A Book that Made a Town

A century ago in 1907, Harold Bell Wright published the novel, The Shepherd of the Hills. At the time, according to some experts, Wright may have been testing the waters to see if he could write something that would sell and allow him to earn a living by this means. His first book, That Printer of Udell's, was not originally intended to be a book, but each chapter was a sermon he preached to one of his churches, and he was later encouraged to publish it, fore it was a good story. And it should be noted the first book did have a great influence on a future president during his youth. In a letter to Wright's daughter-in-law in 1984, Ronald Reagan wrote these words concerning it: "That book, That Printer of Udell's, had an impact I shall always remember. After reading it and thinking about it for a few days, I went to my mother and told her I wanted to be baptized. We attended the Christian Church in Dixon, and I was baptized several days after finishing the book. The term, 'role model,' was not a familiar term in that time and place. But I realize I found a role model in that traveling printer whom Harold Bell Wright had brought to life. He set me on a course I've tried to follow even unto this day. I shall always be grateful."
Going back to The Shepherd of the Hills, who would realize what an impact this story would have within the next century on the geographical setting of it? As Wright sat by his tent on what would become known as Inspiration Point in 1903 and 1904, marveling the Ozark scenery and developing the tale in his mind, he most likely didn't even think about how his finished product was going to change the region, although he did have what seems to be a bit of prophecy in it during the final chapter when he had his main character, Dad Howit, give this line: "Before many years a railroad will find its way yonder. Then many will come, and the beautiful hills that have been my strength and peace will become the haunt of careless idlers and a place of revelry." In reality, this was most likely a generalized statement at the time on the progress that all people knew was coming to their local areas. A simple novel usually didn't have that big an impact on a region as this one ended up having.
When Wright began putting this story together, it should be mentioned he was recovery from what seemed like a series of illnesses he had endured, and the air and natural beauty of the Ozarks seemed to be the right cure, as he made repeated trips to the region to relax and receive inspiration. And as for the story, it seems he wanted to make a dramatic portrayal of the simple people and the breathtaking scenery of the region, yet also use the tale to minister to the readers and to encourage improved living by all. The result of his finished work was an overwhelming tourism boom to the area by outsiders eager for the same experiences Harold felt while staying there. Later on, the music shows, the hotels, the parks, and the other entertainment features would come, and a quiet little Ozarks village called Branson, would be thrust into the national spotlight. Though not related to the novel and its influence, big dams were built across the nearby White River, creating large reservoirs, which added to the yearnings of others to visit and even relocate there. Today, the original people of the hills whom Wright illustrated probably could not afford the once undesirable land in the area. It is funny how things can turn out.
The Shepherd of the Hills has been a successful novel through all the generations of its first 100 years. Fascination in the story has to be what drives people to continue to purchase the book, as sales of it still happens at a successful rate today. Perhaps the Branson area should receive a lot of the credit for keeping the enthusiasm alive as the outdoor theatrical production of the tale is still a popular hit at the old homestead where Harold stayed. There is even a beautiful observation tower now at Inspiration Point on the same grounds as the production where visitors can get a higher perch when viewing the Ozark scenery that inspired Wright. No matter what has caused the continuous interests in this book and the other books by Wright, the sales alone should have put him in the same circle as Hemingway, Steinbeck, Twain, and other American literary greats, yet, as the historians have also stressed, the sometimes blasted ink of critics have a nasty knack for influencing who gets into these coveted groups. They claim that Harold's work was too simple, though the author of this article is not sure he agrees. But for a lot of readers, the simple stuff can have the most profound effect. It is just like that famous proverb: "Small things can make a big difference." Again, Harold Bell Wright's simple novel did cause a tourism mecca to be developed, but in order to do that, it had to have influenced people in a powerful way.
The content in this novel shows a drama happening in the Missouri Ozarks, yet Wright uses the hills to illustrate a lot about the realities of life anywhere. The first words of the novel start it right off: "In the hills of life there are two trails. One lies along the higher sunlit fields where those who journey see afar, and the light lingers even where the sun is down; and one leads to the lower ground, where those who travel, as they go, look always over their shoulders with eyes of dread, and gloomy shadows gather long before the day is done." Individuals continuously need to check themselves and observe which trail they are on as they make it through each day. The main character, the guy who becomes known as the Shepherd, enters the Ozarks having lived a life on the lower trail, a man from the big city constantly rushing and worried about his and his family's social status, yet through the influences of the people and the beauty of the area, he finds himself drifting to the upper trail. The personal change wasn't without pains from the past haunting him, yet he changes into a keeper of a flock of sheep amongst the hill people, whom he ministers to and teaches with genuine care and concern. To top it off, he enjoys his new, more slow-paced life. There is a lot more to the plot and to the events of the story, and the interested should pursue reading the book. However, it should be noted as well that the people whom the Shepherd helped may have been labeled simple, they still faced complex problems and challenges just like everyone else.
Before closing, the writer of this article would like to share one of his favorite parts in The Shepherd of the Hills. It happens in chapter forty-three towards the end of the novel. Here, Harold Bell Wright had the Shepherd writing a letter to his city friend named David. The letter clearly shows the transformation and the new feelings the character seemed to have about life, and it alone could be a sermon. Part of it is written as this: "Here and there among men, there are those who pause in the hurried rush to listen to the call of a life that is more real. How often have we seen them, David, jostled and ridiculed by their fellows, pushed aside and forgotten, as incompetent or unworthy. He who sees or hears too much is cursed for a dreamer, a fanatic, or a fool, by the mad mob, who, having eyes, see not, ears and hear not, and refuse to understand. We build temples and churches, but will not worship in them; we hire spiritual advisers, but refuse to heed them; we buy bibles, but will not read them; believing in God, we do not fear Him; acknowledging Christ, we neither follow nor obey Him. Only when we can no longer strive in the battle for earthly honors or material wealth, do we turn to the unseen but more enduring things of life; and, with ears deafened by the din of selfish war and cruel violence, and eyes blinded by the glare of passing pomp and folly, we strive to hear and see the things we have so long refused to consider." Again, there is more to the letter and the story, but the curious need to obtain a copy of the book to get the rest of it. Experiencing the tale is very rewarding.
For a simple novel, The Shepherd of the Hills sure throws a lot at its readers. Some of the ideas may be like reminders to them, while some may be new insight. However, the late Mr. Wright needs congratulated on a great piece of work that did establish himself as a successful author, and for reaching the century mark with it in 2007. The writer of this article hopes the story can continue being an influence in the ages to come.