My Ozarks Documentary Film Series

My Ozarks is a collection of short documentary films: intimate portraits of real people, places and experiences in the Ozarks. Our goal is to increase interest in the Ozarks and expand cultural and ecotourism to generate economic opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs across the region.

Episode 4: Frances

The fourth episode in the My Ozarks mini-documentary web series introduces Frances McIntosh, a seventh generation Ozarkian from Reynolds County, Missouri.  Frances and her 5 siblings, ranging in age from 82 to 62, all still live in the area with their families. An active member of the Ellington Chamber of Commerce, Frances thinks about where she came from and realizes the importance of preserving the beauty of her community in an effort for it to remain vibrant.  Learn about the passion Frances and her family share for the Ozarks and why they are proud to call these hills and hollers their home.

The Film

A film by Quinsonta Boyd and Sean Loftin, filmed in Reynolds County, MO

SOUTHWEST REYNOLDS COUNTY, MISSOURI 37.1020 N°, 91.0306 W°

The Back Story

FRANCES MOSS MCINTOSH

As a child Frances and her family moved from place to place along the river, living on land her dad helped farm.  Walking everywhere. Frances recalls the journey to and from school being a long one, up and down steep hills and often times crossing the river by boat.

All the men in the family were earning money guiding fishermen on the river by the time they were 13 years old. Frances stayed at home with her mother helping with household chores which included washing clothes by hand and hanging them on the line to dry.  Everyone in the family had a job to do.

Frances, now retired has seen a lot of change since those days of her childhood.   She recalls how she got a bicycle when she was 13, comparing that to how her daughter got her first four-wheeler when she was 13, and her granddaughter, soon to be 13, loves to explore the woods by UTV . Exploring by UTV is common among the local community regardless of age, as Frances’ oldest brother at nearly 81 can keep up with the best of them on his UTV.

THE MOSS FAMILY

Many evenings, weekends, birthdays, special occasions or the annual blue grass jam session, you will find the Moss family gathered together at Family Lodge located outside of Ellington. Stories flow and abundant laughter can be heard. Few families share a bond like the Moss Family. In addition to that strong bond, they share love and passion for the Current River and the Ozarks. This love and passion fill the memories and stories. Our crew was fortunate enough to spend an evening at the Lodge with the Moss family. Each sibling took a turn sharing a memory while others chimed in with their version.

We heard about the siblings’ Mom who was a midwife delivering an unknown number of babies in the area. Frances’ brother George was born in a home known as the Macy Place to some, the Larkin place to others, which still stands today in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Frances was once practicing throwing knives and narrowly missed her brother, Mark, and hit a door frame, oops! Back in the day, “fire jacks” were clay lined pots used for the fires in the gigging boats when gigging fish on Current River. We also learned that “toe sacks” were burlap sacks used for covering your feet in the snow and “mend up” was what you did when you had an injury or ailment. From TNT used for July 4th fireworks to “flying” couches, the stories went on for hours.

A story that brings always brings a twinkle to their eyes and a chuckle to their hearts is a story about their grandpa Tom “Pop” Moss’. With a reputation of being quite the river guide and story teller, he appeared on the cover of the May 27, 1946 issue of Life Magazine. In addition, Author, Leonard Hall (one of Pop’s river patrons) included Pop and his son in a few books. One of them entitled, Stars Upstream, Life Along an Ozark River. 

Not only was Pop known for his guiding and storytelling, he possessed another talent as the Moss siblings understood it. He made whiskey, pretty good whiskey they’ve been told. During the depression, fishermen coming from St. Louis would bring Pop sugar and other ingredients used to make whiskey. Then upon their return to St. Louis, the fishermen would distribute his moonshine. 

Aside from the laughter and entertainment, a lot of emotion and a great sense of pride could be felt in the room. Family photos and keepsakes adorn the walls throughout the Lodge; each one with its own special story.  As much as we tried, it was impossible to capture everything we wanted to share in this short video, as the Moss Family could entertain for hours on end. They just don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

Frances and the Moss Family feel as if the most powerful way to keep the heritage of the Ozarks alive is through the sharing of stories. Frances’ granddaughter loves to hear about her family’s stories and wildly entertaining experiences. Their family routinely gathers together to spend time and reminisce. 

All of the Moss siblings still reside in the area and while none of them can imagine leaving, Frances sometimes wonders how long her children and grandchildren will stay. Hopeful that they will become the next generation of Ozark guides, earning a living and introducing people from outside the area to the peace, beauty and excitement of this place.

FILMED ON LOCATION NEAR CURRENT RIVER, OUTSIDE ELLINGTON, MISSOURI

Riding the back roads of Reynolds County keeps locals in touch with past generations, old home place(s), family cemeteries, one room school-house(s), family farms, etc. Whether by UTV, 4-wheel drive or horseback – exploring the region is a favorite past-time. There’s so much to be seen and experienced in Reynolds County Missouri. Especially if you’re willing to slow down, disconnect from your normal day to day a little bit and reconnect with nature. Please visit Ellington’s Chamber of Commerce website to see what other experiences can be had in Ellington. Also check out SeeTheOzarks.com to plan your next visit to the Ozarks.

The Filmmakers

Interested in more Ozark stories?