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View along Scenic Seven Highway in Newton County
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When driving Highway 7 in Newton County, you will see some fantastic mountain views, old Ozark homesteads, fine new houses on mountain tops, and some old stores. You may be like us. We have driven this road many times, always excited when we cross the county line at Pelsor. We see some of the old places in disrepair, especially the old-timey stores. Many date back to when Dogpatch and Lil' Abner were a new tourist destination for the county. The signs for miles still entice us to stop at Booger Hollow--the ultimate in Hillbilly shopping! I stopped there in 2001 just for old times' sake. The one clerk didn't bother to get up. Just said they were "out of water" and weren't serving coffee or anything else! Don't think it made it through the next year!
Not so at Nellie's! She had an idea to take advantage of the tourists going to Dogpatch. She opened a store that allowed many Ozark women (and men) in the area to sell their handmade crafts--quilts, paintings, wooden toys, jellies and jams, homemade soaps, handwoven white oak baskets,various dolls-- from cornhusk and apple dolls to cute little rag dolls,-- and many other items. She is still there everyday--providing tourists with genuine Ozark crafts and providing mountain women with a way to make a little extra spending money. I stopped in there a while back when my car was complaining of the 500 mile trip it had just driven. She stayed after hours, waiting with me, while Jack drove from our house to her place to check on the car. Of course, after a rest, the little Escape was ready to get home! No problem!
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| Old Barn southern Newton County near Lurton |
Driving north from Nellie's is another reminder of the Hillbilly influence left over from the Dogpatch era. "Who Da Thought It" is a store with a little of everything--old! Or it was until recently when they auctioned off the 'old stuff' and 'upgraded' the merchandise. It is still worth a stop and the outside hasn't changed other than reworking the "Who Da Thought It" wooden letters across the front of the building.
I often say "Who Da Thought It!", or as Winnie the Pooh says, "Who'd a thunk it" when I reflect over the last 10 years (yes, 10 years since we packed up and moved to the mountains!). I guess it was a backward version of the Beverly Hillbillys without the oil wells! Wow! What the years have given us! The Lord has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams!
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| Old Church/Community Building at Boxley |
Yes, the beautiful old white church standing reverently in Boxley Valley is not just the 'most photographed church building in Arkansas', it is 'my' church. When we started visiting north Arkansas, Newton County, and Boxley Valley, the building was always there--peaceful, beautiful, historic. Who would have thought some day we would call it our home church. From the pastor and his wife, who now live in the remodeled parsonage next door, to our good friends who rent the cabins in the valley and unselfishly encouraged us get our own cabin business going, to the most selfless, generous-spirited Christian women who are members of the Women of Purpose organization--some who have lived here all their lives and others, who like us, find this place and are welcomed in with open arms.
Of course, with church membership comes those little jobs we do with a cheerful heart! Bring on the Valentine's Banquet! Our committee will get it done--hearts, flowers, food, candy, balloons, children's party, adult meal! Blessings! Sweethearts! Love!
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In memory of my friend, Debbie, who never met a flower she couldn't grow, or a party she couldn't throw! We will miss her wonderful spirit, decorating expertise, and cheerful bossiness!
This is the day that the Lord has made, we will be glad and rejoice in it. |
Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. Ephesians 3:20
Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth.
Isaiah 58:14
