19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 01
Living history parks have become more and more popular as a way to present history in the most dramatic manner. In many ways, the town of Mountain View is a living history park. Anyone with roots, real or imagined, in farm or country living will get feelings of having come home here.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 02
The Mellon Country store is one of the many historical buildings just outside of town that are still being used - with great pride.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 03
The store owner had a boiling pot on the front porch when we pulled in and was more than happy to tell us all about his recipe for making tasty boiled peanuts.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 05
Each day, in the town center around the courthouse, people begin to gather in small groups with their guitars, banjos, mandolins, harmonicas, fiddles, spoons or whatever other instrument they happen to play. Circles are formed, introductions are made and the music begins. Turns are taken in deciding the tune that's played. If not all know the tune, they simply play chords which works just fine. One of the interesting facts that came out in a visit last year was that the majority of musicians don't read music. They play by ear. One warm nights, groups will play past midnight.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 06
While most of the people in these photographs are seniors, there is a wide involvement in youth in music in the Mountain View area. The state operates the "Ozark Folk Center." It has an extensive music and cultural education program that reaches into the community and schools. When school isn't in session, these groups will have a much younger look.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 08
Those who can't play bring their lawn chairs and sit back to enjoy the conversation and music.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 10
In these settings, the quality of one's singing doesn't matter much. It's folksy music and if one's sings a little off key or with a raspy voice, it's still appreciated.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 11
All of the instruments played here are accoustic - no electric instruments are played anywhere. And there's nothing like a standing base fiddle to give music soul.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 12
When harmonica players show up, they bring their harmonicas in a carrying case safe storage. After arriving, the 12 or so harmonicas that were brought are placed in a belt holster. Harmonica players may use 4-6 harmonicas in the course of one song. I didn't know that before coming here. A favorite tune for good harmonica players is the Orange Blossom Special.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 14
The beanfest is held every year in October. While the festival centers around bean cooking contests, the focus on music isn't lost. Different events, like the outhouse races are offered for diversion. The beanfest is so important, all of the local government offices close on the opening day.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 15
Here's an early entrant to the outhouse race. It's a two holer with a bath.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 16
In addition to the informal jamming that goes on around the town square, there are at least six small indoor stages for evening musical programs. Most don't charge admission asking only for donations. Some feature local artists. Others just make their stage available to anyone who wants to play.
20-OCT-2008
Mountain View 17
The Ozark Folk Center features over 30 shops where early crafts and life in the Ozarks is featured. Craftsmen work during the day to demonstrate how to make brooms, soap, jewelry, dolls, food, and more. There's an extensive workshop program offered to children and adults. Musicians play throughout the day on one of the Center's stages. And there's a 2,000 seat theater where musical programs are presented on most nights. It's an amazing place.
20-OCT-2008
Mountain View 18
Musicians play for 30 minutes and then announce they're taking a break. But they stay seated on the stage - to chat with visitors. The only time they left the stage was for lunch.
20-OCT-2008
Mountain View 21
The hammered dulcimer player is also Arkansas' senior clogging champion. Clogging is a form of free form dancing found throughout Appalachia and the Ozarks. It's similar to the high stepping Irish dancing.
20-OCT-2008
Mountain View 24
The evening program present 6-7 groups, including square dancers and cloggers.
20-OCT-2008
Mountain View 27
It's a toe tapping place.
