Helen Gourley Wasson

Ozark Girl (Volume 1) Helen Gourley Wasson

Helen Wasson was born in The Ozarks in 1924, the middle of seven girls, with two younger brothers. Her Mother started teaching school at the tender age of sixteen before she was married. Her Dad was a Jack of all Trades, farmer, trapper and sawmill man. The Ozarks were a haven of variety for a child to grow up in, to wade spring branches, climb trees, roam the hills and forage for nuts, roots and wild fruits. She lived during the Great Depression. There were times of feasts and times of famine. She saw a plaque of locusts and years of drought. Life was hard, but simple and satisfying. Her formal education was mostly the Three R's. The family made their own entertainment. Evening were spent around the heating stove, singing and telling stories. Often their mother read books from the library at the county seat. This photo was taken at the old farm near Bado, MO. in 1941. This is a two-decade true story of her life and family.