Season 1, Episode 19

Larry Dunn at the MPAC

Delivering on a promise changes lives

As a new college graduate, Larry Dunn needed a job. So he made a bold  promise to the superintendent interviewing him. "If you hire me, we will bring state recognition to Magnolia." Larry more than delivered on that promise, having just returned with his students from New York City and a performance at Carnegie Hall.

Today's interview was one of the first I dreamed of getting for my new podcast. When I learned that Larry was born in Wilmott, educated in Hamburg and matriculated from Southern Arkansas University, I knew then that his story was one of those that makes life in L.A. so special. When you dream big and follow a God-given vision, there's no limit to what you can accomplish and where you can go! Even with a high school choir in tow!

When I heard his choir's rendition of Amazing Grace, I was blown away. This is a complicated piece, but Larry doesn't shy away from challenges! And placing a challenge before a competitive bunch of choristers is one of the keys to success. 

As an added bonus, an article I read this week mentioned that Larry Dunn is one of two mentors who pour into the life of Derrian Ford, state basketball champion and freshman player for the Arkansas Razorbacks. When we learned that Derrian had entered the transfer portal, we had to ask Larry what he thought.

Buckle your seatbelt, grab a box of tissue and be prepared to be blown away by what Larry Dunn has to say about "Life in L.A."! Click the play button below to get started!

Season 1, Episode 18

Marge Click with grinder/stone

Still living on the family land

When Marge Chambers Click's great-grandfather settled in eastern Columbia County between Atlanta and Calhoun, he recognized the value of land.  It was fertile for crops and livestock, with streams and springs nearby attracting all kinds of wildlife.  If you take care of the land, it will support your family. 

The land in Lower Arkansas had been inhabited by the Caddo Indians, and the trails they had blazed served the early settlers as well. The "Indian fields" nearby sat near the springs which provided water year round. The abundant wildlife and the corn they planted provided food. Plenty  of relics, turning up as the American farmers later tilled the land, attested to the earlier Indian presence. The grinding set pictured above along with numerous arrowheads, pottery sherds and even clay pipes for smoking bore testimony. 

Marge's father shared with her the memory he had as a young boy when the last of the Indians came down the trails, asking permission to camp one last time near the springs where once their ancestors called home. The story of the fate of the first Arkansas residents is chronicled elsewhere, but the early settlers of our county saw the value of the land and many, such as Marge's family, have cared and tended for it with the same reverence.

As a little girl, Marge remembers walking over to the Jameson-Baker cabin to play with the Stroman daughters less than a mile away as the crow flies. No paved roads but she knew the way through the woods, being cautious of the dangers there but more concerned about crossing the log that served as a bridge across the creek.

I was struck by the different generations that have occupied that particular piece of property over the last two centuries. Literally within the generational memory of this special lady, this area has seen peaceful Indians, early settlers, and trails and pathways replaced by paved roads, electricity, telephone, Internet and computers.

When Marge's husband, Gerald Click, first proposed that the couple build their retirement home at this special site, she was at first reluctant. A forester by trade, Gerald loved the trees and creeks and wildlife. But Marge didn't share his vision for a future home on that spot. But finally, she proposed a compromise. They could build their home there on one condition. What was that one condition? It was a proposal that could have come straight from the pen of O. Henry. To find out what she asked in exchange for her agreement to build their home, you'll just have to listen to the podcast and let Marge tell you!

I hope you enjoy the visit as much as I enjoyed recording it. Oh, and I wish you could enjoy some of the delicious tea cake cookies Marge was pulling out of the oven just as I arrived! Click the play button below while I eat another cookie....

Season 1, Episode 17

Jameson-Baker Log Cabin
Sharon Ford, Dianne Norment and Jack Jameson

Log cabin built where family decided to settle

I set out to visit the oldest still-standing log cabin in Columbia County a few days ago. In the process, I met the great-great grandson of the man who built it and discovered he was a second cousin of mine! Jack Jameson told me what he knew about who built the cabin, the well-known county residents who were born there, and some of the families who've called it home. 

Jack's great-great grandfather was William Henry Jameson and his wife, seven boys and three girls were heading to Texas back in 1852. When they came to the eastern edge of Columbia County, bad weather set in and their wagons bogged down. But they liked the countryside and wild game was abundant so it seemed a good place to stay. So the Jamesons decided to settle there. They eventually built a "dog-trot" log cabin and it has stood the test of time. And surprisingly enough, the cabin has been occupied for most of the intervening years. 

We had the best visit and our conversation covered a lot of territory! Jack's father married Irene Smith from Macedonia, my grandmother's sister, and the couple settled there. Three boys were born to the couple but Jack's father died young. He was just up the road from their house and died of an apparent heart attack at the Brooks Franks General Store. Both Jack and I remembered visiting the store--me for the lemon cookies you pulled out of the big glass jar and he for the Grapette you lifted ice cold out of the drink box. His description of the store brought back old memories!

Take a listen to today's podcast and learn more about the early life in our part of L.A.

Season 1, Episode 16

Amy Staten McNeil

LA needed a museum, Amy McNeil made it happen

"Older things are fascinating to me," Amy Staten McNeil told me when I asked how it came to be that we now have a museum in Magnolia. Amy is the brainchild behind the South Arkansas Heritage Museum, where she also serves as founder and chairman of the board. The museum was incorporated in 2016 as a non-profit corporation, but it didn't have a home until April 10, 2019 when the deed to the Henry Longino House was signed over from its donor.

The house is located at 317 West Main in Magnolia and is open to the public on Wednesdays (except holidays) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.  Volunteers are needed for a wide variety of tasks, including serving as tour guides. We had the opportunity to watch a tour come through while recording this podcast. The museum can also accommodate small groups who would be interested in touring together. Its mission is to preserve and protect local history.

Both the museum and the house are interesting in themselves. I was surprised to learn the house only had two previous owners. Some of the artifacts housed there are truly fascinating, such as an old time clock made from cast iron and must have weighed several hundred pounds. Did you know that baskets can be made from pine straw? But perhaps the most intriguing artifact is the artificial leg--who did it belong to, where was it found, how old is it? So many questions!

The museum has a Facebook page with more information, including the museum store where you can purchase your "I Heart L.A." t-shirt, pine straw baskets and original artwork by Dona Furr.

Take a listen to today's interview with Amy and you'll want to visit the museum. Check the FB page to plan your visit and discover one of the things that makes life in LA so fascinating!

Season 1, Episode 15

David Beene and his collection

Childhood vow results in car collection

When David Beene was a young boy growing up in the country outside of Stamps and Buckner, he used to have to walk to town down a dirt road to town.  Occasionally a car would come along, but they never stopped to offer him a ride.

"The people who came by you would speed up and cover you in dirt," he said. "They knew where you were going!"

He vowed at that point when he got older, he would get a job and make money, and he would always have a nice vehicle. Today he has fulfilled that vow many times over!

Today's podcast is one of the most satisfying I have recorded to date, and one of the most surprising I might add. I walked up to David at the big box store parking lot admiring his ride and asked if I could interview him for my podcast. He seemed a little reluctant but we eventually found a time that worked for both of us and he gave me directions to his house. I dropped my jaw when I drove up and saw the car collection sitting out front all polished and gleaming!

The story of how he left Lafayette County and returned years later is fascinating, heart warming and a bit je ne sais quoi. You simply must listen!

"I don't intend to go anywhere else," David told me. "I love it here. The pace around here is absolutely wonderful. It's a nice way to live."

David likes to tell folks he's from L.A.--Lower Arkansas. Take a listen to the podcast and you'll have a greater appreciation for life in L.A.!

Season 1, Episode 14

Charles and Patsy Walthall

Life on the edge of the prairie

Tucked away at the edge of Garland City in Miller County, just out where the crop dusters operate and the tractors go back and forth, sits an antebellum gem known as the Wynward Hall Plantation. This historical house is occupied by one of L.A.s most prolific historians. Charles and Patsy Walthall call this  house with the long history home and enjoy talking about it.

I first met Charles through one of his many Facebook groups focusing on many things South Arkansas. I finally messaged him one day and suggested we have lunch, and the rest, as they say, is history. It eventually wound up with me taking a whole busload of senior adults from my church over to visit and the Walthalls were wonderful hosts.

I learn something about the history of the house and the region every time I visit. For example, on my  last trip over when I carried my microphone over he told me about the most famous visitor to the house, who arrived by steamboat on the Red River. You'll never guess what that guest did when he got to Wynward Hall! Or what went on there on the weekends, after the long hours of labor during the week were done. Or the role it played during the Civil War.

Join us for a walk down memory lane and learn about the days when this magnificent structure served the community and region in a variety of ways. 

Season 1, Episode 13

Sheriff/Evangelist Leroy and Voyles Martin

Balancing three diverse roles in life

I met his daughter before I ever met him. The little girl in the Central Baptist Church daycare with the bright eyes, big smile and outgoing personality led me to believe that this was a very special family. My thought was confirmed when I met the rest of the Martin family shortly after!

Deputy Leroy  Martin became Sheriff Leroy Martin the first of this year and he's still growing into the role. But he's had good mentors: men like Wayne Tompkins, Calvin Knighton, Denny Foster and Mike Loe held the position before him and treated the force like family. But though the call to pastoral ministry came early, he didn't respond until one night in his patrol car while reading through the Gospel of John, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ came to life for him. He found his place in ministry and has served Life Builders Restoration Church as pastor for the past 11 years.

His wife Voyles filled a vacancy as Columbia County Tax Assessor and still works in the office today. His three children, Leroy, III (Trey), Alexis and Lemuel (Mel), assist in ministry at the church as well as being students. It's a remarkable family that we are blessed to have here in L.A. 

When I first began to toss around the idea of starting a podcast, Leroy Martin was one of the first names that came to mind as someone I would like to interview. I wondered how he would react and if he would make time for me. I called his office and left a voicemail, which he returned pretty quickly. He agreed to meet me and even came in on a holiday to do so. He brought a "photographer" with him and I was glad to get to visit with Voyles while he attended to an unexpected emergency call that had come in.

In today's podcast, Sheriff Martin talks about his growing up days, call to law enforcement and eventual call to ministry. He talks about balancing the many roles he has, the importance of transparency in his office, his view on the  proposed "entertainment district" for Magnolia, human trafficking (yes, the two are linked!), and a growing crime in our county that you might never have thought about. If you'd like to know more about human trafficking in South Arkansas, the Magnolia Rotary Club is sponsoring an awareness event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 at Southern Arkansas University.

Join us for today's podcast by clicking the play button below and welcome to another edition of "Life in L.A."!

Season 1, Episode 12

 Rev. Danny Bullock

Holy Land visits bring Bible alive

On this day of Holy Week, I thought it would be interesting to talk to someone who had actually visited the Holy Land. So I found someone who had been there six times! Rev. Danny Bullock, who currently serves as pastor of Antioch West Baptist Church, fulfilled a long-time desire of visiting the Holy Land, then had opportunity to return five more times with various groups.

Visiting the actual area where the events of the Bible took place is a life-changing experience. It helps one to better understand the Bible by seeing the geographical background behind it.  

 As we think about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, one of the central locations would be Golgotha and the nearby garden tomb where the body of Jesus was laid. The traditional location of the "Place of the Skull" and the tomb are marked by a shrine, but a more recent site is known as Gordon's Calvary. Bro. Danny will discuss these sites and more in today's podcast. Take a listen by clicking the play button below.

Season 1, Episode 11

Sharon Ford

Reading cookbooks is more than a hobby!

She may live in L.A. (Lower Arkansas) but her taste in cuisine is distilled from living in three different countries on two different continents, as well as coming from the South. Sharon  Ford loves to read, and one of the things she is passionate about reading is cookbooks. I told her I didn't think they had much plot or character development, but after more than 50 years of marriage to me, those kinds of comments usually just roll off. Usually!

Today's special guest is my own dear wife. I humored her into testing a new microphone, to which she agreed. But I thought I might as well make it a realistic test so I launched into one of my own special podcast introductions and before you knew it, we had a whole episode recorded. It was so good I thought I would share it with the world. It covers how she developed her own special repertoire of dishes and so much more.

One of the meals we've come to love is groundnut stew, which she learned from a blend of listening to missionaries and living in West Africa. You won't believe all that she puts into it, AND that our children loved all of those items! Her avocado crevette hails from France and it's a novel use of avocados and shrimp. And while she picked up a few favorites from our time in Portugal, the favorite dish that our Baptist brethren in Mem Martins Baptist Church always asked for was her American chili!

Check out today's podcast from my very special guest on today's edition of Life in L.A.

Season 1, Episode 10

Larry Price

Prize winning story of monkey and gun

Larry Price has handled more quarters in his career than anyone I have ever met. Owner and operator of Price Oil Company, Larry also built carwashes throughout our region. The King Kleen Carwash on East Main was famous in our family for another reason involving an ape. But for today's podcast, I asked Larry to recount the story that is pretty well known throughout L.A. as "The Monkey Had a Gun!" Larry told the story at a Dale Carnegie speakers' course and was awarded a prize for its presentation.

Old timers may recall that there were at least two monkeys in Magnolia that were pretty well known. One resided at the service station at the intersection of South Jackson and Calhoun Streets. The other was perhaps more well known as it resided at Martel Barbecue, also known as the Dairy Treat.

According to an article in the Banner-News in 2002, Frank and Ezelle Martel owned and operated Martel's Barbecue on East Main Street from 1947 to  1969. They were famous for the barbecue, potato salad, beans, fried pies and Ezelle's home-made ice cream. In the '50s and '60s it was a popular youth hangout.

In addition to the juke box, there were also big cages of parakeets and moneys as a curiosity for the customers to enjoy.  But the day came when one of the Martels' monkeys needed to find a new home. Larry Price tells the story of what happened to the two monkeys, and rest assured, both monkeys eventually made it to the carnival and we assume lived happily ever after.

But why did one potential owner bring a monkey back to the Martels? And how did the monkey get ahold of a pistol from--of all people--the game warden? Larry Price tells the story in today's edition of Life in L.A.

You can listen to the podcast by clicking the play button below. But my podcasts are now also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and I Heart Radio, just search for Life in LA Today on those three servers.