Ep. 183 - The Old Ozarks - Pie-Balds and Poetry (S1: E8)

Welcome to the Old Ozarks with Dr. Brooks Blevins...

What exactly is a “bald knob”? Let's follow that winding road straight into the remarkable, overlooked life of Mary Elizabeth Mankey: a postmaster, storekeeper, poet, and hill-country philosopher who captured the soul of the Ozarks (and the country) like few ever have.

Yet despite that brief flicker of national fame, Mary Elizabeth returned to her quiet life, eventually writing until her final days in Branson. Her poems are among the region’s most genuine literary treasures. This episode is a tribute not just to a poet, but to the overlooked power of paying attention to your place and your people.

What is The Old Ozarks?

The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins, the leading authority on the region’s history, this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region.

Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.