The Stone County Historical Society invites the public to its first quarterly meeting of the year on Sunday, March 10 at 2pm. The organization meets at 206 School Avenue in Mountain View. The guest speaker is Kay Thomas who will present first person stories and pictures from her experiences with the early crafters at the Ozark Folk Center.
Kay Thomas moved to Stone County in 1968 from Pulaski County. In 1973 she was hired by Lynn McSpadden to keep the Ozark Foothills Handicraft Guild Retail Shop at the Ozark Folk Center. In 1976 Thomas was hired to work for Arkansas State Parks, doing craft purchasing and shop keeping, as she had been doing for the guild. Soon after, the administration at the Ozark Folk Center divided the duties of the Programs Director, held by Charley Sandage, into two segments: Music and Crafts. Bud Bell became the Music Coordinator and Kay Thomas became the Crafts Coordinator. She retired from that position in June 2004.
Thomas reflected, “I was so blessed to know such wonderful crafters throughout my tenure. It became important to me, as we celebrated the Ozark Folk Center’s 50th Anniversary last year, to try and honor those early craft demonstrators who opened the park. Their skills, their personalities, their life stories were what the visitors came to see. They represented the Ozarks well, and they are appreciated so much even after fifty years.”
Volunteers from the Stone County Historical Society operate the Stone County Museum which will open for the season the first weekend of April. Hours are 1-4pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through October. Admission is free. The Historical Society funds its operations through member dues and donations. Last year the organization sponsored more than ten events to celebrate Stone County’s 150th anniversary.
The Stone County Historical Society invites anyone interested in local history and those who have roots in the area to become a member. A special invitation is extended to newer residents who want to learn more about their county. Dues are $20 annually which entitles the member to the Society’s two publications. Dues may be mailed to PO Box 210, Mountain View.