The Mountain Laurel
The Journal of Mountain Life

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from the
Heart of the Blue Ridge


Life Stories and Memories

Introduction to Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories

By Susan M. Thigpen © 1987

This is a true story of a poor Ozark family in the 1930's through the eyes of one of their children. Experience their hardship and heart warming togetherness as they struggle through and celebrate life in the Ozark Mountains.

This month we are proud to begin a serialized story by Lillie Emery, a grandmother residing in Troy, Missouri. The story is her personal memories of her childhood.

Most people taking a look at Lillie's background and limited education wouldn't have given her a very good prospect for success, but then most people would underestimate the power of Lillie's hopes, dreams and determination.

Today Lillie is a successful wife, with successful children and well on her way to becoming a successful writer. She doesn't attribute this success to overcoming the poverty of her youth, but the good use of the valuable lessons for survival it taught her. From her youth she learned the true importance of love and dreams.

We know you will enjoy reading of one family's struggles for sheer survival in a time and place that was harsh at best.

Now that we've introduced you to Lillie, let her introduce you to her family, friends and neighbors each month in her continuing story.

Display # 
Title Created Date Author
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 1 of 24 March, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 2 of 24 April, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 3 of 24 May, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 4 of 24 June, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 5 of 24 July, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 6 of 24 August, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 7 of 24 September, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 8 of 24 October, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 9 of 24 November, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 10 of 24 December, 1987 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 11 of 24 January, 1988 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 12 of 24 April, 1988 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 13 of 24 May, 1988 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 14 of 24 October, 1988 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 15 of 24 November, 1988 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 16 of 24 December, 1988 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 17 of 24 January, 1989 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 18 of 24 February, 1989 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 19 of 24 September, 1989 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 20 of 24 October, 1989 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 21 of 24 November, 1989 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 22 of 24 December, 1989 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 23 of 24 January, 1990 Written by Lillie A. Emery
Ozark Dreams and Mountain Memories - Part 24 of 24 February, 1990 Written by Lillie A. Emery