Volume I, No. 3, Spring 1974


The Editor


If you were to enter the office of BITTERSWEET, you would immediately notice two large posters hanging on the walls proclaiming such patriotic slogans as "Save Fuel--See the Ozarks through BITTERSWEET." We used the posters fastened on Roy Gage's wagon, our cover of last issue, as an attention getting float in the Christmas parade. Once again Roy, thanks.

We were honored by an invitation to be part of the program of the annual journalism workshop at the School of the Ozarks, November 10. We really enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the large professional and school audience about BITTERSWEET because we learned a great deal in addition to having the opportunity of telling others about our magazine.

After our second issue came out we have received a considerable amount of mail, much of it about our dulcimer story. Although we enjoy all responses the greatest satisfaction comes from hearing the people we write about commend the accuracy and style of our writing. Here is a portion of the letter from Mary Catherine McSpadden of The Dulcimer Shoppe.

"We loved the dulcimer articles. The writing about the shop and our methods was the most accurate we have read--you did a fine job of listening, understanding and writing. We're glad you came to visit us. Having the record of authentic old-time dulcimer playing included in the magazine was a stroke of genius. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing the 'Indian Walking Cane' played!"

Sometimes we make mistakes. In December we received a letter from Robert Tiews, Jefferson, New Hampshire, which read:

"I am sure I am not the first to bring to your attention that pages 20, 21, 40, 41 were not printed in your second issue of BITTERSWEET. IS there anyway I can get copies of the missing pages? It is not that I don't feel I got my money's worth (for the rest of the magazine is well worth the price), it's just that I would hate to miss four pages of good reading."

Fortunately, you were the first Mr. Tiews, and we hope the only one. We trust you have received a complete magazine by now. Sorry. Any more mistakes, readers?

We really appreciate any and all comments or suggestions. Thanks to a suggestion from Richard Sippel, West Orange, New Jersey, we are now busy researching a feature story on old water-powered mills of our area. Inspired by a letter and offer of help from Charlie McMichen, Richland, Missouri, we are preparing to do an article on old-time Ozark square-dancing. We really listen to our readers because we like to print what you want to read about.

A large portion of this issue is devoted to articles about a typical Ozark couple, Myrtle and Elva Hough (Ronnie's grandparents). We've tried to document their crafts, skills and general knowledge in the most effective way to show their Ozark wit and personality. We hope to write more in the future portraying the fine Ozark family life style.

We are always looking for and starting new columns. The latest, This Speech of Ours, is a new feature about the colorful Ozark dialect. Sally already has several more articles in the research stage which we hope to bring you in the future. We hope you enjoy "talking with Sally."

Next issue will be jam-packed with a wide range of articles such as steam engines, threshing, old-time cider mills, making rose potpourri, and a feature on Daisy Cook, who tells stories of Ozark life with her paint brush.

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Copyright © 1981 BITTERSWEET, INC.


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