This is a collection of folk songs and tunes from one family, a family of folk musicians.
The first contributor on this tape is Mr. Earnest Scott of Goshen, Arkansas. Mr. Scott was born in Mayfield, Arkansas fifty fine years ago, the son of Myrtie Scott Mr. Scott has about ten percent vision but shows very little handicap because of it. He plays a five string banjo and a fiddle by ear and is quite a student of Arkansas history, especially that of Northeast, Arkansas. Because of his deficit in vision, Mr. Scott learns by talking and listening. He is a very inquisitive man and has a remarkable memory. A very interesting man to talk with.
The next contributor is Mrs. Helen Gilbert Fultz of Mayfield, Arkansas. Mrs. Fultz was born April 9, 1321, in Spring Valley, Washington County, Arkansas, the sixth child of Mr. Joseph William Gilbert and Mrs- Sophia Scott Gilbert.
Most of the songs Mrs. Fultz sings are ones she learned from her parents, and at the many "singings" that were held in their home. She taught herself to play the banjo and guitar by ear when she was about twelve years old. She attended school at Zion, Arkansas and sang and played at all the community, school and church gatherings there.
The last contributor is Mrs. Phydella Gilbert Hogan of Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas Mrs. Hogan is the sister of Mr . Fultz and cousin of Mr. Scott. She was born March 12, 1918, at Osage Mills, Benton County, Arkansas She is the fifth child of a family of seven children, three boys and four girls. Mrs. Hogan attended school at Zion, Arkansas and lived there most of her younger life.
Mrs. Hogans tells that:
Our house was practically a community center. Neighbors dropped in any time, old and young, boys and girls, and no matter why they came, for business or a friendly talk, the evening always ended with sore singing and playing.
Cold winter nights Dad popped corn and we ate apples and corn and played and sang. No one was ever made to feel unwelcome and an extra plate could be set at a moment's notice. Mother believed in 'entertaining angels unaware'
- - Dad just welcomed everyone, especially bums, who got many a free meal and nights lodging at our home. Dad would always buy any musical instrument for any of the kids and with seven children there was quite a crowd of amateur musicians and clowns arount."
Mrs. Hogan plays the five-string banjo, guitar, mandolin, and the autoharp by ear.
Reel 329-330
