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.

Listen to this special episode featuring Henry Birdtail, a Native Cherokee Speaker and Pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, near Webbers Falls, interviewed by Maggie Jones, on the Cherokee language, area history, and much more! https://cherokeebaptistassociation.org/church/5080

Music by Russell Thompson

Part II of Episode 25 provides the portrayal of Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee Syllabary in 1821, spoken in the Cherokee language by Henry Birdtail in this special segment.

Thank you to Henry and his family for their help with this production. Written by Maggie Jones.

Featuring Maggie Jones as Mattie Ross, Kevin Jones as Samuel, the Shopkeeper, and Henry Birdtail as Sequoyah. Episode 25 was written by Maggie Jones, Produced by Spinnin' 'Round Productions and features Cherokee Native Speaker, Henry Birdtail. Tune in to Part II for more, coming soon! Music by Russell Thompson.

In this latest episode, a farmhand on the Ross place suggests that Mattie stay away from Van Buren as marshals serve their warrants. Tim Tom, the Farmhand is portrayed by Floyd "Sonny" Robison, a retired ABF employee, well known for his work with the Fort Smith Historical Society, The Clayton House, Fort Smith Museum of History, Fort Smith National Historic Site, and his amazing woodworking skills as he devotes his talents and time to many endeavors in the area of Fort Smith and Van Buren. Many know of Floyd and Sue Robison as Judge Isaac C. and Mary Parker and their hard work for many organizations and events. Sue Robison is the author of this episode and many others. Mattie Ross is portrayed by Maggie Jones. Maggie has also served The FS Museum of History, Fort Smith Historical Society, The Clayton House, Fort Smith National Historic Site, the Junior League of Fort Smith, and is a frequent contributor to The Local Color Radio Hour. Music for this episode by Tony Jones.

"Origins of the Trail: Part II: The Path of Least Resistance"

Featuring Maggie Jones as Mattie Ross and Gary Witcher (local historical interpreter, historian, and more), discussing the origins of The True Grit Trail and unique twists and turns such as 1840s and 50s army life, Witcherville, and a place called "Harmony". Also featuring harmonica music by Tony Jones.