Where Did "Hillbilly" Come From? Two Authors Explain on Feb. 10
January 24, 2022 — Using personal stories, family histories and photos, authors Tom Koob and Curtis Copeland take a deep dive into the source of the term "hillbilly" and trace its development through the present in their book, “Ozarks Hillbilly: Stereotype and Reality.”
They will talk from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in the Library Center auditorium. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Tom Koob, an author and self-employed consultant, has written books on fishing and the popular “Buried by Table Rock Lake.”
Curtis Copeland is the Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping manager for the City of Branson. The system creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map.
Koob collaborated with Copeland on "Ozarks Hillbilly Stereotype and Reality," tracing the origins, development and usage of the sometimes derogatory term "hillbilly." They contrast that with true life stories of strong, capable Ozarkers who reflect positive traits. "Ozarks Hillbilly" includes several photos with some iconic images from Vance Randolph and Townsend Godsey.