, cigarettes and groceries sold here. Situated in between Security bank and the post office in the historic buildings that great visitors to Main Street, Exeter. Good traffic from the k-12 school, just a few blocks away. This could be a great spot to upgrade to a full service restaurant, or convenience/grocery. Central heat and air, large coolers, ready for continued business. $106,000 194 Front Street, Exeter, MO 65647 Rob Lotufo • A-List Properties Premier 417-319-4367
Campbell Point, Shell Knob, Mo. Fantastic investment opportunity on beautiful Table Rock Lake. A Shell Knob ''water'' mark. Full service restaurant, profitable and turn-key, in prime location next to brand new marina, Seating for 150-plus, parking for 21 boats, lots of new equipment, plus – priced below appraised value. Tons of potential, and room for growth and expansion. A piece of the lake dream you have always wanted. Fun decor and environment, planned events include live music and specials. Continue with successful operations or Easy to make it your own; with existing clientele. Come by boat or land and see it today! $429,000 1363 Campbell Point Road, Shell Knob, MO 65747 Jake Lewallen • Re-Max Lakeside 417-858-6126
If you have a unique property that you would like to find the perfect buyer for, contact us at ozarkhillsandhollows@gmail.com 417-652-3083 December 2017 • January 2018
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SIGHTS and S WA N S A Winter Day-trip for Views Uncommon to the Ozarks STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM PETERSEN
F
rom late November through late February a few ponds near Heber Springs, Arkansas, become the seasonal home of hundreds of the Ozarks’ largest bird – the trumpeter swan. Trumpeter swans also are the largest waterfowl on the planet. A typical adult will weigh more than 25 pounds. Compare that to the 10-pound weights for the Canada goose, bald eagle, and golden eagle and 16 pounds for the white pelican.
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Trumpeter swans typically are a more northern bird, but for some unknown reason trumpeter swans began to winter at Magness Lake just east of Heber Springs in the 1990s. The exciting part of this situation, for casual and serious birders alike, is that Magness Lake is so, so easily accessible and that these magnificent, beautiful birds are more than happy to hang out within a few feet of a gravel parking lot at the lake. Ring-necked ducks, buffleheads, and, less commonly (it seems), mallards are mixed among the swans. The black-and-white coloration of the ring-necks and buffleheads provides an interesting contrast to the stark white of the adult swans. I’ve been there many times, usually as part of a visit to friends in Heber or tacked on before or after a January trout bum mission to catch some feisty brown or rainbow trout from the Little Red River. I’ve been there with sweat dripping from my forehead and I’ve been there with cold, flirting with freezing, rain dripping from the bill of my favorite fishing hat. I’ve been there when I had a few minutes to kill and I’ve been there when I had a quiet hour to live out. In any case, I still get a little antsy as soon as I turn north off of Highway
110 at Little Red River Bible Church east of Heber Springs and onto the narrow road to Magness Lake. After a short two minutes I’m there. Which do I look forward to the most? The size? The stark whiteness of the plumage against the dark water? The trumpeting? The landings and take offs? The in-unison head bobbing?
Magness Lake is an oxbow lake about ¼ mile south of some of the best trout fishing on the Little Red River. The lake is about ½ mile long and is less than 100 yards wide in most places. Trumpeter swans come by their name naturally. A group of raucous trumpeter swans sounds remarkably like a group of second-chair junior high trumpet players
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warming up for Monday’s band practice. Well, maybe that’s not fair. Who to? You’ll have to decide. Although most trumpeter swans spend their summers on breeding grounds in Alaska or western Canada, our swans breed in the north-central United States. Trumpeter swans usually first nest at 3 to 6-years-old, and then mate for life. The mating pairs usually form on their wintering grounds. The young swans hatched up north accompany their parents back to Magness Lake in November and December and the bright white adults and dirty white adults frequently hang together at the lake. After tiring of watching the swans, it’s a short jaunt back in the direction of Heber Springs and then north on Highway 210 to the walk-in access to Cow Shoals on the Little Red River during November and early December to watch spawning brown trout. Male brown trout are decked out in reddish-orange and crimson while the females are more demurely dressed in yellowish-caramel. Males are prone to aerial jumps and slashing rushes as they defend 44 |
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their temporarily chosen redds (nests) and females. As you cross Winkley bridge on the way to the 210 turnoff, look to your left to see the fall colors on Sugar Loaf Mountain reflecting in the clear water of the Little Red. Canada geese frequent Winkley Shoals just downstream from the bridge. Adult trumpeter swans are BIG! Wingspans of adult birds are commonly more than 6 feet. Males (cobs) often weigh more than 25 pounds and are more than 5 feet long; females (pens) are a bit smaller. This size means that pre-flight take-off requires a 100-yard dash of wing flapping and foot stomping before “wheels up” flying. Adult trumpeter swans are totally white, except for black beaks and feet. Observation at short distances will reveal a thin maroon line on the lower beak. Juveniles are grayish-brown. There are a number of interesting places to eat in Heber. Three I’ve frequented are the Rustic Inn, Chuck’s Diner, and Café Klazer. The Rustic Inn is in old downtown Heber Springs. I especially like to eat the skillet breakfast.
Chuck’s Diner and Café Klazer are adjacent to the Winkley bridge and convenient after a morning of fishing or swanning. At Café Klazer you can eat outside and overlook the river. Other good sites for seeing large numbers of trumpeter swans are just outside the Ozarks proper in the St. Louis area along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. One of the best of these is Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary near West Alton, Missouri. Trumpeter swans were once common throughout much of northern North America with a breeding range that extended as far south as the Little Rock area and a wintering range that extended as far south as the redneck Riviera. Trumpeter swans were nearly killed off for feathers for women’s hats and skins for powder puffs. By the late 1800s trumpeter swans were thought to be extinct, but fortunately there were a few isolated flocks in Alaska, Canada, and the northern Rockies. Populations in the north-central United States were reintroduced from these flocks.
TOP 10 GIFTS for Your Pet Chicken BY KATRINA WILLIAMSON
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t’s that time again. Christmas lights that brighten up the town square. The town buzzing with folks looking for that perfect gift for their loves ones. Christmas carols being sung by everyone you meet. Christmas wreathes hung with cheer on the front door. Making sugar cookies shaped as Santa, candy canes, snowmen, and snowflakes. Little children, counting down the days till that man in that red velvet suit fills his sleigh and travels the world delivering toys. Staying warm by the fire, sipping hot cocoa and spending time with family. It is the best time of the year.
There are many gifts that can be purchased for your loveable feathered friend. Turn the page to see my Top 10 gifts and where you can find them.
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Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I enjoy the jolly season, the shopping, family getting together, and of course all the food we get to devour. I enjoy making a list of all the gifts I get to buy for my loved ones. I enjoy going out in the cold with my hot chocolate in hand, searching the world over for the perfect gift. I especially enjoy getting together with my family and watching my children and nieces and nephews eyes light up as the rip open their presents to see what’s inside. I enjoy the board games we play afterward and just spending quality time with one another. We all know that gift-giving is not the most important reason why we celebrate Christmas. It is a time that we set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The one person who was born to die for us. We all still enjoy searching for those unique gifts for family and friends. When making my list for my family I also include our pets. We hang a stocking next to ours and fill it will pet toys, bones, and yummy dog treats. Buying presents for cats and dogs, are common among many households. Some families that live on a farm might add a few other pets to their Christmas list. We can’t forget our feathered friends, our pet chicken.
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1 MIRROR: Just like us, chickens get bored. It’s great to provide them with a few things to keep them entertained. A mirror is a great way to occupy a little hen’s time. Chickens love to look at themselves. 2 CHICKEN SWING: Chicken swings can bring hours of entertainment to your chicken brood. They will sit and swing to their hearts content. You can purchase a chicken swing at www. mypetchicken.com 3 CHICKEN HARNESS with leash: At www.mypetchicken.com you are able to purchase a chicken harness for your pet chicken and parade your darling hens wherever you go.
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4 XYLOPHONE: This will amaze your friends, entertain all ages, and keep your chickens from getting bored. Chickens naturally peck at everything they see. So let them peck at a xylophone and create beautiful music in the process. A xylophone can be purchased at any store that sells children’s toys or you can purchase one online. 5 CHICKEN TUTU: Yes, they do sell these beloved tutus for your chicken, believe it or not. A tutu is great for a photo shoots with the kiddos, or let them your chickens prance like a princess around the farm. They are absolutely gorgeous. You can find a tutu for your chicken on Etsy.com (like JeanieGreenHens). You can also great creative and make your own tutu. 6 TREATS OF ANY KIND: Your sweet little chicken will love you dearly if you spoil them with treats every once in a while. You can purchase treats at any farm store or you can go to www. happytreats.com and purchase a package of Happy Hen Treats. Your chicken will go crazy over a package of Meal Worms Frenzy. 7 TREAT BALL: On Amazon or a variety of farm stores you can purchase a treat ball for your chickens. Inside, you place treats that will fall out as they peck at the ball. It is great for cracked corn, meal worms, crickets, or other tasty treats. 8 CHICKEN CLOTHING: If you are like me, then you want your little hen to be the most stylish girl in the coop. You can go with a full dress or a little apron for your chicken. Trust me, they will look adorable. Just head over to www.pamperyourpoultry.com or henhappycoops.com and find a variety of outfits to choose from.
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9 CHICKEN DIAPER: Many people take their little hens for walks or an afternoon outing. You will need a diaper to ensure you will have a pleasant ride to wherever you spend the day. This will also be handy to have if you decide to let your little chickens spend time with you in the house. 10 CHICKEN LEG BAND CHARMS: Many people who raise chickens like to put leg bands on their hens and roosters. Why not put little charms on their legs to make them look a bit more stylish? These little leg charms are the cutest thing you will ever see. You can find a variety of charms, so each chicken can have their very own unique leg charm. You can find leg charms at www.chickencharm.co
There are many items that can be purchased or made, to make your chickens a happy hen at Christmas. Don’t forget to add them to your Christmas list. Your chickens will love you for remembering them this year. Enjoy the holidays and make sure to spend time with your family. Cherish each moment you get with your family and friends. I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. December 2017 • January 2018 | 47
IDEAS AND RECIPES TO CREATE A SPA-DAY IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME
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uring the cold, dreariness – as well as drying and depleting – days of winter, take a day to relax and regenerate! Our body takes a beating during these cold, dark months. Sometimes a good scrub and some super-moisturizing cream or treatment can help your skin feel better and look brighter. Make a day of it and invite some friends! Might as well make a party of it, and take the time to unwind and relax for a full-body experience! Make some hydrating tonics, put on some great music, and fill the air with some pleasant essential oil scents, like lavendar or peppermint. Your feet, hands, face and hair will thank you! Recipe note: Most recipes can be modified to use whatever essential oils you like, or have on hand. Essential oils, Epsom Salts and other ingredients can be found in most pharmacies and grocers.
Take time to massage your feet a bit – and rub them down with coconut oil or olive oil. Use a little olive (or cuticle oil), and gently push back your cuticles. Then clip your nails straight across. Make sure not to cut them too short, then file to make sure everything is even. Make sure to file in one direction horizontally across the tops.
Fill a basin with warm water and add at least a cup of Epsom salt (or use the Herbal Foot Soak recipe). It helps reduce stress and relieves muscle and joint pain. It also softens skin. Stick your feet in and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
Take one foot out at a time, and use a gentle exfoliating scrub (like the Peppermint Foot Scrub). Scrub the bottoms of your heels the most. Then take your file and smooth your heels going with the grain of your foot. This will keep your feet smoother. Rinse in clear warm water and let dry thoroughly before painting toenails.
After your toes have completely dried, apply a heavy balm (like our Foot Repair Balm). Apply a pretty thick layer and put on cotton socks. Cotton socks will help feet absorb the lotion even more. 48 |
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HERBAL FOOT SOAK 2 cups Epsom salts 8 drops pure lavender essential oil 6 drops mint essential oil 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil 2 drops rosemary essential oil 1 tsp. dried comfrey root powder 1 tsp. dried lavender 1 tsp. dried mint leaves Fill a canning jar half full of Epsom salts. Add essential oils, replace lid, and shake. Remove the lid again, add comfrey and dried herbs, replace lid and shake (again). Add more Epsom salts to fill the jar, replace the lid and shake again.
FOOT REPAIR BALM ¼ cup shea butter 2 Tbsp. coconut oil 2 Tbsp. olive oil ½ ounce piece of beeswax grated 10 drops essential oil of vanilla 10 drops essential oil of peppermint Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over very low heat, stir until melted Remove from heat and stir to combine, then add essential oils. Pour mixture into a clean 4 ounce mason jar. Massage a small amount into your feet at bedtime to moisturize Or give as a gift to friends and family.
PEPPERMINT FOOT SCRUB 1-2 cups of sugar, the coarsest available or Epsom salt ½ cup of warmed coconut oil (or grapeseed or olive oil) 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil Mix them all together and pour into a jar. Use enough sugar or salt until you’re happy with the consistency.
Our hands take so much abuse all year, but especially in the winter, when damp hands become cold and dry. Cuticles can suffer, knuckles get chapped and cracked, and hangnails are created...all these can cause pain and bleeding. Just like your feet, take time to rub oil into your hands and into and all around your nails. Push cuticles back and carefully trim nails. Use one of the foot scrubs, or a hand scrub. Spend a good two minutes scrubbing those hands, fingers and nails. Rinse well with warm water and use a brush or nail file to clean under each nail. Dry hands well after scrubbing and washing. Use cuticle butter to thoroughly moisturize your nails and fingertips – then massage the butter into your hands as well! Apply cuticle butter to your fingers and hands each night to help prevent dry, chapped hands all winter long.
With natural anti-inflammatories, like nutmeg and honey, this mask can reduce any redness, swelling, and even acne scarring. 2 Tbsp. honey 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. Nutmeg Mix the honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg together until the consistency is that of a thick paste. Apply the mask to your face, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Finally, rinse it off with warm water, gently scrubbing in circles for extra exfoliation.
CHAMOMILE, GREEN, OR BLACK TEA Chamomile tea, a natural antiinflammatory, helps ease redness and puffiness around the eyes. Green and black teas contain compounds called tannins, plus caffeine. Tannins have an astringent effect on the skin and shrink swollen tissue, while caffeine constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling. Steep two chamomile, green, or black tea bags in just-boiled water for three minutes. Remove them from the water and place in the refrigerator until cooled. Place one bag over each eye and relax for 15 minutes.
Our face skin is not as tough, and much more sensitive than our feet or hands...or the rest of our body for that matter. Please take care with home-made scrubs and peels, to treat your face gently and at any sign of irritation rinse well and moisturize. Though scrubs and peels are meant to help gently rid your skin of dead cells, too much scrubbing, or too hard, can cause very red and irritated skin. Choose to do a mask or a peel, but not both in the same day. During winter months it is important to moisturize well. Try doing a mask or peel, moisturizing well, then ending it off with a rest with teabags on your eyes. HONEY AND PINEAPPLE PEEL 1 Tbsp. Honey 2 Tbsp. Gelatin powder 1/4 cup Pineapple juice Blend honey and pineapple juice and heat in a shallow pan over low flame. Remove from heat and sprinkle in gelatin powder. Stir until the gelatin dissolves and you have an even consistency. Allow the mixture to cool a bit. Using a makeup brush apply it all over face. Allow to dry for 10 minutes. Once the mask starts to stretch your skin, peel it off gently. Rinse off with cool water. Why Pineapple Juice: With antioxidants and vitamin C, pineapple fights symptoms of aging by preventing wrinkles and fine lines and skin discoloration. A component called Bromelain in pineapple soothes the skin by healing rashes, redness, skin inflammation and swelling.
CUTICLE BUTTER 1/4 cup shea butter 2 Tbsp. coconut oil 1 Tbsp. jojoba oil 1 Tbsp. Vitamin E oil 20 drops Lavender oil 20 drops Frankincense oil Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together in a double boiler over low heat. Add jojoba oil, Vitamin E oil, and essential oils and mix well. Lavender is particularly good at soothing skin irritations and Frankincense promotes the regeneration of healthy cells. Let the mixture cool for about an hour, or until the top starts to solidify. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, mix on high speed until it thickens and achieves a lotion-like consistency. Store in glass jar.
Just like your skin, hair gets dry and damaged during the winter months. Try a clarifying rinse of vinegar or help extra moisturize with coconut oil.
Massage Coconut oil into hair 15 minutes before showering. Shampoo and condition as usual. Olive Oil or Butter works for this as well.
cuts down frizzies: 1 Banana 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil 3 Spoonfuls Mayonnaise Mix all ingredients well. Apply to dry hair generously, concentrating on the root. Leave mask on hair for 30 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual. December 2017 • January 2018 | 49
GHOSTS OF THE P T H E YO U N G B R OT H E R S M A S SAC R E O F JA N UA R Y 2 , 1 9 3 2 BY LAUREEN SAULS-LESSARD
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he icy chill and bluster of the prairie winds are common for winter in the Midwest. But outside of the harshness, Mother Nature provides a balance of beauty and peace here if you should look. The sight and calls of redtail hawks in the red sunsets over the ridges and wildlife frolicking in the clean snow could be an inspiration for a Norman Rockwell painting. There is a sacred serenity that binds the rural communities here in the heartland where poor families labored together to survive during the great depression. But that peace was disrupted one cold January afternoon at a farm in a small Ozarks township called Brookline in 1932. Unlike the rest of the country that was celebrating the New Year with the completion of the Empire State Building, making it the tallest building on the planet, along with Amelia Earhart planning her plane trip around the world, and cartoon gumshoe Dick Tracy was the newest fictional sensation. But even Dick couldn’t have foretold the blood and mayhem that would take place on a small farm in Greene County, Missouri. While folks across the country were making New Year resolutions and dancing the Lindy, local law enforcement in a small town in the Missouri Ozarks was planning the take down of two of America’s most wanted criminals, Harry and Jennings (aka “Jinx”) Young. The Young’s had created one of the largest auto theft cartels in the country, moving cars from Illinois to Texas. This began when Harry Young met 50 |
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another gangster and car thief known as Charles Arthur “Pretty Boy” Floyd in the penitentiary where they were serving time together. They both got together at the Young farm on Farm Road 148 in Brookline after being released from prison and went into the stolen car business. Harry, Jinx, Paul and Floyd would all be on America’s Most Wanted list, including Harry, for the brutal murder of Marshall Mark Noe of Republic in 1929. Testimony for the Noe case was taken in the Coroner’s Inquest before Dr. Murray C. Stone, Coroner of Greene County, on the 3rd day of June 1929 at the office of The Boy Scouts Room, in the City of Republic, Missouri. The testimonies concluded that Marshall Noe was in Owen and Short’s Hardware Store about 10 a.m. with D. E, McNabb when Noe saw a Ford Coupe parked across the street at Ryan’s Café that he believed to be stolen. Noe and McNabb went into the back room to check the number of the license plate and when they returned, the Coupe was gone. They left and drove up and down the street several times before seeing the Coupe again. Stopping in the middle of the street, Marshall Noe got out of the car and approached the driver of the Coupe. A second occupant of the Coupe got out and walked up the street. Marshall Noe called out for him to come back, then pulled out a gun from the man’s shirt. Noe then put the man back into the Coupe and climbed in beside him. The driver took off going north. McNabb said he heard two shots after they had gone about a block and a half, then went to the Ford Garage and called
Marshall Noe’s office to notify them. Noe never showed up to his office that evening and was considered missing. His body was discovered the next rainy morning on the side of the road at a street corner in Brookline by two truckers passing by.
Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd and wife Ruby
It was later determined in testimony that Harry Young was the driver of the Ford Coupe and his companion was Orval Lafollette, who was arrested for having a concealed weapon. Lafollette was a relation of Robert Marion “Fighting Bob” Lafollette (June 14, 1855 – June 18, 1925) who was the leader of the Progressive
E PAST Movement and served as a Wisconsin Congressman as well as Governor. Orval claimed that Young pulled out a gun and Noe reached over to grab it. At that point LaFollette slipped out of the moving vehicle during the struggle, hearing two shots afterward. Coroner Stone determined that Noe died from a bullet to the head, three inches behind the left ear, and that he also had another bullet wound through the right arm at the elbow. The limited amount of social media in the Ozarks kept the Young’s and their crime sprees from national notoriety as other criminals of their day, such as Bonnie & Clyde and the Ma Barker Gang. But the Young’s were much worse than their notorious counterparts. The Young’s were the sons of poor farmers, James David (JD) Young and Willie Florence Hagwood. The Young’s had an 88-acre farm north of Springfield on Farm Road 148 in the Brookline community that bordered Republic.
Young Brothers Crime Scene Photos courtesty of Bob Walker JD and Willie had eleven children, five sons and six daughters. They were good Christian folk and attended church. JD ran a strict household but died on November 4, 1921 leaving Willie to raise their brood. Harry, Paul and Jinx were the eldest sons and were wild. They found a way out of poverty by thieving and brought their evil ways home to the family farm while Willie turned a blind eye. They robbed businesses and eventually got involved with moving stolen cars between Illinois and Texas. On December 30, 1931, Harry and Jinx made a visit back home to the family farm in Brookline bringing with them stolen vehicles from Texas. They used a sister, Lorena Young, to take a stolen
1929 Ford Model T to a used car lot in Springfield owned by Clyde Medley to sell on New Year’s Eve, but the title was in her brother’s name. Clyde was suspicious, gave her an excuse and said to come back the next day. She came back the next day along with another sister, Vinita, with the car title changed to her name. Clyde told them he did not have the cash on hand because it was New Year’s day and to come back the following day. Medley alerted the local police who took both girls into custody the next day when they arrived back. They were interrogated and revealed that Harry and Jinx were indeed staying at the farm. The law officials were anxious to get the boys as quickly as possible. December 2017 • January 2018 | 51
The story of how it all went down begins on the cold winter afternoon of January 2, 1932 when a posse of ten police officers lead by Greene County Sheriff Marcel Hendrix, and one citizen drove
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through a cornfield road behind the Young Farm, creeped up to the house and yelled for the brothers to come out. They received no response, but officer Ollie Crosswhite said he had heard a person walking around inside. Sheriff Hendrix ordered tear gas fired into the house, then he and Deputy Wiley Mashburn kicked down the back door and entered the house. They were greeted by Harry and Jinx holding a 12-gauge shotgun and a .25-20 rifle who opened fire upon them. Both Hendrix and Mashburn were mortally wounded and became the first victims of the massacre. The remaining officers outside began shooting into the windows of the house as Harry and Jinx began eliminating their capters outside, taking down three more officers, Tony Oliver, Sid Meadows, and Charles Houser. The surviving policemen ran out of ammunition and were forced to
flee for their lives. One Officer, Ollie Crosswhite, remained, unharmed and trapped behind a storm cellar at the rear of the house. When the brothers realized he was there, one pinned him down with rifle fire while the other crept up behind him and killed him with a shotgun blast to the back of the head. The Youngs then robbed their dead victims of money and weapons and fled for Texas before law reinforcements would arrive back to the farm, leaving their family in the wake of their dirty deed. The boys had changed the face of crime that day. This had been the largest assembly of law enforcement officials killed in a shootout in our country during the 20th century because the criminals were better prepared and had more weapons than the police. The massacre made national headlines and changed the course of law enforcement in the country.
Killed that day were:
Springfield Detective Tony Oliver
Springfield Detective Sid Meadows
Survivors were: Springfield Detective Owen Brown Detective Frank Pike Detective Virgil Johnson Officer Ben Bilyeu Civilian Ralph E. Wegman
While the wounded survivors got away, the Young’s disappeared out the back of the house through a secret tunnel to the barn and made their escape to Houston, Texas where they were eventually discovered. Harry and Jinx had made a suicide pact with each other if they were ever caught. On January 5, 1932 they shot and killed each other to avoid capture after law enforcement officers in Houston discovered them and had them cornered. In the meantime, Willie and her daughters were being held for questioning at the local jail while local citizens ransacked their home and tried to burn it down before the police intervened. The women were eventually released and returned to what was left of their home. Harry and Jinx were buried in Joplin, Mo., in a private ceremony away from the public. A month later, Paul Young was sentenced to prison for transporting a stolen car from Houston to Springfield and indicted for mail theft as well. He was released from prison in 1937 and lived the remainder of his life as a law-abiding citizen as did the rest of the family. In the meantime his mother Willie was charging curious visitors 25-cents to take a guided tour through the farm house, and showing them where her sons had ended the life of each of the 6 lawmen. Willie died in 1945. A decendant of one of the victims, Kathy James, is the granddaughter of Ollie Crosswhite. Kathy says her father,
City Patrolman Charles Houser
Greene County Deputy Wiley Mashburn
Joe Crosswhite, was only two years old, and the youngest of 7 children when her grandfather was murdered. Her family has continued to work in public service in spite of that tragedy. Joe is a retired math teacher, and Kathy serves as the assistant to the Police Chief of Republic. She is proud of her family’s history in public service in spite of the tragic death of her grandfather. The impact of the massacre resulted in slow growth of the community for several decades and can be seen in the Greene County census numbers. The township of Brookline was included in the Republic Census until 1970. It was then officially consolidated with the City of Republic in 2005. What once was a farm community located along the old Route 66, that was tainted with gangsters and corruption, is now bustling with commercial growth and development including an Industrial Park. Property For Sale signs line State Highway MM from I-44 to Highway 60 along with a few remaining twentieth century farmhouses very similar to the Young Farm. One of these once served as a country store and filling station. The pump is gone, but the wells are still there, and the pole for the sign still stands in between some trees. You can’t see this from the highway, but it’s still there, a ghost of the past. In fact, the Young boys probably visited there to fill up their vehicles along with buying a soda pop and candy bar... maybe even robbed the place. Should their
Greene County Sheriff Marcel Hendrix
Greene County Deputy Ollie Crosswhite
ghosts or other phantom spirits decide to come back for a visit, I’m sure this place would be on their list, especially as it has changed very little. The Young farmhouse has been sold a couple of times and has had renovations, but is still there, hidden behind fields of corn.
A memorial honoring the victims killed on that fateful day stands outside the Greene County Courthouse in Springfield, Missouri. The tragic story is taught in law academies today and serves as a reminder to all law enforcement officials and those working in the criminal justice system to always be equipped. Copies of the Coroner’s Inquest along with news clippings and papers from the murder of Marshall Mark Noe and the massacre at the Young Farm are preserved at the Republic Historical Society Museum on Main Street. Mary Sue Robertson is the President. She and husband Bill maintain the archives and are open the museum to the public on Saturday mornings. For more information about their holdings or to schedule a private tour call 417-732-7702. December 2017 • January 2018 | 53
A Community of Caring For five years, The Community Kitchen has offered meals and more to people in Republic and surrounding areas STORY AND PHOTOS BY JESSICA HAMMER
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itting in the lobby of Republic, Missouri’s Hood United Methodist Church with Terri O’Reilly and Kim Marler, you can hear voices and laughter echo through the halls of the building as guests gather for breakfast. Marler is the children’s director at Hood United Methodist Church, and she sums up the feeling of The Community Kitchen best: “It is fun. It’s fun to cook, it’s fun to talk to the people, to form relationships with them.” For the last five years, The Community Kitchen has been dishing up meals for people in Republic and surrounding communities. O’Reilly, director of The Community Kitchen, says volunteers don their hair nets every Tuesday night, Thursday night and Saturday morning to cook for anywhere from 20 to 50 people. On this Saturday morning, breakfast burritos are on the menu. The volunteers chat, laugh and share with guests as they pass through the serving line. A warm, cozy feeling of community permeated through the church. The kitchen began as a solution to area hunger, O’Reilly explained. Another local organization was already providing a food pantry to those in need, so Hood
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United Methodist Church decided it wanted to do hot meals. The goal was to start on Fat Tuesday, 2012. Church and community members contributed money and the needed supplies, O’Reilly said, while others wrote a grant to help get what was needed. O’Reilly also said the church wanted to have $5,000 in the bank to help cover future meal and supply needs – a goal that almost wasn’t met. “The morning of the first day, we were going to serve we were $75 short,” O’Reilly said. “By noon that check was on the preacher’s desk.” The Community Kitchen only served six people that first night. In the years since, guests have walked in the doors to eat and have left with connections to others in this small community of caring. O’Reilly said the
kitchen has some regular attenders who often offer to help their peers with child care, transportation and more. But it’s not just a Hood United Methodist Church effort. “We wanted this to be a community effort,” O’Reilly said. “Volunteers are mostly outside our church.” Groups including Kiwanis, Lions Club, FFA, Key Club, National Honor Society, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other local churches pitch in as volunteers during the week, O’Reilly said, and individuals get plugged in to the schedule too. The Community Kitchen has served over 20,000 meals since its inception, and up until 2016, had to rely on donations to keep the pantry stocked. Their annual canned food drive keeps the pantry stocked with canned goods for the year, but the rest comes from Ozarks Food Harvest. Last March, the organization became a member of Ozarks Food Harvest, O’Reilly said, which helps keep other foods like meat and cheese in the pantry and gives some variety to the weekly menus.
After the initial start-up of The Community Kitchen, a garden was planted to help meet the kitchen’s needs. Fresh green beans, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and more work their way out of straw bale and pallet gardens and onto the weekly menus. “It’s kind of a demonstration garden,” O’Reilly said. “It’s a way to show people how they can garden in small spaces, and alternative ways to garden.” Sometimes the harvest isn’t enough to do a full Community Kitchen meal, but the kitchen can share with guests, helping solve hunger beyond a single meal. “When they come here for a meal, they’re not necessarily just getting one meal,” O’Reilly said. “They might be getting a meal plus leftovers from that meal, plus some garden produce, plus maybe some canned goods.” And while the process is certainly worthwhile, O’Reilly said running the kitchen comes with its own special challenges. O’Reilly said the variances in the types and quantities of food can make it difficult to mix up the menu.
For more information, contact Terri O’Reilly, Director of the Community Kitchen in Republic, Missouri. 417-839-8006 “We get a lot of chicken leg quarters, so we have a lot of baked chicken, a lot of BBQ chicken,” O’Reilly said. The holidays are also a special time for The Community Kitchen. Guests receive a food box from the kitchen that has a ham or turkey, plus all the trimmings for a family sized meal. O’Reilly said guests are also invited to Hood United Methodist Church’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon, which is assembled by a team of volunteers that Marler finds both in and outside of the church. It’s that kind of generosity from people inside and outside the church make it unexpected, but also inviting. “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit, and you never know what you get when you’re coming here.”
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Crunchy Peanut Butter Loaf 1 package yellow cake mix 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk ½ cup sour cream 1 cup peanut butter morsels
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, F. Combine all ingredients; stir batter by hand, mixing well. Divide between 4 well-greased small loaf pans. Bake 30 minutes. Cool completely, and cut into bars. Drizzle with glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
QUICKBREADS AND POUND CAKES ARE DELICIOUS AND EASY TO MAKE
Two Egg Vanilla Pound Cake 2/3 cup butter, room temperature 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs, room temperature 2 cups all-purpose flour
Rum Eggnog Bread 2 eggs 1 cup eggnog 2 tsp. rum extract 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4-1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. ground nutme
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, F. Grease a 9x5 loaf pan or three small loaf pans. In a large bowl beat the eggs, then blend in sugar, eggnog, butter, rum extract and vanilla extract. Combine the flour, baking powder, walnuts, salt and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Mix into the eggnog mixture; stir just enough to moisten the dry ingredients. Divide batter among pans. Bake 30-40 minutes until middle springs back when touched. Cool 10 minutes, then remove from pan. Cool breads completely, then wrap tightly. Keep in the refrigerator.
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3/4 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. salt 2/3 cup whole milk 1 tsp. pure vanilla extrac
Heat the oven to 325 degrees, F. Grease and flour a 9-by-5-by-3- inch loaf pan. Cut the butter into several smaller pieces. Put the butter pieces and sugar in a large mixing bowl. With an electric mixer on mediumhigh speed, cream the butter and sugar for about 5 to 7 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; whisk or stir to blend thoroughly. Set aside. In a 1-cup measure, combine the 2/3 cup of milk and the vanilla. Set aside. Add about one-third of the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and beat until just barely blended. Add half of the milk and blend well. Add another one-third of the flour and beat until just barely blended. Beat in the remaining milk until smooth and blended. Add the remaining flour mixture and beat just until blended. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Gingerbread Loaf 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 1/2 tsp. ginger 3/4 tsp. nutmeg ½ tsp. ground cloves 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter softened
Double Chocolate Espresso Cake 1/2 cup sorghum (or molasses) 1 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs 1 cup buttermilk* powdered sugar for dusting the top if desired
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the flour, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until well combined. Add the molasses and vanilla. Mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, until well mixed. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture alternately with the buttermilk, stirring just until blended after each addition. Spoon the batter into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan (or three small loaf pans) and bake at 350 degrees F., for 4550 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool.
1 pkg. Devils food chocolate cake mix ¾ cup granulated sugar ¾ cup flour ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ stick butter, softened 1 cup sour cream 1 cup milk (or half-and-half )
½ cup oil 2 Tbsp. Espresso Powder (can use instant coffee as substitute)
2 tsp. Vanilla extract 1 cup mini chocolate chips (plus ½ cup to sprinkle on tops)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, F. Grease and flour all pans (2 loaf pans or 5 small loaf pans). Mix all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl until blended thoroughly. Add butter, oil and all wet ingredients. Increase mixer speed to medium and continue to beat for two more minutes. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter evenly into pans. Top each with mini-chocolate chips. Bake 35-40 minutes, until middle is set. Remove from oven and after setting 5 minutes, lay pans on side. After 15 minutes lay on other side. When cool, remove from pans and package.
*Buttermilk substitution: place one Tbsp. of vinegar in the bottom of a 1 cup measuring cup. Fill the rest of the cup with milk. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes before using.
Pumpkin Bread
Quick Banana Nut Bread 1 package yellow cake mix 1 cup chopped pecans 2 ripe bananas, mashed 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix 4 eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 2 9x5-inch loaf pans with cooking spray. Mix cake mix, pecans, bananas, water, vegetable oil, pudding mix, and eggs together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until evenly blended. Pour half the batter into each of the prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the middle of each loaf comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
1 cup cooking oil 2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups solid pack pumpkin
(one can) 3 ¼ cups self-rising flour 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
In a medium-size bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla and pumpkin in a bowl. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix. Grease and flour two 9x5 loaf pans (or 5 small loaf pans). Divide the batter evenly. Bake at 325 degrees F., for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar, if desired.
December 2017 • January 2018 | 57
A Helping Hand-Up RESOURCES FOR FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE FAMILIES STORY AND PHOTOS BY BECKIE BLOCK
W
e’ve all heard the stories, about calls to Child Abuse Hotlines, or Child Protection services going into homes of abused or neglected children and removing them from dangerous situations. We’ve heard of drug raids with children involved, many scenarios involving children that needed to be removed from situations that were not ideal. But there is life that goes on after these calls are made, homes to be located for these kids and provisions for their care that are ongoing, after the headline fades from our memory. According to Danielle Conti, SWMO Executive Director of the FosterAdopt Connect association, based in Springfield, there are an average of 500 kids in foster care in Barry, Lawrence and Stone counties. There are 47 licensed foster homes. The remaining children are in group homes, kinship care, or relocated to children’s homes. People think a lot about the kids going into foster care, and what they were taken out of, but not much thought is given to the homes to which they go. These people get the call at all times of the day and night. They open their doors for children, sometimes coming from unspeakable situations. Most of the times the kids come with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and at times with only a few meager possessions. The foster families are at times scrambling to get the things they need for their ever-stretching families. There are a couple of local resources to help these families make the transition as they grow. The FosterAdopt Connect program 58 |
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in Springfield, Missouri offers several support and resource programs to help Fostering and Adoptive parents. The program serves primarily as advocates for the children entering the foster care system. 30 Days to Family is a program that actively searches out all members of a child’s family and actively attempts to get a kinship placement (placement with blood kin, rather than outside the family). Kinship placement can be with grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. The plan is to have a wide scale of relatives located, with a primary placement and at least two back-up placements planned. Extreme Recruitment is a resource geared toward long term foster care placements and older children entering the foster care system. According to Danielle Conti, children who enter the system later, and who age out of the system without any type of family placement are at a higher risk of becoming homeless. Due to the insecurity of foster care, they are higher risk for becoming acclimated to the street life fast, and without the resources,
“When you’ve been there and done that, you understand. You know what the needs are, you know what works, what didn’t and what might.” Virginia Gaston of For the Kids
they will have little chance of escaping that lifestyle. Extreme Recruitment has investigators that research case files in attempt to locate lost family members that might be able to provide a home and stability to an otherwise unplaceable child. Behavioral Interventionist is a program that helps keep mentally and physically challenged children in the homes and not have them put in residential care facilities. When children who have these types of challenges enter the foster care system, many are unable to process what is going on and there are many kinds of issues that can cause them to bounce around from home to home and eventually end up in residential care facilities. The B.I. workers work in the home with the foster families to teach them ways to deal with the challenges and enable the kids to remain in the homes.
Other helpful programs are advocacy programs which give the prospective foster/adoptive family advice and support as they go through the process of becoming foster or adoptive parents. There are also groups to help with training and licensing. There are also respite events, times when churches and other organizations open their doors to let the foster kids join together for an evening of fun activities while the foster parents get an evening free to rest and recharge. But perhaps the biggest stress for a foster or adoptive parent is the personal financial burden. The stipend for a foster child is a little over $300 per month. Missouri ranks 48 out of 50 in reimbursing the foster family. The foster family is given $300 per year clothing allowance. When a child is put in a kinship placement, these family members may not be at all prepared for the child. There are at least two establishments, locally, that help families with immediate and ongoing needs.
SAMMY'S WINDOW Sammy’s Window is part of the FosterAdopt Connect program. It is a small store at the back of their building, from which they provide food, clothing and other needs. Mark Hay is the founder of the Sammy’s Window store, which was named to honor his father, Samuel Hay. As a boy, Samuel was separated from his family due to family financial and health problems. “Sammy was put in foster care at the age of six. He was taken away from his parents when his father was put in jail for selling booze during prohibition, and his mother was unable to support him,” said Mark. “My dad would tell of sitting and staring out the window hoping his parents would come and get him.” Sammy’s Window gives clothing, furniture, emergency food, school supplies and hygiene items to families to get over a financial hump.
Sammy’s Window currently serves 2000 kids a year and has provided 8000 requested items per year. They rely on donations in order to provide families with the things they need. “When a child is removed from a home, they leave behind their belongings. If they are removed from a meth home, they cannot take anything with them. They often change schools so they need school supplies and a back pack. We provide these as well,” Mark said. “When a child is removed at Christmas time, they have missed the sign up for local Christmas programs, so we have gift cards so they can get something they want. Also, with most Christmas adoption programs, the smaller children are chosen, because they are easier, more fun. Older children are harder to get covered, so we try to fill those gaps so that no foster child goes without a gift.” December 2017 • January 2018 | 59
Most foster/adoption families are sent by their caseworkers, but others are able to go there to get things, if they have state credentials showing they are foster/ adoptive parents. The goods are given to the families at no charge. Donations of lightly worn clothing, especially in the adolescent ages are always in need. “We give new socks and underwear, so we need those as well,” said Mark. “Also diapers in all sizes. Our biggest need is hygiene supplies, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste etc, which can be gotten at Dollar Tree for a dollar each.” Mark went on to add that church and other groups sometimes adopt Sammy’s Window as a project and have drives to gather supplies to donate. A woman, who requested to remain anonymous, had a cart filled with clothing, coats and other supplies for her three long-term foster children, and the one she had taken in just the night before. “They always supply my needs for my kids, maybe every two or three months, when I am low on cash.” After pushing the cart out to her car and bringing it back empty, she added, “When I get a new child, I call them and they let me come and get what I need.”
FOR THE KIDS Virginia Gaston has been in the Foster care ministry for 25 years. She helps to run the For the Kids store in Aurora. “We give out on average of 1000 pieces per month, and see around ten families per week,” said Virginia. “We provide clothing from sizes preemie to teenager. With a lot of babies being born to parents on drugs, there are a lot of premature babies and they need the smaller sizes.” They also give baby beds, 60 |
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bassinettes and other baby needs. These things are always a need and are seldom donated. Having recently moved into a new store, Virginia stated that they were happy that they would be able to take more donations and help more families. For the Kids gives out clothing, and furniture as they are donated. They provided costumes and pumpkins for kids at Halloween, and for Christmas they have a program called Christmas Wishes. They take 3 wishes from each foster or adoptive child that signs up and work at filling one wish. “We had a wish for a turquoise bike last year,” Virginia said. “It was a hard find, but we managed.” Winter coats, hats and gloves are also provided to children. “We get donations of coats, but also cash donations that we use to hit clearance racks at the end of seasons to stock up on seasonal clothes for the next year.” For the Kids also has events for the
children all year long, Valentines days, Easter egg hunts, and other special activities. They have birthday bags with a small amount of birthday party supplies and small gifts for the child. They also give out toys and suitcases. “When kids move from home to home, it helps if they have a suitcase to move their belongings,” said Virginia. “It gives them some dignity.” Virginia added that most of the people that work in the Resources ministry have been a part of the foster care system in some aspect. “When you’ve been there and done that, you understand. You know what the needs are, you know what works, what didn’t and what might.” She added that it’s not just a typical foster care environment anymore. “There are more relative placements, grandparents and aunt and uncles raising these kids. They didn’t plan for it and they aren’t prepared. I have even seen teachers take kids in sometimes.”
FOR THE KIDS FOSTER/ ADOPTIVE PARENTS ASSOCIATION Virginia Gaston 417-229-2415 Lynette Bailey 417-489-7903
Virginia added that they have one fundraiser that helps to cover utilities at the store and help with purchasing needs. They sponsor a Christmas Train ride, one that goes from Monett to Exeter, and one that goes from Seligman to Arkansas. All the funds from this go to keep the ministry going, as all workers are volunteers.
Linda Swadley 417-229-1615
HELPING THOSE IN NEED FosterAdopt Connect/ Sammy’s Window Danielle Conti 509 S Cavalier Ave Springfield, MO 65802 417-866-3672 417-849-7941 www.fosteradopt.org
There are other ways that foster families can be helped. Respite care is a big thing. Respite caregivers must receive training and certification. Respite care can be from a few hours, to weekends, giving the foster parents a break to run errands, or just have some time to rest and recharge. Christi Eden of Butterfield has been a foster parent for several years and stated that this is a huge need. She stated that places like For the Kids and Sammy’s Window make a huge difference. But that
respite care was an ongoing need. “Respite can be great, but it is only twelve days a year, and for some kids, it needs to be more.” Respite caregivers can contact their county Children’s Division to get training and certification. Foster kids, and their host parents both work together to take an impossible situation and turn it into a family. Sometimes it’s just a hand up that is needed, to get them to a place where lives can be mended. Some kids are in the system temporarily and some cases are long term. But those of us who live lives outside of this system can still do plenty to help their situations and enrich their lives. By donating gently used clothing, toys and furniture, buying extra hygiene items to donate or giving cash or gift cards to be used to fill the gaps. If it takes a village to raise a child, we can all be villagers and make a difference in the life of someone. December 2017 • January 2018 | 61
FH
ROM the
OLLOW
From the East and West Ends of Beeman Hollow BY WES FRANKLIN
In college, when someone would ask me where I was from, I always had the same answer. While other students, in introducing themselves to each other, might claim Cleveland or Pennsylvania or Detroit or New York, I would just say, “McDonald County.” And the other person’s reaction was always the same: A bewildered look and a, “so, just where the heck is McDonald County?” Understand, I didn’t initially attend a local college and most of the students there were from out of state anyway, so absolutely no one I met had ever heard of McDonald County, Missouri. This, of course, is why I got a kick out of the absurdity of referencing it in an introduction. As if McDonald County was taking its place in the world. Well, I thought it amusing anyway. Not long ago, someone asked me just where in McDonald County I was from. To those only somewhat familiar with the county I always tell them west of Goodman, off of B Highway. To those fairly acquainted with the land I say east of Tiff City and along Buffalo Creek. To those who really know McDonald County I simply say Beeman Hollow. That was a rather long introduction to the real gist of this column, which is a Christmas recollection from a gentleman 62 |
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who also grew up in Beeman Hollow (note to the folks responsible for printing the road signs: it is B-E-E-M-A-N Hollow, not “Beaman.”) The late Melvin Higgs was born in 1909 and raised on the “other” end of Beeman Hollow, me being from the west end. He passed away in 2010, at 100 years old. His wife of 73 years, the late Helen Gertrude (Cunningham) Higgs, also grew up in Beeman Hollow. In 2002, the Higgs’ son-in-law, James Cadle, wrote a wonderful little book called “Tales from Beeman Hollow,” which is filled with his in-laws’ memories of growing up in Beeman Hollow in the 19-teens and ‘20s. Rather than simply raw
information, however, the book is largely written in a very entertaining story form. I highly recommend it. At one point in the book, Cadle reverts back to the present. He asks his fatherin-law, Melvin, what Christmas was like for him back in what would have been the early quarter of the last century. I think it’s a nice peek into what I imagine was representative of a typical Ozarks Christmas. I hope Mr. Cadle doesn’t mind if I relate an excerpt straight out of his book. “Christmas was a fun time on the farm,” Melvin said. “We’d cut our own cedar tree up in the highlands, drag it down and set it up in the parlor for a couple of days ‘fore Christmas. Then we’d trim it with decorations we made at school.” “Did you hang up your stockings on Christmas Eve?” [Cadle asks]. “Sure, we did, and we always got the same thing every year – either an apple or an orange, a couple pieces of stick candy and a few nuts.”
“What! Santa Claus didn’t leave you any presents for being a good boy?” “No, he didn’t, and we never gave each other presents neither; not even when we were older. But my folks always made sure there was one gift under the tree for each of us. Usually, the boys got a pair of overalls or a shirt and Vallie [Melvin’s sister] got a doll or a ring. The big thing about Christmas to us was the family dinner. Grandma Ada and Grandpa Billy always came out to the farm to eat on Christmas Day, bringing popcorn balls or homemade fudge or taffy for everyone. Christmas dinner was always special – a turkey or a goose with cornmeal stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and gravy and pumpkin pie – lots of food we didn’t eat durin’ the rest of the year.” Gertrude, Melvin’s wife, says in the book that Christmas was pretty much the same for her as well – including the fact that they always had a cedar as their Christmas Tree. I only mention that because my family always had a cedar as well, and there is one decorating my living room right now! My wife, who is from Nebraska originally, likes pine or spruce or fir, however, so we alternate years. This year is my year, so it’s a cedar Christmas Tree year. To me, a cedar Christmas Tree epitomizes Christmas in the Ozarks. Most people these days seem to have artificial trees, however. Anyway, back to the book. The rest of that particular chapter relates, in pure story form, something that used to occur every year around this time and at every little schoolhouse within a few miles stretch: The school Christmas pageant. This particular story dates back to Christmas 1927 and takes place at New Bethel School – which, incidentally, is still standing and I know there is a group trying to preserve it. More power to them, I say! I won’t spoil the story by abridging it here. Besides, you really have to read it the way it’s written. I can easily imagine myself right there! If it’s still in print, you can pick up a copy of “Tales of Beeman Hollow” at the McDonald County Historical Museum in Pineville. Call 417-223-7700 to find out how to order a copy. Merry Christmas!
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December 2017 • January 2018 | 63
Wyndy’s Christmas Surprise BY STAN FINE
N
othing, not even the long and warm sunlit days of summer, lasts forever. The warm months in the Ozarks were now only a memory in the mind of Wyndy – and there were more important, and more immediate, issues which occupied the thoughts of the five-year-old girl. “Wyndy, let’s get going.” Wyndy was perusing the racks of candy, especially the small stack of Hershey’s Chocolate bars on the shelves in the market, but she heard her grandfather’s words; at least to the extent that any small child listens to their parents or grandparents. “Come on, it’s Christmas eve and we need to take this stuff over to Caddo and Mildred’s before it gets too late; Quit staring at that candy.” Caddo Gann, was a local house painter who frequently brushed color on many of the houses in the small southwest town of Noel, Missouri. He and his wife, Mildred owned a house on property that was also home to the local refuge dump. A small wooden box nailed to a pole asked that waste depositors put some money inside after depositing their refuge. Collections were completely based on an honor system which not all patrons of the dump adhered to. Caddo and Mildred had been blessed with ten children. Wyndy’s grandfather, Claude “Butch” Wyatt, owned Wyatt’s 7 Day Market and without solicitation took a box of food to the Gann family each and every cold Christmas Eve evening. 64 |
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“Why do you have two boxes,” Wyndy asked. “Well, because we also need to stop by Speedy’s place and drop off a box of food.” Speedy was a well-known local charismatic figure whom, to say the very least, was unique in every way and lived his life at a frantic pace. Dale McKim, Speedy, was known to everyone as someone who was in constant motion. He lived alone in a small apartment, and Butch knew the gift of food would be appreciated by someone spending that most special of all nights alone.
Wyatt’s 7 Day Market opened its doors in 1948. Claude D. Wyatt, “Butch” to everyone he knew, and his wife Ruth decided to start a business selling what the townsfolk of Noel would always need, food. The store was situated on Noel’s Main Street and Butch, who had been selling meat from his vehicle, was the butcher and cut meat at the worktop near the back of the business while Ruth rang up sales at the front counter’s register. Butch and his wife, Ruth were determined to make the business a success and hard work was nothing new to the couple. Butch’s family moved to the area in 1923 traveling from Oklahoma in a mule drawn wagon. The families of Butch and Ruth Coultas were neighbors during Butch and Ruth’s high school years, and as is often the case, the two youngsters became more than just friends. They became man and wife. From 7 a.m. until midnight each and every day of the week the couple greeted customers with smiles and “Hello’s” while helping them find that special item. When the Wyatt children were old enough, and that arbitrary age was indeed a very young one, all three children, Phillip, James and Elaine, became employees at the store. The store was truly a family owned and operated business. Butch loved his family and he enjoyed talking to his friends and customers at Wyatt’s 7 Day Market but when there was a spare moment he could be found fishing in Elk River or playing dominoes with friends in Les Porter’s Main Street basement pool hall. Noel was known by mid-westerners as a summer playground. Tourists flocked to the small town where they enjoyed the cool waters of Elk River, danced on Shadow Lake’s dance floor and enjoyed a hot meal at one of the many cafés or restaurants. Some tourists could be seen playing miniature golf, driving a go-cart around the oval track or just looking for that Ozark themed gift at The Noel Gift Shop. However, Noel was also known for something else. It was called “The Christmas City.” When
winter came the tourists returned to their cities and jobs and winter lives while the people living in the small town of Noel stayed and waited for that special day of the year, Christmas. The placing of the city’s decorations began several weeks prior to the special day as bows were hung from the Main Street light poles, store windows were painted in green and red colors and ribbon was draped on the Main Street Bridge’s railings. All preparations were completed just days prior to the annual Christmas parade. The parade was widely anticipated by all the local residents, especially those of fewer years, as the star of the parade, Santa Claus would surely make his appearance. Wyndy had no doubt that the man in red, was real – but it was always reassuring to see him in the flesh, thus leaving no doubt in the small child’s mind that he had undoubtedly received her Christmas list. Wyndy was as confused as any five-year-old girl could possibly be. She thought she knew everything there was to know about Christmas but just a week earlier all that had changed and in the mind of the five-year-old that event gave birth to a puzzlement. It started with that traditional City of Noel parade. The morning clouds had given way to a bright afternoon sunlit day as Wyndy, her mother and her two cousins stood alongside Noel’s Main Street. “Wyndy, it’s cold, put those gloves on.” Without
acknowledging her mother’s directions with a word or even a nod of the head Wyndy put her fingers into each of the cloth gloves. She purposely hadn’t made use of the godawful ten finger warmers because she found it difficult to clap as each brightly decorated car or truck passed. Finally, there he was; the reason why all the children had braved the cold day. There was Santa himself. He looked just as he had the year before with his red and white suit of clothes, his white beard and his glasses. Wyndy, and without questioning, accepted the fact that Santa must have had poor eyesight and required the aid of glasses. Suddenly the car with Santa in it stopped and the young of years and small of stature admirers flocked to his side. As he passed out candy to the smiling children he repeated the seasonal words over and over, “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.” Then, and in a tone only to be heard by Wyndy, he spoke, “Here Wyndy, here is some candy and I hope you’ve been a good little girl, Merry Christmas.” As Wyndy held out her hand she realized that the bearded man’s voice was very familiar. It was a voice she had heard for as long as she could remember. It was the voice of Grandpa Wyatt. Later that afternoon and into the nighttime hours the little girl tried to make sense of the experience. There was the possibility that Grandpa Wyatt led a double-life; that of a mild-mannered butcher, and also one as the jolly Kris Kringle, aka Santa Claus. Or maybe, and this was hurtful to think of, just maybe men dressed in red and white garb during the holiday season posing as a fictitious, and real only in Wyndy’s mind, Santa.
Wyndy didn’t talk to her mother or grandfather, or anyone else for that matter, about her concerns. At some point she just accepted the realization that the Santa in the parade was Grandpa Wyatt and that was all there was to it. As for the real Santa, well as it is with all of us as we leave our childhood years that issue seems to resolve itself. Christmas day came and went for the Wyatt family. Wyndy looked at her grandfather differently that cold December morning, but she smiled as he gave her his traditional gift. It was the gift of a handful of shiny silver dollars. As always the quantity of coins was equal to the number years of her life and that Christmas that number was five. Butch Wyatt not only sold food, he sold fun and that product was dispensed at the Dairyette. The Dairyette stood adjacent to the grocery store and was a place where the young in years could shoot pool, play arcade games, listen to music and on Friday and Saturday nights dance. Butch was known to mark some of the quarters with pink nail polish. Those quarters were given to Wyndy, her two cousins, Mitch and Linda and Noel’s smallest and most needy ones who used the pink coins to play arcade games. As the profits from the machines were collected each month the man who serviced those games returned the pink stained coins to Butch. Grandpa Butch and Grandma Ruth have passed on to their reward and now peacefully rest in Noel’s Petty Cemetery. Wendy’s mother, Virginia Ruth Wyatt, passed away in 2016 at the age of 88. As for Wyndy; she lives on the outskirts of Noel in the house where Butch, Ruth and their three children Elaine, James and, Wyndy’s father Phillip once called home. Wendy regrets the loss of the countless hours she and her father could have shared, as Phillip passed away at the age of 27 on July 14, 1959. Phillip rests with his parents in Petty Cemetery. The little girl who once held a handful of silver dollars is no longer a child but Wyndy still loves Christmas and smiles when she talks about Grandpa Butch, Wyatt’s 7 Day Market and the Noel Christmas Parade. That Christmas of many years ago is the standard by which all others will be judged. Thanks to Wyndy. December 2017 • January 2018 | 65
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