Arkansas author to sign book about Great Depression

William D. Downs Jr., author of “Stories of Survival: Arkansas Farmers During the Great Depression,” will sign copies of his book at 10: 30 a. m. Saturday at Books- A- Million, 450 Cornerstone Blvd.

Downs is professor emeritus of mass communications at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia where he served as chairman of the department for more than 40 years. He was born at Calico Rock in 1932, which has been identified as the worst year of the Depression.

“Through dozens of in- depth interviews representing all sections of the state, farm families recall their best times, their worst times and day- to- day experiences such as chores, washing, bathing, clothes making, medical care, home remedies, spiritual life, courtship and marriage, school experiences, etc.,” Downs said.

“Their stories reveal how ordinary men and women, frequently living in abject poverty, endured natural disasters and economic collapse with extraordinary courage, faith, resourcefulness, and a good sense of humor.”

The four- year “Stories of Survival” project was supported in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

Ben Johnson III, professor of history at Southern Arkansas University reviewed the book, saying, “the struggle and triumphs of Arkansans swept up in the cataclysm of the Great Depression unfold with plainspoken eloquence and poignancy through this rich collection of interviews. William Downs has recovered stories that did not deserve to be forgotten.”

Tom W. Dillard, who retired recently as head of Special Collections of the University of Arkansas libraries said, “Congratulations on this fine project. Researchers will sing your praises over the ages.”

Downs is a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and later received master and doctorate degrees from the University of Missouri- Columbia.