Over The Old Ozark Trails

thelarsonsix · May 14, 2011, 08:43:01 PM

Anyone have this book? It's a bit pricey on Amazon so I would like to know if it's a worthy read before I buy it. Rube, perhaps?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&item=140542692266&nma=true&rt=nc&si=1ywIgITbWv9Qz3srg46l56fyJoM%253D

Junior · May 15, 2011, 08:09:48 AM

Don't have the book...but have seen it in a library. It is by Pearl Spurlock, a woman who in the 1920s and 1930s ran a taxi service in Branson. In the days before Highway 76 was paved, when most of the route between downtown Branson and west to Shepherd of the Hills and Marvel Cave was a gravel road...or even just dirt and stone ledges around Dewey Bald, Pearl carried tourists to show them the sights in Shepherd of the Hills Country. Pearl came up with elaborate stories and jokes to tell tourists about the real people behind Shepherd of the Hills, she was great friends with the Lynch Sisters, and carried visitors to Notch, MO to visit Uncle Ike. Finally, before she died, friends convinced her to write down some of her stories that she told the tourists. That is what "Over the Old Ozark Trails" is about. $10 bucks on ebay is cheap compaired to the $35-55 or more I have seen the book for sale at in some pricey but good used book stores in the area. I wish I had this book, I've been looking, but so far, have not ran across a copy. Hey, if you find two, save one for me! I'll buy it!

thelarsonsix · May 15, 2011, 09:20:57 AM

Quote from: Junior on May 15, 2011, 08:09:48 AM
Don't have the book...but have seen it in a library. It is by Pearl Spurlock, a woman who in the 1920s and 1930s ran a taxi service in Branson. In the days before Highway 76 was paved, when most of the route between downtown Branson and west to Shepherd of the Hills and Marvel Cave was a gravel road...or even just dirt and stone ledges around Dewey Bald, Pearl carried tourists to show them the sights in Shepherd of the Hills Country. Pearl came up with elaborate stories and jokes to tell tourists about the real people behind Shepherd of the Hills, she was great friends with the Lynch Sisters, and carried visitors to Notch, MO to visit Uncle Ike. Finally, before she died, friends convinced her to write down some of her stories that she told the tourists. That is what "Over the Old Ozark Trails" is about. $10 bucks on ebay is cheap compaired to the $35-55 or more I have seen the book for sale at in some pricey but good used book stores in the area. I wish I had this book, I've been looking, but so far, have not ran across a copy. Hey, if you find two, save one for me! I'll buy it!

$10 isn't bad, but unfortunately that one's over. Amazon has them used from $14-40 plus shipping in various conditions so I'm probably looking at at least $20 for one. Sounds interesting though so I think I'll pick one up. In case you're interested also:

http://www.amazon.com/Ozark-trails-Shepherd-hills-country/dp/B0007EVCVA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1305469220&sr=8-1

rubedugans · May 15, 2011, 01:39:07 PM

I have not found this book, but I have heard of it, I wouldn't mind picking it up when I get a few extra bucks...but $35 is a bit pricey....$40 if I want a signed copy!

Most of the postcards on this page have, or pertain to Pearl.

http://www.hbw.addr.com/bransonrp.htm

Junior · May 15, 2011, 04:43:22 PM

Thanks for the link with the photos. I love the shots of the cab on the side of Dewey Bald, that was when the route later to be known as Highway 76 was nothing more than a rocky trail. I am old enough to remember when Roark Valley Road was a two lane gravel road. There was one section of the road that scared the crap outta me each time I drove over it...when heavy rains fell, someone laid plywood on the roadbed so the stream of water coming off the bluff/mountain side would run under the plywood and you could cross. I once, at a young age, did something very foolish...drove drunk along that route in the dead of night to avoid the cops. It worked, I made it home safe, but never drove drunk again. There is something about looking down at the treetops glistening in the moonlight and driving a huge land shark of a car (75 Ford LTD) over a narrow gravel road on the side of the mountain that makes you think about poor decisions you make in your life!

LOL!

thelarsonsix · May 15, 2011, 07:37:22 PM

Quote from: rubedugans on May 15, 2011, 01:39:07 PM
I have not found this book, but I have heard of it, I wouldn't mind picking it up when I get a few extra bucks...but $35 is a bit pricey....$40 if I want a signed copy!

Most of the postcards on this page have, or pertain to Pearl.

http://www.hbw.addr.com/bransonrp.htm

Rube, that page is where I found out about the book. Junior, yes I love how they call it the "highway" down Dewey Bald. lol

rubedugans · May 15, 2011, 08:36:56 PM

GUESS WHAT!!!
I found out after some asking around about the book, that I might be able to get ahold of a copy from a relative if they can find it. It is not an original copy that I would be getting, only a photocopy of the text, but I will be sure to let you know when I get ahold of it. I am getting really excited about the goodies that could be in it!

thelarsonsix · May 16, 2011, 07:19:51 PM

Quote from: rubedugans on May 15, 2011, 08:36:56 PM
GUESS WHAT!!!
I found out after some asking around about the book, that I might be able to get ahold of a copy from a relative if they can find it. It is not an original copy that I would be getting, only a photocopy of the text, but I will be sure to let you know when I get ahold of it. I am getting really excited about the goodies that could be in it!

That would be a great find. I'm still holding out for a real copy but can't quite justify $40 and up for one.

rubedugans · May 21, 2011, 07:03:06 PM

Are you sitting down?

I was fortunate enough in the past few days to get not what I thought of as a copy but instead the real thing dust jacket and all! The jacket is is poor condition, but the book itself is great (only missing the first flyleaf-the first blankpage) that appears to have been cut out at some point. Seems to be plenty of great info and photos in here. Once I get some time, I will let you all know what is in there unless someone else gets a hold of a copy.

Junior · May 21, 2011, 09:24:43 PM

Thanks, Rube! I remember it being a pretty neat little book. Vance Randolph, the best known Ozarks folklore collector, referenced her book in his books...that means it's primo in my mind!

thelarsonsix · May 22, 2011, 05:52:58 PM

Quote from: rubedugans on May 21, 2011, 07:03:06 PM
Are you sitting down?

I was fortunate enough in the past few days to get not what I thought of as a copy but instead the real thing dust jacket and all! The jacket is is poor condition, but the book itself is great (only missing the first flyleaf-the first blankpage) that appears to have been cut out at some point. Seems to be plenty of great info and photos in here. Once I get some time, I will let you all know what is in there unless someone else gets a hold of a copy.

If it was anyone else, I would be surprised.

It doesn't happen to have what looks like a hand drawn cover on it does it?

Coaster · May 22, 2011, 08:56:18 PM

Wow, you have got some connections Rube!

rubedugans · May 22, 2011, 09:11:37 PM

With my family frequenting Southern MO since the late 40s-early 50s, and having the last few generations land locked in MO, there is not much that we couldn't find with a little searching!

rubedugans · May 22, 2011, 09:21:38 PM

I took a photo of the cover and dust jacket to share with you all.

okiebluegrass · May 24, 2011, 07:16:53 AM

That is awesome!! Wish I could get a copy. You don't disappoint Rube