Mtn. View, AR

We have recently become excited about Leon's family history and have learned he is partly a hillbilly from the Ozarks, which we think is a good thing! His grandmother was born in Timbo, Arkansas, the 3rd generation of the Franks family to live there. So off to the Ozarks we went to meet three of his 3rd cousins, to share photos and stories, learn more about the family, and to wander the backroads of Stone County. The photo is on the front porch of a Ramsey relative's old house in Flag. Pictured are A.J., Carolyn, Leon, and Wendell. We camped at the Coast to Coast campground, Holiday Mountain Resort, alongside Sylamore Creek for 4 nights.

The annual beanfest was taking place during the weekend. Large crowds gather around the courthouse square to listen to music or join in if you are musically talented. We listened! While the music plays, pots of beans are simmering nearby. Everyone is offered free beans and cornbread and the lines are long! The annual beanfest is no longer a well-kept local secret.

After the beans are served the outhouse races take place one block away! Many entries vie for first place in the one block long race. Some are more serious than others obviously. There are many more photos.

We learned from the announcer during the race that to the locals if you are not from Mt. View then you are from "off." After the races we visited the historical society and museum and conversed with some of the women working there. One volunteered, "I did not grow up in Mt. View. I am from Off." So now we at least know where we are from!