Volume 7, Number 12 - Summer 1982


"Shannon County Home"
Documentary Shown at Annual Meeting
by Edith McCall

The documentary film "Shannon County Home," produced for showing on national television programs, was previewed on Sunday, June 13 by those attending a meeting of The White River Valley historical Society at The School of the Ozarks College Center Cafeteria.

While showing life in rural Shannon County, Missouri, it could well have been filmed in any of the Ozarks counties of the White River Valley in areas not yet altered by the influx of tourism and retirement subdivisions.

The wilderness hills and streams, the woods in autumn brilliance, weathered homesteads, logging with horse power on the hoof instead of on wheels, the Memorial Day picnic at the cemetery -- one sequence after another of the hour-long film took many viewers "back home" to a rapidly disappearing way of life.

"Shannon County Home" was presented by Lynn Morrow, member of the WRVHS. As historian for the Center for Ozark Studies of Southwest Missouri State University, Morrow was instrumental in the production of this film. The center is attempting to record as much as possible of the unique history and lifestyle of the Ozarks, and this film is one of two produced professionally for showing on public television throughout the United States.

"The films are meant to represent the Ozark region to outside audiences," Morrow said. "They are our attempt to document some of the aspects that we feel are important about Ozark culture and Ozark life."

Shorter films on special aspects of the culture, such as religion and hunting are also in preparation.

Paul Johns, vice president and program chairman introduced the speaker.

The June 13 session was the annual meeting at which the year’s accomplishments were summarized and 1982-1983 officers were elected and installed by Lucille Brown, junior past president.

The White River Valley Historical Society, beginning its 22nd year, continues to be active in aiding the preservation of the region’s heritage.

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