NatureSeveral people on the list have requested that I send them copies of this article. I hope you enjoy it. (Taken from the History and Folklore of Searcy County, Arkansas, edited by Mary Frances Harrell, Source Book #1, pub. New Leaf Press, Inc., Harrison, Arkansas, 1977 p.104) BLANCO COMMUNITY, by Mae Nation Smith This small community of 300 people with a post office located about 1-1/2 miles south of Snowball, is no longer inhabited as far as original buildings are concerned. There was a grist mill, cotton gin, sawmill and shop owned by George Washing Nations. He employed several men and it was a thriving business. George Nations had moved from Witts Springs to Blanco. His youngest daughter Mae was born in Witts Springs on August 1, 1898 and was three years old when they moved; there were seven children, Mrs. Nations died about the time Mae was three. A sister, Alice married a Mr. Ford, whose father was a preacher who preached once a month. This was before the Civil War and carpetbaggers and men of unknown character, who searched for young men to be forced into army service. Alice's husband, Mr. Ford, had a dream -- the same dream three times. It was like a warning that these men would come for him. He left home to hide out and the characters showed up, searching for Mr. Ford, but did not find him. There was a high bluff and three caves -- one large. When the Buffalo River was "up" or flood stage, water would run out of this cave from underground. Indian relics, large clay bowls used for grinding or making bread in the caves were found there. There was a school house and church. The school moved to another part of the community against the wishes and permission of some and the school was called "Trick 'em" thereafter because of these circumstances. There were seven or eight grades taught. Those who wanted to go higher went to Western Grove, where Jim G. Ferguson was principal. Mae Nations Smith and brother Lee Nations were pupils. Later Lee and Mae earned licenses and taught school in 1915 in a tent at Blanco.