Lake TABLE ROCK
Branson West, Missouri
Must
a note from the editor
I already miss the long days of summer. I suppose everything needs a time of rest. Every day fewer boats venture out, and more of the lake becomes visable through the trees. I appreciate the sunrises and sunsets against the muted tree silhouettes.
As the year winds down I want to thank all of our partners and readers that have participated in the success of this publication.
In April we will return with print and digital issues sharing the beauty of Table Rock Lake. Please continue to follow us on Facebook and on our website for content.
I wish you happy memories, good times and health through the new year.
Please continue to look after each other and check on your neighbors.
Be Happy,
EDITOR
Myra Thornton
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Eric Prey
The Rogue Chef
Edward Jones
Tom Koob
Madeleine Herschend Brittney Smith
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Eric Prey
Tom Koob
The Butterfly Palace
Talking Rocks Cavern
ADVERTISING SALES
Myra Thornton
Publisher Myra Thornton
email: hello@lostonthelake.us
Phone: 417-593-1167
Winter Fishing on Table Rock Lake
By: Eric Prey Focused Fishing Guide Service
Table Rock Lake is one of the best winter bass fisheries in the U.S., the combination of Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted bass and the abundance of Threadfin Shad create opportunities to catch bass twelve months a year. Finding bass throughout the winter can be a bit challenging as the season progresses but if you can locate schools of shad, you will find and catch bass.
The key to locating shad is water temperature, as the water temperature falls through winter and rises again in the spring shad follow a predictable pattern. Knowing where the bait moves as the
temperature changes is the one key to helping you locate bass all year long.
Low 60’s:
Usually from October through the middle of November the surface water temperature on the lake is in the low to mid 60’s. This can be a difficult time to find shad and fish because they will be scattered. Generally, shad will begin to move into the upper portion of the water column usually less than 30’ deep attracted to the warmer water and plankton near the surface. This can be frustrating, while the shad may only be
Finding Bass on Table Rock Through the Winter
10’ – 30’ deep, they can and will suspend over as much as 200’ of overall depth making it harder to locate and fish around the bait. Locating loons and gulls can make the search easier, finding a group of birds on the surface and diving is a clear indication that shad will be present, and bass will be close by.
Catching fish around these suspended schools of bait is a challenge; lure selection is relatively easy but staying on a school of shad being chased by bass can be difficult. Small swimbaits, Jewel Live Spins and Blade baits are all great options, opt for heavier baits that you can cast a long way versus baits with a slow fall, it is important to get your lure in front of a fish and draw reaction strikes. Using forward Facing Sonar makes this process easier but being able to track the bait and
fish is key. The technique is simple, find the shad, cast to them, and swim your bait around and under them to draw strikes.
The 50’s
Water temperatures in the 50’s is Prime Time for winter bass fishing on Table Rock. Shad will begin to group up in large schools covering hundreds of square feet and remain relatively stationary in an area for days. The cooler water slows their metabolism and they feed and follow plankton much less becoming an easy meal for bass. Look for shad to be schooled up on long tapering gravel points on the main lake and in larger creek and river channels. Again, birds will make it easier to find the bait, loons and gulls will group up over the shad diving down to feed or waiting on fish to push the shad towards the surface. Shad will be deeper than
when the water is in the 60’s, usually in large groups 40’ – 60’ deep with bass surrounding them.
Vertical presentations are the ticket when water temperatures are in the 50’s; spoons, drop shot rigs, jigging raps are all excellent presentations. Unlike when shad are higher in the water column, the bait and fish tend to stay in one location and one depth throughout the day making it possible to locate fish and stay on a group for long periods of time. Find the shad and fish on your sonar and simply drop your lures to them is usually all it takes.
The 40’s
When water temperatures dip into the 40’s things start to get tougher; shad start to become
dormant, and the metabolism of bass slows considerably as well. Shad move very little, and bass do not need to feed as much so there is less feeding activity. The upper 40’s will still find shad and bass on the ends of deep points and in the creek arms, but presentation need to become more subtle with drop shot and Damiki rigs becoming more important. You can still have some spectacular days of fishing with water temperatures in the upper 40’s.
Mid to lower 40’s is more difficult, threadfin shad will start to die off due to the cold and bass do not have to work for food, instead they will position themselves close to the schools of bait and pick off the shad as they die. This makes fishing a challenge, most bass will not feed on lures out deep when
they have an endless supply of dying shad. The best options are to either move shallow and target bass not feeding on the schools of shad or run up into a river or large creek and find warmer shallow water where fish will be more active. Moving shallow and fishing small bottom bouncing lures is an option; Ned rigs, Pee Wee Jigs and small shaky heads are all viable. The key is to fish slow; you are not going to get a lot of reaction bites this time of year. Another option is to take advantage of the shad die off by throwing a suspending jerkbait. Fish a jerkbait around standing timber and other cover less than 30’ deep allowing the bait to pause next to the cover for as much as 60 seconds between jerks. When the water dips into the 40’s fish can still be caught but you’ll need patience to make it happen.
Some of the best fishing of the year takes place in the winter on Table Rock Lake. When you find schools of threadfin shad you almost always find feeding fish throughout the winter. Using the water temperature as a guide, finding the bait becomes much easier. Find the bait, pay attention to the birds and bundling up can result in one of your best fishing trips of the year.
Eric Prey is the Owner/Operator of Focused Fishing Guide Service on Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals lakes
We have enjoyed Eric Prey sharing his expertise with all of us. He has relocated and will not be with us in the Spring. We wish him the best!
day Activities
Decorate a Tree
Whether you cut one down, or prefer a fake tree, decorating it with your personal ornaments will create the magic! Don’t forget the twinkly lights!
Share Your Time
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter, Food Pantry or collecting toys or food for people in need. Don’t forget your elderly and single neighbors. Winter can be a lonely time for many.
Build a Gingerbread House
Gather candies and frosting and build your own Gingerbread Houses. You can use a kit or bake from scratch, build a few and create a village!
Bake Christmas Cookies
Cruise through Christmas Lights
Cut out and bake sugar cookies into holiday shapes and decorate with icing and sprinkles Make extra to share with neighbors and friends. Fill a thermos with hot cocoa and bundle up as you cruise through the neighborhoods to enjoy the lights or visit a professional tour. Don’t forget your favorite Christmas Music.
Exhange Gifts
Giving gifts is a fun way to celebrate the holidays Consider Secret Santa gift exchange, or a silly White Elephant party Its always fun to see what is inside the wrapping.
Sing Christmas Carols
Gather a few friends or family and go door to door singing some favorite carols. Its also fun to sit around a fire and reminisce. What a wonderful time to share memories and create new.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Who can find the ugliest Christmas sweater? Its becoming a part of office culture and seasonal parties to compete for the silliest looking sweater.
Watch Christmas Movies
Do you prefer the traditional old time Christmas Classics, or a new Hallmark movie? All are welcome leading up to the holidays. Snuggle on the couch with popcorn and candies.
Spend Time with People you Love
Make time for the people you care for; Family, friends and neighbors. This is the season to create new memories.
NORTH POLE ADVENTURE
Shepherd of the Hills Complex
Many festivities including a walk-thru journey through the lights and more www.theshepherdofthehills.com
THE POLAR EXPRESS
Branson Scenic Railway
Take a train ride based on the children’s book and meet Santa www.bransontrain.com/polarexpress.cfm
CHRISTMAS SHOW
Showboat Branson Belle
Enjoy Christmas music from the 60’s to today performed by entertainers while you dine www.silverdollarcity.com/showboat-branson
SNOW TUBING
Wolfe Mountain Branson
Visit this synthetic snow tubing hill for fun year round! 400 foot long slope to ride down with friends www.wolfemountainbranson.com
LET THERE BE LIGHTS
Promised Land Zoo
You can pet, feed and take photos with live reindeer www.plzoo.com/branson/lights/
SANTA’S WONDERLAND
Bass Pro Shop - Branson Landing
FREE Photos with Santa - Reservations recommended www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Big Cedar Lodge
Ice Skating, holiday tram tours, visits from Santa & over 2 million lights www.bigcedar.com/seasons/home-for-the-holidays/
OLD TIME CHRISTMAS
Silver Dollar City
With over 6.5 million lights and “Christmas in Midtown Light Spectacular” www.silverdollarcity.com
Financial FOCUS
Consider these year-end finanCial moves
Provided by: Grant Beasley
As we enter the holiday season, your life may well become busier. Still, you might want to take the time to consider some financial moves before we turn the calendar to 2025.
Here are a few suggestions:
Review your investment portfolio. As you look at your portfolio, ask these questions: Has its performance met my expectations this year? Does it still reflect my goals, risk tolerance and time horizon? Do I need to rebalance? You might find that working with a financial professional can help you answer these and other questions you may have about your investments.
Add to your 401(k) and HSA. If you can afford it, and your employer allows it, consider putting more money into your 401(k) before the year ends — including “catch-up” contributions if you’re 50 or older. You might also want to add to your health savings account (HSA) by the tax-filing deadline in April.
Use your FSA dollars. Unlike an HSA, a flexible spending account (FSA) works on a “use-it-or-loseit” basis, meaning you lose any un-
spent funds at the end of the year. So, if you still have funds left in your account, try to use them up in 2024. (Employers may grant a 2½ month extension, so check with your human resources area to see if this is the case where you work.)
Contribute to a 529 plan. If you haven’t opened a 529 education savings plan for your children, think about doing so this year. With a 529 plan, your earnings can grow tax deferred, and your withdrawals are federally tax free when used for qualified education expenses — tuition, fees, books and so on. And if you invest in your own state’s 529 plan, you might be able to deduct your contributions from your state income tax or receive a state tax credit.
Build your emergency fund. It’s generally a good idea to keep up to six months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund, with the money held in a liquid, low-risk account. Without such a fund in place, you might be forced to dip into your retirement funds to pay for short-term needs, such as a major car or home repair.
Review your estate plans. If you’ve
experienced any changes in your family situation this year, such as marriage, remarriage or the birth of a child, you may want to update your estate-planning documents to reflect your new situation. It’s also important to look at the beneficiary designations on your investment accounts, retirement plans, IRAs and insurance policies, as these designations can sometimes even supersede the instructions you’ve left in your will. And if you haven’t started estate planning, there’s no time like the present.
Take your RMDs. If you’re 73 or older, you will likely need to take
withdrawals — called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — from some of your retirement accounts, such as your traditional IRA. If you don’t take these withdrawals each year, you could be subject to penalties.
These aren’t the only moves you can make, but they may prove helpful not only for 2024 but in the years to come.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones,Member SIPC
Tropical Holiday Adventure
Visit The Butterfly Palace this Winter to experience a tropical holiday adventure!
Are you searching for warmth in the chilly Ozark mountains? Our 80 degree aviary will make you feel cozy while butterflies’ flurry around you.
This attraction is world-class, providing an immersive butterfly aviary where you can feed them with a hand-held nectar flower!
Don’t worry there’s more! We offer a handful of attractions with our Rain-
forest Critter Center showing off exotic animals from around the world, a mirror maze that will make you feel lost in a magical forest, Woodrow, our talking tree teaches about the rainforest and the 3D migration movie that takes you through the journey of the Monarch butterfly.
Included:
• Rainforest Critter Center including chameleons, turtles, geckos, frogs, and more.
• The mirror maze simulates the forest floor in the rainforest where
at The Butterfly Palace
little light reaches; Feel like a kid again and wind your way through!
• Woodrow our Talking Tree
• 3D Migration Movie
While you explore through the rainforest you will notice many festive decorations to make you feel at home with the Christmas spirit.
Now you may be wondering, where do we get all these butterflies? We import close to a thousand butterflies every week to ensure a wide variety of species can be observed and discovered by you! These imports directly support families in the rainforests that grow their butterflies around the world. These farms can be found in many tropical areas around the globe like Malaysia, Australia, Costa Rica, and all over Central and South America!
Come to the Butterfly Palace this winter to experience our tropical holiday adventure!
4106 W 76 Country Blvd Branson, MO (417) 332-2231 thebutterflypalace.com
Love to give...
Many families consider giving puppies and kittens for Christmas. If your Wish List includes a new member of your family this year, please consider one of the local resources.
Our local shelters are full of animals that need to find new, loving homes and you can definitely find the perfect fit for your family!
If you are not in a place to bring one home, local shelters often welcome volunteers and donations. This is a wonderful time to give of your time and share your love. The one you might help the most is you!
Here are some local Shelters to consider, if you don’t see one near you, please go online and search your area.
We also have a local Cat Cafe called Mochas and Meows! They have some fantastic programs offered including Cat Yoga and holiday themed movie and craft nights. The thrift stores operate off of donations and volunteers, so please consider shopping there for unique holiday gifts.
If you can donate, volunteer, foster or adopt please reach out to the shelters listed for resources.
Shelters
Branson Humane Society
2837 Shepherd of the Hills
Expy
Branson, MO 65616
417-337-7387
Website
DONATE NOW
Tri-Lakes Humane Society
102 Washboard Hollow Rd
Reeds Spring, MO 65737
417-272-8113
Website
DONATE NOW
Taney County Animal Shelter
255 Critter Trail
Hollister, MO 65672
417-332-0172
Website
Support Facilities
Humane Society Daowntown Thrift Store
306 Veterans Blcd
Branson, MO 65616
417-337~8702
Website
Mochas and Meows 3265 Falls Pkwy Suite V
Branson, MO
Website
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Humane Society Thrift Shop 22183 Main Street
Reeds Spring, MO 65737
417-272-8686
Website
Nick and Amy Morris
Licensed Insurance Agents
7 Holiday Tips from a Private Chef
Elevate Your Celebration with Culinary Expertise by Chef Jeff, The Rogue Chef
The holiday season is a time for gatherings, festivities, and, of course, lots of good food. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a full-scale holiday party, the pressure to create a memorable culinary experience can be overwhelming. But fear not! As a private chef, I’ve learned a thing or two about making the holiday meal both special and stress-free.
Here are seven expert tips to help you elevate your holiday gatherings, making the food a highlight of the season.
1. Plan Ahead (But Keep It Flexible)
thing is fresh and ready for serving. But don’t overcomplicate it—sometimes less is more. Focus on quality, not quantity. A few standout dishes will be more memorable than a large spread of average dishes.
Pro Tip: Create a cooking timeline or prep list. It helps to know exactly when to start each dish, and what can be done prior to the event to save time. Print this and hang it in your kitchen.
2. Use Seasonal Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
One of the most common pitfalls during the holidays is waiting until the last minute to plan meals. A little advance preparation can go a long way. Start by creating a menu that is both diverse and manageable. Think about dishes that can be made ahead of time, such as casseroles, sauces, and desserts. This allows you to focus on last-minute items and ensures every- cont on page 32
The holidays are the perfect time to showcase seasonal produce, meats, and flavors. Incorporating ingredients that are at their peak during this time—like root vegetables, winter greens, cranberries, and citrus—will infuse your dishes with vibrant flavors and colors. Not only do seasonal ingredients taste better, but they can
also be more affordable.
Consider serving roasted Brussels Sprouts with a Balsamic Glaze, a Citrusy Pear/Fennel Salad, or a warm Winter Squash Soup. These types of dishes capture the essence of the season and help you avoid relying on the same old recipes.
Pro Tip: Visit your local farmers’ market or ask your grocer for seasonal produce suggestions to create a more diverse and dynamic menu.
3. Set the Mood with Presentation
The holidays are about celebration, and presentation plays a huge part in creating a festive atmosphere. You don’t need to go overboard with elaborate displays; simply paying attention to detail can make a big difference. Use colorful table linens, elegant platters, and garnishes like fresh herbs or edible flowers to elevate your meal.
For example, a simple roasted turkey looks amazing when it’s garnished with fresh rosemary, cranberries, and sliced citrus. It’s all about creating a feast for the eyes, not just the stomach!
Pro Tip: Invest in a few timeless serving pieces—large platters, beautiful bowls, and stylish glassware—that you can use year after year. A well-set table instantly elevates the dining experience.
4. Don’t Forget About Dietary Restrictions
In the spirit of inclusion, make sure to accommodate any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Whether it’s gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, or low-sodium, a thoughtful host will offer alternatives that ensure everyone feels included. It’s easier than you think to make small adjustments to classic holiday recipes to meet these needs.
For example, you can swap out regular butter for dairy-free alternatives, or serve roasted vegetable medleys instead of heavy mashed potatoes. Make sure to label dishes accordingly so your guests know what’s safe for them to enjoy.
Pro Tip: Have a conversation with your guests ahead of time to ask about any food allergies or preferences. It’s better to know in advance than to scramble at the last minute.
5. Make a Signature Holiday Cocktail
A signature holiday cocktail can set the tone for your gathering and be a fun, festive addition to your menu. Whether you’re serving a classic like Eggnog or something more creative like a Cranberry Rosemary Gin Fizz, a well-crafted drink can add a special touch.
If you’re hosting a large crowd, consider preparing a large batch of punch or sangria that guests can help themselves to, saving you time and effort. If you’re not serving alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcoholic options like Spiced Apple Cider or a Sparkling Pomegranate Mocktail that still feel indulgent and festive.
Pro Tip: Make sure to offer a variety of drinks—alcoholic and non-alcoholic options—so everyone can enjoy a festive beverage.
6. Set Up a Buffet for Easy Mingling
When it comes to serving large groups, a buffet-style spread is both practical and stylish. It allows guests to serve themselves and offers a variety of options for everyone to enjoy.
Keep the flow of your buffet organized: place appetizers and lighter items at the start, followed by the main dishes and sides. Don’t forget to leave room for desserts at the end! A buffet not only gives guests freedom of choice but also promotes mingling and reduces the need for formal seating arrangements. Plus, it takes the pressure off you as a host, since you won’t need to plate every meal individually.
Pro Tip: If you’re serving a buffet, label each dish with a small sign or card, especially if there are dietary restrictions to consider.
7. Embrace the Power of Slow Cooking
The holidays can be hectic, so take advantage of your slow cooker or Instant Pot to help ease the workload. Slow-cooked dishes like braised meats, stews, or even creamy dips can be prepared well in advance and left to cook while you take care of other details. Cook your turkey in a roaster to free up oven space; your turkey will also be juicer. These appliances can be a real lifesaver when it comes to preparing delicious food without the stress of constant attention.
Slow-cooked dishes are also fantastic for keeping food warm if your guests arrive at different times. Just set your slow cooker to “keep warm” mode, and you’ll be ready to serve whenever.
Pro Tip: Try making a festive slowcooked dish like Prime Rib with Rose-
mary or Mulled Wine in your slow cooker. These dishes have a rich, comforting aroma that adds to the ambiance of your holiday celebration.
Conclusion
By embracing a few simple strategies, you can transform your holiday meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Plan ahead, use seasonal ingredients, and embrace a thoughtful presentation to make your gathering feel truly special. And remember, the most important ingredient is love—sharing good food with family and friends is what makes the holidays truly unforgettable.
As a private chef, I’ve learned that a little bit of preparation, creativity, and care can go a long way in making any holiday celebration a success.
Happy Cooking and Happy Holidays! ~Jeff, The Rogue Chef
Winter Adventures at talking roCks Cavern
Winter at Talking Rocks Cavern offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for families, friends, and solo explorers looking to escape the winter chill. Whether you’re looking for an exciting underground journey or peaceful time surrounded by nature, there’s something for everyone here!
Guided Cave Tours
Our year-round cave tours are a mustdo, especially in winter. Descend into the stunning beauty of Talking Rocks Cavern and discover its awe-inspiring formations, from delicate stalactites to massive columns, all magnificently lit to showcase their natural splendor. The
comfortable, consistent 63 degree temperature inside the cave provides a cozy retreat from the brisk winter weather. Our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories about the cavern’s history, geology, and unique features, creating an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Outdoor Trails and Gem Mining
If the weather allows, enjoy a scenic hike on our nature trails, where you can marvel at the Ozarks’ winter landscapes. The quiet beauty of the forest is a refreshing way to reconnect with nature. Even in the colder months, our gemstone mining activity is a favorite among visitors! Kids and adults alike can
sift through our mining rough to discover sparkling gemstones and treasures to take home.
Indoor Fun and Shopping
After exploring the outdoors, warm up
in our gift shop and find the perfect keepsake, from unique gemstones to one-of-a-kind home decor selections.
Our rock shop is a must-see for rock and fossil enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of specimens that make great gifts or additions to any collection.
Winter at Talking Rocks Cavern is more than just a seasonal visit; it’s an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. Plan your trip today and learn more at talkingrockscavern.com.
Experience the wonder—underground and beyond—this winter!
Open Daily
Talking Rocks Cavern
423 Fairy Cave Lane, Branson West (417) 272-3366
www.talkingrockscavern.com
Fresh Recipe The Rogue Chef
Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
• 12 oz Fresh Cranberries (about 3 cups)
• 1 C Orange Juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/2 C Sugar in the Raw
• 1/4 C Brown Sugar
• Zest of 2 Oranges
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• Pinch of Salt
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries and discard any damaged or unripe berries.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, both sugars, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cook the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally.
5. Finish: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Remove cinnamon stick and stir in vanilla.
6. Cool: Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
7. Serve: Transfer the cranberry-orange sauce to a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time, which helps the flavors meld even more.
Tips:
• Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a more tart sauce, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
• Spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth, if desired.
• Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more orange juice or cranberry juice.
4. Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for about 25- 30 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If you want a smoother sauce, you can mash the cranberries with a spoon or potato masher as they cook.
This sauce is bright, tangy, and a perfect complement to turkey, chicken, or roasted vegetables! Enjoy
Central Bank Business Loans
Helping Our Lake Community Thrive
Starting a New Business
Launching a new venture is exciting, but it’s important to have a solid plan. Central Bank can help guide you through the financing process and offer expertise in developing a strategy that works for you. From the right investment to a clear path forward, we’re with you every step of the way.
Investment Property & Nightly Rentals
Capitalize on the booming Table Rock Lake market. Investment properties, especially short-term rentals, can be a lucrative way to build long-term wealth. Central Bank works side-byside with you to help acquire your next investment property. Whether you’re buying your first vacation rental or expanding your portfolio, work with knowledgeable lenders who offer personalized service to help make your investment a success.
Business Line of Credit
Cover short-term expenses, purchase inventory, or handle unexpected costs like equipment repairs with a business line of credit. It’s like a credit card, but with lower interest rates and more financial control. With Central Bank, setting up a business line of credit is quick and easy, giving you the liquidity you need to keep your business
running smoothly.
Small Business Association (SBA) Loans
As an SBA Preferred Lender, we can help establish and group your business with a government guaranteed loan. Take advantage of competitive rates with fixed-rate, long term financing. Useful when purchasing equipment, securing commercial real estate, borrowing capital for on-going needs, and expanding your operations.
Your business is our priority. Let’s make it easier for you to succeed.
Contact: Dean Johnson
Commercial/Consumer Lender
NMLS#935873
417-696-1098
Dean.Johnson@centralbank.net
What Lies Beneath:
Stories About What Is Buried By Table Rock Lake
Jewel
R. (Hutchens) Farwell © Tom Koob 2024
Wayne and Jewel Farwell at the Farwell Bridge over White River
Jewel Hutchens was born in 1921 on the Wire Road in Barry County. She was educated at Missouri State Teach ers College (now Missouri State University) and Drury. As a girl, she visited Pineville to see the production of the 1939 movie “Jesse James”. Her father supplied two horses for the movie and her brother was an extra. She met the actors Jane Darwell, Henry Fonda and Tyrone Power.
Jewel also remembers visiting the White River to camp at Eagle Rock and Easley Ford. A ferry boat had broken loose up river at Lewis Ford and wrecked at Easley Ford. The vessel was partially buried in the river bed and provided a swim platform for Jewel and her companions.
She moved to the Eagle Rock area in 1944 to teach school. Jewel married Ray Farwell in 1945 and lived until just recently within view of the Eagle Rock Bridge over Table Rock Lake.
Ray Farwell’s great-grandfather Albert Farwell bought several hundred acres on either side of the White River in 1858. He farmed the bottomland on
both sides of the present site of the Eagle Rock Bridge. Albert grew corn and wheat and had an orchard. Jewel
Farwell relates the following about Albert Farwell:
“Ray’s great-grandfather Albert went to take some supplies to Pea Ridge. They were having a battle there in 1862 in March. It was raining and he caught a bad cold. It went into pneumonia and he died. He only lived here not very long. He left five or six children and his widow.
So one night the bushwackers came. She (Albert’s widow) heard them out there. They were trying to get her cattle and horses. She was fighting them. They went clear off down to the river bank. They hit her in the head and she was laying down there. She finally came to and got back to the house.
When she did, the oldest daughter said, ‘Well, we got to leave here. We don’t have protection. No men with us.’ What they did was mortgage the farm and got enough money to move into Cassville until the war was over.
This oldest daughter was a teacher. She started teaching when she was seventeen. She was the first woman from Barry County to graduate from the University of Missouri. She only lived to 27 years old. She had typhoid. She never married. She felt like she was the one supposed to take care of the family. She taught long enough to pay off that mortgage.”
The Farwells managed to keep most of their land in the family to the present. When Jewel moved to the farm in 1945, the home was located on the east side of the river. There was an older three room house on the property below the bridge crossing the White. This building was used as a construction office during erection of the Farwell Bridge in the late 30s. There was a hand-dug well at this site. Remnants of this well can still be seen below the Eagle Rock swimming beach at low water levels. The Farwell cemetery is still located within the Eagle Rock campground. At least two graves were moved from the bottomland to the existing cemetery during development of Table Rock.
Ray and Jewel farmed and ran cattle along the White River. Early on, there was no electricity at the farm. They drew water by hand from the old well. The Farwells used a gas refrigerator. Jewel liked to read books by the light of an Aladdin lamp. She enjoyed reading books like Gone with the Wind to Ray. Ray hunted and fished the river.
Route P, a gravel road, came up from the Arkansas line, crossed the White and traveled on to Eagle Rock and Cassville. This was a farm-to-market route serving area farms and providing access to the railheads. Local ranchers like Ray Farwell would drive herds of cattle and pigs to Cassville, Exeter or Eureka Springs. The cattle trail followed
old Route F along Roaring River, a rough road crossing the stream several times.
In the mid-1950s, the Farwells were offered $139 an acre for their river bottomland along the White. Portions of their property would become Highway 86, approaches to the new Eagle Rock Bridge, the Eagle Rock Corps Park and Marina and Table Rock Lake.
Ray Farwell was not happy about losing portions of his land. He knew he would miss the river. Jewel relates, “My husband didn’t like the lake. He didn’t like to fish in it. He loved to fish in that river. He’d get the best fish out of therechannel cat. Have you ever eaten channel cat? It’s very good. Sometimes he had what he called a trot line and limb lines. You had to get up early because a lot of times they’d break loose. Good for breakfast.”
When the White flooded in 1957, the Eagle Rock Bridge was covered with water. Ray ferried people across the deluge in his aluminum boat. After Table Rock was completed, Ray and Jewel continued to farm and ranch their remaining land. Ray eventually started an excavation business, taking advantage of the building boom occurring around the new reservoir.They also built and operated the Farwell Court lake resort. The Farwells raised their family along the White River and then Table Rock Lake. Their descendants continue to live and work in the Eagle Rock area—a landscape altered, but still retaining some of the qualities that attracted Albert Farwell 150 years ago.
Tom Koob is a local author who has written several books about Ozarks history. His work is available on Amazon“new”books or by contacting him at wolpublishing@gmail.com.
