19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 01
Living history parks have become more and more popular as a way to present history in the most dramatic manner. In many ways, the town of Mountain View is a living history park. Anyone with roots, real or imagined, in farm or country living will get feelings of having come home here.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 02
The Mellon Country store is one of the many historical buildings just outside of town that are still being used - with great pride.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 03
The store owner had a boiling pot on the front porch when we pulled in and was more than happy to tell us all about his recipe for making tasty boiled peanuts.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 05
Each day, in the town center around the courthouse, people begin to gather in small groups with their guitars, banjos, mandolins, harmonicas, fiddles, spoons or whatever other instrument they happen to play. Circles are formed, introductions are made and the music begins. Turns are taken in deciding the tune that's played. If not all know the tune, they simply play chords which works just fine. One of the interesting facts that came out in a visit last year was that the majority of musicians don't read music. They play by ear. One warm nights, groups will play past midnight.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 06
While most of the people in these photographs are seniors, there is a wide involvement in youth in music in the Mountain View area. The state operates the "Ozark Folk Center." It has an extensive music and cultural education program that reaches into the community and schools. When school isn't in session, these groups will have a much younger look.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 08
Those who can't play bring their lawn chairs and sit back to enjoy the conversation and music.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 10
In these settings, the quality of one's singing doesn't matter much. It's folksy music and if one's sings a little off key or with a raspy voice, it's still appreciated.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 11
All of the instruments played here are accoustic - no electric instruments are played anywhere. And there's nothing like a standing base fiddle to give music soul.
19-OCT-2008
Mountain View 12
When harmonica players show up, they bring their harmonicas in a carrying case safe storage. After arriving, the 12 or so harmonicas that were brought are placed in a belt holster. Harmonica players may use 4-6 harmonicas in the course of one song. I didn't know that before coming here. A favorite tune for good harmonica players is the Orange Blossom Special.