SOMEWHERE, Over the River
By Beth Shaw-Corey
Still in the River Valley, not quite to the
foothills, is the peaceful town of Alma. While
it may not look like more than a quick stop off
the interstate, the tight-knit community has a
lot to offer. In addition to fertile soil, a favorable
climate, and the town's ideal proximity to
the railroad, river and the intersection of
Interstates 49 and 40, Alma's greatest asset is
its community. e future looks promising for
Alma.
"I'm strong to finish 'cause I
eats me spinach."
– Popeye the Sailor Man
Few really know the deep history of Alma.
It was originally named Gum Town because of
the abundance of gum trees in the area. It was
later dubbed the "Spinach Capital of the World"
for its mass production of the plant. Unlike
most other towns at the time, the population of
Alma increased during World War II. is was
due in large part to Allen Canning Company,
which went on to produce over half of the
spinach consumed in the United States by the
1960s. In the 2000s, the town began having
its Annual Spinach Festival with activities
surrounding the vegetable. When Allen
Canning Company closed its doors, the town
dropped its nickname and stopped hosting the
annual festival. However, the famous statue of
Popeye still stands in downtown Alma.
"If you're still in need of
something else to read,
here's the story of Bonnie
and Clyde."
– Bonnie Parker
Alma:
An Untold
Love Story
30 • May 2023 • OZaRK LIVING
