Janice Sutton presented the latest Heritage of Stone publication, Volume 48 No. 2, featuring stories on the M&NA Railroad and Case Hotel. The railroad story was drawn from an August interview of Tommy Simmons by Janice and Kay Thomas. Tommy grew up at Arlberg, a stop on the railroad. Tommy spoke to attendees of the quarterly meeting, sharing childhood stories of the railroad.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Janice presented the Stone County History Maker award to Tommy Simmon
s. He was recognized for his steadfast efforts as mayor in bringing the Ozark Folk Center to Mountain View amid political oppositio
n. Throughout his life Tommy has promoted the area’s music throughout the country, helping make it the tourist attraction the place is today. Pam Simmons Setser and Kay Thomas performed some musical numbers, inviting Charley Sandage, Dave Smith, and other performers to the stage to sing “Neighbors” which was written by Charley for the Simmons family.