Booger Hollow, Arkansas facts for kids
Booger Hollow Trading Post was a fun tourist spot in Pope County, Arkansas. It opened in 1961. A sign at its entrance joked about the "Population 7...countin' one coon dog." This trading post sold unique gifts and local items. You could find things like lye-soap, honey, and sorghum. The Boogerhollow Chuckwagon Cafe served food with funny names. For example, they had "boogerburgers" and "boogerdogs."
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What Was Booger Hollow Trading Post?
The Booger Hollow Trading Post was a popular place for travelers. It offered many interesting items. These included special novelties with a local "hillbilly" theme. Visitors could also buy goods made right there. These local products were things like homemade lye-soap and sweet honey. They also sold sorghum, which is a type of syrup.
Where Was It Located?
Even though it was called Booger Hollow, the trading post was not actually in the community of Booger Hollow. It was about twelve miles away. The attraction was built on top of a ridge. This ridge is part of the Ozarks' Boston Mountains. So, it was on a mountaintop, not down in a hollow!
How Did It Get Its Name?
The name "Booger Hollow" comes from a belief in the 1800s. People thought the area was haunted. This was because a road in the hollow ran between two cemeteries.
What Does "Booger" Mean?
In this case, "booger" is an old word. It's like "bogeyman" or "boogieman." These words refer to a mythical creature, a ghost, or a hobgoblin. So, the name suggested a spooky, mysterious place.
The Famous Two-Story Outhouse
One of the most popular things at the trading post was a two-story outhouse. It was a funny photo spot! The bottom part of the outhouse could actually be used. But the top part was always closed. A sign humorously said it was closed "until we git the plummin' figgered out."
What Happened to Booger Hollow?
The owner of the Booger Hollow Trading Post decided to sell it in 2004. New owners bought the property. However, they never reopened the attraction to the public.
Today, the old buildings of the trading post are empty. Nature is slowly taking them over. They stand as a reminder of the unique tourist spot it once was.
