Alright everyone, let me take you on a journey to rural Northeast Arkansas, specifically the town of Dice. This town may not seem like much at first glance, but it holds a significant place in history. Established in 1934 as an agricultural Resettlement colony under President Roosevelt’s New Deal, Dice was meant to provide destitute farmers with the opportunity to get back on their feet. Fast forward to today, and Dice has a population of around 329 people with a median age of 27. However, the town has faced economic challenges, with a poverty rate of 19% and many residents living below the poverty line. In this video, we’ll explore the town of Dice, its partially restored downtown area, and the notable attraction that is Johnny Cash’s childhood home. Plus, we’ll uncover the connection between John Grisham, the famous author, and Black Oak, Arkansas, the setting of his book “The Painted House.” So get ready to delve into the fascinating history and surprising gems of these small Arkansas towns!
John Grisham’s Connection to Black Oak: Setting ‘The Painted House’
If you’re a fan of the best-selling author John Grisham, you may be interested to know about his connection to a small town in Arkansas called Black Oak. In fact, Grisham once called Black Oak his temporary home and set one of his popular novels, ‘The Painted House,’ in this very town. In this article, we will explore the relationship between John Grisham and Black Oak, as well as delve into the captivating setting of ‘The Painted House.’
A Brief Overview of Northeast Arkansas
Before we dive into the details of Black Oak and its connection to John Grisham, let’s take a moment to provide a brief overview of the region where Black Oak is situated—Northeast Arkansas. This area of the state is known for its rich farmland and agricultural roots. One of the notable towns in this region is Dice, which has an interesting history as an agricultural resettlement colony under President Roosevelt’s New Deal. However, the area has also faced its fair share of population and economic challenges.
Dice: An Agricultural Resettlement Colony
Dice, Arkansas, was established in 1934 as an agricultural resettlement colony. This colony was part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative and aimed to put destitute farmers back to work. To qualify for the program, individuals had to be farmers, destitute, and, notably, white. Selected families had the opportunity to receive 20 to 40 acres of land, along with a farmhouse, privy, smokehouse, and chicken coop. Dice became a significant place in history, and one particular family, the Cash family, played a crucial role in its story.
Population and Economic Challenges
Dice, with its small population of around 329 people and a median age of 27, has faced economic challenges over the years. The poverty rate in Dice stands at 19%, with many residents living below the poverty line. However, despite these difficulties, Dice has a partially restored downtown area and is home to the Dice Theater, a symbol of the town’s history and community spirit.
Johnny Cash and His Childhood Home in Dice
Now, let’s turn our attention to the legendary musician Johnny Cash and his childhood home in Dice. Johnny Cash, born J.R. Cash, grew up in Dice with his family. His childhood home, located in Dice, is a significant attraction in the town and holds great historical value.
Musical Achievements and Fame
Johnny Cash went on to become one of the greatest musical recording artists in history. With over 90 million records sold, his impact on the music industry is undeniable. Cash’s music spanned various genres, including rock and roll, country, and gospel. His unique blend of storytelling and heartfelt performances captured the hearts and ears of millions worldwide.
Influence on the Music Industry
Johnny Cash’s influence on the music industry is immeasurable. He is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. His distinctive sound and rebellious spirit paved the way for future generations of musicians to experiment and push boundaries.
Johnny Cash’s Experience with the Song ‘Hurt’
One of Johnny Cash’s most iconic songs is “Hurt.” Although the song was originally written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Cash’s rendition is often considered the definitive version. The haunting and deeply emotional music video for “Hurt” was filmed in a Johnny Cash Museum, adding another layer of symbolism and reflection on Cash’s life and experiences, particularly during his final years.
Lepanto: The Filming Location for ‘A Painted House’
Now that we have explored Johnny Cash’s connection to Dice, let’s shift our focus to another town in Northeast Arkansas—Lepanto. Lepanto served as the filming location for the movie adaptation of John Grisham’s novel ‘A Painted House.’ Before we delve into the details of ‘A Painted House’ and its setting, let’s provide an overview of Lepanto itself.
Overview of Lepanto
Lepanto is a small town in Arkansas with a population of approximately 1,700 people. Over the past 20 years, the town has experienced a slight decline in population. Lepanto boasts an interesting downtown area, although some storefronts remain empty. The town is situated alongside the scenic Little River, adding to its charm and natural beauty.
The Movie Adaptation of ‘A Painted House’
‘A Painted House,’ written by John Grisham, was brought to life through a movie adaptation, and Lepanto served as the filming location. Grisham’s novel tells the story of a young boy named Luke Chandler growing up in rural Arkansas during the 1950s. The film’s production in Lepanto brought attention and excitement to the town, showcasing its unique character and contributing to its cultural significance.
Notable Features of Lepanto
In addition to serving as the backdrop for the filming of ‘A Painted House,’ Lepanto offers several notable features worth exploring. The town is home to regular grocery stores like Countryside Supermarket, as well as dollar stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar. These establishments contribute to the town’s practicality and serve as vital resources for the local community.
Rivervale: A Glimpse of a Tiny Town in Arkansas
Another small town in Arkansas worth mentioning is Rivervale. With a population of only 46 people, Rivervale epitomizes small-town living and provides a snapshot of a unique community.
A Snapshot of Rivervale
Rivervale may not have many tourist attractions, but for those seeking an authentic experience of a tiny Arkansas town, it offers a glimpse into a way of life that is often overlooked. The town boasts houses with eclectic yards reminiscent of a flea market, and you may encounter dogs, cats, and even a horse during your visit. The presence of the Rivervale Baptist Church further adds to the town’s sense of community and tradition.
Black Oak: John Grisham’s Temporary Home
Now, let’s return to our main focus—Black Oak, Arkansas. This town, with its population of around 329 people, has a unique connection to the renowned author John Grisham.
The Connection Between John Grisham and Black Oak
John Grisham, famous for his legal thrillers, found inspiration in the town of Black Oak and even called it his temporary home at one point. Grisham’s time in Black Oak allowed him to immerse himself in the atmosphere of small-town life, which he later incorporated into his novel ‘The Painted House.’ The town’s history and character became an integral part of the book’s setting, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
The Setting of ‘The Painted House’ in Black Oak
In ‘The Painted House,’ John Grisham transports readers to Black Oak, Arkansas, through vivid descriptions of the town’s streets, buildings, and community. Through his words, readers gain a sense of the town’s past, present, and its impact on the characters’ lives. By setting the story in Black Oak, Grisham pays homage to the town he once called home and invites readers to join him in exploring the town’s unique qualities.
Jonesboro: A Vibrant City in Northeast Arkansas
Lastly, let’s take a moment to spotlight another significant town in Northeast Arkansas—Jonesboro. As the fifth largest city in the state, Jonesboro offers a vibrant and bustling urban environment with its own distinct charm.
Overview of Jonesboro
Jonesboro is home to a population of around 82,000 people and serves as a cultural and economic hub in the region. The city boasts a vibrant downtown area filled with bustling businesses, unique shops, and delicious restaurants. With Arkansas State University located in Jonesboro, the city also has a significant student population, contributing to its lively atmosphere.
Notable Features of Jonesboro
Jonesboro stands out for its remarkable features, including its art deco courthouse and stunning murals displayed throughout the downtown area. These artistic touches add beauty and character to the city, providing residents and visitors with a visual treat. Jonesboro also has a relatively low poverty rate of 23%, reflecting its prosperity and economic stability. Additionally, the median home value in Jonesboro is $197,600, showcasing the city’s desirability as a place to live.
Conclusion
From the agricultural roots of Dice to Johnny Cash’s childhood home, the unique filming location of Lepanto, the glimpse into tiny town life in Rivervale, and the significance of Black Oak in John Grisham’s work, Northeast Arkansas offers a variety of captivating stories and connections. The region’s history, music, and literary contributions have left an indelible mark on Arkansas and the broader cultural landscape. Exploring the towns and their rich heritage unravels a tapestry of humanity, creativity, and the profound influence of a sense of place.