EPISODE 30: Col. William Busby, featuring Maggie Jones as Mattie Ross and Kevin Jones as William Busby.This episode explores the contributions of William Busby who expanded the McAlester, Oklahoma area and Parsons, Kansas during an era of massive coal exploration, railroads, and cultural boom. Busby meets Mattie Ross on the streets of McAlester in this episode, written by Kevin Jones. Thanks to Michael Cathey for his reporting on Busby in the McAlester-News Capital.

Join us for this journey off the beaten path of the Trail Grit Trail, as we discuss everything from Santa Claus and Washington Irving in Arkansas to Finding the Lost Dalton (Dept. US Marshal Frank Dalton) the importance of archives, and John Drennen, with this interview featuring Kevin Jones (UAFS Professor of English, etc.), Tom Wing (Dir. of the Drennen Scott and Wilhauf Historic Sites, UAFS Asst. Professor of History, author, etc.), Harold Trisler (author, historical interpreter, volunteer), and Shelley Blanton (Archivist, Pebley Center, Boreham Library, UAFS). Produced by Spinnin' 'Round Productions, with cooperation with the UAFS Sound Collection Lab. Mattie Ross returns in our nextepisode. Thank you to all for your support, for more info: differentkjones@yahoo.com

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hear about Fort Smith's First Public School Teacher, Martha Jane Raines Walker from Nancy Ahlert, one of Fort Smith's most recent teachers. Also featuring Maggie Jones as Mattie Ross.

Nancy Ahlert is a long-time volunteer for the Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith Museum of History, The Clayton House, The Fort Smith Historical Society, and many other area organizations. This episode was written by Sue Robison.