The purpose of the Ballad Hunter project is to tell the story of a great American river -- its history, ecology, and relationship to mankind through the centuries. To do this right we aim to get up-close-and- personal with all 720 miles of the White River's diverse natural and cultural landscape. And that doesn't include it's three headwaters and numerous feeder streams!
When we think of great American rivers we naturally imagine the Mississippi, Ohio, Colorado, and the Columbia rivers. Yet two waterways exist that are often overlooked and under-appreciated--- the Arkansas and the White. The Arkansas originates clear over in Colorado and the White in the Ozarks, but both ultimately wander the Deep South to join the Mississippi.
Note that we aren't descending this rich watersheds in search of an early explorer or famous naturalist. Like the great ballad hunters of the early twentieth century who sought original songs in the hills and hollers of the Ozarks, we set out to open our hearts and listen to the river---document its rhythms and peer beyond its alluring visage into its primal ecology. Most of all, we seek family recollections of the river's power, its capacity to both provide and to wreak havoc, to teach us and to remind us of who's boss.
White River Memoirs ~ the spoken history of a liquid legend
Earlier this year, I joined forces with the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History to create a collection of conversations with people who have lived, played, and worked along the White River. The book project is titled: White River Memoirs--The Spoken History of a Liquid Legend. My 35 participating interviewees include old-time river rats, farmers, wardens, commercial fishers, resort owners, fine artists, and pearl divers.
The first phase of the project is nearing completion and we are currently seeking additional funding to film the most memorable interviews, so that these voices will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Also, an exhibition is in the works to be presented at the Art Center of the Ozarks in January, 2013. We hope that this presentation will be mounted in museums and galleries in other parts of the region in the future.
The official site for "White River Memoirs" is at http:www.whiterivermemoirs.blogspot.com.
