Miscellaneous: P. Hugh Mercer, 1969, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: November 13, 1969 Winn Parish Enterprise News-American

At Silver Dollar City

Hugh Mercer Chosen "Friendliest Person"

P. Hugh Mercer, genial retired Winnfield postmaster and tourist court
operator, still knows how to smile!

While working during the past summer at Silver Dollar City, a famous resort at
Branson, Missouri, Hugh was chosen "friendliest person" by vote of all
employees at the resort.

Speaking to Winnfield Rotary Club members at their weekly luncheon in Huey P.
Long Motor Hotel restaurant, November 5, Hugh said that winning the honor was
just one of the thrilling and enjoyable experiences he had while managing the
pottery shop at Silver Dollar City.  About 200 people from Winn visited the
resort, he said.

He said that his wife was nominated for "prettiest grandmother" at the resort,
but that they had to leave for home before the vote, and her name was
withdrawn.  Mrs. Mercer managed a basket and broom shop.

Hugh said he and Eck Bozeman have hopes of developing a similar tourist
attraction in Winn Parish.

Paul Henning, producer of "Beverly Hillbillies", "Green Acres", and "Petticoat
Junction", all 'rural type' television shows, told Hugh that he would come
down and help get something started here.

Silver Dollar City, now grossing in the multi-million bracket, with tourists
crowding the Ozarks, was organized in 1960 by Mrs. Mary Herschend and two
sons, Jack and Pete, Hugh told Rotarians.  About 400 motels have been built to
accommodate tourists. 

Hugh wore a red-checkered vest and black bow-tie, same attire he wears on duty
in Silver Dollar City, when he spoke to the Rotary Club.  He and Mrs. Mercer
plan to return to the resort next summer, barring unforeseen changes in their
plans.

He said that Eck Bozeman also a retired Winnfield postmaster, was doing a
great job managing the grist mill, and enjoying his stint as an actor, a short
part as himself in the "Beverly Hillbillies," when several weeks of the
television show were shot at Silver Dollar City.  Mrs. Bozeman works as a
postmistress.