Locations and Themes in the Novel Arkansas Black
Arkansas Black Apple
Discovered on a farm in Bentonville in the 1870s, the Arkansas Black apple quickly became a staple fruit for Southern orchards. The apple was firm and tart when picked in October or November and gradually darkened and sweetened with storage. The apple was prized for its storage before the common use of refrigeration and was used in baking, apple sauce, and cider. Now the apple is considered an heirloom variety and is grown only on small farms, primarily for local sale. Arkansas Black – Wikipedia
Bella Vista Lodge
The Bella Vista Resort began in 1915 when an area in Benton County called Hay Bluff was subdivided for vacation cabins and the Little Sugar Creek was dammed. Soon, a dance pavilion, swimming pool, and lodge were added. The resort was popular in the early twentieth century with wealthy families from Chicago to Dallas. Bella Vista (Benton County) – Encyclopedia of Arkansas
Prohibition
Four years before Congress passed the 18th Amendment, outlawing the manufacture, import, and sale of liquor nationwide, Arkansas passed strong prohibition laws governing the state. Despite these federal and state laws, moonshining and bootlegging persisted as long as there was a local demand for booze. Prohibition – Encyclopedia of Arkansas
Ozarks Mountains
The “Ozarks” are mountains and elevated plateaus in southern Missouri, northeast Oklahoma, and northwest Arkansas. Mild winters, abundant rainfall, and summer sunshine create a unique environment for fruit and other agriculture. The Springfield Plateau is situated on extensive limestone deposits, which form vast caves through the action of springs and rainwater. Ozark Mountains – Encyclopedia of Arkansas