Folklorist to present ‘Superstitions of the Ouachita Mountains’

The Garland County Historical Society, in association with the Garland County Library, will present “Superstitions of the Ouachita Mountains,” a program by Terry Diggs, at noon, Tuesday at the Garland County Library.

People can attend in person or can view the program virtually at http://www.facebook.com/ garlandcountylibrary or http:// www.youtube.com/garlandcolibrary.

“Did you ever watch your dog moving in his sleep and wonder what he was dreaming about? Put a chunk of willow wood under his head, and the next night put it under your pillow and you’ll have the same dream the dog did! People can learn about this and other superstitions of the Ouachita Mountains from local folklorist Terry Diggs at the society’s meeting,” a news release said.

Diggs is a Hot Springs attorney and a teller of folk stories and singer of folk songs of the Ouachita Mountains, according to a biography provided by the society.

A sixth-generation resident of the area, Diggs lives on his family’s homeplace in Bonnerdale in southwest Garland County. After graduating from Hot Springs High School, Diggs obtained a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and a law degree from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He is married to the former Tammie Swisher and the father of three children, the Rev. Will Diggs of Lonsdale, Andy Diggs of Bonnerdale, and Hannah Diggs, currently a student at Hendrix College, it said.

The Garland County Historical Society, 328 Quapaw Ave., is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Call 501-321-2159 for more information.

Submitted photo ■ According to 1930s Chamber of Commerce Publicity Director Alta Smith, Col. Dudley “The Wonder Dog,” who had a successful career on stage and in radio, stopped at Bathhouse Row to lose a pound or two before traveling on to Hollywood for a screen test.

Submitted photo ■ Local folklorist Terry Diggs.