Lyons Memorial Library at the College of the Ozarks houses a unique archive of materials known as the Ozarkiana Collection. Established in 1968, the purpose of the collection is to preserve materials and facilitate research on the history and culture of the Ozarks. The collection contains a variety of materials. Of special interest are photos taken by Vance Randolph and Townsend Godsey, letters written by Rose O’Neill, and radio broadcasts from May Kennedy McCord. Taney and Stone county newspapers dating back to the 19th century are available on microfilm and/or in print. Documents related to the history of College of the Ozarks are also preserved. A portion of the materials have been digitized, and made accessible on this website for researchers and students, through a cooperative agreement between the College of the Ozarks and the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters.
The digital documents and photographs contained within this webpage are the property of the College of the Ozarks, Lyons Memorial Library and are used with the permission of the College of the Ozarks. These materials may not be used for reproduction or commerical purposes without permission of the College of the Ozarks.
The majority of the documents, especially photographic items, are provided here, watermarked and at a reduced resolution. If you are interested in viewing the original document, please contact the Lyons Memorial Library.
The Ozarkiana Collection is open to all users during the library’s normal operating hours. No appointment is necessary but those with specific research questions are encouraged to contact a librarian at 417-690-3411. Inquiries can also be sent to Gwen Simmons at simmons@cofo.edu.
Vance Randolph (1892-1980) was the foremost collector of Ozarks folklore and folksongs. He was also an accomplished author, the majority of his books on the topic of the Ozarks. He was born in Southeast Kansas in 1892, but moved to the Ozarks in 1920, where he would remain the rest of his life. The Ozarkiana Collection contains 250 photographs taken by Vance Randolph between the years of 1930 and 1940. These rare photographs offer a glimpse into life in the Ozarks from decades ago.
These images are watermarked and at a reduced resolution. If you are interested in viewing the original document, please contact the Lyons Memorial Library.