𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

 

Elmo Hurst was one of the first guides and outfitters in the Upper White River region in Arkansas. Elmo possessed a profound expertise with the White River, having navigated its waters extensively. Hurst established the benchmark for guides and outfitters in the region, predating the construction of dams and the development of the fishing tourism industry. 

 

Elmo was born near Lone Rock, Arkansas, but when he was just 9 months old, his family relocated to the Cotter area. After graduating from Cotter High School in 1929, Elmo attended Jonesboro State A&M, today ASU in Jonesboro. Elmo graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry and Agriculture.

 

After returning home, Elmo began working with his father as a farmer and ferrying people across the White River on the Denton Ferry. It was a 24/7 job until Cotter’s Ruthven Bridge was completed & the toll on its passage was lifted. Denton Ferry was no longer in demand, and Elmo decided it was time to take people fishing.

 

Elmo married Lucille Marsden on July 28, 1933, and they started the Hurst Fishing Service in the same year. Perched atop the White River's embankment, on the Baxter County side, Elmo and Lucille lived in a house with sweeping views over the White River. Their house was accessible by a set of long, meandering concrete stairs leading down to a launch area. Today, these steps bear the marks of long and frequent use.

Despite its elevated location, their home experienced multiple floods. At times, before the construction of the Bull Shoals Dam, the Hurst family had to use a garden hose to rinse out the house of mud and snakes. 

 

Initially hesitant about Bull Shoals Dam's construction, the Hurst family soon recognized its positive impact. Elmo adapted from warm water fishing of catfish, along with large & small-mouth bass, to the chilly waters hosting German brown and Rainbow trout, then called Jack Salmon. 

 

At one point in his career, Elmo owned 35 boats, each accompanied by a corresponding guide in his business. Hurst Fishing Service boats ran on the White River, Buffalo River, and Crooked Creek. Hurst also provided freshly cooked meals featuring a variety of options, including steaks, chicken, fish, and pork chops, accompanied by vegetables.

 

Before a group's arrival for a fishing experience on the river, a dedicated cook and commissary boat would go before them to set up the lunch site. By the time the party reached the location, lunch would be ready. Afterward, the cook and commissary boat would continue to the designated overnight spot, where they would arrange tents and prepare dinner. 

 

For a three-day camping trip, ample ice would be brought along, but for a four-day expedition, additional ice would be delivered by an outfitter representative. The outfitter supplied all essential items such as sleeping bags, tents, and cots. While most participants brought their own fishing gear, those who didn't could arrange to rent equipment through the Hurst.

 

According to Forrest Wood, Elmo set high standards for, “…the integrity and well-run business which he ran from 1933 through 1965.” 

 

Elmo and Lucille were owners and operators of Hurst Fishing Service until they sold it in 1965.

𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Wallace Knob in background

 

Should we discard a part of history because something blatantly wrong took place? Or should we take on the role of our Creator and strive to redeem those aspects of our past? We must acknowledge the evil and work diligently to redeem our history; otherwise, our chronicling of the past holds no value.

 

The Invisible Empire was a common term used by the KKK to refer to their supposed authority and influence, often operating covertly and using intimidation tactics to assert control over communities. In 1922, the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross on Wallace Knob. But that’s not the whole story of Wallace Knob.

 

As a historian, I was invited to give the keynote address at the Baxter County Democratic Party this past May (2024). I was requested to address this situation that happened in 1922. As a Republican, I was honored they would trust me. They are not my enemy. I took a deep breath and prepared my bullet points. I determined to follow the history of a certain knob, or hill, in the north part of Mountain Home, Arkansas, called 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐛 because I believe in Redemption. So, I am going to share some of my notes. If you want to know more, invite me to your group. Hint: I tend to get a little preachy.

 

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐛?

The knob was named after Dr. J. H. Wallace. It was not as wooded as it is today, and the top was known to be cleared except for a lone oak tree. The Oak Signal Tree on Wallace Knob, along with Matney Knob, was used in the 1893 Geographical & Geological Survey for Baxter County.

 

In 1905, the goal was formulated in the Baxter Bulletin for electrical lines to be stretched from Willow Springs, Missouri to Wallace Knob. (Didn’t happen.)

 

In 1906, the Talbert brothers brought back a mess of turkeys for many people to eat. Also, the Dormitory families from Mountain Home Baptist College gathered a large harvest of persimmons & Cockleburs from this knob.

 

In 1907, the Big Chunk Mining Claim scored an impressive load of "jack" (zinc) among the 155 registered mines within Baxter County.

 

Tragically in 1909, fire killed half of the lone, signal oak tree, but it refused to die, and shoots sprouted out. Cries went out from the Baxter Bulletin for children to gather seedlings for upcoming Arbor Days and plant new trees on Wallace Knob.

 

In 1912, Wallace Knob was the location for Mountain Home students to take geography class trips.

 

In 1915, fire swept through the knob and surrounding areas of Mountain Home.

 

In 1916 and 1917, a great harvest of opossums was gathered for good eating.

 

In 1917, on the north side of the knob, impressive loads of lead and zinc were found.

 

In 1918, during World War I, soldiers from Baxter County wrote back home saying they were looking forward to seeing two things: Wallace Knob and pretty Baxter County girls.

 

In 1921, Professor Ward, a military instructor from Mountain Home Baptist College, put on a display with his students of a Mock Battle for the whole county to witness. 

 

In 1922, the Ku Klux Klan Burned a Cross on Wallace Knob. Read the clippings.

 

In 1926, fire swept through the knob and surrounding areas of Mountain Home again, and the city ran to their neighbors to help save their homes, barns, livestock, and land. Children to the rescue in planting more trees.

 

By 1936, the knob was the scene for families and classes to gather and have picnics. 

 

In 1937, churches gathered on the knob to celebrate Easter Sunrise Service. 

 

In 1956, Brownie Scouts braved the ascent, had their own picnic, and earned badges.

 

By 1960, two 106-foot towers were erected on Wallace Knob for a new cable television company boasting 5 Channels:

Channels 3 & 10 out of Springfield, Missouri

Channels 4, 7 & 11 out of Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

The towers were such a hit and landmark on Wallace Knob that Arkansas Power & Light (AP&L) placed and lit a public Nativity Scene for all to enjoy!

Not one paying AP&L customer complained about the public display.

 

Should we talk about 1922? Yes, of course!

It's a band-aid that should be removed. 

 

I love my Ozarks, but I had to join the Air Force to see our beautiful palette of colors of our Father's creation. I love our history and the opportunities we have to change our future. Putting action to our convictions is the Work of Redemption.

 

Acts 17:24a - And [God] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.

If you think any of this is important, Please Share!

 

Baxter Bulletin - August 4, 1922
Mountain Home, Arkansas •
Fri, Aug 4, 1922

 

 

Baxter Bulletin - September 15, 1922