On Wednesday evening, August 28, John Fullerton was the special speaker for the meeting. His talk was about much of the early Shepherd of the Hills history. Topics covered the original layout of Old Matt's Cabin as he shared vintage photos from his personal collection. John also talked about the events involving the 1912 Cabin remodel and shared some details on Fort Scott, KS, resident Jesse Burt, who did the remodel and was the first caretaker of the Cabin.
John shared about the real "Young Matt" character in the Shepherd of the Hills novel, Charles Ross, and his career as a professional photographer and his time in Pomona, CA.
John also gave some detailed information on the progress of the White River Railroad construction in the area from 1903 through 1905, which was written by J.K. Ross as he wrote a weekly column for the Taney County Republican newspaper.
Two large tables were on display for guests to view, showing rare photography of the Garber community, the Ross Homestead, and other locations made famous in the Shepherd of the Hills novel. John had a question/answer time with the guests.
This event was part of the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters’ quarterly meeting, which took place at Harold's Hall at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and Adventure Park. John was able to inform and share with around 50 guests who attended.
Curtis Copeland also shared about the ongoing/upcoming projects that are happening.
The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters, the Acts of the Shepherd Gathering and the Pine Top Board of Trustees collaborate to preserve the historic Pine Top Schoolhouse
The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters has partnered with Acts of the Shepherd Gathering, a non-denominational church currently meeting at the Sycamore Log Church, and the Pine Top Trustees to assist in the repair, preservation and reopening of the Pine Top School located in southwestern Taney County, Missouri.
In keeping with their mission to perpetuate the “History, Folklore, and Traditions” of the Ozarks, the Hillcrofters see this project as not only an opportunity to restore a historic building, but assist in making it a functioning part of the community.
For a structure over a century old, the Pine Top School is in remarkably good shape. According to research by Marilyn Kay France and Jeff Michel, the Pine Top School was “probably built in 1909” on the Springfield-Harrison Wagon Road after the village of Pine Top was moved to that location.
In addition to being used for church services, the historic one-room schoolhouse will also serve as an occasional meeting place for Hillcrofters’ meetings, bluegrass jams and other community events.
The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters and Ozark Mountain Music Association
The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters supports youth interested in learning traditional Ozarks music through sponsorships to OMMA (Ozark Mountain Music Association). OMMA has been supporting kids in learning traditional Ozarks dances and music by bringing in experts and holding summer camp programs for all who want to attend.
Your donations to The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters allow us to help perpetuate the culture of our beloved Ozarks and inspire the next generation.
Ozark Mountain Music is a nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve and promote traditional music of the Ozarks.
The 1904 Garber Schoolhouse at Shepherd of the Hills State Park
The new, “under development,” Shepherd of the Hills State Park is a 1,011-acre tract of land covered by hardwood forests and one of the largest natural glade areas owned by the state. The new state park also contains the Garber one-room schoolhouse constructed in 1904. The now extinct community of Garber and the larger community of Roark Creek Valley, were of significance to the “Shepherd of the Hills Country,” and the 1907 Harold Bell Wright novel that gave the “Country” its name.
The Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters became very interested in the acquisition of the new state park and its future development because of the park’s potential for preservation projects that would meet the goals of the Society, both Ozarks historical and cultural features, as well as Ozarks natural features. In 2019, the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters entered into an official partnership agreement with Missouri State Parks for volunteer assistance and support of the “Ozark Mountain State Park.”
A priority project for the Society in regards to the State Park property, is the preservation of the Garber one-room schoolhouse. The schoolhouse represents an original and tangible piece of Ozarks rural culture from the early 20th century.
For further information, to become a member, or to donate to the causes, check them out at
societyofozarkianhillcrofters.com or Facebook at ozarkianhillcrofters
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