The Ozark Folk Center (OFC) opened its doors on May 5, 1973 in Mountain View, Arkansas as a living history state park committed to preserving and demonstrating traditional crafts, folkways and music of the Ozarks. The center was born out of the Arkansas Folk Festival, which began in April 1963 through the efforts of the Ozark Foothills Handicraft Guild and the Rackensack Folklore Society.
Many helped in making the Ozark Folk Center project a realty, such as musician Jimmy Driftwood, who lobbied for the OFC as well as educator Dr. Bessie Moore and Arkansas official U.S. Representative Wilbur D. Mills, who both helped to secure governmental funding for the OFC. In December 1968, Representative Mills announced that through combined grant and loans the OFC had over $2.5 million for its construction.
The OFC project broke ground in September 1971, was completed by April 1973, and officially dedicated in May 1973. By the completion of its construction, the OFC was a $3.4 million dollar facility which included, but was not limited to, an over 1000 seat music auditorium, a restaurant, a lodge, a conference center, and numerous craft shops located on 80 acres of land in Stone County, Arkansas. The OFC has since grown to 640 acres, located north of Mountain View.
This collection is comprised of photographs, photographic prints, and negatives depicting various artists, crafters, Arkansas politicians, and events at the Ozark Folk Center. These images include, but are not limited to, live performances, annual festivals, musical artists’ and/or groups’ publicity photographs, folkways cultural demonstrations, and anniversary events at the Ozark Folk Center.
This collection was managed by the Ozark Cultural Resource Center (OCRC) facility, within the OFC, prior to being transferred to the Arkansas State Archives. Collection information such as the identifier, collection title, and citation still use the Ozark Cultural Resource Center (OCRC) name.
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Submissions from 1969
Group of five unidentified men, all with string instruments, sitting on chairs on the bed of a truck from the Cleburne County Lumber Company. Part of a parade for Heber Springs Frontier Days. Black and white, print and negative
Group of visitors sitting on chairs in a farmyard. There is a large barn with gambrel roof in the background, and a man and tractor in the foreground. Possibly located at War Eagle. Black and white, print and negative
House in the woods in Stone County, Arkansas. The structure appears to be a mix of stone, log, and farm construction. There is laundry hanging on the porch. Black and white, print and negative
Owner and customer at the counter of an auto parts store in Mountain View. Black and white, print and negative
Parade float for the Greers Ferry Gun Club at Heber Springs Frontier Days. There are several unidentified men on a trailer pulled by a truck. The trailer is covered with greenery to look like a dense forest, and the men appear to be mock hunting. Black and white, print and negative
Parade float of The Arkansaw Travellers at Heber Springs Frontier Days. There are several musicians in 19th century clothing playing instruments and sitting on hay bales on the trailer. There are also two women and a man in a coonskin hat. Black and white, print and negative
Parade float simulating a historic general store at Heber Springs Frontier Days. There are several unidentified men wearing traditional 19th century clothing, sitting on a trailer. Two are sitting on chairs and playing a board game. Another man is sitting on a sack near a cast iron stove. Hanging from the edge of the trailer is a skirt made from potato sacks, with the words general store painted on them. Black and white, print and negative
Photos of a the cover for Dixie Aires' record "Let Me Fly." Ozark Cultural Resource Center gospel photos. Black and white
Pickup truck parked on the street outside a two-story stone building in Mountain View. Black and white, print and negative
Rustic-looking handpainted sign pointing in the directions of the various attractions at Dogpatch USA, near Marble Falls. Black and white, print and negative
Several vehicles parked on the street outside the Stone County courthouse in Mountain View. Most of the building is obscured by trees. Black and white, print and negative
Several visitors sitting or standing near a food vendor truck at Heber Springs Frontier Days. There is a tent, trees, and a building in the background. Black and white, print and negative
The Dove Awards at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN. Photo courtesy of the Gospel Music Association. Ozark Cultural Resource Center gospel photos. Black and white
The Rocky Bayou Workshop in Stone County, Arkansas. It is a one-story, wooden structure in the woods. Black and white, print and negative
Three unidentified Native Americans demonstrating traditional crafts such as basket making at Heber Springs Frontier Days. They are wearing traditional clothing made from hides. Black and white, print and negative
Two men standing before a van in Mountain view. The markings on the van are partly blocked by one of the men. What is readable is: "__MMONS _____ PARTS Phoen 269-8320." May read Simmons Auto Parts. Black and white, print and negative
Two unidentified men hewing bark off a log that is lying on supports, just above the ground. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Two unidentified men sitting on a bench outside a large tent. There appear to be craft vendors inside the tent. Another tent and several trees are in the background. Heber Springs Frontier Days. Black and white, print and negative
Two unidentified women standing by a large spinning wheel that appears to be set up on a porch. One of the women is working with the machine. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man and boy sitting on a stone wall under a tree. They are in front of a house in the woods. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man at a workbench, possibly woodcarving. He is wearing a hat, and there is what appears to be a woodcarving knife on the table beside him. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man carving a large wooden sculpture with mallet and chisel. There are other sculptures and carving tools in the background. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man carving wood on a lathe in a shed. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man hammering a metal hood on an anvil. The metal appears to be cool as he is holding it with a bare hand. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man hewing bark off a log that is lying on supports, just above the ground. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man in a workshop, type undetermined. Some of the equipment includes an anvil and shovel, but does not appear to be a blacksmith shop. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man making a broom in a workshop. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man sitting in a basket shop while working on a basket. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man splitting shake shingles. There is a large pile of logs and an interpretive sign behind him. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man splitting shake shingles. There is a large pile of logs behind him. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man standing behind cash register in what appears to be a drugstore. Products on the counter before him include eyeglass accessories, pain relief medication, and shaving accessories. Black and white negative
Unidentified man working on a painting of a mill. His studio appears to be set up outside, or on a porch. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified man working on the potter's wheel. He is working with a cylinder on the wheel, and there is a completed pitcher on the table beside him. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified woman behind counter, helping a customer, at an auto parts store in Mountain View. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified woman sitting and working at a small spinning wheel. There are several pieces of woven cloth hanging behind her. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified woman wearing a bonnet and dress and playing the fiddle inside a gazebo. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified woman working at a small loom. There are several pieces of fabric piled up in the foreground, but are washed out in the print. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified woman working at a table in a large kitchen. There are several plastic bags piled up in front of her. She may be making candy. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Unidentified woman working with strips of fabric in her lap. There is a loom and spinning wheel in the background. Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white negative
View down a dirt road in Stone County, Arkansas. There are utility poles on either side, and a small part of a structure visible on the right. Black and white, print and negative
View down street in Heber Springs business district. There are cars driving down the street, and the sidewalk appeasr to be abnormally crowded. Heber Springs Frontier Days. Black and white, print and negative
View from parking lot of one of the buildings at Marble Cave, Stone County, Missouri. A sign on the building reads "Marble Cave Mining & MFG Co." Black and white negative
View of a dammed lake under a large rock wall, possibly at or near Blanchard Springs in Stone County, Arkansas. The lake is lined with a stone retaining wall. On either side of the lake are two small cabins. Black and white, print and negative
View of a dried water way at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. There is a wooden structure and fence in the background. Black and white negative
View of a field along a dirt road in Stone County, Arkansas. There is a hill rising in the background. Black and white, print and negative
View of a large room with a checkered floor. There are three desks along one wall, with people working at two of them. Stone County, Arkansas. Black and white negative
View of a large statue of a caricatured man on a horse, several buildings, and visitors at Dogpatch USA, near Marble Falls. Black and white, print and negative
View of a large statue of a caricatured man riding a horse, several buildings, and visitors at Dogpatch USA, near Marble Falls. One of the buildings has a statue of a goat on it's roof. There are hills rising in the background. Black and white, print and negative
View of a log and stone gateway with a sign that reads, "The Vineyard." There is a tree in the foreground with a sign for Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white negative
View of an intersection of two dirt roads in Stone County, Arkansas. One is veering off to the right. There are trees along the road. Black and white, print and negative
View of a pavilion and some playground equipment at Dogpatch USA, near Marble Falls. A tree-covered hill rises in the background. Black and white, print and negative
View of a river bank with a tree-covered hill rising in the background in Stone County, Arkansas. Black and white, print and negative
View of a river in Stone County, Arkansas. There is a tree-covered hill rising from the stony bank in the background. Black and white, print and negative
View of a river in the woods in Stone County, Arkansas. There appears to be a boat ramp in one corner. Black and white, print and negative
View of a rocky river bank with tree-covered hills in background. Stone County, Arkansas. Black and white, print and negative
View of a steel truss bridge, possibly located at War Eagle. There are several people sitting on the grass in the foreground of the image. Black and white, print and negative
View of a suspension bridge over a stream in Stone County, Arkansas. There is a pickup truck on the bridge and trees in the background. Black and white, print and negative
View of a workbench for wood carving. There are tools and wood blocks on the table, and two carved eagles hanging on the wall in back. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
View of barrel making area. There are two complete barrels, several metal hoops, and an anvil. On the wall is a sign that says "Barrel Making." Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
View of buildings at Dogpatch USA, near Marble Falls. There are a couple small clusters of visitors near a stage with two musicians. Black and white, print and negative
View of businesses in Mountain View, including: Wyatt Drugs, a real estate office, a barbershop, and Rainbow Café. There is a woman stepping off the curb in the foreground. Black and white, print and negative
View of festival grounds at Heber Springs Fronter Days. There are two tents, visitors, and a band shell in the very back. Several trees stand on the grounds. Black and white, print and negative
View of rail splitting yard. There is an interpretive sign attached to a tree on the right, a stack of wood on the left, and the area is enclosed by a low rail fence. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri
View of river with hills in background in Stone County, Arkansas. Black and white, print and negative
View of the general store at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. There is a group of people standing around a table with a sign for a top spinning competition. Black and white negative
View of the seating area of a large outdoor amphitheater. There are two children sitting on a bench. Heber Springs Frontier Days. Black and white, print and negative
View of the side of the Rocky Bayou Workshop in Stone County, Arkansas. It is a one-story, wooden structure in the woods. Black and white, print and negative
View of the stage in a large outdoor amphitheater. The front is open but the walls and roof are a permanent structure. There are two people on stage working on a small set. Heber Springs Frontier Days. Black and white, print and negative
View of vehicles parked on the street in front of businesses in Mountain View. Businesses include: Western Auto, Ben Franklin, a furniture store, a realtor, and a café. Black and white, print and negative
View of vehicles parked on the street in front of businesses in Mountain View. One of the businesses is identified as "National Dollar Store." Black and white, print and negative
View of visitors sitting near a large tree. Some are sitting at a table in the foreground. In the background is a large festival tent. Possibly located at War Eagle. Black and white, print and negative
View of visitors standing outside a large barn with a gambrel roof. They appear to be lined up getting refreshments. Possibly located at War Eagle. Black and white, print and negative
View of visitors standing outside a large tent at an unidentified festival. Possibly located at War Eagle. Black and white, print and negative
Woman stirring a large kettle that is hanging over a fire by a chain wrapped around a log. Soap making demonstration. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Woman watching a large kettle that is hanging over a fire by a chain wrapped around a log. Soap making demonstration. Photo possibly taken at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri. Black and white, print and negative
Submissions from 1966
Two unidentified men, standing in front of a stone background, maybe a wall or a fireplace, the man on the right has his arm around the shoulder of the man on the left. Both are dressed in plaid shirts with their hair slicked back off their face. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Submissions from 1960
Guitarist Al Ferguson. Black and white
Submissions from 1959
Autographed portrait of Ozark folklorist Vance Rudolph. Labeled on back of one copy. 2 copies - one Black and white, one sepia-toned, sepia-toned photo is the original
Hugh Cross with three unidentified musicians. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Musical group Melody Boys Quartet, members unidentified except Joe Roper (center). Ozark Cultural Resource Center gospel photos. Black and white
Musician Pappy Cheshire with unidentified woman. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Musicians Mary Jane and Carolyn Cackle. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Portrait of musician Bill Carlisle. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Portrait of musician Carolina Cotton. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Portrait of musician Hugh Cross. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Portrait of musician Martha Carson. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
The Crook Brothers' Band, members unidentified. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Unidentified all-female musical group, posing with instruments. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos ©. Black and white
Unidentified group of people, possibly a musical group. Three men in the back wearing matching suits, with two women in the front wearing matching dresses with lace detailing. Black and white
Unidentified man and woman at a piano. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos (D). Black and white
Unidentified man with fiddle. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos (C). Black and white
Unidentified woman with banjo. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos (C). Black and white
Submissions from 1955
Group of musicians on stage at Buck Lake Ranch: Joel Price, Jimmy Dickens, Jimmy Wilson, and Howard Rhoton. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Submissions from 1949
Bill Nettles (center) and His Dixie Blue Boys, members unidentified. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Bill Nettles (center) and His Dixie Blue Boys, members unidentified. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Blackface musicians Bunny Biggs and Henry Wilds. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Blackface storytellers Jamup and Honey, no last names given, with a donkey. Photo is captioned. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Captain Stubby of the Buccaneers posing with a washboard altered with several horns and bells. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Composite photo with a portrait of Bill Monroe, brief biographical information, and a group image of the Bluegrass Boys. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white
Daddy John Love playing guitar. Ozark Cultural Resource Center country music photos. Black and white, 2 copies - different sizes
