On Sunday, May 25, visit the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View,Arkansas to experience how the Civil War affected the hill people of northern Arkansas. Starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday evening, you’ll be able to travel back to the Civil War years between 1861 and 1865 in this land along the Sylamore Creek.
In the 1850’s the Ozarks were a land full of promise for many families who moved here to homestead and raise their families. Politics and conflict were far from their minds as they cut timber to build houses and fences. When word of the troubles in the outside world reached them, many of them just thought they’d stay quietly on their farms. But in 1861, the conflict of the Civil War came right to their doorsteps as this land became contested by the Federal and Confederate Armies.
Through a series of 20 minute programs you’ll learn how the families who had settled in this area dealt with the war. A map and a schedule will guide you on the walking tour through the village. Costumed interpreters will present living histories, songs and stories of the war. You can learn about Bushwhackers, Jayhawkers and the Legend of Bill Dark. You’ll be able talk with Obadiah T. Fassbinder about the medicine of the Civil War times and contrast his outlook on medicine with that of the Widder Wilcox, a yarb doctor of local renown. You can listen to the worries of a war widow trying to keep her children safe; be moved by original ballads that share the realities of the war; learn about the ‘munnitions of the war and how they were made; and visit with uniformed soldiers in their camp about who they are and where they came from.
The programs will wrap up at 8:00 p.m. when you’ll be invited to dance your war worries away to live music on the Picnic Pavilion. Traditional Civil War period dancing will be led and taught by Jimmie Edwards and you’ll get a chance to dance the Virginia Reel.
The Auditorium will open at 5:30 p.m. for ticket sales. There will be an introductory program in the Auditorium at 6:00 and programs will start in the Village at 6:30. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children over 12, or a $15 family pass. Children under 12 are free. Ozark Folk Center Season Passes will be honored.
Make a visit to the Mountain View and the Ozark Folk Center State Park a part of your Memorial Day Weekend holiday plans. While normally closed on Sunday and Monday, the park will be completely open for the holiday weekend. Experience the treetop adventure of Loco Ropes. Visit the Craft Village to watch hand crafted items being made and have a chance to purchase them from the folks who make them. Stay in the comfortable Cabins at Dry Creek and eat good southern mountain food at the Skillet Restaurant. For ticket prices and a listing of events, visit the web site at www.OzarkFolkCenter.com or call 870-269-3851 for more information.
