Ray and Stanley Hicks on the changing landscape of Beech Mountain (1982)

Ray Hicks and his cousin Stanley Hicks discuss the development of their native Beech Mountain, North Carolina, where they had long hunted game and wild herbs, and which in the 1960s was developed for the Land of Oz theme park. The park opened in 1970 but was driven into bankruptcy and closed in 1980. They recall the appearance of “No Trespassing” signs and the changes wrought upon the land and its plant, animal, and human residents. Shot by Alan Lomax and crew at the home of Stanley Hicks, Beech Mountain, N.C., September 8-9, 1982. For more information about the American Patchwork filmwork, Alan Lomax, and his collections, visit . []