Anthony...

In the 1960's the Gazette cartoonist George Fisher and noted Ozark folklorist Jimmy Driftwood formed the Rackensack Foklore Society in Mountain View...this was the name of the bluegrass musicians that played every Saturday night at the Stone County Courthouse in Mountain View. They were the driving force behind the Ozark Folk Festival there each April...in fact the 2008 version is next weekend.

They always said that Rackensack was "a pioneer-era bastardization of the word Arkansas".

The term "rackensack" has been synonymous with this special group of old time blugrass musicians for many years...although most of them are no longer alive. I have fond memories of spending time up there...

Hope this helps! Our prayers are with you for courage and safety.

Jim Hale