Rita Beck

Ottery Creek 1936 Rita Beck

Ottery Creek 1936 will take you to a time when life was simple, yet harsh. Follow a tale of a young boy and his family as they struggle to survive in the rugged foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Their interdependence on their animals and especially a small mule, who wove himself into the very fiber of the family's life becomes the backdrop of the story.

There are moments of joy and moments of sheer terror in this rocky land of exquisite beauty, kindness of neighbors and great sadness.

Singing schools, held at churches and schools, provided social interactions between the people living in this isolated place and the outside world. These singing schools allowed book companies and composers a chance to sell their music during a time when money was scarce.

Molasses making time provided a time for families to come together to make molasses for the coming year. It was a time of competition between the farmers and also the animals.

The school also provided a place of community where the people could come together to celebrate holidays and also the progress of the students.

Head into the woods to rob a bee tree or join a hog hunting which was a time honored expedition but full of danger.

Along with the trials, faith grows and flourishes although it is tested time and again. The family learns to depend on each other and on the neighbors. who live up and down the banks of Ottery Creek, are always willing to lend a hand when needed. The children find a deep faith that sustains them throughout times of death and hardship.

Follow this family and the community of Ottery Creek through an eventful and life changing year that helps propel the brothers to young adulthood and a world at war.