Ted Richmond's Wilderness Library

On December 3, 2006, we say a prayer for Ted Richmond on the 31st anniversary of his death. Founder of the Wilderness Library and Wilderness White Christmas, passed away in Texarkana, Tx. at the age of 85.

Saturday, November 25th marks the 73rd anniversary of Etta Richmonds passing. Ted created and dedicated Wilderness White Christmas in her name for all of the wonderful children of the Ozarks that did not always get the toys, clothing, books, shoes, etc. that they deserved.

Please remember on this date, to give to those less fortunate than yourself. The rewards of giving are untold and you will never regret your good deeds.

If you want, please make your donation to your favorite charity in the name of "Wilderness White Christmas" to honor a wonderful lady, Mrs. Etta Richmond.

Sincerely,
Dennis Raney

From the J.L. Raney Wilderness Library Log book:

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June 1956

As we near the completion of the first quarter century of Wilderness Library work, we thank our many faithful helpers, both in and out of the mountains for all their help, past and present – and in future we hope.

When present period of work, and re-organization is complete, -- announcement of “the second twenty-five years” of Wilderness Work, centering at Mount Sherman, Ark., (But unlimited in possibilities, will be announced.

Again thanks to all – and we pray God that this fine teamwork of friends, neighbors and loved ones, will continue though the years. -- as always,

Ted Richmond, Founder

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It has been over 50 years since Ted wrote those words. We are in the last quarter of the first 100 years of the Wilderness Library. It is time for a restoration of the original library dedicated to Ted's original credo:

The Honor system

An excerpt from the Wilderness Library log book (JL Raney Branch).

The American - New York
Scribner’s {old} - New York
Pageant Magazine -
Christian Herald -
Friends Magazine - Detroit
Ozark Guide - Eureka Springs
Post Dispatch Magazine - St. Louis
Saturday Evening Post

{None of these stories was seen by TR before publication}.
In addition to the above, all responsible Press Associations and syndicates have given valuable space to Wilderness Work through the years. 1 June The Ozarks

Since I can't find a contact person, I've decided to post this information, so someone (anyone) can contact me. I have a copy of "Arkansas Emergency Relief Administration April 1934-35" which is a book published about the work being done by the WPA in Arkansas. In this book, page 86-88 there is a story of the history of the Wilderness Cabin, and the first library, which was in a cave--with pictures of both, 10 in all. The Wilderness Cabin Library was constructed by WPA. This makes it of intense interest to Arkansas Historic Preservation, and other Arkansas agencies. The library had help and donations from very important people, including the President's wife (of the U.S.) Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt. Will the person in charge please contact me for more information.

Saturday, July 8th, 2006, at the Newton County Library in Jasper, Arkansas, Mary Lou Taylor presented a slide show on Ted Richmond to the Friends of the Library.

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I was fortunate to attend this presentation, and it was most informative. Mary Lou did a fantastic job on her presentation. She captured the essence of what Ted stood for, how he worked to improve the lives of the citizens of the county and surrounding areas.

Especially informative was her discussion of the controversy that arose from the article by Hartzel Spence in the Saturday Evening Post.

While this controversy appeared to center around a few key individuals in the county seat of Jasper, many others in the area did not see the same problems and issues that were discussed.

A personal note written by Ted at the JL Raney branch of the Wilderness Library on October 3 - 1955 -

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Wilderness Library is remembering quietly and prayerfully the birthday anniversary of the late Mrs. Etta E. Richmond, in whose memory "Wilderness White Christmas" was established in 1933 at the original Wilderness Library "in the cove", Mount Sherman, Ark., via Twilight Trail.

Mrs. Richmond lived at the Richmond homestead cabin with her son Ted til the time of her death, Nov. 25, 1933. "Wilderness White Christmas" has been major part of wilderness work ever since.

TR

Library in Wilderness Gets Advisory Council
But Voluntary Director Loses His Dog:

Ted Richmond, wiry, bright-eyed founder and director of the famous Wilderness Library near Mount Sherman Ark, was in Springfield yesterday and made two announcements to the Daily news.

First, an advisory council is being set up for the recently incorporated Wilderness Library and secondly, he has lost his dog. A mixture of good and bad news for Voluntary Librarian Richmond.

He is pleased that Gov. Sid McMath of Arkansas has accepted the chairmanship of the advisory council for the unique library. In Springfield yesterday, Mrs. May Kennedy McCord recently named Missouri Mother of the year, and the Rev. Floyd Hitchcock, radio pastor of KWTO, agreed to serve on the council.
Another member is Mrs. Bertha Babcock of Little Rock, author of Abe Lincoln books.

Richmond, a graduate of Southwest Missouri State College, who also has studied at the University of Chicago and is a former newspaperman, visited two weeks ago in Harrison, Ark. in regard to incorporation proceedings.

Accompanying him was his constant companion, seven-year-old Bozo, a mixture of German Shepherd, American Shepherd and rat terrier, according to Richmond—and “smarter than all three breeds.”

Bozo Lost

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Jefferson Raney petting Richmond's dog Bozo

Coming soon to Ted Richmond's Wilderness Library site will be an on-line photo album. I am getting more great pictures of Ted and many of the people that became part of his life and legacy. Great people attract other great people, and Ted was no exception. There will be more information on these people as I gather and sort the information. [inline:1] Photo courtesy of the Saturday Evening Post The recent exploration that re-discovered the original Wilderness Library (see story below) has shown that the cabin and the second cabin he constructed are both located on property that I inherited from my Grandfather. This clears the way for restoration of the Wildcat Cabin to it's original form as a museum dedicated to Ted Richmond. Needless to say, I am very excited about starting this project.

A good b/w picture of the handsome Ted Richmond:
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Taken during the filming of "The Wilderness Library" by Cy and Norman Weissman.