From the Clay County Courier:
Ladies of the Macabees [sic] of the first decade…
By J. M. Oliver, Jr.
"This around 1910 picture of the Macabee [sic] Lodge was made at the home of Mrs. Mary Smith at the NW corner of Main and Second. The house was known as the Bee house and was prefabricated in Chicago by a mail order firm, featured a handsome curved stairway and interior woodwork that was far finer than interior finishes the local carpenters provided. The lodge had such a loyal membership that some of the ladies, residents of Moark, walked the railroad to Corning in the morning to attend the meetings. The return to Moark was made by the local that evening. The ladies are mostly attired in ankle-length skirts and mutton leg sleeved blouses featuring yards and yards of val lace and insertion.
"Picture belongs to Miss Mattie Russell and identification of the ladies has been made by Mrs. Harry Keller.
"First row, left to right, 1. Wright, 3 Hallie Russell, 4 Aunt Mary Smith, 5 Mae Ward, 6 Daisy Piland and 7 Lora Smith.
"Second row, 1. Ovelia Weddle, 2 Effie Earwood, 4 Mrs. Spooner, 5 Mattie Russell, 6 Maude Grayson, 7 Mrs. Creek, 8 Byrd Rhea with daughter Dean, 9 Zella Bauerman, 10 Addie Arnold, 11 May Penter.
"Third row, 1 Mrs. Vickery, 2 Mrs. Downs, 3 Mrs. Pickens, 6 Ella See, 8 Mrs. Whitmore, 9 Mrs. Huff, 10 Mrs. Susie Bennett, 11 Mrs. Daisy Harold, 12 Mrs. Odell Penter, 13 Ristory Phipps. Children in front of Mrs. Phipps are grandchildren, Vana and Bud Arnold, his presence in the scene guarantees that Aunt Mary served refreshments.
"Mrs. May Penter, who was a Moark to Corning hiker, is residing in the Corning Nursing Home – and looks like she is still able to make that six mile stroll!"
Submitted by Danny Moore
Ladies of the Maccabees, Corning, AR.
Daisy Ousnamer Harold third from left.
Stamped on back: “By Rainey of Mt. Vernon.”
From the Clay County Courier:
Drill Team of Maccabees, 190?...
By J. M. Oliver, Jr.
"Belonging to a drill team in one of Corning lodges was a challenging and rewarding job, so all the members were present in their drill regalia – white dresses, shoulder sashes, pompadours and cardboard hats – 15 young ladies with the drill leader in black. The young boy who had never failing instinct to make an L. D. Oaks picture appears in a kneeling position at the left! Memory of the paling fence has failed the writer, so the site of the photograph – who’s [sic] yard it was, is unknown.
"The L.O.T.M. – the ladies part of the K (Knights) of the Maccabees, was among the largest and most active of Corning lodges. There was a mutual life insurance that went along with membership and the combined financial and social aspects accelerated the attendance and membership. The drill was used at meetings and at funerals. Mr. Oaks made another photograph of the ladies lined up for a funeral drill in front of the Barnes-Moose Concrete on Second Street.
"Identifications of the drill team are incomplete. Third from left is Daisy Ousnamer (Mrs. Fred Harold); Susie Fullerton (second Mrs. D. L. Bennett) is sixth; Number eight is Bird (Mrs. J. M. Rhea) and Number 11 is Mrs. Mae (Mack Ward)! – Picture courtesy of Mrs. L. V. Kay of Little Rock."
Submitted by Danny Moore