Nestled in the hills of the Ozark

[Porter]

Is a little town called Eminence MO.  I've lived close to this area all my life and like a dork, I've never once been there.  So much history... so much tradition and a lot of heritage lives in those hills and hollers.

See growing up turkey hunting, I didn't know about turkey calls and all that... bought myself an Ashby push button call and harvested many birds with that caller.  I didn't know all these wonderful fencepost callers were being built right up the road.  If I'd known, would I have by chance ran into Neil Cost hunting around that area?  Hard to say.  Would I have my own Winterbottom caller or any of the other great local callmakers?

I received a message late yesterday afternoon for an invite to come down and see some of the heritage.  David (Ferguson) and I have been talking and I was floored when he asked me to come over.  I packed up the car and away I went.  The drive was beautiful.  Jacks Fork River we drove over and it was breath taking. 

Pull up to David's house and stepped out.  It was almost breath taking.  I got showed things that would make a person faint.  In only a few hours I've learned more than you could ever read online or in books (IMO).  We talked calls, we talked ways of life in small towns, and most importantly, I picked out my first fencepost caller!  David has been and is working hard to not let a tradition nor the heritage slip away.  Building calls from fencepost in Shannon County MO!  I'm not sure there is anyone around that area that doesn't build calls (it seemed that way), but some interesting pieces of art have came from this small town!

David thanks for the invite and showing me so much.  I look forward to getting back there and picking up my caller.  Picking out a caller the way it used to be done.  Playing them in person.  Giving a fencepost another life in this world! 

And by the way.. I did let him know that Osage (hedge us as Ozarkians call it) makes a great fencepost and he didn't disappoint me... he pulled out a call he's not real happy with just yet...  hopefully he'll get it figured out and yes... it was supporting some Hedge!

[Bulldogmikey]

Awesome ! Look forward to much more of this continuing story!

Mike

[wiltznucs]

The Eminence callers have always been among my favorites.  Its good to see some makers carrying on the tradition..

[Dcoleinpa]

congrats buddy. i wont lie. I AM JEALOUS!

[KPcalls]

 I've hunted in Emimence a few times  several years ago.  The last time I took my wife and then three year old with me.  I would hunt the moutains/hills all morning, and when I would get back to the cabin they were ready to go.  I have never been so wore out in my life.....   but had a wonderful time.  That part of the ozarks are beautiful, especialily if you can find the natural beauty in things.... The Jacks Fork and Curent rivers are awesome....I actually may be heading there in a couple of weeks.  I was talking over some family vacation idea's today with my wife.  It's either Eminence are back woods Florida to see the natural springs.  That my friends is a hard decision.  I've seen a couple of springs in Northwest Florida.  Its hard to imagine crystal clear water at some amazing depths.  I've been to Manate Springs and one other, but can't remember..... awesome....

 I did pick up a Cecil Fry fence post call while I was there......  

[jmck]

Those kinds of visits are pricelaess Porter----I know you will never forget it man !!!

[KPcalls]

  Porter,  Maybe (David Fergusen) could give us all a history lesson on Eminence and the call makers from there.....  

 

[hoobilly]

  Porter,  Maybe (David Fergusen) could give us all a history lesson on Eminence and the call makers from there.....  

 

that wood be cool. For I am in the dark....

[wiltznucs]

Theres a bit of controversy in regards to who made the first "Fencepost" caller.  The consensus among many was that the late Walter Winterbottom was the first.  Others believe that Dan Searcy's father made the first call and that Winterbottom followed sometime later.  I believe the Searcy to be the earliest known example of the Fencepost caller.  You can see the elder Searcy's caller in Mickel's book and Dan has made a few reproductions of the call.

Other call makers from the area that are worth noting are the late Swiney Rayfield and Bud Fry(also deceased) who also made callers.  The last living of the great Eminence call makers is likely Dan Searcy who makes only a handful of calls and also Cecil Fry.  I'd mention that I've not heard about Cecil in a while, so I'm not sure if he's still with us but I know he hasnt made calls in many years.

Its my opinion that the Dan Searcy call is the preeminent Eminence Fencepost call, its design is the most distinctive and his artwork is exceptional.  The calls are hewn out of native cedar using only a draw knife and chisel.  Dan also happens to be one of the finest men on the planet.  Your life is enriched by simply having a conversation with him.

Calls from Winterbottom, the elder Searcy, and Bud Fry are either priceless or close to it.

Calls from Rayfield and Dan Searcy can still be had but command a high premium.  

Cecil Fry made a huge amount of calls and while neat to have they will probably not be a highly desirable collectable.

There are a few people who make Eminence calls that are still alive and kicking,.. Jake McCormac, John Spurgin, and our own David Ferguson.  Its great to see someone carrying on the tradition of the area.

[Ferguson]

You forgot Jack Burris as well as Walts Step-Son Jim Chilton. Mickel did a story on them also. There are still 3 of the original call makers still alive and Dan and Jake enjoy telling their stories. I'm sure Cecil does too but I haven't talked to him in a long time. They say he's in a home in Birch Tree but I'm not sure of that.

[wiltznucs]

You forgot Jack Burris as well as Walts Step-Son Jim Chilton. Mickel did a story on them also. There are still 3 of the original call makers still alive and Dan and Jake enjoy telling their stories. I'm sure Cecil does too but I haven't talked to him in a long time. They say he's in a home in Birch Tree but I'm not sure of that.

Your right, I overlooked a few and I'm sure there are a few others in the area that only locals know about.  I'm glad Cecil is still around and hope he's doing well(all things considered). I had a Burris call and regretfully traded it, I've seen only one Chilton caller and its in another collection.

Lots of call making history packed into one small area... Very unique....

[turkey stew]

Thank you for the history lesson gentlemen!

[KPcalls]

 Thanks...