Calendar Captures Look At Vacation Spots From Yesteryear
The colorful postcard came in the mail, featuring a look at the wonderland of all vacations: people fishing, swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
People flocked to McDonald County, taking in a fun, relaxing vacation amongst the hills and rivers, with plenty of activities to enjoy.
A reminiscent look at yesteryear, highlighting special places in the Ozarks, has been captured in a calendar, now on sale in various local places and by mail.
The calendar is produced by McDonald County Historical Society volunteers each year. The 2019 theme showcases “The Land of a Million Smiles,” the area’s natural beauty and tourist spots. The annual calendar, produced since 2011, is a fundraiser for the society while promoting the county’s rich, interesting history.
Each year, a committee peruses thousands of photos on hand and determines a theme that seems fitting. Photos are grouped, and committee members creatively place photos together to see if themes emerge, said Historical Society president Karen Dobbs.
Time spent among the area’s hills, hollows, forests, bluffs and clear-running streams seemed to be a wonderful aspect to revisit, she said.
The area’s beauty — along with all the types of recreation available — has drawn many vacationers and tourists for years. Hot spots such as resorts, restaurants and tourist draws are special places that attracted many people, Dobbs said.
The calendar features colorful postcards advertising the area. This year, organizers decided to pursue a stitched calendar, rather than a spiral-bound type. Because of that, the organization was able to add two more pages to the calendar. Featured is a two-page photo of vacation land, which makes for a nice decorator piece, Dobbs said.
Each month features a blast from the past. Postcards from the 1930s adorn the calendar. Each month also features historical events sprinkled throughout, thanks to historical research conducted by McDonald County resident James Reed, Dobbs said.
“On a certain day, there is a mention of something historical that happened in 1909,” she said, citing an example. “It’s entertaining to read those tidbits,” she added.
Requests for the calendar are coming in from various areas. Volunteers can mail the calendar and have had several inquiries from surrounding states, Dobbs said.
“It’s unique and different and nostalgic. People kind of lose themselves looking at those pictures,” she said. “It’s a real conversation starter.”
The calendars make a unique gift for others, as folks are searching for new and different items for the holidays, Dobbs said.
While volunteers review thousands of photos and decide on a theme, others pitch in to help as well. Phyllis Chancellor, historical society vice president, oversees the developing and publishing of the calendar. Dorothy Beauchamp covers the county, selling the calendars to businesses and individuals. Many businesses purchase the calendars.
“We rely on her greatly,” Dobbs said.
As this calendar goes out to help celebrate the Ozarks, volunteers also are working diligently to come up with another attractive calendar for the future.
“Plans for the 2020 calendar are already in the works,” Dobbs said, laughing. “If you want to stay busy, just join the historical society!”
Calendars are $10 each and available at Rags to Riches Flea Market in Anderson, Mustang Drug in Anderson, Corner Cafe in Southwest City, Community Bank in Goodman, Golden Rose in Anderson, City Hall in Pineville and the Jane Store.
Calendars also may be mailed. To request a calendar to be mailed, send $13 for each calendar to McDonald County Historical Society, P.O. Box 572, Pineville, MO 64856.