Famous Womenfolk

Mary Briscoe

Although fame does not come to most of those who contribute to folk culture, some women became well known outside their own communities because ethnographers brought them to the attention of the wider world. Emma Dusenbury of Baxter County was a singer of uncommon excellence, like Ollie Gilbert of Mountain View, Almeda Riddle of Heber Springs, and Noble Cowden of Cushman. Orphea Duty was a creator of splendid quilts, like Dora Miller in Harrison, and Martha Boatright Ray in Dryfork.

Mary Brisco of Berryville was a superb raconteur (a storyteller), like Marian Heinrichs in Fayetteville, Ella Fletcher in Onia, and Faye Newsome in Harrisburg.

Emma Dusenbury & Daughter

Almeda Riddle

Photographs courtesy of the Arkansas History Commission

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