In April 2007, residents of Snowball, Arkansas, gathered at the manse of Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church to celebrate Marjorie Kiddoo Bartlett and her late husband, Vernie Bartlett. Vernie and Marjorie Bartlett lived in Snowball, Searcy County, Arkansas, from 1953 to 1960. Vernie, a Presbyterian minister, served at four small churches in the area during this time, including Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church in Snowball. Although the Bartletts left Snowball in 1960 to serve at churches elsewhere in the state, their impact on the community of Snowball has been felt for decades since. After decades serving as a pastor in various rural communities across Arkansas, including being named “Rural Minister of the Year” in 1963, Vernie passed away in 1999 in Springdale, Arkansas. Felicia Thomas Williamson, Vernie and Marjorie’s granddaughter, traveled to “Marjorie Bartlett Appreciation Day” in 2007 and recorded oral history interviews with several of the attendees. These interviews capture valuable memories of rural church and community life in the 20th century and offer a vital window into the history of Snowball and Searcy County.
#1: Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#2: Vernie Bartlett in his study in Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#3: Marjorie Kiddoo Bartlett (center) teaching Sunday School, Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#4: Bartlett family in front of the manse of Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church in Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#5: Vernie Bartlett teaching Sunday School at Garrett Memorial Church, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#6: Children playing outside the manse at Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#7: Children playing during Vacation Bible School, Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#8: Children in front of the Welcome Presbyterian Church, Welcome, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#9: View of mountain behind Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#10: Vernie Bartlett with children on the front porch of the manse, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#11: Vernie Bartlett preaching at Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, Snowball, AR, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#12: Vernie Bartlett (left) with parishioners at Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#13: Wheelbarrow races outside Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#14: A wedding celebration at Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#15: Parishioners singing at service, Garrett Memorial Presbyterian Church, Snowball, Arkansas, ca. 1950s
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
#16: Marjorie Bartlett Appreciation Day memory album and guest list
© Special Collections, University of Arkansas Libraries, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
