The origins of Memorial Day may be clouded in folklore and myth, but no one disputes that this holiday began shortly after the Civil War (1865 or 1866) as a day to remember and honor those who died in war. The focus of the day, originally known as Decoration Day, is solemn, but as with all community gatherings there is joy in gathering together to work on any project.
People pitched in together to clean cemeteries. Gardens bloom in abundance this time of year and ladies and children gathered flowers to brighten graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. As time went on, this included not just war dead, but a memorial to all the ancestors buried there. Food was brought and memories were shared.
The modern Memorial Day has lost much of its community flavor and become just the date to start summer. This year, why not look back in time this holiday weekend and enjoy some of the traditions of yesterday. The Ozark Folk Center is dedicated to sharing the crafts, music and spirit of community that was the focus of life between the Civil War and World War 1. Bring your family and spend a relaxing day seeing how people in those times made the things they needed to live their lives. You can learn how to carve a spoon, spin yarn for a blanket, print a newspaper, weave a basket, make a knife, forge a hook or assemble a gun. Visit our Heritage Herb Garden in all its glory. Come learn the history of photography and see a working camera from 1902 in action. Visit the Country Kitchen and share recipes. Dip your own candles, tie your own brooms and much more. Take this Memorial Day to build your own memories.
The Craft Village at the Ozark Folk Center is open Wednesday, May 20 through Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day Holiday. Tickets to the Craft Village are $10.00 for adults, $6.00 for children 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Evening concerts are at 7:00. Combination tickets for the Craft Village and concerts are $17.50 for adults.
There is a special Decoration Day Gospel Concert Sunday, May 24 at 7:00.
Listen to live acoustic music as you move through the Ozark Folk Center craft village learning how to make brooms, throw pots, weave baskets or cook on a woodstove. More than 20 crafters demonstrate traditional crafts, herbal lore and living history. The craft village is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Sunday and Monday to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday.