Mary Gillihan as schoolmarm in the Ozark Folk Center school house.
This Ozark Folk Center 50th Anniversary Legacy Photo is in honor of Mary Gillihan.
Rae McKimm and the Committee of One Hundred.
When I first visited the Ozark Folk Center in 1973, I didn't think this might become my life's work. Not until I had spent several days and nights in the county and near the Buffalo River did I know for certain there was something special about this area where I would like to live. I returned home, gave my two weeks notice and moved what possession I had, to Mountain View.
My first job at the Center, in the fall of 1974, was in the gift shop where I met and was helped to learn about the Ozark way of life, was from co-worker Jeannie Fletcher. She and Gary Don invited me to their house where I first tasted her wonderful cooking and received their warm hospitality. I also met Gary Don's parents and heard many great stories.
It was also in these early days at the Folk Center that we could volunteer to learn other aspects of work in the Park. On my days off, I went with maintenance to help cut sorghum cane and drive the dump truck while they loaded the cane. I also helped build the cabin that was a demonstration in the Crafts Village. Peeling logs, using a broad axe, debarking logs, using an ax, and learning to notch with a froe and mallet were kindly and patiently taught to me by Vernon Roper. I quickly found that if I showed an honest interest in learning something new, someone would help me.
After auditioning for a spot on the nightly music shows, I was asked to participate in some promotionals for the Park. With Red Gillihan and his son Robert, I travelled to Chicago for 10 days to play and sing at an International Show and Sale. Little did I think then, that I would in 1976, marry into this family. (Mary and Robert in the photo, right) When Elliott Hancock was Music Director [at the Folk Center] I was part of a band that performed at the Worlds Fair in New Orleans; that was 1984. When Bud Bell was was director of music and travel, we played in St. Louis. With bandmates Dave Smith and Robert Gillihan we were part of a huge tourism event in Kansas City, Missouri, and later performed at the Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism in Little Rock. We also entertained, during Governor Clinton's administration, at one of the Committee of One Hundred fundraisers at the Governor's Mansion. Through working at the fundraisers for "the Committee" as I jokingly called them, I saw many beautiful and interesting places in Arkansas and met some distinguished and interesting people.
Being employed at the Ozark Folk Center State Park has been lifechanging and personally fulfilling. It was because of the Park that I met my true love, was given the responsibility of creating programs, developed my musical ability, learned new skills and developed true and lasting friendships and encountering some of the most hardworking and and committed folks I know. For all of these things and so much more, I am most grateful.
Thank you Folk Center family!
Mary Gillihan
(Photo courtesy Mary Gillihan.)
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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