An Annotated Bibliography of Regional Studies Materials
Submitted by Michelle Waters, Forsyth Middle School
There are several books and periodicals that are useful resources for educators and are adaptable for use in the classroom. All are wonderful sources for research projects or general knowledge. Listed below are a few publications and activities I have used for lessons in local history or language arts at the junior high level.
Periodicals
The Ozarks Mountaineer
I distribute copies of this magazine and ask students to find examples that illustrate the different forms of humor characteristic of the Ozarks hillfolk: humor of understatement, humor of character, and "gulling" or the tall tale. We also study the imagery in the poetry.
The White River Valley Historical Society Quarterly
Students have used this resource to locate historical information about the dams on the White River and for family geneologies.
The Taney County Times
Branson Daily News
Both of these local newspapers are employed when discussing current events. "Time Capsule" and "Backward Trail," ongoing columns in The Taney County Times are especially useful for historical studies and in looking at the development of journalistic writing. The editorials are helpful models of opinion writing that is both timely and relevant.
Books
Cobb, Vickie Layton. Fallen Leaves: Volume Two, "A Visit to White River Country." Cassville, MO: Litho Printers and Bindery, 1993.
Ms. Cobb's book demonstrates how writers can communicate the same subject in both prose and poetry. Students see how to use quotes from personal interviews as an effective means of elaboration.
Edom, Cliff and Vi. Twice Told Tales and an Ozark Photo Album: With an Emphasis on Taney County, Missouri. Columbia, MO: Kelly Press, Inc., 1987.
Students love looking at the photos in this book, especially when they recognize the people or places pictured. There is a photo of a large fish taken by Dr. Roston, long time Forsyth physician, that particularly captures young men's attention. Lots of ideas in this book that generate subjects for research projects.
Farmer, Charlie. Devil's Pool: A History of Big Cedar Lodge. Springfield, MO: JLM Publishing Company, 1995.
A field trip to Big Cedar after reading this book is a must! Everyone wants to look for Dorothy's ghost. This is great for the local folklore unit.
Godsey, Townsend. Ozarks Mountain Folk: These Were the Last. Branson, MO: Land Press, Inc., 1977.
There are amazing photos here of the native hillfolk engaged in cultural activities that are rarely seen in Taney County outside the tourism arena. The introduction to the book is the basis of our study of the hillbilly culture. Past students have synthesized that information into how-to demonstrations, dramatic skits, settings and characters for short stories, models of buildings, and even fashion shows. This is my favorite resource for student reading.
Hartman, Mary and Elmo Ingenthron. Baldknobbers: Vigilantes on the Ozarks Frontier. Gretna, LA: Pelican Publishing Company, 1992.
Ingenthron, Elmo. Borderland Rebellion. Branson, MO: The Ozarks Mountaineer, 1980.
Ingenthron, Elmo. Indians of the Ozark Plateau. Branson, MO: The Ozarks Mountaineer, 1991.
Ingenthron, Elmo. The Land of Taney: A History of an Ozark Commonwealth. Branson, MO: The Ozarks Mountaineer, 1983.
All the books authored, all or in part, by Elmo Ingenthron are valuable to the serious student of local history. The reading is difficult for many junior high students, but accessible to high school students. Teachers planning a course in Taney County history should begin here for information.
Liebert, Robert. Osage Life and Legends. Happy Camp, CA: Naturegraph Publishers, 1987.
This is an informative, easy read depicting the culture of the Osage. I have used it for both teacher and student research.
Lisher, Mary L. From an Ozark Rocking Chair. Branson, MO: The Ozarks Mountaineer, 1975.
I have several books by local authors in my classroom library for literature students to use for ideas. This is one of the poetry books.
Rafferty, Milton D. The Ozarks Land and Life. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1932.
The historical maps in this book make good overhead transparencies.
Reuter, Frank. In The Heart of Ozark Mountain Country: A Popular History of Stone and Taney Counties. Reeds Spring, MO: White Oak Press, 1992.
The essays pertaining to the bushwhackers and Baldknobbers from the text are useful when introducing students to the era of outlaw and vigilante activity following the Civil War. Students create wanted posters using the description of Alf Bolin, and they have used the information to simulate a re-trial of Nat Kinney.
