Coleman Gammill, guitarist, Onia, is the caption in the book, The Faces of Rackensack that was published by the Stone County 4-H Council in 1972.
This Ozark Folk Center 50th Anniversary Legacy Photo is sponsored by Sue Gammill.
In memory of my late husband, Coleman Gammill, who loved and promoted the
Folk Center from its earliest days.
Coleman Gammill served as Master of Ceremonies for two seasons in the early years of the Ozark Folk Center. He sang and played guitar with Buddy Lancaster, Walter Gosser, Dean Hinesley, Jim Bullard and others over the years. He promoted the crafts that were taught at the Folk Center. Some of the craftsmen who were taught there later had successful businesses in the industrial park in Mountain View. Others became successful in the tourist industry.
As a teacher at Mountain View School, Coleman sponsored the Young Rackensack Club, made up of young people talented in the traditional music instruments and songs learned from family members. The club performed each Thursday night of the Folk Festival at the Folk Center. They were also featured on Little Rock TV stations and at several events over the years.
According to Coleman’s wife Sue, “It would be Coleman’s greatest wish for the Ozark Folk Center to continue to preserve the traditional music and crafts and for the younger generation to be involved”.
Young Rackensack members. Seated: Virginia Hinkle Parsons, Patty Cartwright Powell, Becky Ward Taylor. Standing: Rita Dearien Smith, Juanita Newman Terry, Melissa Massey Williams , Paulette Shipman Teague, Amanda Kemp, Renee Simmons Storey, Guitar- Susan Morrow Scarberry
In an interview with a former student and Young Rackensack member, this memory was shared:
I loved the Young Rackensack. After football, basketball, and cheerleading, there wasn’t much to do involving school at that time of the year, and the festival and parade was a big deal during that time. I was fortunate to be in two groups—cheerleading and Young Rackensack. Coleman Gammill was the sponsor of our Young Rackensack Club. He worked hours and hours of free time. As least twice we went to Little Rock to sing on one of the local stations. At cheerleading camp at Ole Miss, we took our dresses and instruments and Thursday night was talent night. We performed three songs. When we first walked out on the gym floor there were several people trying to laugh but after we were finished, we got a standing ovation. The next day we received the spirit award for the week.. As 16 year-olds we thought we were just really good. Young Rackensack always performed on Thursday night at the gym during the folk festival until the Center was completed.
From another former student: “One of the things I remember was that he would let us sing at the beginning of class, which we frequently did! Coleman always encouraged us. I look back now and realize the commitment it took for him but he always acted like it was nothing big, just something that was just part of his normal activities.”
Entry by Sue Gammill with input from Paulette Shipman Teague and Renee Simmons Storey.
Apologies for the mix up. The original post listed Coleman Gammill as the third man on the right and this is Guy Gammill. Dean Hinesley is on the left and Walter Gosser is in the center. They are performing on the Folk Center stage.
The Committee of One Hundred Tribute Wall recognizes contributions to the preservation of Ozark folk culture.
If you would like to help preserve the folk culture of the Ozarks, consider a
The Committee is made up entirely of volunteers so, except for transaction fees, all of your donation funds music, craft, or the herb gardens and, as a 501c3 entity
your donation is tax deductible!
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